[attr="class","icon"]

"Its name is Jirachi, I believe," but introducing a Legendary pokemon by its name rather than its title seemed like doing a god a disservice. "The Wish Pokemon. Are you familiar with it or its legend?"
[break][break]
Until recently, Katherine knew very little about the floating Pokemon that remained by her side. "Apparently, it can grant wishes when it wants to. That, and it also sleeps a lot, I think.
[break][break]
"Oh, erm, how have you been?" To think she'd almost forgotten to exchange pleasantries with the former gym leader.

[attr="class","bottom"]Greyson Connors [break]

[attr="class","icon"]

"It's coming with me," Katherine clarifies although she doesn't have to. Greyson was her partner for today, yes, but the unsuspecting, drowsy god was her responsibility and her responsibility alone. "But yes."
[break][break]
Each movement the Malevolent takes is fluid and graceful, cold and practised, similar to a dance and yet not unlike a huntress. Even now, when they haven't even stepped into the rift, she maintains the same level of precision with her own body. "I hope it goes without saying that I expect you to perform as well as people claim you to be capable of, Greyson. I haven't been to this rift yet, but I have no doubt that we should be careful."
[break][break]
The pressure is on.
[break][break]
"I've been well," she answers before stepping into the rift, allowing it to transport her and Jirachi into the mechanical kingdom. She does not wait for the former gym leader to follow her, but such is already expected of him.
[break][break]
He knows that.

[attr="class","bottom"]Greyson Connors [break]

[attr="class","icon"]

As soon as they step into the rift and emerge on the other side of the cross-dimensional gateway, it becomes evident that Jirachi feels right at home in the mechanical kingdom. Where the air may feel heavy for Greyson and Katherine, the change in atmosphere and even gravity is easily noticed—only the contrary could be said for the Wish Pokemon. It practically revels in it.
[break][break]
It floats in the air excitedly, circling Greyson like an eccentric pixie. It doesn't dare invade Katherine's own space, though, seemingly recognizing that the Malevolent would be less appreciative of the gesture.
[break][break]
"I think it likes this place," she states the obvious with a roll of her eyes, "huh, maybe it likes you too," she mentions when the Wish pokemon settles on the former gym-leader's shoulder.
[break][break]
"You can handle it, yes?" Jirachi, she means.

[attr="class","bottom"]Greyson Connors [break]

[attr="class","icon"]

"Good. Thank you." Hearing Katherine thank anyone without having been forced to was almost as mythical as the Pokemon they were joined by.
[break][break]
"It's dangerous enough, I'd say. I haven't read too many reports about this realm, but from what I know, there are mechanical guards surveying most areas. They are supposedly nothing we can't handle, but enough of them could overwhelm us. If we end up drawing too much attention, then it's best to retreat," not flee, of course, she would never use such a word or resort to such lowly ways.
[break][break]
"Oh, and of course we also can't stay here too long, but that's the same for all the rifts, as you already know."

[attr="class","bottom"]Greyson Connors [break]

[attr="class","icon"]

"Go ahead."
[break][break]
Missions and rudimentary tasks like this were the few things Katherine didn't mind letting someone else call the shots in. She was usually at the front - if not on top - but Greyson gets to stand among the few lucky men who can proudly say to have dictated the pace for her.
[break][break]
It's an honour, really.
[break][break]
"Why did you leave your gym?"

[attr="class","bottom"]Greyson Connors [break]

[attr="class","icon"]

Katherine wasn't exactly the conversational type.
[break][break]
This often changed with the right company or, more rarely, for the right reasons. Whether the former gym leader was the right company was left to be determined; nonetheless, the Malevolent had a reason, a flicker of purpose, that propelled her towards engaging in a semblance of small talk. Merely a sliver, however.
[break][break]
"Ah, is that so?" The subtle nuances betray her doubts, "Excuse my rudeness, but I strongly disagree. I dare say less people understand the weight of their actions today than they did a year ago." Her insult-- part accusation-- is concealed within a bouquet of politness. Harmless yet precise.
[break][break]
"Is there nothing else?"

[attr="class","bottom"]Greyson Connors [break]

[attr="class","icon"]

"Really? What gave it away?"
[break][break]
The cadence of Katherine's voice hinted at a subtle orchestration, leaving Greyson to wonder whether or not she wanted him to pick up on her true intention and reach this precise conclusion. Of course she didn't care about his gym.
[break][break]
"You know, to me it sounds like you just got lazy," the Malevolent possessed an unrivalled willingness to divulge her innermost sentiments regarding this affair. Regarding Greyson specifically, too. Her familiarity with him holds no weight in the grand scheme of things. Besides, she has never been above assuming the worst about people.
[break][break]
"Those who care about serving our region in times of need don't just quit once they've learned enough, don't you think?"

[attr="class","bottom"]Greyson Connors [break]