They Crash Around Me [Mission]

The sound of footsteps drew Clair’s attention away from the entrance to the Den, and she turned at the sound of a voice. It was vaguely familiar, and the young man she was now staring at was familiar as well. He was a Johto Gym Leader, that much she knew immediately. If she recalled correctly, he was from the southern portion of Johto as well. His slightly mocking tone caused her lips to pull slightly downwards, threatening to frown in displeasure, but she contained it and took his hand in her powerful grasp. ”Ah. Bugsy.” she stated simply, satisfied that his identity was now less of an enigma than it had been. Bug-type Gym Leader. Feh. Her scorn didn’t reach her tone or any part of her expression, and she instead spoke with a light voice that feigned a good-natured attitude and optimism.

”Pleasure to see you again…you appear well.” She released his hand and rested her own back on her hip. ”Things are indeed looking up. Though it stood strong against Nox’s invasion, suffering from the demoralization is, indeed, the greatest damage it took. The citizens have endured the brunt of my cousin’s…” she nearly spat the word with contempt, ”…betrayal, and they definitely need a boost after that, seeing as they looked up to him for so long.”

Another, though this time unfamiliar, voice was heard, and Clair’s blue eyes rose in response to look over Bugsy’s shoulder. Another young man stood there, offering her a salute. Chase. Dragon Tamer. Blackthorn Citizen. I like him already. She only smirked upon watching his further reaction. It was clear to her where his eyes went, and judging by the immense wave of color that splashed over his face he seemed to be like most any young man his age.

”Chase, Chase…” she said calmly, her voice almost cooing softly to him. ”Calm down, hm?” She stepped forward, past Bugsy with a momentary glance at the fellow Gym Leader. ”No need to be nervous or so submissive.” Although it was clear she didn’t mind his attitude. ”There is no punishment for your actions. In fact….” Clair raised a gloved hand and extended it slightly to gently brush the side of his cheek with the backs of her fingers. ”I’m happy to see one of our own citizens has come to help out.”

Taking a step back, she now addressed both of them.

”Our work today is simple – head up construction on the Den, but more importantly make sure the Dragons in there stay calm as not to endanger the others who are working there as well. If you have no questions, follow me.”

With that, she turned on her heel and headed to the left, for the cave wall nearest them. Among the multiple entrances to the Den, only one was clearly public. Although now, she would unveil one of them to the two young men following her.