Joshua leaned back in his seat, remaining silent for the time being. He knew this was Amelia's adventure and therefore her choice. But he was the one that had snuck her out of town under her parents nose so he was responsible for her health and safety, especially in dangerous scenarios like this. But for now, it was best that he remain silent and let Amelia have some time in the spotlight again.

"It might not be a temple. It's just some ruins that are on, called the Old Tombs on the opposite end of the desert. They're on of several places I want to visit because of the possible presense of Ghost-type pokemon there. There are also the Known Ruins on an island north of here and maybe one or two other places. I would like to go back to the Witchpeak Cemetary but... if I go back home, my journey might be forced to end. So I need to grow much stronger first." Amelia said, her tone becoming a bit sorrowful as she brought up her home town. She quickly dismissed this though and gave both of the boys a smile. "But there are several pokemon I'm hoping to find in the Tombs. Namely Golett and Yamask. It might be possible to find Honedges there if any of them are the tomb of a king or royalty I guess. And if I can find a keystone there, I might be able to get a Spiritomb."

"You've really though this through in concerns to the Ghosts you might find." Joshua said. "Though there are other dangers. Namely more Cacnea and Trapinch, as well as things like Baltoy, Sigilyph, Bronzor, Sandile, Hippopotas, and others. This isn't including their possible evolved forms, which neither of you will be able to handle. And if you're forced to run out there with a wild pokemon chasing you and it won't let up... again, you could get seriously hurt and repels only work so long. You need to take proper precautions on a route like this. But I guess I'm sounding like a broken record at this point."

---

Alice was a bright shade of pink by the time the Professor opened the door, having gratefully accepted the boy's help in getting back on her feet with a squeaky thanks. Her hands instinctively began twirling her hair as the woman mildly admonished her, muttering a quick "Y-yes, ma'am."

Following the two inside6, along with the Xatu she believed belonged to the boy, she stood back awkwardly as introductions were made, giving a small wave while she listened. Accepting the Pokedex quietly with a studdered thanks, she waited.

She still couldn't believe it. Her very first Pokemon was about to be given to her.

And then in a flash a bubble of water expanded and she saw her. A Horsea! Her breath, which she hadn't realized she had been holding, whooshed out as she dropped to her knees next to the little Pokemon. Slowly she reached out, letting the adorable little thing have the chance to reject her, before a huge grin broke out on her face as it touched its head to her hand. "Oh!" she exclaimed softly, gently stroking its neck. It didn't feel like anything was there! She felt like she read something about that once....

The Pokedex asked for a nickname to which she considered momentarily. "We'll be great friends, won't we Cici?"

Pulling Cici onto her lap, she looked at the other trainers with an apologetic smile. "This is amazing..." she said quietly. "There's so much I want to do...."

She really wasn't sure how to respond to the two, as starstruck as she was with Cici, so instead she turned her attention back to the Professor. "Uhm....I actually wanted to know what Gym you recommend as a first goal? It'll be a while before we're ready but... And have you ever heard of a little guy called Beldum? I've kinda always been obsessed with them. Oh! And what should I feed Cici? And what about the others?" She looked down as her face burned pink again, scratching lightly underneath Cici's jaw.

Dawkin felt a little pained to hear that if Amelia home she might not be able to leave. He could imagine that being a harsh thing to deal with. Still, she seemed to be doing well enough despite that. "Isn't it true that no route is completly safe? It wouldn't be much a journey without a little bit of difficulty. We managed to cross the last route together as well, plus I've made it through a few rough scrapes of my own. I understand your concern but I'm sure we can handle, individually or together." Dawkin said confidently. "Anyway, Amelia, do you want help at the temple? I was planning on spending the night in town and setting off in the morning to look for a Cacena, but my course of action is pretty malleable at this point."

---

Axl was understandably peeved as he ran out the door of his house. He’d been so excited the night before that he could hardly sleep. So, when he finally got to bed he’d obviously worried about not waking up, which was never a problem as he set multiple alarm. However, somehow, they’d mysteriously been shut off. He wondered who that could have been! Sometimes you make it so hard to love you, mom! he mentally shouted, his emotions taking over his thoughts as he ran.

His mother had been resistant to the very notion of him going off on his own for a long time now. It was the reason it’s taken so long for him to finally get to a point where he could even though Professor Kalmia had first offered him the chance to receive a Pokedex and pokemon a while ago. He got why she would be worried or scared. If it wasn’t the previous gang/team war, then it was his dad leaving. But Axl was more than capable of taking care of himself and ready too! Besides, it wasn’t like he wasn’t going to come back to see his mom someday. Even if, for some reason, he didn’t want to, there was a gym in Pureplain City! He knew now was too early to challenge it, so he’d have to come back. He was bold, but he wasn’t stupid.



Axl rushed into Professor Kalmia’s lab, bursting through the door like a bat out of hell. He huffed as he was finally able to stop running, hunched over with his hands on her knees. ”I’m… Not…” he paused for a moment to actually catch his breath before standing up straight. ”I’m not too late right Professor?”

The young man smiled nervously as he hoped he was still good to go, until he saw the others in the room. Three kids, presumably trainers like himself beginning their journey… AND POKEMON! ”Woah! Guess I’m not the only one getting off to a bit of a late start!” He couldn’t say he wasn’t a little excited to not be the only one there. And yes, the pokemon only served to fuel that excitement. ”Oh yeah! I’m Axl. Nice to meet you all.” He added as he looked over each of the other trainers once more and waved a bit. He was personable if nothing else could be told about him from a first glance.

Still, he was there for a reason, and he hadn’t forgotten what it was. This was evident as he turned back to face Professor Kalmia almost immediately after his introduction. So, professor?” He asked, a bit more coyly, hoping there was still a chance for him to receive a pokedex and his very first pokemon.

@Rune_Alchemist

Chikorita looked happy as she jumped aside to dodge away from Claire’s initial lounge, making use of her smaller size to slip by an opening in the rocks of the ruins. Given the fact that these were ruins, that means that Chikorita just exited straight out into the forest. If Claire hesitated to follow, Chikorita threw another Razor Leaf that was intended to miss her, before smirking and…

‘Chikorita!’ … dashing straight out into the forest, hoping to be followed. That would be fine and all, except she was intentionally running straight under the giant petals of some planted Vileplumes, dangerously close to a Breloom practicing punching bushes and a pair of annoyed-looking Roserades on the journey dashing through the forest. All of which were suddenly looking around for what was disturbing them.

Committing to the chase suddenly became a bit more dangerous. Would she?

Meganium did not appear particularly worried. The evolved Pokémon was relaxing, letting the little one do whatever it wanted. Ralia wasn’t particularly bothering. To reach higher, an option would be to teleport up to some branches higher up, if that was the idea. Or to disturb the Meganium.

In any case. What were they doing?

__________________________

@Dusksong@Gardevoiran@Old Amsterdam

Kalmia looked on happily as she watched the two new trainers getting their first Pokémon while the first new trainer watched as well. She simply nodded to the thanks she received. Then, Alice turned to her with some questions, and Kalmia went straight to attentive mode.

'Oh, for the first Gym, there’s one in Highhill Town just past Route 1, with a fairly lenient Gym Leader. She knows that most of those that will be arriving from Pureplain City will be complete newcomers, so she won’t go all out on you. That should make her a good place to start!' Kalmia shared with a wide smile, and then, the other questions.

