ardent | 009. Anonymous Text/Action for Goldenrod City

[ANONYMOUS TEXT]

[The anon text on the network tonight is simple and to-the-point, hitting at about eleven at night; it seems that somebody isn't sleeping easily.]

Is there a way to stop hating someone?

If not, is there at least a way to stop being so angry about it all the time?

[ACTION]

[While he's not straying too far from the house he and his classmates have more or less taken over (with the assistance of a ridiculous amount of Eevees), Ishimaru can be found wandering around outside tonight; he's staying close to the breeding center and the like, but he's definitely seeming more restless than usual, his actions aimless. He's been having difficulty sleeping for almost a week now; it probably shows in his mannerisms and his speech - everything has been seeming less enthusiastic than usual - but he's been trying to keep up appearances, if nothing else.

At least he's not alone for the time being; he's got Eeveemaru with him - one of the members of the great furball legion from the house, all decked out in what looks like a little replica of Ishimaru's coat and armband (because if Togami thinks he's getting any aspect of this back - Eevee or outfit - he's got another thought coming to him, apparently). The thing is just kind of chilling on his shoulders for now, seeming a bit bewildered at being outside at a reasonably late hour but not too bothered otherwise; once in a while it bats at something not visible to anyone but there nonetheless - seems he's got Aiko with him as well, though the Misdreavus isn't visible for now.

It's late, and he's tired, but at least the night is nice, if a bit overcast. Maybe it'll rain soon, who knows. He just doesn't feel like being inside.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Someone else has decided tonight is a good night to get some air. This someone isn't exactly the sort of company Ishimaru might prefer, however.

At first it's a set of watchful eyes from the top of a building roof, but the figure slips down silently to follow at a distance, a hooded jacket over the usual Team Rocket uniform.

He's still in training, with no mission assigned to him and no real reason to leave the city, but that doesn't mean he can't feed his own curiosity now and then.]

[Aiko notices the person following them well before Ishimaru does; he's trained her into doing things like that, into keeping an eye on their surroundings even when he can't or isn't inclined to for whatever reason, and he can feel her tensing up nearby.

He glances in her direction briefly, even though he can't see her; just...keep quiet for now. There's no sense in getting worked up over random passersby, even if it is late...]

[The space between the two of them grows smaller as Itachi hastens his own pace. His hands are in the pockets of his jacket, his posture casual.

He keeps track of the pokemon at the other's side, trying to mentally judge how his own would fare against them. Though honestly, he's not much up for an actual battle at the moment. Not with them.]

[More of that weird tension from Aiko; Ishimaru just allows himself to take a deep breath before turning around to face whomever's approaching. If all else fails...well. He has a history of keeping tiny overleveled things on him, and Aiko is no exception to that; she'll throw Protect out if something bad comes of this.

After all, while massive powerhouses are good things to have in formal battles, in his experience you're more likely to get jumped in a hallway or a small back room or a space the size of your average shower than you are an open field.]

It's kind of late to be out! Is everything okay?

[His tone is blunted and more than a bit loud, but that's more par for the course than anything.]

[Itachi says nothing, but stops to stare at the one he'd been following. His gaze is cold, but also likely hidden by his hood. What wouldn't be hidden is the big red R on the boy's chest.

He wants to see, honestly, how others react to this uniform.]

[And for a moment Ishimaru just stares at him, sizing him up more than anything; this is a kid, apparently, if the build is any indication, though he can't see his face due to the hood and -

...oh.

His eyes widen as he sees that insignia; at the same time, his response probably isn't going to be anything like what would be expected from most civilians in Goldenrod.

He moves forward quickly, closing some of the distance between them without moving to touch; his voice is sharp, urgent, but he's obviously trying to keep his volume down somewhat.]

What are you doing - we shouldn't be wearing that in public, and if you're trying to steal from me you're robbing the wrong side. Do you want to get in trouble?

[Mnnnnnnnnnnnnngh, just. Give him a moment.]

Don't you have any other clothes? If you don't, I'm sure I could find something for you, but...

[When Ishimaru moves closer, Itachi automatically shifts into a slightly more defensive position, but this relaxes as the other continues to talk. He doesn't care about being seen in public like this for the time being. The whole point of the design is to cover one's appearance, isn't it?

He just regards the teen coolly, not at all put off by the way he's being reprimanded. While getting the reaction of a civilian would have been preferable, he can still learn something from this.]

Name.

Rank.

[He has the set of clothes he arrived in, but that's not important at the moment.]

[Ishimaru just folds his arms at that; seriously boy are you stupid - ]

Yours first.

[Unfazed:] Uchiha Itachi. Grunt. Newly recruited.

[And a look back - your turn.]

009. Anonymous Text/Action for Goldenrod City

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