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The living space was modestly kept with what room was available. A single bed strategically placed with the headboard facing the door, a small dining table, stools at the kitchen counter, a steel safe set into the wall and a mini sofa on a hardwood floor. It was small, utilitarian, and made into a cozy little hole by its only occupant. On the wall was the only non-utilitarian piece of décor—a poster of a shooting range silhouette with several knife marks scored into it.

Vicky lounged in the mini-sofa, one leg hanging over the side, and her grin turned wolfish as the apartment’s only occupant stepped in. Minerva paused by the door, staring at her and the empty pizza box on the kitchen counter. By the look on her face, it was clear she was uncomfortable with Vicky being there, but that was nothing new. The kid’s Croconaw sauntered past without a second glance. 

“Hey kid,” Vicky drawled, tapping an unlit cigarette against her palm. “I hope you don’t mind I helped myself to a slice.” She jerked her thumb to the cramped kitchen. “I put it in the oven to keep it warm for ya. Why don’t you get yourself a slice and come sit down with me. I’ve got a job you could do.”

Agares sat down in front of the oven and watched it intently, waiting for any sort of cue from Minerva for permission. Minerva sighed, setting her surfboard against the wall and pulling over a stool. “Business first. I’ll eat when you leave.”

“Suit yourself,” Vicky said. She gestured with the unlit stub as she spoke, stuffing the urge to light it down. She was many things, but not the kind of asshole who smoked in someone’s living space. “F.I.L.E. didn’t originally plan on giving this job to bounty hunters, but two of our squads are missing, and the Rangers apparently have more important things to do, what with the whole Magnic Challenge coming up.

Vicky sneered as she mentioned the challenge. As a cop, she wasn’t a big fan of events that brought hundreds of fresh faces from almost very other corner of the world. The increase in gang activity, smuggling, and organized crime skyrocketed the last time the challenge was announced, and it took four years for things to settle back down to the way they were before. And that only happened after the huge turf war between Claw and Fang.

They would have fresh meat to prey on now, and the entire force was bracing itself to weather the coming storm. It made sense the Rangers had no time to spare, even for a threat as serious as this.

“I guess I’m the next expendable party on the totem pole,” Minerva quipped. “Where do I come in?”

“I wouldn’t call you expendable,” Vicky countered. “More, reliable.” She paused, letting her words sink in just long enough before continuing. “A Manectric was spotted ten days ago up north, up near the forest that blocks the view of Magnic Tower. It’s rampaged through the forest and the land between there and here, rustling up the natives and causing general havoc. Ordinarily we’d wait for a bigger predator to come along and take care of it for us...but none of them seem interested.

“As a matter of fact, every Pokemon in the area has either dipped out or hid themselves underground. Worse, people have gone missing, and not just cops. It attacks travelers looking for Pokemon to subjugate, and as far as anyone knows, it doesn’t leave bodies. I know electric-types are more dangerous for you, but...”

“I’ve fought Levin’s Manectric before,” Minerva said. “I’ve got a fair idea what I’m up against. Am I putting it down, or is this a catch-and-release?”

“We’d prefer capture. Find the monster, capture it, and bring it back so we can study what it’s ailment is. If it proves too much of a threat, you do whatever you need to stay alive. Pay is standard rate, with a bonus if you do manage to capture it alive.” Vicky paused, then winked and added, “And a bit of hazard pay too, just ‘cause I like you. Whaddo ya say, kid?”

“I wasn’t worried about keeping the lights on in this place, but I’ll take this contract. Do me a favor and take your time passing off the next job to me, I really hate having people over unannounced.”

“I make no promises,” Vicky said, standing up and sticking the stub into her mouth. Lighter in hand, she walked toward the door, pausing to give Minerva one last look. “So you know, word from further up the grapevine’s informed me that a few people are getting their fangs and claws bloodier than usual lately. Stay safe, kid.”

With that, she left Minerva to her solitude, pizza, and preparations.