[Devlin Kennedy]

A light breeze fell through the grass at Devlin's feet, rippling in sun-drenched waves. Windblown and drenched in a damp heat, he watched the sidewalk intently. With the humidity and cool wind, he felt an uncomfortable mix of chill and sweltering heat, agonizing every patch of skin on his tired body. Bitter thoughts crossed his mind as he grumbled audibly, tapping his fingers on the park bench irritably. Sometimes, being friends with a man like Facilier was not just annoying, but downright maddening. He had only called their meeting in the park because he knew the well-kept man would turn up his nose at being forced to sit in the dank apartment he inhabited. It was true, Devlin had a sizable fortune of his own, but he preferred not to squander it on petty formalities. He kept it all saved for important things. Like stomping out dirty, rotting, criminal scum, and buying bicycles for Mac.

Mac. He had left the Tyrogue behind. It would be too much of a giveaway to bring along his Fighting-type friend, as much as the Pokémon hated being left behind--but he could take care of himself. Sighing, he checked the Poké Balls around his belt, making sure he had brought everyone important. He had been forced to acquire a Gallade recently, despite the fighting style and attitude of the Pokémon being against his usual self--but it was essential to the plan.

Of course, so was the perfect cooperation of everyone on board. There could be no mistakes, from anyone.

He continued to wait for the good doctor in the sweltering waves of heat and chilly winds, damning whoever put the event in motion all the way to hell.

[Facilier]

"Why must the rendezvous be on such a mediocre day?"

Facilier pondered aloud to nobody in particular as he followed the twisting paths in the park, taking the utmost care in walking the shade whenever possible. Needless to say in regards to the awful humidity and pseudo-heat, he ditched his trademark sweater look for something a little more appropriate for the weather-a maroon sweater vest atop a plain white short sleeved button down with a blue tie.

He had met up with his old friend Devlin the other day and what started out as a friendly discussion turned into full blown scheming; deep down Facilier was practically giddy of their plans. It was nigh bulletproof and today was judgment day so to speak, so it was time to act out their plan.

"Bah, where is he?"

After a few more minutes time he finally spotted his friend sitting on a park bench, drumming out a nice rhythm on the park bench. He approached from the side and sat down.

"Good morning, Dev. I trust you're ready to kick some proverbial ass?"

Facilier pulled out his phone.

"Shall you do the honors or shall I?"

[Ray Penbar]

Saffron.

Ray hadn't been here in a long while. Chances of anyone remembering him would be slim at best, but there was always a chance. Unfortunately, he had forgotten the name he used last time he was here.

He was sitting in a small diner only a block from the many-story building that housed the Silph Co. employees. The clock on the wall reminded him that he had to meet with Devlin and Facilier soon. The mission was simple. It should go off without a hitch.

Ray's mind was on more pressing matters. He shuffled through credit cards, all with different names trying to remember the right one for Saffron. The coffee to his left was now long-cold.

Ray sighed and stood up, leaving a few dollars in cash on the table. Maybe the walk to the park would spur his memory a bit.

[Devlin Kennedy]

Devlin took the phone upon his approach, grinning wildly. Indeed, their combined contacts and history had come in useful, and they were now in the perfect position to scope out the Silph Co. facilities. He had brought face masks, but it was highly unlikely that they would be able to show their faces again in Kanto regardless. Still, they knew that the Silph company had long been in Sinister's pocket. While the Kanto public might not understand...he knew that what they were doing would be good for everyone.

"I'll talk to them first, then you can take it away 'til Ray gets here," he said, dialing the number in practiced memory. The receiver at his ear, he waited for an answer.

[Neutral Civilian...]

"Hello, and welcome to Silph Company! To proceed in Johtian, press one. Om verder te gaan in Hoennese, drukt u op twee. Chtoby peryeĭti v Sinnite, vybratʹ tri...."

After sitting through around fifteen minutes worth of automated message, Devlin finally managed to connect to an actual person.

"Hello, this is SilphCo Saffron Branch. Please hold."

