"Hmmm."

"Chasing Murkrow seems like fun! I'm cool with whichever choice, but I reckon you're more excited to follow them birds more than anything, huh? If that is the case, let's do it!"

Had she seemed that excited? Maybe. Clarissa peronsally had no idea, but as they moved on to enter the Industrial District on the tail of the flying bird Pokemon proper.

Heading away from the Commercial district, towards the docks, and following the seaside to the Industrial district would be the easiest way to get there. Eventually the noise of the loud ads, the cacophony of different voices from tourists would be a distant noise replaced by the sound of silently humming machines, bird song and the sound of an occasional worker or vehicle moving by. Skyscrapers instead gave way to warehouses, row upon row of them along with other industrial buildings for shipping, manufacturing.

A gloomy serenity would fill the area left behind by Bjyerlfals commercial district. Even the people here were more rough and tumble looking compared to the commercial district's more glamorous and shiny exterior.

Despite their efforts, however, the flock would disappear from sight despite it all. they would soon find they had...ah...

"Bun..."

Yes. They had lost the trail of the flock. And the scenery was becoming more and more sketchy by the moment frankly. Dark, gloomy, and yet where some more nocturnal Pokemon like those birds might be hiding out really during the day. At the same time, though, it was becoming more and more familiar to her in some distant sense all the same. Though if those birds were perhaps nocturnal, what had made them come out in the day in such a case? Hmm. Either way, the psychic trainer did not want to think too hard on things in that sense.

They could hear a few Murkrow cries coming from further in, down some alleys but the place didn’t exactly seem the safest place to go poking about in. Still, even this place had a few things of note.

A small chain of shops, and even a small cafe named ‘Wailords Rest’ was visible lining the walls. Seemed fairly cozy and well traveled. It faced the sea and a number of sailors from the SS calliope, the recently docked liner could be seen here. Looked like there was some commotion within.

They had for now, though, lost the trail of the Murkrow. They might need to either ask around or find some way to look for the pokemon.

Sir Lopsalot's ears perked up at the sound as well, turning in the general direction as he poked his trainer to get her attention. He then looked over at Ripley as well, before he gestured down the general direction he'd heard the cries in. Why these trainers wanted to go down into such a place was beyond him, but he was stciking by his trainer no matter what! Or at least that was what the bunny might've said if he had the ability to speak to humans. What was he, some strange foreign Meowth from afar who was talking to humans and trying to steal from a mere child for over two decades? Pfft.

"Well, certainly the alleys could be hiding some Pokemon. Sir Lopsalot seems to agree as well. Not that it would be very safe perhaps, but we could find something hiding or sleeping amidst the trash and such in the alleys perhaps. Hmm..."

Clarissa's right hand came up to her chin in mild thought. Indeed it would be those alleys where some Pokemon might be found in particular. No risk no reward, yes? Or that was how the saying went. She'd been around some sketchy enough areas to at least understand how to navigate such things in a rough sense perhaps, though she'd never been in this particular city before either. Either way she seemed almost at a certain neutral ease, perhaps, keeping aware and yet seemingly adjusted well enough to such an area as the Indistrial District. At least, so told her body language of all things. Facially she remained ever the usual stoic, as it were, her eyes flickering about the sights to try to help think of something.

Ultimately, however, Clarissa's gaze would fall squarely upon the cafe called "Wailord's Rest".

"Should we see if the local cafe here knows anything? It seems well-used, and perhaps the staff might have seen these Pokekmon fly by or heard rumors or the like before about where they hang out? Something of the sort.

Do you have any suggestions?"

Her tone was formal enough about it, but the matter at hand was certianly one that the psychic wanted to have them both weigh-in on at least. If Ripley had no qualms she head with him to the Wailord's Rest Cafe and see if anyone in there had some idea. Worst case she got to ask some sailor hopping in these if he or she knew anything about Pokemon in the area here, perhaps, or a member of staff could point them in another direction within the district to look for clues? If nothing else, it was a start.

But if Ripley had a partiular idea, she'd not want to jump the gun if he had his own suggestions as well. No sense being in a group without getting an opinion, right? Besides, it wasn't as if some Pokemon was literally going to jump out at them from the trash as she learned to simply peer a little curiously into the closest alley to them in the meantime. She was still looking back to Ripley, after all, to listen to him as well and let him know she wa still paying attention to whatever he had to say if nothing else.

@Bartimaeus@Rune_Alchemist

"Make a habit of bothering cute girls? Not really?" Camila questioned with Snow returning to her side. "Admittedly, you do seem a bit out of place here. Though, I'm not exactly one to say that really." The assistant looked at her outfit and thought about it. She just kinda left with little but her bag and it's contents, a Pokeball and her bank account. "Hmm. Perhaps I should find some more appropriate dress." She mentioned to herself before shaking her head and looking back to the woman in front of her.

It was then that she noticed the woman giving her a deadpan stare. Camila returned the stare with a bit of uncomfort. She wasn't sure how to approach this conversation exactly. That is, until the woman spoke up again. "I'm not exactly a trainer. Just an assistant to Professor Camphor in the city. It's been years since I've even had the idea of being a trainer, proper. Still, I don't mind helping if you need it." Camila would then look down at her Pokemon with a smile, "We can help the gal out, can't we Snow?" She asked her Pokemon that just gave an affirming yip in return.

"Umm, you say your partner is hard to miss, think you can give me a few details and I'll be on my way?" Camila asked, curious. "Oh, and point me in the direction you last saw her."

