Happy birthday, Mayday 🎉

[ateamrocket]

[I. Pippi post #1 (August 14th)]
MAYDAY (UN: proper-rocket) posted:
I think I’ve heard people who leave here and come back say it’s like no time passed at all back home.

So is there any point to tracking time here?
Does it matter?

Sorry for the lowkey existential crisis.
Just got a lot on my mind.

[II. Turnbloom City]
[August 14th. So it’s come again. Mayday sits outside in Turnbloom City, staring at the sky. She kind of already regrets posting that message but oh well. She’s not doing anything in particular, just loitering in her Rocket uniform as per usual. I figured I’d include this in case you wanted to accost her in person, lol.]

[III. Pippi post #2 (Later in the month)]
MAYDAY (UN: proper-rocket) posted:
Come by Grand Theater Hall in one hour if you want to watch an ass kicking

[There's a selfie attached, a young woman in a casual, punk-ish outfit with pinkish red hair sticking out her tongue and posing with an altogether unfamiliar looking Pokémon in front of Grand Theater Hall in Turnbloom. She’s holding up an entry slip for a Normal Rank contest.]

[IV. Wildcard]
[Want to do something else? Hit me up. I'm open for whatever and happy to brainstorm if you want to hit me up via PM or on plurk carrieface! Feel free to use prose instead of brackets - I’ll match you!]

Comments

[lovelycharming]

[James raised his hands defensively, smiling nervously at thr unfamiliar Pokemon.

He's happy when Mayday addresses him! It's... definitely not Jessie, no, but... that's an accen6 he doesn't hear often!]

I'm alright, considering the situation! Are you, ah, Mayday? Proper-Rocket...? My name's James.

[He didn't really give his name on his account and the avatar was just a rose!]

It's really peaceful here... seems to bring in all types...

[He couldn't cut right to the chase, so he'll chat a little first!]

[ateamrocket]

Yup, that’s me. And this is Weenis, my Armourwoof. Sorry, he’s pretty protective.

[She waves a hand at the dog, who steps back in line but keeps a watchful eye on James.]

But yeah, it’s nice, innit? You been here long?

[... he might've even heard the other redhead's name was Mayday, but maybe he forgot after months]

[lovelycharming]

W-why does his name sound so much like wee and, well... especially when his species name is so dignified? But also, I've never seen such a Pokemon! He's not Ulternian or from any region I know of, I don't think... [There's nothing quite like him in his Pokemon card collection!]

[James keeping it polite because he does not want to offend the very scary Pokemon he's apparently already on very thin ice with!]

Oh, about five months now, I believe! I've adjusted, even gotten a steady job, I just... still really miss my friends. [He sighs.]

... are you a Pokemon Coordinator? Or is this a side gig? [Maybe he could find out if she is that other Team Rocket member this way!]

[ateamrocket]

Hahaha! The name just came to me in a vision. [In truth, Weenis was named by the viewers of my stream!] He was sort of a long and little weenie dog back when I first got him, so it fits. You’ve grown up quite a bit since then, haven’tcha, Ween?

[The Pokémon’s demeanor shifts completely, eagerly barking and wagging his tail at extreme speeds.]

He’s from Topaz, like me. Haven’t met a soul here who’s heard of it, though. We’re kind of an oddity.

…

[Missing your friends, huh? Mayday barely had any friends, so she couldn’t really relate. If she went back home, she’d lose more than she gained. …Man, that sucked. She tries to put those thoughts out of her mind and put on a sympathetic expression. It’s… mostly convincing.]

… yeah, I bet that’s tough. [She closes the book in her hand and pulls the contest ticket from it, waving it in the air.] I am a Coordinator, but it’s just a hobby.

[lovelycharming]

[Aww, he's cuter like this... James' expression softens as he watches them.

His eyes widen at the mention of Topaz, he remembers that name!

He brightens even more hearing it's a hobby.]

Then, might you possibly be...?!

I have met someone from Topaz... in fact, he has the same name as I do! Is he someone you know? Caustic fellow, very abrasive, but... bark's worse than his bite. Mostly. Do you know this James?

[ateamrocket]

[The curious smile that had lit Mayday’s face when James said he’d met someone from Topaz drops out instantly when their identity is revealed. She squeezes her eyes shut and tilts her head back like she she’d suddenly gotten a very bad headache.]

Oh fuck me.

[How’s that for an answer?]

[lovelycharming]

So, you've met...

[James, rather than acting scandalized again, just laughed awkwardly. That did seem an understandable reaction to James (derogatory.)]

Not too loud, he might hear you... he seemed to think awfully highly of himself, but I suppose it comes with the territory of his position in the family...

[Nice and vague emough in case she isn't a Rocket!]

[ateamrocket]

Yeah we’re well proper acquainted.

[Mayday pinches the bridge of her nose and sighs.]

Of course he’d find a way to find me here.

[She opens her eyes and glances back down at James (positive) with a look of irate calm.]

That tracks. That nepo baby wanker acts like he’s Arceus’ gift to mankind.

He hasn’t caused you too much trouble, has he?

[lovelycharming]

[Was this man stalking Mayday somehow...? James looked concerned.]

