To Capture a Deity

[Zorayda]

Zorayda was grateful for the stranger's kind words, and for her pokemon's mirrored reactions. Once the small persian had put its paws up on the blue-eyed woman, she calmed down enough to give a watery smile.

"Well, no use falling apart forever...I'm alive, and so is Eeve. That's what really matters, right?" Zorayda asked, blinking her eyes at the dark haired girl. Zor's partially blind eye made out the vague shapes of Eeve licking the other fennec pokemon's ear gently, yipping softly in gratitude.

"I'm sorry you had to see me like this...I'm Zorayda, and this is Eeve...I'm a trainer!" The purple haired woman sat up a little straighter and gave Kitty a genuine smile. "And aren't these the sweetest little darlin's ever?" she crooned, stroking the persian behind its ear.

Zorayda looked up at Kitty. "Kitty, would you mind going to the poke center with me? Eeve's a bit worse for the wear...oh, I hope her coat comes back in the way it was, it's usually so pretty!" she mourned. Eeve looked at her owner and barked in a foxlike way. "Yes, you can bring your new friend too...if it's all right with Kitty," Zorayda said, stroking her eevee's head lovingly.

[Moonlight]

While Kitty was honestly surprised by how gentle Sagira was being, as the slender lioness usually had a do-as-you-may attitude about the world, she was becoming more and more convinced that her lifetime friend would make a good mother. She was always protective of her companions, and those that Kitty let past her walls - Which numbered few enough to count on one hand. But she was pleased to see that her normally firey companion's helping paw was helping getting through to her. Nodding, though, at her words.

"Very true ... I'm not sure how long I have to be in the area, but if you'd like we can hang around each other," Kitty offered uncertainly, tilting her head slightly. Jaw clenching slightly as she felt Gair beginning to materialize, waving a hand through the ghost type. "Go bug your owner, will you?" she hissed under her breath, glaring at it. Mew forbid she ever make contact with anyone but Garret or Elliot of her own free will. Glancing apologetically at Zorayda, she nodded towards the persistent pokemon that was now glaring back at her. "Sorry about him ... Gair is a bit of a pain in the rear, if you get my drift. He's not even my companion, but he thinks he has to babysit me," Kitty sighed, shaking her head.

The young woman waved off her apology for seeing her current condition, offering a wry smile. "Well, that makes two of us - Sort of. I only have badges from here and there across several different regions," Kitty half explained with a noncommittal and almost embarrassed shrug, although it was really her only personal accomplishment. Everything else had been at the beck and call of Garret and Elliot. All of her physical and training accomplishments, if they could be called that, were because they had to grow stronger to survive. Chuckling at how Sagira actually accepted a stranger's affection, surprised but grateful she wasn't always going to scratch someone. The small persian actually tilted her head into the gentle ear rub, purring again.

The young woman nodded though, smiling a bit more confidently at the last of her words. "Not at all. It shouldn't be that far from here," she added, gesturing in the general direction to the west. "Hehe, yeah, of course Ian can come. He's a real sweet heart, isn't he?" Kitty asked, reaching over to pet her pleasant mannered companion as Zorayda happily acknowledged her own eevee. Kitty gently picked up Ian when she stood, feeling the shy fennec pokemon's purr. Inwardly bemused at how fast he'd warmed up to the silver female, but had to find it adorable. Little Ian, smitten? The only word that could describe it was "aww".

All but grinning as she rubbed behind his ears, she turned as she waited for Zorayda to stand. Both of Sagira and Ian were almost always seen outside of their storage spheres, and it looked like her company's eevee was no exception. Odd that they already had something in common.

[Zorayda]

"Oh, you have badges!" Zorayda exclaimed, her eyes suddenly lighting up with excitment. "I don't even have one yet...but me and my few Pokemon'll get there soon, right, Eeve?" At this, Zorayda looked down at her eevee, who twitched an ear noncommitally. Eeve had never been quite as excited as her mistress about the whole 'trainer' thing.