'I believe Horseas typically eat insects and rock moss. But, otherwise, PokéMarts carry all the different kinds of snacks that we know Pokémon enjoy!'

'Beldum?' Kalmia looked a little surprised by the specific request, and started considering it. 'Yeah, those levitating psychic metal things that move by magnetism? I wonder. I’d have to check my notes to- No, wait.' Kalmia was about to turn to check a book in one of the shelves, when she froze, blinking a bit. Then, she smiled, and turned back to Alice.

'Right. I know where they are,' she said, a touch of pride in her voice. 'The Pokémon you seek reside within the maze that is Mt. Edge, at the center of Isson, surrounded by Worldedge City. It’s a mysterious place, something within Mt. Edge gives out mystical power that tampers with physics allows Worldedge City to look like it does. Careful, should you wish to travel within it, for Mt. Edge attracts many creatures sensitive to this mystical energy, some more powerful than others, but the Beldum you seek should exist within. They may be rare, but they tend to travel in swarms, if I remember right, so you should know them when you see them. Good luck~!'

Kalmia nodded proudly, and then looked about.

'Hm, there should be one more-'

@Demon Shinobi

-and that’s when Axl came bursting through the door, with all likelihood startling everything except Slowpoke. Kalmia breathed out a bit, then smiled and walked over to Axl.

Kalmia was a decently tall woman, wearing glasses and had blonde hair tied into a ponytail, and wore casual blue clothes under a white professor-like lab-coat. Her hair was completely soaked and she had a towel around her neck for some reason.



'Welcome, Axl. I figure you might have been a little stressed, but still, I do appreciate if you can be a bit more careful when opening my doors. That said, I totally understand your excitement and panic at being late, teh-heh.'



Oh, and then there was Eryn, Skylar and Alice here, too.

'Alright, to catch you up…' Kalmia said, walking over to her desk to retrieve an item from a box. She walked over to Axl and presented it to him. 'Here you go, your Pokédex.'



'Now for a little explaining.'



With all that said, Kalmia walked back to her computer and pressed a couple buttons. A Pokéball materialized, downloaded from the servers, and Kalmia took it and placed on the table where the other two had picked up theirs.

'And here, is your first Pokémon. Go for it!' Kalmia smiled to him, stepping aside to offer for him the room to go pick up his Pokémon.

With the assumption he went to open the Pokéball.



With that, Axl was allowed to have his little moment of meeting his Pokémon. Insert that here.

And then, after that… there was a knock on the door.

'… Hm? Did I forget anyone?' Kalmia asked, walking over to the door and opened it…



'Ah! Jacques!' Kalmia took a surprised step back from the door as the top-hat and suit wearing white-haired man in glasses smirked at her.

'Fu-fu. Hello again, Professor Kalmia. I heard you acquired some more hopefuls. Am I in time?' he asked, before looking into the room with the newly become trainers. 'Ah, it would seem I missed the most crucial moment. A shame,' he said, pulling his hat down over his eyes like he was sad, but he was still clearly smiling his sneaky little smile. Kalmia frowned at him a bit, before looking back to the trainers.

'Okay. Trainers, this is Jacques, of the Elite Four. He was-'

Edit: @Old Amsterdam has informed Alice is about to "start a F*****G FIRE" around here, interrupting the conversation and going for Jacques. Details in her post as soon as it's posted, reactions to which will be posted after. Eventually, Kalmia might be able to continue.

'Heh, okay. Jacques here last time I gave out Pokédexes, too. He was here, because…' Kalmia started, after the last turning her eyes to him again. It was clear she wasn’t entirely comfortable with him (Edit: though Alice's reaction will likely have somewhat brightened her mood). Jacques, of course, simply smiled.

'Because I, too, have given numerous young hopefuls Pokédexes and Pokémon so they may partake in this experience. See, not knowing Kalmia was doing the same, I made a request to Professor Sycamore of Kalos to provide Pokédexes for the trainers I picked out. He was more than happy to provide, a really pleasant fellow, that one. But, when I heard Kalmia was doing the same thing, I thought it would be an excellent idea that our trainers could meet, because life is so much more fun when you know other hopefuls,' Jacques told with a proud smirk.

'I’m here to offer our friendship. More hopefuls with Pokédexes is simply a good thing for Pokémon research, after all. So for that, I wanted to offer a friendly competition. You all, against my hopefuls. Be it in Pokémon Battle, catching the most Pokémon or perhaps even in Contests, I feel that having some rivals should drive you all to become the very best you can.'

'So he says,' Kalmia said, tone neutral, not looking at Jacques or at them, clearly not having been given a choice in this.

'Fu-fu, Jacques chuckled a little. 'So, with all that said… How about we start it off with a Pokémon Battle? I brought a few of my trainers back from their trips, waiting outside. Don’t worry, I’m making them use all-new Pokémon for this special occasion, so they won’t be stronger than you are currently,' Jacques offered, looking eagerly to the new trainers. Kalmia sighed a bit.

'I’ll emphasize that you don’t have to if you don’t want to and want to be on your ways. That said, would you like to kick these guys’ asses for me?' Kalmia waved a thumb in Jacques direction, with just a slight smirk aside from her other irritation at Jacques inserting himself into the scene. Jacques exhaled slightly from his nose and rolled his eyes just a little at Kalmia’s choice of words, not falling for that one again.

What would they all want?

Axl apologized promptly when Professor Kalmia brought up the notion of being a bit more careful with the door, laughing nervously as he did so. It was a bad habit to act without thinking. DId he know that? Yes. Did that always stop it? No. And yet, when things got serious, or when he was being given important information, as with the reception of his pokedex and how to use it he got serious too. He nodded along as Kalmia spoke and made mental notes where necessary. Then, as he took the Pokedex in his hand and looked it over it felt as a weight had been given to him. It wasn’t heavy in the physical sense, but there was a passing of a wealth of responsibility, of challenges to come, and so much more.

'And here, is your first Pokémon. Go for it!'

Those words were all Axl needed to immediately run to grab hold of the pokeball that had materialized. He took a deep breath. ”Alright!” He cheered excitedly before holding it out before him and releasing the pokemon that dwelled within. As it came into view he pulled up his Pokedex and scanned the new creature.

Munchlax stretched, standing in the open spaced that Axl had been allowed to use before scanning the room. There were so many people around! “Mun… Mun?” The small creature questioned before his eyes fell to Axl and his big smile.

”So, you’re Munchlax, huh?” he asked as he moved closer to the pokemon. The little guy was bigger than he expected his first pokemon to be. ”Looks like we’re gonna be together for a while little buddy.” Axl said as he knelt down and placed his hand on the big eater pokemon’s small shoulder.

“Munch!” The pokemon caught on pretty quick it seemed, cheering at the news before pushing Axl down in a weird tackle hug.

”Woah! Easy there, bud.” Axl spoke through a laugh as he sat up, embracing Munchlax just as tight as the pokemon had squeezed him. The two were like peas in a pod, and almost immediately on the same wavelength. ”So, what should I call you?”

”Mun?” Munchlax questioned as Axl got to his feat.

”How about Munchy?” Axl asked, though he noted that Munchlax didn’t like the name much. ”Muncher? Lax? Little dude? Big eats?” This went on for a moment with Munchlax shaking his head, grunting and shrugging off each naming attempted until finally, “How about little Tank?” Munchlax perked up. ”That’s better, but I can tell you’re not feeling it. How about just Tank?”

