Rheese decided to allow Oscar to talk to Sophia. He assumed it'd be a much better idea than crowding her all of the sudden. It'd probably be a clear hit to her pride if she was shown any pity whatsoever.
Instead, Rheese kept up with his training. He was certain that with enough practice, and of course keeping Sophia's earlier battle in mind, he would be able to beat Lan. If he could do it on his first try, he'd be pretty satisfied with the current regimen.
"There is indeed!" Rachel said enthusiastically. "I contributed a lot of the samples to that lab, the gym leader in Qualeen still asks about every fossil I find. The facilities all over that town are incredible!"
She zoomed in on the map to reveal the technology covered sprawl of Qualeen. She went on and on about the different labs and other facilities around, it was clear that if Rachel had to choose a single location for her gym she would certainly be there.
"As for the areas surrounding this town." Rachel said once she was satisfied with her explanation of Qualeen. "It's mostly forests and plains outside of the mesa we're currently on. Naturally the town within the forest to the southeast, beside the river, is Vareena. The gym leader Saki, good friend of mine, focuses on grass types. The contest hall there is pretty popular as well, especially this time of year."
Oscar is taken aback that he is met with such hostility from Sophia. Oscar follows Sophia to the machine. Oscar has seen a complete change in Sophia. She is no longer the confident trainer that he met on the first day. Sophia seems to be getting worse over the last the few days. "I am concerned about you. As much as I want to train with you, it is more important that you are in good place before we do so. i will bring out Daisho if I have to."
Retrieving her Pokeballs, Sophia turned around with a cold glare. Such an irritating, overbearing know-it-all... and yet showed so much compassion. Compassion she'd done nothing to deserve. Despite her ever-growing annoyance, she was sure something mellowed in her expression.
"Why... Why do you even care so much, anyway?" The sound of her own words surprised her. She'd meant to make it clear it was none of his business, but her tone lacked its former sharp edge. Her soft, trembling voice made her sound vulnerable. She shuddered. This was far from the image she wanted to project.
"I-I've got to go." With that, she turned and left down a hallway, her hurried footsteps echoing against the floorboards. She'd already let on too much, albeit unintentionally, and there was no way she wanted any of the others to see her do what she had no choice but to do.
Speaking through gritted teeth, she asked a student where she could find Lan. Once she'd been pointed in the right direction, she headed towards a hall, where the monk knelt, deep in meditation. At the sound of her footsteps, he opened his eyes and stood up.
Sophia clenched her hands by her sides as she approached. "You like your preaching, don't you? Then tell me..." Standing before him, she fully realised what she'd been reduced to. She'd gone and resorted to asking a gym leader for help - again. First Ray, now this pretentious jerk who'd treated her like a child, and who thought he knew everything despite shutting himself away in a monastery.
She let her gaze drift away from him, towards the floor. The crack Oscar had opened up in her defenses widened, the facade breaking and falling away. "Tell me how I can be more than this." The words came out in a mumble that made her cringe. "I should be so much more than this."
Although Amber listened intently to Rachel's description of Qualeen, a pang of sadness tainted her fascination. The city sounded exactly like the kind of place somebody she'd once known would have loved. Of course, maybe it was a good thing said former friend hadn't come along to Kosei, what with the way things had turned out here - but that was another reason why her sister and parents would worry. She hadn't been meant to come here alone.
She wasn't alone, though. She'd met all these other trainers, all determined to grow, to improve along their way. That was what she could tell her family, to put their minds at ease. She could advise Coral to do the same. If she found people to team up with, train with, she'd be much safer.
Hoping Rachel hadn't noticed any hint of worry, she gave a smile she hoped looked genuine. "Well, hopefully by then I'll have some fossils to bring along," she replied. "As as for a Grass type gym, that sounds like it'll be a bit of a challenge for me - I'll have to think up a strategy. The forest is going to be a great place to study wild Pokemon, though."
Study Pokemon - her original plan, that she'd hold on to as much as she could.
"Well, this isn't exactly what we expected..." a young woman muttered, a red and blue Pokemon resembling a computerised image of a bird following as she made her way through the streets of Mesalon. Such a quiet, peaceful-seeming place, it was jarring to think such an atrocity had happened anywhere nearby. Part of her wished she could let herself relax for once, enjoy the scenery, but there was work to be done. "First more bizarre behaviour in wild Pokemon, now an out-of-control Aerodactyl... what next, eh, Pixel?"
Patting the Porygon Z on the head, she looked up with bleary eyes at the plain yet huge building ahead. A slight frown creased her face. Having received a report from Professor Bonsai - a rather late report, of course - of wild Pokemon around the area going into a frenzy, she'd headed right over to investigate, only to find out something rather unexpected.