---

Location: Camphor's Lab Mentions: @Savo @Rune_Alchemist

---

After her little encounter with the Rotom-phone, Jill had scooped up the still-irritable Aster and followed the rest of the group back to where Camphor was waiting for them. The professor then handed them each of them a strange device which Jill held up to her face in fascination. When the screen came to life, Jill gave a small squeal that first sounded surprised then became one of delight. Again, this kind of technology was not something she was used to, and even as she followed the rest of the group out of the habitat and back into the reception area, her eyes were glued to her Pokedex. She flicked through the various screens, paying particular interest to the map. She was so transfixed she didn't even seem to notice as the rest of the group started to trickle away, leaving only her and a few others left in the lab. It was only when the purple-haired boy from earlier addressed that she finally raised her head.

"Hmm?" she said. She glanced around herself to make sure he was indeed pointing at her. "Oh, err..." Her mind started rewinding as she tried to figure out what he was asking her. What was it... double battles? "Oh! Okay!" Her face lit up. "Yeah, that sounds great, doesn't it Aster?"

The monkey pokemon, who had managed to get out of Jill's grip and was now climbing up onto the girl's shoulder, looked round in surprise. She looked from Jill, to the purple-haired boy and his Riolu, to the two other trainers and their Pokemon. Then, a big grin spread across her face and she jumped down from her trainer's shoulder and onto the lab floor, getting into a fighting stance.

---

Location: Byjerlfal City, Commercial District Museum
Mentions: N/A

The sheer noise and activity in the museum made Isla suddenly stop in her tracks. True, she’d never actually gone to another museum, there really weren’t that many in the Sevii Islands and the young girl had never really gotten the chance to go if there were, but there was something ingrained in her that a museum was a quiet, respectful place to learn, see the past, ask questions to people whose whole job was answering those same questions. She had that image and, really, the Byjerlfal museum broke that. It was loud, people moving here and there, children and their caretakers all over the place. Kids, kids, kids, ‘Wailport Academy’ here and there, harried guides left and right, and she stopped in her tracks. That hand that had been scratching at Dancing stopped, too, hovering just over him. Sophie, though, walked in as though the crowds would part for her and, without thinking, Isla’s legs just started to move in a desperate want to not be left out alone with the whole crowd.

There were skeletons hanging from the ceiling, fossils of the ancestors to Wailords and others, things that she didn’t recognize which drew her attention higher up. That was something they didn’t have at the islands, fossils of that scale, with all the ones at the dig sites seeming to be smaller things which once lurked among the rocks. It made her, brief as may be, forget on the whole of the crowds.

Well, a woman wearing a Society uniform approached, apologizing with the…crowds and people here and there. Field day trip, of course. You would think there would be a sign outside, maybe, or…buses? Would they even have taken those? Isla wasn’t really sure. Weren’t there…what are they called…maximum amounts of people you can fit in a building before a hazard happens? There had to be for the museum. Were they over it? She barely heard the Academy man approach, though the colors of a Delibird plushie under his arm did catch her eye. She barely replied a word, meekly looking at all of them as he asked if she had seen…some kid? Zach? Well that can’t be good.

“Ah, sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt. If you’ll excuse me.”

“Oh it’s fine. I…” Well he was already walking off. Wasn’t there a front desk somewhere, where they could…Isla’s imagination failed her for a moment. Public Announcement System, like the loudspeakers they had on the island for…hazardous weather or like they had on the beaches? Would that be something a museum would have? How did he lose a kid, in any case? He was an adult. Surely he should be better than that. Surely. Isla filed the whole issue in ‘probably under control’. In any case…they’d probably see him before she would. Probably? Hopefully. They were taller, after all. And besides…she didn’t know the layout of the museum, really, and the staff did. Yeah. Probably under control. Isla let out a sigh she hadn’t realized she’d been keeping in.

“Well, if you two don’t mind me asking, what brings you to the Museum? I can point you in the direction of a particular exhibit. We recently got some new things from a recently discovered dig out near the glaciers on 42, though most people are here for the fossils and ancient Pokémon.”

“We were just…looking around. New in town. Didn’t realize it was this crowded, ma’am.” A thought occurred to her. Wasn’t there…some argument or something, about a dig site before. Some sort of problem there, something that needed cleaning up. Surely she could help with that. Maybe. Hopefully. Isla dared to hope. And…she tried to think of their faces, from before. Yeah, no, it was the same woman. “Is there a…a problem at that newly discovered dig site, ma’am?”

---

Byjerlfal City, Commercial district.
@PKMNB0Y

---

Heading out of the storage facility, something rather odd would happen soon as he was a few steps away.

Richard would be finding himself smacked right in the face by a pokemon. A fletchling, apparently not having been watching where it was going would end up smashing into him, losing its flight path and careening to the ground with a complaining chirp.

“Aw! Hey! Stranger! Stop that pokemon will you!”

A young looking man wearing a black jacket and orange cap would stumble after the fletchling that was quickly getting back to its feet, and preparing to take off again.



Byjerlfal City, Museum
@Thayr
Commercial district

---

Not bothering to reply, Sophie immediately sped off into the museum, excitedly starting to look at the exhibits with her Tyrunt…

“...well someone’s excited.” Lilian chuckled, glancing towards Isla. “Hm…well I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to tell you as long as you promise not to touch the artifacts. Most aren’t ready for display yet.” Lilian shrugged. “They’re stored and currently exhibited in a staff-only part of the museum. Should be much quieter and we can talk there, if you want to follow.”