Ah... does he make a habit of bothering you? I won't tell him I've seen you around if he asks. I'll keep your secret.

[Mayday asking if James (derogatory) caused him any trouble makes James' jaw set, a thin, tight frown pressing his lips. He drew back his shoulders.]

It's fine.

[A harsher, more guarded tone, all of a sudden, quite unlike his mannerisms up until now.

Even if Mayday's description was funny, he really didn't like how weak he made him feel and Mayday's concern had him wary.]

So... are you from the Topaz branch too?

[This question, he offers with a smal, strained smile. If she knew the other James and who his father was, surely...?]

[ateamrocket]

[Mayday clicks her tongue in distaste. Even if James didn’t say it, that reaction made it clear to her that her coworker had been making life difficult for people here too. She grumbles to herself.]

Stupid little pissant doesn’t know how to stay in his lane.

[“Little”, she says, never mind that he was half a foot taller than her. She doesn’t directly address the first question, moving instead right on to the second.]

Yeah, I am. Executive Mayday Foreman, at your service. [A loose, two fingered salute.] You know, when you said your name was James, I’d hoped that meant the rumors about a Rocket by the name running around were about you. Heh. Figures my luck would run out eventually.

[lovelycharming]

[Is he so transparent?! (Yes, James.)

James stands at attention, over-correcting his posture, stiff as a board! He also salutes back! He's trying very hard!!]

Y-yes! It's an honour to meet you, miss Executive Foreman, ma'am! [What a petrified squeak! No wonder the other James bullied this one...

It seems he might be a bit too intimidated by the title to go back to ordinary conversation...]

[ateamrocket]

Oy, oy, no need for all that.

[She chuckles in a humorless, weary way. This kind of reaction was becoming increasingly expected but no less tiresome. …Wait, why was he reacting like this, actually? Was he a Rocket after all?]

I’ve never been one to stand on ceremony. Just treat me like anyone else, alright? I only just became an executive before arriving here, anyway.

[... we've made it this far!]

[lovelycharming]

R-really?

[Hesitatingly, as if he worried it was all a trap...

But, that certainly answered his question... well, now that his cover was blown...

Rather than identify himself like any ordinary person would, he'll proceed to perform the whole introduction, including jumping from side to side, to act out both sides, even using a falsetto for Jessie's parts of the motto!

He even poses with a rose! He's trying very hard! Meowth and Wobbuffet aren't around, so Mime Jr. pops out to helpfully add a "Miiime mime!"]

\o/

[ateamrocket]

[Mayday stares blankly at this unfolding show, not sure what to make of what she’s seeing. Then she laughs, equal parts surprise and amusement.]

Is that how you introduce yourself to “anyone else”?

[She sounds playfully incredulous, but not particularly mocking.]

Quite a spectacle. Can’t help noticing you seem to be playing several roles, there, though. You down a partner?

[lovelycharming]

[James nodded, first proudly, then, despondendantly, as sweet Mime Jr. comfortingly patted his leg. He picked Mime Jr. up to hold close.]

My partner, Jessie, and our team mate, Mewoth... Jessie's my eternal partner!
A fiery redhead, like you, and like you, she also loved to do Pokemon Contests on the side, in disguise...

Meowth's very smart! He taught himself to walk and talk... he sometimes translated Pokemon language for us!

[ateamrocket]

No shit? That’s wild. Sounds like we would hit it off, then. I’m—

—Oh hell, speaking of, what time is it? I better get inside. You should come watch. We can chat more once I’m done wiping the floor with these fools.

[She grins and waves before turning and hustling into the contest hall with Weenis following closely behind.

So! Will you take her up on the offer?]

[lovelycharming]

I'll support you!

[Of course, he will! Mime Jr. mirrored him his eagerness, also promisimg to cheer her on!

He'll be in the audience cheering for her and so will Mime Jr.!]

[ateamrocket]

[The audience oohs and ahhs at the unfamiliar Pokemon on the roster, talking amongst themselves about it right up until the contest begins.

Mayday puts on a hell of a show, building up the tension with each of her move choices and playing to both the judges and the audience alongside her trusty partner. His fire-based repertoire is undeniably cool and well thought out. They’ve clearly practiced a lot. Mayday herself is much more relaxed and energetic than those who know her otherwise might be expecting.

I have no clue if Ultern contests have a battle portion like the anime does or not? But either way, she does what she said she’d do: she sweeps the competition.

Afterwards, catch her getting her filmed with Weenis by an interviewer in the lobby.]

—Kinda nice talking to a normal reporter for a change.

[The interviewer seems confused. Mayday just waves a hand dismissively, distracted by spotting James in the dispersing crowd.]

Don’t worry bout it. We’re all done here, right? Thanks for your support and all that crap. Be sure to catch us next time, too!

[She winks to the camera before brushing past and calling to the other Rocket.]

Oy! What’d ya think?

[Aww, glad she's so into something else that really makes her happy... ;3; ]

[lovelycharming]

[James caught snatches of that interview and couldn't help smirking at the interviewer's response.]

You were brilliant! A shoe-in for the Grand Festival, I'm sure...! Ah, wait, they don't do that here...

((DP game-styled Contests, so no battle portion, according to a mod. ^^))