[A week passes. Still no word from Philippe. The Rust Syndicate's eyes and ears throughout the city report on the various happenings - disappearances, injuries, people suddenly withdrawing from the Z-A Royale and the like - but they haven't found anything else. Even with that fantastic piece of evidence, Emma hasn't been able to pin anything on anyone either, it seems. It's so damn frustrating. The only thing he really has to look forward to are battles with Jacinthe, because everything else feels like struggling to swim with a lead weight dragging him under.
But it seems that things aren't going well even in the SBC's little paradise either. It's been hard to figure out exactly what had Jacinthe so flustered in that letter, but eventually he overheard the servants talking about "the Madam and Master" and he can only assume that means Jacinthe's parents. She's old money, and that money must come from somewhere, so they're undoubtedly the ones behind Jacinthe's free-for-all spending. Corbeau's curious about them, sure, but that isn't the reason why he's been sticking around despite every single warning (verbal from Jacinthe and otherwise) telling him to get the hell out.
He's never seen Jacinthe this flustered. He didn't think anything could rile her like this. It isn't her fearsome temper, it's... fear, maybe. She starts refusing battles and focuses on making everything just so, and Corbeau feels even more like a Magikarp out of water in this hall. Seems like the deadline's fast approaching, because Jacinthe is treating the servants far worse than usual when he looks into the room.]
Are they really going to scour every inch of this place looking for dust?
[Hiya, Jacinthe, guess who didn't leave and is still here.]
And what is with this carpet! I ordered it deep cleaned, not 'good enough' clean! If it doesn't look like new by the time they arrive, they will be very--
[It's in the midst of this yelling, grabbing a duster for herself and looking back so she can perfectionize another part of the house that Jacinthe's ears catch a familiar voice, and she practically whips her head around so fast that she gets whiplash.]
--Did I not tell you to make yourself scarce, Corbeau?
[There's no attempt at the pleasant politeness she always carries, not even her little darlings or dears or greetings; this is pure stress, and she's trying not to yell at him but--
Hang on, she's going to sashay past him to dust off something. It may have only had a tiny bit of dust on it, but she dusts it like there's no tomorrow.]
Of course I am; they will most assuredly check every inch of this house over! I need it to be perfect. It must be perfect for them, they'll accept no less.
And you need to leave, while there's still time. You can borrow Gardevoir's Poke Ball, even, if having her teleport you back to your headquarters is preferable, but I told you, you cannot be here for this.
You hired me for a job, remember? I can't keep you safe if I'm not here to look after you.
[It shouldn't be necessary for him to stay around her 24/7, but frankly, he doesn't trust the entirety of the SBC. He hasn't told her as much yet, because drawing her attention to those who are rude just out of earshot or rolling their eyes behind her back is mostly just going to be pointless. If she doesn't already know, then it'll just upset her and she doesn't need that right now. If she's already aware of it, it's just a slap in the face. So no, better to keep those concerns to himself and keep an eye out on his own. But leaving her alone is not a good idea, regardless of who's paying a visit to the place.]
What, are you worried my presence here's going to upset them?
[He's seen the way some of the SBC look at him, and it's not entirely unfamiliar. For those who recognize who he is, he's scum because he runs the damn mafia. For those who don't, he's just some common thug allowed to stay here for whatever reason. Doesn't matter to him. Their opinions mean nothing. Jacinthe's parents' thoughts won't matter any more than the rest - but this isn't about him. What exactly is it that she's so afraid of?]
[she's just peachy, whatever could give you the idea something's wrong!!!]
Corbeau, I appreciate your dedication to the job dearly! Please, do not think that I don't. And nor do I intend to take back the money I have already paid you for your services, I am not that kind of woman.
[Hang on, let her go stress dust here--no, no, priceless artifact, do not fall over, Jacinthe practically jumps as she barely catches it and puts it back just so.]
They are not to be trifled with, and they expect the best out of us all. The responsibility falls solely upon my shoulders to ensure all is perfect. If they see me associating with someone they deem unsightly, they'll...be most upset. Even if I explain the circumstances, they...
[And she does not want to upset them. If anything, 'most upset' seems to be the understatement of the century, and she shudders to think of how much worse they could have gotten since she saw them last. Give her a second while she tries to sashay by him again to clean something else--]
--It's no matter. I'm telling you, Corbeau; you need to go for now.
[He watches, silently, as she flits here and there. That cheery personality is trying so damn hard to convince him that she's fine and this is a perfectly normal thing, but every single word out of her mouth is further convincing him that this is the furthest thing from normal he's ever seen. Granted, almost everything here in the SBC has been "the furthest thing from normal he's ever seen", but that's not the point.]
Not that I particularly want to have some sort of confrontation with your parents, but what is it you think they'll do to me?
[They sound overbearing. But "overbearing" is likely an understatement, because some people would have called Lysandre "overbearing" once upon a time, before that mess with Team Flare. Corbeau doesn't have any frame of reference for anything like this. He's truly flying blind here, but leaving Jacinthe on her own to deal with these people seems... ill-advised. For as much of a pain as she can be at times, he's never seen her like this. He's never seen her worried or downright panicked - so what exactly are these parents of hers like?]
[She's not surprised. Most of her parent's reputation is pretty squeaky clean, just as they like it; even when everything happened with Team Flare five years ago, nobody even suspected them of giving any financial support or involvement or the like. Sure, the rumors existed, but they were firmly and quickly quashed.
And...]
I do not want to give them any reason to turn their eyes toward the Rust Syndicate, or anything they deem unsightly. Untidy to Lumiose's image. [jacinthe used double team--] Why on Arceus' green earth are you fighting so hard on this? I promise you, I only have your best interest in mind!
I'm sure they already know about the Rust Syndicate. It isn't like we're particularly quiet about our presence here.
[Quiet about some things, sure, but they're well-known enough that surely Jacinthe's parents have heard of them before. Sure, it's easier to turn a blind eye to them without the leader hanging out with their daughter, but this still seems a little... much.]
You didn't answer my question. What is it you think they'll do to us?
[Sure, he can see how pissing off two of the richest damn people in Kalos would be a problem, but it's not like the Rust Syndicate can't handle themselves. It's just strange to think that Jacinthe is truly so concerned about their safety. Is it her image she's actually worried about? Not that he really needs (or wants?) to ruin it, but this whole thing is just... baffling.]
I'm fighting because I don't get it. Why are you fighting so hard on this?
[at this rate, someone's just going to hurt themselves in confusion...]
[Jacinthe wants to scream. She doesn't want to give Corbeau more reason to worry about her, if he's not being just a stubborn, idiotic, absolute moronic cad, and she just wishes that he could take her words at face value and leave this to her. She doesn't want to explain it, explain them, because--]
I do not want to have this conversation, Corbeau--please, I just need you to take my word for this. Just this once. They have a habit of making unsightly things...disa--
[Jacinthe nearly ends up dropping the duster in her hand as she hears her mother's almost sing-song voice from beyond the door, and the servants are already mobilizing into action. They stand, back straight and in a single file line next to one another as the Madam and Master of the SBC make their ways inside.
They look normal, at first. Well traveled; Themida cuts a striking figure in a dress that looks too expensive to even consider wearing to a social gathering, along with a fur coat that has to have been made of at least several of one Pokemon, something so impossibly smooth looking that it almost looks like the cover of a magazine. She looks barely younger than her daughter, really; something that plastic surgery way outside of anyone reasonable's budget could ever afford. Her long white hair cascades down almost to the floor, and the Ariados that hangs out on one of her shoulders has it's eyes scanning around, acting more like a robot than a beloved partner Pokemon. The couple of Spinarak on it's back function similarly. She's opulent, she has a love for spiders, and she's the first inside.
The second almost looks normal in comparison to his wife; a pinstriped suit in bright pink makes him certainly look like a dandy of sorts, and his face almost seems friendly, a mustache covering most of his lips and everything about his posture seeming almost jovial, light. But a Houndoom growls and snarls next to him; it glares at the servants, who do everything in their power not to flinch under the weight of it's gaze. More senior employees can even be seen attempting to pat the shoulders of the newer ones--when they're not under the scrutinizing gazes of the two elders, of course. Both of them saunter into the building like they own the place, and as they get closer, everything about their vibes seem off.
Perhaps most notably is their eyes. Eyes that the light does not catch, despite their pretty pink hues. Something about them almost reads as soulless if you were to be truly heartless about it, but when they see Jacinthe, it's almost as if nothing is wrong. They rush up to their daughter, barely giving her a chance to prepare before they press kisses on her face, the image of affection.]
