[IC] Pokémon XD: Chasing Shadows

[Ninian]

??? and Ein

[Orre - ???]

"Oh! Ein, look! Can you so turn the volume up a bit? I can't hear what they're saying!" Rushing over towards a large flat-screen television, a pink-haired girl stared at it intently.

An annoyed groan was let out by the man working beside her. "I'm trying to concentrate. Unlike someone else in this room."

Letting out an aggravated huff, the female retorted, "Ugh! Why do you always have to be such a downer? Like you SO need to lighten up!" With brows furrowed with annoyance, she scurried around the room before locating the volume controller. Blasting the speakers up to max with a wide grin, she then sat right on the ground staring upwards.

"Would you turn that down...?"

The girl ignored him, focused upon the glowing screen. "...is holding a competition, with the grand prize being a rare Pokémon known as Type: Null." The girl's eyes were entranced by the chimeric Pokémon shown upon the screen. "Unlike most competitions, this one is being held on a Battle SIM! If you do not have access to your own simulator, Realgam Tower is coordinating with the Aether Foundation during the event. Check out aetherfoundation.com for more details! Now, on to the weather..."

Immediately hitting the mute button, the girl turned around to the man next to her. About to open her mouth, he interjected, "Yes. I heard. I take it you're interesting in participating in the competition?"

"I'm in love! Did you see it? It looks so tough! I've never seen a Pokémon so perfectly tough! I want it! I really, so need it! It's going to be XD002! I can feel it!"

Turning to look over the girl, the long-haired man narrowed his gaze, "XD002... That decision will be for the Grand Master. However, I will not stop you if you wish to participate. Mind you, you'll still need to win."

"What do you mean win!? Can't I just break into that Aether whatever and totally steal it?"

"Absolutely out of the question. We do not need attention drawn to us at this time."

"You're so mean! Fine! I'll so win that competition and totally get that Type: Null thing legitimately!" Putting her hands on her hips, the girl stormed out.

Several days have passed since the news broadcast. The tournament is nearing its conclusion.

[Orre - Realgam Tower - Battle SIM]

"Okay Milotic! You're going to have to make that ugly rock thing love you! Attract~" Holding up a peace sign, the girl commanded her simulated Pokémon.

[MILOTIC used ATTRACT! ALOLAN GOLEM is INFATUATED!] Hearts appeared around the Tender Pokémon as it began to work its charms on the opposing Alolan Golem.

Gritting their teeth, the opposing Trainer held out an arm, "Explosion! Take it down with you!"

However, nothing happened. Hearts could be seen in the simulated Rock-type's eyes. Moments later, it fell to a knee, taking crippling damage from poison it had been inflicted by previously.

"You so can do this! Okay! We can't let that thing hit you, so use Confuse Ray!"

[MILOTIC used CONFUSE RAY! ALOLAN GOLEM is CONFUSED!] A flash of light washed over the enfeebled Alolan Golem as it stumbled around. Its Trainer gave out a cry, "Ugh, we can't lose! Explosion!"

Taking a battle stance, the Rock-Electric Type appeared to be charging an attack, when suddenly it fell clumsily to the ground. In attempt to get back up, it was struck by the ticking damage, causing it to collapse in simulated agony.

Large letters appeared before the two participants, "Lovrina WINS!"

"I totally won! I knew I was the best! That means I'm totally one of the finalists! I so get to go to the final round at Aether Sanctuary! Twirling in a victory dance, the girl quickly made her exit.

A day after winning her bracket, Lovrina was invited on an all-expenses-paid trip to Aether Sanctuary along with three other talented Trainers. After a week's time, the Trainers made their way to the Sanctuary, located in the side of a mountain near Gateon Port.

