Welcome to Gaia! ::

It was a long hard road on the way back into favor but worth it. Slowly the late-nights together, patrols and actual talking past pissy banter picked up. All the hard work and putting in actual training hours again was paying off, at least in the way of making Po less annoyed with him and getting back in top shape. Layne was doing well, trying actually now and maybe just maybe giving more of a s**t than he let on.

As usual, at least now, it was no surprise that the man answered when she called him. Which brought him here, walking along an alley of the city with Xenotime. They were on a casual patrol tonight nothing out of the ordinary really past their conversation. For once it was slow as if waiting on one or the other to bring up important issues neither had addressed yet.

"So..what'da ya want ta talk bout?" He asked as blues glanced to the woman and an itch ran over body. A hand glided up to remove his hat and use it to fan himself as they moved along the street. A gesture that said he was still restless just not as reckless as he use to be.

A thumb started to move upon skin, in honesty when the touch came his steps slow so it wasn't hard to come to a full stop. Which he did when her fingers gripped jaw, turning into the light hold he now faced her. A smirk spreading lips in amusement as she manhandled him. The body differences and control would be an amusing sight to an outside eye, hell they were to him.

Him? Jesus this wasn't another I'm going to kill you moment was it? Self perseverance started to turn mental gears and the smirk widened. How to get out of it if it was running through mind. Blues locking on the woman's beautiful colored gaze. Seduce her, he questioned himself inwardly, that seemed to work recently...

Indulging in the touch to both appear and remain somewhat calm, he leaned into it before she dropped hands to land on chest. The hat was removed from person and the man chuckled softly,"looks gud.." Purring a few fingers tipped the bill to settle it back more on her head. The general was a pretty woman so it didn't take a lot of effort to slide into a more flirty mood.

Though this ended abruptly when praise came, so stunned was the agent that his mouth literally opened in awe. A little dumbfounded he stared before grinning like an opossum at her, "yew gotta be shittin me?" Was she actually telling him he had been doing good?! Clearly this had not be expressed enough but his reaction slowly went smug before arms folded over chest. Ha!

"Hee....say et again, I culd use more praise boss." He couldn't help growling and moving a hand down to catch her hip and attempt to close the gap between their bodies.

Xenotime got a sassy little roll of eyes when she questioned him, they both knew he had been working. Just he hadn't been so sure she was taking much notice of it, though he knew she was watching him, the how much was the question. This now clearly answered with her offer of a reward, the likes of which were making the man thrum in delight. "Ya know et, I lyke me sum rewards." Of course his brain was already linking the usual positive reward from the woman though she seemed to be having different ideas it would appear.

Her hand was now resting dangerously above starseed location but Natrolite didn't even flinch. There was no need to be worried in this moment after all. At the mention of needing aid to reward him Natrolite seemed to instantly switch gears and took on a more serious look. A rare occurrence for the man but flattering upon his handsome features none the less. "...Whaddaya mean by that...boss?" Blues questioned just as much as lips did, curious and now shining in eager anticipation.

What was this?

Could it be......

The smirk that had been upon lips grew wide as her hand lifted and a communication crystal appeared, Natrolite knew enough to gather a few more guesses now on what his reward could be.

And he was more than ready to accept...

The General and Lieutenant weren't kept for long; the air around them rippled with power just a split second before Axinite teleported into their line of view. He seemed perfectly poised and composed; if they had interrupted him, he gave no indication that he was upset.

Instead, he offered a polite smile to each of them.

"Xenotime," he greeted, with a familiarity of her face and name that came only from being well acquainted with her file. He greeted Natrolite in the same manner.

The General King was the least imposing of the three, but he seemed content with that. He was not loud and boisterous, or immediately friends with everyone he met—like Lepidolite. Nor was he brazen and assertive, and immediately challenging everyone around her, like Hessonite.

He took a second to scan the area they had requested him in but did not outwardly question or condemn their choice. It seemed a habit, simply to be aware of the world around him, and to know what was going on around him at all times.

"You needed assistance?" he asked, returning his gaze to the two Agents before him.

The general snorted softly, not bothering to look up at the lieutenant. "Would have thought you'd prefer something a little more personal in terms of celebration, but if it's an actual party you want..." She was teasing, of course. Knowing perfectly well what the man had in mind, but if he was going to be a pain in the a**, she would give him s**t for it. that was just how their dynamic worked.

There was a chance she might have said more, taken the joke farther, but a sudden rippling in the air announced the general-king a split second before he appeared before him. His presence was enough to have Xenotime straightening, hand sliding away from Natrolite's arm as she stood more or less at attention, and then a little straighter as he addressed her by name. Clearly pleased with the recognition.

