[Ren's been looking over the quests all morning, mentally making a checklist of the one's he's planning on signing up for. Some, he's fairly certain Akechi's gonna barge his way into regardless, but other's he's talked to some of the other pokemon here about joining. He'd... like to join more. He needs to get used to this ache, since it seems to be permanent thing. He can't let it drag him down, but at the same time-
He's been through worse. He can handle it. It's just an annoying ache.
Either way, when Shoka shows up, his ears twitch, and he tilts his head in her direction.]
You know it doll, [he replies with a smirk.] What, wanna join me?
[One of the quests at the top at the board has caught his attention, and he pushes himself upright on his hind legs, just like Firepaw taught him. He's... a little wobble-y, but it gets the job done.]
... Hmm, a Shellfish Request, huh...? [The pun alone makes him giggle a bit.]
[On what exactly, she doesn't specify, but really it just depends on the quest. Secretly, she's thinking of it as little more than an excuse to keep an eye on him for a bit and see if she can figure out what's up with him (and maybe she's also thinking of getting back at him for taking her along on that Swoobat quest last month, too).
When Ren picks one out, she takes a moment to scan its description.]
Sounds shrimple enough. [Almost too easy, really, but that's precisely what she's looking for right now. She isn't too proud to admit as much either.] Dunno about you, but just taking some scenic pics sounds like exactly my speed today... You down?
Well, there's always plenty to do, [he says, reading over the details.] We've been working our asses off lately. Something low-key like this might be nice.
[Which isn't to say anything of the quests for exploring the forest further. Ren's definitely going on those, so it's probably for the best that he doesn't overdo it before then. Still... he's not going to do nothing, so helping Numel out sounds like a plan.]
I'm down if you are, [he says with a nod, grinning at Shoka.] Some sight-sea-ing, and helping someone out at the same time? Cod be fun.
Shell yeah. [She titters.] Sounds like all we really need is our Pearls, so we can swing by the Spire, then head over.
[Conveniently for them, the Spire overlooks the ocean, so they can just swing by. They do just that, picking up their Grumpearls and any other supplies they might think of before heading out to the beach.
Once they've made contact with the requester—the enthusiastic and excitable Numel—Shoka is as friendly as ever... Which is to say, not very. Ren will have to forgive her if she isn't terribly talkative with the stranger and leaves most of the schmoozing to him. She keeps a careful eye on him all the while—subtly, she thinks, but if he's sharp, he might notice that she's being a little more watchful than usual. Whatever it is she's searching him for, she doesn't seem to find it, because she eventually does take her focus away from him.
Standoffish though she is, to her credit, Shoka does put her all into the request, shuffling over right to the edge of the shoreline to give Numel a closeup view of the waves lapping at the sands—even when those same waves also lap at the skirt of her disguise.]
How's that?
[It's a simple view, but Numel's excitement is infectious, radiating through her (and Ren) from their psychic connection. With a giggle, she moves along the shoreline, using her long, tentacular arms to hold the Grumpearl high above her head and give Numel more views to appreciate.]
[That's okay, Ren's pretty used to talking to people. Numel doesn't seem to mind him taking the word, and soon enough, they're at the beach. If he notices that she's watching him... he doesn't say anything. Or, perhaps, he simply doesn't notice, too busy making sure everything seems normal. Even as the wind tousles his hair, revealing the scar he received at the same time as his chronic pain...
Despite that, he seems to be having a good time, providing commentary where needed, and carrying his Grumpearl around to show the beach to Numel. Hell, he seems to be having fun discovering new spots himself, Numel's exitement spurring him on.
After some time, they find some Krabby blowing bubbles out over the sea, catching the rays of the sun, and creating quite the stunning sight.]
Whoa! Numel, are you seeing this? Look!
[He grasps onto his Grumpearl as best as he can with his paws, before rearing up on his hind legs. He's a little unsteady, before he rights himself completely, stunned by the beautiful sight-
!
Taken with it as he was, he'd forgotten about the pain in his muscles momentarily, until the strained movement mercilessly reminded him, the ache intensifying. It causes him to wobble, barely managing to catch himself as his pearl goes rolling. For a moment, his face contorts, though he's just as quick to shake off the flareup. Mostly, at least. He does his best not to limp as he runs over to his pearl, but there's something... stiff, about his movements. Still, he grins.]
