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silph_co2017-05-08 08:50 pm
indigo_league) wrote in silph_co2017-05-08 08:50 pm
Entry tags:
ATTENTION ALL ROCKETS!
[It’s early. Very early. A familiar signal chimes from every Team Rocket member's Poke'Gear--a sign that they are about to receive new instructions. However, these instructions contain no mission. When opened, the text reads:]
ATTENTION ALL TEAM ROCKET MEMBERS. REPORT TO THE GOLDENROD BASE IMMEDIATELY VIA THE NEAREST WARP FOR A VERY IMPORTANT MEETING ON THE 9TH. IF YOU ARE BETWEEN CITIES AND DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO FLY OR TELEPORT, CONTACT YOUR ADMIN AND YOU WILL BE FETCHED. IT IS TIME WE REWARD THE EFFORTS OF THOSE WHO HAVE PROVED THEMSELVES LOYAL AND SKILLED. IT IS ALSO TIME TO MAKE AN EXAMPLE OF THOSE WHO NEED TO IMPROVE.
IF YOU ARE ABSENT FROM THIS VERY IMPORTANT MEETING, THERE WILL BE DIRE CONSEQUENCES.
THERE WILL BE CREPES. TOOTLEBYE.
[May the 9th. Noon. The day of the meeting. When the Rockets do finally arrive at the meeting room designated by oddly floral signs posted all around the base, they will find several rows of very uncomfortable folding chairs facing a podium. A long table stands at the back of the room and does, in fact, have the promised complimentary crepes. For a time, the meeting room is empty.]
[And then. It is not.]
[With catlike tread comes a man of sufficient build, his Rocket Administrator uniform crisp, unbuttoned at the collar and rolled up at the sleeves. Pink hair that greys at the temples is brushed back, flaring out at the neck a bit. It’s reminiscent of a Spritzee, and one is indeed perched on the man’s shoulder - the very same one that had been stationed in the bathroom in the base underneath the Elite Four’s mansion. He comes to a stop at the side of the podium, hands behind his ramrod-straight back, and he looks appraisingly at the cluster of Rockets present. Those of you in the front row might be able to discern the slightest of smiles on his face, but any further back and all you get is calm and solid aura of discipline.]
[A looming shadow follows the man and as it nears the podium, it is revealed to be an enormous woman with wide shoulders. Her suit is hand-tailored to fit her skull-crusher frame and is covered in beautiful intricate flowers. Even her pink hair is styled so that it looks like a large rose is situated to one side of her head. In that false rose, a happy little Cutiefly rests, buzzing its wings contently as it looks out over those assembled with dead black eyes--just like a doll’s eyes! The woman’s pink lips pull into a very wide, shark-like smile and she brings her tiny hands together in a loud clap.]
Oh look at you! Look at you! I could just eat the lot of you right up, I could! Welcome, Rockets, to your appreciation ceremony! I know you've probably been enjoying the new decorations and your new Pokemon, but there's even more to come! Now, you might wonder just who we are. That’s normal. We haven’t been buzzing around the base in quite some time. You may--and will-- call me Auntie Apricorn because here in Team Rocket, we’re a family.
[The man coughs softly, blinking just long enough to hide a roll of the eyes.] And ya can call me Uncle Haban, ‘n only that. Last guys who tried a nickname...well, let’s say they ain’t comin’ round for Sunday dinner. I don’t wanna haveta kick youse kids outta that just yet, y’look like a good gaggle a kids...ya just need a lil’ shapin’, lil’ incentive ta get your Rocket chops up ta snuff. That’s what we’re here ta do.
[Auntie hums, seeming pleased. The Cutiefly in her hair hums too.]
Well put, baby brother. After all, we’ve only just met! The team has decided that you all need special attention and that is why we are here. Besides being your new auntie and uncle, we are also your new admins. You answer to us now. We are going to make you the best that you can be and more! Aren’t we, Habey?
[Uncle bristles, and the Spritzee on his shoulder puffs up indignantly.] Fookin’ rude, ‘Pri, ya only got eight ‘n a half minutes on me, it ain’t worth lordin’ over a guy…
[Auntie leans across the podium to forcefully pat him on the head, mussing his hair even more.] Oh, but it is! Eight and a half minutes is eight and a half minutes worth of world experience! Now then! Why don’t we be a good aunt and uncle and give the kids some treats?
So long’s ya didn’t cook those things yerself, we shouldn’t scare ‘em straight with food poisonin’.
