The Perfect Disguise (Morri) (F)

[The REAL Joey]

The cool winter weather had left Joe a bit worse for wear. With nowhere to rest at night with a roof over his head he had taken to finding small alleyways and the tops of trees to rest in at night. It didn't help that he was not surprisingly on the run from the long arm of the law. Again. What was worse is that he and his team had not properly eaten for a good while. Sure he had been able to pickpocket the odd person who was less than needing of the snacks in their pockets due to their rotund waist line but it wasn't enough. The freezing winter had meant that all the fruits and berries grown on trees had disappeared for the season. Desperate times called for desperate measures. There was only one real choice available to him at present. The course of action...

Rob the local Pok-E-Mart.

The day had slowly drawn to a close. It was now approaching late afternoon for the local convenience store situated in Violet City. Little did the shop keeper know, he was about to be the unfortunate victim of a grab and run. Just as the last few customers slowly drifted out of the store and particularly shabby looking individual entered the store. This was of course Joey who despite his best attempt had tried to tone down his wild biker image. The shop keeper looked over him and gave him little to no second thought. He had people such as Joey's image come in all the time. The keeper let out a yawn and jumped slightly as a delivery van pulled up outside. "Oh! That'll be my deliveries..." He left the shop unattended and went outside to collect the deliveries to inside the store.

Joey grinned at his luck. "I seem to have the greatest of timing... Now... What do we want. Stuff we can just eat I guess. Hmm, some Pokechow..." He stuffed his deep pockets with some food for his team and then looked over to the sandwich isle and licked his lips. "Mmm... Chicken & Bacon..." His hand grabbed just the one and stuffed it inside his leather jacket. He let out a whistle and looked around for anything else that might be of use. He looked over to the newspaper rack and shook his head. There were more reports of Team Rocket disturbances in the region. "Sick bastards... How come I ain't bumping into all that many? Just that one..." His eyes looked down sadly. That same Rocket was the one who took his Doopliss. "Man... The thief getting something stolen from him. I'm really lettin' it slip." He muttered under his breath.

[Morrigan]

Emerging from the Pokemon Center doors, Sharada stretched her arms up into the air and let out a tremendous yawn before burying her rosy face back into her scarf. The winter air was chilly and sharp, even for her, despite wearing double layers of clothes and a warm knitted scarf. The cold had never really been a favourite of her's, but there was a reason seen had decided to venture outside. Plucking out a piece of paper from her pocket, her eyes scanned the list of writing. She was beginning to run low on a number of supplies and with her planning to venture into the Sprout tower as well as the Gym, it was necessary to fight the weather to get them. Adjusting her ear muffs on her hair, Sharada let out a sign and began to push her way through the chilly breezes.

Walking through the deserted streets, Sharada's eyes flickered up to the sight of the sun setting. The warm rays tried to embraced Violet City and it's snow covered trees but the coldness was prevailing. Noticing the Pokemon Gym coming into view, Sharada remembered that the Poke Mart wasn't too far away. She slowly came to a halt, staring at the large building in front of her. "Falkner, hm? 'No way am I going to lose." she mumbled out loud, her warm breath contacting the icy air around her. Her thoughts of the battled were disturbed when a fairly large truck pulled up outside a building a shop or two away. As the back flap lifted, she spotted a number of boxes and realised it was a delivery truck, "Aha.. So that must be the place."

As she approached, she witnessed a renegade box falling from a pile and tearing opening, potions and other supplies sprawling across the floor. Hearing the shop keeper's cursing, Sharada appeared beside him and knelt to the floor, "Here, allow me to give you a hand with all of this." she offered calmly, her warm, smiling face peeping out from behind her scarf. He seemed to welcome the help as the duo began to pile the items back into the box, before lifting it up together, Sharada pushing the side of the box to keep it closed"Although it's broken, we should be able to get it to the counter like this without it going all over the place."

Both Sharada and the shop keeper passed by the suspicious individual in the shop, hurrying to the safety of the counter with the box. Gently, they placed it down and let out a sigh of relief, "Thank you for your help miss, I'll bring in the rest." the keeper bowed politely. Waving her baggy jumper sleeves about, she let out a laugh, "No need for the thank you. I'll be looking around now." With that, the shop keeper left once more and Sharada reached out for a basket. Picking out her list once more, she began to explore the shop for the items she needed. As she zipped around one of the aisles, however, she felt herself crashing into the back of someone. Dropping her basket with a loud clatter, she took a step back before raising her voice worriedly, "I-I'm very sorry!" Though it seemed her basket wasn't the only thing to land onto the ground, packets of food escaped from the male's jacket and spilled across the floor. Had she just caught a thief?