[Orre - Aether Sanctuary Exterior]

"This is so exciting! I can't believe I'm really here! The building is so white, Ein would totally love it! Let's see, I can totally send a pic to him..." Pulling out her phone, she lifted the pink device into the air, taking a shot of the strange building that seemed to be embedded in the side of the large mountainside. "There! Aaaand, send!" Pushing the send button dramatically with a finger, she stared down at the message window, eagerly awaiting a response.

Would you please stop texting me every 30 seconds.

"He's so jealous. Oh well, let's see..." Stuffing her phone back into her pocket, she looked towards the building once more, only to realize she couldn't discern a way to actually enter. "Oh no! They so didn't mention anything like this in the e-mail... How am I supposed to get in?!"

[Shiny Keldeo]

Luna Muuya

Torrent the Popplio, Flake the Vulpix, Sola the Bounsweet
[Orre Region - Near Aether Sanctuary]

As she neared the location that was given to her, Luna could almost feel the Butterfrees in her stomach. She was excited, nervous, happy, scared, every emotion you can think of at once. She wondered how she, out of all of the competitors, ended up placing highest in her bracket. Whatever the case, she was there now, in a whole new region she'd never seen before. Along with her were three of her closest Pokemon, Torrent the Popplio, Flake the Vulpix, and Sola the Bounsweet.

"Well... we're finally here... I think that's it up... there..." She said before her mouth gaping in awe of the beautiful structure before her. "Wow, and I thought Aether Paradise was amazing..." She said as she and her Pokemon continued onward.

<It's so weird though... I haven't seen a single Wild Pokemon since we got here... the place just seems... dead...> Torrent said, looking at the surroundings from Luna's arms. <You're right... I'm getting a really bad vibe about this place...> Sola replied from her shoulder. <You seem to be overreacting, surely there are some native Pokemon around here somewhere...> Flake replied, trailing along on the ground next to Luna.

As the group continued their approach, Luna caught sight of a pink haired lady who was taking a picture of the structure. "Um, excuse me, are you one of the other bracket winners?" She asked as she came up.

[MankeyMankey]

Shannon Blaine

Amber the Joltik, Falc the Scyther
[Orre Region - Near Aether Sanctuary]

There it is... The pink haired girl looked up from her silver smartphone to see the modern structure built into the mountainside. After closing her navigation app and switching on some classical music, she stuffed her device into the pocket of her baggy blue varsity jacket and put on her black earbuds. Despite the deadpan expression on her face, she was nervous and a bit scared. Being away from home was always frightening. There were so many things to take into consideration and so much that could go wrong. However, it was all necessary for her main goal of self improvement. The best of the best weren't going to just come near. She needed to seek them out herself.

Approaching the outside of the sanctuary, she spotted two others waiting, a short young blonde and a bright pink haired teenager with a tacky hairstyle. Looks like most of us are here... although there should be one or two more... She glanced over her shoulder to see if anyone trailing behind before giving a simple shrug and joining the two. Although they were all in the same tournament, they were in different brackets so none of them appeared familiar. Choosing to save introductions for later, she gave them a small wave and placed her hands into her pockets before eyeing the building before them. There wasn't anything else in the email besides the directions so I guess we have to wait...

[Ninian]

Lovrina

Rara the Gardevoir, Mimi the Sylveon
[Orre - Aether Sanctuary Exterior]

@Shiny Keldeo@MankeyMankey
Turning around on a heel at the voice addressing her, Lovrina held up two fingers with a smile, "Yup! I so totally rocked bracket three!" Looking the girl and her Pokémon over for a moment, she smiled before looking down at one of the Love Balls around her waste. Taking one into her hand, she then threw it to the ground with a grin, "Come on out Mimi!"

In a flash of white light, a Sylveon materialized looking around with wide eyes, <So this is the Aether Sanctuary? Hmmm...>

Looking back to the blonde-haired girl, she continued, "So! I guess you're totally one of the other bracket winners, huh? I think there's supposed to be two more, I wonder where—" Spotting a newcomer, Lovrina gave an exaggerated wave back, "Hi! I guess you're one of the other winners! That's so cool, I bet you're super talented! There should so be one more... Oh well! We should totally find a way in there..." Pausing for a moment she stopped herself, "Oh, I totally didn't introduce myself. I'm Lovrina!"