“Oh, and make sure you keep an eye on your eevee. These exhibits back here are expensive and I don’t want any pawprints or fur on them.” Supposing Ilsa did follow, Lilian would first lead her up a nearby flight of stairs marked ‘staff only’. Opening a door immediately at the top, the noise and bustle from below was already drowned out by the Museum's thick walls, and as they walked, Lilian started speaking.

“First, let me introduce myself properly. Lilian. Archaeologist with the Giervor Society. I was asked to take over a dig after an independent team found some…potentially groundbreaking discoveries. Unfortunately, said team also ended up damaging some of the artifacts with their carelessness.” leading Isla into a room, she’d unlock it and allow them inside. Only the gentle electrical hum of a computer was the only noise here.

The room itself seemed to be full of scientific equipment, a few reference materials and notably a long, sterile table where a number of rock fragments were located. Glass cases and a number of drawers sat pulled open and empty.

“That’s basically it really. We found a new dig with some old stone writings related to some old myths and stories about how the Eidda region was formed. A…colleague damaged the artifacts and made much of it unreadable, so the Society has stepped in to take over…and forgive me for prying but do you have any historical or archaeological experience?”

The damaged artifact in question was laying on the table. The rock fragments had been broken into pieces somehow, it looked like a heavy impact was delivered to the center part of it, breaking it into a number of pieces, though what could exude such a force on an extremely heavy, if weathered stone was up for question.

“He says a wild pokemon did it, but well…we found hammer-like tool marks after a preliminary investigation.”



Byjerlfal City, Commercial District -> Industrial district
@Bartimaeus@Crusader Lord
Urban Exploration

---

Upon pushing past the ground and entering the cafe, the duo would be met with a lively scene. Sailors and dock workers from several ships and areas had gathered here, loudly carousing from within doing what one might consider some pretty stereotypical sailor and manly men things. A battle arena had also been setup in the deceptively spacious interior of the cafe, but that wasn’t the main draw currently. No, it was the large screen hanging over it.

It was displaying the current Pokeathalon competition going on Johto. Seems most people here were fans of it, understandable really given the crowd - more importantly though, it seemed it was getting ready to open a Pokeathlon branch in Eidda soon, but the city had yet to be determined.

As they’d walk in though, they’d be greeted by a cheery, friendly waitress.

“Gooood afternoon people! Welcome to Wailords rest! I’m your server this evening.”

“Wobbuffet!” A salute and a friendly greeting from a Wobbuffet standing next to her echoed her friendly greeting.

“Technically, also the only server! And chef! First time here? You don’t look like our usual clientele. We’ve got everything you could want! From hearty fresh sea-food, luscious fresh never frozen greens and I can make you any cake you want! The names Beryl, by the way!”

The only other person to note here, was an Older Gentleman that Ripley would immediately recognize as the Gym Leader of Riven wall - Tuule. He seemed to be enjoying the Pokeathalon quietly from a small booth near the back.



Camphor’s lab
@Savo@XxFellsingxX
Lab

---

“Eh, she only tosses people out that annoy her, ahaha.” Remi responded with a light chuckle. “So maybe don’t be an ass in the first place, huh? And hey, hey no fighting here unless you want the professor to ban us from the lab for life.” He’d say to Aster, heading out the double doors and heading out. The challenge accepted as Nevine would grumble lightly but go on to accept the challenge as well, glancing at Yuu and frowning, clearly not liking Yuu too much as they’d soon find themselves out in front of the lab, just in front of the pond.

“Alright! Standard rules here!” Remi said. The field was a flat cement field, no fancy tricks and the like would be doable here, not easily anyways from the terrain. “Ready Nevine?”

“No.” She’d sleepily reply, her Slakoth being placed on the floor in front of her.

“That’s the spirit.” Remi responded, releasing his own Cottonnee out onto the field.

“Neeee~!”

“Slaaaa….”

“Alright then, lets get this started! Cottonee start off with Fairy wind on that Riolu!”

“Mmhm…Slakoth…yawn? On the...Aipom.”

The two pokemon immediately…well, Cottonee made to move as Slakoth took much longer than most to even recognize the command it had been given as Cottonee started to whip up mystical wind with its little arms.



Route 1
@Pyromania99

---

“Oh great. She should be easy to spot even if you were blind. About my height. Bright red hair.” The woman proceeded to place her hands on her chest. “...Big. Oh, also she’s mute. Got into an accident when we were kids so don’t expect her to talk.” A small pause as she’d pull out her phone again. “Saw her last over closer to the Route Twos side. I don’t think she’d go into the Winding wood, but she’s kind of dumb so…and say if she doesn’t come back I’m not making her favorite food.”

Unless she had anything else to ask, that was all the information the woman had it seemed. This left Camila off to handle the finding on her own now. Heading into the forest, off the beaten path Camila would head off around the outskirts of Byjyerlfal and the forest, the small talk of the few trainers and fishermen soon falling quiet as she’d now be completely among nature, warm sunlight filtering through the trees above and eventually towards Route 2.

As she’d did so, she’d see a few pokemon of route 1 out and about.







She could spend some time catching or otherwise interacting with any of these if she so desired, otherwise she could immediately keep up with her search.

Having a Pokemon crash straight into his face was by no means pleasant, but after taking a second to process the shock Richard brought one hand to his face and groaned.

"What the heck just...?"

It was an almost instinctive reaction, the pain from the impact leaving him shaken for a second; thankfully, though, it didn't feel much worse than having a stray ball lobbed at his face. Still hurt, though.

Recovery, then, took but a few seconds longer, and the call for help from the young man running towards him caused Richard to understand (or, well, assume that he understood) what exactly the issue was. A glance to the side allowed him to see the culprit of the collision—a small Fletchling that had been left slightly disoriented as if it had just run into a brick wall (which, given it's size and mass, may as well have been the case).

