Hey Guys, A Little Help Here!! [open]

[CHELSEA THOMAS]

For all the energy that Chelsea had, it still felt good to relax for a moment. She’d grabbed up a bench in the National Park and taken out her water bottle, taking a break from battling. She’d come out here today in hopes of breaking her stubborn Absol and finally getting the disaster pokémon to consistently obey orders. Unfortunately, Absol seemed no more inclined to it than yesterday or any of the days before.

Speaking of Absol, the dark type was curled up in the grass, holding the egg close to her warmth and occasionally prodding it into different positions as if worried about its comfort. The part of the egg she couldn’t cover was still in Chelsea’s pack, safe and sound. Her fur was getting a little too long and could do with some grooming, but the local ones refused to do it. It was bad enough most people saw the pokémon as a sign of evil, but Absol was hell-bent on proving them right.

Butterfree had perched on the back of the bench and was happily taking in the sun. Chelsea reflected on how odd it was that she even had this pokémon, who had come to her through a series of accidents and mistakes. Still, at least she was loyal.

And then her favorite; Raichu. He leaned against her, body relaxed but eyes focused on Absol, waiting for her to try and attack so he could knock her down again. His tail rose a little every time she looked their way, daring her to attack.

So focused on Absol was Raichu that it was Butterfree who first heard the approaching threat. “Free!” She cried, rising into the air. The other three followed the bug pokémon’s gaze to see a scythe fast approaching, its eyes narrowed in aggressively on Chelsea’s head. She cursed in her head; she’d forgotten that a number of Scyther were bothered by the color red!

“Raichu, Thunder Bolt!”

The electric rat jumped up and raced forward, the charging electricity dancing around his cheeks. “Rai….chuuu!” He cried, unleashing the voltage and stunning the mantis pokémon in its tracks. It seemed to take a second and evaluate its situation, now, instead of just charging. “Rai!” Raichu declared, letting a couple of sparks fly from his cheeks to show he was ready for more. Reluctant but clearly outmatched, the Scyther fled.

Chelsea pressed the cool bottle of water against her head, happy to be done with that. “I think we better call it a day, guys. I’m starved.” And tired. And a little lonely. With activities in a lull recently, Chelsea had found herself spending more and more times alone with her pokémon which, while not a bad thing in itself, required some human contact as well.

As she reached for Absol and Butterfree’s pokéballs, she realized she’d put them both in the pack with the egg. This meant now she had to fight for the pack. She felt a spot of pressure behind her skull, small but promising to grow and the prospect of the struggle to come. Raichu’s angry voice wasn’t helping. She turned to tell him so only to feel the bottom of her stomach drop for a moment. Absol was gone, along with the pack containing the egg.

“She used that Scyther as a distraction! That conniving…Butterfree, fly ahead and out her out of commission if you find her. Raichu, you and I will take the ground.” As Butterfree flew off, Chelsea looked around worriedly. It was unlikely the dark pokémon had gone far, the Team Rocket officer would need help to round her up.

[AVERY JENKINS]

Avery rubbed the back of his neck as he made his way through National Park. He had fallen asleep on a bench...again. He seemed to do that a lot, but he didn't really mind. He kind of looked like a hobo anyway, due to his out-of-style clothes. Avery was the type of person who didn't really care what people thought about him, but of course he wouldn't mind being looked up to. He sighed as he dug into his pants's pockets and fished out his cigarette pack and lighter. It was a disgusting habit and he had tried to stop before, but it never worked. People always tell him that it won't matter if he's physically fit, but he brushes all the comments to the side. It just made the day better, that's all.

Shuppet flew around the laid-back trainer with a smile on her face. She was a very expressive pokemon, which slightly annoyed Avery at times. In the beginning he honestly wanted to smack her, but Shuppet would have attacked him back, she always does when he does something "unreasonable." He brought the lighter up to the cigarette in his mouth, cupping his hand around the flame to make sure it wouldn't go out. When smoke could be seen, he put the almost gone pack and lighter away, and took the cigarette between his two forefingers. Watching the smoke drift upwards, Avery could say that he was feeling sort of at peace with himself. Even his annoying cute little Shuppet couldn't bring his mood down, and that's when he saw it.

A shadow, no, a pokemon darted out from some side bushes. It was an Absol, and oddly enough, with a bag. This was a peculiar site...now either it was playing around with its trainer or was on-the-go with luggage, "Well isn't that something..." Avery took another drag before holding his cigarette again and letting the smoke rise up from his mouth. Shuppet peered curiously at the Absol who was surveying its surroundings. When it laid eyes on Avery and his Shuppet, it growled at them. Shuppet blinked its big eyes before crying out and hiding behind Avery's head, "Che...scaredy-cat...Hm?"