Another half an hour, this time filled with random hold music.

"Thank you for holding. How can I help you today?"

[Devlin Kennedy]

Devlin wanted to yell at the person who had answered after so long. It was a good thing they had arrived so early, or the call itself would have made them late. Terrible service, but what did the servants of criminal scum care about punctuality or decent manners? Fuck 'em all.


"This is Devlin Kennedy, calling to re-affirm our appointment today. I'll be arriving shortly with my agent and lawyer to discuss the sponsorship. Just let your superiors know--I don't want to be listening to automatic messages at the lobby, too."

He passed the phone to Facilier.

[Facilier]

Facilier cleared his throat as Devlin passed him the phone. He shot back a quick smirk and took on a very serious scowl.

"How DARE you waste my clients time?!? Do you have any idea who he is?!? Who I am? This should not happen again. To make up for this...downright sordid behavior I expect iced cucumber water for myself, my client, and his lawyer upon our arrival. To remind you, our appointment is in half an hour."

He closed his phone and put it back in the satchel.

"Bah, Sinister trash. This will be fun, so no worries."

Facilier scratched his head and glanced at his watch.

"Where is Ray?"

[Ray Penbar]

The short walk was hardly what anyone would call 'scenic.' The road was paved with multi-story buildings and streets were bustling with people. It was standard of any large city such as Saffron. Things changed so quickly in the larger cities that nothing really seemed familiar despite being here within the last decade. Renovations and new businesses were common even in Cianwood, which was maybe half the size of Saffron.

This isn't helping...

The park was no more than a block away and Ray couldn't remember. Maybe he really shouldn't be doing field work anymore. Anise and Iris would be happier with him around more often, surely.

... We'll see how this op goes...

Ray stepped into the park and headed to the rendezvous point, a small bench near the center of the park. There, Devlin and Facilier awaited his arrival. He looked at Devlin, Facilier being on the phone. "Is everything set up then?"

[Devlin Kennedy]

"Yes," said Devlin simply, clapping his hand together with a broad grin still etched across his face, "the appointment is set, and I've gotten a room for us at a hotel in town--no questions asked, we know the hotel owner, it's all good. We've got the magnets together, the plan is still set, and we'll have sufficient time between the meeting and the operation to make any changes we need to based on what we glean. And of course, we all need to have our, ah, associates stowed away before we enter."

"Just to make sure, your covers are set aren't they? You'll be coming as my lawyer, yes? And Facilier has already posed as my short-temepered agent, as you can see," said Devlin, clapping a friendly slab of a hand on the good Doctor's back. "I think that's everything--anything to add, Facilier?"

[Facilier]

Facilier stepped forward right after the pat on the back and gave a meek smile in an attempt to cover up his obvious discomfort.

"No, everything is going off swimmingly like we thought."

He stopped mid though and adjusted his fedora slightly to the left and then to the right, before deciding it was a lost cause and took his hat off and putting it back on twice, finally settling on a position for his currently maroon hat. After that, he brushed some fuzz off of his shoulder, and tightened his tie. He smirked and couldn't help but let out a snicker, going on with his statement.

"This is going to be great, I can't wait for the...shocking aftermath. Also the cucumber water...I love chilled cucumber water. Seems like a drink for us more decadent members of society, no?"

[Ray Penbar]

"That's good to hear." Ray replied, looking to the classily-dressed man. His fancy dress showed that he managed to enjoy the high life despite Valiant's moderate pay. Ray's income must be at least the times the amount Facilier makes. But chances are, he doesn't have children to look after.

"Anyway, for this operation, the both of you will refer to me only as Lucas Tenne." Ray straightened his tie, "Facilier, I suggest you use a psuedonym as well. Devlin, unfortunately, you can't."

[Devlin Kennedy]

Devlin let loose a barking laugh, head tossed back. It was the unfortunate nature of the plan that he couldn't really disguise himself.

