Now Hiring [Tag: Hitomi]

[Devin]

The Pits. The roughest, toughest, seediest bar in all of Nada Citadel. Proper folk feared to tread inside the door, or even down its street. Indeed, the Pits had a dreadful reputation. A very select crowd was accepted into its depths. Very select. Those with nowhere else to go, those who have nothing left but to sit every night in a dimly lit bar with countless other lowlifes. But each of these misfits of society have found a place here in the Pits. Good beer, interesting atmosphere, and a place where one won’t be judged. All served up by a blind bartender, one Devin Maknama. Ex Pravus and anti-social bastard, Devin could care less about who the Pits patrons were, or what they were hiding from. And they could care less that Devin was blind, as long as the drinks were still cold and cheap.

Yes, the Pits were an interesting place, well, to those who belonged there. To those who didn’t…let’s just say there are no return visits for those folk. The Pits was actually a surprisingly popular place. So much so that Devin was looking for another employee. He had hired a waitress or two before…but they didn’t seem to last very long.

Indeed they didn’t Devin thought to himself. What was that last one’s name? Mia or something like that? Yes, Mia. She hadn’t even lasted through a single shift. Of course, Devin remembered with a chuckle there had been a little scuffle that night. A little scuffle in the Pits involved less than 5 broken bones. Most of those were fingers, knuckles, noses, or other facial fractures. Poor girl Devin thought I wonder if she did join that nunnery she was yelling about…Oh well. The search is on once again.

Part of the reason Devin was looking for another waitress this time around was because of Shey. Shey…his sister. Since discovering Shey was alive again, Devin suddenly found himself with something to do besides bartending at the Pits. That, along with the continuingly increasing popularity of the Pits…well, Devin wanted someone to pass the work off to once and a while.

Now, the sign. Devin took up the cardboard sign on which he had sloppily painted ‘Now Hiring.’ Who cared if his handwriting stunk, it got the message across. He stuck it lazily in a window and began to walk away.

Snigger.

Devin paused and walked back to the sign. Oh. Paint faces outside. He triple checked to make sure the lettering way right side out, correct way up. Much better. No sniggering from his various Pokemon scattered about the place. Now back to setting up for the night.

He moved swiftly about the place, taking chairs off the tables and wiping them down, ready for another night’s hard use.

[Hitomi ~ M.D.~]

It was awhile since any in her party had the time to settle down. Spike and Compact were lying in their Pokeballs, waiting for her to get into another street fight. Of course, the girl was likely to do so again if she could not find anything to hide behind. Or anyone for that matter.

Which was why Thomas was currently perched on her shoulder, and Stealth was… well, who knew where. He was an Ariados, he liked walking off on her every now and again. She saw it as a normal, natural thing for him to want to do, considering he was still upset.

She had no idea why he was upset though. The conversation they had earlier was one they went over many times before. He was not responsible for any of them being in the situation they were in now. All he had to do now was help out, that was all she asked of him. They were a family, and families needed to support each other in some way. He was just being silly, that was all.

Ah well. He would come find her when he needed her, or when she needed him. He was close by, and that was all that mattered.

Hitomi eyed the various establishments. None of them looked like they were hiring at all, and, if they were, they were very bad at showing it. Oh well, she was not one to call attention to herself without a reason, and going into an establishment to make a big stink over them not offering a job was not the most subtle thing.

Her eyes caught sight of a strangely painted sign perched on a window. It looked like a ‘now hiring’ sign, but written by a five year old who had a love of fluorescent paint… or was that red? She could barely tell in this light.

Thomas stared at the sign, and then began to scan the building, as if trying to get any negative vibes it might have been giving off.

“Tomi-mama, I don’t know if I like this place…” he said. At this, Hitomi shrugged.

“Well, beggars can’t be choosers,” she decided, and went to open the door to the building.

“Hello?” she called out, “… I noticed your sign outside… having a hard time finding someone?”

[Devin]

Well, that didn’t take very long Devin thought as he heard the door open. He stood straight, back to the door, head cocked to get a better listen on the new arrival. Light steps, too light to be male, but booted? Boots would never do in the Pits. Devin was allowed to wear his boots of course, but a waitress? Nope, got to show off the legs some how.

A feminine voice called out a greeting. Aloud, he responded “I haven’t been looking very hard” indeed, not very hard at all. Devin dropped the rag on the table and turned towards the woman. “You’re the first to apply for some reason.”

He walked swiftly towards the woman, hands just barely brushing against a table’s edge here, a chair back there, just to keep his bearings. Inside the Pits, he knew where everything was, so there was no need for a guide stick, or interference from a Pokemon. Speaking of which…Cerb or Shade should be speaking up about the new arrival very soon.

“Stupid mouse”-right on schedule. Good ole Shade, so predictable. So the girl did have a Pokemon with her. Only Pokemon Shade referred to as a stupid mouse in that degrading tone was of the Pikachu line. Great, a girl who wore boots and had a cutsey little Pokemon. Not a good first impression. Probably some little trainer who wants to become a Master or something but ran out of money before she ran out of spunk Devin thought as he listened to Shade and Cerberus discuss what they always discuss whenever a woman walks into the bar.

