𝐋ance

. . .

(Off-putting indeed, and eerily so. His measured paces into the vacant room are placed gingerly, entranced by the bad decision he's making.)

We were not. For the best, I should think. It would be discernibly more difficult to thwart your efforts, had we been.

(Frowning at the sight of him, having fully expected a sting once he made it to the room in question. He pointedly does not walk into the room, choosing instead to linger in the doorway.)

I come when I'm called. And why /did/ you call me here, exactly? I doubt it was because you missed me.

(Replaying the voicemail twice... no, thrice, just to take down the details, before slipping the handset into his locked top drawer.

Walking into a potential stakeout would be a minor risk compared to their usual arrangements. With no time stated, three hours after sunset would do nicely.)

Dragonite vs Dragonite, it is. Prepare yourself for a sound thrashing, young trainer.

Ahah, well... You're kind for looking up to me. I'm sure there are plenty who feel the same about you, albeit... in different terms.

I could take some time off, should you choose to accept. What a treat it would be to spar with you.

I'm sure I've said it before, but Dragon-tamers have to nurture each other's growth. Should you need a hand to escort you around, say the word.

Public attention can be exhausting, can't it? In the meantime, a battle wouldn't go amiss.

There is certainly plenty to admire here. Consider the invitation extended.

#OCRP #PKMNRP #PkemonRP #MVRP #MDNI

"Did you forget about me?"

// Clear favorite, he's so pretty and great (and pretty great, and just pretty). Just wouldn't want to spoil anyone else's plans of writing him.

You save everyone but who saves you?

Name: Ken
Nickname: Pyrite
Age: early 30s
Personality: Confident, a little loud, protective. Brave...maybe a little to brave.... You did the right thing, Ken. He's safe....

@proton.kills.men

Provided they've made a good impression, he said. Any attempt by a Rocket to get close to the Champion can only be part of an elaborately-schemed betrayal. A pass.

A bemused expression on his face. The stranger who evidently approves of him seems quite forward in his profile. Still, a Champion could always do with some excitement.

Swipes right. A match!

@sagittarianexec.bsky.social

Might be somewhat difficult given the extensive bounty for his arrest. Hide those features behind an Entei mask, or Suicune if he must wear white-and-blue, and a passably enjoyable night may be possible.

I think you know which avenue I'd choose, if given the chance. Forgive me for being too bitter that, even if I believed you, I'm still forced to remember the old you.

Hm. You seem very fond of insisting that, as though we don't already know the truth.

I suppose, if you truly /weren't/ a criminal, then you'd have nothing to hide. Meaning your pursuers wouldn't be a problem.

Hah. So this was your plan, was it? Blast the hapless good-doers and incapacitate them from interfering with your business?

[Shaking his head like an Absol. Water flies everywhere.]

You may go one more day un-handcuffed. Don't get too attached to your freedom, criminal.

Despicable.

[Preparing for his long early-morning commute to the Indigo Plateau. Alas, the League's winter closures cannot last forever.]

Like to find out: would my muse bring yours to a festival? Graphic made by me using Pinterest/stock fonts.

// Welcoming strangers into Johto custom through the new year festivals. Provided they've made a good impression.

I don't see what there is to explain. Is it so strange to think they'd be on the tail of a criminal?

Ah, so they are doing their jobs after all. Good.

As though he wasn't already self-conscious over how exposing being soaked with water was. 💧

"If they're too stretched, I'll be sure to buy you a new pair. Or a few more, to express my gratitude. How should I get in touch?"

Ah, there's an idea. He's already pulling out his Pokégear.

Eventually, the door pushes open and Lance steps out with flushed cheeks, folding his arms defiantly over where his firm chest's stretching the wool. His own clothes are slung over his shoulder.

"There. I... trust I look at least presentable enough for my return to the Plateau?"

🔮 hey, if you are using ai art, just go ahead and not follow me. i have too many friends who are artists and work really hard on their art to have that taken away from them. thanks.

Neither would he - consider them evenly-matched.

A direct line to the Champion is highly sought-after, so he'd best make the most of it. Say, after he finishes work?

"If you'd please."

The door closing behind him, Lance stared flatly at his own drenched expression in the mirror. What a mess.

Mercifully, the clothes fit just fine -- the sweater a tad too small, the slacks slightly too short, but soaked Meowths mustn't snub their resting-place.

Any more flattering, and they'd surely be the talk of the festival. Failing that, hooking golden Magikarp with fishing nets would make for a fine alternative.

They'd both take quite a shine to the fireworks, of course. And the view from atop Dragonite is simply unmissable.