[center]Collaboration between myself, [@MiddleEarthRoze], and [@Eklispe][/center]

Vuduin waifted through the wreckage like a ghost through an abandoned town. In a remarkably short period of time he'd retrieved clothing from a neaby medical center, as well as a pack full of food was back on his way to the grouping of avatars. His previously bare upper body was covered by a thin green hospital gown that constrated oddly with his dark bottoms and white hair. 

Without realising, Mia had quite swiftly outran Seras and Charity - whether they wandered off somewhere else to aid others, or had elected to stay with Rebeca, Mia didn't know. But it didn't matter - she was sure they'd meet again at some point. However, Tantalus' Mawhile had kept up with her and Scarlet, and after running for a while, the three had slowed down to a walk.

[color=turquoise]"Oh, I'm sorry little one! I forgot how small your legs were."[/color] Mia said with an apologetic laugh to the small Pokemon, who was breathing far heavier than herself or Scarlet.

[i][color=indianred]"Mia - there's that Avatar again."[/color][/i] Scarlet alerted her trainer to Vuduin, who they could see in the near distance. [i][color=indianred]"Perhaps we should ask him for directions to... well, wherever we're needed the most."[/color][/i]

[color=turquoise]"Hm - hopefully somewhere with food."[/color] Mia chuckled as they walked over to the Darkrai Avatar.

[color=turquoise]"Hello there! I didn't have chance to thank you earlier."[/color] Mia made herself known with a trademark bright smile; glad she was meeting more of the Avatars.

Vuduin nodded at the greeting of the flame avatar. Well, the other one. Meeting someone new meant you exchanged names. [color=gray]"Hello, I am Vuduin. Was there something else you needed from me? I have snacks."[/color] He said, gesturing towards the pack. He still felt bad about Alain's obvious embarassment of his barely clothed state. That and he wanted to make sure Rebecca had gotten help.

Mia noticably perked up at the mention of food, and she glanced towards the pack curiously. [color=turquoise]"Well, I was just going to introduce myself. I'm Mia - and thanks for the clothes. I don't think my dress would have lasted much longer."[/color] She said with a light grin, looking back to Vuduin. [color=turquoise]"But I won't deny that I feel starving - oh, is there anything in there the Pokemon could eat too?"[/color] She asked in afterthought, gesturing towards her Ninetales, and Tantalus' Mawile.

Vuduin shrugged, he wasn't sure what a Ninetales ate, though he thought he remembered stuffing some pokepuffs in there.  Mia hm? He valiently ignored the slight coloring of his cheeks at Mia's mention of her dress scraps. Even the slighest amount was of course, painfully obvious against his pale skin. [color=gray]"One moment please."[/color] He set the pack down and rummaged through it for a bit before locating a baggy with some of the treats in them, of various color, right next to the granola bars. Vuduin took out both and tossed them to Mia, did avatars eat pokepuffs? Vuduin never had but he didn't think he counted as a norm so far as avatars went. [color=gray]"Here you go, don't eat all of them, I was planning on sharing it with the others as well."[/color] This girl seemed a little absentminded and he didn't want to make another trip.

Before Mia could answer, a distant, barely audible scream of rage was heard, followed by a shockwave that rolled through the ground, splitting the pavement and walls with a grinding crack and shattering what few windows that were still intact. 

[color=turquoise]"Oh. That must be Rebeca."[/color] Mia said once the shaking had stopped, somehow keeping upright during the mini-quake. Really - wasn't the place destroyed enough already? Mia had a feeling the people at Mauville City wouldn't be inviting the Avatar's back any time soon. [color=turquoise]"Anyway, thanks for the food! I didn't think many restaurants would be serving anything right now - and I'm not sure where the hotel is. I just arrived, you see."[/color] She chatted away quite amicably, seemingly forgotten the quake already; or, she just wasn't concerned by it. It was always hard to tell with Mia - nothing much seemed to faze her. 

Taking out two granola bars and some of the pokepuffs, she gave the latter to Scarlet and Apate along with a half of the bar each, before munching on the other.  

[color=turquoise]"So, have you met all the other Avatars? I think I've only seen about four, including yourself. What are they like?"[/color] She asked, handing the bags of food back to him with a sweet, grateful smile. Scarlet sniffed the Pokepuffs suspiciously, but began eating in no time anyway. She was hungry, after all.

Vuduin's reflexively phased and his feet passed through the ground that ruptered and buckled benath his feet. He gazed at the girl in surprise, it seemed to her the earthquake was a passing thing. Now he didn't know very much about Rebeca, but given what he did know, an earthquake would be the start of something much worse rather than the finale. He couldn't help but think but to the avatar of Lugia's words. Now he wasn't sure if Rebeca could sink this place, but he wasn't eager to find out. While he was considering what to do next Mia seemed to be happily snacking away and content with small talk.