Jaci, doll, it's been far too long! Oh, look at you, pumpkin. Have you been sleeping well? Those eyes of yours look worse for wear, you know.
Y-Yes, Mother, I'm fine! [She's a little overwhelmed right now, especially as her Father pulls her into a hug that she does her best to return.] I'm so very sorry, I did not receive your letter until very soon after you arrived! I am just so shocked to see you two; I know you must be very busy!
Not to worry, little doll. [There's a sort of cold emphasis on that last word that you can make out, if only barely.] You know your Mama and Papa would spare no time to come on down and see how the Society has been faring, considering recent events! After all, connecting with the people of Lumiose and beyond is always our priority; we want to ensure everything is going well.
Yes, I am aware, Father. I appreciate that you both-- [That's...about when Jacinthe notices the Spinarak line beginning to move past her--past Corbeau, even, barely paying him any mind as they go about the house.] ...I thought I had asked you both in the past to keep your Pokemon in their Poke Balls, please.
Mmm, did you, doll? So sorry, we seem to have forgotten. You can forgive us this time...right?
[Jacinthe tenses, and the Houndoom stares right at her and growls.] ...Yes, Mother, I understand.
[Of course, their daughter isn't the only one here--it's about now that they look at Corbeau, and...their gaze seems colder somehow, both of their 'Jacinthe but worse' personalities dialed back entirely into something that looks down at the man they see. As if they see a mere insect in front of them, almost, though they wear smiles on their faces.]
...You didn't tell us you had guests, doll. [Rusco is the first to speak while his wife lights one of those insufferably long cigarettes--Jacinthe's attempt at stopping her mother stopped by yet another growl from that Houndoom.] Well, come on over, boy! We don't bite. Why don't you introduce yourself?
[Disappear? Is that how she planned to end it? Not entirely unheard of, though he would have expected financial ruin first. Still, her mounting panic and flustered words make it clear that this is not a foe he wants to get involved with if he can help it. Leaving her to face them alone still seems bad but—
Well. It's not like he has a choice now. Corbeau remains still, golden eyes flicking over the servants first as the duo enter, watching as they struggle beneath the weight of those gazes. Jacinthe's mother's good taste in Pokémon aside, they certainly are quite a lot, aren't they. It's rather obvious that they're her parents even outside of the appearances - they're just as jovial and aggressively themselves as she is. And once they get started, they just go. Stamping directly over their daughter in the process.
It's not entirely surprising, he supposes. They likely own everything here, which gives them all the authority they need to shrug off Jacinthe's requests. But then they turn their attention on him, and it's almost as though a spotlight's shining center stage on him. Showtime, then.]
Forgive the intrusion, it's my fault. [Easy, practiced, without a glance in Jacinthe's direction. He trusts that she can follow his lead.] My name is Corbeau; I wanted to discuss matters concerning the SBC, but it seems I chose a terrible time for it.
[He doesn't come out and say exactly who he is, but he figures they can probably connect the name to his position. It's not as though he's been particularly quiet about that either, after all. If they don't know, all the better, but if they do then that's simply something he's going to have to deal with. No backing down now.]
[Jacinthe gulps; she doesn't dare turn her gaze away from her parents for a moment, doing everything in her power not to sweat. Their gazes are practically unblinking as Corbeau introduces himself, eying him, sizing him up. The Houndoom stares right at him as he does, tail already flared up and ready to potentially go on an offensive.]
Corbeau...honey, we've heard that name before, haven't we?
Mmmhmm, indeed, we most certainly have. You're that Rust Syndicate boy, aren't you? The one who took over in recent years. [There's nothing underneath that faux happy demeanor, nothing to indicate that this is anything but a friendly confirmation of some information. Their stares don't abate regardless.] Name's Rusco, senior operative of the SBC branches in Alola and Hoenn--formerly Kalos, as well.
Well, isn't this funny! I wonder what my daughter could be doing, associating with a business like yours, boy.
[Jacinthe tenses at that, unsure of if to speak or not; Themida winds up speaking faster.]
Regardless...it is a pleasure to meet you, I suppose. Themida; the pleasure's mine. [She looks over to her daughter and back to him, before letting her body language go slack--scattering more ashes from her cigarette onto the floor.] I can't fathom what a loan company would want to do with us, but it's really no matter. I'm frankly parched from the trip over.
[As if on cue, two of the senior most servants dart off--likely to gather refreshment.]
Well, impressions aside...if you're here on business, boy, you can join us for tea. We insist! We wanted to catch up with matters concerning our little girl here anyway, but I don't see any reason we can't use this as an opportunity to get to know each other real nice. What say you?
[Jacinthe looks back to Corbeau, though her look doesn't give any indication of what answer he should choose. She's praying he runs.
(She hopes he doesn't. She doesn't want to get left alone with them.)]
["Boy"... he knows it's probably because he's younger than them but still... he is a full-grown man...
Regardless, he keeps his mouth shut. He's fully prepared to claim that this was entirely his doing and not Jacinthe's, but Themida dismisses it before he gets a word in edgewise. Probably for the best; if he ends up looking too friendly with her, that might cause a whole other set of problems.
Corbeau's gaze darts to Jacinthe for a moment, but her expression is carefully composed so as to give nothing away. Her parents would likely notice if she was trying to give him an answer, after all. He could use this moment to escape the conversation - and a good amount of him is telling him to get the hell out of dodge because everything about this reads as wrong, wrong, wrong - but he agreed to keep Jacinthe safe when he took her money. He can't exactly do that if he flees in the face of danger, now can he? Even if it's exceptionally unlikely for her parents to harm a hair on her head, it's his job to make sure she's safe.
He certainly wasn't expecting it to be this much of a struggle, though.]
As long as I'm not taking too much of your time, I'd be honored.
[He smiles easily and silently starts going through every single (pointless, useless) etiquette lesson he'd once learned to (pointlessly) impress Lysandre. Things like that never mattered, and he knew it, but damn if he isn't glad that he did some research into that nonsense now. He's by no means an expert, but hopefully he can get through tea with them and make it out with no one hurt.
(It's a struggle to keep his hands still and away from his belt; with Pokémon staring him down like that, he desperately wants Scolipede out. But doing that could be taken as a threat, and he can't take that risk. It's fine, he tells himself. It's fine.)]
Not at all, boy. It's not very often that our business gets guests when we visit! We should always make the most of the opportunity.
Lead the way, Jaci! Chop chop, before the tea gets cold.
[Jacinthe bows her head low enough to expose the back of her neck to them, and she plasters on a bright smile for them as she leads the way. Showtime, she supposes; she didn't want Corbeau to feel the stifling air that was just dealing with these people, but he really meant what he said. She just hopes that they don't see any reason to separate them.
(He can see along the way, too, what the Ariados and Spinarak are doing, though it may be confusing to see; they seem to be going into every room that they have access to, checking it over before scuttling off to another one. For what, it isn't obvious; they don't have anything in their mandibles and there's a brief look of relief on Jacinthe's face when she sees that they don't, but...)
Jacinthe leads the way right to the garden out back, with a beautiful little table and some chairs already set out; the servants are quick to pull out chairs for the four of them, and perhaps almost...possessively, they ensure that Jacinthe is seated between the two of them; separating her off from Corbeau, though she sits across from him. The Houndoom stays near Rusco, not quite nestling into either side of him but keeping his gaze flickering from Jacinthe to Corbeau, and back.
It isn't long before the servants bring out their tea at least, and while they're all being served--with very specific orders that they're quick to harshly correct if they see mistakes, Rusco is the first to speak up.]
Now then. I hear there's been some trouble brewing in our dear city as of late; care to tell me what's been going on?
Yes, of course! [A sharp whistle from her mother prevents her from shrinking as her posture straightens up. Right, right--] You see, with the Z-A Royale commencing--an opportunity for all trainers in Lumiose to battle to their hearts content, in order to gain the chance for a wish to be granted to them. It seems that a rather unsavory character has been attempting to threaten those they deem threats out of the competition, however; I myself had to end one of the soirees I hosted rather early once it became clear that someone attempted to poison the refreshments--
Poison...rather nasty thing, doll. [Themida blows a puff of smoke out; the one respectful gesture is that she at least makes sure it doesn't blow in either of their faces, though she puts her ashes on the side between her and Corbeau.] You ensured our guests were compensated for the inconvenience, yes?