By now, she really should be used to the unexpected - it was only because people she'd gotten into contact with had called her in that she'd resumed her abandoned goal of coming to Kosei, several months back. There were some odd phenomena that needed looking into. Things would have been so much simpler, the research assistant thought, if she'd just stuck to her plan of travelling to Hoenn and studying Castforms.
As she made her way towards the monastery, a sense of dread nagged at her. This was around the time a certain somebody had been planning to go to Kosei... What if she'd been caught up in the attack?
No, the woman scolded herself. She was a researcher in training, meant to think rationally, not imagine the worst from too little sleep and too much coffee. It was highly unlikely. For all she knew, her old friend's goal might have changed. It had been a while since they'd spoken, after all. And even if she was in Kosei, she could be anywhere in the huge region.
Trying to keep a laser focus on her task, the research assistant continued along her way. Apparently the gym leader had stepped in. He seemed like the best person to ask about this.
"Type difference isn't always a deciding factor. As any gym leader will tell you, overcoming that kind of challenge is the mark of a good trainer. As for the trip to Vareena, between the forest and the river there, it's an excellent place for field study." Rachel said warmly. "I'm certain by the time you get to Qualeen a studious researcher like you will have plenty to do there."
"Actually...There are quite a few caves and caverns in the area that I haven't spelunked into, if the three of you would be interested I could take you along. Ray's probably going to be in Ponderous by the time I get back on the road anyway." She said looking at her watch.
Lan Sohai
Mesalon Gym
Lan sighed as he opened his eyes. "Much more?" He asked simply."Why? Why do you believe you must be more than yourself?"
"Self improvement isn't about simply making more or less, you certainly can appear to be stronger or calmer, but unless you can find those things within you...It will be no more than some cheap facade." Lan said looking directly at Sophia. "Something I am certain you have grown to understand." Lan turned and opened a nearby sliding door. "Meditation is about self inspection, finding the things within one's self that can't be brought out through sheer effort. Come, I will show you."
Oscar follows Sophia close behind. Oscar wonders where Sophia is going. Sophia goes into a room and Oscar decides to delay his intrusion for the time being. Oscar could hear Sophia talk to someone but only hearing the other person makes Oscar sad that Sophia did not ask for his help. Oscar decides that there is no good time to confront Sophia, While thinking to take the subtle approach, Oscar walks into the room. "Hi. I could not help but overhear the mention of helpfulness of meditation. May I join this endeavor?"
Sophia huffed as the gym leader opened a door. "You think a psychic wouldn't already know what meditation's about?" she replied, but went to follow anyway, shoulders drooping. Maybe he'd teach her a different approach - if she could actually bring herself to relax through his preaching. "Ugh... People must have expected much more from someone like me."
At the sound of footsteps, Sophia knew relaxation wasn't going to happen. She spun around, face reddening with embarrassment as Oscar entered the room. He'd heard all that. He'd seen her without the facade. Now there was no way he'd shut up.
Why was he being so tolerant about her failures, anyway, when others weren't? There was no trace left of that vaguely mocking attitude he'd had the first day. Instead... he cared. That idiot was wasting his concern on her.
"You... You really don't know when to quit." Her gaze kept flicking from him to the floor. "Fine, as long as this isn't some excuse to pry."
"That's something else I'm planning to look into, how Pokemon can overcome type disadvantages," Amber replied. "Chalcedony here might have to learn an Ice or Bug type move. And yes, I'd love to come along! The caves will be good for field study too." She glanced at Aedre and Alex. "You ok with this?"
At the mention of exploring, Kyra yapped and started bouncing around. "Well, Kyra's certainly interested," Amber said with a chuckle. "And a walk would let me... figure some things out."
She wasn't talking about research. Leaving the reply to Coral's email for later was something she wasn't exactly comfortable with, but maybe the calm atmosphere of Mesalon would allow her to reflect on the best way to word it.
The research assistant's shoes clicked against the wooden floorboards of the gym. She wanted to let herself sag from tiredness, but she kept her back straight, making an effort to appear professional.
Approaching one of the monks, she asked where she could find the gym leader, only to hear from the man that he was currently busy talking to someone.
"Ah. In that case, then, I'll wait, but in the meantime..." Her face was solemn. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about the attack that happened recently, involving an Aerodactyl? I heard the gym leader put a stop to it. I'm part of a research team, looking to figure out what's causing erratic behaviour in Pokemon."
As it turned out, the monk had been one of the people accompanying the gym leader that day. The assistant's eyes widened a little. She hoped he wouldn't mind telling his story, but she listened to every detail he gave.