Without another moment of hesitation, Richard shook his head before running to grab the Tiny Robin Pokemon right as it was about to take off. It struggled in his grasp, but the young man made sure to keep his grasp tight enough to not let it worm its way out.

The question now, though, was why it was running away in the first place...

"I assume you're talking about this guy right here," he remarked towards the person who had called out to him as he showed the bird in his hands. "I feel like I shouldn't pry into matters like these, but given that I just ate a tackle to the face from this guy, I'd at least like some sort of explanation here."

@Rune_Alchemist

Camila kept her eyes out as she traversed the forest. It was a large forest and the woman's friend could be just about anywhere. Whoever she was didn't seem so keen on giving out any names for herself or her friend. Well, regardless, the forest of Route 1 seemed mostly peaceful. There were fishermen out and about, trying to get a catch or two. A couple of them were friendly enough and gave her a wave, which she more than happily waved back. Still, she hadn't seen the woman she was looking for yet. A mute woman with red hair and "big". She wasn't quite sure she wanted to broach that subject much.

On the way, as she passed by a bush, she happened to see a Pidgey off the road a bit. It was a cute little thing and a fairly common sight in the area. Still, if she was going to begin traveling and working much like a trainer did, perhaps it wasn't a bad idea to have a few Pokemon along the road with her. Especially since she didn't exactly ask if anyone wanted to join her... It was going to be a fairly lonely road without a few friends with her. With a smile, she started to sneak around a bit. Snow seemed to get the message as well and sneakily followed her and the two crept closer to the bird Pokemon.

Once they were a good distance closer, "Snow, use Powder Snow!" She exclaimed, commanding her Vulpix to hit the bird with the super-effect Ice-type move. The goal, of course, was to catch the Pidgey off guard, hit it with a super effective move and then throw the Pokeball at the weakened Pokemon before it had a chance to respond. "Here we go!" After the attack hit, she would throw one of her Pokeballs out to try and catch the Tiny Bird Pokemon. Hopefully, this would be a quick capture considering she had offered to help that woman find her friend.

So far Ripley seemed to be going along for the ride, in a sense, rather than differ much for the time being. Hmm. Well, if the boy wanted to interject with someting she'd at least listen. Otherwise, for now it seemed, they would head on to the cafe to get a look at things. Perhaps they could find some good information here, or if nothing else a battle or so to train their existing Pokemon some if nothing else. But more so the psychic wanted to see if there was anything that could lead them to those dark bird Pokemon. What had Ripley called them again? 'Murkrow'? Seemed curious enough a creature if nothing else, so catching one felt like something she herself wanted to do. Ripley seemed well enough to catching one himself, perhaps, at that. That much was a small relief.

Yet as they entered the cafe proper-

“Gooood afternoon people! Welcome to Wailords rest! I’m your server this evening.”

“Wobbuffet!” A salute and a friendly greeting from a Wobbuffet standing next to her echoed her friendly greeting.

“Technically, also the only server! And chef! First time here? You don’t look like our usual clientele. We’ve got everything you could want! From hearty fresh sea-food, luscious fresh never frozen greens and I can make you any cake you want! The names Beryl, by the way!”

Clarissa nearly jumped out of her skin at the sudden surprise, having been looking to the side as they walked in for a moment, even if Sir Lopsalot wasn't quite as surprised as her perhaps. This before letting out a small but quiet sigh as she regained her composure once more. In and out. Breathe. Whew. The woman seemed at least happy and cheery, and the peculiar blue Pokemon with her was certianly a sight of its own. It did make sense to note the two of them weren't exactly 'local' or 'standard' clientele perhaps, but a warm welcome was certinaly not a bad thing either in this case perhaps.

Either way, she didn't want to get overly sidetracked before moving in on their quarry. In that vein the psychic would extend her powers out some, simply seeking to get a read of emotions in the room. Just in case anything suspicious or pertinent might come up if they had to ask around a bit for potential information. Likewise Clarissa raised up her, might as well call it a Pokedex, device to get information on the Pokemon Beryl had with her. Might as well, right? No harm no foul.

"It's good to meet you, Miss Beryl. We're actually a couple of new trainers who are trying to track down some Murkrow we followed in this direction, and are curious if you or anyone you might know here would know where they could be hiding really."

The woman had also mentioned quite a bit of food though. Sure she didn't have big jet lag or such, it was a rather local flight she'd taken to get to Byjerfal City after all, but she hadn't eaten since before the flight either. At the same time, though, she didn't want to spend too much money to start off with! She had to battle other trainers to get some change, and as it was they only had five Pokeballs and not many potions each. Had to think of supplies as well, and-



"Bun. Bun bun bun bun!"

Sir Lopsalot lightly tapped the back of her head, even as the psychic breifly put a hand to her own loudly rumbling stomach. Yes...she hadn't quite had too much food as of yet. Had to eat something before they left, perhaps? Maybe. Ugh. Perhaps she should have packed those food bars her mom had wanted to send her with, weight of them she would ahve to carry be damned. The bunny himself was oft to comment on suich things, given her own propensity to...e-er...sometimes get too absorbed into what she was doing r-really.

"A-Also I'm curious if you have anything on the cheaper end of things on the menu, perhaps? Or some kind of special maybe?"

The psychic's tone was slightly defeated sounding by nature, even as she tried to stay courdial and professional in her manner.