[The...rather explicit disregard causes Jacinthe to pause, her gaze darting briefly. She didn't even--] ...Mother, with all due respect, a dear friend of mine had been poisoned--I was attempting to deal with that and the guest's panic--
That's no excuse and you know it. [Oh. Her tone just proceeded to chill at least another ten degrees off of the area.] Friends are replaceable; business connections are not. I thought we taught you better than that. And what, was it a member of the staff or something?
Mmhm. Do make sure that you go through the guest list and you give them proper compensation, before your party next week.
[Jacinthe pauses at that--she had no intention of hosting any parties and Corbeau most certainly knows that, though she bows her head when her father says that much; no sense in defying them even when voluntold, though they both turn their attention to Corbeau, afterward.]
And what of you? Were you one of the guests at the party, boy, or did something happen to one of yours as well? Is something like that the business you're here for?
[Themida almost seems bored when she asks, but both her and her husband stare at him as they try to piece together this puzzle in their...very emotionally disregarding way. But it looks like it's his turn in the hot seat; Jacinthe mouths an apology to him.]
[And off we go. Corbeau does not roll his eyes the moment their backs are turned, but it's only because he gets the feeling that one of them would somehow sense it and he'd prefer not to make a mess of this situation. Well, any more than the mess it'll already be given... everything. "Overbearing" isn't a strong enough word to describe these people.
Along the way, he takes note of the Ariados and Spinaraks' movements. Could it be that they're searching for something? They don't seem to have cameras attached to them or anything, so he's not quite sure what else they're doing... Some kind of reconnaissance? Are her parents paranoid enough for that? Certainly not something he can determine right now, so Corbeau tucks that into the back of his mind and moves to take the free seat once the other three have chosen theirs. Unsurprisingly, Jacinthe's parents have ridiculously specific tea orders and will likely demand that everything about this little gathering be just so; he really doesn't envy the servants and hopes they're at least getting paid well for dealing with all of this.
Jacinthe barely begins speaking before she's being corrected on her posture (really?) and then cut off and told that she shouldn't prioritize her friends for business connections (really?). Corbeau can't exactly argue the logic behind some of their words - in cutthroat high society crap like this, there is a certain emphasis placed on such pointless gestures, after all - but how can Jacinthe be blamed for not prioritizing that when her retainer was poisoned in her place? That would shake anyone to their core, and even though she's done her damn best to hide it, there's no doubt in his mind now that Jacinthe has been shaken by it. The fact that this high-society nonsense didn't occur to her to deal with all but cements it. This is likely exactly how she's been raised, with parents who care about a profit more than the people involved.
It's disgusting. They're exactly the sort of people Corbeau can't stand. They remind him of the people who flocked to Lysandre's side; all smiles and niceties and fake words and gestures. How many of them actually joined Team Flare? How many of them truly cared about the man himself?
(Now isn't the time for this, he reminds himself and has to forcibly push those thoughts aside.)
The one good thing is that Corbeau has dealt with some truly horrific crap, both before becoming the leader of the Rust Syndicate and as leader. His poker face isn't perfect, but it's good enough to keep a neutral expression all through this, even though his grip on his teacup is a little too tight. He forces himself to relax before speaking.]
I wanted to speak with Jacinthe about recent events; both of us are higher ranked within the Z-A Royale and I wanted to ensure no one else in her organization has been targeted.
[If they don't know about Philippe's disappearance, all the better. He's not going to offer up that information if he doesn't have to. Never hand a potential enemy ammo, after all.]
[Huh. Both of them do continue to study Corbeau, Themida in particular rolling her eyes a bit at him when he says it like that.]
Shrewd, I'll grant you that. No doubt that if they're going after the highest ranks, then they'll be knocking on your door soon enough I suppose.
But I didn't realize the Rust Syndicate's leader had the makings of a nosy busybody in him.
Mother, please, it is not like that. His concerns about what could happen to our members and staff are--
[The Houndoom growls more explicitly at Jacinthe, and her Mother's icy glance gets Jacinthe to shut her mouth. Right, she wasn't asking her opinion--]
Practical! Good man. [Rusco speaks up next, his tone pleasant enough for the moment. Themida looks at her husband for a moment, but elects to finish off her cigarette and...light another one right up, okay.] Didn't expect you to be a man to look out for those unaligned with you. It is not a bad practice, in the world of business; one must look out for number one, of course, but having allies in high places is no bad thing. It's pretty impressive, considering how little the Syndicate has been willing to work with us before.
So, permit me a bit of curiosity, boy. What rank do you hold within this little competition here?
[The tea and some snacks will be arriving while this talk happens; the servants are like minutemen while they work, not speaking and moving as fast and crisp as they can. Don't mind them.]
[Themida's point is a good one. What he's told them so far does paint him as either a bleeding heart or looking for something in particular from the SBC, and either way he can see where her parents would be inclined to determine which. Normally he would never want to be so blatantly called on his bleeding heart - not that he's embarrassed by it, of course, just that others could use it against him. But here and now, that might be the best route to go. Regardless, he needs to tread carefully.
Unsurprisingly, Themida doesn't appreciate her daughter speaking up, which rubs Corbeau the wrong way. Why even have a daughter in the first place if you just want an obedient, unquestioning tool instead?]
Rank D. I'd like to climb higher, but this has put a damper on things.
[And sure, that much is true, but the important thing is that battling is stress relief, not necessarily an aim to get that A-rank wish or anything. He watches the servants lay out the spread silently hoping none of them earn any of the duo's ire before they can slip away unnoticed.]
Ah bon? Well, it seems like the Rust Syndicate's in good hands with such a strong leader at the wheel, then.
And you, Jacinthe?
Rank C, Father! I'm in much the same situation as dear Corbeau here, unfortunately-- [There's a flash of something disappointed, almost annoyed in their gazes before Jacinthe continues in an instant.] --but that has not stopped me from keeping my skills sharp with the other members of the SBC, I can promise you!
[Rusco at least lets up the disappointment, at least; Themida goes to take a sip of her tea after a long drag of her cigarette, her face shifting quickly to one of utter disgust as she looks to the servants who are...frankly, trying to flee--]
Get back here, at once! [That's bad, that's bad, Jacinthe's eyes widen briefly as she realizes what's about to happen and can't stop it--one of the maids looks back terrified, daring to ask if everything is okay--] I told you to make this properly! Are you lot so dilapidated in the head that you cannot correctly boil a cup of tea?! What did we even hire you for?!
Mother, please, do not scare our employees--!
Oh? Do you want to make your Mother's perfect cup of tea, then, my bleeding hearted doll?
...If that is what it takes for you to be happy, then yes, of course! [Jacinthe plasters on a deeply fake smile, though a close look does reveal she's shaking.] Please, allow me a moment to prepare it to your liking.
Very well. Their jobs are going to rely on it.
Of course. Do excuse me, I will be right back.
[Jacinthe gives Corbeau the briefest of looks and practically darts off at that, the servants...surprisingly dumbstruck by the move on Jacinthe's part, though they elect to follow their lady out for the moment while Themida goes to clean her tongue with a pastry--thankfully, that doesn't set her off, but...
Rusco will begin to stand, a sharp whistle of his own signalling Houndoom to be sharp and alert. Battle ready, even.]
Well, now that we've gotten to know each other a little bit...perhaps it won't be too forward of me to test your team, right? Why don't we have a jolly old battle, so I can see your power for myself? See if this "Z-A Royale" has produced anything of worth.
You'll indulge me, won't you?
Edited (worth worth worth stop that self) 2025-10-24 22:27 (UTC)
[Rank C is damn impressive and yet they find it a disappointment for their own daughter... Well, it seems like they aren't pleased by much of anything here, as evidenced by Themida's outburst. Corbeau's eyes immediately flick to Jacinthe and he watches as impassively as he can as that anger is turned on her. It's cruel to put the servants' jobs on her shoulders, but perhaps Jacinthe stands a better chance of making exactly what her mother likes, though that expression...
Well, it's not like he's really in a place to intervene. Rusco has his attention now and Corbeau smiles at the request.]
I'd be honored.
[Corbeau figured Rusco would be strong. He did not figure for the man using exactly one Pokémon, not even switching in the face of Barbaracle, which double resists Fire. Houndoom made short work of the poor guy anyway with Solarbeam, and the rest of Corbeau's team falls to a combination of Nasty Plot, Flamethrower, and Thunder Fang just to take care of Gyarados.
