Rideaux (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
evilfrenzy) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
route_10652015-01-22 08:28 pm
evilfrenzy) wrote in route_10652015-01-22 08:28 pm
Team Rocket's Rockin'
Who: Emmy Altava (fauxtographs) and Rideaux (evilfrenzy)
Where: Route 35, outskirts of Goldenrod City
When: January 22, evening
Summary: It's just a regular night of stealing Pokemon from unsuspecting trainers for Rideaux, but this time he's brought a fellow Rocket along for the ride. How will Emmy take to it?
Rating: PG
Log:
[Normally Route 35 is a pretty busy training place all day and well into the night, but in the winter, things are a bit different. By only late afternoon, trainers begin to head to their warm homes in Goldenrod as the sun begins its early descent and the temperature drops. When darkness engulfs the scene, the initial flood of returning trainers has ceased and only a few stragglers remain on the road into town, taking extra time to get some last minute training in with their Pokemon.
Little do they know that their decision to stay just a few minutes longer has made them a target of Team Rocket.
Two members are currently perched behind some trees on the edge of the road, watching their current target (a teenage boy with a rather nice-looking Larvitar) and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Rideaux is one of the Rockets. He's bundled up in all black, with his long black hair tied back in a ponytail and the signature Rocket mask slid up over his forehead. His Zangoose, Slasher, is beside him and looking quite miserable to be out in the cold- he's really thankful for his fur at times like this.
Rideaux has performed raids like this dozens of times since his arrival. It's total grunt work for sure, but he doesn't mind for the time being. It's entertaining to him, and he knows he'll climb the ranks eventually if he keeps this up. But while he's used to an operation like this, he's never had someone come along with him before. After his sparring match with Emmy, he knew he wanted to see how she'd do on the job. And since he'd never seen her doing Rocket business, he decided to invite her along tonight.]
It won't be pretty, but that Larvitar is sure to net us some brownie points with the higher ups once we have it securely in our hands.
[He has turned to face Emmy at this point, his smirk slightly visible from the street light shining in the distance.]
Are you absolutely sure you're ready, Emmy? The boy will be coming this way, and it won't do any good for you to freeze up when our opportunity strikes.
[Sure, Emmy's good at completely trouncing everyday grunts, but will she hesitate when it comes to attacking an innocent kid?
He can't wait to see this.]
fauxtographs) and Rideaux (evilfrenzy)Where: Route 35, outskirts of Goldenrod City
When: January 22, evening
Summary: It's just a regular night of stealing Pokemon from unsuspecting trainers for Rideaux, but this time he's brought a fellow Rocket along for the ride. How will Emmy take to it?
Rating: PG
Log:
[Normally Route 35 is a pretty busy training place all day and well into the night, but in the winter, things are a bit different. By only late afternoon, trainers begin to head to their warm homes in Goldenrod as the sun begins its early descent and the temperature drops. When darkness engulfs the scene, the initial flood of returning trainers has ceased and only a few stragglers remain on the road into town, taking extra time to get some last minute training in with their Pokemon.
Little do they know that their decision to stay just a few minutes longer has made them a target of Team Rocket.
Two members are currently perched behind some trees on the edge of the road, watching their current target (a teenage boy with a rather nice-looking Larvitar) and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Rideaux is one of the Rockets. He's bundled up in all black, with his long black hair tied back in a ponytail and the signature Rocket mask slid up over his forehead. His Zangoose, Slasher, is beside him and looking quite miserable to be out in the cold- he's really thankful for his fur at times like this.
Rideaux has performed raids like this dozens of times since his arrival. It's total grunt work for sure, but he doesn't mind for the time being. It's entertaining to him, and he knows he'll climb the ranks eventually if he keeps this up. But while he's used to an operation like this, he's never had someone come along with him before. After his sparring match with Emmy, he knew he wanted to see how she'd do on the job. And since he'd never seen her doing Rocket business, he decided to invite her along tonight.]
It won't be pretty, but that Larvitar is sure to net us some brownie points with the higher ups once we have it securely in our hands.