Tilting her head up wards slowly, she began to think harder. A thief, leather jacket, very tall, she ticked off her in mind, before cringing at the sight of the purple bandanna, "Jo--?" Before she was able to confirm it was even him, the shop keeper had reappeared yet again after hearing all the commotion. He had his suspicions also, but this was enough evidence for him, "THIEF!" he yelled out angrily, pulling a phone from his pocket, seemingly about to call the police.

--

OOC: Haha, you actually made this? Thanks. xP I know you're a busy man, so we can keep it short.

[The REAL Joey]

The unexpected bump into his person was the last thing Joey had accounted for. He had purposely left it late to avoid this sort of event. As the items fell in slow motion from his jacket he looked in horror as they sprawled out across the floor. They were away from any of the related counters so it wasn't as if he could blame it on being knocked into there. He looked into the eyes of the person he had bumped into and flinched. That was certainly a sight for sore eyes. "Shar-!" Before either of them could continue the shop keeper's interruption bought them both into the immediate reality.

Joey growled to himself at this unfortunate luck and in split second thinking swiped a packet of Pokechow off the floor, yanked Sharada's arm and began sprinting out of the Poke-E-Mart. Sharada, now gripped by Joey's hand, had no choice but to follow him as he would not relinquish his grip on her. As he passed the shop attendant, Joey forcibly shoved against him to slow down his attempt at informing the police. They made it out of the store and began running along the street. "This is the last place I was expecting to bump into you. Literally!" Panted Joe as he continued his athletic sprint away from the scene of the crime. "I was hopin' for a bite to eat but oh well!"

They got to the corner of the street and Joe crashed into a market stall in order to curb his momentum in that direction. He quickly pushed off it and then ran down the right turn. Sharada was surprisingly still clenched in his grip. "Hey!" Called out Joey. "You may as well stick around for the ride, huh?" All of a sudden, he skidded to a halt and leered. There was a police patrol in front of them. "RUN!" Shouted Joey as they steered away from the shopping parade. Just at that second, the police's microphone went off informing them of a robbery and the suspect's profile. "That's him! We must give chase!" The two police men nodded in agreement and began chasing in hot pursuit.

Joey and Sharada were now running through a residential district. "Okay... This is gonna be a gamble." He suddenly jerked down an alleyway bringing Sharada with him. Fairly down the alley way Joey stopped and looked to her while panting slightly. "Okay... I need your scarf, your jumper and..." He paused. "That should be it." He looked to her expectantly. "C'mon, help me out. If I can disguise myself they won't know it's me and will give up. The shopkeeper didn't say anything about a female accomplice."

[Morrigan]

As the male turned and their eyes connected, Sharada couldn't help but look suprised, it was really Joe and she had just made it obvious that he was stealing. The sound of his voice caused her to grimace, she clentched her teeth together before growling at him angrily, "What are you doing here.." After hearing the shop keeper's yell, she turned her face towards him. Hoping and praying deep down that he didn't think she was also part of the act, Joe just happened to go and make the situation even worse. Feeling his hand wrap around her arm, she scampered besides him, not able to fight his grip, "H-Hey! Let go of me!"

Before she knew it, the duo were running down Violet City's street, Joe practically dragging her. She glared ahead at him as he spoke about only wanting some food, an ever so slight part of her feeling bad for him. Opening her mouth to speak, a yell escaped instead, watching as Joe toppled into a nearby market stall. Struggling to stay on her feet, she used all her strength to help pull him back up, "Why do you always have to get in trouble?! " she grumbled. Noticing Joe was looking at something, she also turned her head, only to see two police officers. With an awkward sigh, she clutched onto Joe's hand, realising that they were in for a longer chase.

Sharada wasn't used to all this running or thievery altogether, her panting was incredibly heavy and her feet were just barely holding together. With the sudden jerk down the alleyway, Sharada was finally able to have her hand back. Triping forward slightly, she reached out towards the wall and leaned against it heavily, trying to regain her breath. Hearing his plan to disguise himself using her clothes made her blood boil, "S-So you.. hah... Come out here, steal some crap.. hah.. drag me into your mess and want to wear my.. urgh.. favourite jumper?!" Remembering the two police officers were still chasing them, Sharada took off her scarf before chucking it towards him, "...Take off your jacket, I only have a thin jumper on under this one, so I can atleast wrap it around my shoulders... I hate the cold." Pulling off her baggy knitted jumper, she handed it to him, waiting for him to hand her his jacket. Placing her hand on her head, she remembered that she also had her fluffy ear muffs, "Hey, take off your bandana and let your hair down. Wear these too." Watching Joe as he began to put on her things caused her to pout slightly, "... I'm going to hate you forever if you go and make them all stinky... Stupid Joey."