In the end, Arbok lasts for just a bit longer thanks to a lucky Leech Life crit, but it's not enough. It's a sound defeat. He'd be lying if he said it felt good, because it's rare he's ever crushed so thoroughly. Battles are best when there's give-and-take - not a complete one-sided victory, regardless of which side he's on.
He knew that these two were dangerous, but this only proves it. Exceptionally skilled battlers on top of all that money? Yeah, definitely not the sort of people he wants to cross paths with. Jacinthe was right, but leaving her alone with them still gets his hackles raised, so he can't say he made the wrong decision. Not yet, anyway.]
Impressive. Your Houndoom is exceptionally well-trained. I haven't been defeated so badly in quite some time. Thank you for the battle.
[Rusco is calm and collected as the battle starts, dark eyes not even coming to life in the face of battle like most would likely assume; his smile is as chipper and dandy as ever, but there's a sort of practiced grace and calculating precision as he commands his partner in battle. Members of the SBC are not just good at battle; they're trained to be the very best, to bring out the strength of their own Pokemon. They're the elite, the leaders.
And they'll crush anyone in their way.
It's his hat that carries his keystone as he brings it to his chest, not even flinching an inch as Houndoom mega evolves and tears through Corbeau's team. Even still, by the very end and with the energy wearing off of Houndoom as he goes back to his normal form, perhaps surprisingly (considering their disregard for their daughter), Houndoom is given gentle treatment and petting for his work in the battle. For as inhuman as they almost definitely are to some extent, he winds up giving the dog some gentle affection for his work.]
Well, I'll be...haven't had anyone give me a run for my money like this in a damn long time! [...That is, in fact, approval, his laughter's surprisingly bright--it doesn't reach the man's eyes, but he'll walk on over and at least give Corbeau the means to heal his team out of respect.] Corbeau, right? Your team's a little unbalanced, yes, but I do see potential in you. I sure can see why old Phillipe let you succeed him.
You have the makings of a fine battler, Mr. Corbeau. I suppose if my daughter wishes to associate with you for the time being, I can allow it. I really do hope you end up finding the scoundrel responsible for taking this fun away from you...
Might is truly what makes right in this world, after all. Long as you remember that, everything will be square.
[...well, it was almost heartwarming. That's gotta count for something, right???]
[Maybe battling is almost like a job to him. Maybe it isn't something he takes enjoyment in. And yet his words seem to argue that point, though there's no denying that he didn't look alive while fighting either... It's unnerving.
Corbeau accepts the healing items and sets about doing just that, quietly thanking each member of his team as he returns them to their Pokéballs. At the very least Rusco seems to value his Houndoom quite a bit. That's something, though his words leave a lot to be desired...]
Thank you for the compliment. I know I still have a lot to learn.
[Philippe... No, now isn't the time to let any of that slip.]
And you have my thanks for the advice as well. Shall we return?
[Rusco seems... marginally more agreeable than his wife, but there's no telling if he also has enrage buttons that can be pressed like she does. Hopefully Jacinthe is faring alright...]
Yes, let's. I'm sure my bleeding hearted doll will be finished with my dearest's tea preparations by now.
[There's that word again, and there's a distinct lack of anything that seems to indicate worry; Jacinthe will either succeed, or she won't. It really is as simple as that, as Rusco leads the way back.
And sure enough, Jacinthe has seemingly got everything all ready and prepared--by the time they're back, Jacinthe has managed a surprisingly complex process for making sure the tea is perfect at the table while Rusco sits down and watches. Themida watches while smoking--seems to be on her third of those long, stupid cigarettes now, and the tablecloth looks stained with the ashes of it to say the least. But her stare is cold and unnerving as Jacinthe works, her hands a touch shaky as she manages the pour needed, the Enigma Berry tea turning out perfect as she puts in the precise amount of sugar and milk...
She waits with bated breath while her mother takes the first sip. Her eyes close, and briefly, Jacinthe feels hopeful; that's usually a good sign when her Mother has to actually think, and maybe this time, maybe this time, she can have her Mother's approval--]
W-Well, Mother? What do you think? I truly do hope you find it to your liking...
[Jacinthe's desperate in a way she never allows anyone to see as silence hangs over the garden, and--
It's with a swift and harsh motion that the tea in the cup is thrown in her daughter's face--sending her practically crumpling to the ground, trying to get it off her face because it's hot, it stings and it hurts--]
Adequate. Your servants can keep their jobs, and you, can take their punishment in their place. [If otherwise unimpeded, she's going to actually pour herself another cup.] But I expected better from you. You are an elite, Jaci; not some mere rabble groveling for the chance to bask in our glory.
Start acting like one.
[Jacinthe shakes on the ground, and it's hard to tell if she's trying not to cry or...honestly, given the full body shaking, trying to refrain from attacking her Mother; Houndoom's tail is up at the ready, either way.]
Edited (wording.........also my dude you put them in the garden--) 2025-10-25 01:42 (UTC)
[There's that phrase again. Is it supposed to be some kind of nickname? It's a truly terrible one. In their eyes, "bleeding heart" is clearly an insult, and "doll" strikes him the wrong way. If they wanted a doll, why not just purchase one? Surely that would prove to serve them better than having a thinking, feeling person. But Corbeau hides the mounting irritation and follows, though he can't stop himself from frowning as they return - and that expression quickly goes dark following Themida's actions.
(Jacinthe seemed so small and uncertain of herself, so desperate to win her mother's affections—)
Adequate, she said. And this is her response to adequate? This is her punishment? Why? Because things didn't go just so? The same burning fury and hatred that used to haunt him when he was just a desperate kid builds and builds and builds and Corbeau forces himself to exhale slowly, closing his eyes and trying to get the image of Jacinthe's shaking form out of his mind.
No. Fighting them isn't an option. He knows how to pick his battles, and if Rusco is this strong with one Pokémon, there's no telling how impossible it'll be to battle both with their full teams. Even if Themida isn't as skilled a battler (doubtful), Corbeau doubts his and Jacinthe's odds against Rusco - and that's even assuming Jacinthe would fight her father. No. Better not to cause too many waves.
But he can't stand idly by either. Call him a bleeding heart, but he won't have Jacinthe believe she's all on her own anymore. Not here, not now.
Corbeau crosses the courtyard to kneel beside Jacinthe, offering her a hand up without a word. He doesn't trust that her parents won't hear it somehow, and right now he thinks the most important thing for her is just knowing that she isn't facing this alone. It isn't much - it isn't enough - but it'll have to do for now.]
[Jacinthe wants to cry. She wants to snap into a million pieces, for her parents to finally get bored of this affair and leave; they've only ever left on their own terms before, either when they had their fill of tormenting the servants (or her, whenever she would at least try to take some heat off of them, because even if they are expendable, she took a shine to some of them like favorite toys--), or when the Spinarak and Ariados were finished invading every nook and cranny of her privacy. She's been used to it for so long, hating it, and it feels like everything about her is being exposed like this. Everything she doesn't want, everything that isn't the perfect little image she's tried so hard to sell to others.
She wants to hurt them, too. She'd usually take those feelings out on the staff after, because as much as she hates the way her parents act toward them, she doesn't have any way of letting go of that anger that's healthy. She can't fight and win against her parents; Themida's team handily counters hers, and her father's more than apt to join in with the Houndoom she's always been a little intimidated of...
It feels like all is lost, and her face still stings even after drying it off--she's going to need to wash this outfit thoroughly when she looks, but she doesn't dare for a moment, trying to choke everything back so she can smile like she always does and fit back into the role she was meant to be--
But when she looks up, she doesn't merely see her scornful parents; she sees something she doesn't expect with wide eyes when she sees Corbeau offering her a hand. She's constantly been trying to tell him to run away, to stay away from these people and their games; she never wanted him to see this. Or maybe really, she just didn't want him to see her like this because of her pride. It's a form of undressing, really, that she's never allowed anyone to see. Meetings with her parents like this were always private affairs, and the staff would know to avoid Jacinthe like the plague unless they wanted to be subject to her whims, but...
It likely says something, that Jacinthe is completely dumbstruck by Corbeau's gesture for a moment as she tries to keep herself from a more extreme emotional reaction; almost nervously, she takes his hand like a lifeline, clinging to his hand for a couple seconds even after managing to get up, and her look is so very grateful to him for it. If her parents weren't around, she'd probably cling even longer, but...
While Rusco drinks his tea in relative silence, curious but unmoved by the man's gesture, Themida's own look goes dark, but somehow very, very amused. Back to something a little too confident, but well. Isn't this interesting.]