[He has turned to face Emmy at this point, his smirk slightly visible from the street light shining in the distance.]
Are you absolutely sure you're ready, Emmy? The boy will be coming this way, and it won't do any good for you to freeze up when our opportunity strikes.
[Sure, Emmy's good at completely trouncing everyday grunts, but will she hesitate when it comes to attacking an innocent kid?
He can't wait to see this.]
no subject
They've been watching the boy and his Larvitar for a little while now, analysing his movements and getting a feel for just how strong the Pokémon is. Not that she's concerned about resistance; her Scrafty is seated beside her on the branch, and he's been trained very well. One little Larvitar isn't going to cause him any issues, especially with Rideaux's Zangoose joining the fray alongside him. Plus, the boy seems healthy, but he's young and distracted. She's well aware that he'll stand no chance against her and Rideaux. Not when they both know how to fight so well.
Really, it will be depressingly simple. So why can't she banish the horrible feeling that has been plaguing her since she pulled her uniform on? Rideaux's offer had surprised her; clearly, she must have done something to impress him when they were sparring in Goldenrod. There's an amused undercurrent in his voice that bothers her, and she's tries to tune it out. He's obviously not forgotten the way she faltered with her answer, the failed attempt at disguising her surprise, and the length of time it took her to supply him with acquiescence.
She knew this day would come, eventually. She'd known it from the moment she had woken up here, greeted not with the familiar sight of 'Mom', but with a welcome letter and a neatly folded uniform. The memory of that day makes her bite her lip, but she manages to make it look like she's merely focused on their mission.]
If you honestly think that I'm going to mess this up, you clearly don't know me very well. I tend to be good at the things I put my mind to.
[Shifting slightly, Emmy flexes her feet, ensuring her unfamiliar boots can give her the support she needs. The Rocket uniform is, at least, quite warm, and she's glad that Kimblee gave her permission to wear the men's version. That, combined with the fact that her hair is tucked into her cap and she'll be obscuring her face with a mask, should be enough to fool their target into thinking he's being attacked by two men. Yes, she's done everything correctly. There's no reason to think this will be anything other than easy.
Her gloved fingers tighten on the branch as the boy and his Pokémon exchange a high-five.]
It looks like they're finishing up, or will be soon. You're more experienced with this sort of thing - how did you want to approach it?
[That's a good way to think of it, really. Approach it like a puzzle. Disconnect herself. This is merely a task - a means to an end, and she's always been a firm believer in the ends justifying the means taken to achieve them. There's no reason this should be any different.
No reason at all.]
I'll do whatever is necessary.
no subject
[He says it so casually, but it's true. They may have spoken a few times and even fought beside and with each other, but they don't really know each other. If anything, they're just coworkers, only having just started on the job a few months ago.
But that's why he brought Emmy along today, to see how determined and driven she really is. He knows this obviously bothers her, and that makes it all the more interesting.
He nods in confirmation, keeping an eye on the boy. Oh, wasn't that high-five sweet? He can only wonder how happy they'll be as they are separated for good.]
What I usually do is send my fastest monster out to separate the owner from their Pokemon while I restrain the trainer from behind. My monster then restrains the Pokemon, weakening it if it has enough energy to fight back.
Naturally, all that's left after that is securing the Pokemon in its Pokeball, taken by force from the trainer of course, and making a quick escape afterword.
[He glances at Slasher as a head's up that they'll be acting very soon. He then turns to Emmy, his expression growing more serious. Because things are about to get serious.]
Following that method, you're more than welcome to attempt this capture yourself. You know, to get the hang of it. Slasher and I will be here as backup, should you need it.
no subject
Of course he doesn't really know her. Does anyone? The one person who could claim that title is gone now, locked away forever, so...what exactly does that make her, except for completely and utterly alone?
...
...she'll think about that later. There's work to do. Nodding tightly and keeping her eyes on the boy, Emmy adjusts her position slightly in preparation for the jump she'll have to make to reach the ground at speed. Beside her, Simon silently knocks his fists together, clearly raring to go.
