[IC] Pokémon: Nexus

[AbysmalDemon]

Charlie Cedar

Today was the day. Charlie was going to finally become a trainer, even if his mother didn't want him to, it was going to happen. He put on his headphones and walked out the door of the house. It was a brisk, overcast morning, the gray clouds giving the sunshine a silver tint to it. All over the town, on all the shops, the Windows, hell, even bus stop signs had the poster about the event. He didn't understand how she thought he wouldn't notice. He walked I up the marble steps of the lab to only bump into something. He looked up and his eyes widened. There was a line... Out the door. He walked up to the front when a tall man in shades with a ComLink stopped him. Excuse me, you can't cut in line, these people have been waiting for hours. Charlie sighed, "Ugh... Hawthorn, you know me." The man took his shades off and was surprised. "Oh, oh. Um Mr. Cedar we didn't know you were coming." Alex scowled at the taller man. "Yeah, well neither did I until about a month ago." Hawthorn let him go by and Alex saw that even the huge lab seemed to be full of people. It seemed like she invited everyone in the region but her own son.

Alex pushed through the crowd with angry grunts from the people he bumped into. He made his way to the front of the crowd where the professor stood wa img at the flashing cameras and lights. Beside her was her assistant, Layla, who was smiling as well. The press were attempting to ask her questions, but it was impossible to hear as it was drowned out by the rest of the people who were talking. To the side of her on the stage there stood huge crates, maybe 20 on each side of her. Some of them were open and he saw the gleaming colors of a Pokéball, and the sleek white and blue of a Pokédex. He then saw boxes behind her which were sealed shut like they were delivered just then. He noticed a couple other professors from different regions. He noticed Professor Bonsai from the Kosei Region _@Heckno12, the same mess that he usually was, with papers falling out of his disorganized folders, and he wasn't surprised to see Professor Juniper, who was traveling to different regions to collect data on Pokémon.

He was still mad at the fact that out of all the random people here, he, the Professor's son wasn't actually told about it. He couldn't wait to get his starter and begin his journey. He then heard a deep voice through a microphone. "Silence, silence! The Professor will now make her speech." Despite the mans call for silence, the room erupted with applause. He then heard a higher pitched voice which he recognized as his mother's. "First of all, I would like to thank you all for coming to this event, and I would especially like to thank those who came from dustant regions. Over the past three months when the flyer was handed out, I had many questions about why I was holding this event and just giving these Pokémon away. Well now I'll reveal it. When I was a little girl till all the way till I was 20, I never had the pleasure to experience a Pokémon companion. I never had the chance to go on a journey, and I just want to make sure that postpone don't have that same, awful experience as me," Alex's jaw dropped. She is so fake! She was rich! She had no problem going on her journey when she was 10. She's never going to stop hearing from me about this one! So with out further ado, the doors to the sanctuary will now open. To a great today, and a better tomorrow!" The room was filled with applause as the doors opened and people rushed into the sanctuary. There was a big digital clock on top of the Sanctuary doors that read '60 Min'. He only had an but to find the Pokémon that he wanted. He followed along with the crowd towards the sanctuary.

[LokiLeo789]

---

Ray Stylo

Team/Items

N/A

---

It had been overcast since Ray had awoken. At first he assumed that it was too early to be up, the light hardly penetrated the stained window of his shelter, a bus. But after some moments of trying to return to sleep he decided to poke his head outside. The sky was awash with various shades of grey, in places a chink of light managed to break through, but otherwise it was almost as dark as pre-dawn. The air was humid and smelt of storms.

At that moment, he had to make a difficult call, should he dawn the Stylo formal, or slip into the fatigues he had taken an interest in. He considered the flaws in each choice. If he was go on this journey, he wanted to be a new person. No longer did he want to be represented by his families name, but his own. The Stylo formal was not going to help him achieve that, that was for sure. Without as much as a forethought, Ray left his place one the near empty bus, and took one step into his new life.
Well, the step really happened when he left the bathroom in his new clothing.

Taking his place near the back of the crowd, Ray took to daydreaming instead of listening to the Professor. In his head, leaving home was the best choice he could have made. There was to much stress at home, to much pressure, to many eyes following his every move. Now that he was so far away from the prying eyes, he felt a certain freedom that he has never felt before. Unfortunately, that sense of freedom was replaced by anticipation.

Anticipation was a nervous kind of energy. It tingled through him like electrical sparks on the way to the ground, gathering in his toes. The idea of finding his first Pokemon was an exciting one indeed. Unfortunately, it was also nerve racking. He couldn't just chose any Pokemon. This was his first, the one who would stick with him through thick an thin, he couldn't just choose any old Pokemon.

That moment of anticipation soon passed though. In his deep state of daydreaming, he had nearly missed the opening of the sanctuary. Hundreds ran passed him, and he was becoming a straggler. That didn't sit well with Ray. If he only had and hour to find the perfect Pokemon that fit under his fighting-type needs, he would have to use every second of it. The young Stylo wasted no more time sprinting into the beautiful sanctuary.

[EWillden]

Hotaru Tomoe

For some it was one of those normal cloudy days. Then again for another some it was the most important day in their lives. The day they would become pokemon trainers. Well at least get their first pokemon. What they did afterwards may have not been the same. For one it started in a apartment building. She was in the middle of a rather interesting dream....

..... She sat underneath a tree. Her sketch pad resting on her knees as her pencil began to draw the form of a wild pokemon. Just not any pokemon though, it was of the west wind. This pokemon was more worldly known as Suicune. For Hotaru it was the most exciting moment ever in her life. The chance to get to draw a legendary out of the wild was a rare one. Some how she even managed to get the pokemon to pose for her. Even as it started she could not remember what she said to convince it but the pokemon allowed it. Perhaps the Suicune knew she had no intentions of capturing it or taking it away from it's home. As she was getting down the pokemon's broad shoulders she could hear a voice. "..Gastly..." She looked up and pushed her bangs from out of her face to see who it was. She thought maybe it was Zed, but she saw no one. Why would Zed be calling for her anyways? Then Suicune looked over at her and spoke. " Wake up Hotaru,... your going to be late." She raised a brow and then felt the world shaking and fade away....

As she woke up she could see Gastly hovering over her and then as she rose up she saw her father hovering as well. He pointed at her clock and then outside the window. Her eyes followed his arm and to her clock and then it hit her. As she realized what was happening her eyes widened. She was going to be late to the most important event of her life. This thought resulted with her kicking off her blanket. She slid off her bed and began shoving her father out of her room and closed the door. She looked to Zed and sighed. " I can't believe you made me forget to set my alarm! We could have missed the event!" She barked. Zed simply rolled his eyes and shrugged with his purple flames. She quickly began to pull off her pajamas and ran to her closet. She did not even waste time choosing and just grabbed the first thing in front of her. A black shirt and pants. It was frilled at the neck and even a dark rose sown into the fabric. Obviously it wasn't a real rose, no one would be stupid enough to sow a real rose into their clothes. Once she was dressed in a quick fashion she reopened her bedroom door and ran out into the hallway. Zed casually went out the door taking his time. By the time he was downstairs she was about to slide into her shoes.

She felt a tap on her shoulder and looked up to see a brand new pair of running shoes. They were in her color too, dark purple in case you were wondering. She looked up and saw her father smiling. "Look it's going to be a long adventure for you, you can't simply go in old shoes. I figured you would need a new pair and bought 'em at the store downstairs." He answered her question before she could even ask it. She smiled and grabbed them and began to slide them in. Zed smiled at the whole event and floated his way over to her backpack. The backpack had a satchel tied to it. The satchel carried her sketch pad and her camera. He nodded as it all looked like everything was where it should be. He then climbed into it... well not really climbed. I mean he was a ghost type after all. He just defied all logic and pushed through the physical boundries and got comfortable inside it. See people where going to this event to capture their very first pokemon. Technically he was not Hotaru's yet. Just a pokemon friend that lived with the family. We were going to this event to make it official and to be registered as trainer and partner. Zed let out a sigh and hoped it wouldn't take too long. It was a big event and it was likely to be crowded. As she finished putting on her shoes her father was getting ready her breakfast... and Zeds as well. No one would think of it as Zed's but no one would know anyways. It was a simple fast breakfast. Toast with blackberry jam spread on it. This was Hotaru's. Zed's was going to be wrapped in tin foil. It was a sandwich, a peanut butter sandwich with cinnamon and sliced banana and diced kiwi. Why the kiwi?... no one knew exactly what was up with the ghost pokemon's tastes but they were out of this dimension.

Hotaru's father put the sandwich in a sack and walked over to his young daughter. She had already placed on her backpack when she was done. He then handed her some money too. That way she could get a proper breakfast. He did what every father would do in this situation. He gave a quick inspection looking over her attire and making sure she had everything. Once he was satisfied he patted her on the head. "Remember darling, this isn't a trip down to the store. Your beginning your very own pokemon Journey. Be careful out there and don't be afraid to make friends. It would make me feel better if I knew you were traveling with someone." He then handed one more thing to her. It was a pokenav. "Here, my number is already registered on it. If you ever need anything or just want to call me, you can do so." He then opened the door and gestured with his head. "Go on kiddo, go out and make some friends." He said. She nodded and embraced him in a hug for a good solid minute and then headed out the door. She was too impatient to take the elevator... besides they were only on the second floor. She made her way down the hallway and then outside and began climbing down the stairs. The weather was cool at and she looked up wondering if she should have grabbed her umbrella. Then she looked down the street towards the Professor's lab where the event was taking place. It was crowded from what she could see. She continued her pace down the stairs and out onto the sidewalk. She wished she could run just a little bit faster. When she was finally closing in on the lab she heard a voice ring out. It was the Professor's voice. The event was starting. She sighed in relief as she felt like she was going to collapse right here out of breathe. She looked at all the other people there. All mostly her age and where here for all the same thing. She had no idea that this event was that popular... some of them didn't even look like they were from this region. Well neither was she really. She stood up and took a bite of her toast. In her other hand was a paper sack which held Zed's sandwich. If anyone asks it was her lunch.