[MankeyMankey]

Shannon Blaine

Amber the Joltik, Falc the Scyther
[Orre - Aether Sanctuary Exterior]

Shannon was enjoying her time immersing herself in the breathtaking scenery around them when she caught a glimpse of a white flash from the corner of her eye. Turning her head, she saw the Sylveon and raised a brow. Interesting... She glanced over her shoulder, wondering if she should toss out her Pokemon before deciding against it for the time being. Unable to clearly hear the pink haired girl, she pulled out an earbud and calmly looked up at her.

Her annoyingly bubbly voice hit Shannon's ears, drawing out a wince and a bit of regret. Maybe I should've just kept them in... With a curt nod, she accepted the compliment although her face remained emotionless. Despite all her travels, she was a recluse person at heart. Openly expressing herself to strangers wasn't something she was fond of doing. Leaving the earbud out to be polite, she placed her hands back into her pockets and looked back to the Sanctuary. "I'm Shannon..." She said quietly, glancing at Lovrina to make brief eye contact. Upon hearing the girl's suggestion, she shook her head. "We should stay here... The instructions led to this spot specifically..."

[Light Lord]

Delsin Grey

Tomo the EmpoleonShu the Croagunk
[Orre - Aether Sanctuary Exterior]

@Ninian@Shiny Keldeo@MankeyMankey
So this is the place....The Orre Aether Sanctuary.

The black haired teen's deep green gaze trialled up to the top of the large formation of grassy rock and dirt before him. His atttention focusing on the rectangular structure jutting out from the side and the shiny gold colored emblem on the buildings side. Walking forwards as he hefted his red backpack and wiped the sweat from his thin brows, his thoughts continued to engross his mind.

This competition is still really strange...Why would they waste the money to bring all of the finalists here, if the competition stated it was only based off of SIM battle performance? Wouldn't it just be easier to issue some sort of final SIM scenario to only the finalists, and then just send the Type: Null to whoever scores highest?...Unless they brought us here to have practical battles in person to make the final decision. That'd be pretty interesting....

The grey sweater tied around his waist flopped around a bit as he spotted a group of three other people and their Pokémon standing around in the grass wearing confused looks. Might be the other finalists....Looks like they're having a hard time trying to figure out how to get in.

Stepping up beside the sports jacketed girl, the plain faced teenager cross his arms and glanced at the others. "If you guys are all here for the SIM battle results, my guess would be there's some sort of underground entrance around here. They'll probably come get us."

[Ninian]

Lovrina

Rara the Gardevoir, Mimi the Sylveon
[Orre - Aether Sanctuary Exterior]

@Shiny Keldeo@MankeyMankey@Light Lord
"Well, I know it said to stay here, but we so can't wait forever!" Pulling out her phone, she'd stare at it for a moment, "I totally didn't realize we're actually a bit early! That would so explain everything. I so hate waiting. They better show up soon, or I'll totally be annoyed..."

A fourth arrived, drawing the attention of the pig-tailed teen. Raising a finger, she smiled, "Looks like everyone's totally here!" Winking at the newcomer, she'd continue, "I bet you're totally right. If it's an underground entrance, we could so be here for days. Someone has to come get us."

From the mountain came a figure clad in white, as Delsin predicted. For those familiar with the Aether Foundation, they would recognize the garment as a male foundation uniform. As he came into view, it'd be apparent that he had long blonde locks pulled into a ponytail, fair skin and slight features. Also of note, a small Eevee perched on his shoulder.

Smiling warmly, he'd approach the group, "Greetings! It appears everyone made it here on time! Wonderful! I'm Lucius, and of course," Gesturing behind him he'd continue, "This is Aether Sanctuary, a branch of the Aether Foundation. I assume you've done your research, but in case you haven't I am happy to answer any and all questions you may have."

