Moonlit Confessional! Tea Time in the Twilight

[Fox]

Another cold evening on Tequila Wolf and another day gone by without so much as a sniff of Revolutionary activity. Rosie sat on the edge of the giant wall of the bridge that was Tequila Wolf. She had her thermos in one hand, filled to the brim with piping hot tea. In the other hand, she held a photo album on her lap and was flipping idly through the pages. She was in all of the pictures, but her eyes were on the old man in all of them. Vice Admiral Babbage. Her adopted father.

“My, my, you really are keeping me waiting, aren’t you, Deman Reeves?”

She sighed wistfully, watching her breath puff and fade into nothing. The sun was just setting on the horizon, bathing Tequila Wolf’s usually white and bleak stonework in warm hues. Oranges and red and blues. For once, the usual fog had cleared away, allowing people on the bridge to make out the ocean. It looked like a blanket of black ice over the world. Taking a sip of her tea, she cast her eyes back down to the photo album.

She was dressed in her usual evening attire for when she was off duty. A button down pajama shirt and pajama pants with cutesy designs all over them. A pair of fluffy bunny slippers was a must also. But, she also had full body thermal underwear on because it was sub zero at night on Tequila Wolf. It had been a bit busier without Captain Hertz around. Rosie found herself wondering if she was doing an adequate job of nurturing the new recruits. Her care was a pale imitation of what Vaun could actually provide.

“Hm…”

---

Rosie | #fad7f6 | Post Count: 1
Tag: Fennec

[Fennec]

-- CHAPTER 9 // Moonlit Confessional! Tea Time in the Twilight

It was another cold evening on Tequila Wolf, one devoid of fog at least. This of course made the full moon look big and wide sprawled across the sky shining its gentle pale light on the metal bridge below. Out to sea, you could turn and view it... in its great expanse that seemed like an ocean of tar in the darkness. Massive blocks of white ice swam amidst the void-like darkness. A gentle frigid wind blew across the various buildings, cutting through exposed flesh like a knife. It was an odd juxtaposition against the warm glint of the marine barracks which shone with inner warmth. Different from the dreary cold from that emanated from the slave quarters.

*crunch crunch*

Walking through sheets of white snow, Reynard was anything but stealthy. A lot had happened in such a short time, so much for him who was young and still learning about himself. How was he expected to learn about the world as well at a rapid rate? It was almost as if he'd been shoved into a bucket of cold water headfirst. Then again, he was the one that signed up for this when he joined the marines.

Standing still for a moment, wearing a large coat he let out a sigh. Mist came forth from his mouth and tangled itself in the cold air. A frown was uncharacteristically on his face today and in fact, had been so for many days now. In fact, these night walks had become a norm for him. He couldn't sleep, his mind muddled with various doubts. Voices seeding thoughts in his mind.

It didn't help Vaun wasn't around to speak to, at least if he was he'd go and talk to him. He couldn't turn to any of the others and least of all Rakka. He felt, inadequate doing such a thing. Most of all he felt he couldn't turn to Rosalyn like the others. Everyone else seemed to have had their moments with the beloved superior. But he didn't really get much of a chance... in fact, Reynard was starting to think Rosalyn disliked him. Every instance involving an interaction thus far had been... well less than desirable to say the least.

Normally, this wouldn't worry Reynard. He wasn't really sure how important it was to create those sorts of relationships with superiors. Especially with one as cold and stoic as Rosalyn. But, he didn't know he wanted it until he saw others talking about their moments. Rakka especially, it made him feel like his rival had a jump start against him. Worse of all it made him feel like maybe he was a screw-up and maybe the pursuit of his dream was better left in the hands of the more capable.

Reynard's ears drooped, his heart sank slightly within his chest. It felt like something or someone was grasping at it tightly. The signature sign of emotional pain. He hated thinking like that. He was basically hurting himself with those thoughts, but with no proper signs or chances, he really felt like maybe those thoughts were onto something. Pacing through the snowy streets he finally made it to the bridge's edge.

"Ensign...?"

