“I’m not sure if you’re aware, But i’m afraid this floor is off limits to lower ranks... How’d you get up here anyways? YOu need a specific card Key to get onto this floor.”
He was balancing on a chair while sucking on a piece of honey candy while the man was taking a look at his Pokémon. That kind of bi-monthly checkup was always more a pain to sit through than anything, and with a lack of a better things to do in the meantime, Ryou often took it as an opportunity to do what he did best: complain.
Eli was kind enough to hear him out, but then came the younger grunt's least favourite part: someone actually answering his venting with some well meaning advice. He really didn't do the whole pep talk stuff, so he just responded with a roll of his eyes.
“Jeez, did you listen to a single word of what I even said? I don’t intend on leaving it here.” Ryou responded in his most deadpan tone. “It’s not like I have anywhere else to go anyway. I was talking about giving up on getting promoted.”
"It just feels really unfair, you know. Being stuck at the bottom of the ladder just because I’m underage. The execs all talk big about how the Team’s all about giving people what they deserve, but if that was the case I’d already be wearing that white uniform.”
The Rattata seemed somewhat confused by the kindness he was being shown, but his initial surprise passed, he nuzzled against the human’s hand, beckoning him to continue. Ryou took notice of this, of course, and felt like he had to add a comment of his own there.
“Wait, were you talking to Zed just now? ‘Cause you really don’t worry about him, he gets his job done and I keep him fed. He literally has nothing else to worry about. That’s what he’s for, yeah?“
@rocketheorum sent: “ they tell me you’re the one to go to for… well. my particular problem. ” 👀👀👀
Let him up to see me right away--this visitor is not to be interfered with.
Following Eris’s stern orders, Devon’s airtight security begrudgingly prepares special privileges for the lead researcher’s latest guest. The Corporation’s elite guards grumble to themselves as they move aside barriers, punch in key codes to locked entrances, and override state-of-the-art bioscanners, allowing Eli easy access into the heart of the mammoth company’s operations...and her office, one of the few rooms located on the Rustboro building’s top floor. It isn’t long before the ex-Rocket is standing in the doorway, hesitantly making his presence known. Eli is clearly uncomfortable, uncertain about all of this...but he’s come all the way out to Hoenn for this meeting, so this opportunity must be significant to him. All things considered, he’s made up his mind rather quickly, arriving just days after Felisa’s visit...and Eris is so, so pleased.
A warm, rehearsed smile flies to her lips as she rises from behind her polished mahogany desk to greet the long-traveled soul. Felisa is here too, emerging from the back of the room with a graceful twirl and bow towards the doorway.
“You must be Eli Saito. Felisa here has told me so much about you,” Eris replies warmly, her eyes twinkling as curiosity thrums hungrily in her veins. “I apologize for the abrupt nature of our contact. Felisa tells me that she was attracted to your unique abilities, and...I just had to investigate for myself. I am a researcher, after all.”
The Devon spokesperson lets out a light laugh, her glasses glinting in the welcoming sunbeams filtering through her office window. With a slight bow towards the ex-Rocket, her smile widens.
“My name is Eris Evans. I am the lead researcher here at the Devon Corporation,” she introduces. “Together with my team, I focus on creating cutting-edge products and technologies that will improve all lives, human and Pokemon alike.”
“And, I must say this, Mr. Saito,” she pauses, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. “You are one of the most fascinating individuals to ever walk through my office door. From what Felisa has told me, you do not have a problem--but a gift--a gift that has been taken advantage of by some unfortunate individuals. Mm, you must be so tired of being used, taken advantage of...”
Eris gives Eli’s shoulder a sympathetic squeeze, empathy glittering in her gaze.
“Here at Devon, I can show you how to use your abilities for a good cause, while still helping you forge your own path. You deserve a chance to grow, Mr. Saito, so...” The researcher drops her hand from his shoulder and extends it, her expression warm as ever, “...if you’d like that opportunity, it would be an honor to have you join us.”
POKEMON TALK! | no longer accepting (for now!) @rocketheorum
“My my...what a mess we have here,” Felisa tuts sympathetically, horns glowing as the Kirlia probes into Eli’s mind with her telepathic abilities. She examines the conflicted soul’s psyche with the tenderness of a surgeon, gentle eyes widening as many harrowing truths from Eli’s past become visible to her, an unenviable, whirling collection of sorrow and rage.
He is damaged...but not quite beyond repair. She could fix him. Eris could fix him.
“I sense so much power, so much potential here...” the deceptive Kirlia murmurs, beginning to spin her mental web, “...and yet, that same power is tearing you apart at the seams. You are angry, scared, and lost. Mm, yes--you have been used like a tool for so long, and they have taught you fear.”
Felisa twirls closer, her horns pulsing again as she projects soothing visions into Eli’s crowded mind--artificial promises of paradise, an escape. “Instead of viewing your abilities as burdens, you should look at them as gifts,” she whispers. “Those who seek to control you, keep you in line--they are afraid that you will realize the truth. They are afraid that you will realize how strong you really are.”
Her voice, her powers...they’re making this encounter feel like a dream. Felisa’s mind-numbing talents are usually reserved for the ultra-rich businessmen who fill Devon’s coffers, but Eli is a special case, an intriguing catch.
“You must feel so tired,” the Kirlia continues, peering into her subject’s bespectacled eyes. “So tired of running away, of being afraid. I would like to help you, if I can. How would you like to use your powers for good, with the backing of an organization that will never desert you?”
“I ask because my trainer would like to meet you. She is a high-ranking official at Hoenn’s Devon Corporation, which I trust you’ve heard of. Meetings with her are very rare, so she must have faith in your abilities,” Felisa concludes, turning on her heel with a nod. Her projected visions slowly begin to fade away, but her invitation remains, a contact number embedding itself within Eli’s memory. “Take some time to think on it, as long as you need. It’s a big choice, but just remember: we could provide a way for you to escape your downward spiral. A way out.”
“I trust you will make the right decision. We will be awaiting your call.”
❛ please don’t do this, don’t act like you care. ❜ --rocketheorum
There's a look of almost pity in Sam's eyes as he watches the young man. Though never being so cruel as to actually pity anyone, instead concerned for his wellbeing. Hopeful for a brighter future. And sad, even, that his first reaction to someone finding out such a well kept secret would be hatred. Would be anger, malice, mistrust, so many negative emotions even Sam could feel it.
His words were soft, slow. Almost like speaking to a frightened pokemon as he sucked in a breath, let it out slow.
"I wouldn't act like I didn't care if I didn't truly worry about your predicament."
Keeping his distance, Rotom peeking out from behind the professor's shoulders.
"I'm afraid I don't have it in me to NOT care, stranger. But if you would rather me leave, rather me forget-- I can do that. I don't want to make your situation -- or you -- any worse off. Honestly."
There’s not many that approach him directly. Even Leon’s most die-hard supporters are intimidated by his ace, easily towering over crowds and opposing pokemon alike without the need for any Dynamax influence. It’s not hard to see why, especially up close like this.
The muscles ripple underneath his scales as he moves closer, slit pupils flexing as he examines the person in front of him.
Were they an opponent?
A fans?
A simple pokemon enthusiast, unaware of the legend they were standing in the presence of?
He looms in silence for a moment longer before that head finally lowers, his snout puffing hot air against the stranger’s shoulder as he nudges against it. An invitation for pets, since that was what people tended to want during these sorts of impromptu meetings, but light enough that he can be pushed away without too much trouble.
❝ If you have any pressing business, I suggest you state it now. Once Leon moves on to the next Route, I'll be going with him. ❞