Munchlax, now officially Tank, beamed and pumped his little fist in the air. ”Mun Munch!”

The two cheered together for another moment before the knock at the door. Axl and Tank turned their attention to it, as was likely the case with everyone else, and watched at a man named 'Jacques!' entered the room. Woah, a member of the Elite Four. Axl stated mentally as he stared in awe for a moment before hearing what could only be described as a growl from Munchlax. Perhaps it was the time with Professor Kalmia, but the little guy didn’t trust the dude in the top hat. Still, what he said seemed interesting, even if it was quite clear that Kalmia was uncomfortable with his mere presence. Things went on like this for a bit as Jacques explained a bit more about who he was and why he was here. Then, it all came to a head.

'So, with all that said… How about we start it off with a Pokémon Battle? I brought a few of my trainers back from their trips, waiting outside. Don’t worry, I’m making them use all-new Pokémon for this special occasion, so they won’t be stronger than you are currently,'

Axl grinned at the notion. He was all for a friendly challenge. Besides, if they were on equal footing there was nothing to worry about right. Before he could say anything though Kalmia spoke up one more time.
'I’ll emphasize that you don’t have to if you don’t want to and want to be on your ways. That said, would you like to kick these guys’ asses for me?'

That was all the permission Axl needed. ”Well, when you give a noob like me a chance like this, how can I even think of saying no?” The young man confidently stepped forward with his new partner in tow. ”If it’s really cool, I’m totally up for a battle,” he paused for a moment before turning to Tank and asking, ”but what do you think Tank? You up for a fight?”

”Muu~nchlax.” Tank responded with a look of determination on his face as he and Axl both pounded their right fists into their left palms.

”Looks like that’s all settled.” Axl grinned proudly as the boldness of his pokemon. He could already tell they were gonna be thick as thieves. “But before before we start, would it be cool if you showed us your pokemon? The young man was certainly straightforward, to say the least. “I mean, it’s not everyday a trainer at the starting line meets one of the Elite Four. I’ve just gotta know what I’m working towards.” Despite the situation Axl was cool, collected, and confident. That might not have meant much to some, but it was a good enough idea of the kind of person he was, and the kind of trainer he wanted to be.

@PlatinumSkink

---

"Gah-" Her first dive had Claire's face meet the ground. Taking a moment to shake some grass from her head, the redhead immediately got back to her feet and pursued the Chikorita again, too caught up in the chase to really notice where the small grass type was leading her. "Spunky little thing, aren't ya." Slightly careful to avoid the leaves from the Viplelume, Claire continued the chase. The back of her mind was telling her that yes, this was a terrible idea, but since when had she ever listened to that? There was no fun to be had if you didn't take a bit of a risk.

Meanwhile, back at the meganium, Ralia focused her psychic energy and teleported right up to the meganium's head. Taking a moment to orient herself, she raised a hand to her green head, scratching it lightly as she looked at the view of the forest from the new elevated position. Taking a moment to observe anything interesting going on, the Ralts then proceeded to grab one of the Meganium's antennae, and give it a light tug before immediately attempting to teleport away.

---

Alice nodded along to the Professor's answers, making sure to make a physical note in her Pokedex's Note section (that was so cool!) so she wouldn't forget the location in the elusive Beldum that had captured her dreams nearly as much as the Elite Four.....

She looked at the door in surprise, her mouth dropping open, before she jumped to her feet with Cici in her arms and running over to the door. "Jacques! What's the arguably most powerful member of the Elite Four doing here? Did you bring you Mr Rhyperior? Ohmygosh I've been following you and the others for-ev-er and I remember just a little while ago you took on that Challenger and ohhhhhh! That Thunder Fang in the rain was really cool, and then I noticed it. Your team is fast. Like dodging all the Water Pumps before that and then your Weavile avoiding that guy's Hariyama like a champ and the reaction time of your Rhyperior was just....wow. Launching into the air via a Hammer Arm into a Rock Wrecker? I couldn't believe it, and the guy certainly couldn't either!" She paused long enough to draw breath before continuing.

"But... I'm gonna come for you one day! And Cici too! And I'll make that smug look you always give trainers go away because I'm going to beat you! Because you help a lot but you're too arrogant and there's always more we can do!" she finished earnestly, her face flushed with excitement while she bounced a little. "Remember the name Alice, because it's getting engraved on your walls one day!"

Hugging Cici she stepped back, practically vibrating with excitement. She could hardly concentrate on anyone but this magnificent trainer and Professor, two of the greatest people she'd known about.

And then came the challenge.

"Bring them on! Cici and I are ready to show we're on the path to the Champion!" She exclaimed with a fist pump while her Horsea let out an excited "Sea!"

---

Skylar smiled as he pulled Seabreeze off of his head and held him in his hands, the bird not moving other than a head tilt at the new situation that he was being put in. He listened intently as another boy stumbled in and received his starter, a Munchlax. That was pretty cool. Not as cool as Sebreeze, but still pretty cool. He let the two meet as he held Seabreeze a bit higher in the air, just enough so the two were at eye-level with eachother. For a moment, he just watched his little friend happily looking back at him, but finally he broke the silence.

"Seabreeze, you can help me see, right?" He had to ask the question. It was something that was on his mind from the start. Of course, the answer he got was an affectionate "Wing!", which he took as a yes. Maybe he didn't need Xatu following him around after all. Taking Seabreeze's Pokeball, Skylar patted Seabreeze to get him to float for a moment, which he complied reluctantly with. After dumping the Pokeball into his main pocket of his bag, the trainer patted his head and allowed the bird to land back on top of it.

Then suddenly, out of seemingly nowhere, Jacques of the Elite Four appeared. Of course, Skylar couldn't see him, but he could easily hear his voice. It was unmistakable, from the many radio reports he had heard from his room as he listened. He would've been playing with Xatu, but his dad needed him for research that day.

'So, with all that said… How about we start it off with a Pokémon Battle? I brought a few of my trainers back from their trips, waiting outside. Don’t worry, I’m making them use all-new Pokémon for this special occasion, so they won’t be stronger than you are currently,'

Battling? This early? Well, that was what you did with Pokemon a lot of the time, right? Seabreeze cawed as Skylar patted his buddy's head, trying to soothe the salty bird down. He had to admit, a battle did sound kind of fun. Skylar looked towards the others for a moment and judged their ideas based on their voices. Alice sounded adamant that she was ready and willing to fight it out with the trainers, and so did Axl.

Skylar looked up to Xatu, who was dead-silent. He was busy gazing off into the distance. Maybe it was time for him to go. Skylar finally made his decision, and looked at Jacques as best as he could. "I'm ready to battle if Seabreeze is, but I need to handle something first..."

Skylar grabbed his cane and stepped outside of the Lab, Xatu trailing behind him. Once both were outside (with Seabreeze still on Skylar's head), the trainer pointed his cane to the sky and looked at Xatu with a smile on his face. "Go on home, bud. I'll be there before you know it."

"Xa?" The large bird looked at Skylar with a puzzled face. It seemed like he wasn't sure if Skylar was being serious.4

"Seabreeze can see for me, at least for a bit. Dad needs you for his research, probably. I'd be happier if you were there with him." Skylar patted Xatu on the shoulder, Seabreeze doing the same with his beak onto Xatu's head. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Just go."