Raising her hand and jumping, Lovrina pipped up, "Oooh! Oooh! So, what are we here for anyway? The e-mail didn't really give us a lot of information, aside from the fact that we're staying here for a while."

With a small smile, Lucius continued, "Excellent question. Once inside, the Branch Manager is going to speak with you about the Foundation, and our current goals. You're also going to undergo a training session before entering combat with each other. You will be using Pokémon provided by the Foundation, and the final competition will take place in three days time."

[Shiny Keldeo]

@Ninian @Light Lord @MankeyMankey

Luna Muuya

Torrent the Popplio, Flake the Vulpix, Sola the Bounsweet
[Orre Region - Aether Sanctuary Exterior]

As the trainers around her began to introduce themselves, she barely got a moment to say her piece. "I'm Luna, nice to meet you all..." She said in between the conversations, wondering if anyone even heard her. As the fourth and final bracket winner showed up, a man from the Aether Foundation finally appeared, and began to explain the situation.

Luna seemed relieved but also slightly disappointed. "So I won't be able to use you guys..." She thought, looking at her team around her. She looked back to the man who gave his man as Lucius. "Could we head inside? I can't wait to see what it's like, if it's anything like Aether Paradise in Alola. Besides, it's honestly kind of gloomy out here..." She said, looking nervously around her.

<Yeah, this is really kinda freaky, I don't even see any Bird Pokemon flying around...> Torrent said, seeming just as nervous. <I told you this place was weird... why did Luna come here...> Sola said, looking over to Flake. <Y-you guys are still probably just overreacting. Pokemon live everywhere, we just don't see them... I think...> She said with a fake air of confidence but a clear nervousness.

[MankeyMankey]

Shannon Blaine

Amber the Joltik, Falc the Scyther
[Orre - Aether Sanctuary Exterior]

@Ninian@Shiny Keldeo@Light Lord

Shannon let out an exasperated sigh as she looked around and patiently waited for the escort to arrive. She was positive that someone would eventually show up. Hearing light footsteps from behind, she glanced over her shoulder, only to see the last finalist arriving. At least we are all here... With a stoic expression, she gave him a calm wave and turned her attention back to the sanctuary ahead, taking a step to the side to give him room as he stepped up besides her.

After the boy stated his suggestion, she gave a polite nod of approval and opened her mouth to voice her agreement. "Yes... That sou-" Almost immediately, her gentle voice was run over by the bubbly pig-tailed teen. Never mind... She placed her earbud back and decided to enjoy a couple more seconds of her relaxing music, closing her eyes to rest. Reflecting back on the conversation that had gone on around her, she recalled seeing the young girl attempt an introduction but she hadn't heard what was said. I should ask for her name later...

Upon the arrival of the employee, she lowered the volume of her music and looked over at him, silently listening. It seemed like a bit too much. Three days of preparation and seminar for a simple battle SIM finale. Then again, she hadn't really bothered to take into consideration the prize at stake. Hearing the point about being unable to use her own Pokemon, she furrowed her brow. If that was the case, then perhaps three days would be necessary after all. Let's hope they have a good selection... Crossing her arms, she gave another nod at the little girl's request to head inside.

[Ninian]

Lovrina

Rara the Gardevoir, Mimi the Sylveon
[Orre - Aether Sanctuary Exterior]

@Shiny Keldeo@MankeyMankey@Light Lord
A smile spread across the blonde's lips at Luna's question, "Of course, we can go inside immediately." Gesturing for the others to follow, he'd continue, "I assume you've never been to Orre before. If not, there's an important detail. It's likely why you consider this area 'gloomy'. There are essentially no wild Pokémon in Orre."

