Professor Autumn Maple

[Suddenly (again), Gladion and Theodore made it to wherever Henry is being held in police custody. Gladion walks in with confidence, to the first officer at the desk.]

"We need to see someone who's being held captive. Henry Jackson."

[Geez, last time Gladion was here, he was talking to the force regarding Lusamine. Not so good memories, since they asked him if he wanted to press charges for child neglect. Guzma almost made him say yes.

However, it's been, six to eight years? Gladion didn't grow that much taller, his dad was short unfortunately for him, but he's definitely matured. Not to mention he's an adult now.]

[The officer nods.]

Right this way.

[The officer leads the two to the cell where Henry is being held, the man looks up and glares at them.]

What’re you doing here? Here to rub it in?

[He spat at the two.]

Unless ya got something actually worth my time, fuck off.

"Your son is here to partially rub it in. I'm here on different terms."

[Gladion's smile is threatening. It's the type of smile a business man with shady connections gives a dude. Given, Gladion's work is very clean, but he knows what he's doing.]

"Legally, you are required to sign some papers in regards to your son working. Not that you would know, but, you're the only person in the picture that can actually agree that your son can work."

[... luckily Gladion stopped by the printer before they left. He holds a vanilla folder in his hands, likely containing said paperwork.]

"I just need your information on a few things. A few signatures. Then you'll never have to see my face again; Unless you mess with my business, of course."

[He feels like he's being more intimidating than usual. Though perhaps it's because of his own nerves being on a high. At least Guzma taught him a thing or two.]

Give it here. If it means I never have to see that little shit again then I’ll sign it.

[He sits up, still glaring but now at least excited to finally be rid of Theodore.]

[Theodore smirks.]

How’s it feel to be behind bars, deadbeat?

[Henry just snarled.]

Oh shut up! Not like you’re doing much better, you’re fuckin homeless.

At least I’m not in a jail cell.

FUCK YOU!

[Theodore chuckles a little, enjoying getting to piss off Henry like this.]

[Gladion simply shakes his head as they banter. The paperwork is placed on the desk and open space that the two share, the bars physically separating Henry.]

"The first one's a work permit, your half. The other is a release of medical documents. Then there's..."

[He just goes on.

Basically, most of these papers are just signing for the Aether Foundation (and/or whoever is in charge) to be able to finance and provide a person with their benefits. Health insurance, education, literal housing, you name it, Gladion probably has a contract in there for it. Typically they're all signed online, in a batch, but they don't have that option right now.

Wow. No wonder so many people speak about the Aether Foundation so fondly. They give Pokémon everything, along with their employees!]

"...then there's one about taxes, so I hope you plan on filing taxes while you spend your time in a prison..."

[He goes on. Just covering the Foundation legally. Gladion's job.]

[Henry nods.]

Uh-huh. Yeah, yeah, I’ll do whatever if it means I never this brat again.

Now gimme a pen and hand over the papers.

[He reaches his hand through the cell, expecting to be handed the papers(and a pen) to sign.]

[Theodore tried to keep up the smirk, but it was obvious it hurt a little to see his own father so eager to be rid of him.]

Probably should hurry this up. Best we aren’t here too long.

"Damn, alright."

[Gladion pulls a pen from his pocket and hands it to Henry. Kind enough, Gladion has organized the papers by where they need parental signature. Including the work permit.

It genuinely did kind of hurt to see how little Henry cares for Theodore. Not that Gladion isn't used to that, Lusamine cared about the same when he left. It's a miracle she changed her attitude about him.]

[Henry snatches the pen and begins to sign the various papers.]

Jesus, this much shit to sign just so this runt can get a job?

[After a few minutes and some muttered words, Henry finishes signing and filling out the papers and hands it to Gladion.]

There, now is that all? Or do you have more stuff to bother me with?

"Well, the Aether Foundation is also providing housing, insurance, loan assistance, paid time off, transportation, so on, so yes, this job in particular. Most places he'd just need the completed work permit."

[Ah. But the Foundation is quite literally an all in one. Gladion thumbs through the papers. One, two, three, five, it's got this and that and, yeah, that's everything. Gladion looks over to Theodore.]

"I have everything I need to employ you. Do you need anything generally?"

Nope, I don’t need anything in particular.

Just one last thing.