[Auntie’s perma-smile draws back just enough for the thinnest sliver of her perfect white teeth to be visible and sher turns to face her brother.]
Not those treats, Habey.
Well ya shoulda clarified, ’Pri.
[A silence passes between the duo, not unlike the silence before a volcano erupts, but no eruption happens today. The team’s new auntie and uncle pause, take a breath, and put their smiles back on and turn to address the gathered Rockets.]
To begin, I would like to call attention to our current, most decorated Rockets! These Rockets showed their true colors in the heat of chaos. I would like to congratulate them on their promotions! Everyone clap now! Clap!
[She claps her tiny hands. Those of you who don’t clap are glared at by Uncle Haban.]
First up...we had a real darn good Rocket in the thick of it, real dedicated to the mission...not everythin’ hit the mark, sure, but we’re damned floored by the initiative. So c’mon, show Handsome Jack some love for a near perfect job!
[His claps are loud and echoing, almost demanding to be accompanied.]
Near perfect, yes! [Auntie interjects.] Good job Mr. Handsome. Our next Rocket is a real whirlwind in the heat of battle! A great little guard and stand-in to boot! Congratulations to our Wrath! Claps for Wrath!
And our final promotee showed great skill in crowd control! Great use of birds! Claps for our Manaka! Good work, sweetie!
[Haban clears his throat as the clapping dies down, pulling back the crowd’s attention. He’s still as calm as ever, though there’s a glint of disappointment in his eyes.]
Then there’s the rest a ya...not ta say everything ya did went south, but, well, not everybody’s gettin’ promotions, ya don’t hand ‘em out like candies, ‘n we gotta see more from this next bunch before ya even think a gettin’ past Grunt clearance. First up is...Sullivan. Walter Sullivan? Heard some things about ya! Ya helped rope in a good haul, but, ah…[He tsks.] Ya come see me, alright? Afterwards? You ‘n me, we need a chat. Chitchat. ‘Cause ya got potential, kid, but it’s gotta go into the right places, ya know?
‘N then there’s...Diana? Ya didn’t slouch off, an’ I know prom’s a fun time for a kid, ya wanna have fun, but when ya gotta work, ya gotta work. You too, you see me later, alright? For more chitchats. We got chitchats ta go over.
Then, last…[Haban trails off. He...actually looks pale as he glances over to Auntie Apricorn.] Well. That ain’t my jurisdiction. ‘Pri, floor’s yours.
[Auntie finally stops clapping and Auntie finally stops smiling. Her pink lips quickly flip from being a wide crescent moon of a smile to a tight little pout. Her eyes fall on Anthy.]
I want you to understand, dearheart, I’m not…mad. Just disappointed. But it seems you just didn’t do anything right. And we can’t have that in the family, now can we? Instead of special training with Haban, your punishment can be carried out here and now. I’m afraid I’m going to have to half your pay until you can provide, honeypot. And send you to bed without supper.
[Her face hardens like the outward skin of an apricorn and she whips out an arm, calling the attention of the grunts along the back wall.]
THIS WOMAN IS NOT TO RECEIVE FOOD OR WATER FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. And no food the day after that! I want guards on every snack machine, water fountain, and exit. If I catch a single one of you showing her any pity, I’ll have you thrown in the PokeyChokey!
[Auntie’s eyes rest on Anthy again.]
This hurts me more than it hurts you.
[She sniffles.]
[Haban grimaces slightly in the girl's direction. He really doesn't like to give those punishments, not at all, but it's for the good of the team. The Spritzee on his shoulder mirrors his movements to fix his sleeves.]
You'll see us around the base and for training exercises - specialized or otherwise. Don't be strangers, but don't be whiny lil' shits either, capisce? We ain't the Human Resources department. Now - get out there 'n make us proud ta be your Rocket Auntie and Uncle!
((OOC: Okay! For the Rockets who were called out by Haban to see him later, he’ll be having a serious talk with each of you - primarily about the importance of loyalty to the team and how they should take measures to overcome their shortcomings, whether they be focusing more on the social aspect of prom and slacking on the diabolical aspect (Diana) or being far too loose about top secret plans (Walter). Diana, you will be let off with a warning to reign in your behavior during missions. Walter, you will be required to clean the toilets until the seats shine, the metal sparkles, and the scent of bleach permeates your clothes as you reflect on the importance of keeping your mouth shut.