Xatu looked at Skylar one last time, then he used Teleport and was gone in an instant.

Skylar looked up at Seabreeze and scratched his birdy friend under the beak before he turned around. As he was stepping inside, he asked his new buddy a question.

"Whaddya say, Sea? Wanna have our first battle?"

"Gull! Wingull!"

"That's the ticket!" Skylar practically ran back inside before raising his cane up into the air, Seabreeze flying on top of it and landing on it with perfect form.

"We're up for a battle!"

"Yes, not Routes have some form of inherent danger but most of those dangers, particularly the local pokemon, can be reasoned with. You know what you can't reason with? The planet itself. Does the sun hide behind clouds because you desire it? Will the temperature rise and lower at your command? Will it rain whenever you need water? The answer to all of these is no, though I expect you to be a smart aleck at this point and say you could just use Rain Dance to accomplish most of that. But, last I checked, you have none." Joshua said, his tone finally getting a bit heated. "So a question to pose to you Dawkin. If you're in the middle of the desert and a sandstorm comes and turns you around so you no longer hand any idea where you are and where you are going, what will you do?"

@Rune_Alchemist

Ralia teleported up to Meganium’s head, and the green creature let her be. That was all totally fine. … Until Ralia grabbed one of those antennas and yanked. Now, about those antennas… they’re actually a Meganium’s stamen, which it uses to spread spores, the tips of their giant flowers, with anthers on top, used for making more flowers. Basically, Ralia just yanked his *cough*

‘MEGANI-!?’ Meganium shook, throwing violently with his head as Ralia desperately teleported off. Good thing she did that, because a cloud of purple Poison Powder spread into the atmosphere from the Herb Pokémon, which was getting itself up on its feet with an angered expression, eyes peering partly closed. A few pink petals gathered around him, a hint that Meganium was preparing for a Petal Dance…!

Except the target had teleported away. Meganium calmed down, letting the petals of Petal Dance settle while the Poison Powder scattered around harmlessly. If he could see Ralia he’d be glaring warningly towards her, otherwise it was just in general at everything, before slowly turning to wander in the direction Chikorita went off in, paying Ralia no further mind. She would certainly not be welcome on Meganium’s back anymore, though.

Meanwhile.

Claire minded her safety at least somewhat as she ran through the forest, avoiding Vileplume petals and glaring Roserades on the way, before Chikorita arrived at a little groove where the trees opened up, letting in some light.



Chikorita ran, and in this open area Claire was faster. The small green animal ran around the moss rock that stood here for no apparent reason, perhaps for a lap around it or so. Eventually, through either just insistently following or by changing tactics seeing how Chikorita was now just running around the rock, Claire eventually caught up to the little grass-type Pokémon.

‘Chiko~!’ Chikorita called out happily as Claire caught up to it, looking pretty happy despite everything. Now, regardless of what Claire was going to do next now that she caught up with the little mischief maker…

Something floated uncomfortable close to her head at the edge of her vision. It was decently large and brightly coloured. If we assume she did what any normal human would at this point and turned her head to look at what it was…



Everything became bright white and she stopped feeling connected to her body. She didn’t need to breathe, she couldn’t feel heat or cold, yet everything somehow felt comforting. She’d be forgiven for thinking she had fallen unconscious, except someone unconscious surely wouldn’t have been able to think as clearly as she could right now, not to mention everything was bright, with a pinch of yellow, not entirely black or unclear as unconsciousness would have been.

An image appeared within her mind, branded into her memory. A girl, slightly older than Claire. Her eyes were closed and her hair flowing blue, long and beautiful around her head, unconscious underwater. She was contained within a large container of water within an unknown building, sealed behind metal doors and artificial lights. Instruments were connected to the container, gathering some form of data to screens that Claire could impossibly read from here. Around the container and the doors stood guards, numerous masked men dressed entirely in white with numerous Pokéballs at their belts, ready for any amount of trouble. They looked serious.

Along with this mysterious image of this girl in a container of water, a question appeared in her memory. It was associated with the picture, its intention loud and clear, if a little short on details.



Claire is free to give her answer any way that comes naturally to her in her present condition.

---

^{Pureplain City || Kalmia’s Lab || Morning}
Seeing Skylar’s Wingull settle in on his head, Eryn turned to Dei, hands outstretched. “Want a lift?”

The Charmander sniffed in response.

“Well that went well.” Eryn turned back just as yet another boy—another starting trainer, most likely—burst through the door. More introductions, explaining, and Pokemon-giving ensued, during which Eryn watched, seeing her own emotions and more reflected in the other trainers’ eyes. At one point, tired of Dei’s constant rejections, Eryn had scooped the Charmander up and carried him around, much to his displeasure. Still, he kept his tail held away, and in return Eryn eased up on the teasing.

When Jacques appeared in the doorway, Eryn did a double-take, giving Dei an uncomfortably tight squeeze as she did so. An Elite Four member was mere feet away from her—something she hadn’t expected to happen until she went to challenge the Pokemon League herself. Obsessively following the Pokemon League’s official channels and shows on social media was one way she’d dealt with her inability to get a trainer license until graduation, and the only thing keeping her quiet at this point was the fact that she wasn’t prepared to meet a League member. She’d always planned to meet them, yes, but only after she was qualified to challenge the League. Right now, though, she was barely qualified to call herself a beginning trainer, having not even set foot outside Kalmia’s lab yet.

That it was Alice who launched into a racing mess of questions surprised Eryn a bit. What happened to the stutters, the “um’s” and pauses from a moment ago? And yet, Eryn was glad; Alice’s open adorations reminded Eryn that her own nervousness was unnecessary. By the time Alice had gotten to declaring herself for future championship, though, Eryn was staring at her. What confidence—confidence Eryn hoped to match at one point in the future.

The challenge from Jacques, therefore, was a delightful surprise. “You’re on,” she said with a grin, Dei crying agreement from her arms as she set him down.

Axl’s request to see Jacques’ team was, if fulfilled, more than Eryn could hope for. The closest she’d been to a professional team was through a television screen, so the prospect of seeing the time-honed Pokemon in-person was enthralling. At this point, she wasn’t sure if the day could get better—a statement she hoped to be able to retract if and when she left Kalmia’s lab.

---

@PlatinumSkink@Dusksong@Old Amsterdam@Demon Shinobi@Gardevoiran

@PlatinumSkink

---

Successfully having teleported some distance away, Ralia giggled brightly. Mischief managed, she waved energetically at the Meganium, not caring at all about the intended outcome or seeming sorry in the least little bit. The Ralts seemed entirely unconcerned with the glare, too, waltzing back close to the grass type. Ah, maybe she should apologize? She had her fun, no sense in remaining upset or otherwise letting the Meganium be angry.

Hm, it was a grass type right? It'd like flowers, right?

"Raaal!~" Cheerfully, Ralia ran off after the Meganium. She should probably make sure her trainer hadn't done anything extremely silly. She almost put herself back on Meganiums back, but she was almost certain that'd end badly, hehe! Instead, as she walked along behind the Meganium, she ended up picking a few flowers from the surrounding area.

---

Running through the forest, Claire's footsteps eventually carried her away from the thick spore filled forest and into what could only be described as a beautiful natural vista. Too focused on catching the Chikorita though, she wasn't paying too much attention to the environment if it wasn't inherently dangerous. She continued the chase, now that she didn't have any obstacles or pokemon to watch out for, she could gain some ground.

