[h3] [color=darkturquoise]Devon[/color], [color=#FFCC66]Pent[/color] & [color=7ea7d8]Professor Maple[/color] [/h3] In the back room of the lab, Maple heard the doors open once more. [color=7ea7d8][i]“Must be more trainers coming for their Regional Pokedéxs.”[/i][/color] He thought as he heard his name called. He made his way back out into the main lobby to find a few odd sights. One, as he expected, was a young Pokémon Trainer by the looks of him. The other one, however, was different. He wore what resembled a lab coat but it wasn’t standard by any means. He carried a staff with him, and appeared to be much older than even him. That’s when he remembered a message he had received earlier that week. [color=7ea7d8]“Ah, you must be Professor Faraday from Lumiose University, if i’m not mistaken. I heard word that you would be coming, wishing to explore the ruins of Viore, is that correct?”[/color] Maple looked over to the boy, he appeared to be a somewhat veteran trainer, but with still some experience to gain. [color=7ea7d8]“And you, I can’t say that we have met before. I am Professor Maple, so what can I do for you?”[/color] When Professor Maple recognized him, Pent beamed. [color=#FFCC66]"Yes, yes, I am Professor Faraday but please feel free to call me Pent, it's a pleasure to meet you, finally. I am interested in the ruins, among other things."[/color] Shinon looked up at the unfamiliar Professor, his red eyes scanning over the man's aura with great interest. Maple locked eyes with Lucario, seemingly scanning him as well. [color=7ea7d8]“That Lucario of yours seems to be quite impressive and well trained, I’m almost jealous.”[/color] He looked to the Lucarionite strapped to Lucario’s arm. [color=7ea7d8]“And capable of Mega Evolution as well, this is a rare experience.”[/color] A proud smile overtook Pent's features, as he looked down at his partner. [color=#FFCC66]"Lucario's been with me for quite a while now... He is quite skilled, despite the fact we haven't seriously battled in a very long time. As for the Lucarionite..."[/color] Shinon's looked up at his Trainer with slight worry. [color=#FFCC66]"...It appeared on my desk one day. No information, and it's still something that troubles me to this day. Ah well. I try not to think on it too much, but it's been quite beneficial. Lucario's aura-reading capabilities among other things increase drastically."[/color] Devon met the man’s gaze, and raised a hand in a wave. [color=darkturquoise]”Hi Professor. I’m Devon Lyton. I’m the kid that Professor Rowan sent ahead from Sinnoh to talk about these things.”[/color] The boy held up his left arm, the Key Stone embedded into his white bracelet sparkled in the harsh light over head. [color=darkturquoise]”He’s been working with Professor Sycamore too, and they both wanted to know if you have any information on Mega Evolution that they don’t. Compare notes sorta thing. Rowan gave me this Key Stone and Ampharosite for Shock over there as some sort of test sample? I dunno but he told to show them to you.”[/color] The teen’s right hand the shot a thumb to the Ampharos waiting near his feet alongside Missy, Quill, and Cyan talking among themselves, most likely commenting on the new surroundings. Shock’s Ampharosite glittered on the front of his neck brace, and he looked down and poked at it with a grin. [color=yellow][/color] Maple straightened his expression. [color=7ea7d8]“Well, I do have some information on Mega Evolution, but it’s not even close to Augustine’s nearly life long research on the subject. However, I have recently uncovered several things, or more so, one of the trainers I sent on their journey has.”[/color] He moved over to a packed travel kit, and pulled out a manila folder. He pulled out a few photos and showed them to Devon and Pent. They appeared to be Mega Stones. [color=7ea7d8]“These Mega Stones were found by a trainer a few months back, they were found to be Mega Stones for Feraligatr, Typhlosion, and Meganium. Unfortunately he was unwilling to part with such rare finds, so I took pictures of them for research purposes.”[/color] He slid the photos back into the folder. [color=7ea7d8]“Also, my recent explorations have revealed that there may be even more undiscovered Mega Stones hidden across Viore, just as they had been in Kalos and Hoenn. I’m on the verge of a major breakthrough!”