[IC] Pokémon Journeys

[Ignorancebliss]

Sunlight spilled over the quaint houses of Sandgem Town, casting a warm glow upon the cobblestone streets. The air buzzed with the joyful chirping of Starlys. Their wings flitting through the cerulean sky like tiny streaks of silver. The townsfolk strolled. Faces touched by the sun's gentle caress, eyes squinting against the brilliance. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from the local bakery, luring passersby with its irresistible scent. Shadows danced playfully beneath the shade of towering oak trees. Their branches reaching out like ancient fingers, as if eager to embrace the radiant day. The sound of children's laughter echoed from the nearby park, mingling harmoniously with the distant lapping of waves against the shore. Time seemed to stand still in that moment in Sandgem Town, where the sun's radiance painted a vivid image of joy and tranquility.

Inside Professor Rowan's bustling lab, scientists darted around like electric currents. Their white lab coats billowed in the flurry of their movements. Beakers clinked and bubbling potions simmered on heated burners. The air crackled with the hum of machinery and the faint scent of chemicals. Intense eyes scanned computer screens, fingers tapping with rapid precision. The scientists huddled in tight groups, discussing theories with animated gestures. Excitement filled the room as ideas sparked and collided, each person eager to contribute to the symphony of discovery. The atmosphere pulsed with intellectual fervor, fueled by the constant pursuit of knowledge. Amidst the controlled chaos, snippets of conversation drifted through the air like fragments of a puzzle. "What if we modify the molecular structure?" one scientist pondered, while another chimed in, "Perhaps we can unlock new potentials."

The rumble of a massive truck reverberated through the serene outskirts of the city, disturbing the peace. Pokémon scattered in alarm, their paws pounding against the grass as they fled from the intrusive noise. Thick plumes of smoke billowed into the air, casting a murky haze over the surroundings. Within the truck, grunts clad in sleek black uniforms and donning cyan wigs, their expressions clouded with uncertainty. They seemed to lack conviction, their purpose unclear even to themselves. Cyrius himself presented them with the quest, his authority garnering their respect without a single question raised. Rowan's latest invention held the power to revolutionize their strategic endeavors, but the professor took utmost care to keep it shrouded from prying eyes. News, however, soared through the air, riding on whispers and rumors. Perhaps some of his assistants had connections to Galactic, or maybe even to the press. Regardless, the professor was well aware of the trouble such attention could bring.

Four young souls, recently bestowed with the age of twenty-one, stood on the precipice of their dreams, even though they had yet to uncover what those dreams truly were. Serendipity or chaos had brought them together in this small town, their paths converging like celestial threads woven by fate. Eager hearts pulsed within their chests, bursting with a need to prove themselves, not only to the world but to the depths of their own souls. Strangers they were, their lives unacquainted, but destiny had entwined their journeys forevermore.

[Crimson Flame]

It was sunny day in Sandgem City, Ryan McPhee, dressed in a stylish yet comfortable outfit, strolled through the bustling streets, excitement bubbling within him. A fair was in town, and Ryan just had to be part of it! It was a pit stop on his way to becoming a star.

As he approached the fairgrounds, vibrant colors and cheerful laughter welcomed him. The air was filled with the delightful scent of cotton candy, popcorn, and freshly baked goodies. Throngs of people meandered through the lively stalls, indulging in various delights and entertainment.

Ryan's first stop was the game section. He tried his hand at ring toss, aiming to hook a hoop around a bottle to win a stuffed Pokemon plush. After a few attempts, his determination paid off, and he proudly carried a fluffy Eevee plush in his arms. With a radiant smile, he thanked the game attendant and continued his fair adventure.

Next, he made his way to the food court, where an array of mouthwatering treats awaited him. Ryan couldn't resist trying some colorful, sugary piles of pink fluff also called Cotton Candy, as well as a refreshing lemonade to wash it all down. He bought some for himself, as well as Grace, his Snubbull.

As Ryan and Grace walked, through the fair. they soon came across a stage that was set up just for the occasion. People were preparing for the highlight of the event - a talent showcase. Ryan grinned from ear to ear. This is what he was here for. He could never pass up an opportunity to perform for a captive audience.

Ryan approached the sign-up booth for the talent show. He jotted down his name, Fae Rae, and the captivating fairy persona he'd come to cherish. He knew that today, Fae Rae would dazzle the audience as she always did.