[He goes up to Henry’s cell, looks Henry dead in the eyes, and just says three words.]

Rot. In. Distortion.

[He then turns back to Gladion.]

Alright, that’s all. We can go now.

[Gladion looks back at Henry. He hates that Henry reminds him of Lusamine. Alas, luck is a concept in this world.]

"Let's head back then. You got some paperwork to sign off on."

[He looks to the guards. Looks around the jail cell. He's hoping this is the last time they'll be here.

The last time he'll be here.]

[Suddenly (again), Gladion and Theodore made it to wherever Henry is being held in police custody. Gladion walks in with confidence, to the first officer at the desk.]

"We need to see someone who's being held captive. Henry Jackson."

[Geez, last time Gladion was here, he was talking to the force regarding Lusamine. Not so good memories, since they asked him if he wanted to press charges for child neglect. Guzma almost made him say yes.

However, it's been, six to eight years? Gladion didn't grow that much taller, his dad was short unfortunately for him, but he's definitely matured. Not to mention he's an adult now.]

[The officer nods.]

Right this way.

[The officer leads the two to the cell where Henry is being held, the man looks up and glares at them.]

What’re you doing here? Here to rub it in?

[He spat at the two.]

Unless ya got something actually worth my time, fuck off.

"Your son is here to partially rub it in. I'm here on different terms."

[Gladion's smile is threatening. It's the type of smile a business man with shady connections gives a dude. Given, Gladion's work is very clean, but he knows what he's doing.]

"Legally, you are required to sign some papers in regards to your son working. Not that you would know, but, you're the only person in the picture that can actually agree that your son can work."

[... luckily Gladion stopped by the printer before they left. He holds a vanilla folder in his hands, likely containing said paperwork.]

"I just need your information on a few things. A few signatures. Then you'll never have to see my face again; Unless you mess with my business, of course."

[He feels like he's being more intimidating than usual. Though perhaps it's because of his own nerves being on a high. At least Guzma taught him a thing or two.]

Give it here. If it means I never have to see that little shit again then I’ll sign it.

[He sits up, still glaring but now at least excited to finally be rid of Theodore.]

[Theodore smirks.]

How’s it feel to be behind bars, deadbeat?

[Henry just snarled.]

Oh shut up! Not like you’re doing much better, you’re fuckin homeless.

At least I’m not in a jail cell.

FUCK YOU!

[Theodore chuckles a little, enjoying getting to piss off Henry like this.]

[Gladion simply shakes his head as they banter. The paperwork is placed on the desk and open space that the two share, the bars physically separating Henry.]

"The first one's a work permit, your half. The other is a release of medical documents. Then there's..."

[He just goes on.

Basically, most of these papers are just signing for the Aether Foundation (and/or whoever is in charge) to be able to finance and provide a person with their benefits. Health insurance, education, literal housing, you name it, Gladion probably has a contract in there for it. Typically they're all signed online, in a batch, but they don't have that option right now.

Wow. No wonder so many people speak about the Aether Foundation so fondly. They give Pokémon everything, along with their employees!]

"...then there's one about taxes, so I hope you plan on filing taxes while you spend your time in a prison..."

[He goes on. Just covering the Foundation legally. Gladion's job.]

[Henry nods.]

Uh-huh. Yeah, yeah, I’ll do whatever if it means I never this brat again.

Now gimme a pen and hand over the papers.

[He reaches his hand through the cell, expecting to be handed the papers(and a pen) to sign.]

[Theodore tried to keep up the smirk, but it was obvious it hurt a little to see his own father so eager to be rid of him.]

Probably should hurry this up. Best we aren’t here too long.

"Damn, alright."

[Gladion pulls a pen from his pocket and hands it to Henry. Kind enough, Gladion has organized the papers by where they need parental signature. Including the work permit.

It genuinely did kind of hurt to see how little Henry cares for Theodore. Not that Gladion isn't used to that, Lusamine cared about the same when he left. It's a miracle she changed her attitude about him.]

[Henry snatches the pen and begins to sign the various papers.]

Jesus, this much shit to sign just so this runt can get a job?

[After a few minutes and some muttered words, Henry finishes signing and filling out the papers and hands it to Gladion.]

There, now is that all? Or do you have more stuff to bother me with?