Clarissa had heard cafes or such might have such a thing as a 'special', right? Or at least the few restaurants she'd ever been to seemed to have one back in Orre. But this wasn't Orre anymore, even if the presence of the Sailors was certainly one she was more accustomed to, it was Eidda and she was trying to find some Pokemon to catch! Then they could go wherever Ripley wanted next, hopefully after trying to bag a Murkrow and doing so. Mostly she wanted to get back out there more than not, but all the same she couldn't go hungry without hurting herself in the process. And Sir Lopsalot going hungry....no. She wasn't going to let that happen ever again if she could help it.

Her head turned back toward Ripley and his own little Pokemon in turn, hoping to get their thoughts on maybe a small bite to eat as they sought after information here before heading back out there.

@Bartimaeus@Rune_Alchemist

Byjerlfal City, Commercial district.
@PKMNB0Y

---

The flecthling was understandably, not amused.

It struggled in Richard's hands, chirping irritably and trying to free itself from the trainers grip before deciding that at least, like this, it was not getting free.

“Ahaha, sorry about that dude.” The young man replied with a nervous smile. “This little fella’s been giving me no ends of problems. Thanks, just uh, keep a firm grip on him will ya?” He’d pull out a pokeball, from his pocket, likely the Fletchlings in question. “The names Kennet. I’m a pokemon breeder, run a ranch affiliated with the lab here out on Route 13 with my dad. We were in town and I was taking some pokemon out for some fresh air, and this little guy has a habit of bein’ a bit uh, free spirited.” He took a few seconds to pet the Fletchlings head, who only chirped in a decisively derisive fashion.

“Ey, don’t be like that.” He’d chuckle lightly, pulling a small piece of bread in a wrapper from his own bag. Opening it, he’d hold it for the Fetchling. “Or do ya not want one of these?”

The fletchling eyed the bread, then Kennet. Then up to Richard, and back to the bread before chirping and taking a few bites of it.

“Anyways, I’ll take him off your hands. Oh, and well, I’d feel bad if I don’t give ya something for helpin’ me…hm-Ah-!”

However, before Kennet could go to actually give Richard anything, the Fletchling's body was starting to heat up to painful levels as it struggled free!

"Ah no you don't-Gah that little guy's fast...! Normally he's not nearly this difficult. I mean he is but, ugh, gotta run before I lose him. You wouldn't happen to have any pokemon on ya that might be able to help, huh?" Whether Richard did or not, would be up to him. Either way, Kennet would take off after the Fletchling again. It seemed like it was zipping off in the direction of the park.

Also, assuming Richard scanned the Fletchling at some point...





Byjerlfal City, Industrial district
@Bartimaeus@Crusader Lord
Urban Exploration

---

The emotions in the place were positive. Friendly. Amusement and mirth...but buried under all of that, towards the back of the place was a small feeling of…annoyance? Clarissa wouldn’t have noticed anything from the crowd, but sitting in the middle of a group of sailors was a rough looking man wearing a bored expression, but he didn’t seem to be of any consequence to them at the moment…looked like they were taking and placing bets on the Pokeathlon…

Supposing no one went over and bothered him.



Ripley could also scan the pokemon, of course.

“Oh, you after them Murkrow? Ugh, those nuisances are always bullying Wobby here.” Beryl harrumphed.

“Wobbu…“ Wobbuffet shrunk slightly. Literally, deflating its body a bit at the mention of the Murkrow.

“Normally they ain’t out durin the day but if they were, they’re probably having a scuffle with them Starly that live over in the Resort and Commercial districts. Miss Keira loves those birds. If you wanna find some you might try your luck once night comes? Otherwise I think I saw a few roosting up in the roofs of some of the warehouses. There's a few of 'em normally roost out there by that old toy factory's roof, but uh, not easy getting up there and they usually got a huge flock. As for our menu…” Beryl grinned, taking a few steps towards Clarissa. “...welll…how about this. Since you’re new trainers and its ya first time here how about I do a little favor. Half price anything ya want. As for our special, well, today its a stew made with fresh deep-sea fish, served with a loaf of fresh bread, and a few other things I would definitely totally recommend, promise.”



Route 1
@Pyromania99

---

Now catching a pidgey off guard was something that would be a bit difficult to do. They were an attentive pokemon, and quite wary of their surroundings usually. So as Camila sneaked up on the flying type, it’d raise its head from the ground where it had been digging for food, quickly swiveling its head around as though it had heard something…and just as Camila ordered it to use Powdersnow, it would turn its head right in their direction in the same instance Vulpix would inhale and then exhale a blast of snow-laced frigid air towards the flying type.

Immediately the pidgey would flap its wings, trying to kick up dirt and dust from the ground in order to protect itself, only to be hit with the ice attack, getting knocked around lightly but not enough to be dazed, quickly taking to the skies, injured by the attack but not quite in a condition that could make it so easily caught yet.

This of course, meant the pokeball Camila thrown had simply whiffed and sailed under the flying type.

“Piii! Piii!” It’d chirp angrily, aiming to hit Vulpix with a flying tackle.

With the bird Pokemon finally having decided to cede to him for the moment, Richard shifted his focus away from it towards the young man who had called for his aid to begin with.

"Kennet? Name's Richard; pleasure to meet you," he responded when given the chance, nodding his head as he almost held out his hand for a handshake by instinct. It was only when the apparent Pokemon breeder reached out to interact with the Fletching that he caught himself, though, and instead chose to remain where he was.

That only lasted for all of a few seconds, though, as the growing warmth in his hands began to shift towards "too hot to physically handle". Survival instinct promptly kicked in as Richard released the Pokemon from his grasp to avoid getting burned, and before long Kennet had broken off to try and catch the runaway yet again.

