[attr="class","icon"]

Katherine's grand entrance is heralded by the resounding echo of an explosion. To be exact, a MIND BLOWN.
[break][break]
The Malevolent appears only after the clock strikes midnight, as though summoned by the whispers of the moon. A SHADOW FORCE reveals the former Rocket in all of her glory, and behind her trails a familiar Blacephalon, matching her every step with a jovial skip.
[break][break]
"My, my, my..."
[break][break]
The jester detaches its head from its body whilst its owner speaks, sauntering about with the confidence of a predator stalking its cornered prey. "Aren't you just a sight for sore eyes, Serena? Just as defenseless as you were in Sootopolis..."
[break][break]
The biting breeze that dances around them carries an eerie touch, as if conjured by the devil itself. Knowing Katherine, it could very well be possible too.
[break][break]
"Tell me, have I kept you waiting long?"

[attr="class","bottom"]Serena Malcolm [break]

[attr="class","icon"]

Were it not for the rabbit's ethereal dominion over others' bodies, Katherine's utter disdain and contempt would have been unleashed upon it without hesitation. Alas, the Malevolent holds her tongue, knowing better than to trifle with a Pokemon who could rival Azelf's puppeteering.
[break][break]
Gross. Galarians and their weird gods.
[break][break]
The enigmatic riddles echo within her thoughts, but ultimately, Katherine chooses to cast them aside, reserving them for someone else to solve. A particular someone—kyle lopez comes to mind. He always had the brain for them. So long as they weren't important now, then they could wait.
[break][break]
The Malevolent's gaze snaps to Naomi Sato at the mention of the false god, accusatory in its flight. It narrows ever so slightly, deliberating the pros and cons of asking the rabbit a question. She chooses to do so depending on Calyrex's response to the scientist. Only should it recognize Arceus will she dare to ask a question.
[break][break]
"Fuck finding it," if nothing else, Katherine is crass. Even in the face of a king. "How do we kill it?" The 'we' stands for Giratina and herself, of course, not everyone and her included.
[break][break]
Although PENELOPE LIVY is graced with a curt nod, Katherine's unwavering gaze remains tethered to the monarch even then. If it knew anything, then she couldn't afford distractions.
[break][break]
"Motosoke it is."

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X8U22zXI

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tl;dr:[break]
- mostly ignores the riddles & saves them for when kyle can solve them for her (ala cyberchase)[break]
- hears Naomi Sato 's question and asks calyrex about arceus too depending on whether it even recognizes it. if it says it knows nothing to naomi, then she won't ask anything.[break]
- chooses motosoke

[attr="class","bottom"]@ RUSTED SWORD [break]

[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]

[attr="class","icon"]

With a soft and subtle movement, Katherine's hand ascends to meet her lips, as if to cradle the yawn that sought freedom.
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"How dull and usual. What, did you think I'd find it impressive? Have I really left an impression on you that led you to believe that simply any god impresses me?" She doesn't have to feign offence. She's offended.
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"I understand. You and just about every other person in this damn region believe that tethering your value to a deity's own could elevate your worth," by the sound of her voice, it didn't seem to work. At this moment, Rowan was no different to her than DEREK HOFFMAN and countless others.
[break][break]
"Unfortunately, it only makes you reek of desperation." The edges of her lips curl up in a knowing smirk, daring and alluring. "Besides... Something tells me that if you're willing to flaunt a connection, you'd also be willing to show it... But you haven't," she trails after him in measured, slow steps.
[break][break]
"Hrm, hrm... So much for comparing yourself to me, huh?"

[attr="class","bottom"]Rowan Wrynn [break]

[attr="class","icon"]

"It was a gift."
[break][break]
Katherine ran her tongue across her teeth as though the taste of her words surprised her. Although she wasn't lying, she could have easily been more honest with the head scientist. But then again, saying it came along with a job offer wouldn't have made the best impression on Eva.
[break][break]
The faint glimmer of her own GRISEOUS SHARD, the one attached to her necklace, pulses once more, breathing as though it's alive.
[break][break]
"I'm certain of the authenticity of this one, by the way," she's kind enough to share more, courteous enough to recognize that it might support the scientist's investigation, "you could try comparing them, if you'd like."