“So what’s your guess?” Cerb growled under his breath to the Luxray. Too quiet for the girl to hear all the way over by the door, but Devin could just barely catch the whispered words.

“Gotta be padded, at least a cup size smaller” Shade ground back in his even lower voice.

“If you’re sure” Cerb began to reply, but was cut off by something. Probably a glare from Maffy. The Nibuncia didn’t approve of the boys’ betting on women’s attributes on principle, and was quick to put a stop to it.

Their fun spoiled, the Houndoom and Luxray returned to the other victim-arrival. The pair always had fun seeing if they could get a rise out of any small-fry that dared intrude upon their territory. Devin heard the near-silent click of claws as the Luxray and Houndoom passed by him. He could just imagine the predatory gleam on his Pokemon's faces as they play stalked their prey. Tails lashing-triangular and star shaped, Cerb and Shade circled the new arrivals, close but not touching, scrutinizing the girl and her Pokemon closely. The two Pokemon were big, their backs at waist level on Devin, the larger Shade even higher, the Pokemon's heads rising higher still, at or above elbow height. Shade was all muscle, outweighing the lean agile form of his Houndoom companion by half. With Shade's slightly glowing eyes and Cerb's gravelly ever-present growl, the pair were definitely quite intimidating-to those that didn't know the two goofballs of course. Hah-Cerb and Shade had made one waitress hopeful piss herself. That had been hilarious, but obnoxious to clean. With any luck this girl would be made of sterner stuff.

“Hey Shade. How licks does it take to get to the center of a Pichu-pop?” Cerb said to the Luxray. The two may fight like, well, cats and dogs, but they did like to tag team insult a new...friend.

“I dunno Cerb. I always bite just as its getting good” Shade chuckled and licked his lips. “Come here and play little mousey and we can try and find out…”

“Boys!” There came Maffy, stepping in before the fun got out of hand “Show our guests a little fucking courtesy. You haven’t even let Devin speak!” The foul-mouthed water cat hopped up on the bar and began washing one scarred back leg, unheeding the fact that cursing probably wasn't the most courteous of things to do in front of a guest either.

"Yes ma'am" the miscreants replied, sounding suitably chastened. It was funny. The two were all bark and no bite when it came to Maffy, even though the Nibuncia was a full foot shorter at the shoulder and less than half the weight of the Luxray and Houndoom. Devin stifled a grin as Cerb and Shade shut up and slunk off to a back room to continue their discussion there.

Throughout this short exchange Devin just stood in front of the girl, a slight grin passing over his face at the mention of a Pichu-pop. He didn’t have his sunglasses on, so his grey eyes just stared in the girl’s general direction. Luckily Devin was short so he was usually pretty safe just looking straight. Although sometimes it was awkward with the really tall girls…his face was at the wrong level in that case. Very wrong level, especially when Devin couldn’t even see what he was slapped for ogling.

“Now that’s over…” Devin held out a hand, polite host as always, acting as if the Pokemon had not intervened. “Devin Maknama, bartender. Looking for a waitress of some sort. Think you’re up to it Miss?” With the Pichu and the boots combination, it already wasn’t looking good for the girl. Although Cerb and Shade’s discussion had revealed certain positive qualities about the new arrival…

[Hitomi ~ M.D.~]

“The first, hmm?”

It must have been a dangerous job, and the way that Thomas’s electrical current was presently giving her little shocks every now and then, she was a little wary of what was going on. This strange man seemed a little more concerned with the wall behind her than her, and she could not put her finger on why.

Though his eyes were sort of a dead give away.

Thomas’s eyes were transfixed on the two Pokemon taunting him. What horrible looks they gave, and what a strange way to introduce someone! His eyes narrowed before he reached down into the bag slung over Hitomi’s shoulder, and pulled out a pair of boxing gloves and slipped them on. They might have been a little big on him, but that was quite all right. He just needed to intimidate.

He more or less looked like a chibi version of Rocky… with large, electric ears.

Hitomi paid absolutely no heed to her Pokemon, nor to Devin’s two juvenile creatures, a dog and a lion by the looks of it, but her eyes briefly gave the blue cat a look. She looked… majestic, but like she had just been through a war-torn few years.

That was what wars did to people; they made them look far from what they were before, even those who did not take a side. They were all caught up in the rush of battle.

Hitomi had not noticed that Devin was blind, not one bit. It did not occur to her, just that he had a fascination with the back wall. He might have been staring right at her, but the angle just seemed a tiny bit off. It was just enough for her to find it slightly amusing…

Or strange.

“Up for it? In a place like this? Almost makes me think you need more than a bar… Thomas, put those back…”

At this, the Pichu pouted at Hitomi before returning the gloves to their bagged position. Hitomi shook her head, but took the outstretched hand, after making sure she was not in the awkward position of being all that far away from him. A few steps this way, another few that way, and she was in perfect alignment to do so.

Now there was something up with this man, but nothing properly entered her mind yet.

“I think I can pull off some waitress duties though… I think the only thing I won’t be able to do properly is mix a drink, but it doesn’t look like you’re in the need for one.”