"First of all, I would like to thank you all for coming to this event, and I would especially like to thank those who came from dustant regions. Over the past three months when the flyer was handed out, I had many questions about why I was holding this event and just giving these Pokémon away. Well now I'll reveal it. When I was a little girl till all the way till I was 20, I never had the pleasure to experience a Pokémon companion. I never had the chance to go on a journey, and I just want to make sure that postpone don't have that same, awful experience as me," .... So with out further ado, the doors to the sanctuary will now open. To a great today, and a better tomorrow!"

The Professor's words were so encouraging to her and as the line died down and she entered the lab she saw a few of the other officials. Some of them were even professors from other regions. Professor Oak was even there. She began to scratch her temple and was now wondering even more why this event had so much attention. Well it wasn't a normal event. It wasn't the run of the mill, go to the lab pick between three rare pokemon that the professor had arranged for new trainers. This lab had a large sanctuary where pokemon had been gathered by the professor and her assistants obviously. Here you were able to go in and hunt for the pokemon that best catches your desires and come out. It could be any pokemon. This did make the event rather unique. She smiled as she finally got her chance to enter the Sanctuary. One kid tried to even cut but was stopped by security and made to go to the back of the line. Everyone was so stoked and so was she. Once she was within the sanctuary she bolted off. What she searched for was not a pokemon but a spot where she could put Zed in a ball and it would not look like she rigged it or anything. It took a long while but she found it. It was a secluded spot behind some bushes with a few trees. She placed her backpack down looking over her shoulder as she did so. She then removed her pokeball from her hip and walked a good few feet away. To make it look more legit. She then clicked on the middle button to enlarge the pokeball. Once it was ready.... ""Zed,.. its your cue. Get out of the backpack and be quick about it. We ain't got all day." She voiced. The ghost pokemon rolled it's eyes and once more exited the backpack the same way he entered. Without out delay she tossed the pokeball and with a flash of a red light inside he went. He had to make it look real so he let the ball shake a good few times before letting it take him. The red light in the center of the ball went off and the sound of the ding went off. He was caught. She ran over and picked the ball up and her backpack as well. She smiled and kissed the ball. Finally Zed was going to be a permanent member of her family. At least that's how she saw pokemon. They were not just partners or companions. They had potential to be far more to her. To become family. She pushed past the bushes and took the time to take in the scenery. The sanctuary was massive... I mean it had to be. For so many trainers and so many random pokemon it had to be huge. She wondered how long it took them to prep all of this.

As she moved towards the exist she got the feeling that that was why all the professors were here. I mean this would have been a lot of work for just one person and her assistants. So of course it would have to take all the others to help out. She thought that was kinda cool. On her way out she took out her camera and began to take a few pictures. Mostly of the other teenagers and kids running in and out. Once she left the sanctuary she looked for the lobby's counter where she could register her pokemon and all the essentials she needed.

[MissFortune]

Fantasia Heirloom

Estoria City, Grand Estoria Hotel

Current Team

Budew

Fantasia woke up to the screeching sound of the hotel alarm clock, as if staying in the penthouse of the Grand Estoria Hotel wasn't bad enough - she had to wake up early. With a yawn and groan dragging her feet to the floor, Fantasia unwrapped her night mask and set it on the nightstand beside her. She looked to her left, watching the flowerpot to the side wiggle and shake as the alarm clock continued to screech. Fantasia's Budew was sleeping soundly under the soil, and didn't enjoy the endless chirping the alarm clock put out.

“Wake up sweetie, it’s time to meet the professor!” Fantasia spoke softly to her sleeping Budew, scooping her out of the soil and into her hand.

Fantasia gently walked her groggy Pokemon over to the bathroom sink and began to rinse the remaining soil from the small bud, allowing her to drip dry on a fluffy towel next to the windowsill. The water and sunshine was good for Budew's developement, and Fantasia wanted only the best for her little Budew.

After prepping Budew for the day, Fantasia walked over to the phone and politely ordered the bellhop to bring up her most elegant dress as quickly as they could. It arrived almost instantaneously to her room, for which she was mostly greatful for.

She briskly threw on her most lavish and posh dress, fastening her sparlking green bows and Leaf Stone earrings into her ears - temporarely pulling her hair back into a ponytail as she started her makeup, humming a sweet melody as she waited patiently for her curling iron to warm.

Once she had completed her hair and makeup, she equipted her flashy headpiece - fastening it into her perfectly curled hair. She knew that the headpiece enough wouldn't gather much attention on its own, so she added two fresh white roses to each side. Before she left the hotel room with Budew, she spritzed a large amount of 1000 Wishes perfume by the famous Vanessa Von Goshe, her favorite Pokemon Coordinator from Sinnoh. She fantasized about seeing Mrs. Von Goshe at the large event held by Professor Cedar today, but was quickly brought back into reality when the Limosuine driver motioned her to get in the vehicle.

Fantasia gazed out the window during the trip, she wasn’t sure if her corset was caught on too tight, or if it was just her own intuition giving her second thoughts of anxiety. She couldn't stop herself from worrying about her new life, leaving everything and everyone behind to find her best friend Meloetta that her father had scared away. Budew sputtered out a cute sigh, wiggling around in Fantasia hand which snapped her back to the present, she cupped Budew in her hands as if they were a soft security blanket for the Pokemon.

“Miss Heirloom?” the driver spoke, “Is something the matter?”

Fantasia looked down at her cooing Budew whom was sputtering sweet noises. Fantasia felt her eyes tearing up, pulling Budew close in a sweet hug to supress her anxiety.

“No, I am fine...” Fantasia looked toward the driver in his rearveiw mirror, “First impressions can be tough, and I think I just needed a moment to take it all in...”

“You know Miss Heirloom, you don’t have to go. Your father would be more than happy to have you back at the estate, it’s only a few hours drive.”

“Thank you for the offer, but I have made up my mind.” Fantasia smirked, adjusting her eyes to the world beyond the tinted windows, “If I went back, my father would only use me to search for her; and that’s not how I want to live my life.”

“Who is her?”

She felt a chill run down her spine, remembering the day she had lost Meloetta. A wave of annoyance fell over her, no matter how many times she would explain it to everyone nobody seemed to believe her. “It doesn’t matter, it is over - don't dabble in the affairs of another person, it's rude.”

The car ride was in an awkward silence, the driver ceased to converse with Fantasia whom mimiced the drivers silence with only the sound of Budew sputtering out content coo's to break the silence. Luckily, not long after the whole ordeal Fantasia arrived at the steps of the Lab, amazed at the long line of people waiting to get inside.

"Hmmph," Fantasia rolled her eyes and scoffed, waiting for her driver to open the door. "This won't be long." She scooped up Budew whom was bouncing gleefully on her lap and secured her into Fantasia's small purse.
After ensuring the Pokemon could see and was comfortable, Fantasia reached for the driver’s hand and exited the vehicle in one fluid and glamorous motion as her sparkling dress twirled. One heel click after another, she made her way passed the never ending line and up the steps.

"Excuse me Ma'am, you can't cut in line - these people have been waiting for hours."

"Fantasia Heirloom," She smirked devilishly, "I suggest you check your list before you are out of a job."

The bouncer flipped through his clipboard frantically, "Oh! My apologies Miss Heirloom, right this way."

With that, Fantasia was ushered to her seat that was conveniently located right next to the Sanctuary doors. Fantasia pitied the poverty-stricken, less fortunate kids who attended this event to get their first Pokemon. She knew that the newest generation of Pokedex's were to be released here at this event, and after months of begging her father he pulled a few strings and was able to get her a limited edition Leaf Stone encrusted Pokedex at the event. She rolled her eyes throughout the event, waddling her Budew back and forth on her lap as the event prolonged and through the Professors speech. Finally, the doors were opened and a swarm of people rushed toward the doors, Fantasia however did not. Instead, she stood up and maneuvered herself toward the Professor, whom nodded at two security men. They disappeared for a moment into the crowd and brought back a lavish box.

"Miss Heirloom, we greatly appreciate your father contributing to this wonderful event to those less fortunate." Cedar bestowed Fantasia with the flashy box, "It truly is a great cause, your father has truly made the world a better place."

"Thank you, Professor Cedar - though we see my father through different perspectives!" Fantasia let out a coy laugh, "I suppose this was the least you could do, I'm sure he was happy to help!"

"Glad to hear it," The Professor smiled kindly, "Now, why don't you stay a while and enjoy the festivities! I'm sure you and your Budew would love to meet new people!"

"Hmmph.." Fantasia turned up her nose and scoffed, "I'd rather not get my most expensive dress trampled by a bunch of commoners." The Professor looked saddened by this, but quickly had an idea.

"You see that boy over there?" She pointed to Charlie, "That is my son, Charlie - why don't you go over there and introduce yourself, he is a nice boy."

Fantasia rolled her eyes and began to click her red heels in Charlie's direction, "Alright, but if I get any dirt on this dress I am going to be very unhappy." She turned around one final time to offer a word of warning to Professor Cedar, "-and quite frankly, you won't like me when I am unhappy."