[Jacinthe has never looked so small, so afraid. This was likely one of the reasons why she wanted him to leave - she didn't want him to see her like this. She didn't want him to see her at her weakest, unable to fight back or control the situation, completely out of her depth. She's always maintained such a carefully curated image, and this completely shatters it.
Unfortunate for her, then, that this just so happens to paint her in a more understandable light in Corbeau's eyes. This explains damn near everything about her.
She wants control because she has none with her family. She wants perfection because she was trained to pursue it. She wants power because she has to live up to those ridiculously high standards. And she doesn't know how else to handle it when things don't go her way, so she acts out. That fearsome temper of hers is clearly inherited; and how would she know to control it, when her parents certainly don't?
Corbeau can't relate, not really. He never had to deal with anything like this. He doesn't have a family to deal with - a blessing in this case, it would seem. But he understands enough to see how this has shaped Jacinthe and continues to shape her, and he understands that she can't (won't?) fight just yet. Maybe someday when she's stronger, but not right now.
He lets go of her hand when she does and Corbeau turns his attention back to Themida. There's no hiding his expression now; it's still hard, still irritated.]
Helping a potential business partner. Is that a problem?
[If it were just him on the line, he would've been willing to risk another loss. Maybe he even would've called her a friend. But he can't put Jacinthe in the line of fire any more than she's already been, so he's still trying. It's damn difficult with these two, but maybe they'll get bored and leave soon. They've bullied their daughter enough for one day, haven't they?]
[It's strange how in this moment, she feels like she can trust Corbeau so very much more than she has with most. She's always ignored her problems, simply praying her parents would be too busy--that she could just keep living that beautiful, lovely lie of a life all but a few times a year that all was okay and as she wanted it. But even so, she worries; she's never been defended like this. Most know better. Lebanne knew better, and learned to just take her lady's anger after these infuriating visits because inciting her parent's anger--or even worse, their interest--was too dangerous. And...
Jacinthe can't help but fear for Corbeau, that he's taking this chance to let her know she isn't alone--and that she's staying close by, almost hiding behind him like the scared girl she wishes she wasn't. Because she is scared. She's scared of her parents, she's scared of her father's Houndoom, and god forbid that dog see a reason to go on the attack and hurt him--]
And what exactly do you think she needs help with, if you don't mind my asking?
[Themida doesn't move from her spot, but her cold, dead eyes stare at Corbeau with an almost bemused interest. That he would try and protect their little figurehead, their little Queen piece that they could tell to do anything, and she'd do it.
Might does make right in this world, and they're the mightiest of all. They can demand what they want, and exact whatever toll they see fit.
But Themida can't help but be amused, but her amusement is so self assured. It's like she's staring at a bunch of Weedle trying to make a stand like the vermin they are. There's something dark in her tone too, and she even seems to put her cigarette down for the moment, resting her head upon that newly freed hand with a soulless smile.]
Perhaps calling you a busybody earlier was an understatement. Now it just sounds like you're butting your nose in where it doesn't belong, boy.
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clefablite) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sranks2025-10-22 06:33 pm
no subject
But it seems that things aren't going well even in the SBC's little paradise either. It's been hard to figure out exactly what had Jacinthe so flustered in that letter, but eventually he overheard the servants talking about "the Madam and Master" and he can only assume that means Jacinthe's parents. She's old money, and that money must come from somewhere, so they're undoubtedly the ones behind Jacinthe's free-for-all spending. Corbeau's curious about them, sure, but that isn't the reason why he's been sticking around despite every single warning (verbal from Jacinthe and otherwise) telling him to get the hell out.
He's never seen Jacinthe this flustered. He didn't think anything could rile her like this. It isn't her fearsome temper, it's... fear, maybe. She starts refusing battles and focuses on making everything just so, and Corbeau feels even more like a Magikarp out of water in this hall. Seems like the deadline's fast approaching, because Jacinthe is treating the servants far worse than usual when he looks into the room.]
Are they really going to scour every inch of this place looking for dust?
[Hiya, Jacinthe, guess who didn't leave and is still here.]
no subject
[It's in the midst of this yelling, grabbing a duster for herself and looking back so she can perfectionize another part of the house that Jacinthe's ears catch a familiar voice, and she practically whips her head around so fast that she gets whiplash.]
--Did I not tell you to make yourself scarce, Corbeau?
[There's no attempt at the pleasant politeness she always carries, not even her little darlings or dears or greetings; this is pure stress, and she's trying not to yell at him but--
Hang on, she's going to sashay past him to dust off something. It may have only had a tiny bit of dust on it, but she dusts it like there's no tomorrow.]
Of course I am; they will most assuredly check every inch of this house over! I need it to be perfect. It must be perfect for them, they'll accept no less.
And you need to leave, while there's still time. You can borrow Gardevoir's Poke Ball, even, if having her teleport you back to your headquarters is preferable, but I told you, you cannot be here for this.
Why have you not left yet?
no subject
You hired me for a job, remember? I can't keep you safe if I'm not here to look after you.
[It shouldn't be necessary for him to stay around her 24/7, but frankly, he doesn't trust the entirety of the SBC. He hasn't told her as much yet, because drawing her attention to those who are rude just out of earshot or rolling their eyes behind her back is mostly just going to be pointless. If she doesn't already know, then it'll just upset her and she doesn't need that right now. If she's already aware of it, it's just a slap in the face. So no, better to keep those concerns to himself and keep an eye out on his own. But leaving her alone is not a good idea, regardless of who's paying a visit to the place.]
What, are you worried my presence here's going to upset them?
[He's seen the way some of the SBC look at him, and it's not entirely unfamiliar. For those who recognize who he is, he's scum because he runs the damn mafia. For those who don't, he's just some common thug allowed to stay here for whatever reason. Doesn't matter to him. Their opinions mean nothing. Jacinthe's parents' thoughts won't matter any more than the rest - but this isn't about him. What exactly is it that she's so afraid of?]
no subject
Corbeau, I appreciate your dedication to the job dearly! Please, do not think that I don't. And nor do I intend to take back the money I have already paid you for your services, I am not that kind of woman.
[Hang on, let her go stress dust here--no, no, priceless artifact, do not fall over, Jacinthe practically jumps as she barely catches it and puts it back just so.]
They are not to be trifled with, and they expect the best out of us all. The responsibility falls solely upon my shoulders to ensure all is perfect. If they see me associating with someone they deem unsightly, they'll...be most upset. Even if I explain the circumstances, they...
[And she does not want to upset them. If anything, 'most upset' seems to be the understatement of the century, and she shudders to think of how much worse they could have gotten since she saw them last. Give her a second while she tries to sashay by him again to clean something else--]
--It's no matter. I'm telling you, Corbeau; you need to go for now.
Not for my safety, but for yours.
no subject
Not that I particularly want to have some sort of confrontation with your parents, but what is it you think they'll do to me?
[They sound overbearing. But "overbearing" is likely an understatement, because some people would have called Lysandre "overbearing" once upon a time, before that mess with Team Flare. Corbeau doesn't have any frame of reference for anything like this. He's truly flying blind here, but leaving Jacinthe on her own to deal with these people seems... ill-advised. For as much of a pain as she can be at times, he's never seen her like this. He's never seen her worried or downright panicked - so what exactly are these parents of hers like?]
no subject
And...]
I do not want to give them any reason to turn their eyes toward the Rust Syndicate, or anything they deem unsightly. Untidy to Lumiose's image. [jacinthe used double team--] Why on Arceus' green earth are you fighting so hard on this? I promise you, I only have your best interest in mind!
no subject
[Quiet about some things, sure, but they're well-known enough that surely Jacinthe's parents have heard of them before. Sure, it's easier to turn a blind eye to them without the leader hanging out with their daughter, but this still seems a little... much.]
You didn't answer my question. What is it you think they'll do to us?
[Sure, he can see how pissing off two of the richest damn people in Kalos would be a problem, but it's not like the Rust Syndicate can't handle themselves. It's just strange to think that Jacinthe is truly so concerned about their safety. Is it her image she's actually worried about? Not that he really needs (or wants?) to ruin it, but this whole thing is just... baffling.]
I'm fighting because I don't get it. Why are you fighting so hard on this?
[at this rate, someone's just going to hurt themselves in confusion...]
1/2
I do not want to have this conversation, Corbeau--please, I just need you to take my word for this. Just this once. They have a habit of making unsightly things...disa--
Jacinthe, darling! We're here!
[Ah.
Oh.
She's well and truly fucked now.]