Vuduin grabbed the offered bags and carefully placed them back in the small bag and slung it back over his shoulder. [color=gray]"I wouldn't say all, but I've met most of them. For the the most part they seem to be like normal people, just a little more... eccentric."[/color] Yeah that was a word for it. [color=gray]"I need to get moving, we can chat after I've helped the others."[/color] He knew Alain for one would be grateful and on the more selfish side of things he wanted his cloak back, it was hand-tailored and this green hospital gown made him look stupid. Having said his piece Vuduin quickly began moving towards Rebeca's location.

[color=turquoise]"Yes, I suppose we would all be a little strange. I suppose that's what happens when Gods live inside of you."[/color] Mia agreed, with herself, Apate and Scarlet following after her, mouth's stuff with the pokepuffs, the Mawile's delicate little hands clutching onto the remainder of the granola bar.

[color=turquoise]"Are we going to see Rebeca? Oh - I imagine she'll want to know what happened while she was out of it."[/color] Mia paused, frowning ever so slightly in thought. [color=turquoise]"Ohhhh... that must be what the whole earthquake was about. Tantalus wasn't very merciful towards her Pokemon. Although, they did attack him first."[/color] She explained to Vuduin, skipping slightly to keep up with his long strides.

As the pair drew closer, several changes could be detected. Waves of heat were radiating from their destination, carrying with them the rank scent of sulphur. Every so often another minor tremor would rattle the ground, though none came close to the strength of the initial quake. 

Reaching the epicenter of the quake, it was clear that things were not going well. A small ring of medics and Pokemon had formed, although all were keeping their distance. The heat was intense enough that they were visibly sweating. Among the Pokemon gathered there were a pair of Ralts, and both were clinging to their trainers' legs, shivering violently. 

Inside the ring, a spider web of cracked pavement led to the center, where Rebeca stood. Her body markings glowed a dull red, and her eyes were lit with molten fury. Visible heat waves wafted off her body, and every step she took triggered another small quake. Maya was cradled in one arm, and her free hand was clenched in a fist so tight that blood was leaking from between her fingers. "[color=crimson][b]WHO DID THIS! WHERE ARE THEY! WHEN I FIND THEM I'M GOING TO RIP THEM IN HALF![/b][/color]" She took a step toward the ring of medics, then let out a cry and stumbled to one knee, pressing her fist to her stomach. 

One of the medics took a hesitant step forward, his hands held in front of him. "Ma'am, please. I understand why you're angry, but you're causing more harm to yourself and your Pokemon. If you don't calm down you're going to cause serious injury."

A low, angry growl ripped through the air, and Rebeca turned her molten gaze on the medic, sending him a couple steps back. "[color=crimson]I want. To know. Who. Did. This.[/color]"

The medic swallowed, blinking the sweat from his eyes. "I honestly don't know. But please, I need you to calm-" 

Rebeca slammed her fist into the ground, pulverizing the pavement into gravel as electricity sparked around her skin. "[color=crimson]Then find someone who does![/color]" She winced, coughing, then turned her head and spat a semi-congealed mass of blood into one of the cracks in the pavement. "[color=crimson]Somebody had to have seen something![/color]"

Vuduin had a worried look on his face. This was rather unfortunate. Obviously something drastic had happened between his leaving and . . . This. He paused just outside the ring of people and turned to Mia. [color=gray]"Erm, Mia. What exactly happened to cause that?"[/color] Vuduin wasn't sure he could be much of a peacemaker but clearly somebody had to be or else bad things would happen. Shade peeked out from under the collar of the green gown and shivered breifly before tucking back in. Clearly he didn't like the looks of things much more than Vuduin did.

Wow. Rebeca was pretty angry. Still, nice to see her looking a bit better physically... despite the coughing up blood and whatnot. 

[color=turquoise]"Oh, well. Rebeca got knocked out after the whole blowing up the floor thingie, and Tantalus wanted to help her. Then a Rhyhorn came out of nowhere - I suppose that was hers? - and attacked him. He was pretty pissed after that, and attacked both her Pokemon."[/color] Mia replied to Vuduin, brow furrowed somewhat as she spied the Kabuto in Rebeca's arms. [color=turquoise]"I'm not sure why he attacked the little one. Something changed in him... maybe he's got the same problems I did?"[/color] This query was directed more at Scarlet, who was watching the events unfolding carefully, regarding the obviously unstable Rebeca with narrowed eyes.

[color=indianred][i]"I don't think that was his issue, Mia. There was a shift of power within him, not personality."[/i][/color] She replied, and Mia breathed a sigh of relief. If one of the Avatars did have the same issues as she had once suffered from, there'd be the constant fear of it returning to her, despite Reshiram's influence.

[color=turquoise]"Rebeca, if you want to go and yell at him or something, he went that way. I think perhaps you and your Pokemon would be better off getting some help first though."[/color] Mia suggested nonchalently to Rebeca, an easy-going smile on her face as she pointed in the direction Tantalus went. [color=turquoise]"We've got some snacks too, if you want one."[/color]

In truth, Rebeca didn't actually hear most of what Mia had said. Both Avatars were just far enough away that they were difficult to hear over the roaring in her ears. However there was one word that did get through. 