[AbysmalDemon]

Professor Cedar

The Professor's smile faded as Fantasia walked away. She then turned back to her two security men with a scowl. "You said she wasn't coming... What happened?!" The security men stuttered but then managed to make out some actual words, "Her f-father called. She woul-wouldn't stay. She insisted that she go." The Professor sighed deeply, trying not to raise her voice too much so the fact that people around her wouldn't hear, but she managed to sound firm. "Her father contacted me, and he let me know how she feels about the situation. Make sure she, and Charlie, keep away from the back part of the lab. I have to make a call." The guards nodded feverishly ash she strode out of the room and dialed the password onto the door lock, and slipped away from the crowd. They moved a little closer to the pair, but made sure they kept her distance. "Do you know if we're the only ones that know?" The other guard shook his head, "No. But I do know that leaf stone Pokédex cost a fortune. She's been able to afford it though, with all the money she's gotten from the job."

Charlie Cedar

@MissFortune

Charlie was about to enter the Sanctuary when he heard a high pitched, obviously fake, clearing of the throat behind him. He frowned inside, but he managed to pull off a smile. "Ah, Fantasia. There were rumors that you wouldn't make it because of your father. I don't believe we've formally met, but I'm Charlie Cedar. I noticed you when you came in not to long ago with your father, talking about the finishing of the construction of the sanctuary, but I never got a chance to introduce myself." He held out his hand for her to shake. Man, I'm not as bad at doing this rich scumbag role as I thought I would be." "I was actually just now heading into the Sanctuary to capture a Pokémon. I would have bought one, but I figure that I would have a deeper connection catching the Pokémon myself, than buying it from a glass showcase. Would you like to accompany me?"

Security Gaurd

[@EWilden]

"Ah, I'm sorry, the Professor just left. But if you show me your trainer card, I'll be happy to check it off and hand you your items."

[MissFortune]

Ace Walker

Estoria City, Sanctuary

Current Team

Zorua

"Step right up, one and all!" Ace gestured toward the large crowd of people waiting outside the Lab, "Don't let your eyes deceive you, young or old - big or small you are getting the real deal! For a small price of fifteen dollars, I the Amazing Ace will trans-mutate any Pokemon before your very eyes!" People from the crowd began to turn around and look at Ace, intrigued at the thought of seeing a Pokemon appear out of thin air. "However, there is a twist my friends - with the power of Banhiti I will refine the colors of each Pokemon to a different shade! This is a once in a lifetime sight to behold!" The line grew louder and louder with their roars of anticipation, the people in line had been waiting for hours undoubtedly bored, and Ace knew it - in fact he calculated it.

Banhiti's Traveling Circus had rode into town for this very event, knowing well that the amount of foot traffic at the Pokemon Lab for the Sanctuary Giveaway would be undeniably large and with that came the opportunity to swindle gullible and naive young trainers; waiting and willing to spend there money to watch a quick trick while they pass the time.
Ace watched the dollars waving throughout the crowd, everyone eager for mindless entertainment as the line for the Sanctuary only grew longer and longer.

Without keeping the audience waiting, he placed a wooden box with the 'Banhiti's Circus' logo on the ground beside him, motioning a random volunteer from the line to partake in the 'magic trick'. Before all else though, Ace was sure to collect and tuck away payment for safekeeping.

"Alright, everyone gather around!" Ace pulled a large picture book out of his pocket that contained pictures of all 151 Kanto Pokemon, the book was slightly outdated but Ace trained his accomplice for weeks to perfectly mimic each of those Pokemon.
"Now, I am going to show you a book filled with 151 Pokemon." Ace flipped through the pages with a smirk, making sure the captivated audience could see the book as well, "The book contains pictures of these Pokemon in there natural state, if you'd be so kind as to pick one and show the audience."

The woman flipped through the book, choosing the page that had Ponyta on it before rotating the book around to show the audience her choice, "Is this the Pokemon you would like to see appear different before your very eyes?" The woman nodded and smiled with glee, bobbing up and down in anticipation for what came next. Ace nodded to the woman with a sly face, throwing the book down on the ground next to his box.

Wasting no time, Ace's blue Zorua layed underneath the box, peeking out the handle hole to get a good glimpse of the Ponyta picture. After a few brief moments of studying the image, Zorua loudly tapped his tail against the box ready to transform.
Without a moment to lose, Ace pulled out a smoke bomb from his pocket and threw it to the ground, quickly grabbing the box off of Zorua as it instantaneously transformed into a Shiny Ponyta. Once the smoke cleared, the crowd went wild with cheers and whistles of excitement as Ace and Ponyta bowed.

"Everyone give a big round of applause to my lovely volunteer!" Ace exclaimed, shaking her hand as he sent her back to her spot in line. He turned away from the crowd for a quick moment and called back the Shiny Ponyta into its Luxury Ball, and began to set up the illusion again with Zorua released back inside the box.

"Now who's next?"

Fantasia Heirloom

Estoria City, Pokemon Lab

Current Team

Budew

@AbysmalDemon

Fantasia didn't particularly want to meet Charlie, however she knew she had to play her cards right with Professor Cedar for her fathers sake. She didn't particularly like her father, but Pokelabs purchase a large quantity of their inventory and some conversation is not worth ruining a franchise over. She called out to Charlie with her fake, shrill voice unwilling to move from behind the crowd in fear of ruining her ball gown.

"Ah, Fantasia. There were rumors that you wouldn't make it because of your father. She cut him off rudely, "Yet here I stand, You know as well as I do gossip isn't reliable dear; Fantasia always makes an entrance." There was a brief moment of silence between them as Fantasia looked disinterested.

"Um, I don't believe we've formally met, but I'm Charlie Cedar. I noticed you when you came in not to long ago with your father, talking about the finishing of the construction of the sanctuary, but I never got a chance to introduce myself."

"Bypass the formalities Charlie, I already know who you are." Budew sputtered cute nonsensical noises from inside Fantasia's bag. "Oh, this is my sweet Budew, isn't she the cutest thing you've ever seen? Where is your Pokemon?"

"I was actually just now heading into the Sanctuary to capture a Pokémon. I would have bought one, but I figure that I would have a deeper connection catching the Pokémon myself than buying it from a glass showcase. Would you like to accompany me?"

She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You and I both know my Budew is better than anything you'd find in there. They probably filled those Pokeball's with Pidgey's and Pidove." She placed Budew back inside her bag, making sure the sweet bud was at ease. "If you are going on this 'self righteous' humble journey with the commoners, to each their own; I'm just not trying to get this expensive gown dirty, you go ahead and pick up your Zubat and I'll wait right here, okay?"

With that, she scurried him off in a passive-aggressive type manner, she wasn't sure internally if she was more insulted that he insinuated bought Pokemon don't love you the same - or if what he is saying might be true. Did Budew really love her, or was she just forced to?

[Keyblade87]

Jackson McQueen

Jackson smiled as he stepped into the line with the other soon to be trainers. His morning had been intriguing having just gotten off the boat from the Kalos region. He had been on his X-Transceiver with his older brother Tyson as he stepped off his brother had been giving him tips the whole time.

"Remember Jacky Potions are your best friend, and don't forget to feed your Pokemon while you're out and about." he said smiling to his brother.
"I know Ty come on now between you and dad I could write a book called Training 101" Jackson joked as he wandered through the routes eventually reaching the town where the even would be held. Standing in the line was easy and the Professor had some very insightful words for everyone but Jackson was too focused on the doors behind her and his attention kept switching between the doors and Professor Sycamore the professor from Kalos who nodded to him having remembered him from his brothers journey. Before he knew it the doors were open and Jackson was shuffling with the others to reach the sanctuary grateful to be out of the cloudy area into one of the most beautiful areas Jackson had ever seen. Wandering through the trees watching a few trainers capture their first Pokemon he almost missed the orange head of a familiar Pokemon.

"Why hello there little one." Jackson said to the small bird who looked at him and chirped.
"Fletch!" it cried happily before flying forward and landing on the young mans shoulder.
"Well you certainly are a friendly one aren't you. I bet I remind you of home." Jackson said with a chuckle as the Pokemon moved again and landed in front of him opening its wings and flapping them as if agitated. Before he could ask what was wrong a Venipede came rushing at him and the little Fletchling.
"Watch out!" Jackson shouted diving over the little bird smacking right into the Venipede. The shocked bug type Pokemon dashed off as Jackson rolled over to look at the Fletchling.
"Are you alright little guy?" Jackson asked the small bird who moved forward and nuzzled against him. "Hey how would you like to come on my journey with me?" he asked smiling when the bird chirped a happy reply.
"I'll take that as a yes!" Jackson said excitedly as he pulled out the PokeBall he had been given at the start of this event and tossed it lightly at the little bird who allowed the ball to take it without a fight. Jackson promptly sent the bird out from the ball and watched as it flew around to land on his shoulder.
"Alright little buddy lets go get registered." Jackson said cheerfully turning toward the exit and arriving in time to see a girl capture a Gastly. "Woah a Gastly talk about a good catch!" Jackson said walking up to the girl smiling as he did.

[Sho Minazuki]

Rylen | Pokemon Lab

"Wow, this is certainly more interesting than the Dragon's Den isn't it?", the Larvitar gave an unamused look as he trudged behind the trainer. Everyone else was a bit more in a rush than he was, seeing as this was where they would meet their first Pokemon, but Rylen comfortably took his time strolling in the back while everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

"Haha, don't give me that look. Come on, we're about to get started, so be a bit more excited", the Larvitar sighed and kept moving along with it's trainer. As he walked through he watched a kid catch a Fletchling and another catch a Ghastly. Some people were talking with the Professor too before she left, everyone seemed to be having a good time. There was even a magic show, he might check that out soon.

"Huh... I wonder what I do if I already have a Pokemon... Maybe I should have asked before she left... Oh well", oh well, maybe he'll wander the sanctuary a bit. It was a pretty nice place. If they had food and a mat they could have a picnic.