"You could just return it to the ball!" he shouted after Kennet before deciding to follow after and join in the chase. Sure, he could have left the breeder to his own devices, but sometimes the allure of "free" (or low-effort) stuff was hard to ignore.

With that said, though, something about the situation left a feeling in his gut that this could easily spiral into something a bit above his pay grade.

"Well, in any case..." he continued to say as he tried to catch up with Kennet, "I just started as a trainer today, but hopefully we'll be more helpful than not. "

@Rune_Alchemist

---

Location: Byjerlfal City, Commercial District Museum
Mentions: N/A

She watched with saucer eyes as Sophie ran off and away to the distance, disappearing among the museum crowds, and suddenly Isla felt very, very alone. Sure she'd been the one to suggest it, thinking it'd be a normal day and a quiet museum, but…Sophie had agreed to it. And now there she was, just running off. The woman's statements flowed over her, through her with barely a shred of attention. The young girl turned about though, watching her walking off. She followed, almost desperate to clutch onto someone else among the museum crowds. The thought of just leaving the riotous building didn't even occur to her.

Her mentions on Dancing brought Isla back, made her aware again of her little friend. Her hand was still wrapped about, hovering over his fur, and she could still feel his sleeping breath against her cheek. There he was, there he was…fingertips idly pet him, in one way absent-mindedly, in one way to keep herself grounded. Finally, though, they stepped through the door marked 'Staff Only' and she felt to one degree or another safe again. The noise was gone, the crowds were gone, and everything down there no longer seemed to exist. Isla let out a long breath.

“First, let me introduce myself properly. Lilian. Archaeologist with the Giervor Society. I was asked to take over a dig after an independent team found some…potentially groundbreaking discoveries. Unfortunately, said team also ended up damaging some of the artifacts with their carelessness.”

Lillian, Giervir Society, interesting. She filed the names away, nodding along to the bits and pieces of information, to the questions that such bits of information produced. How groundbreaking were the discoveries, and how were they potential? Was it just a question of the details that had been damaged by…carelessness? Fossils could be fairly fragile, she knew that by the slow, steady movements that they'd treated the fossils with at the dig sites, but it could have been carvings instead. Early humans liked to do carvings and that could be fragile. Or tools, something that would shift how they knew people to have to have settled in Eidda. It could be a dozen things. She stopped herself before she fell into considering all of them. Something important had been found and damaged, that was the core of it. She followed Lillian into the other room.

Rock fragments, glass cases, empty drawers…the former she couldn't quite tell what it was, not without some closer looks, the latter clearer indicators of civilization. Glass blowing wasn’t an easy effort, after all, and it showed other bits of available advancements. She stared for a period, listening to the researcher go on.

“That’s basically it really. We found a new dig with some old stone writings related to some old myths and stories about how the Eidda region was formed. A…colleague damaged the artifacts and made much of it unreadable, so the Society has stepped in to take over…and forgive me for prying but do you have any historical or archaeological experience?”

Stone writings…that was interesting. That they were on how the region formed was even more interesting…there were creation stories on everything but some of them always seemed to be true. At least, that's what she remembered on other regions. Maybe it was the same in Eidda. Much of it was unreadable…but that meant some of it was. That was better than nothing. She listened a bit more out of politeness, not wanting to interrupt to answer.

A wild Pokémon…but with hammer-like tools. There were some with similar hands, others could use tools even before being caught. It was possible, the young girl decided, definitely possible. Clearing her throat, Isla replied in a quieter voice. "A bit of experience in both, but mainly just…Pokémon research with my parents. In the Sevii Islands."

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Location: Camphor's Lab Mentions: @Savo @Rune_Alchemist

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Aster gave a loud huff when Remi said they weren't going to be fighting in the lab, before scampering after the rest of the group. She was so focused on getting to the battle she didn't even spare a glance towards Jojo. Jill, on the other hand, happily returned the riolu's wave, smiling warmly as she did so.

On the way out, Yuu turned to address the two of them, and Jill was a little puzzled by his tone. He seemed very... serious about this all this. Still, she gave him a thumbs-up and smile before continuing to follow him out of the building.

She and Aster took their places on the field, the Aipom looking particularly eager to start the fight as she hopped from foot to foot. The moment the fight was about to start, she made a move as if about to rush at full speed at the Slakoth, only to pause when the Cottonee found its way in her path. She blinked in confusion before quickly making a grab for the cotton puff Pokemon with her tail-hand and attempted to toss it directly into the yawning Slakoth's face. If the hit connected, Aster would then attempt to leap at the Slakoth while it was still recovering.

All the while this was happening, Jill didn't utter a single word, instead placing her hands behind her head and taking a step back as she watched the fight start to unfold.

Camila thought she'd have that in one shot like that. Well, she was a bit rusty on catching Pokemon so perhaps that was a factor. "Snow! Dodge and use Powder Snow again!" The assistant commanded. Hopefully this would end quickly enough. She wanted to get on the road to finding that woman's friend. "Let's make this quick, Snow." She mentioned, grabbing another of the Pokeballs and ready to throw it when the Pidgey was hit.

“Oh, you after them Murkrow? Ugh, those nuisances are always bullying Wobby here.” Beryl harrumphed.

“Wobbu…“ Wobbuffet shrunk slightly. Literally, deflating its body a bit at the mention of the Murkrow.

Sir Lopsalot would stare for a moment at the momentarily-deflated Wobbuffet, before lightly hopping off of Clarissa's shoulder. Lightly making his way over to the other Pokemon, the Buneary would lightly pat the sad Wobbuffet in what looked like a consoling sort of manner. Well, do more than just attempt to console the poor bullied Pokemon at least. He seemed to try to chatter with it, as if trying to encourage or motivate the poor soul, though what he was saying in particular was not something a human would likely understand at least.