"Well, the Aether Foundation is also providing housing, insurance, loan assistance, paid time off, transportation, so on, so yes, this job in particular. Most places he'd just need the completed work permit."

[Ah. But the Foundation is quite literally an all in one. Gladion thumbs through the papers. One, two, three, five, it's got this and that and, yeah, that's everything. Gladion looks over to Theodore.]

"I have everything I need to employ you. Do you need anything generally?"

[Suddenly (again), Gladion and Theodore made it to wherever Henry is being held in police custody. Gladion walks in with confidence, to the first officer at the desk.]

"We need to see someone who's being held captive. Henry Jackson."

[Geez, last time Gladion was here, he was talking to the force regarding Lusamine. Not so good memories, since they asked him if he wanted to press charges for child neglect. Guzma almost made him say yes.

However, it's been, six to eight years? Gladion didn't grow that much taller, his dad was short unfortunately for him, but he's definitely matured. Not to mention he's an adult now.]

[The officer nods.]

Right this way.

[The officer leads the two to the cell where Henry is being held, the man looks up and glares at them.]

What’re you doing here? Here to rub it in?

[He spat at the two.]

Unless ya got something actually worth my time, fuck off.

"Your son is here to partially rub it in. I'm here on different terms."

[Gladion's smile is threatening. It's the type of smile a business man with shady connections gives a dude. Given, Gladion's work is very clean, but he knows what he's doing.]

"Legally, you are required to sign some papers in regards to your son working. Not that you would know, but, you're the only person in the picture that can actually agree that your son can work."

[... luckily Gladion stopped by the printer before they left. He holds a vanilla folder in his hands, likely containing said paperwork.]

"I just need your information on a few things. A few signatures. Then you'll never have to see my face again; Unless you mess with my business, of course."

[He feels like he's being more intimidating than usual. Though perhaps it's because of his own nerves being on a high. At least Guzma taught him a thing or two.]

Give it here. If it means I never have to see that little shit again then I’ll sign it.

[He sits up, still glaring but now at least excited to finally be rid of Theodore.]

[Theodore smirks.]

How’s it feel to be behind bars, deadbeat?

[Henry just snarled.]

Oh shut up! Not like you’re doing much better, you’re fuckin homeless.

At least I’m not in a jail cell.

FUCK YOU!

[Theodore chuckles a little, enjoying getting to piss off Henry like this.]

[Gladion simply shakes his head as they banter. The paperwork is placed on the desk and open space that the two share, the bars physically separating Henry.]

"The first one's a work permit, your half. The other is a release of medical documents. Then there's..."

[He just goes on.

Basically, most of these papers are just signing for the Aether Foundation (and/or whoever is in charge) to be able to finance and provide a person with their benefits. Health insurance, education, literal housing, you name it, Gladion probably has a contract in there for it. Typically they're all signed online, in a batch, but they don't have that option right now.

Wow. No wonder so many people speak about the Aether Foundation so fondly. They give Pokémon everything, along with their employees!]

"...then there's one about taxes, so I hope you plan on filing taxes while you spend your time in a prison..."

[He goes on. Just covering the Foundation legally. Gladion's job.]

[Henry nods.]

Uh-huh. Yeah, yeah, I’ll do whatever if it means I never this brat again.

Now gimme a pen and hand over the papers.

[He reaches his hand through the cell, expecting to be handed the papers(and a pen) to sign.]

[Theodore tried to keep up the smirk, but it was obvious it hurt a little to see his own father so eager to be rid of him.]

Probably should hurry this up. Best we aren’t here too long.

"Damn, alright."

[Gladion pulls a pen from his pocket and hands it to Henry. Kind enough, Gladion has organized the papers by where they need parental signature. Including the work permit.

It genuinely did kind of hurt to see how little Henry cares for Theodore. Not that Gladion isn't used to that, Lusamine cared about the same when he left. It's a miracle she changed her attitude about him.]

(Rocket's Apprentice!)

[Alone. For once. Everything is hopeless. Up until someone taps near Theodore's foot before stepping beside him.]

"Talk."

[Norway? Haven't they both been plagued with missions galore recently?]

"To me."

[She's always few on words.]

// @ask-professorautumnmaple

[He instinctively gets up and stands at attention.]

Ah, miss Norway.

[He bows for a moment before standing up, his hands politely behind his back.]