At least one of them is.]
Alright. I-
[...]
...I want to deal with him. The trainer, I mean.
[-it won't take much, he's young and small, all she has to do is get behind him and hold it to his throat, that will make him give it up-
...
Wincing, Emmy reaches up and roughly pulls her mask over her face.]
I'll knock him out before he even knows what's happening. That'll make him a lot easier to deal with. You can subdue the Larvitar in the meantime - Simon can assist you. Does that sound like a good plan?
no subject
This is definitely going to be good.]
Very well. I should be able to pin it myself, but I suppose a little backup never hurts. Slasher, stay here and watch for any passerby. Signal me if you see someone coming.
[It could get a little messy if someone stumbled upon a theft in progress, so best to know about any incoming threats before they become legitimate threats.
Slasher nods solemnly, standing up straight to train his eyes beyond the boy and his Larvitar and toward the sprawling path beyond. He can't afford to slip up, not when his trainer is working with someone tonight. He can't make Rideaux look bad.
Rideaux makes one last look at the surroundings and his teammates for tonight before nodding in Emmy's direction.]
On your mark.
no subject
She would really prefer not to screw this up. Not with Rideaux here, not with him judging her and expecting her to perform. The last thing she needs is to falter at the last minute, and have him spreading the tale of her failure and weakness around the base.
He was right. She doesn't know him very well, and there's a voice in the back of her head reminding her of how incredibly stupid it was to go out with him tonight. But he had offered her the chance to prove herself, so surely...surely it would be worth it.
Or so she's telling herself, anyway.
Miraculously, neither the boy nor his Pokemon have noticed her approach, and by the time they do, it's far too late. Despite herself, Emmy can't help but watch the expressions that rapidly flash across the boy's face as she comes completely into view - surprise, then shock, and finally, fear, once he begins to comprehend just what is happening.
Of course, by the time that comprehension hits, it's swiftly followed by a foot to the side of his jaw. He drops like a stone, and for one horrible moment, Emmy worries that she's hit him too hard. She's never attacked a child before, and the realization spreads through her body like ice in her veins. She's used to hitting grown men, so...what if...?
...hopefully Rideaux is taking care of that Larvitar, because Emmy has completely frozen up at the sight of the boy's unconscious body sprawled on the ground.]
no subject
Before it can get to its feet to fight back, Rideaux slams his heel onto its back, effectively pinning it to the ground in a position where it can't use any moves. It cries in pain, but more so for its unconscious trainer several feet away. It doesn't understand what's happening and doesn't know what to do. It's utterly lost without its friend. What are these masked strangers going to do to them?
The sound is a little muffled through his mask, but Rideaux is chuckling quite a bit at how smoothly this went.]
Excellent work, Emmy. Would you be so kind as to let Simon finish this little runt off? [After delivering another swift kick to the side of the Larvitar, it tumbles in Simon's direction.] His level should make it no match for him...
[That's when he notices Emmy's strange behavior across the road. He cocks his head to the side, curiously studying her posture. She did what she intended- he likely didn't suffer that much, so...]
Emmy, I do hope you're listening.
no subject
Oh yes, yes I'm fine! I was just checking that I knocked him out, that's all.
[She's managing to keep some level of perkiness in her voice, but, not for the first time tonight, she's glad she's got a mask over her face. Especially once she sees the way that Rideaux is treating that little Larvitar.
Her hands ball into fists at her sides, but Emmy is quick to give Simon a sharp nod. He doesn't hesitate; one Brick Break attack and the Larvitar joins his trainer in unconsciousness. They look so...helpless, laying there haphazardly, but she's determined not to dwell on it - or look at them for too long. Her hands are still tight as she shifts her focus to Rideaux's masked face.]
You'd better find his Pokeball; rather unladylike of me to go feeling around in a boy's clothes, after all. I'll keep an eye on things while you search for it.