And it still had yet to hit her why he looked so strange with those eyes of his.

[Devin]

Well, the girl didn’t seem phased by Cerb and shade’s somewhat rude greeting. Point in her favor Devin thought. The sounds of creaking leather came to his ears and his brow furrowed slightly. Gloves? For the girl or the Pichu? His question was answered when the girl ordered her Pichu-Thomas was it?-to put them back. The little mouse must have been shaking a fist at Cerb or something.

Maffy felt Hitomi’s eyes on her. The water cat met Hitomi’s stare, blood red eyes just daring the girl to comment on the Pokemon’s scars. Hitomi looked away without comment. Another point in Hitomi’s favor. Maffy disliked the girl less just for that single moment of silence. Even so, Maffy’s large fluffy tails came up to hide the worst of her scars from view. She wasn’t embarrassed…just didn’t like it when people stared. The girl must know something about that. Maffy could tell that Hitomi had fought. The scar on her face, a certain air about her and her Pokemon. Devin could tell that to, well, if he decided to pay attention for a minute. As it was, the girl didn't seem worth his time or attention.

Devin had to chuckle at Hitomi’s comment about needing more than a bar. He shook her hand, slightly embarrassed that he hadn’t been quite on target. His face colored slightly, but it was almost unnoticeable under his tan. He tried to hide his discomfort by turning away and walking to a booth along the back wall and taking a seat.

“Indeed you are correct Miss. If there is need for a barkeeper for a night, I take care of the arrangements myself. Your duties, should you get the job” Devin’s voice made this sound extremely doubtful “will include waitress and hostess.” And art fixture Devin added silently. The Pits patrons are always griping that there’s not anything pretty in the bar. Dunno how this girl looks, but anything with legs and boobs is good enough for the customers. He continued aloud “Your interview begins Miss. Have a seat, please. Illusion will be out with some paperwork in a few minutes” He nodded to the spot across from him.

He rested his chin on one hand. The other traced random designs on the table, which was spotted with cigarette burns and a few places where a glass had sat long enough to leave a mark. Devin smirked as he felt a few places where certain…images…had been carved into the wood. Almost worn away by time, but still visible to his sensitive fingers. Some of the Pits patrons, such as the artist of one particular nearly faded drawing, really needed a few lessons in anatomy.

“So miss, answer a few questions if you will” Devin began, eyes staring far off, looking like he was barely paying attention to the interview. His tone was bored. He still didn’t expect much from this girl. “First: name age occupation birthplace, all the usual stuff. Oh, and hand a photo ID to Illusion when she gets here.”

As if summoned, Illusion was there. She came from the back door that Shade and Cerb had slunk out of, but instead of a predatory stalk, Illusion moved with exquisite grace, like a dancer. But there was more to her dancing footsteps. She carried an ethereal glow, completely out of place in the somewhat dim lighting of the Pits. Her skirt like body rustled slightly with each step. Illusion glanced at Devin with enigmatic purple eyes and laid a small packet of papers on the table along with a pen. She did not even glance at Hitomi or Thomas, instead taking up her place by Devin’s side, standing like a guardian angel. The Gardevoir had eyes for her master only.

[Hitomi ~ M.D.~]

Well, doubtful little bugger as he was, Hitomi was determined. Not only was she in dire need of a job, but this man was a bit stubborn, it seemed. It also seemed that, in a place like this, no one would be able to find her… if they were looking for her anyways. She would fit right in, right for the patrons of the Pits to see.

So long as she did not have to strip…

She leaned in a slight bit, as if trying to figure this man out simply from a closer examination, which, of course, she could not get. All she received was the fact that he still looked like he was much more interested in the wall behind her than who he was talking to, but she did not let that bother her.

Plopping down in the offered seat, she leaned back again, eyeing his reactions. Of course, still a little doubtful. Maybe it was purely because they had a problem getting a girl to keep this job…

And since she was determined to not die at the hands of Team Galactic, she would at least attempt to keep something. Even if it was potentially more dangerous…

“I see,” she said in a slight muse, “Waitress and hostess? You make it sound easy…”

She knew better than that, and the tone in her voice subtly hinted as such, but she kept on, hoping to at least attempt to get some more points with this man.

She had something on him, or else he would not have kept her here this long.

“Obviously I’ve got to play something more… and clearly I’m good with that… or else I would have never walked in…”

The Pits had a reputation, after all.

A few moments passed before she realized that he was asking some hefty questions. All those went with ‘so… we want to make sure you’re not a serial killer.’ Unfortunately, she could not prove as such, just prove that she was who she was, and where she was from.

Thomas visibly tensed at this as well. This was the forth job his trainer went after, and even they asked for random questions like that. Obviously her name and age were in order, but all that other stuff?

What was the point?

“Hitomi Takeshi,” the girl replied after a small moment, “Nineteen years old… currently I don’t have an occupation, but I have qualifications… elsewhere…”

She left that at that; if he knew she had any doctoral knowledge, something would have been fishy as to why she was here and not somewhere else, treating people…

“I was born in Remoor, near Nada.”

That lie was so slick, she could not believe she even remotely managed that without hesitating! Thomas kept back on comments. He knew better, and she needed a job.