As the Absol stood there glaring at him, making sure he wasn't going to make a move, Avery noticed the bag. It looked just like young Chelsea's bag...thinking of the determined red-haired trainer, he smirked. He was the one that showed her the ropes when she joined, and the reason why him of all people was chosen, was due to her impressive potential. Also, Avery liked how she had a few pokemon, just like him. Truth be told, he kind of has a soft-spot for the young trainer, hoping she really won't dig herself too deep into Team Rocket's cruel ways.

"So that's her Absol huh?" Sticking his hands in his pockets, Avery took a careful step forward, which earned him menacing growls and stares. He somewhat smirked at the angry pokemon, "That's right...you really hate people." Then another thing came to his mind, why would Chelsea's Absol have her bag? Then he remembered, the egg. Chelsea had told Avery about the pokemon's history, and it was indeed a sad one. It all made sense now, and so with a slightly confused face, Avery took a hand out of it's pocket and scratched his cheek. Shuppet peeked out from behind Avery before darting right back into hiding. "Damn coward..."

He then focused back on the angry Absol, wondering what he should do now, "I had a feeling things wouldn't be good today...this cigarette is stale." And with that, Avery spat out his cigarette and immediately crushed it with his boot. As he looked up at Absol, his eyes seemed to get darker, almost as if something serious was going to happen. Absol could sense it in the human, and responded with a crouching stance and bared teeth. Just what would happen next?

[CHELSEA THOMAS]

In her heart, in the same spot that had decided to keep the egg instead of pawning it off for some cash, Chelsea was worried. She had no reason—if there was one thing she could be certain of, it was that Absol would willingly put her life on the line to defend the unborn pokémon inside—but felt the stone in her chest all the same.

With his superior senses and less-biased emotions, as he really didn’t give a damn about the egg or Absol, Raichu was the one of them to catch the faintest scent of something artificially acrid in the air. There was some unnatural, yet familiar, pollutant on the light wind. The smell was most unpleasant, but he stood on his hind legs and stretched his chubby self up to full height in order to catch a better whiff. A spark lit in his memory, attaching images of a tall man with a lot of hair.

“Raichu? You got a trail?” The lightning bolt at the end of his tail jerked as her voice summoned the present to his mind. Her weak human capabilities were relying on him; she trusted him completely.

Deciding in Chelsea’s best interest, he dropped back down to four feet and let out a falsely crestfallen, “Rai.” He didn’t like having her around male humans, and there wasn’t a chance that Absol would be near a human.

Chelsea held her own frustrations inside. Raichu’s senses were sharper than her own, but he wasn’t made for tracking like a Growlithe or a Marill. She was ready to keep searching when a call from the sky beckoned her: Butterfree. The bug pokémon called until it was sure it had the human’s full attention, then flew off. “Good job, Butterfree!” The officer called, running after her. She’d never been completely fond of the partner she’d gotten by accident, but a set of wings on the team was definitely a lifesaver when searching for a runaway.

Her gratitude shifted when she came on the scene only to see Absol confronting a very familiar person. Instantly, before they thought of rank or respect or any other very important rules of etiquette, she wanted to die. For a man she respected to see such an embarrassing failure on her part…she hoped if he noticed the subsequent faint coloring in her cheeks, he attributed it to the reflection of her hair on her face.

Before the Thomas girl could begin to explain herself, or even greet Avery, Absol had seen the folly of standing between two humans. She knew she couldn’t get past Raichu, but the Shuppet seemed easy enough. With a determined growl, the pokémon charged Avery Jenkins of Celadon City, former admin and current elite officer of Team Rocket and the man said to have a pokémon that defeated Rayquaza, and silently dared him to stop her.

[DIANA LOCKEHART]

Meetings....ugh. Diana hated them so much sometimes - especially when they were trivial and utterly useless. The Brunette practically strutted through the streets of Goldenrod, heading toward the Park to train. She knew it would be futile - not many wild Pokemon could stand up to her well-groomed and well-trained pokemon, but oh well. Diana's heels clacked against the pavement as she left Goldenrod, the National Park now in sight. She walked with authority and, most importantly, confidence that instantly made most people get out of her way in fear of being run over by the young Woman. She walked through the gate, noticing how loosely populated the area was - much to her own liking in all honesty. The Admin smirked at this as she walked, her eyes mulling over Trainers and their Pokemon as they enjoyed their own time in the park.