Soon, the talent showcase began. The stage was bathed in a warm, golden glow, and the audience gathered with anticipation. With a deep breath, Ryan took his place on the stage, embracing the spotlight.

As Fae Rae, he mesmerized the crowd with a show-stopping performance. A song and dance number he had practiced in the privacy of his own room many times, along with a dazzling costume he had designed himself. His Snubbull was his background dancer. The audience was in awe of Ryan’s performance. Of course, as per usual, there were a few haters in the audience, but Ryan didn’t pay them any mind.

[Birdboy]

Elena strolled down the route toward the humble town of Sandgem. The trip had been rather lackluster so far, but ever the optimist, she had remained eager to truly begin her Pokemon journey. Waddling beside her was a small, sentient bag of trash. Occasionally the trubbish veered off towards the thick underbrush around the dirt road but by simply nudging him back on track the young girl kept the Pokemon on track.

So far she had not encountered a single Pokemon to catch, not without a lack of trying. A few flying times flew high above and she had noticed scuttling deeper in the woods, but the route to Sandgem had been empty. Perhaps it was fate that she wouldn't find her first Pokemon yet, or perhaps the stench of her companion was too much for them. Elena had personally become adjusted to the smell but she knew others could hardly stand it.

As they stepped into the small town, the first thing she noticed was the significant amount of people about. The streets were shockingly busy for the small town. The source was a fair set up close to town. Small rides whurred and filled the air with screams of delight. Stands served delectable treats and carnival criers shouted promotions to games. Elena looked on in delight before looking down at her partner. The guttersnipe she called Oscar probably never had a chance to enjoy such festivities. He seemed to look on unfazed as if this was no different from the road,

The crowd parted as they walked about, confirming Elena's suspicions about the smell. She was not going to complain, as it made her a clear pathway. Her first stop was to grab some carnival food: funnel cake and lemonade, which Oscar seemed to devour with fervor. She didn't try the games, she never could win them and she had nowhere to store any prizes. Finally, she found the talent show already halfway in progress. On stage was a drag queen who was giving it their all! Unknowingly she had caused a group of hecklers to move on as Oscar joined her.

"I suppose I shouldn't scare off the whole crowd. Sorry buddy I'll let you out in a bit" she finally said, feeling the eyes glowering at her in the crowd. Reluctantly she returned her Pokemon to his Pokeball, before cheering for the performer on stage.

[Ignorancebliss]

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow upon Sandgem Town, Lucia watched her twins, Paris and Olivier, from the window of their cozy home. The fairgrounds buzzed with excitement, a kaleidoscope of lights and laughter that promised an evening of delight. Yet, she had made her intentions clear earlier that day – the twins were to steer clear of her laboratory, their youthful exuberance better suited to embrace the enchantment of the fair. But, despite her motherly plea, Paris had chosen a different path. She stood at the threshold of the lab, her determination apparent, choosing the company of her mother's work over the boisterous carnival. And there, amidst the lingering scent of old books and brewing concoctions, Olivier felt a twinge of hurt, unable to escape the sense of disdain emanating from his sister. He yearned for her affection, a closeness he couldn't quite grasp, hidden behind a veil of subtle remarks and passive aggression. Their shared birthday had marked their twenty-first year, but it seemed the gulf between them remained wide. Paris never uttered the words that she disliked his presence, but her actions and unwavering love for her mother's work spoke volumes.

As the sun painted the morning sky with hues of orange, Olivier stood at the edge of the fairgrounds, his heart torn between excitement and hesitation. He gazed back at the familiar sight of his mother's laboratory, where she and the twins had spent countless hours working on their research with Professor Rowan. The weight of his decision to leave rested heavily on his shoulders, yet he knew he couldn't continue living in the shadow of their accomplishments. A deep longing to venture beyond Sandgem tugged at his soul, to explore the vast expanse of the world and uncover the mysteries that lay in wait. With a determined glint in his eyes, he set his sights on an unknown horizon, ready to embark on a journey of his own. The fair's colorful lights flickered around him, echoing the bittersweet moment as he turned away from Paris's warning, a firm resolve to take his first step into the unknown.