[The REAL Joey]

Joey shook his head. "I wouldn't be in this mess if ya hadn't bumped into me. Sure my pockets were kinda filled to the brim but I would'a gotten away with it." Deciding not to argue any further as this was going to waste what precious time they had he began accepting her clothes. "Good thing you dress warm." His jacket came off and was abruptly thrust into Sharada's hands. The ornately Cherrim designed jump then went over Joey, fitting fairly tight. "It's a good thing you wear some baggy stuff." He straightened it out at the bottom and then pulled up the top collar to cover his mouth and more importantly hide his stubbly chin.

He then proceeded to remove his trademark bandanna and stuffed it in his pocket. "Gotta hide this good, as cherished as it is, it's a dead giveaway. Oh well, all thieves have famous signature motifs..." His hair was slightly greasey but he let it down anyway, placing the hair tie around his wrist. He then messed up his hair slightly and straightened it downwards. It was a bit choppy but it was passable. The cute little earmuffs went on and it definitely made him look a far cry from his bad boy biker image. He then untucked his jeans trouser legs from out of his boots and place them over as to differentiate himself much as possible.

"Ok. Now I just need to huddle together. Broad shoulders are always a pain..." He grumbled something else under his breath and then coughed lightly. "Ah, hiya~!" He said with an extremely girly voice. "I'm pleased to meet'cha!" His eyes grinned and he let out a small laugh and went back to his normal gruff voice. "Perfect. Right, arm round mine and we'll walk to somewhere safe. Not sure where yet but let's go." He linked his arm around Sharada's and nodded. "Anyone asks, we're super duper best friends forever and we saw a big mean scary biker man run the other way from where we're going." They slowly strolled along back to the centre of Violet City to then proceed somewhere else.

"Hah, they might ponk a bit. I've not washed in a good week or so. Don't blame me, the stupid river water is freeeeezing!" He bitterly commented. "Winter ain't all that." The sound of footsteps hushed Joey's voice who then realised that ahead of them were two very much out of breath police offers coming their way. "'K, play it cool. Avoid eye contact and if they ask anything you do the talk-" Joey was interrupted as one of the police officers spoke. "Hey! You ladies there. We're looking for a criminal. Have you seen ANYONE suspicious run by your way?" Joey's eyes shifted to Sharada. The other police offers eyes slowly lingered over Joe.

[Morrigan]

Catching Joe's jacket as he tossed it towards her, she used the sleeves to tie it tightly around her waist, "I get it, I get it. I'm sorry, alright? I was in a bit of a rush myself." As Joe squeezed into her jumper, she looked to him worriedly, "D-Don't stretch it either! My mother made that for me!" Watching with a slight smile as he hid his face with her scarf, she began to gently shake her head from side to side, trying to hold back her laughter. Though as he let down his hair to wear her earmuffs, it didn't exactly relieve her, "pffftt... " she squealed under her breath, really forcing herself to hold back her laughter.

With a slight cough, she regained her posture, her rosey cheeks deepening in colour. Holding a hand across her mouth, she muffled her words, "Girl's clothes are a nice look on you." But as he spoke in a girly voice, she just couldnt hold herself back any longer. The alley way echoed in a loud laughter as Sharada coiled forward, gripping onto her stomach painfully, "-HAHAHA... I-I'm s-sorreeEEHEHAHAHA!" Feeling an arm wrap around one of her's, she gently wiped her face with her spare hand before looking up to him slightly. He seemed a little serious, bringing Sharada back to the sticky reality they were in. Lifting an arm, she readjusted the scarf to cover his stubbled face a little more, "Ahem. Then, let's get going."

Clinging onto his arm gently, Sharada walked with him along the streets, thinking about where they could head to. After a moment, she had a sudden thought, "I have a room at the Pokemon Center, we could always sneak you in there. I'm sure you'd appreciate a roof over your head for once." she offered, remembering that Joe usually slept in the great outdoors. After hearing the comment about the freezing river water, she gave him a sharp tug, bringing him slightly closer to her side, "D-Don't worry about it..."