"Good evening, Axinite." The greeting was formal, respectful. She had no ill opinions in regards to this particular sovereign , and her behavior reflected that plainly enough. "Thank you for your prompt appearance. I was wondering if perhaps you wouldn't mind assisting in a promotion?" The end of the question came with a small gesture towards the tall lieutenant beside her. "I'd love to have handled it myself, but..." she shrugged, hands coming up in a what-you-going-to-do gesture that perfectly matched the small smile that appeared on dark lips.

One hand shifted to lay against Natrolite's chest. "He hits his quota, follows orders, and even won the little tournament run by Aurostibite and myself not too long ago." Did she even need to up sell him? Xenotime wasn't sure. Axinite seemed the sort to do his homework, and she was fairly certain she'd spotted him during a match or two at the tourney.

Natrolite stood a little more to attention when the hand landed upon chest and his general started to sell him. He wasn't the type of man whom didn't appreciate someone sticking their neck out for him and this was a fairly big deal as it was. Listening to the build up may have had a slight touch of red coloring the back of the mans neck and a hand going back for a rub to cover it.

When Axinite turned to address him directly blues narrowed into a mischievous look. "Oh'yea?" Well hopefully the impression was a good one, he had done well in the tournament but not as well as he had wanted. With a smooth smirk he pocketed hands and let eyes wander over the red headed general king. It was a bit amusing to know someone likely had an eye on him now, but that was what one in information did after all. A tickling idea of misbehaving for more of the Information's branch leaders attention flickered to mind but thankfully it was smothered it back with a wide smirk. His record probably already was missing a fairly large hit thanks to his general after all, no need to press luck.

The question was posed and honestly he had to think on it so the pause and turn back to Xenotime was welcomed. At the moment he really didn't have an answer for this outside of becoming the best, but that well seemed a little to simple and childish in the moment. "Should I be scared?" He teased just a little, unable to help himself really even though Xe was actually aid in his previous upgrade.

If Axinite was aware of what had happened at the Special Operatives Meeting--and, given how well he did his research it was likely that he did--he did not speak of it. He must have had his own reasons, or perhaps expected Hessonite or Laurelite to get involved, if need be. At the very least, Axinite didn’t seem the vindictive sort to punish a subordinate for his commander’s behavior.

He debated how best to answer Natrolite's question and then replied honestly: "Yes, a bit. Lieutenants are allowed to make mistakes. It's expected. We're all learning, at that stage. Captains, though, are supposed to be more prepared, more disciplined. Discipline is extremely important. Knowing how to curb your temper in appropriate situations, for example, will save you pain and humiliation down the line. Unfortunately, such is the case in a military organization. I would caution, it is best to tread lightly while exploring your new rank. Disobedience can and will be punished--and you are a very promising agent."

He kept a calm demeanor and continued, "If you want Xenotime's teachings to reflect well of her, I would advise you to seek counsel and aid. Mistakes are judged harshly. If you are, perhaps, a General, and set a bad example for the rest of the Negaverse..." His voice trailed off and he shook his head. "You don't want that. Metallia rewards those who serve her well, but remember--your power comes from her. As she gives, she can take." He glanced between each of them, but then smiled as if to reassure. "So--yes! To a degree, it would be wise to be afraid. But only if you intend to abuse the power she has given you. Otherwise, only opportunity awaits."

Axinite stepped back and gestured for Xenotime to take his place in front of Natrolite. If she had done this before, she knew what was going to come next.

Falling quiet again as the general-king spoke, Xenotime kept her eye on her agent, watching his face, his reaction, to the sovereign's advice. At least until he made mention of generals and mistakes. This had her glancing shrewdly up at the red head, head tilting slightly as she attempted to read his expression, but he was stepping aside to make room for her.

Lips pursed, she moved to take his place, gaze lingering on him for a second longer before turning back to Natrolite. The pride was there again, in the subtle twitch of her lips, but there was also a warning, a demand that he continue to shine and progress. He'd risen to her expectations and surpassed them, and she wouldn't allow him to backslide now. Strength, dedication, and obedience. They were crucial now, more than ever. If the Negaverse was keeping their eye on her, then she had little doubt they were watching her subordinates as well.

But there were more encouraging things to focus on.

Smile brightening into something familiarly enticing, the general lay a hand on the lieutenant's chest, leaning in. "Haven't we done this before?" There was always time for witty banter.