2/2
They look normal, at first. Well traveled; Themida cuts a striking figure in a dress that looks too expensive to even consider wearing to a social gathering, along with a fur coat that has to have been made of at least several of one Pokemon, something so impossibly smooth looking that it almost looks like the cover of a magazine. She looks barely younger than her daughter, really; something that plastic surgery way outside of anyone reasonable's budget could ever afford. Her long white hair cascades down almost to the floor, and the Ariados that hangs out on one of her shoulders has it's eyes scanning around, acting more like a robot than a beloved partner Pokemon. The couple of Spinarak on it's back function similarly. She's opulent, she has a love for spiders, and she's the first inside.
The second almost looks normal in comparison to his wife; a pinstriped suit in bright pink makes him certainly look like a dandy of sorts, and his face almost seems friendly, a mustache covering most of his lips and everything about his posture seeming almost jovial, light. But a Houndoom growls and snarls next to him; it glares at the servants, who do everything in their power not to flinch under the weight of it's gaze. More senior employees can even be seen attempting to pat the shoulders of the newer ones--when they're not under the scrutinizing gazes of the two elders, of course. Both of them saunter into the building like they own the place, and as they get closer, everything about their vibes seem off.
Perhaps most notably is their eyes. Eyes that the light does not catch, despite their pretty pink hues. Something about them almost reads as soulless if you were to be truly heartless about it, but when they see Jacinthe, it's almost as if nothing is wrong. They rush up to their daughter, barely giving her a chance to prepare before they press kisses on her face, the image of affection.]
Jaci, doll, it's been far too long! Oh, look at you, pumpkin. Have you been sleeping well? Those eyes of yours look worse for wear, you know.
Y-Yes, Mother, I'm fine! [She's a little overwhelmed right now, especially as her Father pulls her into a hug that she does her best to return.] I'm so very sorry, I did not receive your letter until very soon after you arrived! I am just so shocked to see you two; I know you must be very busy!
Not to worry, little doll. [There's a sort of cold emphasis on that last word that you can make out, if only barely.] You know your Mama and Papa would spare no time to come on down and see how the Society has been faring, considering recent events! After all, connecting with the people of Lumiose and beyond is always our priority; we want to ensure everything is going well.
Yes, I am aware, Father. I appreciate that you both-- [That's...about when Jacinthe notices the Spinarak line beginning to move past her--past Corbeau, even, barely paying him any mind as they go about the house.] ...I thought I had asked you both in the past to keep your Pokemon in their Poke Balls, please.
Mmm, did you, doll? So sorry, we seem to have forgotten. You can forgive us this time...right?
[Jacinthe tenses, and the Houndoom stares right at her and growls.] ...Yes, Mother, I understand.
[Of course, their daughter isn't the only one here--it's about now that they look at Corbeau, and...their gaze seems colder somehow, both of their 'Jacinthe but worse' personalities dialed back entirely into something that looks down at the man they see. As if they see a mere insect in front of them, almost, though they wear smiles on their faces.]
...You didn't tell us you had guests, doll. [Rusco is the first to speak while his wife lights one of those insufferably long cigarettes--Jacinthe's attempt at stopping her mother stopped by yet another growl from that Houndoom.] Well, come on over, boy! We don't bite. Why don't you introduce yourself?
no subject
Well. It's not like he has a choice now. Corbeau remains still, golden eyes flicking over the servants first as the duo enter, watching as they struggle beneath the weight of those gazes. Jacinthe's mother's good taste in Pokémon aside, they certainly are quite a lot, aren't they. It's rather obvious that they're her parents even outside of the appearances - they're just as jovial and aggressively themselves as she is. And once they get started, they just go. Stamping directly over their daughter in the process.
It's not entirely surprising, he supposes. They likely own everything here, which gives them all the authority they need to shrug off Jacinthe's requests. But then they turn their attention on him, and it's almost as though a spotlight's shining center stage on him. Showtime, then.]
Forgive the intrusion, it's my fault. [Easy, practiced, without a glance in Jacinthe's direction. He trusts that she can follow his lead.] My name is Corbeau; I wanted to discuss matters concerning the SBC, but it seems I chose a terrible time for it.
[He doesn't come out and say exactly who he is, but he figures they can probably connect the name to his position. It's not as though he's been particularly quiet about that either, after all. If they don't know, all the better, but if they do then that's simply something he's going to have to deal with. No backing down now.]
no subject
Corbeau...honey, we've heard that name before, haven't we?
Mmmhmm, indeed, we most certainly have. You're that Rust Syndicate boy, aren't you? The one who took over in recent years. [There's nothing underneath that faux happy demeanor, nothing to indicate that this is anything but a friendly confirmation of some information. Their stares don't abate regardless.] Name's Rusco, senior operative of the SBC branches in Alola and Hoenn--formerly Kalos, as well.
Well, isn't this funny! I wonder what my daughter could be doing, associating with a business like yours, boy.
[Jacinthe tenses at that, unsure of if to speak or not; Themida winds up speaking faster.]
Regardless...it is a pleasure to meet you, I suppose. Themida; the pleasure's mine. [She looks over to her daughter and back to him, before letting her body language go slack--scattering more ashes from her cigarette onto the floor.] I can't fathom what a loan company would want to do with us, but it's really no matter. I'm frankly parched from the trip over.
[As if on cue, two of the senior most servants dart off--likely to gather refreshment.]
Well, impressions aside...if you're here on business, boy, you can join us for tea. We insist! We wanted to catch up with matters concerning our little girl here anyway, but I don't see any reason we can't use this as an opportunity to get to know each other real nice. What say you?
[Jacinthe looks back to Corbeau, though her look doesn't give any indication of what answer he should choose. She's praying he runs.
(She hopes he doesn't. She doesn't want to get left alone with them.)]
no subject
Regardless, he keeps his mouth shut. He's fully prepared to claim that this was entirely his doing and not Jacinthe's, but Themida dismisses it before he gets a word in edgewise. Probably for the best; if he ends up looking too friendly with her, that might cause a whole other set of problems.
Corbeau's gaze darts to Jacinthe for a moment, but her expression is carefully composed so as to give nothing away. Her parents would likely notice if she was trying to give him an answer, after all. He could use this moment to escape the conversation - and a good amount of him is telling him to get the hell out of dodge because everything about this reads as wrong, wrong, wrong - but he agreed to keep Jacinthe safe when he took her money. He can't exactly do that if he flees in the face of danger, now can he? Even if it's exceptionally unlikely for her parents to harm a hair on her head, it's his job to make sure she's safe.
He certainly wasn't expecting it to be this much of a struggle, though.]
As long as I'm not taking too much of your time, I'd be honored.
[He smiles easily and silently starts going through every single (pointless, useless) etiquette lesson he'd once learned to (pointlessly) impress Lysandre. Things like that never mattered, and he knew it, but damn if he isn't glad that he did some research into that nonsense now. He's by no means an expert, but hopefully he can get through tea with them and make it out with no one hurt.
(It's a struggle to keep his hands still and away from his belt; with Pokémon staring him down like that, he desperately wants Scolipede out. But doing that could be taken as a threat, and he can't take that risk. It's fine, he tells himself. It's fine.)]
no subject
Lead the way, Jaci! Chop chop, before the tea gets cold.
[Jacinthe bows her head low enough to expose the back of her neck to them, and she plasters on a bright smile for them as she leads the way. Showtime, she supposes; she didn't want Corbeau to feel the stifling air that was just dealing with these people, but he really meant what he said. She just hopes that they don't see any reason to separate them.
(He can see along the way, too, what the Ariados and Spinarak are doing, though it may be confusing to see; they seem to be going into every room that they have access to, checking it over before scuttling off to another one. For what, it isn't obvious; they don't have anything in their mandibles and there's a brief look of relief on Jacinthe's face when she sees that they don't, but...)
Jacinthe leads the way right to the garden out back, with a beautiful little table and some chairs already set out; the servants are quick to pull out chairs for the four of them, and perhaps almost...possessively, they ensure that Jacinthe is seated between the two of them; separating her off from Corbeau, though she sits across from him. The Houndoom stays near Rusco, not quite nestling into either side of him but keeping his gaze flickering from Jacinthe to Corbeau, and back.
It isn't long before the servants bring out their tea at least, and while they're all being served--with very specific orders that they're quick to harshly correct if they see mistakes, Rusco is the first to speak up.]
Now then. I hear there's been some trouble brewing in our dear city as of late; care to tell me what's been going on?