Sorry about that! I lost my balance there. [He turns to Shoka.] Do you think you can get a better view? It's such a stunning sight.
[Clouds of bubbles drift through the air, shining with iridescent color when the sunlight hits them just right. Shoka doesn't notice right away, focused more on the push and pull of the waves and letting her Grumpearl be washed in the ocean spray—but when Ren calls her and Numel's attention to the sight, she's just as dazzled for a moment, looking up with a quiet, Oh wow.
And then Ren drops his Grumpearl, causing the view to spin and lurch in a way that has Numel calling out in alarm and Shoka glancing his way in concern. He tries his best to walk it off, but she sees. Still, she won't acknowledge it—not now, when they're still with a client.]
Yeah, I got it. Hang tight.
[She looks around for a moment, scanning the shoreline, before making a beeline for the start of the cliffs. Knowing better than to try scaling the whole cliffside, she makes do with a shorter rock formation that juts out over the beach, at an angle overlooking the Krabby below. With her Grumpearl stowed away inside the hollow of her disguise-head, she hops deftly from ledge to ledge until she reaches the top, then fishes the Grumpearl back out to share her view with Numel (and Ren).
Numel is treated to a dual view of it all then: Ren's perspective from the beach, showing the Krabby on their rock perches and the dazzlingly close glitter of the bubbles and waves, and Shoka's from above, showing the far stretch of the ocean and the sun reflected on its surface, blanketed by the scattering bubbles.
Ren was right; it is a stunning sight. Numel gives audible ooh's and aah's, but the waves of amazement being carried through the Grumpearl aren't just Numel's.]
Gotta admit... I've never seen anything like this either.
[Her voice sounds a bit distant; through their psychic connection, there's the briefest twinge of uncertainty, but it's quickly overwhelmed by joy. As the moments tick by and Numel yammers through his excitement, she senses that they've probably found the best view to end the day with.]
[Deep breaths. Shake it off. He very carefully doesn't let any annoyance or pain seep through the pearl, keeping a tight leash on himself. He allows himself to be taken by the sight instead- it is, indeed, not just Numel's amazement being carried through the pearls.
He's nestled himself into a somewhat more comfortable position, holding out his Grumpearl on one paw, when Shoka calls through, and he looks up at her.]
All good. [He gives her a grin.] You good up there? Don't lose your balance now.
[Deflect from it, make it out to be something small and humorous- that's what it was, right? Just a small, embarrassing moment. Numel didn't seem to notice his discomfort at least, and that's a relief.
Before long, the sun slowly starts setting, and Numel thanks them for their help, excited and thoroughly amazed by the sights he was shown. They all wave their goodbyes, before thr Grumpearl's connection is terminated.]
That was nice, [Ren says, satisfied with the outcome of the mission. He looks out over the sea, smiling.] Guess it's time we head back, too.
[The sun is setting, and it's about time for them to head back... But Shoka doesn't show any signs of moving. Seeming lost in thought, she stares out at the waves rolling under the orange-streaked sky in silence.]
... Hey. What happened back there? [She suddenly glances at Ren sidelong.] When you dropped your pearl. You didn't just lose your balance, did you?
[He notices that she's not moving, and he wanders back to her, about to ask what's wrong, but then she turns to him.]
Oh. Um...
[... Well, he supposes he might've not hidden it as well as he thought. Still, he doesn't want her to worry, so he waves off her concern as best he can.]
Well, ya got me. I think I stepped on the sharp edge of a shell or something. The sudden poke startled me, so I tripped.
Yeah, I'm not buying that. Something's been up with you for a while now—even before today.
[His question goes ignored. Her honest answer (maybe) is probably implied in the fact that she's bringing this up at all anyway.]
And what about that mark on your forehead? [She points to the forehead of her disguise, indicating a spot that mirrors that of Ren's scar.] Was that just from a shell, too?
[Shoka exhales a sigh. It seems she doesn't buy that either.]
More like a vibe check. [And he's failing it.] Don't play dumb. I know something's off. I just wanna know what.
[But maybe she shouldn't be prying, if he's being so evasive about it. Maybe it's none of her business. She wouldn't presume to call him her friend, after all. She doesn't even know why he'd say he's had his fill of interrogations.
[Frustration and worry make her voice emerge more harshly than she intends it to, almost a hiss. A moment later, she deflates in embarrassment, the ears of her disguise drooping low.]