[There's a level of ruthlessness on display here that Emmy can't say she's very comfortable with, but it's far too late to say anything now. Besides, would calling Rideaux's conduct into question appear as a mark of a soft heart? That seems like the last thing a Team Rocket member should be displaying, especially during a raid...]
I doubt they're going to get back up, however. At least, not for a while.
no subject
For the time being he'll let this continue though, because so far she's done everything efficiently, even with ordering Simon's Brick Break. They have plenty of time to collect what they came for and clean up.]
I wouldn't be concerned about them, no. Just watch the path to make sure no one else is coming. We'll want to move this kid off to the side of the road once we're finished so someone doesn't stumble upon him.
[He's crouched over the unconscious trainer at this point, rooting around in his pockets for the Larvitar's Pokeboll. He comes across a bit of money in the process, which he quickly pockets. He can split it with Emmy once this is over, if she'll even take it, anyway.
Eventually, he produces the Pokeball from the back of the boy's belt. He examines it in the light of the street lamp, smirking behind his mask as he does so.]
Got it.
[Making sure Emmy's watching, he nonchalantly tosses it in her direction.]
Recall the Larvitar and I'll move the boy. Once we're done here, we can scout another target further up the road if time permits.
[This is almost going too well. Not that Rideaux's complaining.]
no subject
Rideaux's next comment again makes Emmy very glad she's wearing a mask, so he doesn't have to see her look of disbelief.]
Oh, you'd like to do another one...? Well, we'll see how we go. It is getting pretty dark.
[Her voice is casual and curious, but inside, she's having a mild crisis. This attack alone was enough to rattle her - now he wants to repeat it? Breathing deeply in order to calm her nerves, Emmy clips the Larvitar's Pokeball onto her belt, running a quick hand over the contents of it to ensure they're all there. Not that she's too concerned; she doubts she has to worry too much about theft while in this uniform, after all.]
What are you going to do with him?
[She's half-concerned that Rideaux is just going to dump the boy in a ditch and move on; maybe she'll be able to convince him to be merciful about it. Although she's starting to fear that 'mercy' isn't one of his strongest traits.
Best to wait and see.]
no subject
Mhmm. I can usually get in at least two on a given night, but I frequently change my location. Can't have the police catching on.
[Especially when he's operating near the city that houses Team Rocket's base. It's a bit risky carrying a raid out this close to town, but this is just a one-time thing so it shouldn't be too much of a problem.
He glances up, having dragged the boy's limp body halfway across the road and toward the roadside brush at this point.]
What did I just say I was going to do? I'm leaving him over here to wake up on his own- where no one else will see him.
Is there a problem with that...?
[He's saying it like he doesn't expect there to be one. This is just how things go on raids like this.]
no subject
No, no there's...there's no problem. As long as he can't be seen.
[That way, hopefully, he'll be safe until he wakes up. Emmy watches Rideaux silently for a little while, as he deals with the boy, absently running her hand over Simon's head. Admittedly, once their victim is out of sight, she feels a little better about this whole thing. Not for a good reason, of course, but at the moment it's far easier to bury her head in the metaphorical sand, rather than confront the reality of what she's just done.
That will come later, when she's alone, and the mask can come off. As it stands...]
Will the superiors be satisfied with one Pokémon, even if it's a rare one?
no subject
[Rideaux's tone is still mildly annoyed, but he's pretty much over it by the time he finishes hiding the boy. He claps his gloved hands together in the gesture of completing a messy job, like the boy was dirty or something.]
Since it's a Larvitar, just that should be enough. It'd be on the lower end of acceptable though, especially since there are two of us working this particular mission.
[He glances to the tree where Slasher is keeping watch to make sure the coast is still clear before returning to Emmy and Simon, placing a hand on his hip when he reaches them.]
I'm really not one for completing the bare minimum, but, if this is already wearing you out, I suppose we can return. It's not like we're heading back empty-handed.
[He's really not even trying to hide the condescension here.]
no subject
Right, that is it-]
Do I look tired to you?
[That outburst was admittedly more polite than what she really wanted to say, but Emmy can't stop the sharp pang of regret that pulses through her body regardless. She has to stay calm, stay on top of her emotions...