“Used to be a Pokemon trainer before the war… but war changes people… clearly.”

She shrugged, and nudged her right shoulder a little higher. At this, Thomas went back into her bag, searching for something.

“ID might be a little issue. Haven’t had a proper one since I returned from Sinnoh,” she said, “All I’ve got’s this Trainer Identification thing…”

Thomas presented the worn, tattered card to his trainer, who took it, examined it lightly, and gave it to the Gardevoir that appeared.

And what a beautiful creature she was. Hitomi was always fascinated with Pokemon, as a good trainer should have been, and always found it interesting every time she confronted a new species. With over five hundred different Pokemon out there, she was bound to have missed some on her journeys.

But she did not let her eyes linger as she had with Maffy. For some strange reason, Illusion held a presence that Hitomi could not describe, and she did not want to anger the Pokemon at all.

“Just looking for a job… maybe something a little more exciting than ‘librarian.’”

[Devin]

Easy, ha! The Pits was easy enough to work in, once the patrons accepted you. Yeah, if the Pits people liked you, there was no better place to work, but if they didn’t…Chew you up and spit you out for the dogs to lick clean from the pavement was putting it lightly. That was why Devin liked working there. So simple. They liked you, all’s good. They don’t, they let you know right away.

At the girl’s next comment put a smile on Dev’s face. Oh I sure hope you do little girl, otherwise you really won’t last long out here he thought. This girl’s spunk was actually kind of impressive.

Ok, back to business. Hitomi Takeshi, age 19. Devin mentally winced. Another young one. At least she was legal. A couple of years older than she sounded, but still young. Devin conveniently forgot for a moment that he was only a year older than the girl-Hitomi. Hitomi, nice name, lots of nickname possibilities. But that was for later, only if the girl got the job.

The girl might have spunk, but she really did not know how to obscure the truth, or how to lie well. Qualifications elsewhere…boy Devin could say all sorts of things in response. But he was feeling generous. No need to bring up other qualifications in the bed room, or other qualifications on the dance floor or on the street corner.

Oh, hell with it, Devin never felt nice “Qualifications elsewhere? Watch your words little miss, some people in here would take certain meaning to those words” he replied, the leer to his words making it quite clear what he was referring to.

Illusion took the card and glanced at it. “Picture matches. Empoleon, Gabite, Muk, Pichu, Hitmonchan, Arcacnine-nice team. We know she’s lying. Shall I show her the door?” Illusion spoke for the first time and handed the ID back to the girl. Her voice was music to Devin’s ears. The Gardevoir spoke aloud, an unusual occurrence for the quiet Pokemon, but something that Devin always treasured. Reminded him of the good old days before everything happened.

Anyways, back to the present. Hitomi was lying. Devin could tell, even without Illusion telling him. Just something about it, even with a surprising lack of hesitation, saying she was born near Nada, nice try. Everyone was born near Nada. And not a single Remoorian Pokemon on her team for one thing.

“No, Illusion, that won’t be necessary. War changes everything, especially the way we see things” Devin gave a little chuckle. Changed the way he saw things quite a bit. “Identification has been pretty difficult to come by recently, but what you have is fine. You’re legal to drink, legal to work in here. Any Pokemon Trainer experience you have will be quite valuable here in the Pits. All of the patrons have Pokemon, sometimes the brawls spread across species.”

Now Devin was kind of curious. He wanted to see why this Hitomi was so confident she could handle the Pits. “Ok Miss Takeshi. You’re hired. One night, probationary. You survive relatively physically intact, we’ll see about a more permanent arrangement.”

He reached for the papers and the pen Illusion had set on the table. Almost missed, had to grope around a bit for the pen. He had to start paying more attention. Anyways, Devin slid the papers across the table to Hitomi. “Fill out the first one, it’s the most important. Releases the manager and me from any legal action you may deign to take after a night in the Pits.” Devin grinned a bit at the memory of his first night. “First night, ah what a great memory. Hope you know what you’re getting into” Devin murmured under his breath. His mood abruptly spun 360, back to business “Any questions Miss?”

[Hitomi ~ M.D.~]

Not that she could read Devin’s mind, but inside she was also thinking whether she could be accepted or not. It was not just the staff, but those who came here as well. It seemed like this place got a regular crew of some sort, but she was never too sure. Maybe they just came breezing through, not even paying attention to who was on the staff at the time.

Regardless, she had to make a good impression just about everywhere. That was good, she had the body for it, and a personality to match.

She just… could not show off. At all.

What a waste of her doctoring skills, just sitting there waiting to be used while she went off serving customers or mucking out Ponyta stalls… or whatever it was the other job entailed. But she could not call attention to herself. The ‘hide in plain sight’ theory only worked if people wanted to die, and, quite frankly, she was not hanging around just to die.

That was a relatively stupid train of thought, and she very much did not want to be known as a stupid person.

She made a mental note of this man’s gutter brain. He might have had his heart in the right place (or not, depending on a person’s point of view), but she did not want to give him any more openings if she could help it.

