[h2][color=darkturquoise]Devon[/color] & [color=#FFCC66]Pent[/color][/h2] 

Once Shinon brought up his observations on battling, Cyan smiled and shook her head. [color=cyan]<It was tough, but we did pretty good even though we lost. We managed to take out two of Maylene’s Pokémon, but then when she sent out her Lucario he started using Steel moves.>[/color] Sighing she took her eyes to the floor and frowned.[color=cyan]<Devon thought it would be a good idea to send out Shock, our teams Ampharos, to deal with him. It didn’t last long, Shock got hit with Bone Rush, and after me and Quill went down to it too, we lost….>[/color] After another few moments, the Marill looked up from the floor to the Lucario in front of her. [color=cyan]<But we’re gonna get better! Then we’re gonna go back there, and beat Maylene for real! I know we will!>[/color]

Worry furrowed Shinon's brows as Cyan recalled the battle. A soft sigh escaped his maw before smiling slightly at the tiny Pokémon's determination. [color=#46bddf]<I see... Most of my attacks are defensive, but if that Lucario belonged to a Gym Leader, I would assume most of its attacks would contribute to fighting. That said.>[/color] Putting a spiked paw to his muzzle he thought before nodding. [color=#46bddf]<Lucario are Steel and Fighting-typed. We are weak to Fighting, Ground and Fire-type attacks. Of course, we can use a range of abilities from Normal, Fighting, Dragon, Steel and Ground, for the most part…>[/color] Smiling he continued, [color=#46bddf]<Good luck, though. I believe in you and your partners.>[/color]

Devon nodded at Pent’s explanation on how a Lucario works, and walked over in front of Shinon, crouching down to inspect the Pokémon further. [color=darkturquoise]”Whoa. So that’s how it works? Aura. I knew the move they can use was called Aura Sphere, and they had some sort of special sense or something, but I didn’t know exactly what it was….”[/color] Grinning at the canine he waved. [color=darkturquoise]”Hi Shinon. You’re pretty cool! But, that stone on your arm makes you even cooler. If it is what I think it is.”[/color] 

Taking his gaze off of Cyan, Shinon looked at the teen who was now crouched and at eye-level with him. [color=#46bddf][i]Pent, please thank Devon for me.[/i][/color] The aforementioned man looked over at the teen with a smile. [color=#FFCC66]"Ah, you noticed his Lucarionite. Oh, and, Shinon wishes to let you know that he appreciates your kind words. Perhaps one day his aura will sync to yours so that he can communicate as clearly as he does with me. Though, perhaps I am getting ahead of myself."[/color] Devon looked up at Pent, eyes glittering with excitement. [color=darkturquoise]”Really? That’d be pretty sweet!”[/color] 


Standing up, The teen fished around in his hoodie pockets, coming up with three Pokéballs. A Premier ball, a basic red and white Pokéball, and an Ultra ball fumbled around in the kid’s hands. It took him a few moments to finally managing to click the buttons on all of them. Three flashes of light zipped to the ground next to the teen, summoning for his other Pokémon. An Ampharos, Monferno, and a Mismagius stood before the group. Well, most of them stood. The Ampharos lay on his back, asleep, the odd yellow Pokémon snoring away as his tail light blinked to the rhythm of his breathing. 

Looking over the summoned Pokémon, Pent's grin grew wide. Clasping his hands together, while leaning on his staff, he beamed, [color=#FFCC66]"What lovely partners you have!"[/color] 

The Monferno stood up, arms crossed as he inspect the newcomers with cool gray eyes. The Ghost among them sat in a heap of her own cloth-like body, before yawning and slowly rising up to hover about two feet from the ground. 