[EWillden]

Hotaru looked up at the security officer and wondered why the Professor couldn't be the one to register. She shrugged and brushed her hair away from her ear and pulled around her backpack and unzipped a compartment that held her important items. There it was, the trainer card she had gotten. She pulled it out and looked at the picture and sighed. Why is it that some of us just can't take a good picture to save our lives. Unlike some people who can apparently look beautiful for any such occasion. She handed the card to him and smiled. "I am Hotaru Tomoe, thank you for helping me." She said. She was a little nervous obviously. She was just taking one more large step into a much bigger world. She remembered her father's words and began to look around at some of the other trainers exiting and entering. Trying to figure out who she should try to ask into adventuring with her. She then saw someone promising nut he was already preoccupied with someone else. A person who already had her pokemon and everything. She sighed and shrugged as she waited for her trainer card to get approved and for her to receive the items she needed. Just the basics really, she was expecting pokeballs and a few potions. She then remembered Zed was still in his ball and decided to let him out. She preferred him to be out of his pokeball then in it. She pointed it to the side and pressed the button and out he came.

Zed looked around and then smiled. He took note they were still in the lab so no luck in getting to eat that sandwich at the moment. He moved closer to her and smiled at the guard who he guessed was the one about to register them. He just hoped they remembered catching a gastly and putting it in the sanctuary for trainers or this could get awkward. He then noticed the professor was gone and he looked to Hotaru. She some how knew what he was thinking and just shrugged.

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Lucile Geroux, Pokemon Sanctuary~

It was a rather lovely morning, really. A fun morning. The girl known as Lucile Geroux, stood quietly towards the back of the room as the professor gave her address to the crowd, only half listening to it. She was here for one thing and one thing only, and listening to the droning of some old professor wasn't it. Wasn't like anything important was being said anyways. Blah blah boring technobabble blah blah. Really, if that's all she was talking about she had no reason to be here. So the white jacketed girl waited for the doors to the sanctuary to open, and when they did she was one of the first ones inside.

She seemed thoroughly unimpressed with the Sanctuary, despite how beautiful or grand it seemed to the other trainers. Lucy simply shoved past the crowds and people, and made an effort to be as alone as possible for the moment. She had no desire to be caught around in a large crowd. Multiple reasons, but it was mostly because it would have been easier to find the pokemon she wanted if she was alone. What pokemon was that? Well, unlike other trainers who might have wanted something like some silly looking larvitar or other strong pokemon, she wanted something with a bit more...elegance.

A Purrloin.

Admittedly, she also wanted one because its fur was just so, so, exquisitely soft and she wanted to cuddle it so much, but details, details. Eventually the girl managed to get far enough away from everyone else that she was comfortable that she could begin her search for the cat pokemon in earnest. Didn't want another trainer to ruin her chances at getting what she wanted, either. Though she supposed she could always run them off easily enough. The thought made her smile a little. Now, where could she find a Purrloin?

With her goal in mind, she set off deeper into the sanctuary, intending on finding one.

~Lynnette Crawford, Pokemon Sanctuary~

The quiet tune being sung by the brown haired girl in the back went almost unheard by everyone else. Unlike most of the friendly trainers here who were busy conversing or otherwise finding their pokemon, there was one trainer who was doing neither. She was dressed in a fancy black dress, with black stockings. Her skin was almost a ghostly shade of white, with light brown hair and amber colored eyes. On the side of her head...was resting an odd looking golden mask. The mask of which, bared an uncanny, almost eerie resemblance to the girls own. The smile on her face was the only difference. It was the type of condescending smirk that simply said 'you, are an idiot, do not speak to me', which meant it was no small wonder that most people had avoided the girl up until now.

As soon as the sanctuary opened, most people moved past her, almost like they didn't see her at all. No surprise there really, she didn't make an effort to get seen or cause a fuss at the moment. She had one thing she wanted to do right now, and that was get inside the sanctuary and capture her dearest little Khata. After all, they had been planning this little game for awhile now, and it would be a shame to miss it. They might not get another chance to officially become a pokemon trainer, since her parents at home adamantly refused her access to a trainer licenses and trainer card, so she had to come here to some foreign region to even be able to do that.

Speaking of Khata, the mask on her head shifted to the other side of her head by itself, in quite the creepy fashion. The poor dear was getting just a little bit restless.

"Tsk, now Khata. Calm yourself. We're almost there, just a few more steps and we'll be ready." She spoke to seemingly no one. "Hmm...you're right. So many funny little trainers here. All so...delicious looking, aren't they? I wonder how many are going to have their dreams crushed?" She hummed to herself, as she took her first step into the sanctuary. She seemingly waited a moment for a reply...before giggling to herself.

"Oh my, Khata. feeling quite mischievous today, aren't we? I Like it." Giggling to herself once again, she pulled a pokeball out of her pocket as the golden mask on her head flew off like some sort of possessed object. Its golden face slowly turned to face the human...before two black arms formed, red eyes staring at the human with an almost gleeful expression of its own. In an instant, Lynnette tossed the pokeball at her companion, capturing it almost within seconds before promptly releasing it once again, the Yamask taking up its position on her head once again.

Now...before she went and registered, she might as well go say hi to her fellow trainers, no? Humming a quiet but somewhat eerie tune to herself, she set off deeper into the sanctuary. Maybe she could find someone fun to play with...

Ever on and on I continue circling, With nothing but my hate in a carousel of agony, Till slowly I forget and my heart starts vanishing...

[AbysmalDemon]

Charlie Cedar

@MissFortune

"You and I both know my Budew is better than anything you'd find in there. They probably filled those Pokeball's with Pidgey's and Pidove." Charlie clenched his fist behind his back, trying to suppress his rage as best as he could. He let her keep droning on, though he was listening intently to find something to fire back with. "If you are going on this 'self righteous' humble journey with the commoners, to each their own; I'm just not trying to get this expensive gown dirty, you go ahead and pick up your Zubat and I'll wait right here, okay?" Charlie lifted his head from its facing down position, with a clearly expression of anger.

"Alright Fantasia, I'm gonna cut the sham. Look, you know I'm not about being humble, and with the way you arrived here, in that gown, I know your not about that either, so I'm gonna cut to the chase. I know that you think you're every perfect thing that's right with the world, some daddy's girl who inherited everything and earned nothing. You got a fancy Pokémon bought for you, with yet again your daddy's money, who got his place on the top of the food chain the same way you hope to, by doing nothing. Well I have to tell you the truth, Fantasia. I hate to break it to you but you can't dazzle your way through the world and expect to get something out of it. Sure you think you're perfect, full of pride with all your family's accomplished, but the only thing your actually 'full of' is a bad ego, and selfishness, which leaves one damn hollow trainer to me. So if you'll excuse me I have a Pokémon to catch that ill have an actual bond to share with, not just a receipt." Alex unclenched his fist and tilted his hat down, walking into the sanctuary doors with 50 minutes still to spare.

He had heard of the Sanctuary, but now that he was seeing it with his own eyes, it was... Magnificent. There were rivers and bridges, tall trees in areas that made it look like a forest, rocky cliffs, waterfalls, it was like he had already begun his journey, out in the wild. He saw all kinds of Pokémon nearby. Not only Pidgeys, Pidoves, and Zubats, but Arons, Rufflets, and Dratinis. He already knew Fantasia was wrong, but this just proved his point further. While all of this, all of the Pokémon from over 5 regions, amazed him, he already knew the Pokémon he wanted. He traveled into an opening in one of the cliffs. If the rest of this didn't amaze him, this did. They had actually terraformed cave systems underground. His hot breath could be seen in the chat log cave like smoke from a fire. He traveled so far into the cave he thought he would be lost, but being lost in a place like this wouldn't bother him at all, it would only thrill him.

He traveled farther into the system until he came to an opening, and what he saw before him amazed him. It wasn't only the Pokémon he wanted, which was Beldum, but it was... White! He had found a shiny Pokémon. It amazed him how the Beldum stood already looking in his direction, like it sensed him coming. He took a deep breath has he put his arm out in front of himself, slowly inching his hand towards the Beldum. The Beldum got closer as well. Eventually his hand met with the floating Pokémon's head, and Charlie smiled and laughed. "W-would you like to accompany me on my journey?" Alex feared that the Beldum might decline his offer, but instead it nodded, and it's eye lit up in happiness. Alex unclipped his single Pokéball from his belt, enlarged it and held it out to the Shiny Beldum. It clicked the button with its head and the red leggy engulfed it and it was inside the Pokéball. He had done it! He captured a Pokémon! He released Beldum from its Pokéball and walked out of the cave, smiling. There were 'oohs' and 'ahhs' as Charlie walked out of the Sanctuary with his shiny Beldum. When he walked out of the sanctuary he looked at the clock and saw he made it out with 20 minutes to spare. He looked over around to see if Fantasia was still around.

[Whimsicott]

Rolf Bannian

The first thing he noticed was how the sanctuary smelled. It wasn't precisely the concoction of rotting wood and conifer leaves that was customary for the tropics, nor was it the crisp of a cold evergreen forest. Though there were many trees, it almost felt like a meadow of pokemon, a scene from some painting he would never hang in his own room because it was too calm. Rolf didn't like walking in sneakers, and though he had been royally screwed by his boat and traveling companion being nowhere to be found, it was a genuine inconvenience that his combat boots didn't survive the ordeal.

Sure, they weren't that insulated, so sand would grimd into his toes and his socks would become soggy with ocean, freezing over when a cold wind blew, but maybe the familiar smell of sea breeze would alleviate his nervousness. But more than that, they were nothing like the flimsy sneakers that the hospital assured him "all the coolest trainers" were wearing. The sailor, however, believed that the nurse thought he was lying about wanting to be a new trainer and gave him the flimsy, soft shoes as an insult to whatever pride he might have had left. The fact that they were a hideous yellow color was probably because she was a sadistic bitch, not to mention she was being much too rough with ripping off his bandages and making sure he was properly vaccinated.

