Stakes and Nooses
Ralts and Rain
It's time to play. Those were the initial thoughts of young Rain Byron. I mean, that's what joining team rocket was all about, right? She sat glancing out of the car's passenger seat window; her attention was captivated by the glare of a harsh pale light emanating from a passing street lamp. She thought it unusual for them to be conducting business so late in the evening, almost unprofessional. After all she was only 15 years old and it was way past her bedtime. Here she was, surrounded by soon-to-be colleagues and comrades. Rain was a petite brunette. Her long locks were pulled back into a messy bun with bangs everywhere. She was sporting huge round bifocals and her brand new team rocket uniform. Hazel eyes were constantly resisting the temptation of sleep with every blink.
But then again it was team rocket. Maybe they had it down somewhere that twilight was procedure? It wasn't like she minded all too much, she thought stifling a yawn. It would be fine just as long as they got this over with quickly. She was anxious to put these past three months behind her. Besides being a mentally grueling process, this experience was really beginning to take a toll on her body. It's not as if she thought joining up with team rocket was going to be some kind of cake walk. It was just she thought it would be more…well, fun.
Hopefully that would all change when she was formally initiated into the organization. The big event was taking place shortly and Rain was just excited to finally get out and see the world. You know, test her abilities against the best that it has to offer and inevitably conquer it. After being cooped up in the academy for so long, who could blame her for wanting to have some fun?
The car came to a sudden abrupt halt. They were parked outside the notoriously impressive Viridian City Gym. Rain stared up in silent awe until her appreciation was pierced with a loud, cold "Let's go." One more hurdle, she thought as she exited the vehicle.
--
Commander grey led Rain and two others towards the gyms entrance. Bitter nervousness began to suddenly eat away at her insecurities but she quickly repressed it. Rain felt it necessary to at least keep her composure during this final ordeal. After all, if she could make it through the Underground Academy, she could certainly handle this. It's just something about this whole situation bothered her. And the feeling was getting worse by the minute.
Once inside a frighteningly soothing warmth enveloped the group and Rain had to remind herself to exhale. This was what she wanted, right? Well, it was about to happen. The room that they entered was not the gym arena, but rather a small, office-like area off to the side.
"Elite Officer Jessie?" spat Commander Grey, "I was under the impression that Giovanni would be the one inducting the new recruits into our ranks?"
A seemingly cold laugh met their ears. "Is that so? Well, I apologize on his behalf. The Boss received an urgent call from the associates a few hours ago and had to hop a plane to the Sinnoh region."
"Ah, how are the negotiations with team galactic going?"
"You know as much as I do, Commander Grey," came the response although she clearly left the impression that the statement was about as believable as Christmas in July.
Clapping her hands together, she began. "Now, yes, new recruits. I'm afraid my own attention and time is rather pressed at the moment as well so we will have to wrap this up quickly." She strode over to commander grey and he handed her a small clipboard which she hastily flipped through. "My name is Jessie; I am the Elite Executive officer from the Field branch of Team Rocket. Welcome to our lovely organization." She bowed swiftly. "Congratulations on completing our Kanto Region Academy course! I trust that each of you will find your time spent there quite necessary in becoming productive, successful members of the organization. Now I'm going to introduce you to your partners for the field division and hand you your assignments."
This was all going faster than Rain anticipated, but that wasn't a problem for her. The other two graduates who arrived with Rain were paired up and Jessie handed them a single white envelope after shaking their hands hurriedly. "Read this over together and try not to kill each other. Remember, you'll be reporting to me from now on and I'll be watching you both." Once they mumbled their appreciation, Commander Grey led them away leaving Rain alone with the Elite Officer.
"Rain, is it?" Jessie asked glancing over the clipboard. After receiving a curt nod she exhaled. "Let's see, admin Cassidy did mention something regarding a transfer member from the Johto region arriving soon. Once he gets here you two look over this together. I'll leave Cassidy the task of debriefing you on the assignment." After pondering this she concluded menacingly, "yes, Cassidy always was an over-achieving, attention-seeker. She'll enjoy the extra work." After another sinister laugh Jessie handed her an envelope. "Good luck, kid." She added softly before making her exit, Rain in a low bow all the while. Once she was left alone with her exhaustion and curiosity, rain snapped straight and strolled over to the clock on the wall displaying 11:43pm. A loud clank suddenly broke the silence. Looking down, she realized her single, lone poke ball must've come loose from her belt after her bow. Retrieving it, she
stared enviously at the sleeping Ralts she had become so fond of. After awhile she took a seat in the big, red, plush chair perched behind the small desk. There, sleep took her at last.