The small Eevee on Lucius' shoulder turned around to address the three gossiping Pokémon. <We're... um... sort of a ways away from any of the Pokéspots, so... you're not going to see anyone...>

The pink-haired girl's Sylveon approached her Trainer, wrapping a tendril around the girl's hand. <Orre is barely habitable... only a handful of rock and ground types really live here. It's not just the heat, either. There's pollution...>

Lovrina took out her cellphone with her free hand, and began texting furiously with her thumb. "I'm totally glad we're going in. It's getting hot out here."

[Light Lord]

Delsin Grey

Tomo the EmpoleonShu the Croagunk
[Orre - Aether Sanctuary Exterior]

@Ninian@Shiny Keldeo@MankeyMankey
The black haired teen's attention was drawn to the rather uninterested looking girl with an earbud hanging from her shoulder. Her attempted comment on his plan being completely overtaken by the exclamations of of the impossibly long haired woman. Flicking his jade eyes over to the woman, Delsin gave a sort of confused frown in response to the wink, before looking back at the mountain before them. How did someone like that manage to place in the finals?

In response of what Delsin predicted, the side of the grassy hill seemed to open up to a hidden tunnel, a white suited man baring an Eevee stepping out of it. The focused Trainer scanning the blonde's fancy attire and friendly demeanour while taking in the details about the coming events. Letting the girl who announced herself as Luna ask her question. We're going to be using rental Pokémon? Interesting....Though it's not a SIM battle, it's a good way to take us out of our element and see how we adapt.....Tomo might be angry that he'll be left out, but he'll just need to deal with it for now. Shu would appreciate the break.

After being invited to come inside of the mountainous structure, Delsin slightly picked up his pace to walk just to the side of Lucius and turn his head to face him. "I just had a question about the format of the training matches and final competition. Are they going to be Singles, or Doubles? I know that Doubles are the regional standard here, but I just wanted to make sure."

[Shiny Keldeo]

@Ninian @Light Lord @MankeyMankey

Luna Muuya

Torrent the Popplio, Flake the Vulpix, Sola the Bounsweet
[Orre Region - Aether Sanctuary Exterior]

When the man replied that there were apparently no wild Pokemon in Orre, Luna and her Pokemon seemed shocked. "Really? That's so weird... I always thought Pokemon could exist anywhere and everywhere..." She said quietly to herself, her Pokemon carrying on their own conversation. <No Wild Pokemon? Now that's just freaky... and what's a Pokestop?> Torrent asked the shoulder mounted Eevee.

Sola was immediately concerned by what the Sylveon said. <What? Pollution? How Bad? Should we be out of our Pokeballs? Is it safe for us to even be here?!> Sola quickly began to panic, Flake regaining her calm demeanor and moving over to comfort the grass type. <Now please calm down, Sola. If it were dangerous, would so many People and Pokemon be living here? Like at the port we came in at?> She said, somewhat easing Sola's nerves. <I... I guess not...> She replied, still unsure of the surroundings she was in.

The boy who had arrived, who hadn't even given his name yet, asked about the Tournament Rules as they started to head in. "Orre's standard battling style is a Double Battle? That's cool, actually." She said in reply, while waiting for the man's answer.

[Ninian]

Lovrina

Rara the Gardevoir, Mimi the Sylveon
[Orre - Aether Sanctuary Exterior]

@Shiny Keldeo@MankeyMankey@Light Lord
"You're quite perceptive. While singles battles are popular in SIMs, they regional standard is indeed doubles." Averting his gaze, he'd frown for a moment before continuing his explanation, "The final competition is going to be in the doubles format. I'm sure most of you are unfamiliar with it, which is partially what our training is going to deal with. For example, certain strategies are more viable when you're fighting with two." Winking at his Eevee, he'd continue, "Isn't that right, Serra?"

<Yup!>

Glancing back at Luna for a moment, Lucius pressed forward, "Pokémon are beginning to appear in the region, though I cannot say why. I can say that this area suffers extreme temperatures and weather, and has had its share of pollution. When it does rain, it is highly acidic and not potable."