Olivier stood before the distorted mirrors of the funhouse, his all-white ensemble perfectly complementing the playful ambiance around him. His unique appearance, with white hair that seemed to meld effortlessly with his clothes, caught his attention in the mirrors. Despite his stylish attire, a hint of uncertainty lingered in his eyes. Beside him, Bliss, his loyal Alolan Vulpix, scampered about with unbridled enthusiasm, marveling at the sights and sounds of the bustling fair. Observing the joy in his companion's eyes, Olivier couldn't resist purchasing some Pokémon-safe cotton candy for her, delighting in the simple pleasure of making her happy. As the two embarked on their adventure through the vibrant carnival, a mix of excitement and trepidation swirled in Olivier's heart, eager to embrace the experiences that lay ahead.

Olivier and Bliss strolled through the maze of distorting mirrors, sharing laughter and bonding over their comically altered reflections. The mirror house's enchanting allure led them to an open area where a captivating performance unfolded. Mesmerized by the lively spectacle, Olivier found himself drawn into the crowd, his heart quickening with the pulse of social anxiety. Feeling overwhelmed, he attempted to retreat, his introverted nature taking hold. In his haste, he accidentally bumped into a girl with striking black hair, her bewildered expression mirroring his own. "Oh, I'm so sorry," he quickly apologized, his words tinged with regret. "I'm loving the show, but this crowd is killing me."

[Vertigo]

__________________________________________________

Cedric wasn't sure what he was supposed to be doing in Sandgem Town.

Something important, if his uncle was to be believed. That was all he knew; the old man had always been stupidly mysterious when it came to his job, and had only shared that he had something important to do in Sandgem today - and that Cedric could help with it in exchange for some extra money. What he should help with and how, the man had refused to say, but supposedly Cedric would be given directions later.

Well, it was later, and he was still bored.

The fair was alright, but compared to many he'd seen, it was small and lacking in activities. The vibe was peaceful, cozy, the kind folk from small towns probably liked, but that he found too slow. The food was good, though. Way better than anything he'd bought from street vendors back home in Goldenrod.

Cedric bit down on a bun shaped like a Bidoof's head, watching the fairgoers from his spot in the shade. Next to him, Warden pawed at his leg in hopes of getting attention - and a spare Bidoof bun. A few Starlies nearby seemed to be of a similar mind, their small heads whirling each time Cedric moved his hand. He ignored them.

"The sugar isn't good for you," Cedric told his companion, who let out a displeased, stubborn whine. "Yeah, I know. Not good for me either. Doesn't really matter anymore though, huh? Don't have to watch out for stuff like that."

He spared Warden a glance, and the pup's face - or what little he could see of it from under the mane - lit up instantly at the attention. Damnit. Cedric sighed and offered the rest of the bun to him, ruffling the pup's fur. Note to self, buy something made for Pokémon later. And maybe more of those Caterpie rolls.

Somewhere in the middle of the town, someone started a song number. Cedric could hear the music and vocals even to where he sat underneath a tree, far from the main event. It sounded pretty good, he supposed. The tempo could've been faster, though. Had more... oomph, you know?

Man, he missed those Caterpie rolls.

"We should get some more rolls. I think you could eat one too," he mumbled to Warden absentmindedly. "Don't think they had an-- huh?"

Warden was gone. Or rather, going; all Cedric saw of him now was his tail, quickly disappearing into the sea of people. The damn pup must've smelled something. Cedric stood up so fast pain shot up his leg and made him crumple. Cursing under his breath, he supported himself on a nearby wall and shouted as loud as his lungs could muster: "Warden! Get back here!"

Arceusdamnit, Pokémon really were just trouble. Pushing himself to a wobbly stand, Cedric started after the canine as fast as he could, elbowing his way through the crowd. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to him, Warden had found himself a front row seat at Fae Rae's show. He was wagging his tail and quickly barking up a storm at the Snubbull on stage.

[Birdboy]

Finding the show quiet entertaining, Elena hummed ardently to the song as the crowd around her swelled. Others seemed to cheer and shout their praise (or contempt) loudly, but despite being close to the front Elena merely smiled and listened. She was never too bombastic like others in the crowd.

A sudden push from the side of her took the girl by surprise. A large blonde towered over her as she regained her footing, nearly pushed to the ground by them bumping into her. Despite this, she found herself apologizing at the same time as the young man.
"Oh, sorry about that" she nervously chirped, before chuckling at their shared sentiment.

The young man seemed worried about the crowd, and she couldn't deny it was getting to be much. She was struggling to hear the stranger despite being right next to him! Worse yet, a strange looking Arcanine had begun barking at the stage loudly. Pulling out a pokeball, she knew how to get them sone space.