[attr="class","bottom"]Eva Morales [break]

[attr="class","icon"]

In the space of a single heartbeat and with an ethereal touch, the trio is lifted from the mechanical realm, no longer bound by the oppressive grip of gravity's chains.
[break][break]
Although they were much less accustomed to such an abrupt change, the Malevolent exhibits a remarkable familiarity with this experience. Her aerial manoeuvres possess a fluidity that mirrors her graceful steps even when she walks upon the land.
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It isn't new, nor is it unusual. It might just be the most natural thing about Katherine.
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When her digits finally graze the GRISEOUS SHARD, a familiar warmth surges through her, as if the fragment recognized her presence. Theirs.
[break][break]
No manipulation of gravity is necessary for the shard to unite with its counterpart, merging into one piece that remains tied to her necklace. Then, and only then, does gravity's effect slowly begin to wrap around them - ever so softly pulling her back until she regains her footing.
[break][break]
"The others are searching for it," it may sound as though she's sharing this information with the Stones, but she is only echoing Giratina's words now, processing them.
[break][break]
fBiqLAWM

[attr="class","bottom"]ALEXANDER STONE & Malcolm Stone [break]

[attr="class","icon"]

A meticulously manicured hand ascends to caress Katherine's lips, holding back a yawn that threatened to escape. Greyson's words danced past the councilwoman, trickling down her back akin to gentle droplets of water on a ducklett's back. "I'll scatter as many as I need to if you continue to behave like a brat. You have orders to follow. You will be made aware when they become suggestions, but until then, do as you're told."
[break][break]
A shiver of distaste coursed through her being, yet it served as an unmistakable reminder that Greyson Connors could never truly step into her shoes. No one will. The universe has a funny way of confirming that with the arrival of Selena Desmarais , "The feeling isn't mutual," she's quick to retort.
[break][break]
It isn't long before the Ting-Lu's fateful RUINATION unfolds and they are all absorbed into the Zacian's sword in an ethereal embrace. A haunting sense of vertigo consumes Katherine's consciousness, tempting her to slip away into her own realm. Yet, before her wavering resolve solidifies, destiny seizes control, leaving her no choice in the matter.
[break][break]
When the Malevolent opens her eyes again, she is met by an unfamiliar sight and unknown turf. It takes her no longer than a moment to deduce that they're no longer in Hoenn. As Katherine finds herself in this unfamiliar region, an overwhelming sense of desolation seeps into the air, saturating every corner with decay and barrenness. "This place feels dead," she voiced the glaringly apparent truth, confiding in her fellow councilwoman. "And there are still Rockets around. People were fighting each other before we... Got here."
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How did they get here? Why? These questions ring and echo in her mind whilst she sweeps the area with her eyes, searching for a sign—
[break][break]
There.
[break][break]
The brewing conflict between Ruby Garcia , Ashley Shepard , kepler brueshaber and paxton concordas is worthy of her attention. Their investigation will continue once this is settled. Her Mimikyu is replaced by an ILLUMINA SABLEYE that claps its ghoulish hands excitedly upon emerging on the field, elated to share the stage with its trainer.
[break][break]
"Be a dear and shine a light on that man."
[break][break]
paxton concordas needs not ask for support, for he is already worthy of it. A SPOTLIGHT shines upon Ashley Shepard , seeking to concentrate and focus attacks on the presumed rocket from friend and foe alike, should it be successful. Glances are exchanged with PENELOPE LIVY and ollie morales before Katherine continues, addressing the officer through her league communication device.
[break][break]
"You've got cover, agent Cassidy."

---

E4HlBSLu

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tl;dr:[break]
- is drawn to the conflict between paxton and all the rockets.[break]
- swaps her mimikyu with an illumina sableye. it uses SPOTLIGHT on Ashley Shepard to focus attacks on them and redirect them to him potentially.[break]
- kat also lets paxton know he isn't alone.

[attr="class","bottom"]@ RUSTED SWORD [break]

[break]

[attr="class","icon"]

Katherine delicately ran her tongue across her lips, relishing the tantalizing taste of her martini and Ollie's words that still lingered. The ranger stealthily seeps through the cracks, luring her away from her predetermined quest of visiting every bar Hoenn had to offer her tonight.
[break][break]
"Mm. I like the sound of that," a gentle admission escapes her lips, followed by a gentle upturn of her smile, "you can ask Eva for my number if you ever want to enjoy life together," she teases, leaving the ball at his court with a simple instruction.
[break][break]
In a single fluid motion, the Malevolent drained the last vestiges of her drink before rising, her scarlet eyes remaining fixated upon him. "I'm gonna pay the next bar a visit now, but... Have fun with your friend." Katherine takes her leave then, not leaving Ollie ample time to think of something clever to say.
[break][break]
She liked having the last word too much.