He whispered, his ears perked up at the sight of Rosalyn sitting on the edge staring at the sea with some tea on herself. Did she have trouble sleeping too? What could possibly worry her? Maybe it was something about the Revolutionaries or maybe... maybe it was something else. Reynard frowned. Rosalyn had been very clear about wanting more space, so without saying anything he simply pivoted and made to walk away. The crunch of the snow being the only indication that he was even there.

-- NAME // Reynard Ayoki

-- CLASS // D

-- TECHS USED // None.

[Fox]

A whisper carried on the wind caught Rosalyn’s attention. She turned her head to look and saw the retreating form of Reynard. Hm. Awfully late to be rovering about alone. She raised an eyebrow. Had he been looking for her? Well, even if he hadn’t been, it was clear something was on the young recruit’s mind. Enough to keep him up at night. Rosalyn cleared her throat and shut the photo album with a hand.

“Reynard,” she called out, pausing for a moment so that he could turn around and look at her, “Join me for tea.”

She waved, gesturing for him to come closer. Reynard was a happy-go-lucky sort who was eager to prove himself. Actually, he was almost desperate to prove himself. In contrast to Rakka’s previously blind confidence, Reynard seemed to think that he wasn’t good enough. Experience had humbled Rakka somewhat and made him learn from his own mistakes. But Reynard… Hm. She wondered if it wasn’t related to his need to prove himself.

Rosie took a sip from her thermos as she waited for him to come over, setting the photo album aside for a moment. She tilted her head to the side and sighed softly into her thermos, letting the warm steam waft up into her face.

“Something on your mind?”

---

Rosie | #fad7f6 | Post Count: 2

[Fennec]

-- CHAPTER 9 // Moonlit Confessional! Tea Time in the Twilight

Eep! Oh no! He was spotted! How!? He was trying to be so sneaky!! Turning around gently Reynard gave a very awkward smile to Rosalyn. The woman, his boss... seemed to want to speak. That was weird, she never wanted to talk. To him least of all... she always seemed so trapped in her own little world of science. Or was simply more interested in others.

Yes, it was probably the latter. Others were more interesting and likely not as frustrating to speak to. Like he was... in the last few instances, they'd clashed in some way shape, or form. She always seemed to be annoyed with almost anything he did.

"I... umm... yes ma'am."

Reynard stuttered, he didn't exactly feel all that safe going through with this. He was scared. Slowly he paced toward Rosalyn and took a seat next to her, avoiding eye contact he looked straight at the murky sea ahead. It seemed to expand, endlessly... into a void of nothingness.

It seemed lifeless too... the caps of white ice above it didn't seem to help with that feeling either. A cutting wind slashed through Reynard's face adding ever so slightly to his discomfort. Hopefully, some tea could change that up? But honestly, his stomach was feeling a bit jittery. So maybe eating or drinking was off the table. At least for now.

"I... umm..."

Beads of cold sweat formed on his forehead, why was forcing words out so hard? His anxiety was getting the best of him.

*poof!*

As always, when his emotions went on high alert his transformations were triggered. It was almost as if he lost control when in distress... now as a two-foot fox sitting next to Rosalyn he felt even more vulnerable. He took a deep breath. It was now or never. He needed answers.

"Do... do I annoy you, Ensign?"

-- NAME // Reynard Ayoki

-- CLASS // D

-- TECHS USED // None.

[Fox]

Rosie unscrewed the cap of her thermos and poured out a bit of her tea into it. It steamed gently into the night air. Reynard, albeit seemingly unwillingly, came over and sat next to her. She set the cap with the tea in it down beside him to pick up whenever he wanted to take a sip before taking another sip of her own. She waited patiently for him to speak, casting the occasional glance over at him. He was growing increasingly nervous, to the point where he transformed into a little fox. His anxiety was even more evident in his fox form’s body language. Finally, his question came. Honestly, Rosie expected that it might be something about her or hating her, but this?

“No,” Rosie said simply, taking another sip of tea.

Though, knowing Reynard, a simple answer probably wasn’t believable. There really wasn’t more to it for Rosie, but she stewed for a moment or two, thinking about a reasonable segway. She wasn’t entirely sure where this was coming from to be honest. Many social intricacies eluded her, so she generally opted for being blunt and direct. That sort of thing didn’t work as well for handling sensitive sorts, but it was all she knew, so she continued.