"Wouldn't really matter Luke. Don't mean to brag, but I'm famous here in Kanto. I'd have to rearrange my face to get any sort of security. But it's fine, I know what the dangers are--this is more important than that," he said simply, a strange but sad smile adorning his face, regret reflected in his eyes. "This is personal, anyway...whatever though, let's get going or we'll be late."

He started off across the paved path, against the chill wind that pushed them back. Still, he kept up a sharp eye for any suspicious activity. If there was one thing he had learned since being poisoned, it was constant vigilance.

They dropped by the hotel briefly to drop off their Pokémon--Devlin released Jackie to keep an eye on them--they headed out to the tall Silph Co. building, a huge advertisement screen promoting Porygons above the entrance. He turned his head back to them, jerking a thumb towards the doors.

"Let's go."

[Facilier]

The three men strolled into the building, full of determination and subtle schemes. They casually walked up the front desk and Facilier made their presence known to the young girl typing away on the keyboard.

"I am Jack Robertson. This is my client, I'm sure you know him," He nodded to Devlin, "and this is his lawyer, Lucas Tenne. We have an appointment in ten minutes and I specifically requested chilled cucumber water?"

As soon as Facilier started his rant, the young girl stood up straight and started murmuring apologies. She brushed a strand of her auburn hair out of her face and pressed a button on her headset. "Hello, this is Jenny. He's arrived. Do you know anything about cucumber water...?"

She smiled at the men and said "one moment please."

No sooner than that a young acne ridden teenage boy ran out from the corner with a cooler filled with the aforementioned fancy beverage with three glass goblets. He shuffled behind the cooler and showed them a tiny box of lemons.

"H-here you are sirs. Lemons for taste"

His voice cracked with puberty and nervousness and he ran away back to his duties, face red with embarrassment. Facilier at once filled a goblet up the water and put a lemon in the corner, taking a sip and eyeing Jenny.

"If you'd wait in the lobby for 8 minutes, I will lead you to your meeting. Thank you and have a nice day!"

He scowled at her and as he turned around winked.

[Ray Penbar]

"Eight minutes? That should be fine."

The lobby was mostly empty. Their appointee must already be in session with someone. Ray let out a small sigh, sometimes he wish he did still smoke. It would pass the time and save him to trouble of stirring up conversation with these two. Facilier didn't seem so bad, but Devlin... There was assuredly nothing in common between Ray and the once-famed boxer.

Then again, were Ray to go smoke... Anyone who may recognize him would only have an easier time. The chances were slim, but Ray wasn't willing to risk it. He knew all-too-well that small things can reignite any memory. It wouldn't do any of the three any good to be caught for something Ray did years ago. 'twas best to stay in here.

"Devlin, what, exactly, are the specifics for the fight again?"

May as well pass the time somehow...

[Devlin Kennedy]

"I'm looking to challenge whoever takes the belt this year," he said simply, sounding convincing though he had no intention of doing such a thing. With the wimpy boxers nowadays, it couldn't even be a challenge. Either way, he had more important things to do in Valiant now. That was the truth of it.

"Location would be anywhere in Kanto, I'm game, but preferably here in Saffron," Devlin finished, shrugging. Was it really necessary to keep up such an illusion with this kind of pointless pandering? It wasn't exactly public knowledge that he had joined Valiant, as while the public had retained fond memories of him, the press had abandoned him completely. He stood on his heels a moment, looking around. What did you say to the leader of Valiant? And while you're being watched?

"I'm really glad we're getting the opportunity to do this. I think it might give people some hope to see something being done after so many years. To this city, especially. I grew up here. Been eight years since I was here though. Sure as hell changed, hasn't it?" he asked, "It was like that when I was growing up, even during the war. Nothing stays the same in Saffron, I'll tell ya..."

He stared off into the distance, lost in thought and silence, looking at something no one else could see.

"It's a shame I had to leave Mac at home," he said, looking out the glass doors with a pang of regret playing on his face. "This really isn't the place for him, if you get what I mean, but he's a proud little bugger. I think he'll be upset with me, but there you are. Would kind of ruin our plans too, y'know?"