"Bun...bun bun! Bun bun. Bun? Bun!"

The Buneary then looked back at Clarissa, giving her a small nod as their eyes breifly met, before returning to the other Pokemon to try to socialize with Wobbuffet at least. Though to the psychic trainer, it felt like....ah. Sir Lopsalot was getting even more heated to find those Murkrow himself now, wasn't he? Didn't seem to react until they'd been told the Wobbuffet was being bullied by them anyway. Hmm.

“Normally they ain’t out durin the day but if they were, they’re probably having a scuffle with them Starly that live over in the Resort and Commercial districts. Miss Keira loves those birds. If you wanna find some you might try your luck once night comes? Otherwise I think I saw a few roosting up in the roofs of some of the warehouses. There's a few of 'em normally roost out there by that old toy factory's roof, but uh, not easy getting up there and they usually got a huge flock. As for our menu…”

Miss Keira? That was the second time she'd heard that name mentioned since the airport, actually, from the mouth of the bodyguard who'd been glaring at her after a certain Valarie had pressured her into taking a VIP ticket. Ugh...she still had to go to that too later, unless she wanted to create more trouble for herself in a bad way. Plus it would be a bit too rude to not come, really. But maybe before then she could at least find a Murkrow to catch and call her own. Perhaps even get it to tell the cafe girl there was one less Murkrow to harass her own Pokemon? Er, she was still trying to think things through if they got to that point even.

"Who is Miss Keira, by the way? Someone at the airport earlier mentioned her near me as well, really, and that she likes Buneary as well. I'm a bit curious now."

It was certinaly a question worth asking now, since someone else had mentioned the mysterious woman's name. But to like the Murkrow as well as Buneary? A peculiar sort of style this person had when it came to Pokemon. Felt oddly familiar to her own tastes for the moment being, at least, as well.

But they at least had some information on where to go for getting a Murkrow during the daytime too. Old toy factory, she'd said? Plus resting in the roof of some warehouses at that. Could also wait for the night and after the contest and so forth was all over with as well, perhaps, but it at least made them easier to look for in terms of 'location' if nothing else. Though marching all the way to the Commercial District again or all the way to the Resort District just to look for Murkrow fighting the local Starly was not something of a motivator after making their way all the way over here. Hmm.

Beryl grinned, taking a few steps towards Clarissa. “...welll…how about this. Since you’re new trainers and its ya first time here how about I do a little favor. Half price anything ya want. As for our special, well, today its a stew made with fresh deep-sea fish, served with a loaf of fresh bread, and a few other things I would definitely totally recommend, promise.”

E-Eh?! The psychic was taken a little aback as she was snapped out of her thoughts by Beryl stepping a bit closer and grinning at her. Reminded her of Valarie back in the airport, and...ahhhhhabababababa...that was not something that was a fun memory right now at least. However, it was not nearly as disruptive as the crowded airport had been for her nerves if nothing else. Didn't feel as...'intrusive' either? That felt like the right word. Still, Beryl was enough to lightly rustle the psychic trainer for a brief moment before she returned to her usual re-asserted level of calm once more. This time at least without another nervous stu-

"T-Thank you, Miss Beryl, for your generosity. I'd be interested in the special for today, a-actually."

-never mind. Dangit.

Yet on a more famliar note, her family had been to the harbor before back in Orre and had some food there once in a while at the restaurant there. In that vein seafood wasn't a common thing for her, but it had been special to go out as a family in those days when they could spend time together. Her father was gone for long periods of time back when they lived in Orre, and it had been a bit lonely to say the least sometimes. Enough to get them to visit the lab and such every so often to see him, maybe talk a bit, before having to make the trip back home again. Sometimes he'd invite them along if he had to go to the port to oversee another import of Pokemon to the region on behalf of the lab. So the idea of a good stew with fresh bread and such was....a bit nostalgic to her as it had been described, really, if nothing else.

@Rune_Alchemist@Bartimaeus

Byjerlfal City, Commercial district.
@PKMNB0Y

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“You wanna try keeping him in a ball, be my guest!” Kennet shouted back after Richard. The Fletchling was faster than the both of them, but seemed to have enough sense not to get entirely out of their view for very long as it’d zip past the gates to the park where the two boys would find themselves amidst a serene, quiet and green barrier that made the noise of the hustle and bustle of the city seem far away.

It’d zip past a few trainers, Kennet nearly running over a few people as he’d try and keep up with the Fletchling. As they’d soon find themselves moving off of the stone trail that wound through the park and into the greenery, it soon became evident that the Fletchling seemed to be more so leading them somewhere…

And that somewhere, was a Munchlax, having apparently being badly beaten, fainted on the ground amidst what seemed like a small battlefield. A lunch box had been beaten up, bits and pieces of food were strewn and scattered about. The fletchling landed next to Munchlax, proceeding, chirping at it in a seeming attempt to rouse it.

From what Richard could tell, whoever battled this pokemon didn’t just have a normal battle with it. From the various wounds on its body someone went out of their way to be overly cruel to the little gluttonous pokemon. Not only was it barely moving, it seemed there were small, but many, many cuts on the pokemons body all over.

“Woah, what went down here…?” Kennet stopped running, taking a moment to catch his breath.

Fletchling was impatiently Chirping at the two of them, likely to help the Munchlax.