Her voice slowly trailed off as she also spotted the panting police men. With a slight gulp, she loosened her grip on Joe's arm and turned with a smile, "Good evening officers!" Trying to be a natural as possible, she pretended to listen to the officer with a great deal of interest in her expression, "A criminal you say?" Giving Joe a quick look, Sharada began her story, "Well we did see someone, this scary dude actually." Using her hands in various movements, she began to paint a picture for the officer, "He was about this tall, quite a big, muscular build, in a leather jacket? He had a really mean expression too... He didn't come in this direction though, I think he was heading out of town... That way." She soon came to a halt, noticing the other officers gaze on Joe. She widend her eyes to him, flickering her eyelashes slowly, "H-Hey. Isn't it rude to stare? You're making her feel uncomfortable" she whimpered innocently to him, watching as Joe buried his face deeper into the scarf.

[The REAL Joey]

Joey breathed a sigh of relief as Sharada's quick thinking seemed to divert their attention. The two officers looked at one another and both let out a hearty sigh. "Urgh... This guy sure knows how to run. We'll get him though. We're a step above the Cherrygrove police force!" They bowed to both of them and began jogging on their way. Not before the one who was lingering his eyes over Joe gave a small wolf whistle. With them now passed Joey's eyes grimaced and he looked to Sharada. "What the HECK was that about? I don't look THAT attractive? Maybe it's just the jumper. Yeah... That's it." He linked arms with her again and marched on in the direction towards Bellsprout Tower.

As they walked along Joey returned his voice to normal. "Thanks for that. I was really desperate for some food. Not a lot of people carrying food on them so I couldn't pick pocket. Plus there isn't much to eat in the way of offering from nature itself. Gotta love winter." He looked at his leather jacket around her waist and smiled contently. "Least I managed to nab some Pokechow for my team... They've not had all that much for a while." As he said that his stomach rumbled loudly, enough for Joe to clutch his stomach and try and brush it off as nothing. "Hah! All that running." They stopped at a fork and Joey pointed out where to go.

"If we just hide under this bridge, nobody's gonna look down there. Least then I can change out of your jumper before I make it stink of me." They approached the side bank and Joey quickly slid his way down. He looked up to where Sharada was and scratched his head. "Err... Take it slow?" He looked over to under the bridge and smiled to himself. "Might even be able to kip under here." His head turned round to see if Sharada was still there. "Ahh hey." He leaned against the bridge supports and crossed his arms. "Been really down on my luck lately."

Before he continued any further he realised that he should feed his Pokemon. "One sec." He took out most of his Pokeballs and launched the onto the ground. Out popped a familiar Meowth, Elekid and Koffing. Joey grabbed the Pokechow he had stolen and tore open the packet, handing a good handful of the spoils to his team. "Eat up lads, I bet you're famished." Just then his stomach rumbled loudly again. He sighed and looked down at the Pokechow food. "I wonder if this stuff's any good..." He murmured looking down pensively.

[Morrigan]

Sharada waved to the police men as they began to jog away, keeping up her fake grin until they were out of sight. When they were gone, she was finally able to relax her face, drooping it angrily, "What a leech. No wonder criminals get away with stuff, the police are always eyeing up girls." Turning slightly, she raised an eyebrow to Joe, "Heck, you're not even a girl... I suppose the disguise was perfect then, eh?" Feeling Joe's arm again, she let out a soft sigh, deciding to follow him for a little bit longer.

As the duo walked along the streets once more, Sharada avoided making eye contact with him or replying when he spoke. Being her usual self, she was a little angry with the fact that he had dragged her into trouble once more and was starting to wonder if she too was becoming a familiar face of the police. She probably wouldnt even be able to enter the local Poke Mart again incase the owner were to question her. As she let out a sad sigh, the sound of Joe's grumbling stomach entered her ears. She raised an eyebrow to him before finally speaking, "Running, hm?"

A familiar bridge which led to the Sprout tower soon came into view, she stood by the edge of the bank and watched as Joe slid down with ease. She scruntched her face slightly, teasingly making her way down herself without looking like a prat or hurting herself. As her feet landed safetly back onto an even surface, she hid herself under the bridge along with Joe, leaning herself against the beam opposite. She watched silently as he released his Pokemon, allowing them to have something to eat.