“I have high expectations for all of you,” she said, glancing down at the little fox beside her, “You all have such great potential. So, it’s my duty to mold you, train you, and teach you to be the best you can be. Even if that means I must be harsh occasionally. I don’t need to be liked. I will do what is necessary for your growth.”

Rosie took a sip of tea and sighed softly, casting her gaze out onto the inscrutable black sea. Perhaps she wasn’t the correct sort of person to be setting these youths on their path toward her ideal. Vaun would be plenty capable of it if he wasn’t still delusionally searching for his daughter and could focus for longer than a few hours at a time. Her kind were better for eliminating threats to her ideal. Criminals. Pirates. Unfortunately, those like her lacked her perspective or simply didn’t care for her ideal. Which, unfortunately, was why they also would need to be dealt with one day. One day. But, for now, they served a purpose.

---

Rosie | #fad7f6 | Post Count: 3

[Fennec]

-- CHAPTER 9 // Moonlit Confessional! Tea Time in the Twilight

She didn't dislike him and find him annoying? In fact, she had high expectations of him. Why? Of all people. Why...? Him. There were seaman more qualified than him. Like Nora, Rakka, and Daniel. Especially the latter who had a mythical zoan.

Oh, well... even if that was true... how come she seemed to prefer spending time with Rakka and the others and if she didn't... then how come it seemed that way? He almost felt bad saying these things. He didn't want Rosie to think he was a crybaby. Or to think he didn't appreciate her.

"Well... you've spent a lot of time with Rakka. How come you don't train me like him? Or spend time with me like him?"

Reynard asked, his ears drooping slightly as he looked up at his boss. He wasn't asking to be told things were okay. No, he just wanted answers to these things. Reynard turned back to the sea ahead, the cold winds blowing through his face.

It didn't feel as harsh now that he had transformed. He looked down at the tea that Rosie had served him and began to take a 'sip' from it. The flavor of jasmine, spices, and sugar hugging his pallet with a warm sensation.

"Do... do you talk about me?"

He inquired, lifting his head to look up at the strawberry-haired woman. He didn't think she was the sort. But he had to wonder. He had his doubts especially after how she was harsh with him. Even if it was because she wanted to shape him into a proper Marine.

-- NAME // Reynard Ayoki

-- CLASS // D

-- TECHS USED // None.

[Fox]

Rosie’s crimson eyes slid over to Reynard as his insecurities tumbled out of him like stones down a cliff. His ears drooped, and he looked up at her, appearing about as much like a wounded puppy as a person could. It would be cute if he wasn’t so sad. Rosie sighed and looked away, taking a sip of tea from her thermos. She reached over and put her hand on his head since these gestures of affection could be reassuring. His fur was soft.

“You don’t need it. Not like Rakka or the rest of them,” Rosie stated simply, “You’re far more advanced than the other recruits and more proficient with your Devil Fruit than I am. There’s still much to teach you, but what you need to learn, you can learn through your duties and in group exercises.”

Reynard’s fixation on Rakka did not go unnoticed.

“As for leisure time, Rakka seeks me out more often than not, and I’m inclined to oblige him. You may also visit me when we are both off duty if you like, though I cannot promise to be a particularly entertaining host.”

Rosie took her hand off Reynard’s head as he leaned down to enjoy his tea. Consuming it in that form did make her wonder if he could truly appreciate it, but she pushed that from her mind. Perhaps she had been too lax though. Rakka was the only one who actively sought her out. Maybe she needed to seek out her recruits to spend more time with them? Though, she couldn’t imagine that being enjoyable for those that didn’t come searching for her. So maybe more one on one training sessions. She could also get back into the lab under the context of creating some equipment for them. Hm. Rosie rubbed her chin. Yes, that would be two birds with one stone as it were. She nodded to herself before Reynard’s voice broke the contemplative silence. Rosie raised an eyebrow at him.

“In a professional context with my superiors, yes,” she answered, truthfully, though she doubted that this would come as a surprise to him, “If you mean behind your back, then know that I am not one to indulge in idle gossip.”