The urge to ride suddenly lanced through Diana, perhaps it was the scenery or just the lust for the feeling of the wind rushing through her long hair. Digging into her pocket, Diana fished out Rapidash's pokeball and called out the Horse pokemon. He let out a soft snort of greeting, bending his head down to her in order to let Diana's hand run over the front of his face and over his neck. He lifted his head as she mounted him, the Horse Pokemon breaking into a brisk canter. Diana's legs clamping around Rapidash's stomach allowed her to stay on, her hands pressing down whenever she wanted him to turn or stop. Just about as they were about to turn a corner, Diana did ask him to stop - and stop on a fucking dime he did. Rapidash tilted his head to look at his Master, who did not look back for her eyes had set on a who we know as Avery Jenkins - but she knew him as simply: "The Hobo".

Rapidash backed up and trotted silently behind a wall for cover. The Horse halted and Diana carefully stood up on his strong back, climbing up onto the wall to get a better look at what the Hobo was doing. Diana grinned almost evilly when she noticed that Avery's Shuppet still followed him around like a lost puppy of some sort - and best of all...she could easily use it to get to Avery. A red beam of light escaped from her pocket and Roserade appeared next to her - a cocky grin on his face as usual. She crossed both her legs and arms and smirked down at it - the two of them knowing they were about to cause pain to someone while looking pretty Badass.

Out of the corner of her eye, Diana noticed a black and white creature. Diana ordered curtly, watching the Absol prep for a charge. "Roserade. Solarbeam." Roserade lifted up it's petal-hands, a white light beginning to gather as the Absol ran closer to Avery. Brighter and Brighter it grew until the Grass Pokemon released it, sending it's hands down in front of it and sending out that ball of light as a beam, a beam that headed straight for the Absol. The beam would hit it at the last second - causing Diana to believe that it was a done deal and the Absol was down for a while. She didn't care about the backpack as she did not know what was in it - though arguably she might not have cared much either way.

She just continued to sit there, Roserade standing next to her with one hand on his hip. They stared at the two lower officers, smirks on their faces. Rapidash came out from hiding, moving in front of the wall that Diana was sitting on, stomping at the ground a little bit, his eyes looking at the two Team Rocket members as well.

[AVERY JENKINS]

Avery wasn't sure how to react when he saw Chelsea show up almost out of nowhere, his attention immediately drawn to her when she stood some feet away from him. His eyes held a glint of surprise at her sudden appearance, but before he could even say anything, too many things happened at once.

Shuppet, surprisingly, saw a few figures off to the side, one oddly enough glowing. Not sure what to make of it, she saw out of the corner of her eye a charging Absol, one who was ready to tackle Avery in the back. Ready to alert Avery to the danger, Shuppet saw that the glow was getting brighter and felt a surge of feelings from the figures. It wasn't hate per se, but nothing good was coming off of them. Shuppet turned towards the Absol and used Psychic to maneuver the bag off of her back, the pokemon seeming to not even notice Shuppet's actions. And right when the dark pokemon was about to hit Avery, a very strong beam of light shot down at her. Shuppet only had moments to flee from the blast, knocking into Avery's shoulder as she managed to not get hit.

Avery's eyes were wide as he quickly looked back to see the beam of light shoot down near him, missing him by centimeters. He could feel the heat from the energy radiating from the blast, and it looked like Absol was down for the count. Avery hoped deeply in his heart that the egg was all right, not noticing Shuppet had saved the bag seconds earlier. As the ghost pokemon levitated near her "trainer," once again almost scared to death, Avery looked up to see a familiar face sitting on top of a wall, smirking at them with pride and arrogance. Avery himself was somewhat shocked, a pretty hard thing to make Avery feel over anything else. His eyes narrowed as he looked up at his once co-admin of Team Rocket, "You need to control that walking plant of yours Diana, its attack almost singed my suit." Typical Avery, keeping it cool, and doing so well as to not display his true feelings.

[CHELSEA THOMAS]

Unlike the others, able to brush off the situation by acting cool or haughty, Chelsea felt disturbed. Sure, Absol needed to be stopped, but it was her pokémon and thus hers to discipline, no matter what danger it posed to others. She couldn’t help but scowl at Diana for a moment.