Shinon's gaze looked over the group before fixing on the Mismagius. He spoke softly to her, [color=#46bddf]<...what a strange aura you emit.>[/color] Staring at her for a few moments, he shook his head and smiled somewhat. [color=#46bddf]<Apologies for being rude, it's a pleasure everyone. I am Shinon.>[/color] Missy noticed the Lucario staring her way, and cocked her head at what he said. [color=darkorchid]<Aura…..? Ah, You’re a Lucario. I remember your capabilities. Hello Shinon. I am Missy.>[/color] Looking away, the Ghost had depressed thoughts as her eyes went glassy.  [i][color=darkorchid]He knows…..My past emotions must show though to him surely. Oh no…..[/color][/i] Furrowing his brows, Shinon attempted to use his aura to convey that everything will be fine, and that she need not worry. [i][color=darkorchid]W-What is he doing? O-Oh…...I suppose it would be best if I didn’t think about HIM while on this trip….[/color][/i] Quill looked over to Shinon, raising a brow. [i][color=orangered]Hm…..A Lucario. Haven’t seen one since that Gym battle where Shock got clocked in the head with Bone Club…[/color][/i] Shaking his head, Quill finally spoke up and gave a short wave. [color=orangered]<Hey Shinon. I’m Quill. Nice to meet you.>[/color] At the Monferno’s words, Shinon gave a nod and a small smile.

Devon pointed to each other them as he shoved the Pokéballs back. [color=darkturquoise]”That’s my Monferno, Quill, my Mismagius, Missy, and….”[/color] Crouching down, Devon repeated poked at the Ampharos’ ear. A small spark shot from the Electric-type that caused Devon to yelp, and pull his hand away to shake it around. Gritting his teeth he spoke. [color=darkturquoise]”And this is Shock. It’s actually pretty rare, he’s usually the one waking me up!”[/color] Snickering the boy grabbed Shock’s shoulders and hauled him up on his feet. [color=darkturquoise]”How’s a taste of your own medicine feel buddy?”[/color] 

Shock stretched out, standing on his toes as he looked behind him at his Trainer and smirked. [color=yellow]<Oh I’m not mad today, actually relieved sorta that we’re FINALLY out of that big metal tube and off on our little grand adventure!>[/color] 

The shock caused Pent to flinch, his warm brown eyes fixing on Devon, with extreme worry across his visage. [color=#FFCC66]"D-Devon, are you all right?"[/color] Devon looked down at his zapped hand, and waved off the worry with a smirk. [color=darkturquoise]”Dude, don’t worry. I get zapped by Shock every morning. Either he holds back, or I just can’t really feel it too much anymore but his shock’s aren't that painful. I’ve had, WAY worse injuries from Pokémon, trust me.”[/color] 

Turning his head to Shinon and Pent, Shock’s eye’s went to Shinon’s Mega stone. His eyes went wide as he looked down at his own. A large fabric brace, colored silver, was around the Light Pokémon’s striped neck. A glittering Ampharosite stone shone in its center. Taking his stare back to Shinon he pointed. [color=yellow]<Hey, you got one of these crazy rocks too? What happens to you when these things explode? You get an afro?>[/color]  

Shinon's gaze met Shock briefly before looking over his Ampharosite. [color=#46bddf]<Ah, Cyan mentioned you had a Mega Stone as well—and yes, mine is a Lucarionite. Not many can claim to have such rare items, though it seems the more Key Stones there are in existence, the more they are beginning to find.>[/color] He then snorted, [color=#46bddf]<An Afro...? No, my aura-sensing organs grow larger, and I become more lithe... I also have more spiked protrusions. I would show you, but... I would rather not battle.>[/color] Shock waved his arms, and shrugged. [color=yellow]<That’s ok, I think I get the idea. I seen a picture of what I turn into. Apparently I get this huge mop of wool for hair and a tail….I uh...I dunno if I’m into that or not. It’ll be weird having wool again.>[/color]

Devon pointed to Shock’s Mega Collar with his right arm, then brought up his left arm and showed off his white Mega Bracelet featuring its shiny Key Stone. Eyes on Pent he spoke. [color=darkturquoise]”You guys were eyeing up my bracelet earlier, and I see you two are rocking the same Mega stone gear that we are. You see, I’m from Sinnoh, and I’m good buddies with one of the regions professors, Professor Rowan. He asked me to come to Viore and interview Professor Maple about Mega evolution. Seeing as you guys got them too, and we just got ours, do you mind telling us what you know about these stones? It would really help us out.”[/color]