Though the sound of Joe's stomach growling again almost seemed to snap a nerve in Sharada. Taking a step forward, she began to growl at him angrily, "That's enough, Joe! I've bit my tongue for too long!" She teared his jacket from across her waist and tossed it towards him, "You always say how lady luck is on your side, but you seem different this time. You look like a mess, you're face is all stubbly and you're looking really pale and tired. Heck, you sound starved and look at your Pokemon, they are munching away like they havent even eaten before!" Her tone was more worried than angry however as she turned her eyes towards his Pokemon, "...You promised me you would take care of them... I mean, I'm not saying they look terrible but.." She suddenly paused, noticing someone was missing, "...And where is Doopliss?" With the sound of Joe's stomach growling once more, she moved closer to him. With an outstretched hand, she gripped onto the sleeve of her jumper, "Please come back to the Pokemon Center with me... I'll bring you food and you can all sleep comfortably for once. I'll even stay up all night to make sure no officers find you. Joey..." Letting go of his sleeve, she turned to his pokemon, particularly Koffing who was floating around next to them, "Y-You want a warm room to sleep in too, right?" She carefully reached out to the floating purple ball of gas, bringing him towards her and comforting him with strokes, if she could convince Koffing to come with her atleast, Joe would have to follow.

[The REAL Joey]

Sharada's harsh but true words resonated within Joey. He rubbed his forehead wearily and let out a defeated laugh. "Heheh, you got me. I have been pretty down lately. I think it was from my time in this cave. I was only hoping to be in and out but all kinds of crap happened. Got ambushed by some hiker who turned out to be some kinds of megalomaniac cultist who was abducting people. Then while I was looking for some Pokemon to help I got jumped by every cave dwelling species in existence." He finished rubbing his forehead and raised both his hands, emphasising his next words. "Hell! I was even walking on top of a goddamn Onix at one point!" His hands fell to his sides as he furiously shook his head. "An Onix! AN ONIX!" A small smile did eventually creep however. "Caught it though." As if it wasn't obvious someone like Joey would pass up on such an opportunity.

He pulled down the sweater Sharada had lent him and pointed aggrievedly towards his neck. "See them bite marks? Had a pissin' ZUBAT swoop in last minute and bite me right on the jugular." He kicked his foot against the floor and went on further with his tirade. "It's a damn miracle i'm not some vampire of the night now. Sucking blood and standing at the bedside of teenage girls like some kinda brooding schmuck." He opened his mouth and pointed to his teeth. "No fangs right? Heh, that's something!" In his mind, Joe winced painfully at the thought of there actually being vampires and he of all people turning into one. He was mostly a nocturnal person but that would be a step too far. "Gonna have to have something garlic-y just to be sure."

As the subject of Joey's Ditto, Doopliss arose, he slumped against the foundation of the bridge and was sitting on the floor melancholy. "I'm sure you're gonna think this is the most HILARIOUS thing ever, what with me being a no good thief." He paused, thinking over what had really happened. "Ergh... I got him stolen from me. And if that weren't good enough... It was by a group of people I hate with every inch of my being." As he stabbed the floor with his fist it was apparent whom exactly he was referring to. It could be none other than the nefarious Rockets. "They also got up to some other stupid hijinks involving a hostage but i'll be damned if I go into that..." He looked blankly at the floor. "I still ain't got my head 'round that." He poked at the floor again. "I miss that blue blob... It was my fault but it was a tricky situation."

He looked up to the now moonlit sky and his cheery little grin appeared at the corner of his lips. "Just... All this happening at once. It was more than I expected. Dunno how those vigilante types do it really. Make it all clean and flawless. Maybe it ain't that way really..." He focused intently on the night's sky for quite a while. There was a silence so thick between them it was almost possible to cut with a knife. As Koffing floated over to Sharada; Joey sighed and considered his options. "I'm a stubborn ***** sometimes but I ain't even gonna fight you on this one. I ain't one to turn away a roof over my head, some warmth and grub. That's for sure. Been kinda difficult. I'll wear this getup for just a little longer, 'k?" He begrudgingly stood himself up and concealed his face again. "Okay, guuuurrlfriend! Let's have a super cool sleepover! Yay~!" He joked in his fairly poor impersonation of a happy go luck teen girl.

[Morrigan]

Sharada let out a small sigh of relief as her words seemed to create the sort of reaction that she wanted from Joe. Though as he begun to explain his story, she simply looked onwards at him in silence, listening to what he had been through. It seemed most of his troubles occured in the cave which led to the next city. She gulped at the thought of a maniac hiker on the loose and walking over what she may think is a floor but it turning out to be an Onix. Though even she had to force a smile as it turned out he had capture it, "What a surprise." she mumbled sarcastically. The next story of the Zubat biting him made her face churn in disgust. As he opened his mouth to check for fangs, she lunged a hand at his face, pushing him away from her, "Urgh, as if you arent creepy enough already... Go find another girl who might actually like that stuff, will ya?!"