Rosie took her eyes off him and turned her gaze to the black sea. Hm. One thing for certain she hadn’t foreseen was Reynard’s insecurities and emotional requirements. Unfortunately, she wasn’t very well equipped to comfort him. She only understood the emotional side of things from a very scientific and technical perspective. She knew the motions to go through for a particular situation, but the feeling behind it would always be lacking. It would be a facsimile of the real thing. Someone else, like Vaun was better suited to tending the emotional needs of the recruits, yet, for some reason, they seemed to latch onto her. Or, at least, Rakka and Reynard seemed to. It truly baffled her.

“I apologize if it seemed like I was showing Recruit Rakka favoritism. I assure you, I was not. I will endeavor to make more of an effort with you and the other recruits from now on.”

---

Rosie | #fad7f6 | Post Count: 4

[Fennec]

-- CHAPTER 9 // Moonlit Confessional! Tea Time in the Twilight

Reynard flinched in surprise, he didn't expect the woman's warm hand to rest on top of his head. He looked up at her with puppy eyes. Rosalyn's red eyes staring down at him... she was intimidating but Rey was no longer feeling afraid of her oddly enough. What she said however did confuse him... he didn't need the training? What could she mean!? He constantly needed training. Or so he thought until he noticed she was right. In his zeal, he had overtrained and surpassed his peers. She was right, he could learn most of the other things through his duties... but still, he felt left out of spending time with her. Or being taught potentially new things.

"Well... I'm still struggling with some techniques actually... like Tekkai and I have yet to perfect my powerful attacks."

Reynard explained, he put up his paw against his lower jaw as he spoke. Almost thinking over his words.

"I just... I feel bad approaching you. Like I might annoy you because you're busy or just... don't have time."

This was true, he could be dying and he still would likely not tell Rosalyn. His place as a Marine was that of a soldier to him and that was magnified tenfold with Rosalyn. He needed, no he wanted to be the best and be recognized by his superiors. That would get him a promotion alongside all the things he was doing. But he was missing something. A connection and actual displays of leadership. Rakka had that, everyone loved him and he was a ray of sunshine.

"So, sorry if I haven't reached out... it's... not easy for me."

He let out a sigh and turned back to the dark sea ahead. It was beautiful actually... in an odd sort of way. It's cold feel and seeming endlessness of void-like darkness. Yet, Reynard knew that beyond all that were warm islands. Like his homeland of Goa for example. Rosie, to him, was no different. That's how he saw her, a cold exterior with love to shed. But like the ocean you needed to trudge through... you had to seek the warmth.

"I see... sorry for assuming things were spoken about me."

Rey turned to look at his boss.

"It's okay... I just... I just want the same I guess. Being a Marine in a division to leave behind your family isn't easy. You give up a life of comforts for ambition. But that can be lonesome I suppose."

He explained further.

"Besides, if I want to make it far I need to forge relationships... but it seems like that's not my forte sometimes."

-- NAME // Reynard Ayoki

-- CLASS // D

-- TECHS USED // None.

[Fox]

“Then we can focus on those in an individual training session if you like,” Rosalyn stated calmly, taking another sip of her tea. Its warmth was a refreshing barrier against the cold. “I am always busy in some way or another, Reynard. It does not mean I cannot shift my priorities to you or the other recruits if you require it. I consider it a part of my duties to be available for you all most of the time. Perhaps more than just that.”

Rosalyn considered. Outside of her duties as a Marine, she’d still likely give them all her time if they wished for it. Mostly because, if she could fulfill a need for them or nurture them in the somewhat correct way - even though she wasn’t very adept at it - then it would be time well spent. Any time spent toward the furtherance of her dream - her ambition - was time well spent. Rosie glanced down at Reynard as he apologized.

“If you do not seek help, it will not come,” she said softly, “If you call for me, I will appear.”

She’d spent years as a slave having this fact impressed onto her. Many of the new slaves thought that help would come if they just kept waiting and held onto hope. Help never came for them. Help never came for any of them. She’d heard all sorts of arguments. Someone would come looking. Their family, their friends. And, yes, they probably did look, or maybe not. There was no way to know. Rosie had sought out help, and it had come. She’d had to make sacrifices and be proactive to get it, but get it she had.