Yes, of course! [A sharp whistle from her mother prevents her from shrinking as her posture straightens up. Right, right--] You see, with the Z-A Royale commencing--an opportunity for all trainers in Lumiose to battle to their hearts content, in order to gain the chance for a wish to be granted to them. It seems that a rather unsavory character has been attempting to threaten those they deem threats out of the competition, however; I myself had to end one of the soirees I hosted rather early once it became clear that someone attempted to poison the refreshments--
Poison...rather nasty thing, doll. [Themida blows a puff of smoke out; the one respectful gesture is that she at least makes sure it doesn't blow in either of their faces, though she puts her ashes on the side between her and Corbeau.] You ensured our guests were compensated for the inconvenience, yes?
[The...rather explicit disregard causes Jacinthe to pause, her gaze darting briefly. She didn't even--] ...Mother, with all due respect, a dear friend of mine had been poisoned--I was attempting to deal with that and the guest's panic--
That's no excuse and you know it. [Oh. Her tone just proceeded to chill at least another ten degrees off of the area.] Friends are replaceable; business connections are not. I thought we taught you better than that. And what, was it a member of the staff or something?
Mmhm. Do make sure that you go through the guest list and you give them proper compensation, before your party next week.
[Jacinthe pauses at that--she had no intention of hosting any parties and Corbeau most certainly knows that, though she bows her head when her father says that much; no sense in defying them even when voluntold, though they both turn their attention to Corbeau, afterward.]
And what of you? Were you one of the guests at the party, boy, or did something happen to one of yours as well? Is something like that the business you're here for?
[Themida almost seems bored when she asks, but both her and her husband stare at him as they try to piece together this puzzle in their...very emotionally disregarding way. But it looks like it's his turn in the hot seat; Jacinthe mouths an apology to him.]
no subject
Along the way, he takes note of the Ariados and Spinaraks' movements. Could it be that they're searching for something? They don't seem to have cameras attached to them or anything, so he's not quite sure what else they're doing... Some kind of reconnaissance? Are her parents paranoid enough for that? Certainly not something he can determine right now, so Corbeau tucks that into the back of his mind and moves to take the free seat once the other three have chosen theirs. Unsurprisingly, Jacinthe's parents have ridiculously specific tea orders and will likely demand that everything about this little gathering be just so; he really doesn't envy the servants and hopes they're at least getting paid well for dealing with all of this.
Jacinthe barely begins speaking before she's being corrected on her posture (really?) and then cut off and told that she shouldn't prioritize her friends for business connections (really?). Corbeau can't exactly argue the logic behind some of their words - in cutthroat high society crap like this, there is a certain emphasis placed on such pointless gestures, after all - but how can Jacinthe be blamed for not prioritizing that when her retainer was poisoned in her place? That would shake anyone to their core, and even though she's done her damn best to hide it, there's no doubt in his mind now that Jacinthe has been shaken by it. The fact that this high-society nonsense didn't occur to her to deal with all but cements it. This is likely exactly how she's been raised, with parents who care about a profit more than the people involved.
It's disgusting. They're exactly the sort of people Corbeau can't stand. They remind him of the people who flocked to Lysandre's side; all smiles and niceties and fake words and gestures. How many of them actually joined Team Flare? How many of them truly cared about the man himself?
(Now isn't the time for this, he reminds himself and has to forcibly push those thoughts aside.)
The one good thing is that Corbeau has dealt with some truly horrific crap, both before becoming the leader of the Rust Syndicate and as leader. His poker face isn't perfect, but it's good enough to keep a neutral expression all through this, even though his grip on his teacup is a little too tight. He forces himself to relax before speaking.]
I wanted to speak with Jacinthe about recent events; both of us are higher ranked within the Z-A Royale and I wanted to ensure no one else in her organization has been targeted.
[If they don't know about Philippe's disappearance, all the better. He's not going to offer up that information if he doesn't have to. Never hand a potential enemy ammo, after all.]
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Shrewd, I'll grant you that. No doubt that if they're going after the highest ranks, then they'll be knocking on your door soon enough I suppose.
But I didn't realize the Rust Syndicate's leader had the makings of a nosy busybody in him.
Mother, please, it is not like that. His concerns about what could happen to our members and staff are--
[The Houndoom growls more explicitly at Jacinthe, and her Mother's icy glance gets Jacinthe to shut her mouth. Right, she wasn't asking her opinion--]
Practical! Good man. [Rusco speaks up next, his tone pleasant enough for the moment. Themida looks at her husband for a moment, but elects to finish off her cigarette and...light another one right up, okay.] Didn't expect you to be a man to look out for those unaligned with you. It is not a bad practice, in the world of business; one must look out for number one, of course, but having allies in high places is no bad thing. It's pretty impressive, considering how little the Syndicate has been willing to work with us before.
So, permit me a bit of curiosity, boy. What rank do you hold within this little competition here?
[The tea and some snacks will be arriving while this talk happens; the servants are like minutemen while they work, not speaking and moving as fast and crisp as they can. Don't mind them.]
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Unsurprisingly, Themida doesn't appreciate her daughter speaking up, which rubs Corbeau the wrong way. Why even have a daughter in the first place if you just want an obedient, unquestioning tool instead?]
Rank D. I'd like to climb higher, but this has put a damper on things.
[And sure, that much is true, but the important thing is that battling is stress relief, not necessarily an aim to get that A-rank wish or anything. He watches the servants lay out the spread silently hoping none of them earn any of the duo's ire before they can slip away unnoticed.]
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And you, Jacinthe?
Rank C, Father! I'm in much the same situation as dear Corbeau here, unfortunately-- [There's a flash of something disappointed, almost annoyed in their gazes before Jacinthe continues in an instant.] --but that has not stopped me from keeping my skills sharp with the other members of the SBC, I can promise you!
[Rusco at least lets up the disappointment, at least; Themida goes to take a sip of her tea after a long drag of her cigarette, her face shifting quickly to one of utter disgust as she looks to the servants who are...frankly, trying to flee--]
Get back here, at once! [That's bad, that's bad, Jacinthe's eyes widen briefly as she realizes what's about to happen and can't stop it--one of the maids looks back terrified, daring to ask if everything is okay--] I told you to make this properly! Are you lot so dilapidated in the head that you cannot correctly boil a cup of tea?! What did we even hire you for?!
Mother, please, do not scare our employees--!
Oh? Do you want to make your Mother's perfect cup of tea, then, my bleeding hearted doll?
...If that is what it takes for you to be happy, then yes, of course! [Jacinthe plasters on a deeply fake smile, though a close look does reveal she's shaking.] Please, allow me a moment to prepare it to your liking.
Very well. Their jobs are going to rely on it.
Of course. Do excuse me, I will be right back.
[Jacinthe gives Corbeau the briefest of looks and practically darts off at that, the servants...surprisingly dumbstruck by the move on Jacinthe's part, though they elect to follow their lady out for the moment while Themida goes to clean her tongue with a pastry--thankfully, that doesn't set her off, but...
Rusco will begin to stand, a sharp whistle of his own signalling Houndoom to be sharp and alert. Battle ready, even.]
Well, now that we've gotten to know each other a little bit...perhaps it won't be too forward of me to test your team, right? Why don't we have a jolly old battle, so I can see your power for myself? See if this "Z-A Royale" has produced anything of worth.
You'll indulge me, won't you?
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Well, it's not like he's really in a place to intervene. Rusco has his attention now and Corbeau smiles at the request.]
I'd be honored.
[Corbeau figured Rusco would be strong. He did not figure for the man using exactly one Pokémon, not even switching in the face of Barbaracle, which double resists Fire. Houndoom made short work of the poor guy anyway with Solarbeam, and the rest of Corbeau's team falls to a combination of Nasty Plot, Flamethrower, and Thunder Fang just to take care of Gyarados.
In the end, Arbok lasts for just a bit longer thanks to a lucky Leech Life crit, but it's not enough. It's a sound defeat. He'd be lying if he said it felt good, because it's rare he's ever crushed so thoroughly. Battles are best when there's give-and-take - not a complete one-sided victory, regardless of which side he's on.
He knew that these two were dangerous, but this only proves it. Exceptionally skilled battlers on top of all that money? Yeah, definitely not the sort of people he wants to cross paths with. Jacinthe was right, but leaving her alone with them still gets his hackles raised, so he can't say he made the wrong decision. Not yet, anyway.]
Impressive. Your Houndoom is exceptionally well-trained. I haven't been defeated so badly in quite some time. Thank you for the battle.