But she didn’t let the discontent stop her. Motioning to Absol, she ordered, “Raichu, watch her.” The rat ignored his trainer, eyes on the Roserade that had just attacked. The bolt on the end of his long tail was swinging back and forth and, though the sparks stayed inside, Chelsea felt his desire to fight as clearly as if it was her own. Any other time, there would have been a chance and sufficient temptation to give into Raichu's wishes, but not now. “Watch Absol,” she repeated, firm this time. Raichu understood the absolute nature of the order and, accepting that she was firm on this point, moved towards the disaster pokémon.

Absol, surrounded by humans and hit by a direct attack, knew defeat. With the egg gone and her freedom a long-ago memory, she stayed on the ground and bared teeth only when Raichu looked ready to come too close. Butterfree, with no orders to act on, hovered expectantly and watched her teammates, ready to keep the peace if required.

Chelsea looked between the two humans and realized three things very quickly: she was the lowest ranking among them, the smallest among them, and the youngest. All of these natural disadvantages put her on edge. Sure, they were all on the same team, but Chelsea had learned long ago that small things like being allies didn't always stop fighting from breaking out, though that was far more common among grunts.

Getting her priorities straight, the Cinnabar native looked towards Diane and dipped her head with a less-than-sincere, “Thanks,” before adding, “But I’ll appreciate you keeping my pokémon’s handling to me.” Finished with that unpleasant acknowledgment, she approached Avery. She'd lost most of her connection with him upon becoming an officer, but she knew him best out of all the humans in the area and still held him in high regard. She eyed his Shuppet, and then the bag containing the egg and her pokéballs, all very important items she would be relieved to have back. “And thanks to your Shuppet,” she admitted, grabbing the bag. Kneeling, she first inspected the egg before grabbing two pokéballs out.

Looking towards Absol, she confirmed, “It isn’t hurt. Return.” The beam of light captured Absol without resistance. “Good job, Butterfree. Return.” She, too, was easily secured and the two balls placed back in the sack. Job done, Raichu returned to his trainer and sat himself between Chelsea and everyone else, eyes darting between Avery, Roserade, and Rapidash.

Chelsea herself eyed Avery, her cool eyes disapproving. “You don’t look singed, but you smell like smoke. Thought you were going to quit?”

[DIANA LOCKEHART]

Diana's eyes narrowed in amusement when she noticed the way the Officer looked at her, even if it was just for a moment. She spoke in a teasing and perhaps even spitefully devious voice - deep and mature and perhaps even just a little alluring. "Are you really sure you should be scowling at me~? I only tried to save you two from that poorly trained and rather......weak Absol" Roserade chimed in, always on its Trainer's side. Diana looked over the Absol, belligerent, rowdy, and most of all - sloppy. Very, very sloppy. She thought much more highly of her own Absol - despite being a rather introverted and calm, which makes him and Rapidash kindred spirits of some sort. Diana's right arm shot out to block Roserade, who was about to lunge at that Officer's Raichu. No words were spoken against the two, but Roserade immediately stepped back and lowered his petal-hands to his side.

Diana turned her palm up and nodded, her eyebrows rising as if giving in. Rapidash stirred, Diana jumped. She landed on his back, and trotted closer to the pair, coming in between them - her eyes on the Officer. Roserade leaped into the air, landing beside Avery after performing a flip or two in the air just to add to his flair and overall coolness. Diana looked down at the Officer, eyes drooping as she turned to Avery. "I hope he doesn't quit - what would I bribe him with?" She digs into her pocket, fishing out a new pack of cigarettes and bringing them up to touch the tip of her nose. She takes in the simply disgusting smell, though pretending to be pleased by it. "These are your favorite right Avery?" Her eyes were dazzling with the same twisted, devious amusement that they always held inside them. Squirm, Avery - squirm.

The Admin's eyes flickered to the area above her, noticing a Murkrow landed in a branch. It looked down at her almost menacingly, she didn't like Murkrow. Don't ask why - it'd only earn you a punch to the face. Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she maintained her composure and overall devious attitude. Rapidash stomped its foot suddenly, tilting his head slightly to look back at Diana. He wanted to go back to running, Roserade jumped onto the back of the Horse Pokemon and laid himself down on the rump, his petal-hands folded behind his head. Diana patted his neck, the pack of cigarettes held out to her side, level with her head. "Anyway," She looked down at the Officer, her expression a combination of spiteful deviousness and twisted amusement/arrogance. "That Absol of yours - if you can't train if properly then maybe I should just demote you. Team Rocket will never get anywhere if it's made up of Weaklings that can't train their Pokemon correctly."