...
...maybe if Rideaux wasn't such a jerk, she'd be able to! Ugh! Whirling around, Emmy angrily indicates for Simon to follow her as she goes to head further down the path.]
I'm just getting started! I could go all night, if we need to!
[Even Simon looks startled, at this point...
...or maybe it's amused. One of the two.]
You just try and keep up!
no subject
If Simon's not amused, Rideaux sure is. He wishes he could see the look on Emmy's face right now.]
Oh, I'm sorry. Did I strike a nerve?
[He calls out as he begins to follow her, signaling with a wave of his hand for Slasher to catch up. Eventually, Rideaux catches up to Emmy himself, sliding the mask off for the time being.]
You know, walking in the middle of the road dressed like this isn't the smartest idea. If you want to continue, we should head back into the woods. Don't let your frustration cloud your judgment.
[He's still teasing her of course, but it's also legitimate advice. They stick out like a sore thumb right now.
But it's still amusing to watch her get fired up like this. He doesn't have any doubt that she could knock people out and steal Pokemon all night if she had had the right state of mind. Maybe he can draw that out of her too.]
no subject
No thanks!]
Do many trainers really pass through at this time of night?
[She'll be lovingly ignoring that reference to her frustration clouding her judgement, thanks.]
You'd think they'd know better, what with people like us wandering around.
[To her credit, Emmy manages to make it 'people like us' rather than the extremely grumpy 'people like you' that she wanted to use instead. However, she is slightly shaken about how easy it was for Rideaux to get under her skin and have her making stupid decisions. She always was a bit quick to anger, moreso than she liked...best to try and rein it in, for now, and behave herself.
Now if only he would do the same.]
Although I suppose it's their loss.
no subject
Not too many. Most of them have the sense to turn in early, but there is never a shortage of idiots either. It works out well for people like us.
[He'll just reiterate that for Emmy. After all, she is indeed out here and actively participating. There's really excuse for it now.
A thought crosses his mind as they reach the safety of the forest's shadows. He looks in Emmy's direction, slipping the mask back on his forehead.]
I don't think you've ever told me what it is you do back in your world. Not many people have combat skills like yours just for the fun of it.
no subject
...althogh something is telling her that she doesn't really want Rideaux examining any injuries she happens to get, um.]
I'm the assistant of an archaelogy professor. He tends to get into a bit of trouble, now and then; it's my job to keep him safe, so I need to be able to fight. I've been doing martials arts since I was child, merely because I enjoy it.
[There's no way she's telling him the truth; Targent is still...oddly hard to speak about, even to people she's fond of.]
It's a useful skill and it keeps me fit. You still haven't really told me why a doctor needs to be able to fight like you can, you know.
[Maybe someone will wander up the path while they're here talking...]
no subject
Well. Yeah, let's hope it doesn't happen for everyone's sake.]
So you're a bodyguard then, is it?
[There's no hint of condescension there- if anything, he's intrigued. He doesn't hear about female bodyguards very often.
...he can only imagine what sort of trouble this professor gets into if his bodyguard ends up in a criminal organization like Team Rocket. Interesting.
He has to pause for a moment to consider the best way to answer Emmy's question. He definitely looks like he's thinking it over, too.]
Like you, I learned how to fight when I was younger. I didn't grow up in the most favorable living situation, and as such I had to learn to defend myself. Even though I grew up to be a doctor, I still have to fight from time to time because that is the nature of a world filled with wild monsters.
[Like Emmy, he's not giving the full story either. She doesn't need to know about the type of work he does outside being a doctor. She wouldn't really understand anyway.]
no subject
Among other things, yes. I also help him with his work; solving puzzles, and the like. It's a combination of brains and brawn, really!
[She has no intention of telling him that she recently quit this particular position, of course. While her voice is light, it's hard to ignore the ache in her chest that always seems to flare up whenever she talks about her old job. Though she had ulterior motives, she honestly did enjoy working for the Professor...back when everything was much more simple.