Rolf was excited to learn that some of the world's most renowned pokemon professors would be present here, in the new pokemon sanctuary. Upon checkout, he had overheard some nurses say their children or their friends' children woul be present to try to capture a pokemon to begin their journey. It was all news to him, but he had been so amazed that he had all but worn himself out, searching for this so-called "sanctuary". Aside from the very much private island of the Wildlife Reserve, it hadn't really occurred to him that there were places that kept pokemon in captivity, while maintaining the illusion they were wild. Heck, if the poke ball they gave him was any inclination, it seemed like they by all intents and purposes WERE wild. Though the young man didn't know much about being a trainer, he was fairly certain that under normal circumstances pokemon couldn't be caught twice.

There were a lot of trainers, but they all looked like just strangers to him. As he slowly walked through the grassy knolls, trying to get close to a river of some sort to catch a water pokemon -there was no way he was catching a pokemon afraid of the water- he felt a little regret for not following his gut and talking to one of the pokemon professors, maybe for the possibility of an internship. Heck, he had wanted to work in pokemon research anyways, and the world's brightest minds were gathered around a fancy free-ranged petting zoo for Arceus' sake! Though he had approaches Professor Cedar, he was only a few steps away when he heard a particurly irritating young woman start speaking, and was able to deduce that the professor was busy. It was fine, he needed to look for a pokemon first. The thought of recollecting his experience to one of the professors made his heart race- what if they knew what the giant creature was? But there was another thought bubbling in his stomach, rising into his mind- what if they laughed him off? What did he know about the professors? Nothing other than what he knew from TV or the internet.

Besides, there were other this he should be focused on. Standing at the edge of the river, where water met mud and grass, Rolf grimaced. The sneakers sank in the mud a little and wouldn't clean as easily as his old combat boots. Were his boots lost at sea or were they junked up discovery. Wait a damn second, he woke up in scrubs, so did he wash up naked as the day he was born, or did those morally ambiguous nurses strip him down and take his nice clothes from him? The thought made him a little uncomfortable, even as he knelt down to peer into the water. It was a brilliant teal, darker blue the deeper the water got and less radiant. He could see some shadows moving out farther into the river, but the free clothes he was wearing now- a buttoned shirt and what was probably a pair of trousers- were hardly made for that kind of strain. Plus, he would smell like pond and mainlanders usually had an issue with the scent of fresh earth and water.

He put a hand into the water and licked at the back of his hand. Freshwater, oligotrophic lake, with few organisms. There was no algae buildup, so any pokemon inside the water would have to be hardy enough to sustain on eating very little, or strong enough to prey on others easily. He didn't get much farther in his analysis, because a jet of water was sprayed into his face. Blinking, he laughed a little at the small poliwag that splashed around in front of him. It was cute, and he liked it's spirit. And there was no doubt it could swim.

He readied the ball with one hand, ready to throw, but as he leaned in to begin the toss, his low-quality footwear lost their footing and he fell forward. Luckily, his face was fine- it had landed in something squishy. Quickly getting to his feet, the young man's heart dropped as he saw the still poliwag. Tenatively, he reached down to check if it was alright, only for it to rouse and smack him hard with its tail. Well, it was pissed now. It shot another water gun at him, and wouldn't relent, and knowing that he didn't have a pokemon to weaken it with, Rolf acted on his gut, by kicking the pokemon like a soccer ball. It flew into the air with a squeak and landed in the center of the pool, floating and leaving rings of ripple. Already soaked, Rolf considered wading out to catch it, but it quickly swam back to shore making strange, angry noises. Then it got louder. And louder. And louder.

Golden eyes looked around in confusion as tens of poliwag rose from the depths of the lake to assist their brother, summoned by the cries of agony. The sailor knew a storm when he saw the warning signs. Unfortunately, he didn't know how to get out of it fast enough as the poliwag began launching a series of concentrated water gun. It stung when it hit him, and it was definitely startling. It wasn't like he was afraid of a little water, though, so he held firm and swung his arms, trying to deter their efforts. Maybe he had walked farther than some of the othe visitors, or maybe he was the only one dumb enough to walk into a clearly inhabited river, or he was just caught up in his own situation to notice anyone else, but it looked like he was in this alone. That was alright; he had the map to steer the ship. Figuratively, of course. At the moment he had neither a map nor a ship.

Taking off one of his worthless sneakers, he chucked it hard to the center of the river- littering, most definitely, but someone would clean it or the damned poliwag would try to eat and hopefully choke to death- and he saw a few skip off to chase it. He stayed in his stance. One step back, and the poliwag would interpret it as fear and then they'd never let him catch anything. He roared, waving his arms and trying to appear larger, and it had a small effect- he became an easier target. Finding it hard to open his eyes, Rolf was knocked onto his behind, sitting on the muddy grass, when the poliwag also hopped out of the water and started beating him with their tails. Great. He would be beludgeoned to death by a bunch of baby swirly signs.

Then there was a rush of orange and yellow, and the cry of a mammal, the hard slapping and satisfying squeaking of deafeared poliwag. Once he had stood and regained his bearings, Rolf was rewarded with the sight of a beautiful buizel, fur dry and fluffy, and tails working wonders to dispell those pests. The sailor had never seen a pokemon more beautiful. Other than his mystery giant pokemon, and the shadow he had followed, and more than a few very beautiful milotic, of course.

The buizel valiantly fought off the threat, and turned around to face the man he had rescued with a smile. He had been waiting in the marsh, terrified of the poliwag, because of their strange territorial nature. He couldn't find another buizel or any other pokemon to be friends with, so he was fine just walking around the river, drinking water when the colony was asleep and basking in the warmth of daylight. But when he saw the trainer foolishly enter the water, he knew that the poliwag were going to react, and he saw this as a chance to finally lash out against his tormentors! Plus, it was a little brave to see the human kick at the poliwag, even if it did accomplish nothing. Buizel was about to tell the human all about how he had fought off the other water types pretty bravely, even if it was a lie to make him feel better, but the only thing he saw was a flash if red and white before he was blacked out.

"Yes! I caught a buizel!" Rolf exclaimed, excited of this new revelation. If the buizel had fought off all those poliwag, that meant that it was pretty good. Plus, he liked fur better than fins anyways. Next objective? Find his way out of the sanctuary and into some dry clothes.

[MissFortune]

Ace Williams

Estoria City, Pokemon Lab

Current Team

Zorua

The crowd of people slowly began to dissipate as Ace continually performed the same illusion for the people in line over and over, having a new set of people every few minutes. That was until the line had finally ended, with not a single person left outside they were all exploring the Sanctuary. Zorua shifted back to his normal state and leapt into Ace’s arms, wiggling his way into the trainer’s coat and peeking his small blue-tipped head out every so often to observe the world around him. Ace sat down cradling his Zorua on the performance box, counting the earnings which totaled out to around three hundred dollars in profit.

“Well, we did good today.” Ace smiled at Zoura, whom licked his face in response, “We make a good team, love ya bud.”

Ace lifted Zorua out of his pockets and on to his lap, hiding the Shiny Charm around Zorua’s neck inside his fluff of fur. [color=cyan]“We don’t wanna let anyone know you have this, they might try and take it from you.”

“Ruuff!” Zorua barked, digging at Ace's bag and sniffing at it for a treat.

“Alright, you earned it buddy.” Ace ruffled Zorua’s blue hair fluff while going through his bag. “One Pokeblock for the best ‘lovely assistant’ I could ask for!”

Zorua went crazy with excitement, hopping around trotting his front feet in anticipation for the Poke-Snack; earning a little chuckle from Ace whom softly pet the shiny Pokemon as it munched on a few Green and Blue pokeblocks.

After a few moments for Ace to brush out Zorua’s coat along some adoration and compliments by some onlookers, Zorua hopped back inside Ace’s coat and the two moved inside. It wasn’t that Ace didn’t wanna show off Zorua, because he did. He just couldn’t ruin the illusion to potential clients, not that it mattered so much. Most of the people here were newbie trainers who more than likely have never seen any foreign Pokemon outside of their immediate location - the easiest victims for a perfect scam.

“Alright Zorua, keep your guard up there are many people here so lets use this chaos to our advantage.” Ace whispered, reaching into his coat passed Zorua for a picture of Joltik, the smallest known Pokemon. “You see that overdressed girl in the ballgown, she sticks out like a sore thumb.” Zorua peeked his head out of the coat for a moment and nodded, “Good, looks like she has a lot of money, right?” Zorua knew what to do from there, sending a sly wink up at Ace before shrinking down to a Joltik.

Joltik (Zorua) scurried undetected across the floor, weaving in between people’s stomping feet until while Ace waited inconspicuously across the room. A few moments later, Joltik (Zorua) was across the floor and almost instantaneously peeked it's Illusion stealthed head into the small green bag where a tiny Budew was waiting. The Budew sputtered out babbling coo’s trying to get it's trainers attention as her expensive Pokedex appeared to be floating away but she was too busy talking with another man to acknowledge its presence. Joltik (Zorua) clamped down on the device, darting back across the floor without any detection and hopped back into Ace's coat with the retrieved item.

“Foolish girl,” Ace smirked, holding Zorua in his arms as it transformed back, licking his trainers face in glee, “I’d choose function over fashion any day, that over privileged swine had it coming.”

