And so their journey came to an end.

She followed the group of Amor and Makoto out. And so, she in turn was followed by an odd creature of which she had heard nothing before.

And as they departed she pondered what she ought to do with it. It did not seem all that responsive, nor did she feel inclined to keep it around.

But Perhaps she could find some use for it, or sell it, it was sure to fetch a high price on some market. Well, only time would tell.

Ay5DV5Zn

PROMPTS: Special Hunt completed.
OOC: Mechanical Kingdom pt 3
Location: Mechanical Kingdom
TAGS: Amor Rose Makoto Kurumi

Cathrine followed the group as best she could. Feraligatr hauling along the doll on its shoulder.

It didn’t take long for them to stumble upon another peculiar sight. A mix of curiosity and concern quickly appeared on her face as she saw how it had been sacrificing parts of its own body for the job it was trying to do.

Amor and Makoto were quick to help. While Cathrine considered it, she was less inclined to completely forget about the dangers that loomed around the area.

And so, it was that Feraligatr were the one to join Amor and Makoto in laying down their mechanical dolls and adding the living beating heart of the Soul Heart to the Megearna, allowing it to wake up from its long ‘slumber’

The doll’s eyes slowly came to life as it gazed around. Not really sure what was going on. Just as Cathrine now stood, eagerly anticipating something happening.

PROMPTS: Special Hunt completed.
OOC: Mechanical Kingdom pt 3
Location: Mechanical Kingdom
TAGS: Amor Rose Makoto Kurumi

Cathrine followed the group, eyes peeled for dangers. Taking notes of all the unusual stuff they saw upon their path until.

Especially those Mechanical Dolls, honestly they seemed a bit creepy.

Anyhow, when they reached the circular room, and the Carbink conundrum was revealed, she was quick to join her friends in prying free the slaves from their unwilling occupation with the help of one of her stronger Pokémon, Feraligatr.

She kept the Feraligatr out, now that Seraphime requested that they be on their guard. But as they would make their way onward the blue reptilian would grab one of the Soulless Dolls, just as Seraphim had, figuring it might come in useful…

PROMPTS:
OOC: Mechanical Kingdom pt 3
Location: Mechanical Kingdom
TAGS: Amor Rose Makoto Kurumi

Cathrine listened. The plan was sound, the assumption Seraphim made, even more so.

In a flash of light there was a Gallade. Teleportation would be their means of infiltration for the initial stretch. She grabbed one of her Pokéballs before placing her free hand on the Gallade letting them know she was ready.

And off they were.

As they emerged at their desired location. Something was off almost immediately. It was the tempo of the rhythm. She felt how the song tried to ease its way onto her like a warm comfortable blanket.

But then her head cleared as the Music box began to play. She gave a curious glance in Makoto and the Music Box’s direction.

As if the Kingdom or whoever was playing the song realized it had competition to its dull slowing rhythm, it began to pick up pace. The machinery outside the Box’s range began to move faster, more frantic as if urged on by a force they did not know.

But the sound of machinery breaking soon followed. Whether by age or design, it was clear it wasn’t meant to keep such a pace for long.

Cathrine looked to Seraphim, to see where he wished to head from here.


PROMPTS:
- Prompt 20: Cleared
OOC: Mechanical Kingdom pt 3
Location: Mechanical Kingdom
TAGS: Amor Rose Makoto Kurumi

She had prepared all the Pokémon she owned with any combat or utility applications.

She had made sure to bring along her notebook, her gear, and herself.

She was ready. Ready to skulk through this kingdom once more on behalf of Team Rocket, though by now she would have to admit that there was a bit of a personal interest as well.

And with that interest in mind, she found her way to the meeting spot, getting there just in time to hear Makoto’s question. She gave the two of them a greeting wave, but would otherwise not disturb their conversation.


OOC: Mechanical Kingdom pt 3
Location: Mechanical Kingdom
TAGS: Amor Rose Makoto Kurumi

Cathrine dived into the topic with the focus and attention befitting someone used to doing hours upon hours of studying new topics on a regular basis. Though Aki’s proximity did provide her with some distraction, it was not enough to take her away from the subject.

“Oh I can imagine that.” The pattern was simple, and so Cathrine quickly got the hang of it, visually at least. But doing it was another thing entirely. Only thing she needed now was being offered the means to practice.


OOC: SURPRISE KNITTING
LOCATION: FORTREE CITY

A pleased smile on Cathrine’s lips. She would lie if she said she didn’t enjoy the flattery. And it wouldn’t be long after that she found herself tasting the very drink Aki had just tried.

Cathrine would give an agreeing nod and a gentle “Indeed it is!”