"Well here, I can make us some room. Just pinch your nose first" she said before releasing her trusty companion once more. Oscar appeared beside her and with him came the pungent stench of rotten garbage. Elena seemed unbiased but those around her quickly shifted to move away. Some even gagging at the smell.
"That should do the trick"

[Crimson Flame]

Ryan was very pleased. His show was going smoothly. There were more cheers than jeers, and Ryan was having a great time entertaining the crowd. Then everything went to Hell.

First, a Growlithe started barking. At least… Ryan thought it was a Growlithe… It definitely looked different from any Growlithe Ryan had ever seen. Whatever the case, Grace was distracted by it, and the Snubbull started barking back at it. Grace is supposed to be a performer! She shouldn’t be distracted by such things!

Whatever, Ryan could deal with that. But the next thing ruined the entire performance. A foul stench filled the air. Someone had released their Trubbish, and most of his audience ran away screaming.

Ryan was infuriated, with his nose pinched (not that it helped) he stormed over to the source of the smell, and shouted at the owner of the disgusting Pokemon. “Are you kidding me? You just ruined my entire performance with that… thing… Put it away!”

Meanwhile, Grace had taken the opportunity to bite the Hissuian Growlithe’s tail.

[Ignorancebliss]

Having bumped into the girl, he couldn't help but wonder if it was fate or just a stroke of random luck that brought them together. As if on cue, a Hisuian Growlithe suddenly materialized, its furry coat shimmering in the sunlight. With an air of mischief, the fiery canine began barking boisterously at the nearby performance, capturing the attention of a small crowd. Not one to back down from a challenge, the show's star attraction, a Snubbull with a responded, barking back at the audacious newcomer. The clash of barks created a chaotic symphony echoing through the bustling street. The two Pokémon seemed locked in a playful standoff, as if engaging in a contest of wills. Amidst the laughter and cheers of the onlookers, he found himself chuckling too, enjoying the delightful spectacle before him and the unanticipated company of the girl.

Amidst the throng of people, he couldn't help but chuckle at the comical chaos around him—the hustle and bustle that had earned the place a reputation for being too crowded, as he had remarked earlier. But as the black-haired girl stepped forward with her unexpected companion, a Trubbish, the humor morphed into surprise. The pungent aroma wafted through the air, and the crowd quickly dispersed, granting them a pocket of space in the midst of the commotion. "You're so smart," he quipped, laughter dancing in his eyes, as he marveled at her ingenious way of carving out a private corner.

The Drag Queen, Fae Rae, appeared visibly angered by the situation, her frustrations spilling over as she disdainfully referred to the Trubbish as a "thing." Olivier's laughter came to an abrupt halt, a wave of offense washing over him. He couldn't bear to witness such disrespect toward another Pokémon. In that moment, he sensed that Fae Rae's true colors were not as vibrant as her dazzling appearance suggested—she seemed to favor Pokémon based on their price tag rather than their worth. "Hey, mate, don't be rude!" he admonished, his voice firm yet composed. His eyes followed the Snubbull's aggressive act towards the Growlithe, and a touch of sadness flickered within him. I can their Pokémon is the same as them, he thought, feeling a sense of sympathy for the neglected Growlithe. In this moment of tension, Olivier couldn't help but wonder about the deeper layers of the Drag Queen's character and the stories hidden behind her flamboyant facade.

[Vertigo]

__________________________________________________

In retrospect, Cedric should've probably kept Warden in his ball. Letting a curious, untrained puppy roam free in a place full of people, scents and food wasn't... the best idea he'd ever had, exactly. But considering Warden was meant to be a companion Pokémon for the home, there'd never been a need to recall him, and so Cedric had not.

Damnit, if something happened to the pup, Cedric would never forgive his idiot of an uncle. This was all his fault for asking him to come all this way for-- for what, he still didn't know. At least Warden hadn't ran off too far; Cedric could hear him barking over the noise of the crowd. It was joined by another bark, one he didn't recognize. Great.

Cedric pushed past people faster, one leg still ablaze with pain, gait uneven and unsteady. Soon enough, he realized he was swimming against the current; people were quickly distancing themselves from the stage, and after a few more steps, Cedric understood why. A pungent smell assaulted his senses, and he nearly gagged.

A white-haired man of about his height stood in the way, so Cedric elbowed him to get past, only to catch the strangest sight he'd seen in a while. The performer, draped in extravagant clothes and colours, was yelling at some girl to... put away what seemed to be... thrash? Why the girl was attending a fair with a literal trash bag, Cedric didn't know and didn't really care, because he'd finally found what he came for!