"Haha, now you've lost your home turf advantage!" Claire laughed, grinning confidently as she persistently continued around the rock. She was gaining ground, yes! Soon enough she'd have caught the little green leaf head! "Wahaha, now you're mine-Bwuh!?" Picking up for a final sprint on one more lap, her tackling dive unfortunately turned into a grass-eating face plant as she tripped over her own feet. Thankfully, being as supremely skilled as she was, she reached out her arms, scooping up the small pokemon as she tumbled to the ground and rolled once, ultimately coming to a sitting stop at the edge of the large mossy rock with the Chikorita held firmly in her lap.

"Oof-ahaha, got ya, ya little troublemaker!" Claire laughed as she caught her breath. Taking a moment to wind down after that run, Claire sat there, leaning against the rock, stretching. Huh, so there was a place like this in the middle of the forest. It was oddly tranquil, and not nearly as dangerous as the rest of the forest. Was this the deepest place? Huh, she almost wanted to kinda take a nap here.

"Whew, you ran me halfway through the forest, didn't ya little guy?" Claire laughed, petting the small grass type on the head. Hm, she wondered if she should catch the pokemon? Part of her wanted too, and he would be a good addition to her team, but...hm. She couldn't say she ever considered adding a pokemon like Chikorita to her team. Grass types weren't her forte and if she was to be perfectly honest, she had no idea how to use them effectively. They usually had a bunch of status effect moves to wear down the opponent, right?

As she considered things, she became keenly aware of something floating far too close to her head. Of course, like any normal person who had their personal space invaded, she turned to look at the colorful intruder.

...

...

...

Either she was high on spores or those shrooms she picked up, or she seriously needed to be admitted to a crazy house.

It was an odd experience, not needing to breathe, suspended in an endless sea of white. She couldn't feel anything. Her arms, legs, or even the chikorita in her lap. It was like she had completely ejected herself from reality. Was this what they called 'Nirvana' or something? Doubtful. Hm. Maybe she was developing awesome psychic powers after growing up around a Medicham? Also doubtful, but it'd be great if true. She certainly wasn't unconscious. It was pretty difficult to knock a human out cold.

So obviously she was sleeping, yep. Exhausted from her run and feeling comfortable, she was now fast asleep...right?

Suddenly, an image formed in her head, nearly burning itself into her memory. It...was not something she wanted to see, really. A girl was suspended in a water tank, with long, beautiful blue hair in an unknown building and locked up tight behind some strong looking metal doors. She could see various instruments collecting some sort of data from the girl in question, but she couldn't make them out. She wasn't sure she would understand even if she could. More concerning still, were what could only be guards. Masked men with a number of pokeballs on their belts. She was beginning to think this in fact, was not a dream.

And then the question came.

"Woah woah woah, this is getting too real isn't it!?"

The question persisted. This was serious. So very serious from the looks of things - far beyond the skill level of one such as herself. Logically, this was just some sort of weird dream with no basis in reality. Even if this was somehow real, she was just a noob trainer with a single minor-league badge and the respect of the pokemon in the cave. Yet here she was, being asked to save someone? She should go to the police. Or perhaps the Elite four. That's what any reasonable person would do.

...it's a good thing she wasn't known to be that.

"Well, if you're asking for my help," She paused for a moment. "Obviously ya asked me for some reason, so lay it on me and I'll rescue the princess from the bad guys. Juuuuust don't blame me if I steal her from ya with my incredible good looks." She grinned impishly. Or would have been, if she was capable of it.

Dawkin's mood fell a little at Joshua's next questions. What was wrong with him? Why did he want to stop them? Here he thought he'd found someone that respected him, at least a little. But it was just another person that looked through him. Joshua's tone may be heated, but Dawkin's response was full of cold scorn. "Don't treat me like a child. I never said the planet would cater to my whims so don't get all pretentious acting like I did. If some freak sandstorm crept up on me I could tunnel into a sand dune with my Pokémon or create a mud ball to keep myself safe. As for finding my way home, the sands may be constantly changing but I think you'll find the stars provide a suitably constant frame of reference for getting where I need to go." Had Dawkin been planning on memorizing the stars that led to town? Well he hadn't, but Joshua didn't know that. Besides, the sun was probably a pretty easy point of reference anyway, if worst came to worst he wasn't above remembering a few stars.

"So I'd be fine, without your help. Just like I've been before meeting you, just like I'll be after. Besides, what are you going to do, stop me? Tch. I'm leaving to explore the dessert tomorrow at sunrise. You can meet me at the edge of town or whatever Amelia." Dawkin said angrily. He carefully put down enough Poke dollars on the table to pay for what he had eaten and began walking out. He would have thrown it, but then the waiter would've had to collect it, and Dawkin's grievance lay only with Joshua. Leaving money for a meal Joshua was supposed to paying for was a pointed insult at best, but Dawkin wasn't feeling very charitable. He liked Joshua and he'd been very informative, but Dawkin couldn't stand being looked down on like that. Hadn't Joshua just said that Dawkin's decision should be respected? Dawkin helped out Martin at the start of his adventure from a swarm of Pokémon. Dawkin had escaped from two members of Team Amethyst who had tried to hunt him down and murder him. Dawkin had caught Pichu, a rare pokemon, out from beneath the vengeful eye of a Sawsbuck. All within just a few days of travelling. Given he was left to his own devices Dawkin would take a careful look at the stars above the town before finding a place to sleep.

---

@Demon Shinobi@Old Amsterdam@Gardevoiran@Dusksong

Jacques was momentarily taken aback by Alice’s excited appearance, lifting his top-hat a little to look at her, but quickly smirked, quite in his element in obtaining recognition from the young fan. He crossed his arms, smirking down on the rambling young girl, waiting for her to complete her speech. He looked quite amused. Kalmia, meanwhile, looked stunned for a couple of moments as Alice continued, then breathed out a little in relief, happy for the excitement of the young trainer. Of course, Jacques continued looking more than pleased as Alice kept going claiming she’d one day be coming for him…

'Fu-fu,' Jacques started with his little laugh. 'Well, then, young Alice. You’ve sparked my interest. I’ll be looking forward to what you become,' he simply said, smirking at her, then…

'As for why I’m here…'

Then all that earlier.

Seemed like that the present trainers were, in fact, desiring a battle. Kalmia nodded to them and Jacques smirked more, he hadn’t been able to stop smirking since Alice’s little thing earlier. But before that, Axl came up and asked to see one of his Pokémon. Axl got himself smirked at by the glassed man in a top-hat.

'Fu-fu. So I’ve been asked again. Very well. So, to answer your earlier question, Ms. Alice…' Jacques turned his head slightly glance at Alice, though was still facing Axl. He made a quick swipe of his left hand past his clothes, not seemingly actually entering any pockets but exiting on the other side with a Pokéball nonetheless, said Pokéball tumbling to the floor as Jacques finished his sentence. 'Why, yes. Yes, I did bring him,' Jacques chuckled some more as the ball hit the floor, opened with a flash of light, and a giant Pokémon took shape, filling the majority of that side of the room.

'RRRRHHHHHHYYYYYYYYY... perior!' The Pokémon roared, standing on two large legs and lifting its arms high, its sheer bulk filling a massive amount of space in here. As Alice would know, Rhyperior always let out this particular cry when let out.