She can't say she's upset when the topic shifts over to Rideaux's past; his response makes her tilt her head curiously.]
Oh? Well, you've obviously come a long way. It's not easy, becoming a doctor! Particularly if things are tough for you.
[If you listen closely, she might even sound rather impressed.
...maybe.
Emmy is about to ask Rideaux another question, when Simon anxiously tugs on her sleeve and points down the path.]
...! I think there's someone coming! We need to hide!
no subject
...Huh. That doesn't seem too bad, really.]
It was a long road, yes, but I did enjoy the life I ended up living after earning my license.
[Well, of course he's away from it all now that he's here, but...he'd rather be here than home for various reasons anyway.
Also he heard that, by the way. No need to be so begrudging about it, Emmy~
But enough about that- apparently they have company. He and Slasher both look toward the distance, and sure enough there's a small silhouette of a trainer approaching. He gives Emmy a nod of confirmation and without warning practically leaps up into a tree they happen to be under with Slasher in close pursuit. It helps that the branches hang rather low for him to pull that off, but it still feels good to be this acrobatic.
He steadies himself in his section of branches and trains his eyes on the approaching trainer.]
Let's see what we've got ourselves this time...
no subject
A little bit of competition doesn't hurt, after all! Simon, however, hides himself behind the tree trunk, managing to disappear from sight.
Anyway, that bit of competition will have to be left to physical feats; if they're going to handle this trainer, they need to work together. Narrowing her eyes, Emmy tightens her grip on the branch as the trainer comes into view.
It's a girl this time, walking confidently along. The reason for her confidence becomes obvious rather quickly; there's a large Flaaffy trotting along beside her, electricity crackling through its mane. It looks like it could be close to evolution. Shifting slightly on the branch, Emmy whispers in Rideaux's ear:]
What about her? I know it's just a Flaaffy, but it looks strong...
no subject
What a snob.
Anyway! Rideaux likewise examines their upcoming targets, muttering a soft, "hmmm" under his breath. He seems just about as impressed with this new duo than he did with Emmy's jump earlier.
He leans in closer to continue the conversation with Emmy.]
Well, it's certainly no Dragon type. Do you happen to know anything about this species? Does it evolve into anything useful?
no subject
It's an Electric-type, called Flaaffy, and it's a second-stage evolution. There's a third evolution called Ampharos, and it's rather famously used by the gym leader in Olivine City. That particular one looks quite strong, and close to evolution.
[...with any luck Rideaux won't press her on just how she knows all that information, after having been here for the same amount of time as him...
...or so he thinks, anyway.]
The line isn't rare but Ampharos isn't the most common of Pokemon, since you need to train to get it. I think we could steal that one, and evolve it ourselves. Then we just have to say that we stole it, as an Ampharos, from a trainer. We'd look rather good, don't you think?
no subject
Besides, he likes her idea so it helps take his mind off of the strangeness. He smiles, obviously pleased with how this might pan out.]
I would say it would be on a similar level to the unevolved Larvitar then, so yes. Would you like to take the trainer again or would you like to spice things up? I won't argue with either decision, of course.
[After all, either way he's going to get to take something down and that's entertaining enough for him.]
no subject
...the thought unsettles her, quite a bit, but...well, she's part of a team of less-than-savoury characters. She really shouldn't be surprised if some of them turn out to be rather ungentlemanly, and what's more ungentlemanly than hurting a woman? With any luck, Rideaux will just do what she did; a single, blunt strike, aiming to incapacitate rather than injure.
Well. She'll soon find out, anyway.]
I'd like to take the Pokemon, this time. It's probably better if I practice both roles, and Simon shouldn't struggle with that Flaafy.
[Facing Rideaux and nodding once, Emmy quickly returns her gaze to the trainer and her Pokemon, who are now within easy striking distance.]
Whenever you're ready.
no subject
Now.
[He whispers loud enough so Emmy and Simon can hear, but not their targets. Thanks to the position he took, he practically launches himself off that branch and onto the ground, running full speed at the poor unsuspecting duo.