The purple-haired woman sighed. "Well, eventually, I guess... which badges do you have? Can I see 'em?" It was suddenly as if the attack upon her life had never happened--Zorayda's eyes were sparkling with hope and determination, and a quirky southern-Belle accent flavored her words. "Someday I'll get as good as you! And maybe we'll meet each other to battle!" She stood up and began prancing lightly from one foot to the other. Eeve looked to the sky, as if to say, Here we go again...

"Oh! A Ghost type Pokemon! I've never seen one up close before," Zorayda said curiously. But the look on the gastly's face was full of some sort of strange, happy malice, and she recoiled quickly. "Oh...he's a little scary, ain't he?"

And then Zorayda's knees wobbled dangerously, and she leaned up against the wall for support. "Heh...I guess I'm still a little shaken up by this whole thing...Let's go to the Poke Center, yeah? Then maybe Eeve'll be well enough to play with...now, what's this little eevee's name? He is the sweetest thing I've ever seen!"

She stood straight again, testing her balance. "Okay...let's go then. Thanks so much for being such a nice person. I really appreciate it..."

[Moonlight]

The young woman's brow arched in surprise at Zorayda's sudden excitement, before offering a wry smile. "I've no doubt you'll earn them with a little time. Half of the battle is strategy, and knowing the terrain," Kitty said, gesturing to their surroundings. She'd learned that some time ago, when Sagira was just a meowth. Just in the alleyway, she was seeing various battle potential. It's narrowness, the objects littered across the ground, obstacles. A fire type attack in such a narrow battle plane would amplify it beyond belief.

Glancing back again at Zorayda's request to see her badges, before nodding. "I don't see why not," Kitty said, a hand digging through a pouch in her backpack. It wasn't long before it brought out a solid case, which when she opened had an unfolding piece of velveteen-covered-posterboard that came to equal four separate pieces. The regions that badges were obtained from were lettered in gold at the top of each section, from Kanto to the region they were currently in, Sinnoh. Only the Orange Islands and Isshu were excluded from her collection. Even so, the most she had from each region was four badges. "As you see, I only have a scattered collection. I just challenge the leaders when I'm in their town."

Chuckling lightly at Eeve's expression, although her amusement faded at her commentary on Gair. "... I would not mess with him. He is very temperamental, as well as dangerous," Kitty warned quietly, glaring at the ghost type again. She'd lost count of how many times Gair had possessed her - And she could easily remember when he'd incurred bodily and internal damage when he did so.

However, when Zorayda's legs suddenly threatened to give out, Kitty immediately stepped back to steady her. "Well, I can hardly say I blame you. Having an attempt on your life is hardly something that happens every day," Kitty acknowledged, although offering a small smile to the last of the violet haired woman's words. "We help where we can."

[Sabaku No Akaiame]

"Now where should we go?" the assassin whispered as he clutched his legs tighter against his chest, burying his face in his knees. A light drizzle had started a little on the outskirts of Jubilife, now heading for the city itself.

Inazuma snarled at the rain and snuggled closer to his trainer, making a small 'meow'-like noise.

"Yeah, I should stop being so rash." he suddenly started laughing, letting go of his legs and laying down on the damp grass. "It's gonna get us killed someday."

As if approving his comment, his Luxray nodded and rolled his eyes.

"We should move to the next town and see if the boss has left us a ride home in my PC." he suddenly decided, crawling onto his knees and slowly moving to the outside world. He was greeted directly with rain, and his first reaction was to start whining.

Sighing, Inazuma simply nudged his butt to get him moving and the two exited from the cover of the tree and stood in the rain for a moment. Deciding they should get as far from their mistakes as they could, the teen sighed and started walking. Inazuma threw him a worried look before jumping over a small puddle to catch up with him.

[Zorayda]

Zorayda sighed as Kitty showed her the badges she'd earned. "Wow. They're so pretty...I'll bet this little persian was the one who helped you do it, too! She looks tough, somehow. One day I'll get my Eeve evolved into somethin' good and strong...I'll let her decide what she wants to be, though--she's got so many choices!"