Relaxing her hand away from his face, she watched as his attitude changed and slowly slumped to the floor. She looked to him rather confused, could what have happened to Doopliss really be that upsetting? But as his saddend words escaped his lips, she too found it rather hard to keep on her feet. Gently dropping to the ground on her knees, she stared at him, "Someone stole Doopliss?! Y-You dont mean..." Her voice trailed off, from his reactions it was pretty obvious to her what had happened. He hated no one as much as Team Rocket, it had to be related to them. Sharada herself had a small bond with the little blue blob, leaving her with only sympathy in her heart for Joe, "We'll find a way to get him back, Joe! I promise..."

After the moment of silence and support from Koffing, it seemed that Joe was finally prepared to go with her. Climbing to her feet, she began to make her way back up the side of the bank, tapping her feet against the solid floor. As Joe reappeared next to her and spoke in his girly voice she gave him a sharp nudge with her elbow, "Ahaha.. Shut up." Sharada walked beside Joe, her expression seemed to show she was deep in thought. The red roof of the Pokemon Center was slowly coming into view, making her turn her head towards him, "I'll drop you off in the room and then try going back to the Poke Mart or something for food... You best not complain about anything I bring back."

[The REAL Joey]

As they walked along to the Pokemon Centre, Joe went over more as to what happened. "It's really been a roller-coaster. The Onix is gonna be useful. It's literally huge and I can see it mopping up a few Rocket grunts if the situation presents itself." He looked to her and smiled. "I do have a small army backing me now too. If one falters I got two more to back it up. Problem is I just need to FIND these Rockets now. I know Azalea's got some problems right now but it don't guarantee Doopliss'll be there. Then I got that hostage crap weighing on my conscience." As Sharada reassured him they'd get him back he let out a faint laugh and shrugged. "If ya can, by all means. All I know is the guy was fast and had this Gulpin that was used to grab Doopliss away from me."

At their stop outside of the Pokemon Centre, Joey's mouth curled into a small smile and he looked at Sharada. "...Thanks." He looked closer at her and bowed his head slightly. "I know we may have got off on the wrong foot but I really appreciate this. I just need a good night to get back on my feet and to my usual chirpy self." He let out a hearty laugh at her bringing back some food. "Trust me, it could be ANYTHING and I will take it. Beggars can't be choosers. Main thing is my Pokemon are fed. They come foremost." He turned on the step and looked to the automatic doors. "Right, let's grab a place and get checked in."

They both walked in together and Joey hung back as Sharada sorted out all the details and payment. As she returned with the room key, Joey lowered the jumper's neck and grinned enthusiastically. "This is gonna be such a change. No more sleeping in doorways and getting frostbite on the arse." They moved over to their allocated room and walked in as the door whisked open. "Eh, not too bad. This is luxury compared to what i've had lately." He spotted the bed and landed with his back on it, kicking back lazily. "Ahh... This is too good to be true." He relaxed his hands behind his head and smiled. "Don't be too long and watch out for that big mean and nasty biker fellow rampaging about in the night."

[Morrigan]

A faint laugh escaped Sharada's lips as the two of them stood outside of the Pokemon Center. Everytime they met there was always some sort of trouble lingering over their shoulders and despite her negative words to Joe, she was actually beginning to enjoy his company. "Stop saying thanks, it really doesnt suit you." Her smile grew as he bowed his head towards her, his thanks seemed genuin and made Sharada feel like she was actually being of use to him, "Haha, it's fine really. This is just a one off, afterall." As they stepped through the automatic doors, Sharada walked ahead of Joe and wandered towards the nurse, "Good evening...I was wondering if I could swap my room. I bumped into a friend." She gave a quick nod to Joe as the nurse began to sort out a new set of keys and took the payment away from Sharada.

Moving along side Joe, they were swiftly able to find their room. As they stepped inside, Sharada let out a small yawn and dumped her bag on top of the table, "Make yourself comfortable... Ooh and my clothes back would be nice." As Joe threw her jumper and scarf back towards her, she quickly pulled it over her head and wrapped the scarf around her neck. Her nose twitched a little before she shot a look to Joe, "Great... They totally smell like thief... Ah well, atleast you kept them warm." Lifting her bag back up from the table she moved back over to the door and slowly opened it, "I'll be off then. Feel free to nap or whatever you do." With that, she closed the door behind her and a small click was heard followed by whistling. It seemed she had locked him inside, well, she didnt want to come back to see him gone seeing as she had paid for him.