Talk to you? About what?

[He knew what it was, but he was hoping she wouldn’t bring it up.]

[He couldn’t truly say much, either. No matter how much he wanted Valeria dead, he owed the team. He couldn’t go against that now.]

"At ease."

[Norway rolls her wrist to tap his shoulder, but she doesn't actually tap him at all. It's not appropriate here. She just knows it isn't.]

"Anything. Your bruises?"

[The latter is a suggestion; This is as close to worry as he's going to get her. Norway clearly wants to know though.]

"Looking worse than when we met."

…I am in a fine condition.

[It was a lie, she could see the bruises on his face and arms.]

If you will not cease, however.. then I suppose I can speak a little about it.

[He sits down in a chair in the training room.]

…I’ve stood over her sleeping form many types, yet I can never bring myself to kill her. I am becoming tired of this cycle. I would ask you to aid me, but I doubt that would turn out very well.

[Huh. So he had the same thoughts she did about killing Valeria.]

#tw implied abuse #cw implied abuse #rocket's assassin!🌀#// this is all meant for misinterpretation because Norway speaks so minimally #// basically “I've been planning too. She's fallen to low priority to me though with missions. Giovanni is aware of Valeria. I'm sorry.”

"I'm planning."

[...so they both were planning.]

"Just busy. Valeria is, ah, low priority... to me."

[Norway is struggling to keep her words minimal for once.]

"I– I'm trying. Boss knows."

[With such a wide dictionary, why does she feel out of place? With nothing to say?]

"Sorry."

(Rocket's Apprentice!)

[Alone. For once. Everything is hopeless. Up until someone taps near Theodore's foot before stepping beside him.]

"Talk."

[Norway? Haven't they both been plagued with missions galore recently?]

"To me."

[She's always few on words.]

// @ask-professorautumnmaple

[He instinctively gets up and stands at attention.]

Ah, miss Norway.

[He bows for a moment before standing up, his hands politely behind his back.]

Talk to you? About what?

[He knew what it was, but he was hoping she wouldn’t bring it up.]

[He couldn’t truly say much, either. No matter how much he wanted Valeria dead, he owed the team. He couldn’t go against that now.]

#rocket's assassin!🌀#// not “pressing” him but she's pressing him lol

"At ease."

[Norway rolls her wrist to tap his shoulder, but she doesn't actually tap him at all. It's not appropriate here. She just knows it isn't.]

"Anything. Your bruises?"

[The latter is a suggestion; This is as close to worry as he's going to get her. Norway clearly wants to know though.]

"Looking worse than when we met."

Love's redundant but so is a potential partner's gender.

#rocket's assassin!🌀#// basically she's saying “I'm pansexual and I genuinely don't care”#// happy pride month?

[Suddenly (again), Gladion and Theodore made it to wherever Henry is being held in police custody. Gladion walks in with confidence, to the first officer at the desk.]

"We need to see someone who's being held captive. Henry Jackson."

[Geez, last time Gladion was here, he was talking to the force regarding Lusamine. Not so good memories, since they asked him if he wanted to press charges for child neglect. Guzma almost made him say yes.

However, it's been, six to eight years? Gladion didn't grow that much taller, his dad was short unfortunately for him, but he's definitely matured. Not to mention he's an adult now.]

[The officer nods.]

Right this way.

[The officer leads the two to the cell where Henry is being held, the man looks up and glares at them.]

What’re you doing here? Here to rub it in?

[He spat at the two.]

Unless ya got something actually worth my time, fuck off.

"Your son is here to partially rub it in. I'm here on different terms."

[Gladion's smile is threatening. It's the type of smile a business man with shady connections gives a dude. Given, Gladion's work is very clean, but he knows what he's doing.]

"Legally, you are required to sign some papers in regards to your son working. Not that you would know, but, you're the only person in the picture that can actually agree that your son can work."

[... luckily Gladion stopped by the printer before they left. He holds a vanilla folder in his hands, likely containing said paperwork.]

"I just need your information on a few things. A few signatures. Then you'll never have to see my face again; Unless you mess with my business, of course."

[He feels like he's being more intimidating than usual. Though perhaps it's because of his own nerves being on a high. At least Guzma taught him a thing or two.]

Give it here. If it means I never have to see that little shit again then I’ll sign it.

