Behind Closed Doors (Ivy Chateau Workers)

Frappe waits in silence for the situation to settle, arranging the various papers on the desk, aligning the pencils, and stacking the reference books by size. The law book, being too heavy for her to lift with uncertain footing, served as a fine foundation to her small pyramid. By the time quiet had fallen, she had a ziggurat of books on her left and a plateau of paper on her right, with the assorted pens forming a zig-zag river of ink down the terrain. She looks up at Vale, between her office supply structures. <So. What position are you applying for?> Frappe asks, her demeanor professional and detached.

Pepper had not noticed when the Porygon began following him but he paid it no mind as he made his way to the lobby. It took him longer than it would have taken any two legged creature but this was what he had to deal with. He was by no means slow, but he was slower than most. When Pepper had finally reached the lobby, after opening the door, he slowly moved across the room as he waited for time to pass. Circling the room was all that he could do. If he didn't keep moving his fire would latch onto any fabric around him and burn. He didn't think to bring any sticks with him so, here he was, pacing as the only way to stop the fire. He also could do a fire display but he didn't want to show off to anyone right now. Back at the office, Vale was nervous. He had not been interviewed like this. "Groundskeeper." Vale answered, his voice drained of emotion. His nerves caused his outwards appearance to look dazed. Neutral. The twitching of his tail the only sign of his nervous feeling, he leaned forwards slightly as the chair felt slightly uncomfortable. Still remaining as neutral as possible when doing so, his arms rested on his legs as his tail slowly came to a stop.

<if you could stop moving that would be very much appreciated> the duck made his presence known by saying that, his head turning in circles to always keep an eye on the scarecrow, while his body just laid on a table. No need to waste energy floating <I am tasked with expanding your worker file. Please respond the following questions in as much detail as you can:> before the robot could start, his head fell on the table with a small ‘tap’, taking a few seconds to float again once the ‘bzzzt’ came through, after which he started talking, faster and faster after saying each number <#1 what is your full name? #2 what is your trainer’s full name? #3 what is your place of origin? #4 what is your trainer’s region of origin? #5 Do you have any illness we should be aware of? which ones? #6 what is your diet? #7 wheredid you learnto act? #8 doyou have anyphobias? #9 doyou haveany valuableitems youwish tokeep safe? #10 haveyoucommited anycrimes? #11 areyouaware ofyoursalary? #12 canyoustillunderstandwhatImsaying? #13 howcapableareyouofcontrollingyourflames? #14…> whatever the questions 14-50 were, TAF was talking way too fast for anyone to understand

<That tracks.> She chirps, her usual comforting tone replaced with a factual approval and nod. Her movements were minimal, unnecessary inflections in her voice nearly devoid. <Do you understand the needs we're trying to fulfill, as the Ivy Chateau, with that position? How it benefits the whole?>

Pepper looked at the other with a sigh. "I'm sorry, but unless I keep moving my flames will try and burn something." He moved slower but still moving nonetheless. "Please ask all the questions you need to." He almost regretted saying that as the other start it's barage of questions at him. Clearing his throat, mentally preparing to answer all the questions as he could, he said, "My full name is Pepper. I do not know my trainer's full name but we call him Sunny. I.. Am unaware of my origins but I was brought to the daycare my trainer owned when I was but an egg. I have no illnesses, or at least none that I know of." Would being always on fire count as an illness? "I learned how to act by Vale. I have no-" He paused. "Actually, I do have a fear of ghosts." He sighed. Vale always made fun of him for that fear, often pretending to be a ghost late at night. "And as for my diet, I can eat anything but I like spicy things. I have no items I wish to keep safe but I do want to keep Vale safe, if that counts." He laughed at the thought of Vale needing his protection but it made him feel happy. "I am not aware of any salary we may get. Yes, I can still understand what you're saying. I did not live in a daycare full of energetic younglings for nothing. I am able to burn an entire city if I so wish, or burning down a marsh." At the last question he could make out, he breathed a sigh of relief and nearly breathed out smoke. Vale nodded. "Okay." He said and then paused. "I believe that you are trying to keep this place safe at all times and I am here to provide that safety." He then felt that was the wrong thing to say and added, "oh, but, of course, if this is wrong I am very sorry."

