Cathrine looked with a pleased smile at Aki. Her gift had been well received and worth every PokéDollar spent.

Eyes didn't move from Aki as the woman studied the necklace further before asking a rather observant question.

"A tiny bit. Surface level stuff, really." Cathrine admitted.

"Oh please don't tell me those three flowers combined have some secret meaning that is completely opposite of what they usually represent." Cathrine said half in jest.


OOC: Trying to Capture Chespin
Aki Kumori

For a moment Cathrine began to worry. Even if it didn’t show on her face. The way that Aki was spacing out disassociating until pulled back in by Techu.

Her fears were alleviated when tears welled and words were spoken. She hadn’t noticed the breath that she held. But suddenly it found release.

Cathrine was quick to come and help Aki. Perhaps a bit too quick? Didn’t matter. She was there, gentle fingers working the golden chain, locking it around Aki’s neck. And while doing so taking comfort in the moments her fingers felt the sensation of Aki’s skin. “There,” Cathrine said gently letting Aki know that she was done.

OOC: Trying to Capture Chespin
Aki Kumori

Cathrine had expected Aki to make such a claim. But birthdays were important, especially when it was placed on their first real real date.

What Cathrine had not expected was the almost gremlin like behavior Aki showed as she grabbed the gift and ripped the wrapping away. A chuckle escaped her at the sight, though it quickly faded in favor of a smile.

"I know I didn't have to. But I wanted to." Cathrine emphasized. "I hope you like it" Her reaction said as much. But verbal validation was often a weakness of hers.

OOC: Trying to Capture Chespin
Aki Kumori

Aki summoned more Pokémon. Cathrine watched gleefully as each and every one that Aki summoned quickly found a spot either near Feraligatr, Aki, or herself.

When the Steenee was released Spewpa found itself excited for a moment. But then hesitant to leave the bosom of Cathrine. Cathrine wasn’t one to confine the little bug and so gently placed it down and ushered it to go join its friend.

And so the Spewpa did, wiggling over to initiate a conversation.

Cathrine took this moment. “Aki there’s something I need to admit.” Cathrine began. “I know it’s your birthday.” How she had learned of that, she would rather not let slip.

“And I’ve bought something for you.” She retrieved a small cubical package from the satchel she carried. The tiny box would be something akin to what one might expect to carry a ring or necklace. She truly hoped that Aki would like the gift. Otherwise, she had a jeweler friend to apologize to for the speed she demanded.

She handed the wrapped package to Aki. A small tremble in her hand as she felt nervous.

What Aki would find inside would be a simple bejeweled necklace, a gold chain with three ornaments upon it. Each ornament formed like a flower in a distinct style. One red rose for Romance & Passion. A Tulip for Perfection & Royalty, and last a Peony for Beauty & Elegance. Custom made. Perhaps it was a bit much, and she had to admit her flowery language was surface-level at best. But she figured it would be something Aki would like.

She waited with bated breath to see Aki open the present, and even more so to see her reaction. She hoped it wasn’t too much.

OOC: Trying to Capture Chespin
Aki Kumori

Feraligatr wasn’t about to say no to free praise. And so he merely kept purring as Aki kept cooing her praise.

Alas, the praise could not continue. A Chespin pulled them back on track. And so they walked to their choice of location.

Aki found a good spot for them, though it was temporarily occupied by a group of Skiploom. Though the group of yellow and green flower Pokémon quickly dispersed at the sight of them.

Cathrine took a moment to appreciate the sight of the Pokémon floating around Aki.

By Arceus, she’s too cute for her own good.

She had to take a moment to shake the cuteness overload off of her before she fetched a neat blanket for them to sit on. She then went to join Aki, spreading the blanket on the ground so they wouldn’t get their clothes all dirty.

“It sure seems like we will be getting a lot of company.” Cathrine smiled as she sat down. While that hadn’t been planned. Seeing how Aki was around the grass types that appeared made it all worth it.

The Feraligatr placed the picnic basket on the blanket and plopped down nearby. Chespin quickly joined the reptile. Spewpa… Well, Spewpa stayed right at its comfortable location for now.


OOC: Trying to Capture Chespin
Aki Kumori

Feraligatr wasn’t perturbed by the fall. It had tried harder. But it still appreciated Aki’s concern as she almost flew over to him. Checking him, she would see no scratches only dirt. He took her offer. Though he did not let her pull his weight. Instead, he got up but made sure it seemed she had helped.

He was given another pat on the snout, while he gave her a low rumbling Feraligatr reassurance that he would be careful. She then handed him a poffin which he would gratefully accept. He ate it all in one bite, enjoying the taste for as long as it lasted, even though he wasn’t one for bread-based foods.

“Glad to see you two are getting along,” Cathrine said. “He usually doesn’t like strangers.”

Meanwhile, a little Chespin had snuck up to Cathrine. It gently pulled at her dress asking for some attention. When she gave it, the Chespin would hold out its hand. A few berries in one hand, the other hand pointed towards the basket that Feraligatr carried.

“Offering a trade eh?” Cathrine mused. “Keep your berries. I am sure we have enough food for another mouth.” Remembering that she probably should ask Aki, she turned her attention towards the woman “If you don’t mind, of course?”


OOC: Trying to Capture Chespin
Aki Kumori

Cathrine saw the tongue being stuck out. But from this angle could not see the look on Spewpa’s face. And so was oblivious to the whole interaction. Though she would admittedly find it a bit cute.

Anyhow, reaching the path that led down. She allowed Aki to lead the way. It was nice to see her willingly take the lead. And so Cathrine did play a bit on her role as the damsel, as Aki would inform her of every loose ledge and slippery step.

They made it safely down. The sound of river water and rushing waterfall announced their proximity to their destination. Cathrine gave Aki an acknowledging nod as a reply.