[/color] Devon looked over the pictures, gasping and blinking at the stones. [color=darkturquoise]”Whoa! That’s awesome! I have a few buddies back in Johto that have a Feraligatr and a Meganium! So all three of the Johto starters have Mega Evolutions……Cool. And there’s even more out there? Hoenn too? Aw man I gotta call up Jason later and tell him to go bug Professor Birch about this stuff!”[/color] A soft gasp escaped Pent's lips as his eyes widened at the procured photographs. [color=#FFCC66]"W-What...!? That's... absolutely remarkable. Have you sent these to Augustine yet, Professor? I'm certain he would be as shocked as I am..."[/color] With furrowed brows, Pent looked down to his companion. After sharing glances, Pent looked back towards Professor Maple. [color=#FFCC66]"I... have a question, actually. Kalos has the Anistar Sundial, which has the ability to empower Key Stones. That said, I'm unsure if its effects would persist so far away. Would Viore happen to have a similar landmark?"[/color] [color=7ea7d8]“Augustine was the first person I even told about them, and he came to the same conclusion that I have. If our theory proves true, it could mean every region could have hidden Mega Stones that have yet to see the light of day.”[/color] At the second question, he merely shrugged. [color=7ea7d8]“It is quite possible, there are a multitude of ruins spread throughout Viore, I’m quite certain that something like that could exist, just waiting to be discovered.”[/color] A smile crossed Pent's lips. [color=#FFCC66]"Ah.... curious, very curious...."[/color] Professor Maple moved towards the door into the main lab. [color=7ea7d8]“I’ll be right back, I think we should have some refreshments for this, one of my aids makes the best lemonade.”[/color] He stepped through the door, disappearing into the back of the lab. Pent's gaze followed Professor Maple's movements as he exited the room. Turning to Devon, a wide smile crossed his lips. [color=#FFCC66]"Isn't this exciting!? I'm sure Professor Rowan will be pleased as punch."[/color] Devon took his ever excited grin to Pent, and nodded. [color=darkturquoise] “Oh yeah! He’ll go nuts for this! Dude, I wonder if any Sinnoh Pokémon have Mega Evolutions! Like uh…..Floatzel! Floatzel are cool. Oh! Since the starters in Johto have Megas, and according to Rowan so do the Kanto and Hoenn ones…..”[/color] Looking down to his right, Devon put his hands on his hips. Eye’s focusing on Quill. The Monferno was currently checking out a poster on one of the walls, that seemed to be displaying the digestive system of a Rattata. [color=darkturquoise] “I wonder if any of the Sinnoh starters can do it. If there’s a Mega Infernape, Quill’s got even more to look forward to with evolution! He’ll be such a badass! Right buddy?”[/color] Quill turned his head at the comment, strolling back over next to Devon and Pent. Crossing his arms, his eyes darted between both Shock’s Ampharosite, and Shinon’s Lucarioite. [color=orangered][i]Mega Evolving…...Apparently, it makes you extremely powerful. Rowan said it may even change your typing and Ability…...Would…..Would it even be useful to me? I still can’t do any fire moves except for Fire Punch, so any bonuses to my Fire type moves wouldn’t be too helpful in a fight. Then again, I wonder if that problem is what’s holding back my second evolution to begin with? I hope not…..[/i][/color] Finally the monkey-like Fire-Fighting type nodded at his Trainer with a smile. [color=orangered][/color] Devon gave the Pokémon thumbs up, and tilted his head back up to see Pent. [color=darkturquoise]”So you said you were here to look around the ruins right Pent? I might go take a look with you, if that’s ok? If there’s a chance that I could find Mega Stones for any of my other Pokémon, you bet I’m taking it!”[/color] A warm smile crossed Pent's features as he looked to the enthusiastic teenager. [color=#FFCC66]"Oh yes, that was certainly my plan, and you're more than welcome to join me, though... it may or may not be the first thing I do here."[/color] Drumming his fingers over the handle of his staff, he looked down at Shinon. [color=#FFCC66]"There's actually a legend... or maybe it's more of a fairy tale. Well, ah, either way, I might be looking into that first. I cannot say I'm too familiar with Viore, even after looking at its map to say which would come first, logically."[/color] Closing his eyes in a wide smile he continued speaking, [color=#FFCC66]"Regardless, you're welcome to come along with, Shinon seems to like you. We might even find some Mega Stones outside of the Ruins.