With that Rapidash took that as a cue to begin trotting off. Roserade jumped up as the Horse began to pick up speed and latched onto Diana's back, gripping her shoulders while peering in front of them. The Admin stuffed the pack of cigarettes back into her pocket, her steed finally turning the corner and escaping her Fellow Member's eyes.

DIANA HAS LEFT THE THREAD
...Unless you want to chase her Wolfe ;3

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[AVERY JENKINS]

The elite officer watched silently as Chelsea and Diana exchanged curt words. Digging deep into one pocket, he fished out his cigarette pack and lighter once again. This could actually be called "Avery's secret call for help," since it always seemed random when he pulled out a cigarette. Whenever he felt stressed, this was the way out, plain and simple. Pulling out a stale one and lighting it, he blew smoke out before he noticed Chelsea watching him. He turned his head towards her, the cigarette between two of his fingers.

Avery coughed into his free fist before rubbing the back of his neck, a slight smile on his face, "Well...I did try to quit, but...that kind of went south in less than forty-eight hours."

[/color] He didn't know whether to chuckle or say sorry, but either way, it would earn him even more of a disapproving look. Now interestingly enough, Chelsea's question made him stop and think. What if he did quit? For real this time. As his mind began to ponder the ordeal, smoking while doing so, Shuppet happily circled Chelsea, then Avery, then back again to Chelsea. She honestly was a spazzball in her own right, but she was a hero, saving the egg along with Chelsea's bag and belongings. That's why Avery stopped himself from smacking the small ghost pokemon in the back of the head, even though she was making him dizzy.

Avery kept the cigarette loosely hanging from his mouth while he put his hands in his pockets. With his eyes closed, he stated a late remark, "Diana, no matter what you say, that Absol has got more thought in her actions then you ever-"[/color] The cigarette fell from his mouth when he opened his eyes to see the admin holding out a pack of cigarettes, and his most favorite brand too. "These are your favorite right Avery?" Damn her...she was getting to him. Shuppet had stopped flying around when Roserade flipped down from the ledge near them. She somewhat glared at the pompous pokemon, not liking being dissed by something with flowers as hands. Soon noticing the smoke rising from the grass, Shuppet barreled into Avery's upper back to alert him of his mistake. He immediately came back from his daze and slammed his boot down. He sighed before nodding at Shuppet who watched him with narrow eyes.

Turning his attention back to the two women, his eyes narrowed as he heard Diana make her rude comment. Just because she never had to deal with a pokemon that had such defiance, didn't mean Chelsea wasn't worth being an Officer. Sticking his hands back into his pockets, Avery glowered at Diana as she rode off with her pokemon, being a bitchy badass once again. Yes, he had to admit it...she had style. Looking back at Chelsea, he gave her a reassuring smile, "Don't mind her, she's always like that. She just needs to constantly be above everyone else, ya know? Like now for instance, even though we were once of the same rank, she still tries to order me about like I'm some grunt. I ignore her anyway, but really..."[/color] His eyes then drifted upwards as thoughts began running through his head, "But I really would go after her for the pack if she wasn't such a...well you know."[/color] He laughed while scratching the back of his head. He really did want that pack of cigarettes.[/size][/blockquote]

[CHELSEA THOMAS]

Just when one would think there were no buttons left to press…

But before she could think of challenging the insult, Avery beat her to it. Chelsea watched the exchange with narrowed eyes, imagining letting Raichu lash out a cripple that stupid Rapidash and knock the Admin off of her high horse in every possible sense. Of course, lashing out like that would bring heavy consequences, ones she was not ready to bear right now.

Oh, how it ticked her off! She paralleled the feeling to playing on a summer day and having older, taller Ian hold her bottle of water over his head, where she just wasn’t tall enough to reach. She just wanted to knock her opponent down to her level.

So, going against every character she possessed for the greater good, she watched Rapidash and trainer flee. Say what you want for now; you’ll choke on it next time. She entertained the very, very satisfying thought for a moment. It only seemed sweeter when Raichu, just as poisoned with pride as his trainer, ran a couple of body lengths in the direction Diana had left and yelled an angry, “Rai-aichu Rai!” Though there couldn’t be a definite translation, Chelsea would bet her next meal that it was a challenge.

Only when Avery spoke to her did she turn and face him again, stepping out of her revenge fantasy and into reality.

