#rockheadcd

Well. At least one of them is excited for this. "Been real curious about how you pilot, so I think it'll be plenty of fun! Hehe—" It's corporate work, it should not be this exciting....

Honestly, Volkner was busier checking over the data provided alongside the briefing to look at the people present at said briefing. He's already had plenty of sorties under Balam before, saving some time by reading what they sent over and get ready to deploy isn't hurting anyone, right? Not like the liaison would complain— if the job gets done and it doesn't horribly backfire then he has nothing to worry about.

Of course, that means that Volkner was not looking at the other listed participants in the briefing, or listening enough to clock in the part about another mercenary being involved in this sortie. His head snaps up when hearing his callsign being yelled by an unfortunately familiar voice, and lips are pressed into a thin line to keep his grimacing to himself when he finds, in fact, the far too happy pilot approaching. It takes a little more self restrain than he'd like to not react strongly when he's walking far closer than Volkner is comfortable with, and that's still not quite enough to stop him from tensing up when he's touched so suddenly. And then he stares at him, processing. Wait, is he really—

"... You are the other mercenary?" There's even a hint of disbelief in his voice— yes, he was preparing himself to have to deal with someone else dragged along this sortie, but... Volkner just sighs to himself, frowning. Guess there's no getting around him this time around, huh. And he can't even just mute comms and go off by himself, great.

[ text ] yo great news i got permission to dress up some of the guys for halloween

The attached image is the two bipedal 'mons staring at the camera, in which Lucario at least looks somewhat bemused, but Zeraora is glancing over warily, clearly confused as to why Roark must have called for their attention. They're still working on that.

[ text ] i can't NOT dress up aura to look like uncle riley tbh, but i'm kinda stumped on zeraora atm

[ text ] volk is gonna punch me if i just put his jacket on him and say he's cosplaying even though they look the same 🙄

[ text ] got any ideas? i don't want to overwhelm the poor cat, he's still getting used to being around humans even if i live in bumfuck nowhere... but it would be nice to introduce him to the festivities and partake in the fun!

[ text ] i could make him a mummy or something but if there's something more creative i'm open to anything :D

Dawn was sat in the manor's library when the texts and images came through, phone buzzing noisily on the wood table as each message was received. After marking her place in her book, she sets it aside and picks her phone up, midnight eyes scanning over the texts.

[✉️ -> roark] : stop omfg thats so cute

The costume for Lucario was, of course, instantly recognized by Dawn. The Zeraora, on the other hand, didn't look as amused as Aura did, though.

[✉️ -> roark] : ngl i would have suggested the same thing for zeraora. i think riley would have died at the costumes if you went that route lmao

[✉️ -> roark] : azrael is kind of the same with costumes. he gets overwhelmed with things that are too tight or restrictive. probably wouldnt recommend putting any sort of collar or anything like that on him? that was my first and last mistake with az. i have a scar on my arm from how much he hated it in fact. maybe something he can get out of easily when he decides hes had enough

She taps the armrest of the chair with her nail, mulling over some ideas.

So, it's like the Volkner equivalent of a poké flute? hell yeah ! nothin' says don't mess with us quite like having a guy like that at the ready for a prompt ass kicking.

Now, there was little use in mailing—whatever was forwarded to the league was bound to be jam-packed with a number of gifts, especially after the gauntlet of holidays that have occurred since the turn of the new year, bound to be lost under mysterious circumstances. No, he needed to go directly, but alas... it didn't seem like Fumiko was around...? She must be busy with her own things. Ah, oh well. He's been through this building enough times to find his way around without bothering another administrator for directions ( and most offices, naturally, he tended to avoid ).

And so, he leaves his little valentine on her desk, clear from pending paperwork, with a note and name—'Thank you for your hard work! Please enjoy these silk chrysanthemums as a token of my appreciation. :)' Floaroma was known for it's floral arrangements, but who said they didn't embrace the craft of imitation? And with that, Oreburgh's gym leader is off to his next destination.

"What is the meaning of this--"

A shellshocked Fumiko regards Roark's delivered gift with nervous apprehension, slowly drawing closer to the flowers (as if afraid they're going to bite her.) Her sharp features are thoroughly flustered, and her ears are bright red with embarrassment.

Slipping fresh latex gloves over her trembling hands, the flummoxed PA plucks the cute card from its display...and her eyes widen as she digests the handwritten message. I-impossible! Flowers, just for her...?

"There...there must be some mistake--" Fumiko sputters, somehow growing even redder. "No, no...these must be for Miss Cynthia. I-I haven't even done anything for that stupid mine boy lately...!"

Fumiko's Gulpin gurgles in agreement and moves hungrily towards the flowers...only to be swatted away by his harried trainer. "...Stop that!" the assistant hisses instinctively, snatching the gift up and cradling it in her arms protectively. "I'll...I suppose I'll have to keep an eye on these. Until Miss Cynthia returns, that is--"

At Steven's behest, Lucy takes a few steps further into the office...and that's it. The champion's invitation to take a seat--along with his generous offer of medicine--is ignored, the Pike Queen folding her arms and rocking back on her heels instead.

(What can she say? This pounding hangover--and mandatory meeting--has Lucy in a childishly rebellious mood today. Their interaction hasn't ever started--and most people would kill for a single moment of the champion's time--but she's so over it already. Damn you, Scott...!)

Her tired gaze falls upon the garnet tumbling between Steven's fingers, a muttered, whispered curse hissing from her lips. Ugh. What a waste of time--

"...It's treating me fine," the Queen mumbles begrudgingly, waiting a few beats before responding to her host's question. Fists clench and unclench at her sides. "Whenever a trainer comes to challenge me at the Pike, I battle them. That's my job, and I've never missed a fight."