Twirling the keys around in her fingers she left the center yet again to make her way back to the Poke Mart. Luckily, she hadnt stolen anything and was practically dragged outside, so the owner hopefully didn't hold any grudge or blame against her. On the way there, she noticed a suspicious individual lingering about outside of the Gym but at that time she simply ignored him and continued on her way. The outside of the Poke Mart seemed peaceful once more which relieved Sharada greatly. The automatic doors welcomed her inside, it almost seemed that nothing had really happened. Pulling out her list once more, she grabbed herself a basket and began shopping about.

It seemed that there was a different shop keeper this time aswell and there were two customers lurking about. As she moved about the shelves, picking out random bits she caught a part of a conversation which was happening on the other side of the aisle. "...So, have you heard the rumours? There is some Rocket hanging about around here at night, looking for new recruits. But they only pick ya out if they see you have the Zephyr Badge from that feather brained gym leader here." Sharada's eyes opened slightly as she shuffled along the aisle, a little closer to them, "...Ahh yeah, didn't you mention this to me the other day? Well, hey, I actually have that badge, wanna go and investigate?" The two males then began to move, but noticed a rather nervous looking Sharada. One of them raised his eyebrow and whispered to his friend, "Oi, you think she heard?" She suddenly jumped in the air as his friend slapped him on the back before letting out a laugh, "And whats a stupid girl gonna do, c'mon, lets go." Sharada squished herself against the shelving as they brushed past her and left the building. Her mind was in shambles, she had to go back to Joe.

She staggered over to the counter and placed her rather heavy basket onto the surface. Listening to the beeps as the worker began to scan her items, a warming smell entered her nose. Lifting her eyebrows, she raised her head to him, "H-Hey, do you guys sell warm food here?" He simply pointed to a menu on the wall behind him and thinking of Joe, her face lit up, "Alright, I'd like to order something!" She ordered him a special burger, she was out for much longer than she expected but it was all worth it as she wandered back out onto the streets, 3 bags in tow.

With each step she took, her mind fell even deeper in thought at what she just heard. Deep down she knew that she would do anything to help get Doopliss back, but the trouble was tracking down a Rocket in the first place. If what they said is true, then perhaps it would be much easier to try and join the Rockets herself. Atleast then she could work her way through the ranks to learn whatever she needed to and even help Joe with a little more than getting Doopliss back. He had mentioned his father once or twice, afterall. For whatever reason, the thoughts made her pick up her feet. She charged down the streets, feet pelting heavily against the floor until she found herself skidding through the automatic doors. Ignoring the confused looks from the nurse, she jogged back to the room were she began shuffling in her pockets for the key. Pushing the key into the hole, a horrifing thought struck her, "...But he'd end up hating me."

Her arms slumped back down to her side, she was unsure if the risk was worth taking; joining to get him the information what he needs and in return probably losing his trust, aswell as him. With a shake of her head, she gripped the door handle and pushed it open. Avoiding eye contact with him, she retrieved the key from the door before closing it and plonking the bags on the table, "I got you a burger. Help yourself to any drinks aswell." she spoked, her tone somewhat different.

[The REAL Joey]

With Sharada off to buy some food for the evening Joey sat up and stretched his arms. The small click he heard made him feel a little uneasy. He stood up and checked the door. "Damn... Well, guess I won't be going for any late night jaunts around the city." He moved back over and looked at the sink and the mirror above it. He stood there for a few moments looking at himself. "Man... I'm a wreck. You could seriously pass me off as some street hobo." He rubbed his face a few times and sighed. "I look like SHIT!" He dug his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small flick knife. "Might as well have a quick shave while i'm here."

He soaked his face with warm water and then flipped open the knife. "Heh, where'd I be without you?" He then tightened his face and proceeded to shave the knife along it to at least try and tame some of the wild bristle that had grown over his face since being trapped in that horrible cave for days on end. After a few more scrapes and the odd cut with the knife he had finished. He stood back, running his hands over his now smooth face. "Much better! Smooth as a baby's bum!" He slapped his cheeks and then doused his face with some cool water. "Least I look a bit more fresh."