“Be careful who you step on, right? She’ll be cowering with the rest of the grunts one day.” She tried to sound calm, but the frustration was still plain in her voice. It lightened minutely when she offered, “I bet Butterfree could catch up and knock her out with a Stun Spore…” The proposal contained a joking quality, but there was a darker edge of longing as well; she wouldn’t get in as much trouble for attacking Diana if Avery gave her the go-ahead.

Oh, the thought of letting Absol use Psycho Cut on that bitch was too tempting.

"Don't just blame her; you should have done something when you had the rank to." It was still impossible for her to fathom how Avery could care so little about being demoted. She would have been ashamed, but he seemed almost...happy.

[AVERY JENKINS]

Avery watched Chelsea with his hands in his pockets and a slight grin on his face, his eyes thoughtful. He was very, very amused by what she was saying. "You're right about one thing, I could have done something while I was an admin. I could have crushed her while she was still an elite officer, rising yet to another higher position. But don't get me wrong Chels, she is strong, almost at my level. So don't underestimate her. Believe it or not, she could attack you without a second thought. So even though you clearly think she's a bitch, she's a bitch that can kill." Avery was suddenly dark, his voice and face both displaying and hiding strong emotions. Anyone's breath would have hitched if they were standing there talking to him.

"Chelsea, if you want to beat her, there are two things you gotta do first. One, understand fear; you have never faced anything where death seemed to be the only way out. I'm sure you get what I mean. As I stand here now, I can tell you with all truth, both Diana and I have been there. I'm more than sure you haven't, you only came to Team Rocket because you were afraid of the consequences of your actions. Don't think for one second that you have faced what we have, cuz you haven't." Avery was looking at the ground now, his mind somewhere else. It was obvious that Chelsea was perplexed on how Avery didn't care about being demoted, and he was in truth a little relieved, but with good reason. Team Rocket's actions disgusted Avery to the core, although he never showed it. He was liked by the head, but Avery didn't want to be, and yet he never planned on getting demoted. It just happened because he disobeyed a very important order. There were still high hopes for Avery, and the trainer knew it, but he didn't want to worry about a kid getting mixed up in such a big mess on top of it.

"I'd tell you to walk away from all this, but I don't see that happening,"

[/color] He looked up and turned to her, his eyes looking somewhat pained. He gave her a weak smile, "It's funny how things seemed to be so much easier years ago..."[/color] He knew he really wasn't making sense, but it was like a blast to the past. This kid resembled him so much when he was her age, but that was another time. Avery looked up at the sky for a few seconds before looking back down at Chelsea, a smirk now on his face. "I forgot to say the second thing didn't I? Well, I'm sure you can guess what it is. Beat me, and you're more than ready to go against Diana."[/color] He fully turned to face her, Shuppet drifting behind his back as they watched the young woman, waiting for her response. Did she understand his message, or would she accept his challenge?[/size][/blockquote]

Lotta talking @w@ *looks at last line* ...lame~ XDD

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[CHELSEA THOMAS]

She almost hoped, for a moment, that he had seen the wisdom in wanton violence and would allow her to act out. But it was in vain; his playful grin all too quickly became a warning. As much as she wanted to recoil from the advice, to brush it off and tell him she knew what she was dealing with, this wasn’t just a random hobo off the street (no matter how he might look it) that was giving random advice. It was someone for whom she had undeniable respect for, and who had some experience. So even though much, if not most, of his advice went in one ear and out the other, she captured the tone of his voice and the look on his face: it was impossible not to remember those.

Chelsea Thomas could be reckless, but she wasn’t stupid. She had no delusions that Diane would care about someone not herself or that she would hold back if Chelsea stood in her way. But she couldn’t take someone having that sort of power over her lying down. She allowed these troubling details to take a space in her mind beside the thoughts that wanted to punch Diane in the face, letting them balance each other out.

It was the next words that rekindled her ambition of a match with the admin. There would have been a time when she would have gladly interrupted him and adamantly tell him she had not, in fact, joined out of fear. Not that fear hadn’t played a role, of course. The cops tend to take it seriously when you cripple someone and she remembered how terrified she had been that they would catch her and put her in jail. Or worse, take her back home and make her face her father. It had been tough enough looking Ian in the eye.

Those memories, ones that were well-worn despite her wishes, were quickly locked away. There had been more in her choice to join than simply being afraid. She wasn’t content being a fugitive on the run or in hiding. Team Rocket existed outside the law and, though it had rules of its own that weighed her down, it was closer. Every step towards the top shook off some chains and gave her that much more freedom. Even though Avery had never approved much, she’d always been sure of this path from day one. There was no turning back, no desire to even take a glance behind her.