But not long after, the conversation turned rather deep. A small blush on Cathrine’s cheeks as she replied. “You stole my line.”

OOC: Walpurgisnacht Prompt for New Year's event
Location: Mossdeep City -> Walpurgisnacht
TAGS: Aki Kumori

Cathrine listened to Makoto’s verbal thoughts. Full automation made sense, and it would line up with the wear and tear of the factory, if it was constantly running before the abrupt lack of fuel, but without proper maintenance.

Alas their conversation and investigation was cut short by Seraphim calling them back. A small almost relieved sigh escaped her. “Understood.” She replied back before following Makoto back.

Di3GRyk5

OOC: Head empty.
Location: Mechanical Kingdom
TAGS: Amor Rose Makoto Kurumi

Cathrine felt a small bump to her ego as her suggestion was considered and accepted. But no more than that as she focused on what came next.

Makoto’s Pokémon created the illusion, even adding sounds to make sure it was believable. And so they made their way past the guards and their hearing.

“Yeah.” Cathrine admitted while letting her gaze wander. The factory seemed old and decrepit, as much in disrepair as the guards who kept it ‘safe’ and yet it was moving, building. And from the looks of it, what it was building were more decrepit guards.

“I wonder just how much of this is automated.” Cathrine mused as they’d be on their way.

OOC: Head empty.
Location: Mechanical Kingdom
TAGS: Amor Rose Makoto Kurumi

She would be lying if she said she wasn’t curious, perhaps that was why she agreed to scouting without fuss.

Alongside Makoto she made her way into the factory. Though once in there, she left Makoto to her own devices as she scouted ahead in another direction. Sneaking past machinery, though none of the living guards. She would soon learn why as the direction she had picked reached a dead end.

By then Makoto’s voice rang through the comms channel.

Cathrine was quick to reply. “Sneaking past might be wisest. A fight could attract more.”

She began to make her way back to Makoto, while doing so she would ask through the comms channel. “Would it be possible for your Zoroark to cast an illusion that makes us look like them?” She remembered Makoto’s Zoroark making them invisible last time. But figured it might be risky in case these ones, broken as they might be, could see through it.


OOC:
Location: Mechanical Kingdom
TAGS: Amor Rose Makoto Kurumi

Cathrine wasn’t certain if she should be baffled, offended or amused by this man’s words. Alas he simply went too fast for her to even form a reaction, but perhaps that was entirely the point. She began to ignore the oddness and focus on the information he did give her.

Honestly Cathrine didn’t like the picture it painted. But Aki seemed more responsive, and when she asked for the company name. Cathrine looked baffled. “Are you actually considering it?”

Her voice sounded more worried than anything else as the words left her mouth. She didn’t want Aki to get burned with a bad work experience.


OOC: Sorry for the wait!
Location: Slateport City -> Upper District
TAGS: Aki Kumori + Ozni Adebayo

Cathrine’s quick glance noticed the changes in Seraphim’s Armor. Whether they were proper upgrades of specific adaptations for the mission she couldn’t figure from just a glance. Unfortunately it seemed they would be one person short. A most unfortunate development, but there was naught they could do about that.

Cathrine glanced at their would be teleporting shard. She certainly didn't trust that. At least with a Pokémon you had something living to guide your traversing but that was a rock.

But alas there was little to argue. Their choice had been made, this was their mission. And so she made sure to stick close to Seraphim and Makoto as they teleported. She closed her eyes for a moment, and when they opened once again she found herself within what seemed like an engine room of some sort.

She was quick to begin scouting the place for dangers, traps and even guardians.

OOC:
Location: Mechanical Kingdom
TAGS: Amor Rose Makoto Kurumi

His kiss did not come unexpectedly. And she allowed it for the most part, though she did naught to reciprocate it. It would simply be a kiss between friends.

And with that she allowed him in. Allowing him to close the door behind him. She led him through the meticulously clean place until they came to the kitchen.

“That sounds lovely!” She had to admit. It had been ages since she had a good Carbonara and white wine.

“As for my books. Sales have been going up.” She could now afford to live off of their sales, though it was still only a humble amount. She moved to grab the bottle of White Wine, reading its label to see what sort it was.

“Enough so that I don’t need to do modeling to stay afloat.” Thank Arceus for that. “But if you’ve got a project, then I don’t mind helping out a friend.” She gave him a smile.

“How are you doing?” Mild concern hidden among a look of empathy. She had heard a thing or two about what was going on, and honestly she didn’t want to prod too much into it.

OOC:
Location: SLATEPORT CITY -> UPPER DISTRICT -> Cathrine's apartment.
TAGS: Callan Young