[He sits up, still glaring but now at least excited to finally be rid of Theodore.]

[Theodore smirks.]

How’s it feel to be behind bars, deadbeat?

[Henry just snarled.]

Oh shut up! Not like you’re doing much better, you’re fuckin homeless.

At least I’m not in a jail cell.

FUCK YOU!

[Theodore chuckles a little, enjoying getting to piss off Henry like this.]

[Gladion simply shakes his head as they banter. The paperwork is placed on the desk and open space that the two share, the bars physically separating Henry.]

"The first one's a work permit, your half. The other is a release of medical documents. Then there's..."

[He just goes on.

Basically, most of these papers are just signing for the Aether Foundation (and/or whoever is in charge) to be able to finance and provide a person with their benefits. Health insurance, education, literal housing, you name it, Gladion probably has a contract in there for it. Typically they're all signed online, in a batch, but they don't have that option right now.

Wow. No wonder so many people speak about the Aether Foundation so fondly. They give Pokémon everything, along with their employees!]

"...then there's one about taxes, so I hope you plan on filing taxes while you spend your time in a prison..."

[He goes on. Just covering the Foundation legally. Gladion's job.]

[Suddenly (again), Gladion and Theodore made it to wherever Henry is being held in police custody. Gladion walks in with confidence, to the first officer at the desk.]

"We need to see someone who's being held captive. Henry Jackson."

[Geez, last time Gladion was here, he was talking to the force regarding Lusamine. Not so good memories, since they asked him if he wanted to press charges for child neglect. Guzma almost made him say yes.

However, it's been, six to eight years? Gladion didn't grow that much taller, his dad was short unfortunately for him, but he's definitely matured. Not to mention he's an adult now.]

[The officer nods.]

Right this way.

[The officer leads the two to the cell where Henry is being held, the man looks up and glares at them.]

What’re you doing here? Here to rub it in?

[He spat at the two.]

Unless ya got something actually worth my time, fuck off.

#alt!brillarverse!🌀#// for the context #// Gladion being a smug ass seeing Henry behind bars

"Your son is here to partially rub it in. I'm here on different terms."

[Gladion's smile is threatening. It's the type of smile a business man with shady connections gives a dude. Given, Gladion's work is very clean, but he knows what he's doing.]

"Legally, you are required to sign some papers in regards to your son working. Not that you would know, but, you're the only person in the picture that can actually agree that your son can work."

[... luckily Gladion stopped by the printer before they left. He holds a vanilla folder in his hands, likely containing said paperwork.]

"I just need your information on a few things. A few signatures. Then you'll never have to see my face again; Unless you mess with my business, of course."

[He feels like he's being more intimidating than usual. Though perhaps it's because of his own nerves being on a high. At least Guzma taught him a thing or two.]

Guess what

CHEESE MINIGUN™!!!

Huh. What.

#general!🌀#// ooc

[The child was getting ready to leave Aether Paradise.

He had nothing more to do there. He didn’t get the job, he helped stop Henry, he could figure out the blood coming from his mouth later. His winter jacket was back in, he took out Gallade’s pokeball.]

Alright.. guess shit’s fucked.

Time to head back to Paldea.

[Suddenly: Gladion.]

"Kid– fuck– Theodore."

[He's fidgeting with the clip on his sleeve, the one he placed back earlier when he thought he was going to have to battle.]

"I got one thing to tell you before you leave this place and what, never return? Sure."

[Gladion bites his lip again, the side without the piercing.]

"I don't know entirely why you're here. I don't entirely know why you fought your dad when you clearly didn't have to. However, I come from roots that your actions typically mean that I owe you a favor, now. A big one. You saved the Foundation a couple thousand dollars, not to mention a few lives and multiple Pokémon."

[Dear Arceus, he sounds like Guzma making affairs with other gangs. It's a quiet thing amongst them; Do something like that and someone of power owes you.]

"Name it. Name something I could give you within reason. One not against the law, one that wouldn't ruin the Foundation, one that wouldn't ruin my character, within reason."

[Being in Team Skull toughened him a bit. Gave him morals that he probably didn't need. But they're bleeding through here. Though, in the past, this type of thing has done him well before... For the most part.

Unfortunately, Gladion has had to humiliate himself a bit due to these favors, hence the clause "one that wouldn't ruin my character."]