'To think I’d be showing you off inside this room twice, fu-fu,' Jacques smirked up at his Pokémon.

'Rhy-rhy!' Rhyperior grinned as well as it could jollily down at Jacques in turn, after having done a sound that was pretty clearly him trying to copy the sound of his trainer’s laugh. In any case, Jacques turned smirking to Axl, who had been the one to ask.

'This is my partner. They know me as the Servant of the Mountain, and this guy is very much my mountain. He’s supported me throughout my journey, joining me at my lowest of lows and helping me reach the highest of heights. This guy’s a gentle brute that’d never hurt a fly, assuming said fly is not challenging him to a Pokémon Battle, f-fu,'

'Don’t do that too often, it’s probably not good for my floor,' Kalmia inputted from the side, looking up Rhyperior’s undoubtedly heavy body.

'Rhy!?' Rhyperior suddenly looked shocked at the notion of having damaged the floor, starting to slowly lift one foot to look under for damages. Seeing none, he very, VERY gently sat his foot down on the floor again, expression suddenly stressed as he became careful of doing any unintended damage to his surroundings. In any case. Jacques smirked to the trainers, and then it was time to keep going.

'So, you’re accepting the challenge? I’m glad. Let us head out, the four of them I called are waiting outside,' he said, moving for the door, Rhyperior looking panicked behind him as he was extremely unable to exit through that door without doing massive damage to it.

In any case. Outside. The outside was a regular street with houses lining the sides, but the asphalt as well as the small garden outside the lab was more than enough for Pokémon battles.

A party of four individuals approached. The four which could get here as quickly as possible that weren’t necessarily caught up in something else.

The first of them eagerly dashed to stand at a slight distance from them and point at them eagerly, a short boy in blue and more blue.



'There you are, I have been waiting for you! Quivering in your boots is entirely okay, for you are standing in the presence of a future Pokémon menace!' he announced in a voice too high-pitched for how mature he wanted to sound, before placing his hands at his hips, and calling out loudly.

'I am Simon, and once again, I announce! I will be the very best, like no-one ever was!' … So he says. An eyebrow on Kalmia twitched a little seeing him, after which she turned to look at Jacques.

'… Still can’t believe you picked up Simon,' she rather quietly asked Jacques.

'I figured it’d be amusing, fu-fu,' Jacques answered. 'Besides, you can’t fault his enthusiasm, can you? He has the drive to grow strong.'

Kalmia looked at Jacques, then shrugged, before looking to the next. She threw a glance at Skylar, for no apparent reason, then back at the trainers.

The second one was an older boy with brown hair in a dark jacket, looking them over with a little gleam in his eyes, looking nothing short of confident.



'Heh, more trainers from Kalmia. More chances for me to face strong trainers. Alright, I’m Rodger. I’m looking forward to comparing how you are now to when we fight in the league,' he said, standing about looking confident. He looked to Jacques and nodded.

'Thank you, once again, for this chance,' he said.

'Think nothing of it,' Jacques said, despite his head being held high and proud. 'Your promise was what gave you your chance.'

'You know that I’d have been in a very, very bad place if it weren’t for you?' Rodger asked with a grin, meeting Jacques smile. Then, Rodger looked to the trainers before him. 'I intend to make the most of this chance I’ve been given, I’ll never stop being grateful. Therefore, don’t expect me to hold back, you hear?' So he said, confident.

The third was a boy with green hair and glasses, frowning as he saw them approaching, seemingly silently judging them as the time came closer.



'Hi, again, Oaken~ Been enjoying your trip?' Kalmia waved a bit to him, greeting with a playful tone.

'… You picked up more rabble,' Oaken stated in a disgruntled tone.

'Now, now, you already have a Pokédex now, you can’t still be bitter about me giving them Pokédexes before I gave you one,' Kalmia waved a finger at him, not sounding very serious. Oaken was less than amused.

'Once again, I will prove you made a mistake. I didn’t pass all your tests only for you to make fun of me.'

'Ah, but ask yourself, was there an invisible test mixed in there that you didn’t know about, that you didn’t pass?' Kalmia made a show of considering, frowning and putting a finger to her lips to indicate thinking.

'… I repeat,' Oaken stated, frowning. 'I’ll prove you made a mistake,' he stated, before turning to the available trainers, awaiting the challenge.

The fourth was a brown-haired young lady who looked focused but nervous, standing a bit away from the others but nonetheless prepared herself for what’s to come.



'… I’m Vivia,' she stated, looking slightly at a loss of words after she said it, looking them over.

'My former assistant, before Jacques decided to snag her with the promise of adventure. Sorry I didn’t notice,' Kalmia said from over there, sounding apologetic.

'No, I didn’t say anything, so-' Vivia coughed and shook her head. 'That’s in the past!' she declared, turning towards you new trainers with newfound vigour.

'I’m Vivia! I will seek to become the Pokémon Champion, and thereafter the greatest Pokémon Researcher I can be! I’m str- going to become strong, so face me at your own risk!' she announced, pointing to the trainers.

'That’s the spirit!' Kalmia grinned to her. After that, she then looked to Jacques a bit.

'These four, huh? Where’s the other five right now?'

'Joshua was saying he and Ewan was on a dramatic mission to escort a pure and compassionate maiden to her destination and as such couldn’t come, apparently. Maple was too forward-facing and coming back didn’t appeal to her when she’s mid-adventure, and she’s currently dragging Ellyn along. Cathia outright refused, reasons not given. Besides, these four agreed to come back in exchange for an additional Pokémon for varying reasons…'



'… So it all works out,' Jacques simply said, nodding proudly. Kalmia threw a single look at him, then shrugged, and then turned to you four smiling.

'Alright! So, anyone in particular you want to fight?' So she asked.

'They get to pick their opponents this time, too!?' Simon asked, looking a little frustrated.

'Why, yes. Because you can see their Pokémon,' Kalmia kindly explained, without looking at him. Simon took and processed that a few seconds, before smiling and putting his hands on his hips.

'Fine! I’ll grow to be a trainer that can accept any challenge! I’ll battle all four of you at once by myself if you so desire! As soon as you see what I…' … Simon suddenly paused, his smile dropping, his eyes suddenly widening in surprise as he looked towards one of them. Skylar, that is.

'… Is he…?' he asked quietly. Kalmia smiled, and nodded to him. '… Oh,' Simon sounded out a very small sound of realization, suddenly very much quieter than before, not able to take his eyes off Skylar right now. Kalmia just smiled at the reaction before turning to her trainers again.

'So, who’d you like to battle? Do you want to battle alone, or perhaps in teams? Any particular preferences?' So she asked. It was up to them, now.

__________________________

@Rune_Alchemist

When Ralia got too close to Meganium, the grass-Pokémon would suddenly rapidly turn to glare at her from a closer distance, wary of her shenanigans. One way of saying “nope, too close”. He wouldn’t do anything, however, and simply keep walking after where Chikorita ran after having made himself clear to Ralia. Still, it was allowed to pick flowers around here and follow after Meganium, fortunately having an emotion-sensor so she could sense what flowers were traps and which ones were approachable.

After being scooped up, Chikorita laughed alongside Claire, looking more than happy to be petted and relax in Claire’s lap after a fun chase. She was relaxing there… when the other being appeared and Claire looked at it, before all the rest happened.