<that is an acceptable speed. Thank you> his head kept spinning at the same speed as before, as such losing track of the scarecrow for a few moments until a full spin was completed, and from there he gradually lowered the speed until he was turning just fast enough to keep up with the fire type Once the questions were responded, his head an body collapsed and fell off the table, staying limp for longer than Vale had seen him before, not that Pepper would know that. After a minute or two, the ‘bzzzt’ could be heard <file updated. Worker #7: P E P P E R was only able to respond 46.67% of the questions. This is still an acceptable result. We shall go slower with the remaining ones. #14: how proficient are you at battling? #15: do you have any allergies? #16: do you own a vehicle? #17: would you be interested on an extended warranty? Call Sheo at 612-1234-G O A T!> Looks like his previous trainer left some extra code somewhere in his head

Her mouth opens, then falls shut. Her paw rises, fluffing her scarf to hide the annoyed grimace. Now was not the time to comfort. Once her adjustment is gone, the soulless smile is back. Her head tilts slightly as she replies, <Put simply, yes. We're expected to maintain not only abject safety and surveillance but the image of them as well. Thus, we need Pokemon on the grounds that assure guests their needs are being tended to. And, as we are situated on a Route, wild pokemon will be on the grounds at times. While we have some patience for those who behave, carnivorous Pokemon may threaten our guests and workers just by their proximity. In such a situation, we must keep alert. With all this said, what do you think we expect from you while you're working?>

Slowing down, Pepper felt extremely uncomfortable. His fire sparked and flickered to show that. He has to remind him that this place was made of stone can could not be burned without an intense flame. Still, he closed his eyes and waited for him to calm. He, however, did not calm as he heard something fall. Snapping his eyes open he turned to see the porygon almost lifeless. Oh no. Pepper wanted to try and ask what was wrong but before he got the chance to the other reanimated. Oh, good. It was alive after all. Breathing in, he said, "I can battle though I don't like to. Miss Frappe said I'm an elite four level strong, though I highly doubt that." He cleared his throat before continuing. "I have no allergies and I do not wish to own a car--it would melt before I even got close to it." Vale listened to what she had to say, understanding now why he smelled so many different things. Their on a route, no wonder "I think I am expected to protect the guests from any carnivorous beast that roams the route as well as make sure no one that should not enter the hotel enters it." He could do that. Scare them away, at least. He may not enjoy it, but he could do it if it meant he and Pepper had a place to stay and learn.

after giving Pepper a mini-heart attack, TAF did it again! Collapsing once more after the answers were given, though the ‘bzzzt’ came a lot sooner this time which would hopefully cause less of a worry to the fire type <no extended car warranty shall be given. Understood. #18: what are your familial relationships? #19: do any members of your family suffer from relevant diseases? #20: are you the parent or guardian of anyone? #21 to #25 depend on this answer>

<Correct.> She affords Vale a small nod in way of reassurance. <We want our visitors to be able to explore the grounds. The primary duty of our groundskeepers is to stay apprised of the situation around the grounds. If there's a Pokemon, or even a human, on the grounds that poses a threat to our guests' comfort or safety, we need you to inform us - being TAF, Ketzal, or myself, so we can decide on the proper course of action.> Her voice serious, she adds, <We do not ask that you engage on our behalf. You should defend yourself, but don't put yourself in danger. Nimbasa has a wildlife response group we can contact should it be necessary.> The Cinccino takes a moment to make sure that sinks in, looking down to slightly nudge a pen back into place. <On a normal day, you'll be up around this time, check in with TAF to let him know you're ready for work, then do a patrol. Another patrol at noon, and one more in the evening, that's all that's required, then you can tell TAF you're off for the night and do whatever you'd like with the rest of your time. If you want to patrol more, you can, just don't do less than that. While you're on duty, guests or workers may ask you to check on something on the grounds, that too would fall under your responsibilities, but most of your shift will be closer to the hotel unless something is off. We'd rather you be ready to respond and somewhere we can reach you than at the ends of our property should something happen. With me so far? Questions?>