With a light chuckle, Lan turned back to Sophia. "Feel free to ask Ray the next time you two happen upon eachother. Meditation comes in many forms for many purposes. What I plan to show the two of you, is tranquil meditation. A form that does not require Extrasensory power or anything of the sort. Instead we focus on self reflection and inner peace." Lan continued as he led the two younger trainers to a room lined with candles and incense burners. A few students sat completely still with their eyes closed clearly deep in their meditative trance.
Lan brought himself to a rug on the floor and sat down cross legged upon it. "Now, sit. Find a position you believe to be the most comfortable. Once you've situated yourselves, close your eyes and breathe."
That seething envy came back at the mention of Ray. "I spoke to him yesterday... he said..." Sophia trailed off, recalling the lazy guy's advice. Her effort had been detrimental? Of course someone as ridiculously laidback as Ray would tell her she was trying too hard. "Ugh... Nothing. It's nothing."
Sitting on the ground, she shifted her position. It took her a few moments to find one that didn't make the bruises on her knees twinge. She closed her eyes and slowly inhaled the scent of the incense, trying to concentrate on her breathing, although thoughts of the past few days kept disturbing what little peace came over her.
Oscar sat crossed-legged like Lan and Roadrunner quickly hopped into his lap. Oscar smiled at Roadrunner and then proceeded to do what Lan instructed. Oscar tried to quell the inner conflicts and emotional stress that has been accumlated over the past few days. One of the things that also came to mind is the spectacular contests of his childhood and their impact on his life. This allowed Oscar at least to be at peace with the current situation, knowing that he can not change the events in the past, nor can he change everyone for the better but he can try to influence as many people as possible to strive for better. This gave Oscar a feeling of renewed stregth to move forward.
"Sophia, you are trying too hard." Lan said without even opening his eyes. "I've already told you that this isn't the same meditation that psychics use to train. Focus on the silence if you must, but allow your breathing and thoughts to flow naturally."
Lan fell silent once more, he knew that this wouldn't be an easy task for someone like Sophia. Even so, it would be important for her to learn such a method to steel herself when things would undoubtedly become tough. One of the formerly motionless totems around the room shifted slightly, the Darmanitan maintaining its zen mode made slightly uncomfortable by the disturbed psychic sitting nearby.
Well, that was the opposite of relaxing. Sophia tensed, opening her eyes and glaring at the monk, who kept the same calm posture and expression. That was twice now she'd been told she was trying too hard. Lan must have heard the slight huff to her breathing. She closed her eyes again, trying to think only of the silence - which, of course, meant a lack of distractions.
Thoughts of recent events played through her mind like a nightmare. Her shoulders trembled, and her formerly even breaths turned into a soft whimper. Ugh, this was no good. Even if this wasn't the same kind of meditation she was used to, someone like her should be better at this. She was just going to get lectured again. Just as always.
She needed to think comforting thoughts. Music, and the company of Pokemon. Chimecho's lullaby. Herself, as a child, singing to a Musharna, watching her relax. The sound of the Celestial Tower's bell. Cradling her Gothita for the first time, the little Pokemon listening to her soothing song.
Some level of calm began to settle over her - and with it came a vague awareness of something. Raising her head in surprise, she focused, the presence at the edge of her consciousness growing a little sharper. A Psychic-type Pokemon? Looking over, she noticed a nearby figurine - or rather, what looked like a figurine.
A Darmanitan, in the form only a few could take on? She'd heard reports about a group of Darmanitans in Zen Mode guarding ruins in Unova's desert, but this was the first time she'd seen one display such an ability.
"I was wondering when you would notice." Lan said, clearly directing his attention to Sophia. "Back during the foundation of this monastery, my own teacher bred these Pokemon. She said that Darmanitan in zen mode could achieve what most monks strive for their entire lives."
The statue-like pokemon shifted even more at the mention of the monastery's founder. "In fact, as you may be aware, once they enter this form they gain psychic typing." Lan calmly gave one of them a pat on the head that it seemed to enjoy quite a bit. "I noticed that they haven't quite acclimated to your presence, perhaps they can sense your inner turmoil."
Oscar hears what Lan is saying to Sophia. Oscar realizes that he also has a lot to learn as well. He speaks out aloud musingly "We all have something to learn, young and old. Even if you do not realize it, you are a student in the classroom of Life." A small pearl of wisdom ,that Oscar had forgotten until now, said by one of his teachers from his high school years. He did not understand the meaning until now ,which opens his eyes that much more to the world.
Sophia rolled her eyes as Oscar did his usual thing of trying to sound profound. Even so, she found she couldn't be as annoyed as she'd been before. Not with all these Pokemon in the room.