“Give me a little credit, huh? I didn’t join Team Rocket for nothing. If Diane thinks I’ll simper at her feet like a kicked dog, she’ll be getting a shock.” The statement wasn’t as forceful or bitter as ones before. She seemed more subdued for the moment, maybe even whining a little. He never seemed to think she was very dangerous; there was a part of her that wanted to lash out at her old mentor and prove herself.

It was the prospect of a challenge that refueled the redhead and lifted her spirits by giving her some small chance to live out that desire. But before Chelsea could acept, Raichu had stepped forward. He was eager to blow off some steam, and he always seemed more aggressive when other males were around, even if it was just Avery. But though Raichu seemed sure of himself, his trainer entertained only the smallest fantasy of winning a serious battle against Avery. She’d never done it before, and with Absol in less-than-perfect condition, it seemed to have little possibility.

But her injured pride, her ever-growing ambition, and her damning competitive spirit riled her up.

“I’ve told you before that I’ve made up my mind, and that’s only truer now.” She ignored his other comment and instead challenged, “Then you and me, for old time’s sake if nothing else.”

“Rai!” The electric rat attempted to stare Shuppet down, his cheeks sparking.

[AVERY JENKINS]

One of the things that Avery always admired Chelsea for was her strength. Her undeniable strength to pick herself up and keep running. It always made him smile, thinking back to when he trained her. Those were good times...but those times were just about up. Things were serious now, almost too serious for Avery's liking. He didn't like where she was headed and he certainly didn't like getting threatened by a team he was once loyal to, no matter how many years ago that was. Avery laughed at Chelsea's comment before rubbing the back of his neck, moving his head from side to side almost as if he had a crick in his neck. He was smiling more than smirking at this point.

"So I really have to give you some credit huh? Well I guess I could..."

[/color] He shrugged as he brought his hand back into his pocket. Now he was never proud of anything Team Rocket did, so giving even just a little credit for joining was far to big a lie. But Avery was a liar, and a good one, so why not throw the kid a bone? "Then again...you really have grown stronger since you've joined...so it's good ta know something decent came out of this."[/color] He was smirking again, Chelsea's response to his challenge not in the back of his mind.

"For old time's sake huh? Man, today has just been a stroll down memory lane for me!"[/color] He laughed again, this whole experience all too amusing and painful while annoying at the same time. Life just wasn't right for Avery Jenkins if a flurry of emotions didn't come along with the job. He looked at Raichu as the mouse pokemon glared at Shuppet, the sparks flying from his cheeks already scared the smallish ghost pokemon. Shuppet shied away from Raichu's actions, not wanting any real confrontation. "Oh C'mon, he's not that big."[/color] Shuppet shook her head at her "trainer's" comment, not wishing to accept the fact that the electric pokemon wasn't even twice her size.

Avery sighed at this, Shuppet just wasn't confident and probably didn't have any even before the Ursaring attack. The elite officer tsked while digging deeper into his pant's pocket, obviously searching for something. He looked straight into Chelsea's eyes, renewed energy also blazing in his. "I wouldn't mind battling ya, for old time's sake. How's about one on one or best two out of three? Wait, your Absol is still...well, I'm all for a one on one battle."[/color] Avery pulled out a pokeball and tossed it a foot or so in front of him. As it hit the ground, a red light flashed out and Flareon appeared, glad to stretch after his long nap. Before the ball could even rebound back, Shuppet darted out and snatched it, too happy to have it in her possession. Flareon looked at her with mild disinterest as Avery just sighed, slightly exasperated.

"You can keep it for now, but you better give it back when we need it."[/color] His left eyebrow went up as Shuppet just floated next to him with a pokeball surrounded by blue energy, the expression on her face way to happy. Oh well, he wasn't one to fight over something as small as a pokeball. Besides, she'd give it back...Avery quickly cleared his head before crossing his arms, a smirk lighting up his face. Flareon glanced at Raichu before getting into a stance, ready to fight whenever Avery called the order. "Hope Raichu doesn't mind, Shuppet is kind of busy at the moment."[/color] Avery smiled while taking a hand and patting the back of Shuppet's head, who appeared to be snuggling against the pokeball. "I really need to do something about her," Avery thought as trainer and pokemon waited to begin the battle.[/size][/blockquote]

[CHELSEA THOMAS]

The verbal pat on the head received a smile. Truthfully, she’d gain more satisfaction from having that show-off admin on her knees. But why turn away praise, especially when it was well deserved? Six badges sat in the bottom of her bag to prove her worth as a fighter, while her status as Officer of Team Rocket showed further prospects of a successful future. She’d taken the first step and was ready for more.