Rosie raised the thermos to her lips again and stared down at the steam pouring out of the top. Hm. It had been a long time since she’d had to think about the past like this and the lessons learned from it. Perhaps a little reflection wouldn’t hurt every now and then to remind her of how very nearly she’d just ended up a statistic in a Marine ledger somewhere. Rosie glanced over to Reynard and reached out again, ruffling his head and ears.

“You will learn,” Rosalyn said plainly, confidently, as if it were a fact, “And you will grow into a fine Marine. Going much higher than I could ever hope to reach.”

She took her hand away and sighed, long and slow into the night. Leaving her behind was the correct choice. Even if Reynard and the others grew to despise her...

“I will support you. The others will support you. And, you, in turn, them.”

---

Rosie | #fad7f6 | Post Count: 5

[Fennec]

-- CHAPTER 9 // Moonlit Confessional! Tea Time in the Twilight!

Lifting his head to meet Rosie's red eyes with his golden ones. His ears twitched slightly, as he let out a sigh. Her voice was soothing to listen to. Perhaps he had worried over nothing, that happened sometimes. He did wish to spend more time with his superior, her spending time with Rakka... well it made him go wilder. It made him go out and do things on his own. Train on his own. Reynard figured that... maybe, maybe if he could shine very bright.

Then maybe Rosie would notice him. But he failed to notice that would only drive her attention away from him. He wasn't waiting for help to come to him like a sitting duck. No, he was forging his own path well knowing he couldn't do it. Excepting help would come eventually. That the final push he needed would come. But it never came and it never would come. Because Rosie would believe he needed no kind of help. Which in fact was not true.

Shifting his paws and looking down at them as they dug deep into the icy coat he thought to himself. If anyone needed help. It was him. He just... he lacked all the confidence in the world and what confidence he did have was nothing but a mask. Rakka on the other hand believed strongly in himself. It made Reynard jealous and in part was why he himself worked so hard. No matter how strong he was. No matter how powerful he was... he was still human. He had flaws and weaknesses. Rosie couldn't know that if he hid from it all.

Her gentle touch ruffled his head causing Reynard to raise his head and look up at Rosie once more. Letting out a sigh he closed his eyes enjoying the moment. She went on, telling him he would learn and go far... get far... farther than her. That last bit he found hard to believe. Even if he himself wanted to go far. To become Fleet Admiral. Even beyond that... Reynard wanted to be a true hero. To everyone. Even pirates. He just wanted to protect people.

"Oh... okay."

Tilting his head up, Reynard saw the bright full moon hanging over the sky. His eyes glued to its silvery visage, ears flickering. There was something in his bones that tingled as he stared at it. Just a hint of empowerment.

"You know... every time I look at the full moon... I feel strangely empowered."

-- NAME // Reynard Ayoki

-- CLASS // D

-- TECHS USED // None.

[Fox]

For all her words, Reynard had something of an underwhelming response. She glanced down at him as he tilted his head up to the sky, remarking on how the full moon made him feel stronger. She wasn’t sure what to say or what else was going on in his head. As perceptive as she could be, she was far removed from a mind reader. She glanced up to the moon, feeling nothing from it but the chill of the night air.

“Hm.”

Rosie looked downward to the black sea beneath them that reflected the shining moon. She felt more akin to those dark waters, serving only as a mirror to reflect the light of her charges. Well, that was enough reflection for one night. She knew her role. Rosie took another sip of her tea, sliding off the railing of the bridge onto the snowy structure proper. She flicked some snow off of her shoulder, glancing back at Reynard.

“My, my, it’s late. I think I’ll be retiring to my quarters. Have a good night, Reynard. Do try to get some rest.”

Rosie waved, turning her back to Reynard finally and beginning the long, cold walk back to her quarters. She hoped this conversation had been enlightening for him. She took a sip of tea and considered. If there was something else on his mind, she felt that he would now bring it to her attention. All of her young recruits had a lot of growing to do, but at least she could rest tonight knowing one of them had grown just a little bit more.

---

Rosie | #fad7f6 | Post Count: 6

[Fennec]

-- CHAPTER 9 // Moonlit Confessional! Tea Time at Twilight!

His ears flickered as Rosie got up, wait a moment. No, he still needed her... he just didn't know what to say in the moment and blurted out something random. As the woman got up, Reynard turned around leaving his vulpine form behind and entering his humanoid one. Walking behind Rosie, the snow crunched under his feet as he ran past his boss and got in front of her.