That aside, everyone come give your new uncle and auntie a big big hug!))
IF YOU ARE ABSENT FROM THIS VERY IMPORTANT MEETING, THERE WILL BE DIRE CONSEQUENCES.
THERE WILL BE CREPES. TOOTLEBYE.
[May the 9th. Noon. The day of the meeting. When the Rockets do finally arrive at the meeting room designated by oddly floral signs posted all around the base, they will find several rows of very uncomfortable folding chairs facing a podium. A long table stands at the back of the room and does, in fact, have the promised complimentary crepes. For a time, the meeting room is empty.]
[And then. It is not.]
[With catlike tread comes a man of sufficient build, his Rocket Administrator uniform crisp, unbuttoned at the collar and rolled up at the sleeves. Pink hair that greys at the temples is brushed back, flaring out at the neck a bit. It’s reminiscent of a Spritzee, and one is indeed perched on the man’s shoulder - the very same one that had been stationed in the bathroom in the base underneath the Elite Four’s mansion. He comes to a stop at the side of the podium, hands behind his ramrod-straight back, and he looks appraisingly at the cluster of Rockets present. Those of you in the front row might be able to discern the slightest of smiles on his face, but any further back and all you get is calm and solid aura of discipline.]
[A looming shadow follows the man and as it nears the podium, it is revealed to be an enormous woman with wide shoulders. Her suit is hand-tailored to fit her skull-crusher frame and is covered in beautiful intricate flowers. Even her pink hair is styled so that it looks like a large rose is situated to one side of her head. In that false rose, a happy little Cutiefly rests, buzzing its wings contently as it looks out over those assembled with dead black eyes--just like a doll’s eyes! The woman’s pink lips pull into a very wide, shark-like smile and she brings her tiny hands together in a loud clap.]
Oh look at you! Look at you! I could just eat the lot of you right up, I could! Welcome, Rockets, to your appreciation ceremony! I know you've probably been enjoying the new decorations and your new Pokemon, but there's even more to come! Now, you might wonder just who we are. That’s normal. We haven’t been buzzing around the base in quite some time. You may--and will-- call me Auntie Apricorn because here in Team Rocket, we’re a family.
[The man coughs softly, blinking just long enough to hide a roll of the eyes.] And ya can call me Uncle Haban, ‘n only that. Last guys who tried a nickname...well, let’s say they ain’t comin’ round for Sunday dinner. I don’t wanna haveta kick youse kids outta that just yet, y’look like a good gaggle a kids...ya just need a lil’ shapin’, lil’ incentive ta get your Rocket chops up ta snuff. That’s what we’re here ta do.
[Auntie hums, seeming pleased. The Cutiefly in her hair hums too.]
Well put, baby brother. After all, we’ve only just met! The team has decided that you all need special attention and that is why we are here. Besides being your new auntie and uncle, we are also your new admins. You answer to us now. We are going to make you the best that you can be and more! Aren’t we, Habey?
[Uncle bristles, and the Spritzee on his shoulder puffs up indignantly.] Fookin’ rude, ‘Pri, ya only got eight ‘n a half minutes on me, it ain’t worth lordin’ over a guy…
[Auntie leans across the podium to forcefully pat him on the head, mussing his hair even more.] Oh, but it is! Eight and a half minutes is eight and a half minutes worth of world experience! Now then! Why don’t we be a good aunt and uncle and give the kids some treats?
So long’s ya didn’t cook those things yerself, we shouldn’t scare ‘em straight with food poisonin’.
[Auntie’s perma-smile draws back just enough for the thinnest sliver of her perfect white teeth to be visible and sher turns to face her brother.]
Not those treats, Habey.
Well ya shoulda clarified, ’Pri.
[A silence passes between the duo, not unlike the silence before a volcano erupts, but no eruption happens today. The team’s new auntie and uncle pause, take a breath, and put their smiles back on and turn to address the gathered Rockets.]
To begin, I would like to call attention to our current, most decorated Rockets! These Rockets showed their true colors in the heat of chaos. I would like to congratulate them on their promotions! Everyone clap now! Clap!
[She claps her tiny hands. Those of you who don’t clap are glared at by Uncle Haban.]
First up...we had a real darn good Rocket in the thick of it, real dedicated to the mission...not everythin’ hit the mark, sure, but we’re damned floored by the initiative. So c’mon, show Handsome Jack some love for a near perfect job!
[His claps are loud and echoing, almost demanding to be accompanied.]