She also did not respond in any way, as if telling him it really did not matter what others thought of her. Honestly, it might have, but that was more on an intellectual scale than the physical scale, and, since she was being interviewed for something that was a little more physical, she could have cared less.

Her stomach lurched when Illusion saw through her lie. Well there went that. She should have researched more at least. Never had she thought about Remoor’s other Pokemon species, considering she was not native of here. There were rare wild Pokemon anyways, what did it matter? She could not pinpoint as to why that was either. Someone mentioned something about a ‘Pravus’ to her, but she had yet to do that king of research.

Just because she was in the war did not mean she knew which side was what.

After a moment, she found her stomach relaxing. She was hired. Well, sort of. Probationary? They must have done that with all the new girls, regardless. Made sense, wanted to see if she was an investment of some sort. She would make it through. She was determined to do so.

It was then she noticed the papers that Illusion put down in front of them. Well, she had noticed them before, but they were not important until this man brought them up.

She began to sign them, not really caring who she was releasing from what. There were worse things to think about than some rough drunkards. If she had any issues, she would work it out. That was how unbelievably determined she was to get this.

Whatever it was, she could work through it.

When he mentioned her having questions, her eyes shot upwards towards him. Yes, she had a billion and nine questions to ask. Who was he? Would she be able to tote around her Pokemon (if she was not, then neither was he in her brain, so they were coming with her regardless)? What was the pay (that was never a good question to ask during an interview, but she was curious anyways)?

All these questions came flooding at her, but only asked one, seeing as he did not seem to like wasting his time on people like her. She remember one of the Pokemon bringing it up, but he had never told her formally… and she was rather curious.

“What’s the uniform?”

[Devin]

Another point in Hitomi’s favor-she didn’t seem flustered by being caught in a lie. She just kept quiet instead of trying to make excuses. Devin hated stupid excuses. You make a mistake, you move on and don’t make the same mistake again. Good life lesson to learn.

“So, Empoleon? Nice starter. Haven’t had much experience with them, seeing as I haven’t travelled outside of the region too much. But you will find, Miss Hitomi, that we get all kinds in here” Devin filled the silence with a little forshadowing of what Hitomi would experience in the Pits. “Especially in the Pits. Remoor attracts all kinds, and all roads lead to Nada. The Pits just gets those who don’t really fit anywhere else. Pokemon from everywhere-by the way, you should familiarize yourself with more of the Remoorian Pokemon when you get the chance. If you are going to persist in calling yourself a Remoorian native, you should at least have done your research.”

He flicked his fingers, motioning to Maffy. The blue cat stood and stretched, her claws digging deep into the wood of the table. She leaped off her perch and onto the table Devin and Hitomi were seated at. There, in all her scarred, deep blue and spiraled glory, she sat, her blood red eyes boring into Hitomi, daring her to say anything about her appearance.

“This is a Nibuncia” Devin began, taking on a slight lecturing tone. “The pre-evolution, the Kitcia-basically a smaller and less blue version with bright blue markings-was given out as a starter Pokemon much like Piplup in Sinnoh. They are very fun loving creatures. The evolution, Nekuncia, is bigger than Kitcia and is ice blue. Maffy here is Water/Dark. Now, Nibuncia generally loathe humans, especially Pravus. So unless you meet a Nibuncia owned by a trainer who has raised one from a Kitcia, then steer clear. You do not want to anger one of these beauties. They are called the Revenge Pokemon for a very good reason.” Devin stroked Maffy’s fur while he spoke, tracing one of the spirals around her eyes through memory alone. Maffy’s almost glare never left Hitomi, although she did lean into Devin’s caress slightly.

Devin continued “The other Remoorian starters are Grista and Squiggilar. Grista are like Growlithes with wings, but the Koranto they evolve into is much different than an Arcanine. Koranto are more like a Houndoom with hooves, a horn, and wings. Green fire, very pretty, Fire/Flying type. They are extremely loyal and are pack animals. Squiggilar are a funny species. They are probably very distantly related to Pachirisu of Sinnoh. You will sometimes find them climbing-and falling-out of trees. Don’t touch their grass sword. Know a friend who almost loss a finger trying take the grass sword from one of those little buggers. They evolve into a Squarrior then Squaladin. Squaladin used to populate many of the cities of Remoor. They nest in skyscrapers. Yes, skyscrapers. Bigger squirrels need bigger trees. And Squaladin are big. Grass and Steel with a big ass grass blade to boot.” He sighed nostalgically. “Of course, you won’t find many of the later evolutions of any Remoor species in the wild. So many were killed or captured in the war…but it never hurts to be prepared.”

Devin shook his head “But I bet I’ve been boring you to bits Miss Hitomi. Sometimes I forget that others might not find some things as interesting as I do. But if you have any questions about Remoor, please feel free to ask. Remoor is my home and will always be my home. There is very little I do not know about her.”

Maffy settled down in the classic Sphinx position, facing Hitomi, her tails just barely brushing against Devin from time to time. She was content to be quiet and enjoy Devin’s finger grooming her long coat.

Illusion had stayed silent through the whole mini-lecture. But she was still there. Another point in Hitomi’s favor actually. Illusion was quite sensitive to psychic emanations. If a person’s thoughts were…distasteful, then Illusion would have left as soon as she was no longer needed. But she had stayed.