“One on one is ideal.” Butterfree’s skills weren’t to be underestimated, but Chelsea preferred her other two pokémon for battling when she could. Of course, then there was the concern of what pokémon Avery would choose. For a second, she wondered if he’d be dull and send out the cowardly Shuppet, but then he reached for a pokéball. Do not choose Salamance, Chelsea found herself hoping. Raichu would gain the type advantage, but it would still be uneven. But what if I won? A person of lesser control and equal ambition would have salivated at the thought.

She found herself neither disappointed nor relieved when Flareon came out. She observed him with her icy, if not appreciative, gaze. She reached into her bag.

“Rai!” The electric pokémon turned to look at his trainer. She wasn’t going to order him to give up this chance, was she? All day he watched the other two have their fun; he deserved this fight at least!

“This is your fight, Raichu. I just want an observer.” Throwing out a pokéball, Chelsea released Absol again. “Don’t be stupid again, or you’ll find yourself facing more than a measly Roserade.” She wanted the least loyal of her team to see the power she could achieve, if only she chose to cooperate. There would be no more need for punishment or fighting then.

Absol abstained from responding, but sat on her haunches obediently and glared at Raichu. If the human wanted to show off, Absol wasn’t going to stop her. A Chelsea that was bothering someone else was leaving Absol to peace, at least for a moment.

“I doubt Raichu minds, as long as you make it a fight worth spending our time on. Raichu, start out with a Thunder Bolt!” With an eager battle cry, Raichu let the harmless sparks from earlier condense and form a handful of crackling bolts and unleashed them towards Flareon.

[AVERY JENKINS]

She was always well composed, which Avery thought was a great personality attribute. Too many times he had heard people say that women weren't as good as men, mostly because of their inability to handle their emotions. He only shrugged and shook his head at those kind of comments. He wasn't one to be generic or sexist. "Flareon, dodge it," Flareon quickly dodged the electric pokemon's attack, absolutely not wanting to get hit by threatening bolts. He hated getting shocked more than getting wet. More than a couple of feet away from where the electricity hit, Flareon glared at his opponent. He hated letting Avery down, but he was familiar with his opponent's trainer. A determined glint appeared in his eyes along with Avery's, they were gonna give everything they got.

Avery watched the battle with complete focus, hence his nickname Eagle Eye Avery. He was called this partly out of fun, but it was basically the truth. He looked like a hawk watching his prey, waiting to strike. "We wouldn't give it anything less than our best Chelsea, you know that. Flareon, double team." Flareon gave a cry of response as it bounded forward and let loose a circle of copies around Raichu. Shuppet blinked as it watched the fight, not really snuggling the pokeball anymore. The thought of fighting just as determined as Flareon for Avery ran through her mind, and she couldn't help but sneak a look at the man. Half of her followed Avery around because she wanted to be part of his team, but the other half was just for the hell of it. He truly was a emotional conflict bin, which was partly why Shuppet was happy all the time, but she would give anything to be a valuable team member.

[CHELSEA THOMAS]

The rodent pokémon hunched over slightly in confusion and dismay as the clones appeared. “Rai? Rai? Chu!” He bared small, sharp teeth as he found himself surrounded. Chelsea found the temptation to make a “trapped like a rat” comment, but held it back. While not a damaging move in itself, Double Team was a perfect move to wear at Raichu’s short patience and coax him into wasting his energy dispelling clones. She could always wait for the next attack and see if it gave anything away, but she couldn’t risk the damage of all of them attacking at once.

She had to escape. “Raichu, use Slam on the one in front of you, then break out!” She couldn’t get caught up in thinking too many steps ahead and tying herself in knots; she just had to think on her feet and trust in her partner. Raichu perked up and rushed the Flareon-like shape in front of him, ready to bring his heavy body down on it and roll away from his opponents. He would rather have Thunder Bolted them all, but he was sure Chelsea knew what she was doing.

Absol watched, unaffected by the tussle. She had her bets with the Flareon; the only question was how close it would be. Seeing Raichu beaten would seem therapeutic after his usual treatment of her. She did glance her blood-red eyes down the field of battle towards Avery and his Shuppet. She had a liking towards the little thing, despite herself. Snorting, she began to lick part of her leg that still stung from the Solarbeam.