[attr="class","bottom"]ollie morales [break]

[attr="class","icon"]

"I figured you'd ask."
[break][break]
Katherine's limited acquaintance with Eva did little to dampen her impression that the professor possessed an innate curiosity, one that could be effortlessly captivated by the allure of delving into uncharted realms of research. There was none better than her, a newly-elected councilwoman, who could supply such a rare opportunity.
[break][break]
The GRISEOUS SHARD attached to her necklace glimmers lightly before reality distorts, bending to the Malevolent's whims. A tear in space opens itself and allows passage for a similar, albeit smaller golden shard to emerge. It falls to her palm, its shimmer and pulse matching that of its twin.
[break][break]
"It's this thing," she says simply, flatly, before placing it on the desk. The distorted energy remains heavy in the air, palpable despite having already dissipated. "Do be careful with it, yes?" she warns with a smile that whispers of concealed threats.
[break][break]
"Hrm, hrm. Well, it's best we get to it then. I'd hate to waste your time in case there's nothing wrong with it."

[attr="class","bottom"]Eva Morales [break]

[attr="class","icon"]

"Ah."
[break][break]
What a horrific question. Penelope wouldn't want to know the truth—learning that Katherine embodied the essence of self-centeredness and avarice would disappoint her. Team Rocket and the League were mere stepping stones on her path, serving as conduits to her true aspiration. It was all they could be. There was no room in her heart for compassion and empathy. Giratina had claimed it and sunk its poisonous fangs into it, infecting it with all-consuming, insatiable greed.
[break][break]
There is only them. Their desires and necessities take precedence above all else.
[break][break]
"You'd hate me if I told you," the Malevolent conscientiously avoids the path of deception for once, "so I won't. But I can assure you it isn't because I care so much about everyone else that I'd risk my life for them. I mean—it's one reason, but it isn't the main one. It never has been."
[break][break]
She exhales before leaning back in her seat, "Believe it or not, but I like our region. I can't imagine living somewhere else." In other words, it was her home. The only person with the authority to destroy it should be her—no terrorist, alien or god would deprive her of that choice.

[attr="class","bottom"]PENELOPE LIVY [break]

[attr="class","icon"]

"Hrm? Don't get it confused, I play along with others just fine, Rowan. I just don't waste my time playing with people beneath me." His jab does not go ignored or unnoticed, for the Malevolent is quick to retort with her infamous barbed tongue.
[break][break]
Beyond being her peer, she considered Kyle to be a friend. He stood equal to her in most areas. All of them, maybe, except for his humanity.
[break][break]
"Oh? You'd come after me yourself?" A mocking chuckle escapes her. What a threat. What a silly, empty promise. "That's funny. Do I need to remind you what happened the last time we met?" Regardless of his answer, she inches closer with measured steps. Slowly and methodically, intent on prolonging his suffering. Only then does Katherine raise her hand to softly brush against Rowan's cheek with the back of her palm, akin to an affectionate caress.
[break][break]
It's almost endearing. It's certainly motherly in the most twisted of senses.
[break][break]
"You really have to tell me more about your skincare routine. I'm genuinely impressed with your recovery."

[attr="class","bottom"]Rowan Wrynn [break]

[attr="class","icon"]

"Mm, mm..." Katherine utters, her voice a delicate murmur that dances upon the air, vocalizing indifference towards the mentioned toxin. Unfamiliar with its nature, she glides over it effortlessly, unfazed by the need for clarification. To stoop as low as asking Rowan for an explanation would be beneath her, an admission of ignorance that she refused to partake in. Besides, she forged her own plan.
[break][break]
"Oh, good. You read my mind," she almost compliments. Her smile is ever so wicked, almost as though declaring that if her former victim possessed telepathic abilities, he'd have plenty more to hate her for. "I'm sure Kyle wouldn't mind. He won't be thrilled either, but it's hard to find things he's thrilled about to begin with."
[break][break]
The councilwoman had grown to appreciate the champion's demeanour for that precise reason. His steady nature, unmarred by the erratic and strange tendencies that plague their fellow peers, has become a dependable anchor. It's what makes him so valuable. Beyond all his other blessings, that is.
[break][break]
It's a miracle kyle lopez's ego wasn't as big as MATIAS SILPH's, or god forbid, Katherine's own.
[break][break]
"Your little friend won't mind that, will she?" The Malevolent inquires with her smile persisting. She wants to ensure that Rowan knows she doesn't actually care for his answer.

[attr="class","bottom"]Rowan Wrynn [break]