Now, within that bright expanse that Claire had found herself in, and that image.

There was no response to Claire’s first question, the emptiness simply maintained for her to further consider. The bright void lingered, until she finally gave her answer. Even though she couldn’t feel herself grin, the same mental change that came with grinning most certainly happened.

With that, her mind was suddenly given information she couldn’t possible have learned herself. Recorded within her memory was a location, the location of that girl in addition to two different routes to her. One of them was in Mt. Strength. Following a path that was inserted into her mind she could travel deeper and deeper, until she was no longer in the tunnels of Mt. Strength but in a maze of an underground. Following a passage east she could then reach a metal door that could be opened by a keycard. The facility keeping the girl was through there. Her new memory cautioned her of guards within the underground corridors under Isson, for they used them for unseen travel. The underground entrance was closer to the girl, but also harder to reach from the outside. It tended to be guarded due to the number of hostile Pokémon in the underground.

The alternative was reaching them from above. Inside Worldedge City, the largest city in Isson, there was a district called the Industrial District. Within that there was an abandoned factory, highlighted in Claire’s memory, which was very much not abandoned. Once again, it could be opened only by a keycard, unless she could find a way in besides the door. Inside the factory, a path was routed from both entrances to a huge security door, that which needed a higher-level keycard, not available to the grunts. Then, first there, the path to the girl was open and clear… with the exception of the guards that would be there. The factory entrance was easier to reach, but then she’d have to cross a larger portion of base to reach the goal. The path wasn’t strictly guarded, but it took her straight through the base full of people who were all capable of raising the alarm.

An emphasis of importance was put on the girl. It wasn’t explained why, but the memory emphasized that the girl was very important, perhaps for the whole world.

A picture was shown in her memory. It was of the Pokémon League, and rows of shadowy figures stood on a row. She couldn’t see them well, but the memory made clear these were all the Elite Four, all the Gym Leaders and all the powerful trainers. It was clear they were kind-hearted, dependable and could be trusted… well, some were a bit worse but that wasn’t the focus here. There was one exception. One of them opened their eyes, and the eyes shone red at Claire with vile intentions, their aura malicious. One of them could not be trusted. One of them was bad. This person could not learn of this, no matter what. … The memory could not tell her who it was.

A figure appeared in front of her in the void. It was a Pokémon, floating before her. She couldn’t make it out, something prevented her from making it out, but she knew it was the one that was providing this information to her. It was locked here, at this stone, it couldn’t move. However, it was cursed with knowledge, knowledge something had to be done. It wasn’t safe. It, along with its kin in Highhill Town and Lakewatch Town, were not safe. Someone needed to call them, show their worth, prove their character. Only the one before Claire could without a test know the individual was suitable.

In Highhill Town, at the top of the hill, was a collection of rocks standing in a circle, their mystery never discovered. A code was provided to Claire. Walk to the center of the rocks, and then, along with her Pokémon, perform in order…

First, a show of generosity.
Second, a show of sadness.
Third, a show of joy.
Fourth, a show of anger.
Finally, a show of passion.

If it was performed with good intention, then something would appear.

In Lakewatch Town, there was a building called Descent Tower. It lead to a place called Flooded Lakewatch. Bring a Pokémon that knew dive. Seek out the Drain. When there, cross the Drain on her own, without the help of her Pokémon, reach the end and prove her dedication to the task. When in there, things could occur in her mind that would not usually. If she could overcome that, cross through the drain and reach the rocks that waited within, then once again, something would appear before her, acknowledging her actions.

These tasks did not have to be performed by her, even if they needed to be performed by someone. However, she was urged to be careful who this information was shared to. A wrongful tip could have devastating consequences, the hint of devastating consequences backed up by the shadows of something enormous behind the shape, not clarified of what it actually was.

However… for all that was shown to her, she was not in a rush. It emphasized that those who were researching on the girl would not have progress anytime soon, for they were mistaken in an initial assumption. She had time to grow strong, to prepare, to take care of things as she went along. But… this has to be taken care of eventually, and this Pokémon could only trust so many people. For if they knew it was here… they’d come take it immediately, and it would be unable to stop them. For it cannot move without risking terrible consequences, the huge shadow emphasized once again.

Hold onto what had been placed within her hand. Should the worst come to pass, it would come to use when combined with the two items provided by the Pokémon’s two kin.

That would be all.

@PlatinumSkink

---

Suddenly more information was given to her. Two different locations, with two different paths to the girl in question. She recognized the dark cavern hallways of Mt. Strength. She had recently been there, after all. But soon the familiar paths were gone. Deeper and deeper the paths winded, until the mountain was completely behind her, leaving a cavernous maze sprawling in front of her. A passage that led east led her to the destination - a heavy metal door that could only be opened by some sort of keycard. Through there was the girl in her memory. This was the closest path to the girl, but also the hardest to reach and was guarded due to the number of hostile pokemon.

The next took her all the way to Worldedge City, the Largest city in the region. Within the Industrial district was a not so abandoned factory, that could once again only be opened with a keycard. Inside the factory was a huge security door which would need a higher level access card. From there, the path should relatively be simple - save for the apparently large number of guards and the fact she'd need to cross most of the base which meant a greater chance something could go wrong.

A small bit of doubt formed in her mind. This was so beyond her pay grade.

Next was the image of the pokemon league. She couldn't see them well, but all the gym leaders and Elite Four were there. That much was certain. There was only one person that caught her attention in this vision. One opened their eyes, eyes glowing a malevolent red, a malicious aura engulfed the vision. That one, whoever it may be could not be trusted, but the memory could not tell her. Only caution against letting them know at all costs.

Then the visions were gone, the white void returning as a pokemon floated before her. She couldn't make it out - some heavy fog like barrier seemed to be obscuring it. It wasn't as though she couldn't see it, it was as if the moment she tried to register its appearance she simply forgot it as soon as she learned it. She did however know, that it was locked here. Trapped at this picturesque landscape, unable to help where it wasn't safe. It and its kin needed to be called to save this girl, it seemed. Apparently this pokemon had chosen her as the most suitable candidate.

More knowledge followed. A series of challenges she'd apparently have to complete to meet with the others. In highhill Town, ancient stones were standing in a circle, their purpose unknown to everyone - but this pokemon provided her the answer to the question. Walk to the center of the stones, and perform first a Show of generosity. Second, a show of sadness. Third, a show of Joy. Fourth, anger, and lastly passion. If performed with good intention, then something would appear.

And lastly, in Lakewatch Town, there was a building named Descent Tower that one could get to a place named Flooded Lakewatch from. She'd need a pokemon that new dive, and she'd need to find the place called the Drain. When there, she'd need to go on her own, without the help of her pokemon and reach the end. Once there, odd things would happen that normally wouldn't. If she succeeded, she needed to reach the rocks that waited within, and once again, something would appear.

She was vaguely aware that she alone did not have to complete these tasks, but that seemed to be a problem and not so good idea, for the gravity of the situation. She agreed with the pokemon urging her to keep quiet. She'd do these tasks herself. Anise or Yvonne maybe could be called to help if she needed it, but for the most part, it did not seem like a good idea to involve others until she was ready to storm the base. Yet, despite all this she was told there was no rush. Apparently those researchers would not make any progress anytime soon.

A small feeling of relief washed over her. That gave her some wiggle room, then. In her current state, taking on an evil organization would be quite the task, especially if one of the Elite Four were involved.