Onto to Hitomi’s actual question. Uniforms…now that was a funny thought. Devin stifled a grin and outlined the basics “I could care less what you wear. Naked might pose a bit of a problem-start the boys to riots maybe-but otherwise anything goes. There’s an inverse relationship between tips and skirt length, but a direct one between skirt length and propositions from some of the boys” he used the term boys loosely. One of the worst ‘propositioners’ was in fact a very old man named Greg who came in every Tuesday night when his wife went to bingo. Greg used to be a major player in the black market. He had friends in high places and had retired to live out his last days on his somewhat dirty money from crooked deals. But that’s a story for later. “So short skirts are at your own risk. Either I or one of the Pokes will step in if things get out of hand-sometimes the word No doesn’t cross the alcohol filter-but most of the guys will keep their hands to themselves when it’s not wanted. Most of the regulars anyways.”

There was a big difference between the regulars of the Pits and the other crowd that visited the Pits occasionally. The regulars knew the rules, the others did not. Hitomi would learn the difference, of what was allowed by the regulars but not by the others, soon enough. If she made it that long.

“So any other questions? I know you must have more. Usually hirees start jabbering my ear off with all the questions” Devin continued to stroke Maffy, completely relaxed and at ease.

[Hitomi ~ M.D.~]

Hitomi stared at Maffy as Devin spoke, a pure curiosity getting the best of her better judgment. Though the cat was boring eyes into her, she was more interested in the feline's appearance as opposed to the mood. Soon, her thoughts were on how she could groom the cat to make her more pretty than she already was, or how they would get along (for she did see herself having this job much longer than Devin probably did) than on what Devin was saying. However, the glint in her eyes was purely child-like, and had more happiness at the sight of a new species of Pokemon than fear that Maffy might maul her to death.

As Devin kept speaking of the different types of what seemed to be Pokemon starters (what, fire, water, and grass made starters!) she realized that she was not entirely paying attention to him at all. Once she got past what Maffy was, she was absolutely content with the knowledge and, though she knew at one point that if someone asked her what a 'Squalladin' was she could probably pull off telling them, but for now, she did not know...

She could probably make an educated guess though.

Once he stopped talking to her about the wonders of starter pokemon, she took the opportunity to stare at him a moment, not as clueless as she thought she was, but just enough.

And if only she knew that he could only see as far as his mind imagined...

But she could not.

"Hmm? Oh no, it's fine, really," she replied, "My parents are Pokemon Breeders... it's kinda in the blood to wanna hear about it all."

She was curious, and, if the situation were slightly different (there was not a beautiful Pokemon staring at her on the table) she would probably have gotten into a heated debate at which region had the best starter Pokemon.

She kept quiet about the Empoleon thing though. It still pained her, after all this time, to have left Po behind... but she really had no choice after a certain point, and... well, as long as Devin never brought it up again, she would not have this issue.

But it always kept being brought up... but that was far from the point right now.

Her mind was still currently focused on the Maffy in front of her...

So, when she decided she had a chance to do so, she reached forward, grabbing said feline and pressing her gently into her arms, cuddling into the cat's fur ever so softly.

"You're very pretty, you know," she whispered lightly, scratching Maffy lightly behind the ears, "You would make my Pokemon jealous of you..."

She was so utterly surprised that there were more Pokemon beyond those of Sinnoh at this point, that if one of the Legendaries walked in she would probably have quite a similar reaction.

And would probably get killed for it, but that was far from the point...

She stared over at Devin for a few moments as she blinked a few times.

"Well you said you had your Pokemon wandering about... would I be allowed to have mine? They aren't the same party on my card... but if they need to go through some sort of approval stage, then I can do that... but it won't hurt to have more security going around, right?"

[Devin]

Wow. Hitomi managed to get major points in her favor! Her parents were Breeders, and she was a Pokemon nut, just like Devin! He gave a grin and replied happily “I’m glad you got good genes then Miss Hitomi. I grew up on a little Pokemon farm in the middle of nowhere” no doubt much poorer accommodations than Hitomi’s parents, but it had been Devin’s home. “Won’t find the farm there any more. The whole town was wiped from existence during the war.” Devin’s smile turned a little grim. That was not a time he wanted to remember.

Devin started as Hitomi abruptly grabbed Maffy out form under Devin’s hand. Stupid girl- Devin quickly stopped his reflex to lash out at Hitomi. Hopefully Maffy had noticed Hitomi move before Devin did. He didn’t want to have to take the new girl in for stitches before the shift even started.

Luckily for Hitomi, Maffy was ready for the girl’s abrupt actions. Other than tensing up, the Nibuncia didn’t react to the less-than welcome grabbing and holding. Maffy almost opened her mouth to snap at the girl for her stupid actions, but then Hitomi did a Good Thing. She complimented Maffy! The Nibuncia tried to act like she didn’t appreciate the comment or the cuddles. But the cuddles felt sooooooo good!

“Lemme go stupid girl” Maffy growled out in her grating voice “Or I’ll rip your fucking fingers off.” Token resistance, as Maffy’s tails twitched slightly in pleasure.