[Ray Penbar]

Ray just nodded his head at the first part. He knew the specifics. He was to play lawyer, he had to know. Ray's cold blue eyes stared into Devlin's as the man spoke. The apathetic gaze didn't change when Ray decided to make an input. "Assuming the negotiations go smoothly, you can be back to your 'Mac' soon enough. Until then, I'm sure he'll be fine."

Ray had two adoptive daughters, so he was in a similar boat as Devlin. The large man talking about his Tyrogue only reminded Ray of them and how he hasn't been home in almost a week now.

Maybe after this, I'll go home (circlejerk) for a few days...

[Facilier]

After the brief wait, the three men were currently sitting in a fair sized room with a table far too large that probably costs more than the average household earns in several years. Facilier sunk into his giant plush chair provided for the meeting and drank some more of his water.

"This is the life...maybe the meeting will never happen and we can just relax. Heh, not like this meeting needs to happen anyway."

He must have looked very odd to onlookers, the exceedingly well dressed man chuckling himself, pausing every so often to take a sip of his beverage. As his eyes wandered the room, he noticed the decor had Sinister written all over it. The table had tiny Arbok artfully carved in on the side, every so often stopping for an Ariados. He scoffed at their downright amateur interior design ability.

However, his time to critique and pass judgments ran short, as the large door open and his posture almost instantly changed from relaxed to aggressive; giving off an air that him, nor his client were to be messed with.

"You know why we are here, I assume?"

Facilier stuck out his hand, ready to receive a handshake.

[NPC]

"Yes, I do. The exhibition match, correct?"

The woman who greeted them took the proferred hand, shaking it just enough to be courteous before releasing again.

"My name is Nancy Harrison, Director of Public Relations. And you are Mr. Kennedy's agent, I take it? A pleasure meeting you all. Please, come inside my office."

She gestured towards the room she had come from before walking back in herself, sitting behind her desk. Several chairs sat on the opposite side of said desk from her, and a Leafeon slept on the floor under the light pouring through one of the windows.

[Ray Penbar]

Ray always felt uncomfortable taking a seat while undercover. Gave any would-be attackers too much advantage. The Leafeon on the ground was an obvious warning. It wouldn't have been hard for Sinister to know that Devlin was now affiliated with Valiant. That sad excuse for a bank heist made headlines the next day. And assuming the two goons Devlin managed to stop reported what had happened properly, Silph would be glad to have the old boxer walk right in their doors.

Devlin potentially cost them money.

Surely, the amount lost from the failed heist would be a drop of water in the vast pond that is the company's budget. But throwing that pittance at a charity would give the owners a decent tax break and save them the hassle of paperwork. The amount of money that Devlin took from them could be millions...

This... should have been obvious... Maybe I do need a break...

Ray stepped in the office, nodding his head at Nancy in thanks. Ray stood behind his own seat, waiting on the other two to take theirs.

[Devlin Kennedy]

"Cute pet," he grunted, making little clicking noises as he sat down in the largest seat, trying to call it over. He was aware of the implications a Leafeon might have, but he was supposed to be playing an ignorant billionaire playboy, not a perceptive member of Valiant. He whistled once or twice trying to call it over, grinning, slapping his palms on his knees. Devlin knew how to play the stupid man perfectly--he'd had plenty of practice in earlier years.

"You just deal with my agent, ma'am. If I got any objections, I'll let ya know. I'm not too great at all the legal aspects of this shit."

He slipped some earphones over his heads and started listening to the best goddamn band in the whole world, Manectric Light Orchestra.


Everybody all around the world
Gotta tell you what I just heard
There's gonna be a party all over the world

I got a message on the radio
But where it came from I don't really know
And I heard these voices calling all over the world

All over the world,
Everybody got the word
Everybody everywhere is gonna feel tonight

Everybody walkin' down the street
Everybody movin' to the beat
They're gonna get hot down in Isshu


"Aw yea," he said simply, leaning back in his chair and enjoying the music.