[He looks to Gladion and thinks.]

[He didn’t really do it for a favor, he just saw a man trying to break in and his guard instincts took over.]

[But.. he wouldn’t have had to do that if the guards were competent.]

[He, for the first time since that day, slowly got a smirk on his face.]

Well.. within reason..

I’d say it would be pretty within reason to ask for that guard position.

[Suddenly, he felt a little more confident himself.]

I can beat grown adults in fights, i don’t fall asleep on my position.

[Now that was just a jab.]

I’ll meet whatever conditions you want. You wanna take my weapons away? Sure, I’ll meet whatever conditions you want me to meet if it means I can get that position.

[Shit. Did he really say that? Whatever, too late to turn back now.]

I can prove I’m good for the position! Just name what I have to do.

[Wow. He’s suddenly way more confident than he was in the interview. Is that all it took for him to get a little self confidence back?]

"I– I'm shutting that down. I legally can not have a fifteen year old as a guard. Law says you gotta be eighteen unarmed or twenty-one armed. That's against the law."

[Gladion looks at his phone. Wicke is so going to kill him.]

"But if you want a position generally, I can make that happen. Lusamine and my Ma are gonna kill me. Even I'm unsure about hiring you entirely, but clearly there's more to you than I think. You're clearly competent in a position here otherwise."

[He narrows his eyes on Theodore. Perhaps they have more in common than they think. Rough upbringing, violent tendencies... but just want the best for everyone.

And ultimately, the Aether Foundation is probably the best fresh start Theodore could get. Shelter, food, a paying job, other good benefits (seriously, Gladion really just wants people to be happy).]

"Would a lower, less violent position suffice? Same benefits, you'd be trained, you'll more than likely be caretaking Pokémon over people breaking into the building..."

[If anything, to Gladion at least, that sounds so much better.]

"...the works."

[It’s not what he’s trained to do, but.. that sounds like a real fresh start.]

…You’re really offering me that? No bullshit?

[He analyzes Gladion and doesn’t see any hit of deceit, his smirk slowly turns to a grin as he begins to nod.]

Ok.. yeah. I’ll take you up on that.

[A position at all in the Aether Foundation would be huge, honestly.]

Wait, I’m NOT supposed to be allowed to be a guard at this age?

[Holy shit. Team Brillar just gets more unethical the longer he’s out of it.]

Whatever, short answer is yeah. I’d love that, it would.. honestly really help, actually.

[A sigh. One problem solved and now Gladion has fifteen more. He's gonna get chewed out by Wicke. So bad. He's more concerned about Wicke's reaction than Lusamine's!]

"Good. Glad that's organized. Now for my next question..."

[After all. Fifteen year old boy. Getting hired by the Aether Foundation, a job most adults get for all of the benefits. Now a child needs to receive that. And legally, Theodore's signature means nothing.]

"... who's going to sign the work permit and other paperwork?"

[well shit.]

…Has Henry been taken away yet?

If not, I’m sure we could “convince” him to sign it.

[And by convince, he means threaten!]

[Henry’s kind of a weak ass anyways, they could probably make him do it pretty easily as long as the police haven’t taken him away yet.]

If he has, then.. I don’t know. That’s my only “guardian”.

"Last I knew, he was taken into Police custody. We could visit and ask. Given his name is on your birth certificate, it's gotta be him or your other guardian named on there."

[Little did Gladion know he was stepping towards a landmine ready to blow.]

"Though I'm going to assume they're out of the picture."

[More like a safe assumption. Didn't Theodore mention something about his mom when Gladion finally made it?]

"Sounds like there's only one option if we're doing this legally."

[They can make it quick. The strange man known as Theodore's dad did say he'd likely escape due to whatever connections he's got. While Gladion is sure the police are more than competent at their jobs, it's easier to get it done sooner than later.

The next ferry isn't going to be in for another hour or three. That leaves one option.]

"...how do you feel about riding a boat?"

…A boat?

[Well, this’ll be a new experience.]

Well, if it’ll get us to him then I wouldn’t mind.

[He just needs that asshole to sign whatever needs to be signed so he can get this job and have a somewhat fresh start.]

I didn’t even know there were boats here, honestly. I teleported here via Gallade.

[Well, that explains a lot.]