Looking to the other Pokémon, the small Eevee answered their questions, <A Pokéspot is a safe haven for wilds... well... sort of safe. Trainers often bring them food, so that might be why they can thrive. Anyway... um... you can live here, with the support of humans and their technology. Wilds don't exactly have clean water... or um, air conditioning... just um, stuff like that.>

It did not take the group long to reach the tunnel leading towards an elevator. Stepping inside, the man gestured for everyone to enter.

Once inside, Lovrina took a look around, "Ooooh! This is so awesome. It's actually a lot like the place I used to work, but I like the white! It looks so chic!"

"Our former President prided herself in appearances."

[MankeyMankey]

Shannon Blaine

Amber the Joltik, Falc the Scyther
[Orre - Aether Sanctuary Exterior]

@Ninian@Shiny Keldeo@Light Lord

Waiting patiently as they remained outside, Shannon quietly tapped her foot on the ground and looked around with her arms crossed. I wonder how much this all cost to build... It's an interesting choice of location as w- With the group being led inside, she'd interrupt her own thoughts and place her hands into her pockets before following suit, trailing behind as if avoiding social interaction.

Despite her silence and stoic expression, she remained attentive to the exchange ahead. Overhearing the little girl's inquiry, she'd shake her head in response, knowing the area's uninhabitable state. Hearing the employee's answer to the question regarding battle format, she lifted her head and looked over at him. It was music to her ears to hear of the Finals being Doubles. Two Pokemon allowed for more strategy and creativity after all. Looks like it'll be even more fun than I expected... Although the competition doesn't seem too... difficult... besides that other guy...

Having walked at a faster pace than expected, she moved into the elevator following the bubbly pink haired girl. This turned out to be a mistake as the girl's loud useless comment about the interior rang right into her ear. Disgruntled, she let out a small sigh and moved to the opposite corner of the elevator, leaning against the wall and resting her head back as she waited for the rest of enter so they could descend.

[Ninian]

Lovrina and Lucius

Lovrina's Party: Rara the Gardevoir, Mimi the Sylveon
Lucius' Party: Serra the Eevee
[Orre - Aether Sanctuary]

@Shiny Keldeo@MankeyMankey@Light Lord
It took about two minutes for the elevator to finally ascend into the building proper. The doors opened into a Pokémon Sanctuary, not unlike the one located in Paradise. "Welcome to Sanctuary! I'm sure you would all like to get settled, so let's get you to your rooms first." Gesturing for the party to follow, the turned a right, heading down a long hallway that seemed to lead away from the preserve. A long line of doors could be seen, and after a minute of walking, Lucius finally stopped to turn around.

"As you can see, your rooms have your names on them, and..." Pulling out a few key-cards, he distributed them to the group, "These are your keys. They also can be used to access several facilities within Sanctuary, so don't lose them! Once your things are put away, meet back here. Our Branch Manager is quite excited to meet everyone."

[Shiny Keldeo]

@Ninian @Light Lord @MankeyMankey

Luna Muuya

Torrent the Popplio, Flake the Vulpix, Sola the Bounsweet
[Orre Region - Aether Sanctuary Exterior]

Luna was visibly nervous as they finally headed in, and she ended up returning Flake and Sola as to not take up too much room in the Elevator. After everyone was in, the Elevator slowly headed up into the facility until it finally stopped and the doors opened to reveal an interior almost exactly similar to Aether Paradise in Alola.

As their guide led them to the rooms they would be staying in, Luna graciously took the key offered to her. "Thank you." She said kindly, looking to the other trainers around her. "I'm going to take a minute to myself, then, I won't be long." She said, moving to the door with her name on it. As she scanned her keycard in a machine next to the door, similar to many hotels, she heard a click, and the door would unlock and open with a turn of the handle.