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And they'll crush anyone in their way.
It's his hat that carries his keystone as he brings it to his chest, not even flinching an inch as Houndoom mega evolves and tears through Corbeau's team. Even still, by the very end and with the energy wearing off of Houndoom as he goes back to his normal form, perhaps surprisingly (considering their disregard for their daughter), Houndoom is given gentle treatment and petting for his work in the battle. For as inhuman as they almost definitely are to some extent, he winds up giving the dog some gentle affection for his work.]
Well, I'll be...haven't had anyone give me a run for my money like this in a damn long time! [...That is, in fact, approval, his laughter's surprisingly bright--it doesn't reach the man's eyes, but he'll walk on over and at least give Corbeau the means to heal his team out of respect.] Corbeau, right? Your team's a little unbalanced, yes, but I do see potential in you. I sure can see why old Phillipe let you succeed him.
You have the makings of a fine battler, Mr. Corbeau. I suppose if my daughter wishes to associate with you for the time being, I can allow it. I really do hope you end up finding the scoundrel responsible for taking this fun away from you...
Might is truly what makes right in this world, after all. Long as you remember that, everything will be square.
[...well, it was almost heartwarming. That's gotta count for something, right???]
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Corbeau accepts the healing items and sets about doing just that, quietly thanking each member of his team as he returns them to their Pokéballs. At the very least Rusco seems to value his Houndoom quite a bit. That's something, though his words leave a lot to be desired...]
Thank you for the compliment. I know I still have a lot to learn.
[Philippe... No, now isn't the time to let any of that slip.]
And you have my thanks for the advice as well. Shall we return?
[Rusco seems... marginally more agreeable than his wife, but there's no telling if he also has enrage buttons that can be pressed like she does. Hopefully Jacinthe is faring alright...]
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[There's that word again, and there's a distinct lack of anything that seems to indicate worry; Jacinthe will either succeed, or she won't. It really is as simple as that, as Rusco leads the way back.
And sure enough, Jacinthe has seemingly got everything all ready and prepared--by the time they're back, Jacinthe has managed a surprisingly complex process for making sure the tea is perfect at the table while Rusco sits down and watches. Themida watches while smoking--seems to be on her third of those long, stupid cigarettes now, and the tablecloth looks stained with the ashes of it to say the least. But her stare is cold and unnerving as Jacinthe works, her hands a touch shaky as she manages the pour needed, the Enigma Berry tea turning out perfect as she puts in the precise amount of sugar and milk...
She waits with bated breath while her mother takes the first sip. Her eyes close, and briefly, Jacinthe feels hopeful; that's usually a good sign when her Mother has to actually think, and maybe this time, maybe this time, she can have her Mother's approval--]
W-Well, Mother? What do you think? I truly do hope you find it to your liking...
[Jacinthe's desperate in a way she never allows anyone to see as silence hangs over the garden, and--
It's with a swift and harsh motion that the tea in the cup is thrown in her daughter's face--sending her practically crumpling to the ground, trying to get it off her face because it's hot, it stings and it hurts--]
Adequate. Your servants can keep their jobs, and you, can take their punishment in their place. [If otherwise unimpeded, she's going to actually pour herself another cup.] But I expected better from you. You are an elite, Jaci; not some mere rabble groveling for the chance to bask in our glory.
Start acting like one.
[Jacinthe shakes on the ground, and it's hard to tell if she's trying not to cry or...honestly, given the full body shaking, trying to refrain from attacking her Mother; Houndoom's tail is up at the ready, either way.]
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(Jacinthe seemed so small and uncertain of herself, so desperate to win her mother's affections—)
Adequate, she said. And this is her response to adequate? This is her punishment? Why? Because things didn't go just so? The same burning fury and hatred that used to haunt him when he was just a desperate kid builds and builds and builds and Corbeau forces himself to exhale slowly, closing his eyes and trying to get the image of Jacinthe's shaking form out of his mind.
No. Fighting them isn't an option. He knows how to pick his battles, and if Rusco is this strong with one Pokémon, there's no telling how impossible it'll be to battle both with their full teams. Even if Themida isn't as skilled a battler (doubtful), Corbeau doubts his and Jacinthe's odds against Rusco - and that's even assuming Jacinthe would fight her father. No. Better not to cause too many waves.
But he can't stand idly by either. Call him a bleeding heart, but he won't have Jacinthe believe she's all on her own anymore. Not here, not now.
Corbeau crosses the courtyard to kneel beside Jacinthe, offering her a hand up without a word. He doesn't trust that her parents won't hear it somehow, and right now he thinks the most important thing for her is just knowing that she isn't facing this alone. It isn't much - it isn't enough - but it'll have to do for now.]
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She wants to hurt them, too. She'd usually take those feelings out on the staff after, because as much as she hates the way her parents act toward them, she doesn't have any way of letting go of that anger that's healthy. She can't fight and win against her parents; Themida's team handily counters hers, and her father's more than apt to join in with the Houndoom she's always been a little intimidated of...
It feels like all is lost, and her face still stings even after drying it off--she's going to need to wash this outfit thoroughly when she looks, but she doesn't dare for a moment, trying to choke everything back so she can smile like she always does and fit back into the role she was meant to be--
But when she looks up, she doesn't merely see her scornful parents; she sees something she doesn't expect with wide eyes when she sees Corbeau offering her a hand. She's constantly been trying to tell him to run away, to stay away from these people and their games; she never wanted him to see this. Or maybe really, she just didn't want him to see her like this because of her pride. It's a form of undressing, really, that she's never allowed anyone to see. Meetings with her parents like this were always private affairs, and the staff would know to avoid Jacinthe like the plague unless they wanted to be subject to her whims, but...
It likely says something, that Jacinthe is completely dumbstruck by Corbeau's gesture for a moment as she tries to keep herself from a more extreme emotional reaction; almost nervously, she takes his hand like a lifeline, clinging to his hand for a couple seconds even after managing to get up, and her look is so very grateful to him for it. If her parents weren't around, she'd probably cling even longer, but...
While Rusco drinks his tea in relative silence, curious but unmoved by the man's gesture, Themida's own look goes dark, but somehow very, very amused. Back to something a little too confident, but well. Isn't this interesting.]
...And just what do you think you're doing, boy?
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Unfortunate for her, then, that this just so happens to paint her in a more understandable light in Corbeau's eyes. This explains damn near everything about her.
She wants control because she has none with her family. She wants perfection because she was trained to pursue it. She wants power because she has to live up to those ridiculously high standards. And she doesn't know how else to handle it when things don't go her way, so she acts out. That fearsome temper of hers is clearly inherited; and how would she know to control it, when her parents certainly don't?
Corbeau can't relate, not really. He never had to deal with anything like this. He doesn't have a family to deal with - a blessing in this case, it would seem. But he understands enough to see how this has shaped Jacinthe and continues to shape her, and he understands that she can't (won't?) fight just yet. Maybe someday when she's stronger, but not right now.
He lets go of her hand when she does and Corbeau turns his attention back to Themida. There's no hiding his expression now; it's still hard, still irritated.]
Helping a potential business partner. Is that a problem?
[If it were just him on the line, he would've been willing to risk another loss. Maybe he even would've called her a friend. But he can't put Jacinthe in the line of fire any more than she's already been, so he's still trying. It's damn difficult with these two, but maybe they'll get bored and leave soon. They've bullied their daughter enough for one day, haven't they?]
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Jacinthe can't help but fear for Corbeau, that he's taking this chance to let her know she isn't alone--and that she's staying close by, almost hiding behind him like the scared girl she wishes she wasn't. Because she is scared. She's scared of her parents, she's scared of her father's Houndoom, and god forbid that dog see a reason to go on the attack and hurt him--]
And what exactly do you think she needs help with, if you don't mind my asking?
[Themida doesn't move from her spot, but her cold, dead eyes stare at Corbeau with an almost bemused interest. That he would try and protect their little figurehead, their little Queen piece that they could tell to do anything, and she'd do it.
Might does make right in this world, and they're the mightiest of all. They can demand what they want, and exact whatever toll they see fit.
But Themida can't help but be amused, but her amusement is so self assured. It's like she's staring at a bunch of Weedle trying to make a stand like the vermin they are. There's something dark in her tone too, and she even seems to put her cigarette down for the moment, resting her head upon that newly freed hand with a soulless smile.]
Perhaps calling you a busybody earlier was an understatement. Now it just sounds like you're butting your nose in where it doesn't belong, boy.
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