[EWillden]

Hotaru Tomoe

Hotaru received back her trainer card with its seal of approval as well as getting handed five pokeballs and five potions as well as a badge case. She looked at the pokemon badge case and shrugged. She just handed it back to him. When the security officer raised his brow at her she simply answered. "Oh I want to be a pokemon watcher, I don't really need badges for that. Just me and Zed." She answered. She then looked around the room and saw a man with a larvitar. She smiled and walked up to him slowly. Without any word what so ever she pulled out her camera and took aim. With precise timing she took a picture. She pulled the camera back and looked at the results. Larvitar would eventually grow into the dark type catagory when it becomes tyranitar, so she did want it added to her collection of photos. Perhaps if she chose him as a partner in this she might get a chance to sketch them. Trainer and pokemon, in a very good setting. She wanted to talk to one of the professors about her dream but she could do that later. She proceeded with Zed the Gastly following behind her. Gastly bumped into as she approached and she rolled her eyes. "You want your sandwich don't you?"She asked. She pulled forth the paper sack and then the wrapped sandwich inside and handed it out to him. Zed happily took it from her and began eating it.

With that out of the way she continued over to the trainer and his Larvitar. She brushed aside her hair once more as she approached. "Hello, I am Hotaru. Pleasure to meet you. I saw you wondering around and figured you might not have anyone to travel with so I thought perhaps we could become friends." She said very shyly. She was not good with introductions and prayed she did not screw this up. Zed just looked on and watched as he took a second bite from his sandwich. The Larvitar would make for a good training partner. As for the trainer. Zed did not know what to make of him just yet. He waited for the man's answer.

[Sho Minazuki]

Rylen | Pokemon Lab

"Huh, this is a nice pond, but you always hated water didn't you?", Larvitar made some affirmative grunts.

"Right... But you're going to have to get used to it one day...", the Larvitar was not liking the training schemes Rylen was currently thinking of. His train of thought fortunately for Larvitar interrupted by a timid voice from behind. It was a girl, she introduced herself as Hotaru, and seemed to want someone to travel with. Well this was a good chance, Rylen was quite prepared to go it on his own, but having a companion might be good.

"Okay", his response was quite quick, his smile ever-optimistic.

"Name's Rylen, nice to meet you Hotaru", he was a sociable kid with a lot of confidence, something Hotaru seemed to be lacking in, it was going to be an interesting adventure.

[OtomostheCrazy]

Deneb Astrologian

Deneb walked at a steady pace. Though there was no doubt that a massive crowd had probably gathered in the event area already, he continued on in his steady pace. There was no rush, and he had plenty of time. As he passed by the locals, he was met with the familiar sight of stares. They were looking at every part of him with curiosity. Strange clothes, horn accessory, sheathed dagger, long hair, green hair color, features that made them think about whether he was a boy or a girl, soft facial expression, etc. They examined all that they could about him from a distance, because he was one of the more strangely-dressed foreigners to come and visit this region.

There was only one reason why Deneb had come to this place. It was to find a way to reunite with his parents. He couldn't do it on his own, but if he found the right, the right Pokemon and people, then his chances would most definitely rise. He needed all the help he could get, and ended up traveling here, to the Fordis region. He had heard that a meeting between several Pokemon professors from around the world was to take place in this very city, and that they were to allow attendees the chance to catch Pokemon. It was a chance to catch two Rufflets with one pokeball, or however that saying goes.

When he got to the area, it was crowded, and getting even more packed as the seconds passed. A crowd this large was dangerous. Deneb hoped that they wouldn't go running as soon as they were allowed to go in, otherwise they might hurt people in the rush. The professors could be seen, even from where Deneb was. One of them, probably the one belonging to this region, stepped forward, and spoke.

"First of all, I would like to thank you all for coming to this event, and I would especially like to thank those who came from distant regions. Over the past three months when the flyer was handed out, I had many questions about why I was holding this event and just giving these Pokémon away."

Deneb tilted his head at those words. He was curious about how the professor was able to obtain so many Pokemon without them belonging to trainers.

"Well now I'll reveal it. When I was a little girl till all the way till I was 20, I never had the pleasure to experience a Pokémon companion. I never had the chance to go on a journey, and I just want to make sure that postpone don't have that same, awful experience as me,"

The way the professor had said that was strange to Deneb. It felt somewhat...hollow. As if she half-meant it, but also half-lied. It was no business of Deneb's, but he couldn't help but feel a bit bothered by it.

Soon after, people started to be allowed inside. As soon as everyone figured that they were allowed to go in, the crowd rushed in, just as Deneb had worried they would. Luckily the security there was smart enough to keep them from trampling on and over each other. Deneb found himself inside faster than he thought, so he walked onward, looking around at the people and Pokemon. Some people were taking their time, playing with the Pokemon. Others just kept tossing pokeballs, pretty much failing miserably to catch one. There were even some that were wrestling with the Pokemon, trying to either test each other's strength, sparring, or otherwise attempting to force one another to submit. Strangely, that last part wasn't limited to fighting and normal-type Pokemon.

Deneb walked onward, trying to find a Pokemon for himself. As he did, he sung quietly to himself a strange little song that his mother learned when she was traveling in Kanto. It was barely a whisper at first, but as he walked on, his voice got louder.

"I'll search across the land...far and wide...release from my hand, the power that's inside..."

The sound of shaking beads were heard. They sounded as if they were being shaken in tempo with Deneb's light singing. When the boy stopped his singing, so too did the shaking beads stop. He looked around for the one who was making the noise, but there were too many people to tell who was doing what. Deneb sung again, and the shaking beads sounded once more. He stopped, and it stopped again as well.

Deneb narrowed his eyes, and sung again. The shaking beads started of again, but this time Deneb turned to the sound immediately. What he saw was actually somewhat familiar to him. It was a Maractus playing with maracas. It seemed to have been playing as if it was a sudowoodo. Playing the maracas when someone sings, but hiding among the potted plants when there's no music. It was doing the latter right now, standing still with maracas in grasp, and a smile on its face.

Deneb poked the Maractus in the forehead. Living in the desert of Unova, Deneb knew how to pet Pokemon such as Maractus without pricking himself. He just needed to avoid a needle here, and irritable area there, and done. The Maractus seemed to find being poked funny, because it started to laugh as soon as he did it. Deneb tilted his head at why it was laughing. Thinking this was a good time to try to catch it, the boy took out a pokeball.

As soon as Maractus saw the ball, it began to whack at Deneb, laughing maniacally as it swung. Deneb started to run, but Pokemon followed suit, swinging at him with its maracas.

[Savo]

- Alexander Furst : Fordging Fordward -

It was barely the start of a new day as the eve slowly began to seep away as the sun creaked, making its own familiar journey. Most of the pokemon in the day care were sound asleep and one of the caretakers was drowning in slumber with white hair piling over the edge of the couch. He snored in rhythm as a small Cyndaquil was curled up on his chest, joining in the tempo. Others were scattered around the vicinity, as if they were small children taking a nap after recess. Other, much bigger pokemon often stayed outside, as evidenced by the Rapidash, Nidoking, and others.

Eventually there was some occupation of noise in the building as a woman began whistling a tune as she began creating a breakfast for her tuckered out son. The bacon was sizzling as it danced around, but most of the pokemon wern't roused from their slumber. As she prepared this meal, her assistant, a gruff looking Medicham was arranging certain types of food with labels on them. While she seemed to be pissed, the way she moved was enthusiastic.

Eventually the white haired boy began awakening, his arms stretched out as they passed his shoulder length hair. The Cyndaquil showed signs of waking up as it let out a muted growl. Groaning, the boy began to hear the sound of food being prepared in the kitchen, the stray chirping Pidgey, and the snorting and wheezing of one of his favorite friends to play with while working there. Returning his hands, he began to use his right to wipe the gift Mr. Sandman had bestowed to him the other night as he glanced at the cute little fire type resting on his being.

Reaching out, he pet the small girl, smiling faintly as he brought her closer, rubbing his cheek against hers. Eventually, Alex set her in his lap as he began to sit up, grunting somewhat as he scratched his back. That was one hell of a day; getting doggy piled by not only the small pokemon, but the Ursaring too? Despite it being an important day, he would have a good reason for sleeping in till the Miltanks came home.

Of course, he did as he commanded and rejected the sore feeling in his body as he scooped up the small mouse-like pokemon and trudged towards the kitchen. The Cyndaquil was stirring more in his arms, but that was probably because of the strong smell coming from the full course meal his mother was making. The small pokemon began wiggling as the drowsy boy looked over at his mom. "Mornin' mum, mornin' Mel," he quietly greeted the two, to which the Lucario smiled and gave a wave before getting back to work and going outside.

His mom was just as forward, but it took a little longer... not that he minded. "Good morning sweetie! It's been a while since I've cooked breakfast for you, huh?" The boy nodded as he slowly walked at a Slugma's pace towards the chairs, continuing to listen to his mother talk. "I know you can cook yourself, but I felt the need to make you one last meal before your big day begins!" She was almost like a fan girl who couldn't keep to herself, but there was a tinge of sadness in her voice.

The Cyndaquil finally woke up, sneezing before looking up at Alex and raising its arms up like a child, asking to fly up or go for a hug. Alexander uttered a thank you as he went outside, stating he would be back in a moment.

It was a brisk morning from what he discerned as he raised the young Cyndaquil up to the sky, watching her smile as it flared up, embers shooting up from its back before he brought him in for a hug. A lot of trainers had left their pokemon here for the past couple of days since it was a new start; most people would either head to said sanctuary like him or procure their pokemon that they dropped off at the daycare and depart.

He knew one thing though and that separating was the hardest.