Devin’s sharp sense of hearing caught Hitomi’s whispered comment to Maffy. His ire lessened a little, although he still glared in her direction. Complementing his Pokemon was a very good way of getting on Devin’s good side.

But Devin couldn’t let Hitomi’s error go uncommented on “You shouldn’t do that Miss Hitomi” he cautioned softly, forcefully relaxing his muscles and resting one hand on Maffy’s fluffy tail, which twined around his wrist. “People around here are still quite hard wired from the war. Especially in the Pits. Those reflexes may save people life but they don’t appreciate being startled.”

Back to Hitomi’s question, once again.

So Hitomi trusted her Pokemon enough to risk them in the Pits? Well that was her choice, and Devin said just that. “Whether you let your Pokemon out or not is your choice, and you will do so at your own risk Miss Hitomi” Devin cautioned. “I will not be held responsible for your Pokemon if someone steps on them. My Pokemon can take care of the security, and I may place some restriction to keep the bar uncrowded and running smoothly. Which ones do you plan on letting out? If I may ask, of course.” No harm in being polite.

Devin was curious about Hitomi’s team, especially since she said it wasn’t what was on her trainer card. Was there more cutesy ones like that Pichu on her shoulder?

[Hitomi ~ M.D.~]

Hitomi snuggled into the cat Pokemon's fur before realizing that she might not have liked it...

Well, her tails twitched happily, but her mood said otherwise. At least she did not rip her face into a million tiny pieces. She just threatened to tear off her fingers. Rather violent, if Hitomi would say so herself. Then again, she was not here to point out the obvious grump in the Pokemon's voice contradicting her actions. No, she was here to get a job...

Which she seemed to have (almost) gotten.

She let go of the blue cat, but kept her on her lap, allowing the Pokemon to leave if she wished it, but if she did not, then she had a hand on the top of her head, scratching her ears absently.

Hitomi's attention was now on Devin again.

"I can normally stop myself from that... but she's just so incredibly beautiful."

And she really could not help herself...

"I'm pretty sure I can keep it to myself around other Pokemon though."

She had never done that sort of thing before, grabbing a stranger's Pokemon without asking. There was usually enough self control in her system for it.

At the question of what her Pokemon were, she reached into her bag and pulled out two more Pokeballs, releasing her other two Pokemon.

The first was large, maybe a foot and a half larger than Hitomi. His great, fluffy tail wagged furiously back and forth as he sniffed around a bit, but he sat next to his trainer obediently, waiting for the signal that he was alright to look around.

She did not give him one.

The next Pokemon was released at her other side, and it was far different from her first one. The gooey mass made a rather deep, masculine noise before slumping in its spot and staring at Devin. The smell it would have radiated seemed to be... lessened.

Whether that was due to the fact that it was a slightly different color than a normal Pokemon of its species, or the five or six air fresheners it had tied around its large arm was another story entirely.

A Muk and an Arcanine, both on her trainer card.

"This is Spike and Compact..." she said, gesturing towards each Pokemon respectively, "Compact can take a step on or two... it's quite honestly their fault if they don't see her... and Spike'll make sure the windows are clean..."

She tugged at the Arcanine's tail, and the large dog stared at her, as if asking why she just did that.

"Thomas'll either ride around on my shoulder or stick with Spike. I'm pretty sure he can keep himself out of trouble... and if not, well, I'll just lock him up in the apartment..."

She knew better than to leave most of her Pokemon to their own devices. They were all young children sometimes...

"Stealth is the last on my party. He'll keep out of the way or in the way at his own risk... He's an Ariados..."

She paused before going on.

"I lost my Hitmonchan in the war... and the Gabite and Empoleon are out at sea..."

She did not say why, or how, any of this happened. She did not even sound like she was trying to illicit sympathy. It was just a statement of the facts.

But, as she was trying to inform Devin as to what was going on, Spike suddenly became his puppy self again, staring down at the blue cat Pokemon curiously.

".... Hello?" he asked dopily, before getting his nose right into Maffy's business, "Hello! Friend!"

[Devin]

OOC: Didn't feel like making this post very long. Sorry.

Ugh. Not a Muk, anything but a Muk. Devin and Maffy hid their noses, the Pokemon sneezing several times.

Wait…this actually wasn’t as bad as Devin remembered from the last time he had encountered the glob of snot Pokemon. He hestiatntly took his hand away from his nose and sniffed cautiously. Still nauseating, but he could already feel himself getting used to the foul stench. Not unlike the sewers in which he spent most of his first months in Nada.

Curious, Devin asked “How did you get the Muk to smell like this?”

He didn’t spare another thought to the missing members of Hitomi’s Pokemon. Teams changed, times changed, members were separated, nothing was ever constant, especially after the war. Devin himself had had several more or less temporary members of his team before and during the war.

Maffy was not amused by the lumbering idiot who was sticking his slobbery mouth right in her face. She lashed out with a paw full of barely-sheathed needle sharp claws, batting Spike on his nose half a dozen times before the poor pup could blink, hissing her disapproval “Shove off asshole!” She snarled, backing away from Hitomi’s arms and back into Devin’s.