"W-wait..."

He said, for a moment his face flushed... Rosie was intimidating and he didn't know what to say. Or at the very least how to put it into words. Without thinking it for as much as a second he wrapped his arms around her and gave her a tight hug.

"I... thank you. Thank you... I'll do my best with the support you're going to give me."

Rey replied, tilting his head up to meet Rosie's gaze. His eyes were misty eyed knowing that she and Vaun supported him helped him. He was determined to make the most out of that support. He would in his own way, become the greatest hero the world has ever know. To have his name known in the four corners of the world and to take be able to protect those in need. That was his calling in the world.

-- NAME // Reynard Ayoki

-- CLASS // D

-- TECHS USED // None.

[Fox]

Rosie raised an eyebrow at Reynard as he raced in front of her and halted her movement. Or…not? He paused for only the briefest moment and then embraced her in a rather tight hug. Rosie’s eyes widened in shock. Why… Why did this keep happening to her? She was certain that she in no way presented a proper maternal figure to these recruits, nor was she particularly trying to do so. So, why? Her answer came in the form of some words from Reynard who was apparently thanking her.

Trying not to seem utterly bewildered like she actually was, Rosie forced a smile and reciprocated the hug - somewhat awkwardly. She couldn’t help but lament the boys’ eventual disappointment when she inevitably proved not to be the role model that they’d built up in their minds. But, perhaps that too was necessary for their growth. She patted Reynard on the back a few times to indicate that she was finished with the hug and ruffled his hair.

“Yes… Well…” she muttered, trying to think of an appropriate response. What would Vaun or her father say in a situation like this? In the end, she could only give her own answer, “It’s only natural to support you. You don’t need to thank me for it.”

Rosie paused for a moment, looking away to collect herself. Hm. She truly hoped that not all of her recruits would be as touchy feely as Reynard and Rakka. It left her truly at a loss. Not wanting to linger out in the cold for much longer without reason, Rosie looked back down at Reynard.

“Will that be all?”

---

Rosie | #fad7f6 | Post Count: 7

[Fennec]

-- CHAPTER 9 // Moonlit Confessional! Tea Time at Twilight!

Steam left his lips, the pats on his back assuring him that everything was going to be fine. The warm embrace was felt across his upper body spreading out warmly against the unforgiving chilling air of the arctic winter. Stepping back Reynard cocked his head up to stare at his Ensign. A warm smile across his face, he needed that hug and hair ruffle. It made him feel wanted for once something he hadn't felt since leaving his family behind. The day on the ship... when he told Rosalyn he enjoyed tea with her she was so cold. It made Reynard think she would start to create distance between them. But it seemed that wasn't the case.

"R-right."

It came with being a teacher of sorts right? Supporting one's students. Reynard assumed so... he wasn't a teacher himself. Not yet at any rate, but he maybe one day if he managed to ascend the ranks of the Marines. Whether he believed it or not, if he continued down this path he would be in a similar position as Rosie. A loyal servant to the World Government carrying out justice and most important helping raise a new generation of Marines. One that would serve as the future pillars of the world.

That was Rosalyn's designation right now. She was a pillar and she was still on her path to become an even more formidable pillar. But her duty was also to ensure he, Rakka, and the others also became their own pillars in the future. They would hold the guard together against unlawfulness. Yes... Snapping out of his daydream, Reynard's ears perked up and his eyes widened. Yes, that was enough. It was cold and tomorrow would be a busy day.

"Y-yes that's all..."

Reynard bowed gently and turned around to walk away toward his quarters.

"Have a good night, Ensign."

With snow falling behind him, he left... with a warm feeling in his chest and rekindled will. Knowing he had her backup reassured some of his doubts. All that mattered now... was that he didn't let her down. Without telling her upfront and without saying it out loud Reynard vowed to not let that happen. Actions would demonstrate his vow. Even in his failures, he would find strength. That much he was set on. He would become an Admiral one day. No. He would become the world's greatest hero. Of that, there was no doubt in his heart.

-- NAME // Reynard Ayoki

-- CLASS // D

-- TECHS USED // None.