Eeve would have replied to her mistress, but currently her attention was focused upon the male eevee that had treated her kindly before. She was pawing at his ears and putting her rump in the air playfully, her eyes sparkling. Zorayda was slightly surprised--Eeve hadn't acted this way in...forever! Normally she was so shy and reserved...the two little foxes were so adorable that their actions made Zorayda nearly forget the horror of what had happened nearly half an hour before.

"Well, let's go before it gets dark. I'll get Eeve all fixed up and maybe I can introduce you to my other two pokemon...yeah, I only have three right now," the violet-tressed girl said sheepishly. "But we're working on getting more, right, little friend?" Eeve glanced at her trainer and swished her tail in reply, still playing with the male eevee.

"Do you think we should report this? I don't know if this guy is a serial killer or what, but he left a mark on me..." She showed Kitty the 'Red Rain' name on her arm, "But he also chose not to kill me at the last second, like he didn't want to...what do you think I should do?"

[Moonlight]

Kitty smiled at Zorayda's enthusiasm, nodding. "As I said, you will earn them given time. It's taken me some time to earn my scattered collection, but then, that is life," she said, rubbing behind Sagira's ears. Smiling at the violet tressed woman's words, nodding. "Precisely. She, and the rest of our small team, are rather like a family. I'm glad that you're letting Eeve choose her own evolution, though," Kitty added, glancing at where their companions were playing. She still wasn't sure what Ian wanted to evolve into, being such a peaceful little guy, but he did seem to like the idea of a leafeon.

The said eevee was completely wrapped up in their little game, however, playfully batting paws with the silver fennec pokemon. His own fluffy tail was swishing to and fro, chocolate brown eyes focused on his new friend.

But Kitty had to smile at their antics, finding them all too adorable. She glanced over upon hearing Zorayda's words, before shaking her head. "That's all right. We only have one more on our team. Gair hardly counts, considering all in all," the onyx tressed thief said, gesturing to the glaring ghost. "Although, I'm not sure if Lemek is indoor-friendly ..." she mused, sheepishly tilting her head. Having a massive dragon turned loose in the middle of a pokemon center would hardly be appreciated. "I could introduce you to Cadan, though," she added, hoping that the easily frightened ditto would be all right with new company.

She paused when Zorayda gestured to her arm, though, hesitating. Having more than just mixed feelings on the subject. Oh, the joys of living a double life. Nodding after a moment, though, sighing. "... Yeah. Even if he didn't, you'd best at least report it as assault," Kitty murmured, shoving her hands in the pockets of her jeans. She knew that the blonde assassin was 'Red Rain'. But reporting it as what she suggested would just be a mild warning, for him to calm down. "It should heal, though. A scar is possible, but with the right care it'll fade away."

Kitty dug through her pack after a moment, looking for something to stop the bleeding with. Although the wound wasn't deep, if it got infected it'd lead to problems. Eventually she came up with a roll of ace-bandage and vet wrap both. "Here, let me wrap that before we go," she said, turning to the other woman.

[Sabaku No Akaiame]

The assassin and his Pokemon were halfway down to the nearest town when suddenly, a shriek pierced the sky, tearing through the rain. The blonde looked up to see a big Staraptor landing right next to him. He stayed silent even as one of his boss's underlings jumped off.

"Hey you!" the teen barely even reacted when the older man grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him up. "The boss wants to see you and he's not very happy, you know!"

"I know." the assassin muttered, looking calmly into his eyes. "Now let me go."

"Not until I see fear in those eyes! You have no right to call yourself the best! You ran off like you own the world and even failed in completing an extremely important mission!"

"Let me go..." the red-eyed blonde warned softly again, uninterested out of his wits.

"Didn't you hear me the first time, I said-"

"And I told you to let me go."

In a flash, the man was lying on the ground, clutching his twisted arm, with the teen dusting his hands off and heading for the Staraptor, Inazuma following closely.

"Thanks for the ride, whatever your name is." he called before nudging the bird Pokemon. Without waiting, it beat its wings and took to the sky.