Devin’s eyebrows nearly disappeared into his hairline. Maffy must really not like whatever that big lummox Pokemon was. “You better be able to control your Pokemon Miss Hitomi or I will do so for you” he said a tad harshly.

A large black and yellow head peered around the door into the back room. “What’s that smell?” Shade barked. He caught sight of the new additions “Oh, a freaking Muk and a dog. Another fucking dog. Just my luck. Bet it’s the one that smells” Shade grumbled at Compact and Spike before sulking back into the back room.

Cerb also stepped from the back room he had been vanquished to, curious about the new smells. Once he had identified the Arcanine, his mien changed. The Houndoom’s hackles rose, and a deep growling sound filled the bar. He had to assert his dominance over the upstart. No one got to annoy the kitty except him.

Devin sighed. Of course Cerberus would have to start throwing his weight around. He just hoped Hitomi’s Pokemon would be smart enough to back down quickly. He really didn’t want to have to repair the bar again.

[Hitomi ~ M.D.~]

Hitomi blinked. She must have just been used to the 'god awful odor' that both Maffy and Devin were cringing from. That would make sense... after all, it was not every day people got to see a Muk... for obvious reasons. But, before she could answer his questions, Compact melted in depression at the reaction; she hated being called smelly, and everyone seemed to do it.

"Muuuuuuuuuk...." she moaned. Hitomi let out a grumble or two, and was about to say something about the matter when she noticed Spike was much too close to Maffy for either cat or trainer's liking. The Arcanine backed off once he noticed that Maffy was none too pleased, but, seeing as he only felt little pinpricks on his snout, he sniffed again, this time a little farther away.

"Grumpy Friend!" he declared, but at the smell of another dog (though not the lion) in the room, he turned and stared a moment. After a few sniffs or so, his tongue lolled out of his mouth and he barked happily, but did nothing more. Until Hitomi said so, his butt was to remain glued to the floor, and he was going to obey that command.

It was then that Hitomi got a moment's word in.

"I can keep my Pokemon behaved just fine... though I would appreciate comments on Compact's odor to be kept to themselves if you don't mind... she doesn't take too kindly to them..."

She thought a moment before finally answering his question.

"I feed her mostly natural waste," was the response she finally gave, "As to why she does not smell like other Muks. There's a whole system to it... but I won't bore you with those details right now..."

There were more concerning matters right now though... mainly that other dog Pokemon.

She understood his concern about the bar; if Spike stepped the wrong way, it looked as if this Houndoom would rip him a new one. He looked pretty formidable... and Hitomi was far from convinced that she needed to tell Spike to 'go get along with the other dog,' but this growling was far from appreciated.

Spike, of course, paid no heed to his growling right away. So long as he stood next to his trainer, there was no need for it, so he did not mind at all!

He wagged his tail and sniffed about some more, just to get a feel for where they were at the moment. He had a strange smell of alcohol on his nose; he smelled something similar whenever Hitomi needed to disinfect a wound, but this was much weaker than what Hitomi used...

"Tomi, can I go meet the other dog?" he finally asked, unable to contain himself. Hitomi gave him a strange look and shook her head.

"I don't think that's a good idea..."

"But if you can meet his trainer, why can't I go meet him?" he protested.

"... He doesn't look excited to see you Spike..."

"Why not?"

"Spike... if another Pokemon decided to inhabit your Pokeball... what would you do?"

"I... I would rip him a new hole, that's what I'd do!"

"And that's what that Pokemon over there looks like he wants to do to you."

"So?!"

He thought a moment.

"...... oh."

"So stay."

The Arcanine let out a small whimper, but did as he was told. People were so mean here.

[Devin]

Devin inwardly winced, chastened by Hitomi’s admonishment that the Muk was sensitive about her smell. “I apologize, Compact was it? I of all people should know better than to judge people based on things outside of their control.” He nodded his head apologetically. He was sorry, but there was no way he was shaking a Muk’s hand, organic though the Muk may be.

“I hope you will find the fare here to your liking Compact” Devin continued “Some of it may be not as organic as you’re used to, but other stuff is as straight from nature as you can get.” He wasn’t expecting the Muk to eat people’s puke, but you never know…

Cerb eyed the big Arcanine. Spike obviously didn’t know the proper way to show subservience in the face of Cerb’s undoubtedly superior might, but he was ok with the pup just sitting there. He snarled out sarcastically “Good boy” at Spike’s obeying Hitomi’s command and stalked to deposit himself between Spike and Devin.

“Mine” Cerb grumbled, low and dangerous, making sure Spike got the message. The bar, Devin, and even the cat were his. He could tolerate Spike being in Cerb’s territory for the time being, at least until the Arcanine showed proper respect and could be accepted into the pack.

Devin nodded to himself. It sounded like Cerb had the other Pokemon well in hand. “Well Hitomi, it appears there’s nothing else in our way. The shift starts in about an hour. You can go and get a bite to eat or wait here, whichever you prefer.” He stood and offered a hand to Hitomi. Illusion gathered up the completed and forgotten paperwork from the table.

“Shall we shake on it?”