[color=#FFCC66]"Oh, yes you're quite right, I've been meaning to say something for a while now. Professor Rowan...? I see. Well then, I am Professor Faraday, though given I am from Kalos there's a very, very good chance you've never heard of me. Truly, I'm impressed that Professor Rowan has dabbled into the field of Mega Evolution—it's likely due to Augustine's interest. Ah yes actually, it really should not be all that surprising. Apologies, I'm rambling."[/color] Presenting his staff—though the motion of removing it from the ground caused him to stumble—he gestured to the staff that had a small chain-like cord wrapped around it, a Key Stone in its pendant. [color=#FFCC66]"You have both a Key Stone and a Mega Stone, have you yet attempted Mega Evolution?"[/color] Devon shook his head at the question, staring at the staffs pendent before his eyes went back to his own Mega Bracelet. [color=darkturquoise]”Nah. We never got the chance to try it yet. The day Rowan called me about these things, I went over to his lab and checked out a bunch of pictures and notes on Mega Evolution that he’d been working on with the other professor from Kalos. Professor Rowan studies Evolution, so this was like the next step for him I guess. Anyways, after I visited he set me and my Dad up with plane tickets to Viore, and this Ampharosite and Key Stone. ” [/color] Pointing down to Shock, the teen gestured to his hair his his free hand, and pulled it back downwards to stretch it out. [color=darkturquoise]”Apparently Ampharos get these huge white locks of hair on the their head when they Mega Evolve, and this big fluffy tail. They also get like a bunch more of the little balls on their heads and tails inside their new hair. It’s pretty nuts.”[/color]

A smile crossed Pent's features when the boy explained Mega-Ampharos. [color=#FFCC66]"Oh, yes that's right. I've seen a few of the known transformations. Shinon, for example, changes in a few very distinct way that allows him to draw from a hidden strength."[/color] Now knowing that Devon had no practical experience with Mega Evolution, Pent put his hand firmly back on his cane, drawing it to the floor. Smiling cheerfully at the teen he spoke, [color=#FFCC66]"Well, a Key Stone and a corresponding Mega Stone are required for Mega Evolution, however it's not exactly that simple. For example, if you attempted to Mega-Evolve Shinon... it would likely fail. Though, I suppose he's a special case, in that perhaps your auras may sync sooner rather than later, and..."[/color] The Lucario beside him nudged him and the man let out a chuckled. [color=#FFCC66]"R-Right, I'm rambling again. N-Normally, I would say a strong bond with the Pokémon in question is required to activate Mega Evolution. To induce Mega Evolution, the Trainer must touch the stone. This action acts as a catalyst for the transformation. The energy emitted from Mega Evolution is the same energy found in the Anistar City Sundial. Actually, you may wish to travel there as it augments Key Stones in such a way that they resonate with Mega Stones, even ones that are underground...."[/color] Once again, Shinon nudged his Trainer. [color=#FFCC66]"G-Getting off topic. Apologies. Sadly, as far as how the stones actually work, and why they trigger Mega Evolution is still a mystery last I heard. I know that Professor Sycamore, Professor Maple, myself and many others are seeking that information. Actually, that is partially one of the reasons I've traveled here. Among other reasons..."[/color]

At the lecture on Pent’s knowledge of Mega Evolution, Devon repeatedly nodded, strolling near Shock and leaning his hand lightly on his head. [color=darkturquoise]”Sycamore! That was the guy that Rowan talked about. Couldn’t remember the name. And uh, I’ve never heard of Anistar City. Guessing thats in Kalos or something? Might go there one day if I get the chance.”[/color] Smiling, the boy shared a look with Shock. Holding out his hand to the Pokémon, Devon was given a high-flipper in return. Shock wearing a smile as well. [color=darkturquoise]”So, all I gotta do is touch the Key Stone, and have a good connection with the Pokémon? I’ve had Shock since I was ten, and I’d say we’re pretty close, right Shock? We could totally pull it off.”[/color] Devon gave the Ampharos a pat on the head, and Shock nodded. [color=yellow]<Sure! I mean, who else is gonna put up with me? I nearly drove my Mom and Dad off the deep end, and that breeder lady that owned us. You’re like the first actual cool guy I’ve met Devon!>[/color]