The sixteen year old's eyes darkened as he rose, the rain pattering rythmically over his skin and wet clothes. It had been an hour. Soon, Kitty would go back to their meeting point and realize he'd bailed once again. She'd get mad and he wouldn't be able to face her ever again.

Worst part is, destiny was apparently intent on getting them to meet again.

[Zorayda]

((OOC I'm sort of...fast-forwarding to where we get to the Poke Center, if that's all right. If it isn't, well, you're the mod, you can delete posts XD))

The two girls chatted about their Pokemon and training as they walked, Kitty giving Zorayda points of advice about battles and such. Zorayda agreed that she would report the attack as soon as they got to the Poke Center, though she had a nagging feeling in the back of her mind about it. Eeve and Ian yipped and played with each other the entire way, but soon Eeve began panting with exhaustion due to her state and Zor walked the rest of the way with the silver eevee in her arms.

"Oh, wait 'til you meet Arty, my totodile! She's such a diva, I swear," Zorayda was saying as they stepped through the automatic doors to the Poke Center.

Zor addressed the nurse at the front desk. "I'd like to have my eevee looked at," she said, putting Eeve on the counter. The fox's little claws clicked on the ceramic surface.

"Oh dear, she does seem to be in rough shape," the nurse said. "You wait here and we'll take care of her for you." The lady moved to grab Eeve.

"Wait...I need to...well, I need to report an attack, too..." Zorayda explained what had happened and showed the nurse the mark on her arm and her eevee's scorched fur. "And then Kitty found me," she said, glancing at her new acquaintance. "If it wasn't for her, I'd probably still be falling apart there..."

The nurse listened with wide eyes, and by the end, they were filled with unfallen tears. "Oh, dear...I'm so sorry that happened! I'll notify the authorities, don't you worry. Although they might need a description from you, details, you know..."

Zorayda hesitated. That boy that had almost killed her...he seemed too innocent, somehow, too kind...but she knew the name 'Red Rain'. Red Rain was a killer, a murderer.

"I...I don't remember what he looked like," she found herself saying automatically. Immediately after she said it, she wondered why she had lied. "I was so frightened, you know..."

The nurse looked sympathetic. "Okay, well...we'll look at your eevee, and then we can get someone to see you, too. You wait right here, all right, dear?" And the nurse bustled away with Eeve in her arms.

Zorayda stepped away from the counter and stood next to Kitty, lost in her own thoughts.

[Moonlight]

(OOC: That's perfectly all right.)

The young woman offered a wry smile at Zorayda's description of Arty, a light chuckle audible. It sounded as if the violet tressed trainer's team was quite diverse. "I'll have to take your word for it on that one," Kitty returned, the air conditioning of the Center hitting them full blast as the doors slid open. It wasn't long before her companion moved up to the front desk to get her pokemon healed and checked, although Kitty hung back.

Not wanting to intervene, but also hardly good around a lot of people. And being past midday, the Center was still quite full. She leaned against one of the rounded pillars, one hand resting on Sagira's jeweled head as they watched. Ian was comfortably nestled in her other arm, watching his new friend being handed to Joyce. A small mewl was audible from him, disappointed. "... It's okay, Ian. Eeve will come back," she assured him quietly, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. At least he finally had found someone he liked.

She listened to Zorayda's recounting tale quietly, though. By the time she'd gotten to the end, it was clear Joyce was all startled at the extremity. And at the name. "Red Rain" was feared internationally, just like "Nightshade" and "Shadowcat". There were no exceptions. That was painfully obvious. Her jade eyed gaze trailed around the Center as they waited, taking in their surroundings. A few people were playing cards while waiting for their team, while others were reading books or doing crosswords. The vast majority were in the middle of conversations, though. Jubilife was indeed a bustling place.

Breathing a faint sigh as Zorayda stepped away from the counter, Kitty allowed her acquaintance to mull over her thoughts. After an experience like that, when you weren't used to it, anyone would be shaken. It would take her a little while to get used to it.