...

...

...

Reality came blinking back into view. Still sitting, with Chikorita still in her lap. She was looking forward, her vision having been taken over by the foreign being...that was now floating right in front of her. It looked like no pokemon she had ever seen before. Its bright grey body, but its head was a bright yellow giving it the impression of wearing an odd mask with a wig of some sort with a decorative red jewel centered on its forehead. Two tails extended from it, each with a similar red jewel on the end. It was gazing at her with closed eyes that she was certain had been open only moments ago.

A feeling of awe washed over Claire unconsciously. This was certainly no normal pokemon. She was at a loss for words, for once in her life, sitting here before this obviously incredibly rare pokemon.

"Chikorita!" Chikorita's cry bought her out of her momentary stupor, feeling something odd in her hand. A bundle of red crystals bound together. It was likely the object the being mentioned. Studying them curiously only for a moment, Claire quickly shove them in her purse in a fashion that would obviously be suspicious if anyone had been looking. A master of subtlety, she was not. Standing up and dusting her pants off and letting the Chikorita fall off her lap, she looked back to the pokemon floating in front of her. On a whim, she decided to scan it with her pokedex.



For a moment, silence.

"EHHHHH!?!" Claire nearly jumped backwards, having to scan the Uxie in front of her a few more times just for confirmation. "Seriously!? A legendary!? uh, uh uhm-haha, well," Understandably a bit awestruck, Claire wasn't entirely sure what to do or say here except take a few seconds to calm herself down. "Aw, man." Claire rubbed the back of her neck nervously. "You've given me quite the task, haven't you, ya squinty-eyed nerd looking thing." She laughed. In the background, she noticed Meganium and Ralia running up with Ralia holding a small bouquet of flowers in her hands.

The small psychic type paused for a moment, taking note of the legendary. Oh dear, it seemed her trainer had indeed, gotten into something silly without her. Sensing the legendary pokemons uncertainty and desperation, Ralia continued to observe from a distance next to the Meganium for now.

"I gotta be honest here, Uxie," She began quietly. "Not sure why you'd pick a noob trainer like myself for this sort of thing...but I can't just turn a blind eye to someone that needs help, can I?" Reaching out, Claire would attempt to pat the legendary on the head if it would let her, but quickly retract the hand if it showed any signs of discomfort."So tell you what. I can't do it now, but once I get stronger, I can say with a certainty I'll give it my best shot."

In the background, Ralia was offering a bundle of flowers as an apology of sorts to the Meganium before glancing over to the Uxie.

---

^{Pureplain City || Kalmia’s Lab || Mid-Morning}
The four trainers under Jacques’ wing had four distinct personalities, though none any less determined to go far than Eryn herself, it seemed. There was Simon, a hotshot with lines after which Eryn had to wince a little, and Rodger, the oldest of the group who hinted at a past with Jacques that seemed less than desirable. There was also Oaken, a bitter boy with glasses who seemed to want to prove himself to Kalmia above all else, and Vivia, a girl who quickly cast off her shy mask to show that she was no less ambitious than the rest of the group when it came down to it.

While Eryn couldn’t immediately see who she’d want to challenge, she figured that, after a moment, she may as well challenge someone who looked like they’d be able to offer her the most feedback after the battle, if she did lose. Not that she was planning to—Eryn had every intention of stomping her opponent, but she figured that she may as well stomp someone who knew what they were doing. And of the four, Oaken struck her as someone who did, perhaps because of his cool confidence in the face of the other three’s straightforward ones. That he had a point to prove also helped, since people fighting with a goal in mind tended to fight harder to achieve it.

“I’ll go with Oaken,” Eryn said, looking at the boy in question with a grin, her Charmander at her side turning immediately to face him, teeth bared. “I’m Eryn. Nice to meet’cha, fight’cha. So, where do you wanna do this?”

---

@PlatinumSkink

---

Alice grinned at Jacques, watching with hungry eyes as he brought out his Rhyperior. Walking up to it slowly as it checked the floor, she reached out a hand in offer for pets / rubs and friendship.

"You're insane, Rhyperior. I hope one day we can have a great Battle together and have lots of fun!" She smiled brightly, turning her head slightly as everyone began to shuffle outside. She hesitated at the door, last, while looking between Jacques and Rhyperior.

"Uhm...." she said softly in confusion. She didn't want to leave the big guy alone inside, but she didn't want to miss this Battle. "I'll win real fast and come give you company, okay?" she told the Pokemon with a small smile.

One for each of them, and they all seemed confident. Mhmm. They had more actual experience than anyone here in the Professor's group, technically speaking. And Skylar was blind...

"Hey Skylar, wanna team up for a double battle against that Simon and Vivia?" she asked loudly enough for the others to hear. "It'll be fun!"

---

---

Skylar patted the Rhyperior gently as Seabreeze snuggled up against his trainer's hair. The trainer hadn't actually felt the skin and resolve of a Rock-Type Pokemon in a while. He remembered his dad having an Archen, but it was given away for research purposes. He'd be glad to know that he would see this Rhyperior again someday, though, in a battle or maybe just for a bit of camaraderie.

Skylar stepped outside after giving a good hug to the Rhyperior, Seabreeze backing away from it slightly before the two went outside to where the battles were. There were a series of trainers, and after listening to each one of them speak, Skylar noticed that Simon had cowered after saying something about seeing what he is capable of. Skylar giggled at his timidity. "Don't stress about it! I know what you mean!"

Skylar lifted his buddy off his head and held him in his hands, patting his head carefully as Alice approached him and Seabreeze with an offer. A double battle? Sounds really fun, actually. "Sure! Seems like a good opportunity for Seabreeze to debut!"

Seabreeze, as confused as he might've been, gave a reassuring glance before hopping up into the air and flapping his wings, staring down at the battlefield and waiting for the battle to begin. "GULL!"

Axl was far less subtle than Skylar and Alice in his reaction to Rhyperior. He jumped with joy, Tank matching his excitement, over seeing the level of power and capability that was possible to be reached with proper training and hard work. "Oh my god you're so freakin cool!" Axl spoke as he cheerfully ran over to the large pokemon and hugged it. Tank followed suit, wrapping his arms around Rhyperior's leg.

"Muuuuuuunch~" It seemed that he was in agreement with his trainer.

Despite the moment of amazement and his want to learn more about the pokemon and how powerful it was, however, Axl and Tank soon had to move outside with the rest of the group to meet their challengers. Jacques was charismatic to say the least and the lineup was unlikely to disappoint if they'd been chosen by a member of the elite four. He listened intently to everything being said. He'd found Simon quite amusing and vivia interesting, but he didn't really feel an urge to battle them. This changed when faced with the clearly bitter Oaken. He was underestimating Axl, all of the new trainers really. But he didn't want his first battle to be fought out of spite. Thus, his eyes fell to Rodger.

Rodger, right?" He asked as he approached the older trainer, a competitive grin plastered across his face. He'd felt something of a kindred spirit in the man wanting to face stronger trainers, though he knew nothing else of him. "Let's battle! I wanna face someone stronger. And I'll probably even learn a thing or two butting heads with you." He proclaimed confidently. "Here's hopin' I can give ya a good fight. Ready, Tank?"

"Munch, munch!" Tank chimed in, equal parts ready to be pit against the more experienced trainer.