Perhaps they truly would get there without another Pokémon getting in their way?

Meanwhile, the Feraligatr hadn’t listened at all. And fell upon his bum when he stepped on that loose ledge. Luckily it saved the Picnic Basket.

OOC: Trying to Capture Cradily
Aki Kumori

For once Cathrine didn’t notice the tint of Aki’s cheeks. Perhaps it was because she was worried that another Pokémon might try its luck with Aki. She had been too slow the last time after all.

But Spewpa Noticed. Spewpa noticed the giggle too. A knowing Smirk spread over its insectoid face as it wiggled its ‘eye’-brows in her direction in a knowing way. If it managed to get eye contact with Aki, then surely unspoken words would be shared. It knew EXACTLY the kind of thoughts that ran through Aki right now… Or at least it thought it did. It didn’t have access to telepathy after all.

Ten minutes would go quickly when in enjoyable company. Cathrine praised her foresight once more for having worn flat shoes rather than the fancy heels she sometimes wore.

OOC: Trying to Capture Cradily
Aki Kumori

Cathrine noticed Aki reaching. But before she could respond to it Aki pulled back.

Cathrine was not about to accept that. While Aki might’ve had doubt in her, Cathrine was under no such chains. She reached for Aki’s hand as she began to move. If Aki didn’t pull away, she would find Cathrine’s comforting fingers wrapping with hers before they began the rest of their walk.

“I will trust you on that.” Cathrine wasn’t really all that familiar with the area, so Aki would surely know more about it than she did. And so they would begin to walk following the Route Aki suggested.


OOC: Trying to Capture Cradily
Aki Kumori

Shaken from the experience of a Wild Pokémon attack, Aki seemed to be in ‘sorry’-mode. Cathrine went over to Aki, placing a comforting hand on the woman as she said. “No need to be sorry. It’s the one that attacked.”

And that’s exactly why I brought Feraligatr along.

Cathrine was pleased with her foresight being put to good use. Even if she had preferred, Aki wouldn’t have been the subject of the attack. The Cradily would need to be made to apologize later. But, she figured Aki wouldn’t be in the mood for it now.

The Feraligatr’s look turned goofily happy the moment he felt Aki’s gentle hand on his snout. Pleased with himself, his tail wagged as her words reached him. He was a good boy indeed. She hugged his arm, and he was about to give her a big loving lick that would mess up her hair. But he stopped himself, remembering that his trainer wasn’t a fan of that when he did it to her. Instead, it simply did a Feraligatr-purr at the mention of treats.

“We should probably move. There might be more of those nearby.” Cathrine mentioned, while one Cradily was easily dealt with a group would certainly be a bit more difficult.


OOC: Trying to Capture Cradily
Aki Kumori

Paldea, huh?

A mildly surprised look appeared. She had not been there before nor had she actually met anyone from there. But it pleased her to know that they were seemingly pleasant company. Yes, Cade had just become the standard to which she would hold all other Paldean’s.

“I’ve never been to Paldea. But I have considered going there at some point. I have heard some good things about the region.”

And with that, they made their way to the end of the tunnel. Cathrine gazed into the large chamber, or at least she tried but the dim light made it hard. Luckily Gardevoir came to their aid, using the lantern she had carried since they entered this place (and which I had totally not forgotten about) The smooth light spread as much as it possibly could.

But would it be enough?







TAG: Cade Atreides

It didn’t come as a surprise when Aki looked down. Cathrine had already figured out why Aki was so reluctant to learn swimming. The hair was but an excuse. It was the insecurities once again rearing their ugly opinions at her.

But Hoenn being Hoenn swimming would be an essential skill. That Aki would need one day.

“Good point. But, I will teach you to swim.” She moved as close to Aki as she could, placed an arm around her shoulder, and leaned in for a whisper. “I am sure we can find somewhere private for the lesson.” The theatrics of delivering that little idea was definitely meant to work as an enticement.

But the true winner of this was definitely the Spewpa as it got closer to Aki.

Speaking of getting close. A Cradily was sneaking up to the group wriggly tentacles ready to wrap around plump prey, as it eyed Aki from the forest.

The moment Cathrine let go, to give Aki some space. The Cradily struck. Tentacles wrapped the innocent woman in ways befitting certain cartoons with fan-pleasing tendencies.

Though it was too slow to avoid the grabby tentacles having their ways with Aki for a short second, especially because it had to Picnic basket down gently. When Feraligatr caught the tentacles. The goofy grin had disappeared, instead, ferocious anger was directed at the Cradily.

Feraligatr’s claws began to shine, a gentle white as their strength increased and their grip tightened.

The Cradily let go of Aki almost immediately, before posturing itself with its face against the ground apologetically.

“Are you all right, Aki?” Cathrine looked with concern toward Aki.

Cathrine sighed in relief. It had all gone so fast, she had barely had the time to react. And yet as she now looked upon their would-be attacker. An idea sprang into her mind. She threw one of her Pokéballs at it Cradily hoping to capture the thing.


OOC: Trying to Capture Cradily
Aki Kumori

Cathrine was pleased with the reception the location she had picked got. However Aki gave her one little tidbit which simply would not do.

But she had the decency to let Aki finish regaling her tale before she said it.

" oh, they are? I will admit I haven't paid much attention to it." Other than hearing a certain rumor about a reckless council woman who thought it wise to make a steelix jump. She only hoped the person didn't lead Hoenn with the same recklessness. "Well, I am looking forward to meeting them."

She paused for a moment. "But it does worry me that you can't swim." The concern was real, and her voice would reveal as much. "Perhaps I ought to try and teach you?" Cathrine suggested, lips curving seductively as her sultry voice spoke.


OOC: Trying to Capture Spewpa
Aki Kumori