[/color] At Pent's words, Shinon attempted to convey to Devon using his aura that he was welcome to join them. Devon nodded at the pair, and shoved his hands in his pockets. A sort of headache sensation took the right side of his brain, and he heard some sort of clip, like a part of an incomplete word. Blinking, the teen rubbed the side of his head. [color=darkturquoise][i]The heck was that? Sounded like someone got cut off really fast when they were trying to say something…..Wait a sec, was that Shinon? Was that the whole sync stuff that Pent told me about? I guess I could ask?[/i][/color] [color=darkturquoise] “Thanks guys, it’ll be fun having traveling buddies again! And uh….Was Shinon trying to talk to me or something? Or did the little voice in my head get duct tape put over its mouth?”[/color] Looking down at Shinon, Pent blinked a few times. [color=#FFCC66]"Were you...?"[/color] The Lucario nodded, looking up at his Trainer. [i][color=#46bddf]Yes, but it's going to take more time.[/color][/i] Blinking with a somewhat astonished expression behind his spectacles, he then turned to look at the teen. [color=#FFCC66]"Apparently he was, yes. It seems it's going to take more time to be able to express himself freely. It's been a very long time since Shinon has attempted to communicate with those outside of our team."[/color] Devon smirked, and looked over the Lucario near the man again. [color=darkturquoise] “Really? Guess he does like me. Cool. Keep trying Shinon, I’m sure you’ll get it soon.”[/color] A smile crossed Shinon’s maw as he gave an affirmative grunt. Professor Maple finally returned from the other room, bearing a platter of fresh Lemonade, as well as a few Pokédex’s.[color=7ea7d8] “As your Pokédex may not be up to standards in Viore, Devon, here is one for you. And Pent, you may find this quite helpful as well.”[/color] He hands them both a Pokédex and a glass of Lemonade. [color=7ea7d8]“Now I say a toast, for good health and safe journeys for everyone.”[/color] He raises his glass up into the air. As Pent took the Pokédex and lemonade in hand, a wide smile crossed his visage. [color=#FFCC66]"Absolutely splendid! Thank you, thank you very much."[/color] Awkwardly, Pent tried to pocket the Pokédex while leaning on his staff. Shinon, foreseeing an absolutely disaster, took a hold of the Pokédex, tucking it in his coat for him. Now with a hand free, Pent stabilized himself and held up the lemonade in response to the toast. Cheerfully, he tapped Professor Maple's glass. [color=#FFCC66]"For good health and a safe journey!"[/color] Devon’s eyes lit up at the offer of a new Pokédex, and grinned as he grabbed both it and the glass of lemonade. Shoving the device in his hoodie pocket, he looked back at Professor Maple and nodded. [color=darkturquoise]”Thanks Professor. I guess the Sinnoh Dex wouldn’t get me very far in Viore huh? I’ll be sure to use it lots.”[/color] Finally taking the glass of yellow liquid firmly in his right hand, the teen held it high and tapped it against Maple’s glass as well. [color=darkturquoise]”For good health and a safe journey!”[/color] Still keeping a firm hand on his staff, Pent clinked his glass against Devon’s too, for good measure. Maple downed his drink, setting the glass on a nearby table. He took a Pokégear out of his lab coat pocket, and was shocked at what he looked at. [color=7ea7d8]“Oh no, it’s almost 3:00! My ruin dig team is supposed to head out in ten minutes! Sorry to cut the conversation short, but I have to make sure everything is in order and ready to move. It was good speaking with both of you, I look forward to our next meeting!”[/color] Maple waved goodbye as he rushed into the back room once more. Smiling, Pent waved the hand with the glass at the Professor as he made his exit. Devon took a sip from the lemonade, and raised his free hand and waved it. [color=darkturquoise]”See ya Professor Maple! Thanks for the help!”[/color] Taking another longer drink from the glass, Devon shifted his eyes to Pent near him. [color=darkturquoise]”So, we gonna go hang out and look for Mega Stones or something? I’m up for whatever, I can just call ahead to Professor Rowan later about what I learned and I’ll be free for the rest of my two weeks here.”[/color] Nodding, Pent made his way over to the nearby table, setting the glass down next to Maple's. Turning back to Devon with a smile he nodded. [color=#FFCC66]"That sounds magnifique. Allons-y?"[/color] Turning on his heel, he slowly made his way out of the lab. His partner Shinon, along with Devon and his team followed. Once outside of the lab, Pent heard the automatic doors close behind them. [@1Charak2] [@Ciphra] [@Iatos]