But... fine. I won't push it. If that's really all it is. [Or if Ren really doesn't want to talk about it, rather.] I just. Don't want you to think you have to go through it alone or something... If anything does happen. That's all.
[She glances up at the sunset, then down at the sand—at anything but Ren—before she starts to shuffle in the direction of the Spire.]
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no subject
He's been through worse. He can handle it. It's just an annoying ache.
Either way, when Shoka shows up, his ears twitch, and he tilts his head in her direction.]
You know it doll, [he replies with a smirk.] What, wanna join me?
[One of the quests at the top at the board has caught his attention, and he pushes himself upright on his hind legs, just like Firepaw taught him. He's... a little wobble-y, but it gets the job done.]
... Hmm, a Shellfish Request, huh...? [The pun alone makes him giggle a bit.]
no subject
[On what exactly, she doesn't specify, but really it just depends on the quest. Secretly, she's thinking of it as little more than an excuse to keep an eye on him for a bit and see if she can figure out what's up with him (and maybe she's also thinking of getting back at him for taking her along on that Swoobat quest last month, too).
When Ren picks one out, she takes a moment to scan its description.]
Sounds shrimple enough. [Almost too easy, really, but that's precisely what she's looking for right now. She isn't too proud to admit as much either.] Dunno about you, but just taking some scenic pics sounds like exactly my speed today... You down?
no subject
Well, there's always plenty to do, [he says, reading over the details.] We've been working our asses off lately. Something low-key like this might be nice.
[Which isn't to say anything of the quests for exploring the forest further. Ren's definitely going on those, so it's probably for the best that he doesn't overdo it before then. Still... he's not going to do nothing, so helping Numel out sounds like a plan.]
I'm down if you are, [he says with a nod, grinning at Shoka.] Some sight-sea-ing, and helping someone out at the same time? Cod be fun.
no subject
[Conveniently for them, the Spire overlooks the ocean, so they can just swing by. They do just that, picking up their Grumpearls and any other supplies they might think of before heading out to the beach.
Once they've made contact with the requester—the enthusiastic and excitable Numel—Shoka is as friendly as ever... Which is to say, not very. Ren will have to forgive her if she isn't terribly talkative with the stranger and leaves most of the schmoozing to him. She keeps a careful eye on him all the while—subtly, she thinks, but if he's sharp, he might notice that she's being a little more watchful than usual. Whatever it is she's searching him for, she doesn't seem to find it, because she eventually does take her focus away from him.
Standoffish though she is, to her credit, Shoka does put her all into the request, shuffling over right to the edge of the shoreline to give Numel a closeup view of the waves lapping at the sands—even when those same waves also lap at the skirt of her disguise.]
How's that?
[It's a simple view, but Numel's excitement is infectious, radiating through her (and Ren) from their psychic connection. With a giggle, she moves along the shoreline, using her long, tentacular arms to hold the Grumpearl high above her head and give Numel more views to appreciate.]
no subject
Despite that, he seems to be having a good time, providing commentary where needed, and carrying his Grumpearl around to show the beach to Numel. Hell, he seems to be having fun discovering new spots himself, Numel's exitement spurring him on.
After some time, they find some Krabby blowing bubbles out over the sea, catching the rays of the sun, and creating quite the stunning sight.]
Whoa! Numel, are you seeing this? Look!
[He grasps onto his Grumpearl as best as he can with his paws, before rearing up on his hind legs. He's a little unsteady, before he rights himself completely, stunned by the beautiful sight-
!
Taken with it as he was, he'd forgotten about the pain in his muscles momentarily, until the strained movement mercilessly reminded him, the ache intensifying. It causes him to wobble, barely managing to catch himself as his pearl goes rolling. For a moment, his face contorts, though he's just as quick to shake off the flareup. Mostly, at least. He does his best not to limp as he runs over to his pearl, but there's something... stiff, about his movements. Still, he grins.]
Sorry about that! I lost my balance there. [He turns to Shoka.] Do you think you can get a better view? It's such a stunning sight.
no subject
And then Ren drops his Grumpearl, causing the view to spin and lurch in a way that has Numel calling out in alarm and Shoka glancing his way in concern. He tries his best to walk it off, but she sees. Still, she won't acknowledge it—not now, when they're still with a client.]
Yeah, I got it. Hang tight.