Inside the room was very... plain. There was a single bed, along with a wall mounted television and a few chairs and furnishings. There was also a Computer Terminal in the corner. Finally inside, she released her two Pokemon stored away in her Pokeballs, as they all took in the surroundings. <Well this is... something...> Torrent said to her companions as she jumped up on the bed with Flake and Sola. <Well, it's better than nothing.> Sola replied, Flake nodding, then releasing a wide yawn.

Luna smiled before heading over to the corner terminal. It appeared to have a digital web camera built in, so she could use it to call her parents back in Alola, which she promptly did. "Hey, mom. Well, I made it here, and to be honest, it's really nerveracking." She said, her mother on the screen smiling. "Oh, give it some time, honey, you'll get used to it soon. Just give it your all and have fun." Her mother replied.

After a bit more conversing on the phone with her mother and father, she finally ended her call with them. As she turned and headed for the door, she stopped and looked at the bed. Sola and Torrent were still talking, while Flake had curled up rather comfortably and fallen asleep, tired from the walk they'd taken that day.

"Well, who wants to come with me?" She asked. Torrent looked over to Sola. <I'm fine with staying here for now, those other trainers give me the creeps about as much as this Region.> She said, Sola nodding. <Yeah, I know what you mean. That boy didn't even give a name, that one girl is just... I don't know, but that Lady seems too upbeat for her own good. I'll keep Luna safe.> She replied, jumping up onto Luna's shoulder.

"Sola, then? Alright, don't mess this room up while we're gone, Torrent. I'll know it was you, too, Hound's not here." She told her water type partner. <Wow, it's like you don't trust me or something, ha!> Torrent replied sarcastically.

[Light Lord]

Delsin Grey

Tomo the EmpoleonShu the Croagunk
[Aether Sanctuary]

@Ninian@Shiny Keldeo@MankeyMankey
The girl who had introduced herself as Luna commented on the information he shared, causing Delsin to look back at her and nod with a smile. "Yeah. Competitive battles are much more common in Orre than casual battles, since this region doesn't have any Gyms or even a League. It's mostly up to the Trainer's themselves to rank who's the strongest unless you train at a Colosseum or Mt.Battle."

Looking back up at Lucius, the inky haired teen shook his head and gripped his bag. "I've been in a few Doubles before, so I'm not new to it. I trained up quite a bit for them before coming here."

Going in silence for the rest of the way until the elevator, the student finally reacted once he caught a brief glimpse of the Pokémon Sanctuary proper before being whisked away. An awed expression gaped Delsin's mouth as he viewed the greenery and the many tiny Pokémon dance around inside of it. "Amazing....It's like that mansion's garden...."

When the card keys were given out, Delsin took the one offered to him and nodded in thanks, turning to slide his in a nearby door and look over his shoulder with a smile. "I'll just toss my bag in here and wash my face. I'm actually really curious to see what this place has."

[MankeyMankey]

Shannon Blaine

Amber the Joltik, Falc the Scyther
[Aether Sanctuary]

@Ninian@Shiny Keldeo@Light Lord

With her hands stuffed inside her pockets, Shannon exited the elevator last, trailing behind the others and scanning the interior of the Aether Sanctuary. Seeing all the beautiful lush plants complimented by the colorful little Pokemon bouncing about was breathtaking. It was a understatement to say that she was amazed despite her stoic expression not showing it. Mesmerized, she continued looking around, idly walking until the group came to a stop.

Halting just before she bumped into the chatty pink haired girl, she stepped to the side and extended a hand to take her key. With a light dip of her head, she took the card and put it into her pocket before heading off to her room.

Closing the door behind her, she sighed and stretched out her arms, letting out a soft groan as she looked around. "Nice..." She mumbled to herself, taking her bag off her shoulders and setting it on the floor besides her bed. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out two Net Balls and released her two Pokemon. "Sorry about not letting you out earlier... You can relax here for now." She said kindly with a gentle smile. Putting the empty Net Balls back into her pockets, she headed to the corner terminal and turned it on to record a quick video message for her family.