Giving the Cyndaquil a tight squeeze, he felt the tiny arms wrap around part of his neck as the fire mouse heaved happily. Afterwards, he put the small one down before going over and watering what looked to be tiny budding sprouts in a newly made botanical garden filled with similar plants. It was rather difficult to tell apart which leaves were connected and which ones weren't a part of the flora. Of course, as he watered, the leaves began to shake as a few Sunkerns began to pop up.

...

The rest of the morning was filled with him caring for the few pokemon as trainers came on by and retrieved each of their pokemon. Soon, the once lively and filled structure was scarce on the creatures, save for a few lingering ones. They were fed breakfast of course and the sounds of child pokemon devouring their food was the only sound. Slowly walking down stairs, Alex finally changed out of his green apron and daycare uniform into his usual wear - shoes darker than the night sky, a gray long coat that extended to his knees, and an unusually designed tank top with red obscuring the middle with pure cyan near the neck and cyan checkers covering the tale of the shirt.

He made sure to prepare almost anything for the journey ahead, even going as far as to pack a sleeping bag into his pack, along with a couple of simple foodstuff for the trip ahead. With a sigh, Alex gave a solemn smile as his eyes went over the group of pokemon. The Cyndaquil noticed him as she was relaxing and waddled over to give his legs a hug.

Heh, pokemon could always read emotions through instinct...

Bending over, he gave the small girl a pat, eventually leading to her getting a belly rub and eventually retreating behind the boy to rub the back of his heel. Mel and Alex' mom gave him a bear hug, keeping him from almost breathing as he rasped out his farewells.

This would be a while before he would see them again as he slowly walked out the door and down the stony street. Tilting his head slightly upwards, he squinted and shielded his eyes as he looked at each building, feeling the suns beams all on him every time it peaked from behind the clouds.

"It's a beautiful day outside..."

Too bad his attitude didn't reflect that.

---

Alex was one of the few among the crowd that stuck out like a sore thumb as he listened to the introduction, a frown coming from his face as his cerulean eyes were kept half open during the whole speech. It was like the exposition you got from a half-baked story. Probably a couple of people could notice him yawning a bit during this whole speech over why she created a pokemon sanctuary.

It seemed cliche to him as he hunched his shoulders, slightly drooping over as she explain her dramatic and what he discerned as nigh unrealistic situation. "Even so, you wouldn't need to catch them to make them a companion," he though, grumbling throughout the whole thing as he gained a few irritated looks. He honestly could care less as the woman ended her speech, standing erect once more as the myriads of different aged people rushed forward, procuring a card and a procuring a certain number of pokeballs. Raising an eyebrow as he slowly made his way past them, he managed to snag his card and garner a larger amount of pokeballs from the norm, along with other miscellaneous items like the pokedex.

Of course, as he passed on by, he couldn't help but notice that there were two people chattering rather excessively instead of entering in, prompting some curiosity... of course, it wasn't as much curiosity as the man he took note of outside. Alex had a sneaking suspicion he was using a Ditto to wow the crowd... but he could honestly give two less craps about them. If they were going to be that oblivious, they might as well just trust that person with their credit card. "Good grief," he grumbled, taking note of the duo as he blinked.

The conversation was mundane as they both sounded like snobbish brats bragging about their accomplishments. From what he gathered, one of them was rich enough to buy a pokemon and began trash talking the sanctuary. Presumptuous and condescending... great first impressions already green girl. Of course, he was somewhat surprised to see the boy respond in such an an aggressive manner, roasting her more than chestnuts on an open fire. To be quite frank, she deserved that.

"One week tops before she keels over and runs back home," he spoke to no one in particular as Alex went into the sanctuary, still grasping his new pokedex.

As he entered in, he flipped the item open, staring at it as he lifted it up to identify one of the pokemon. As the small machine began scanning, he recited what he knew about the bird. "Pidove, the Tiny Pigeon Pokemon. They usually gather in large flocks around cities and often coos to get some form of food. As a trainer, you mustn't give them complicated commands as they will usually be befuddled and not follow through." As he finished summarizing what he knew, the pokedex flickered, explaining to him what he learned in trainer school.

"You learn something new every day," he deadpanned before pocketing the gadget as he shoved one of his free hands into his bag and retrieved a shiny red pokeball. Staring at his own reflection, he began to slowly walk through the sanctuary, taking note of the myriads of people gathering in such an... impressive looking place. He felt serene here as he took in the scenery...

It would be even more peaceful if it wasn't for the cacophony of people speaking at the same time.

The place was occupied with regular and shiny pokemon alike, though the latter were scarce. He noticed that there were groupings of people around the irregularly pigmented pokemon, trying to cajole it into joining them or just throwing a pokeball and pissing off whoever was attempting to get it as a partner. Alex unemotionally blinked as he sung a tune lowly, tossing the pokeball up and down as he seeked his first...

"... And suddenly I see that I can't break..."

... companion.

---

Alex couldn't exactly believe what he was looking at as his blank, mirror like stare was shattered instantly as he uttered the word "free," before complete silence engulfed his throat. It felt hoarse as he looked, his pupils dilating as he stopped toying with his pokeball. He wasn't frowning apathetically any more as he looked at that girl in a cute, but somewhat hindering black dress. His trance was instantly broken the moment she moved and decided to head deeper into the large sanctuary.

Blinking for a moment, he was bewildered; it almost felt like a punch to the gut as he just stood there absentmindedly. "The hell? Is my mind messin' with me? This has to be an fabrication... there's no way that is her..." Of course, it could be her and this could be his only chance.

Paralyzed, his hand lurched forward, almost as if he wanted to grasp her. Soon his previous demeanor had returned to him. Adjusting himself, he furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at the collar of his shirt, tugging on it as if he was fixing an imaginary tie. Taking one step forward and another, he sped up the progress by heading towards the more dense forested area that would most likely be infested with bugs and other grass pokemon.

He wasn't dissuaded about what he was going to do, but that golden face it was holding threw him off his focus. Stopping for a moment once he was deeper in the part of the sanctuary lacking any sort of human life, he pressed the palm of his hand against his forehead as he began to grind his teeth. "Tch, I'm such a dumbass," he scolded himself, his eyes burrowing extensively into the tree by him.

How could he be so emotional, being thrown off my what was probably nothing more than a mere illusion of what he wished for. Shaking his head, he pivoted around, frowning as he began to walk out of the small forest, if not for a groaning sound. "Ggghh..."

Alert by the sound, he didn't exactly freak out at it, but his heart was pumping somewhat faster as Alex turned his head around, before swiftly going to the other side. Nothing. At this point he stopped and decided to figure out what he was dealing with. Putting a thumb to his chin, he didn't notice the purple puffs of smoke emanating from behind one of the trees as he began to think.

"Either I'm going mad, dealing with a Ditto or Zorua, or a Misdreavus." As he stood there, he felt he knew the way said thing would possibly react, hearing a moan as he rotated his head behind him, giving the tree a frigid stare.

... what transpired next was certainly unexpected.

Something licked his face, catching the teenager off guard. His eyes widened in shock as his whole body felt tingly. Of course, Alex' first reaction was to ward off said creature with a swipe that would hopefully not hit it and possibly scare it off maybe?

The boy managed to hit it...

...

He also swiped at it with a pokeball.

His arm arced over and came crashing down on the mysterious assailants face as a bright red light enveloped the area. Covering his eyes with his other hand, the light eventually faded back to the darkness, leaving the same shiny red pokeball rolling on the ground. Welp, whatever just happened, he knew one thing as the white haired boy glanced at the ball.

This was going to get very awkward if he managed to c-

DING!

The red and white eventually stopped rolling around, coming to a complete stop. If anything, he felt a little bad for whatever pokemon received the blunt end of his... erm... false swipe. Picking it up, he stared at it, engrossed by the possibilities of how said partner would react... or even if it wanted to be his partner after that incident. Deciding not to belay it further, he gave a strong hurl into the air, speaking unexcitedly, "alright, let's go..."

The flash of life emanated from the ball as a spherical gaseous figure materialized; a Gastly. Blinking, the pokemon winced in pain as it looked up at the unsmiling face of the person who managed to take hold of it. Fearful, it retreated behind a tree, peeking behind it nervously as Alex pleaded for him or her to come out.

"Hey, I'm sorry for what I did; I swear it was an accident!"

The Gastly didn't budge.

Kneeling down, the Gastly began to watch as the teen dug through his bag, retrieving what looked to be a round, blue Oran Berry. Setting it on the ground, he began shuffling through his bag before backing away, faintly smiling to encourage the timid ghost. Slowly, it began to weave through the air, slowly, but surely... and quickly nabbed the berry before rushing behind the same tree, munching on it nosily. It felt better after the small treat as it once again turned around, only to see the person holding the same berry in his hand.

It did the same motions, wiggling forward like a Caterpie, but eventually, it stopped a few centimeters short of his hand. "Hey, there's no need to be afraid, I won't hurt you." Unlike before, his voice did have emotion now and it was calm and soothing to the nervous pokemon. If it could tip toe over, that would be the best way the Gastly moving slowly towards the berry and nibbling on it.

Making no sudden movements, Alex steadily brought his hand towards the orbs side, but not before lightly brushing it. While the Gastly felt a little scared, it became reassured before calming down as the boy slumped down near a tree.

"Seriously though, that was an accident earlier; I meant no harm," he gently spoke, smiling at the creature. The Gastly seemed to understand as it nodded before licking Alex one last time for now; he remained unflinching; solid as a rock, but maintained his unperturbed manner as the tingling sensation faded away. The Gastly blinked for a couple of seconds as it gleefully did a little jig side to side and a flip or two.

Chuckling slightly, Alex stood up to his full height, looking eye to eye with the ghost. "Gastly... no, how about Henry... is it alright if I call you Henry," he quizzed, only to be greeted with a friendly nod and invasion of his personal space for a mere couple of seconds. "Alright then; Henry, do you want to be my partner on this journey of ours?"