[She looks around for a moment, scanning the shoreline, before making a beeline for the start of the cliffs. Knowing better than to try scaling the whole cliffside, she makes do with a shorter rock formation that juts out over the beach, at an angle overlooking the Krabby below. With her Grumpearl stowed away inside the hollow of her disguise-head, she hops deftly from ledge to ledge until she reaches the top, then fishes the Grumpearl back out to share her view with Numel (and Ren).
Numel is treated to a dual view of it all then: Ren's perspective from the beach, showing the Krabby on their rock perches and the dazzlingly close glitter of the bubbles and waves, and Shoka's from above, showing the far stretch of the ocean and the sun reflected on its surface, blanketed by the scattering bubbles.
Ren was right; it is a stunning sight. Numel gives audible ooh's and aah's, but the waves of amazement being carried through the Grumpearl aren't just Numel's.]
Gotta admit... I've never seen anything like this either.
[Her voice sounds a bit distant; through their psychic connection, there's the briefest twinge of uncertainty, but it's quickly overwhelmed by joy. As the moments tick by and Numel yammers through his excitement, she senses that they've probably found the best view to end the day with.]
You okay down there, Ren?
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He's nestled himself into a somewhat more comfortable position, holding out his Grumpearl on one paw, when Shoka calls through, and he looks up at her.]
All good. [He gives her a grin.] You good up there? Don't lose your balance now.
[Deflect from it, make it out to be something small and humorous- that's what it was, right? Just a small, embarrassing moment. Numel didn't seem to notice his discomfort at least, and that's a relief.
Before long, the sun slowly starts setting, and Numel thanks them for their help, excited and thoroughly amazed by the sights he was shown. They all wave their goodbyes, before thr Grumpearl's connection is terminated.]
That was nice, [Ren says, satisfied with the outcome of the mission. He looks out over the sea, smiling.] Guess it's time we head back, too.
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[The sun is setting, and it's about time for them to head back... But Shoka doesn't show any signs of moving. Seeming lost in thought, she stares out at the waves rolling under the orange-streaked sky in silence.]
... Hey. What happened back there? [She suddenly glances at Ren sidelong.] When you dropped your pearl. You didn't just lose your balance, did you?
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[He notices that she's not moving, and he wanders back to her, about to ask what's wrong, but then she turns to him.]
Oh. Um...
[... Well, he supposes he might've not hidden it as well as he thought. Still, he doesn't want her to worry, so he waves off her concern as best he can.]
Well, ya got me. I think I stepped on the sharp edge of a shell or something. The sudden poke startled me, so I tripped.
[He gives her a grin, his voice teasing.]
What, were you worried about little ol' me?
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[His question goes ignored. Her honest answer (maybe) is probably implied in the fact that she's bringing this up at all anyway.]
And what about that mark on your forehead? [She points to the forehead of her disguise, indicating a spot that mirrors that of Ren's scar.] Was that just from a shell, too?
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Oh... that?
[It's... Ren doesn't want to think about it. He's-]
I got hit in the head with something while training. It didn't heal quite right, so here we are.
[He doesn't want to talk about this. He's achy and tired and while today was fun, he wants to go rest up.]
Really, Shoka, I'm fine. What is this, an interrogation? I've had my fill of those back home, you know.
[His voice is light, but if Shoka's attentive, she may notice a very, very subtle undertone of discomfort.]
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More like a vibe check. [And he's failing it.] Don't play dumb. I know something's off. I just wanna know what.
[But maybe she shouldn't be prying, if he's being so evasive about it. Maybe it's none of her business. She wouldn't presume to call him her friend, after all. She doesn't even know why he'd say he's had his fill of interrogations.
Nevertheless, she's concerned.]
I mean, we're... teammates or whatever, right?
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I-- well, yes, but... [His grin is slowly growing more strained.] I'm fine, Shoka, really. It's nothing you should concern yourself with.
[And it isn't! It's Ren's problem to deal with, not hers.]
I'm just a bit tired, and all the training's got me a bit sore. That's all.
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[Frustration and worry make her voice emerge more harshly than she intends it to, almost a hiss. A moment later, she deflates in embarrassment, the ears of her disguise drooping low.]
But... fine. I won't push it. If that's really all it is. [Or if Ren really doesn't want to talk about it, rather.] I just. Don't want you to think you have to go through it alone or something... If anything does happen. That's all.
[She glances up at the sunset, then down at the sand—at anything but Ren—before she starts to shuffle in the direction of the Spire.]
Whatever. Let's get outta here.