Byjerlfal City, Museum
@Thayr

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“Oh, you’re not from here?” Lilian responded with a hum. “I visited the Sevii islands once. The ruins there are fascinating. That means you likely are not aware of some of Eidda’s myths, then hm? These stones specifically relate to how the landmass was formed. According to some ancient tribes and their descendants, a titanic pokemon that stood as tall as clouds pulled the land from the bottom of the sea alongside its three helpers that it carved from the earth.” A pause as Lilian would walk over to the table where the stone fragments were sitting.

Isla could see them a bit better now, if she walked a little closer. On them were etched numerous holes in the stone, though it was difficult to really figure out what they meant. On another, was a carving of some creature. A pokemon, perhaps? It seemed to be the top part of its mouth, jagged and briefly bringing to mind some dragon, perhaps on a round body.

“If you want to know more, it'd be better to inquire at the Society in Giervor. I’ll be heading back there myself as soon Director Matthias finishes his business here. If you want to stay, I won’t stop you but I think it should be a little quieter downstairs now if you want to look at the exhibits…though if you go to the Winding wood, give Director Matthias my regards and ask him to hurry will you? I’m rather bored here in this museum. I’d much rather be out in the field…”



Byjerlfal City, Commercial District -> Industrial district
@Bartimaeus@Crusader Lord
Urban Exploration

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“Oh, you must be from outta region? You visiting Eidda?” Beryl responded with a friendly, inquisitive tone. “Ah, but Miss Keira - she’s the Gym Leader here. Runs the resort and is a bit of a legend here in Byjerlfal. Friendly enough gal, just uh, don’t get on her bad side or you might end up taking a long walk off the pier. That scary lookin’ guy over there taking bets works for her.”

With that somewhat ominous statement, Beryl would smirk.

“I’ll have that special riiiiight out. Don’t you worry. Wobby keep ‘em company would you?”

“Wobbu!” A friendly salute and an excitable grin.

Wobbufett would proceed to take the two to an empty booth, should they want it - though before they could get very far, Clarissa might note that the mood around the betting table had taken on a decidedly less friendly atmosphere…



Outside of Camphor’s lab
@Savo@XxFellsingxX

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Unfazed, Remi merely watched the battle unfold. Riolu would speed close, getting behind the Cottonnee. A strong, swift attack knocking the fluffball right towards Aster. The Cottonnee let out a small cry of pain, unable to fully complete its attack in time before it found itself being launched towards Aster who proceeded to grab the fluff ball.

“Neeee….!”

It responded by shouting as it was then grabbed by Aster, and launched like a baseball right towards the Slakoth’s sleeping mouth.

“Hmm…Cottonee, Fairy wind towards the ground!”

Just as it was halfway between the Slakoth Aster, it flapped its little arms and a gust of pink, sparkling air was loosed towards the ground, the resulting force vaulting the Cottonnee above the Slakoth just as it would finish preparing its own move, yawning lazily as bubbles formed out of its mouth and lazily floated towards Aster, popping as it neared the monkey, causing an intense wave of Drowsiness to overcome the pokemon.

She’d be falling asleep in the next turn.

“Good moves, good moves.” Cottonee landed with some irritability behind Slakoth. “But you’re not the only one that can get creative. Cottone, Absorb on that Riolu!”

Slakoth, however, as one might expect, was choosing not to do anything. Nevine knelt next to her pokemon.

“Its okay. You can move when you want to.”

Cottonnee’s little arms lit up red, as it prepared to take some of the HP it lost from the Quick attack back. Aster had limited options now as she could only do so much before she’d find herself falling asleep…!



Route 1
@Pyromania99

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So the Vulpix would attempt dodging, and thankfully it was just a bit faster than a Pidgey. Snow would pivot its body towards the side, narrowly avoiding the speeding bird…which promptly found itself having to put on the aerial brakes…which it was just a bit too slow to do, not managing to stop before it slammed into a tree with a resounded thud. Coupled with Snow repositioning itself, and proceeding to launch another Powder snow towards the pokemon…

“Piiii…”

The Pidgey fell to the ground. The Pidgey Fainted!

Assuming she threw another pokeball at it....

Weaving through a crowd was nothing new for Richard, even if it was a bit faster than he was used to. It helped that a few people had the sense to get out of the way of the two fools barreling down the street in pursuit of a runaway Fletchling, but he was still running fast enough that bowling into people would leave both of them out for the count.

Lucky for them, though, there were no such incidents. A few close calls, maybe, but for the most part the run to the park (and through it) had only left Richard winded by the end of it all.

What they had been led to, however, left a pit in the new Trainer's stomach. While the idea of disciplining Pokemon that misbehaved was not foreign to him, whatever had happened to this Munchlax was well beyond what any sane Trainer should have allowed.

There was a silent, indignant fury rising up within Richard's chest as he rushed toward the injured Munchlax and, after a bit of straining, picked it up. Though he was a bit winded from the chase, the Pokemon's physical wellbeing was at stake here. Had he some potions, the young man would have attempted to stabilize the Munchlax on the spot...

But, well, that clearly wasn't an option.

"Rotom!" Richard called out, causing his phone to fly out of his pocket. "Guide us to the nearest Pokemon Center and notify them about the situation so they're ready to receive us when we arrive."

A thumbs-up flashed on the screen before the Rotom-Phone whirred and brought a map up on screen with the directions he had requested, and Richard simply turned towards Kennet before grimacing.

"Uh... Crap, this Munchlax is... Not easy to carry. Mind helping me carry 'em over?"

At the very least, it'd speed up the process to moving the injured Pokémon compared to if he tried to go about it alone.

@Rune_Alchemist