"Okay... Here it goes..." After clearing her throat, she pressed 'record' and took on a light cheery tone, smiling happily into the live webcam. "Hello! This is your daughter Shannon here~ I just wanted to check in and say that I have arrived here safe and sound." Gesturing to the room behind her, she continued. "Anyway, I'll try to do my best here. Love you all! Bye~" She waved and stopped recording, hitting 'send' with a deep sigh. "Now that's over..."

Shannon turned off the terminal and looked over to her Pokemon. "Alright, I'll be back later..." She stretched once more and let out a soft yawn, checking her pocket for her phone before heading outside to meet back with Lucius. Entering the hallway, she closed the door and took out her earbuds, putting one in her ear and leaning back against the wall to wait for the others.

[Ninian]

Lovrina and Lucius

Lovrina's Party: Rara the Gardevoir, Mimi the Sylveon
Lucius' Party: Serra the Eevee
[Orre - Aether Sanctuary]

@Shiny Keldeo@MankeyMankey@Light Lord
Taking the key cheerfully, Lovrina let herself into her room. Popping open a second Love Ball, a Gardevoir materialized. "Oookay! It's totally time to check in on Ein! He'll be so totally excited!"

Sitting down at the terminal, she'd punch in the scientist's number.

"It seems someone allowed you access to a video phone."

"I'm tooootally here! They actually let me in!"

An groan of annoyance escaped the long-haired man, "Wonderful. I'm busy. Go do whatever it is they're telling you to do, and let me go back to work."

Ein ended the call.

"Well, it looks like I'm on my own~ All right, Mimi, Serra, you so should totally relax. You deserve it! Okay! See you later!"

The Gardevoir gave a curtsy, <Take care, Lovrina!> The Sylveon jumped on the bed, bowing with a smile, <Have fun!>

With that, the cheery girl closed the door behind her, then making her way back to Lucius, "I'm baaaack!"

The blonde gave the girl a nod, "Welcome back, everyone. Are you ready to go? Eldes is expecting you."

With the assumption everyone either said yes, or nothing, Lucius continued onward.

It didn't take the group long to return to the beautiful sanctuary filled with plants and Pokémon. Towards the back stood a man in a dark robe and short red hair.

"Welcome, I'm glad to see everyone has arrived. Just in time. As you know, you're here for a reason, however that true purpose has not been revealed as of yet." Once the man finished speaking, he caught sight of one of the winners. "I'm surprised you slipped through the cracks. Lovrina."

The girl's eyes widened, as she realized who exactly it was before her. "Oh cra—"

Just as the girl attempted to bolt, Lucius caught her, his hands firmly on her arms. Not aggressively, but enough to let her know it was futile.

"I am willing to give you a second chance, as Young Master Gladion has given me. Anyway, on to the matter at hand. How familiar are you all with Cipher, and their Shadow Pokémon?"

[Shiny Keldeo]

@Ninian @Light Lord @MankeyMankey

Luna Muuya

Torrent the Popplio, Flake the Vulpix, Sola the Bounsweet
[Orre Region - Aether Sanctuary]

After making sure the room was locked and placing the key card in her bag, Luna and Sola went with the rest of the group to meet whom she assumed was in charge, the man Lucius called Eldes. Upon reaching and meeting the man, it seemed he had a past with Lovrina, as her eyes widened in surprise and she tried to bolt, being caught by Lucius. "I wonder what that's about..." She thought as she focused again on the main in front of her.

"Cipher? Shadow Pokemon? I... can't say I have... are they something only found in Orre? If so that would be why, I've never left Alola before coming here." She answered, Sola once again becoming worried. <Shadow Pokemon? What are they? They sound really dangerous...> She asked, looking towards Serra for an answer.