The pokemon responded by getting near his trainers shirt and rubbing it a little.

Alex was sure he could take that as a yes as he attached the ball to the strap inside his jacket, smiling only for a few more fleeting seconds.

---

At this point, he decided what he saw was no illusion and continued searching for that apparition of a girl, the Gastly following suit as it did has his newfound friend requested. There wasn't a semblance of worry, but Henry could see that there was something bothering the boy.

"Lynn... Where are you?" In turn, it let out a few "Gassss," as he too in turn scanned the perimeter. They were both completely silent; maybe if they hollered she would come? Regardless, they continued identifying any traces of life that wasn't a Murkrow or Spinrak as the duo continued their current mission.

[LokiLeo789]

---

Ray Stylo

Team/Items

Muay

@Rune_Alchemist

---

What a Gastly?

A Fleching?

Ray could feel it, building like an unstoppable snowball in the pit of his stomach. He couldn't concentrate on anything else that he wanted to do. He had to find the perfect Pokemon. Who could that be? In the next few moments, his heart started to beat harder and faster, adrenaline levels rose, his balls tried to crawl up inside his body and his brain started to fire out negative thoughts like a machine gun. It felt like Ray's skin had another hot layer on the outside, like a bean bag, it moved over his body and never seemed to leave. The negative thoughts kept coming like waves on rocks.

Ray started pacing or moving around irrationally. The arguments in his head got so fast and so disturbing that his brain soon shut his own body down. The young Stylo fell to the floor, surrounded by the artificial forest teeming with Pokemon. All around him trainers were finding their long life friends, and he was here breathing in his own fumes.

What was he going to do now? In his head, he slowed himself down. He was a Stylo, he couldn't just give up. He found that disappointing though, relying on his name to push himself forward. Despite his perpetual dislike for his own name, Ray took to his feet, and went on exploring.

Ray allowed the beauty for forest and the Pokémon to calm him. Eyes glimmered from tree hollows. The cries of Pokemon wailed between distorted trunks. He began to move faster, ignoring the briars that caught at black pants, the damp leaves that grimed at his skin.

Ray lifted his face, letting the light and shadow dance across pale skin. Bees hummed in and out of the pennyroyal. The sound of cracking branchs baraly registered in his mind. He inhaled its minty smell and continued on, delighting in the sound of his feet sliding through the leaves. Soon, Ray burst through the artificial forest running at full speed. . . only to slam into the wall.

"Damn wall!" he mumred angerily as he rubbed his sore nose. Making himself look like an idiot wasn't on his list of things to do today. Wordlessly, Ray scaned the area, hoping that no one had seen him. To his dismay though, the cackling of a disembodied being dashed his hopes.

Standing precaiously on a tree branch above him, was an unusual Pokemon, the perfect Pokemon. The Pokémon possessed a pelt dominated by blue fur, with black regions covering its upper torso, its lower legs, a pair of fleshy appendages growing from the sides of its head, a "mask" around its eyes and extending along the upper region of its snout, and a band of cream-colored fur around its neck giving a resemblance to a collar.

How could he not know that Pokémon, it was a rare, but iconic little guy. Riolu, his perfect fighting companion. It had been following him this whole time, no doubt amazed by his new threads.

Ray held his fist up for the Riolu, goading it towards him. Excitedly, the Pokemon left its perch, and slammed it fist into his own. "You and I, are gonna become the very best, I think I'm going to name you Muay." he jibbed, ignoring the pain in his fist. Muay's rhinestone eyes widened excitedly as it took in its name.

Wordlessly, Ray took to his feet, and took up a stance, Riolu only followed suit. Ray placed his left leg forward, just slightly wider than shoulder a width apart. His right foot was placed in the back, his toes pointing about 45 degrees with a slight raise. Both his heel and knees slightly bent. Ray's elbows found themselves close to his ribs and his hands in a loose closed fist next to his temple. His body hunch slightly, and almost squared.

Riolu imitated him seamlessly. With a quick, resounding huff, they both dropped the stance. "Onward!" he procalmied, Riolu cried in unison and they began to march back into the forset. In the back of his mind, he realized he had no idea where he was going.

In the distance, a gray haired girl who seemed competent enough was chosen to be his savior. Without hesitation, Ray sprinted at her, his black fatigues no doubt making him look either mancing or stupid.

Coming to a halt once he got to her, he took a moment to regain his breath. For a fighting enthusiast, he need to get back in shape. Muay simply shook its head in exsaperation. "You. . .wouldn't happen. . . to know the way out . . . would you? Huff" he called, raking his lime colored hair. He was surprised to find no Pokemon with her, he thought was had been the only one.

[MissFortune]

Fantasia Heirloom

Estoria City, Pokemon Lab

Current Team

Budew

@AbysmalDemon

"Alright Fantasia, I'm gonna cut the sham. Look, you know I'm not about being humble, and with the way you arrived here, in that gown, I know your not about that either, so I'm gonna cut to the chase. I know that you think you're every perfect thing that's right with the world, some daddy's girl who inherited everything and earned nothing. You got a fancy Pokémon bought for you, with yet again your daddy's money, who got his place on the top of the food chain the same way you hope to, by doing nothing. Well I have to tell you the truth, Fantasia. I hate to break it to you but you can't dazzle your way through the world and expect to get something out of it. Sure you think you're perfect, full of pride with all your family's accomplished, but the only thing you're actually 'full of' is a bad ego, and selfishness, which leaves one damn hollow trainer to me. So if you'll excuse me I have a Pokémon to catch that I'll have an actual bond to share with, not just a receipt."

Fantasia stood speechless, attempting to unpack everything as Charlie turned and walked away. It wasn’t long before she the anger began to overwhelm her, her powdered face turning an embarrassed pink color as bystanders pointed and whispered about the argument that just ensued.

“Y-You’re going to say all that about me? So what if I am a ‘daddy’s girl’, maybe it’s because I didn’t have a mother to come home too! You sure talk a big game about who you think I am and have shown little appreciation for all that my family’s given you. Without my father where would you and your mother be? You better take a reality check and count your blessings my friend. For your sake, and the sake of your family's stability I think you owe me an apology because you know as well as I do this lifestyle you have could disappear without the backing of my father.” Fantasia quirked an evil grin, side eying Charlie as he tilted his head slightly back. [/color]“I want to be your friend, I really do; Pokeball Frontier’s daughter best friends with Pokemon Professor’s son would give both our families great publicity when I become a renowned Pokemon Coordinator and you become… Whatever you’re going to become, so I’ll tell you what is gonna happen. I am going forgive your little ‘mishap’ and sit right here for you while you catch your little Weedle along with the other thousand people in there, we are gonna move along and everything's gonna be just peachy? Okay?”[/color]

She smiled and waved passive aggressively at him as he walked into the Sanctuary, slumping back and rolling her eyes the second he was out of sight. She knew that for publicity purposes, if she wanted to be known throughout the region she needed to befriend the Professor's son; which turned out to be harder than she had expected.

She figured with the downtime between him catching in the sanctuary, it would be a good time to play around with her new Pokedex. She dug through her tiny bag, over and over again unable to find it. As each moment without the Pokedex in her hand’s passed Fantasia was sent into a panic, scurrying around in all the places she had been with no luck.

She sat back down, knowing Charlie would hopefully have an idea of where to look - perhaps his mother found it and kept it for safekeeping? Fantasia would be completely embarrassed to state that she lost it, so perhaps Charlie would ask his mother if he has seen it on behalf of her. In a few short minutes, out walks Charlie with a white Beldum; which in all honesty Fantasia could care less about at the moment, she had more pertinent matters to attend to.

“Oh good, you caught a floating white rock congratulations.” Fantasia looked anxious, as if she were about to cry, he was about to retort something but she cut him off. "Yeah, Yeah, I can’t find my expensive Pokedex - it’s missing and we need to do something about it! Go ask your mom if she has seen it, or perhaps she has another one - money's no object!”

[AbysmalDemon]

Charlie Cedar

@MissFortune

Charlie found Fantasia in the crowd sitting on a bench. He walked up to her and she mention he caught a 'floating white rock' despite the quite audible gasps from the crowd indicating it was a shiny Pokémon. He was about to respond to her when she cut him off for the umpteenth time today. "Yeah, Yeah, I can’t find my expensive Pokedex - it’s missing and we need to do something about it! Go ask your mom if she has seen it, or perhaps she has another one - money's no object! Fantasia was actually asking him for something, and he took the chance to use his leverage. "No Fantasia, you need to do something about it. Right now I need to do what you said before, which is continue my 'self righteous, humble journey '." Alex walked out, the automatic sliding doors opening for him, but he stopped. He turned back towards the crowd gathering to hopefully witness the duos second argument. Charlie's eyes narrowed in anger. "And don't you dare talk about how great of a man your father is, and about how your family has done things for us. Where would me and my mother be right now with out your father you ask? We would be right here, holding this event, with a Sanctuary built by another company, in a better world. And I think it's time for you to take a reality check. Do you think I don't know your situation with your father? You going back to your father about this would result in you losing the little dignity and self respect that you have, so I suggest you think about the lifestyle that you have!"

He could see now that she was on the verge of tears, but he didn't care. He shoved past the onlookers and through the doors of the lab into the sweltering summer heat of the city. Beldum looked confused, wondering what just happened, but he forgot about it and followed his trainer outside. He wasn't used to the hot temperatures of the real world, and it was taking him a long time to get used to it, which Charlie noticed. "C'mon buddy, let's go get some ice cream. I heard that a Casteliacone vendor came here from the Unova Region from a ferry. She should be on Rose Street."