Pent beamed. [color=#FFCC66]"Yes, Anistar City is in Kalos, and its Sundial is certainly quite the sight. Ah! There's another thing..."[/color] Furrowing his brows he looked over to Shinon for a moment before continuing, [color=#FFCC66]"Mega Evolution seems to only be able to activate as a precursor to a Pokémon Battle, or another adrenaline-inducing activity."[/color]

Finally, Devon’s father came from the men’s room, adjusting his unzipped winter jacket and shoving his hands in his pockets as he approached the group. Biscuit, who had been sitting on the ground and watching her tail flop around with the intensity of a Staraptor, immediately squealed and rocketed into the burly man’s arms. Cuddling into his chest she squealed further. [color=brown]<Johnny! You’re back! You took forever!>[/color] Both Pent and Shinon wore amused expressions at the display, a soft chuckle escaping Pent's lips. Devon’s father, John, had to quickly take his hands out from his pockets to catch the affectionate Pokémon, and petted her in his arms as he addressed the slightly annoyed teen next to him.  [color=red]”Sorry about that Devon, I just-”[/color] Devon looked up to his right at his untimely father, narrowing his eyes and waving his two hands back and forth as he cut him off. [color=darkturquoise]”It’s fine Dad, just don’t go into detail. Please. Can we finally go grab our bags now? I bet most of the crowds have cleared away too, so thats a plus for me.”[/color] John nodded in agreement, before facing the two strangers in front of him. His steely expression changed ever so slightly into a smile.[color=red]”Making friends already Devon? Hello there. I’m Devon’s father, John Lyton. And you are?”[/color]

When addressed, both Pent and Shinon straightened up, making eye contact with the newcomer. [color=#FFCC66]"I'm Pent Faraday, a Professor at Lumiose University. It's a pleasure, Mr. Lyton."[/color] Gesturing down at his companion he continued, [color=#FFCC66]"This is my companion, Shinon."[/color]

Looking to the teen, Shinon spoke to Pent, [i][color=#46bddf]Devon brought up a good point. We should collect our luggage quickly, especially given that Professor Maple is known for disappearing at a moment's notice.[/color][/i] Eyes wide, he looked to the two gathered before him. [color=#FFCC66]"S-Shinon brings up a good point! We must make haste, Professor Maple does not remain in his laboratory for very long, and we are pressing our luck."[/color]

Devon cringed, and nodded at the man’s words. [color=darkturquoise]”Oh shit, you’re totally right! Professor Rowan told me it takes weeks to get ahold of the guy! We gotta go like NOW! Dad, guys, let’s go! Come on!”[/color]

After grabbing their luggage, and hitting up a taxi service, Devon, Pent, John, and their Pokémon left the Viore International Airport and glided across the sunny town in a small yellow vehicle. Devon watched the sights of the new place glide by in the window, thoughts ever racing about what may have awaited him in the region of Viore. But, those thoughts would need to wait, as a short stop at a nearby hotel and best wishes from his father interrupted him for a bit. After another short trip through the rest of New Amber, Devon and Pent finally arrived at the large round building atop the small hill on the edge of town that was the Maple Pokémon lab. Devon rushed up the stone steps, Shock, Quill, Missy, Cyan, and Pent with Shinon close by followed suit. The teen came to a stop at the metallic door, which slide open and bathed the teen in the harsh lights of the high tech area. Putting a hand to his face he called out as he checked around the vast room. [color=darkturquoise]”Um, hello? Professor Maple? Are you here? I’m the kid that Professor Rowan sent from Sinnoh!”[/color] [@Shiny Keldeo]