Just as the two realize what's going on and look over to their approaching attackers with shocked horror, Rideaux kicks off the ground once more and delivers a swift roundhouse kick to the side of the girl's head. She stumbles forward, then falls flat on her face from the force of the kick. Rideaux would be rather impressed if she wasn't out cold from a kick that hard. He pushes rather roughly at her torso with his foot, and no reaction. She's down for the count.
Now here's hoping Emmy was able to handle that Flaafy just as well.]
no subject
Hi Jump Kick!
[The startled Flaaffy has no way of dodging the incoming strike, and his foot seems to connect with its head at the same moment that Rideaux's attack downs its trainer. It's a direct hit and a one-hit KO; Pokemon and trainer are soon united in the dirt of the path.
Emmy doesn't hesitate to quickly start searching the girl in an attempt to find the Flaaffy's pokeball, keeping her eyes on her hands as she tries to stop them from shaking. It's now that, as her fingers close around the empty pokeball on the girl's belt, that she really remembers just what they're doing. The reality is painful and scary, and she has to bite her lip to remind herself to stay calm.
She can't lose it in front of Rideaux; not now, when she's so close to finishing this dreadful mission.]
You've certainly got quite a kick on you.
[She's disgusted that a part of her is impressed.]
no subject
He finally lifts his mask when Emmy comments on his performance. While he's smiling, it's not that unsettling smug smile he usually displays.]
Why thank you. It's a specialty of mine, you could say. I considered bringing it out during our sparring match, but I hadn't properly gauged if you could handle it just yet.
[Before Emmy can retort, because he knows by now a comment like that would easily trigger one, he wags his index finger to signal that he's not done yet.]
You've long proven to me that you could at this point. After all, you took that boy out with as much ease as I just did with this girl.
[Once Emmy's done retrieving the Pokeball, Rideaux moves in to bring the fainted trainer to the side of the road just like the boy before her.
Since they're just about ready to wrap up at this point, he feels it needs to be asked...]
Did any of this get your adrenaline going? Did you enjoy it at all?
no subject
How can he smile like that, after doing something like this? She can see the beginnings of a bruise blossoming on the girl's forehead, and now that she's lying unconscious, Emmy can see just how young she is.
This isn't right. But it's too late now, isn't it?
Rideaux's question is unexpected and Emmy find that she doesn't have an answer for it immediately. What disturbs her is that...yes, she did enjoy this - the secrecy, the action, the teamwork...it did raise her adrenaline, and in those wild moments she felt truly alive. But only because she was able to block out what it was they were really doing, ignore the fact that they were stealing a beloved companion from someone, and guaranteeing that they would never see each other again.]
...I enjoyed getting the mission completed successfully.
[Emmy is used to ignoring these feelings when they surface; that was the only way she was able to support Targent for so long. She wasn't unaware of what they were really doing, but it feels different when the violence is being dispatched by her own hands.
Well. Best not to dwell on it, isn't it? That's all she can do.
...]
We should head back, Rideaux. I think we've done enough for tonight.
no subject
And we certainly completed it. We can train that Flaaffy tomorrow- I do agree that we've earned a break for the night.
[Especially since his body is really starting to feel the cold seep into his bones. He's done a good enough job masking it for the time being, but his health still isn't as resilient as he'd like. The last thing he wants is to deal with illness due to this cold, so best to just head back.
He signals for Slasher to rejoin the group, then completely removes his mask and allows his hair to fall to its full length.
He idly glances at Emmy as he slips the mask into the inside of his winter coat.]
Let's go get our civilian clothes then. They should still be where we left them- I even left Astor there to keep them warm for us.
[Bless that little shit of a fire bird.
...]
Good work tonight, Emmy. I think you've got what it takes to perform more of these raids in the future. That's more than I can say for a lot of the hopeless fools amongst our rank.
[Maybe one day she'll just take the plunge and revel in it. Sure, it's dirty business, but it's fun. Especially when you've conditioned yourself to not give a shit about the victims you choose.]