"I'm sorry..." she blurted, her voice unusually soft as she faced the nearest Darmanitan. She thought back to what Ray had said about her unstable aura, and attempted to quell the pang of guilt, so as not to upset the Fire-Psychic types further. "It's ok... I-I'll be alright." There was nothing defensive about her tone this time. Instead, she sounded reassuring, or at least tried to. Reaching out, she gently petted the stone-like Pokemon, giving a little smile.
"Lacey," she whispered, letting out the Psychic type. "Say hello to these Pokemon here." The Gothita stared around in fascination, then approached the closest one with a soft squeak. Sophia watched, hoping Lacey would be able to comfort the Pokemon whose peace had been disturbed.
"And you Aedre? I'm certain there will be much to see. Mesalon's caverns are quite famous for their mineral deposits, gems and fossils are pretty common."
Rachel was happy to show these fledgling trainers along for this trip, even if it would be brief. Seeing pokemon in different environments was always a positive experience. Besides, it would be a good opportunity to survey the caverns for promising fossil dig points. "OOh, and the more spacious areas are a gathering point for plenty of different Pokemon species. I'm certain it would benefit your research!"
"Good, I was right to bring you here." Lan said warmly to Sophia as she attempted to calm the pokemon that she had disturbed. "Beneath that stand-offish facade lies a kind trainer that cares for Pokemon. Truthfully that is more important than any amount of power."
The Darmanitan settled back into their calm states, though they were still slightly defensive to her presence. "Say, among all of these Darmanitan, there is a Darumaka. It was recently hatched, but it may be a fine addition to your team Sophia. Perhaps once it evolves it can assist in your meditation?"
Oscar is glad that Sophia is showing her softer side. Oscar takes out Daisho's ball and askes Lan. "Is it okay to let my psychic Pokemon to interact with the other psychic Pokemon in this room? Perhaps they can impart some of their knowledge to him?" Oscar hopes that Sophia is calm enough to not put Daisho on edge. Oscar is also inept with training with psychic Pokemon and hopes the trained psychics can help Daisho more than he can.
Peering behind the statue-like Pokemon, Sophia saw it. A small, red monkey, its limbs pulled in, swaying a little as it slept. An adoring smile spread across the trainer's face.
"Ita?" Lacey slowly approached the Darumaka. It sprung awake with an excited cry, jumping up and down, contrasting with everyone else in the room. Sophia couldn't help but give a slight chuckle.
"Well, hello there," she whispered as the Fire type ran towards her. "Aren't you just full of energy?" She turned back towards Lan, eyes filled with delight. "You'd really be ok with that?" The Darumaka was warm to the touch as she tickled it. Comfortingly warm. "And you? Is that what you want? To travel with me, and Lacey here? It... won't be as quiet as it is in here."
The little Pokemon grinned and hopped about, starting to run in circles. Giggling, Lacey tottered after it. Sophia watched with a mix of admiration and uncertainty. This Pokemon would undoubtedly help her later on - but what if she ended up distressing him? No, she wouldn't. By then, she'd surely be on her way to becoming stronger. She'd have nothing to be insecure about. And such a spirited Pokemon would remind her to stick to her goals no matter what.
"Then come along!" As soon as Sophia held out the Pokeball, the excitable little monkey leapt into it. "I'll... I'll make sure to be the trainer you deserve!"
She looked over at Oscar, that gentle smile still on her face, as she heard him mention letting Daisho out. "You know, what I agreed to earlier, helping you train Daisho... I'm sticking by it." She hoped it wouldn't end with another argument, but it was only fair to keep her word. Maybe she'd be able to keep the distressing thoughts at bay and avoid upsetting the Ralts, with this Darumaka around. A glimmer of light in the darkness.
"Lumas," she said, cradling the Pokeball. "Your name's Lumas."
"Perhaps the Darmanitan could assist your Pokemon, though I would not hedge many bets upon it. These Darmanitan have committed themselves to meditative practice instead of honing their skills for battle. You are welcome to try regardless." Lan said to Oscar. "It may have been wiser to request guidance from Ray wen he was in town."
"I believe this would be the best course for you and for Lumas." Lan said, smiling at the new partners. "Perhaps this partnership will lead to growth between the two of you. Regardless, in the end it was Lumas's choice."
Oscar smiles at Lan. "That may be true in many respects but I do not intend to have him only battle. Besides, my psychic pokemon seems rather young and may need help to use his powers in general. Thanks for the advice anyways. If you have any more advice to offer, I am all ears. Oscar releases daisho. Daisho is a bit confused at first but relaxes almost instantly ,due to the many relaxed psychic Pokemon. Daisho looks at Oscar and Oscar gives Daisho a thumbs up. Daisho goes and mingles with one of the other Pokemon in the room. Oscar turns to Sophia. "I would never doubt you for a second."
lv:11 
lv:10
lv:13