Near perfect, yes! [Auntie interjects.] Good job Mr. Handsome. Our next Rocket is a real whirlwind in the heat of battle! A great little guard and stand-in to boot! Congratulations to our Wrath! Claps for Wrath!
And our final promotee showed great skill in crowd control! Great use of birds! Claps for our Manaka! Good work, sweetie!
[Haban clears his throat as the clapping dies down, pulling back the crowd’s attention. He’s still as calm as ever, though there’s a glint of disappointment in his eyes.]
Then there’s the rest a ya...not ta say everything ya did went south, but, well, not everybody’s gettin’ promotions, ya don’t hand ‘em out like candies, ‘n we gotta see more from this next bunch before ya even think a gettin’ past Grunt clearance. First up is...Sullivan. Walter Sullivan? Heard some things about ya! Ya helped rope in a good haul, but, ah…[He tsks.] Ya come see me, alright? Afterwards? You ‘n me, we need a chat. Chitchat. ‘Cause ya got potential, kid, but it’s gotta go into the right places, ya know?
‘N then there’s...Diana? Ya didn’t slouch off, an’ I know prom’s a fun time for a kid, ya wanna have fun, but when ya gotta work, ya gotta work. You too, you see me later, alright? For more chitchats. We got chitchats ta go over.
Then, last…[Haban trails off. He...actually looks pale as he glances over to Auntie Apricorn.] Well. That ain’t my jurisdiction. ‘Pri, floor’s yours.
[Auntie finally stops clapping and Auntie finally stops smiling. Her pink lips quickly flip from being a wide crescent moon of a smile to a tight little pout. Her eyes fall on Anthy.]
I want you to understand, dearheart, I’m not…mad. Just disappointed. But it seems you just didn’t do anything right. And we can’t have that in the family, now can we? Instead of special training with Haban, your punishment can be carried out here and now. I’m afraid I’m going to have to half your pay until you can provide, honeypot. And send you to bed without supper.
[Her face hardens like the outward skin of an apricorn and she whips out an arm, calling the attention of the grunts along the back wall.]
THIS WOMAN IS NOT TO RECEIVE FOOD OR WATER FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. And no food the day after that! I want guards on every snack machine, water fountain, and exit. If I catch a single one of you showing her any pity, I’ll have you thrown in the PokeyChokey!
[Auntie’s eyes rest on Anthy again.]
This hurts me more than it hurts you.
[She sniffles.]
[Haban grimaces slightly in the girl's direction. He really doesn't like to give those punishments, not at all, but it's for the good of the team. The Spritzee on his shoulder mirrors his movements to fix his sleeves.]
You'll see us around the base and for training exercises - specialized or otherwise. Don't be strangers, but don't be whiny lil' shits either, capisce? We ain't the Human Resources department. Now - get out there 'n make us proud ta be your Rocket Auntie and Uncle!
((OOC: Okay! For the Rockets who were called out by Haban to see him later, he’ll be having a serious talk with each of you - primarily about the importance of loyalty to the team and how they should take measures to overcome their shortcomings, whether they be focusing more on the social aspect of prom and slacking on the diabolical aspect (Diana) or being far too loose about top secret plans (Walter). Diana, you will be let off with a warning to reign in your behavior during missions. Walter, you will be required to clean the toilets until the seats shine, the metal sparkles, and the scent of bleach permeates your clothes as you reflect on the importance of keeping your mouth shut.
That aside, everyone come give your new uncle and auntie a big big hug!))
OTA
That being said, holding a shivering Junior in her lap as the new administrators lay down the law, Auntie Apricorn shrieking her ultimatum...
Well. It's certainly not going to be fun, but it wasn't what she'd expected at all. She doesn't make to move or leave immediately, preferring instead to smile unwaveringly in Auntie's direction, petting Junior reassuringly. If anyone approaches, she'll say very clearly and crisply,]
Hm, I don't think it hurts her at all.
[It's like...she's not even offended? After being called out in front of everyone? What??]
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Her calm reaction intrigued him. It seemed she was used to this kind of...scenario. It made him wonder about her past, although it was too soon to outright ask - or rather, not in a room full of people anyway. "Do you remember me? We met at Prom."
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Oh - yes, hello. Thank you for your help that night. [She lessens the coldness of her smile for Walter, genuinely appreciative of his help.] Her type of woman is rarely sorry for the misfortune she causes. She could stand to be more subtle, though.