[color=crimson][i]Tantalus?[/i][/color]

For a moment, her markings dimmed, giving way to the shocked expression on her face. the waves of heat seemed to weaken, and a couple of the medics took hesitant steps forward, hoping that she might have finally calmed. 

That hope was dashed when her expression twisted into vicious rage. Her fist came up, then slammed backdown, sending out a shockwave even more powerful than the first. "[color=crimson]Fucking [b]BITCH![/b][/color]" A fresh wave of heat washed over the crowd as she bowed her head. "[color=crimson]Dammit, dammit, dammit! Should have fucking ripped his head off![/color]" A quiet sob shook her shoulders. "[color=crimson]Never give people second chances.[/color]" 

Slowly, she stood up, murder in her eyes. "[color=crimson]He had better be dead. Because if he isn't, he'll be lucky if I incinerate him.[/color]"

Going forward a few steps, Mia offered up a smile to the cowering Pokemon and their trainers. They relaxed somewhat in her aura, but Mia doubted that it would help Rebeca much. 

[color=turquoise]"I understand you're upset. I would be too, if someone hurt my Scarlet. But perhaps you should help your Pokemon first?"[/color] She suggested tentatively, Scarlet and Apate still by her side - although the Mawile slightly behind Mia. After all, the little thing couldn't really understand why her trainer had done such a thing, nor what had happened to him. As for Scarlet, she was watching on carefully. She'd seen kids this unhinged before, just as Mia had, in the hospital.

Well this was... Not good. Vuduin stepped in front of Rebeca instinctivly and raised his hands placatingly and attempted to lock eyes with her. Shade of course had opted to avoid the scary lady and continued hiding inside his green shirt, albeit ineffectively but hiding none the less. Vuduin nearly began lulling Rebeca to sleep reflexivly before thinking that plan through. It would almost certainly work in her slightly weakened state, especially with Shade's help. But if Rebeca realized what he was doing he had a feeling she would be distintly unpleased, when she woke up and was strong enough to do whatever she wanted. Which would make things as bad as they started but with an extra layer of frusteration to vent.

 And what was worse, from what he knew her frusteration was well deserved. By all accounts, one, Tantulus had attacked her pokemon and left. Of course he couldn't very well in good consicense allow her to go off and attempt to kill someone, for a lot of reasons. What could he possibly say to dissuade her? He had a feeling offering a snickers bar wouldn't fix much. [color=gray]"Please, don't kill anyone [u]yet[/u]. At the very least can't you wait until the tournament to fight? If you do this now you put yourself, anyone in your way, and your Pokemon in danger."[/color] Ah dang it, Vuduin was sure that his cloak he'd given her was going to burn, in fact he was surprised it hadn't already. A small part of his mind wondered how he could be wondering about clothing at a time like this but Vuduin was focused on Rebeca's reaction and the flamability of everything in the immediate area. 

Rebeca growled and ground her teeth, her nails piercing deeper into her palm. She wanted to scream, to rage and pound at the nearest object until she was exhausted, and Vuduin was making himself a very handy target. She wanted to charge after Tantalus, to run him to the ground and then beat him until there was nothing but a bloody smear left on the ground, and then torch it to ash. She wanted to fall and weep, trying so very hard to keep what was left of her family together. 

All of these things she wanted to do, her heart and mind being pulled every which way. She didn't know what to do, and it was just so warm, so hard to think...

[color=crimson][i]If you do this now, you put yourself, anyone in your way, and your Pokemon in danger.[/i][/color]

Her eyes widened slightly, and her entire body went stock still. Images flashed through her mind, and her eyes stung as tears formed and evaporated. [color=crimson][i]No. I... I can't... I can't do that again. Not again.[/i][/color]

Gradually, her glowing markings dimmed to black, and her head bowed. She fell to her knees, and though it would be a while before anyone would really notice, the temperature began to fall. 

[color=turquoise][i]"Well, thank goodness for that. I was worried we were going to have to get into another fight, Scar."[/i][/color] Mia thought, smiling at her Ninetales, who was still glaring at the crying Rebeca. Scarlet rolled her eyes, replying in a somewhat haughty tone.

[color=indianred][i]"Worried? It wouldn't have taken much for us to put the girl down."[/i][/color]

[color=turquoise][i]"Scarlet! Don't be mean."[/i][/color] This chastised comment was promptly ignored, however, and Scarlet sat on her haunches primly, gazing at the scared Mawile still behind Mia with a somewhat softer gaze. It didn't have anything to fear from the Groudon Avatar.

[color=turquoise]"Well then... that's another crisis averted."[/color] Mia said to Vuduin, glancing around at the still apprehensive medical team. [color=turquoise]"Now what shall we do?"[/color]

Vuduin winced as Rebeca collapsed to the ground in tears. Well. He was relieved that she was pacified but also dismayed that he'd obviously pressed a button he hadn't meant to. He took a step back and let out a quiet sigh, well it was dealt with now, so there was nothing more to do. He turned back to face Mia in response to her question, [color=gray]"I want to stay with Rebeca to make sure she's alright."[/color] He shrugged and watched as the medics carefully approached and went about seeing how to treat her, a difficult task when regarding an avatar.