He sat back down and let out an exasperated sigh after looking at the time. "She's been a bit too long for my liking..." He looked over to the small window at the end of the room and went over to examine it. "Okay... Door locked is a bit problematical but I might be able to shimmy my way out of here... Let's just..." He looked at the window frame and began fiddling with some of the screws. At this very point the door whisked opened and there stood Sharada. Joey jumped immediately and turned to face her, his hands hidden behind his back as he whistled in a nonchalant manner. "Just gettin' some fresh air, heh." He moved over to her and helped her with the bags.

He dropped them on the table and grinned enthusiastically at what she had bought him. "Oh man, oh man! I love burgers." He greedily shuffled through the bag and found his meal. Sitting back down on the bed he unwrapped it and had his mouth open aghast at the sheer size of it. "That's... A whoppa!" He licked his lips and began feasting upon it, relishing every bite. "Oh man, the cheese, the mustards, the gherkins... Mmmm mmmm mmmm!" After another few bites he fell silent and looked to Sharada. "Err... What's up? You look like how I did earlier. Something on yer mind?"

[Morrigan]

Sharada shot him a venomous look as she soon realised what he was doing by the window. Rolling her eyes back, she shook her head in disbelief, shuffling around in a bag herself. She pulled out a small carton of milk and sat down on the edge of her own bed. Kicking off her shoes and untieing her scarf, she spun onto the bed and laid on her stomach, waving her feet about in the air. Hearing his happy mumbles caused her to frown further, perhaps he was just using her afterall. It that was the case, it'd make decisions a little more easier for her.

As Joe questioned if she was ok, she pretended to ignore him, peeling off the straw on the side of the carton before piercing it viciously. After a few sips, she began to speak to him, examining the milk carton with fake intrigue, "You know what? I've been better... But if you want to keep you're ungrateful ass in here for tonight, you best start explaining why you were trying to open the window." In a way, his meddling was enough of an excuse to make her appear annoyed. She turned to face him a little, noticing that he looked a little different. After blinking at him for a few moments, she returned to her drink, "You shaved?... I hope you cleaned the sink." she spoke, her voice seeming a little calmer.

Remaining silent again, she sucked at the straw until her drink was well and truly gone. With a strong huff, she pushed herself up from the bed and sat back on the edge, her eyes lingering on Joe once more. This time, however, her gaze was a little different. She was tapping her fingers furiously against the empty milk carton whilst biting her lip, "A-Alright, alright... I heard something whilst out at the Poke Mart. It might just be some stupid thing though." She stood to her feet and made her way over to the bin, tossing her rubbish away, "Some guys were saying that Rockets were recruiting. You need to get something to make them interested though." Staying on her feet, she gave Joe a semi serious stare, as if plotting something in her mind, "...We're more acquaintances than friends, right?"

[The REAL Joey]

He stuffed his face with another bite of burger and looked to her as she questioned him. "Hey, hey! I was gettin' some air!" His words didn't seem to ring true with Sharada. She merely stared at him incredulously until he slumped and admitted to what he was doing. "...You were takin' a while and it's late. Guess I was worried, y'know? There's some real nasty pieces of work prowlin' the streets under the cover of dark." He bit into his burger again and flinched. "Ngrk! I... Yeah! Of course I washed the sink!" He began swearing in his mind realising he might have left a few bits here and there.

After a long duration of silence, the tables turned for Sharada and it was her turn to spill some information. Joey listened intently to what had occurred out in the Pokemart and why she had been so late in returning. His expression became somewhat reserved. "So... You're hinting at something right? Joining the Rockets?" He wasn't quite sure where this was going; all that he could think of were more questions. "And what do they want that'll catch their interest? A Pokemon? Money? What possibly would they want?" Sharada's final words had him stand up and look at her with intensity. "I'd say we're a damn sight more than just acquaintances. Okay, so we had bit of a misunderstandin' at first but you've always helped me out. Like today and this burger i'm chewin' on!" He took a small chunk out of it and shook his head.

"I appreciate your concern and willingness to help me but... It's dangerous. They're damned mobsters. Not some super club you can join." He paced around in the small room and held his spare hand on his waist. "I just can't imagine YOU as a Rocket. I mean, YOU of all people." He paused again, he was certain she was implying it. "That's crazy talk!" He finished eating his burger and sat opposite her on a chair against the table. He rubbed his temples and thought more about the situation. "If they're openly recruiting they must be preparing for something big here in Johto." He looked up and asked adamantly. "Where'd they say this recruiting place is? I'm gonna make a few heads roll."