[Junior is still quaking like a leaf as he looks at Auntie Apricorn, tail entwining around Anthy's arm to keep her hand in place on his head. The contact helps him relax a smidge.]
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On his shoulder is Darkness the Honchkrow. The Big Boss took in the trembling Junior and turned his gaze towards Auntie Apricorn, jutting his head in a defiant matter and clicking his beak. Walter calmly turned Darkness' head away from her with a finger. "Shhh." Darkness shook himself over, turning his attention onto Anthy herself.
"Hello" he croaked, as smoothly as a bird could speak Human.
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Anthy nods to Darkness in return, Junior looking up at him in surprise. The bird could speak human?] Hello to you, too.
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"Darkness." He drew his wing over his chest, clearly indicating to himself. He spread a wing behind Walter's head. "Walter." Then he leaned forward, eyes sharp and curious. Walter smiled, reaching up and petting his chest feathers.
"Darkness, this is Anthy," He informed him, before addressing Anthy, "Darkness is one of the Pokemon I was given when I woke up here. He was a Murkrow back then."
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[She's so sweet, so good. Had she been shoved into a cage as well, like those Pokemon at prom? Or was she truly ignorant of her circumstances? If it's the latter, Anthy must protect her in every little way she can.]
...Tell me something. Is it common for our friends to act so...
[Anthy gestures to her Aipom, as if his cowering explains itself.]
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[Junior shakes his head and a shiver rolls down his spine and along his tail. Anthy pets him along it, shushing him.]
Oh...I don't mind if he doesn't grow up. I've just never seen him do this.
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Unaware of Darkness's words, Walter also gave Junior a sympathetic look. It reminded him of being young, cowering when the guards approached. "Not all of the Pokemon who come into Team Rocket are treated well." He murmured. "I've seen some of the...uses, they have for them here."
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dw ate some of your tag but it's okay i'm gonna work with it :B
DANG IT
IT'S OKAY IT'S FINE shit happens
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[Diana smirks and, unsure how Anthy is on physical affection, opts to rub her arm in friendly greeting.]
Hey Anthy. How you doing?
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Hi, Diana. I'm okay.
[Junior, however, is not. The poor little Aipom is absolutely fraught with fear, clinging to Anthy as she continues to pet and placate him. No one could ever say she was ignorant of her Pokemon's needs, but this is...kind of excessive, isn't it?]
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[Since her evolution, Sass the Salazzle is too big to hang out in hallways anymore, but Strut the Murkrow seems chill enough on Diana's shoulder. He tilts his head quizzically at Junior.]
Your friend there okay?
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[Though if it's at a party? She might as well hand in her uniform and turn herself in to the police. No way in heck is she doing that again so soon.
Anthy looks down at Junior, her facade shifting to a concerned frown. Gently, she cups the back of Junior's head and holds him close.] I don't know. I've never seen him so...afraid.
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[She looks down at Junior.]
You don't think that psycho scared him that badly, do you?
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[There is so much of Chuchu in Junior that, if Anthy didn't know better, she'd wonder if they were just the same iterations of her inner self. But again, she knows better, and Auntie Apricorn doesn't scare her. A woman with a topiary for a hairstyle would have to try harder than a "PokeyChokey" to even come close to a million hateful swords. But at the same time, Junior...]
I won't stick around too long. Maybe...just being close to her is the problem.
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[So here, specifically, in this room? No, it's doubtful she has to stay in here. But the general vicinity of the Rocket Base is where she'll be stuck for at least two days.]
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What a load. You'd think they'd have better shit to do.
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It's a little cloying, isn't it? The happy family act.
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[She doesn't care if Auntie can hear her. If all you're going to do is take her food away, then go ahead, keep digging that hole for yourself.]
I would never have thought to think of this place as any sort of family.
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[Manaka does try to keep herself in good standing with the rest of the "imported" Rockets — but that's only sensible, as she sees it. They're all in the same situation, after all, unlike their dear Auntie and Uncle.]
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[But she does nod. It falls so sincerely flat, and yet surely their admins take it very seriously.]
But I have been part of a family before. I didn't expect to become part of another so soon.
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[At Anthy's next comment, though, Manaka tilts her head. Hm, how to interpret that...]
I think the same could be said for most of us, in one way or another. It's like I said — none of us were given a choice. What we wanted or expected isn't even part of the conversation.
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[She lets out a tense breath. Fuck families. Seriously.]