Warden had let out a surprised yelp upon being bitten, and had wasted no time trying to return the favour. It had tried to tackle the Snubbul into a rough play-fight, barking, biting and growling all the while.

"Warden, you can't---" Cedric was about to scold the Growltihe, when he realized neither was actually trying to kill the other - or at least, he was pretty sure they weren't. Hopefully. So, his concerned expression turned to a grin, and his call to quit turned into a-- "Can't let that thing win! C'mon, you got this, we take these!"

One of his hands curled into a fist, the other was used to lean against whoever happened to stand closest for support. The trash bag still smelled.

This was a weird-ass day.

[Birdboy]

Elena's plan had worked as intended. A bubble had formed in the crowd and now there was a clear line of sight to the stage. Better yet, conversation and cheering had died down as many people attempted to flee from her trubbish's reeking musk. Perhaps Elena had become too accustom to the smell, since others seemed so repulsed they turned tail and ran. Her new friend did not seem nearly as offended, even complimenting her sagely intelligence for this maneuver.

The drag queen on stage seemed far less impressed, however. Even as the song playing over the speakers continued the voice of the preformer barked out at her from on stage. Elena nearly jumped out of her skin when she realized she had disrupted a competition. By the looks of it nearly half the crowd had moved on thanks to her shenanigans.
"O-oh I'm so sorry" she called out nervously, fumbling with her pokeball to try to retrieve her smelly trash goblin.
"I'll keep him in his pokeball, I promise sir, I mean, ma'am!" She added as she finally clutched the device in her hand and pressed the button in the center. A beam of red light jet forth and sucked the trash monster back in. It's smell slowly dissipated soon after.

Letting out a sigh of releif as she had rectified her situation she turned back to Oliver who had taken to defending her. She waved her hands in front of him, trying to dismiss any sort of conflict that might arise from the two men bickering over her Pokemon.
"Hey, hey it's alright, really. Oscar and I don't mind!"

Oliver did not get to react to her quiet yet, as the moment her sentence ended a new figure pushed past him and Elena quickly moved out of their way as this new man trudged toward the stage. Looking over to where this stranger was going, Elena saw that the adorable pink Pokemon had now begun to fight with the growlithe who had begun barking at the stage. Dread filled her as she realized this situation was not about to get any calmer. Just her luck, as per usual.

[Crimson Flame]

The girl recalled her Trubbish, and the smell was gone. Fae Rae was pleased. At least untill the cute white haired boy accused Fae of being rude. The Drag Queen frowned. “I beg your pardon darling? My nose was assaulted with a foul odor. Due to that odor, several members of the audience were forced to flee during what should have been an enjoyable show. I fail to see how I could be considered the rude one. Perhaps you might want to reconsider your statement?”

Although Fae’s performance had been interrupted, there was a new show in progress. Involving a Snubbull and a Hissuian Growlithe, that Fae still hadn’t noticed because her attention was focused on the people in front of her. Particularly, the boy. Fae wondered why this had to be his first impression of her. She wished their encounter could have been under different circumstances.

Then another boy pushed past the cute white haired boy. This boy was a whole lot less cute. He definitely needed help in the fashion department. As if that weren’t enough. He was loud. Obnoxiously so. “Ugh, and you. What are you shouting about?”

Meanwhile, Grace the Snubbull was having a great time engaging in play fighting with the Hissuian Growlithe. It was a rare opportunity for her. She couldn't help but grin, revealing her electrified teeth as she readied her Thunder Fang attack, charging ahead to attempt another playful bite at the Growlithe.

[Ignorancebliss]

The girl's plea held a hint of concern as she urged Olivier to stay out of the escalating situation. His gaze remained fixed on the scene before him—the Drag Queen's continued rudeness stirred a growing unease within him, leaving Olivier caught between his sense of justice and the unsettling feeling that involvement might only deepen the disconcerting atmosphere. A black-haired guy sauntered into the scene, his presence a catalyst that reinvigorated the skirmish between the Growlithe and the Snubbull. He seemed to be rallying his own Pokémon, spurring them on with spirited encouragement. Olivier's lips curved into a grin as he observed the exchange, a quiet chuckle escaping him. The absurdity of it all struck him as entertaining.

In that moment, the whole situation unfurled before Olivier like a scene from a play, and a chuckle slipped from his lips. The comical dance of personalities and Pokémon had him unable to conjure any lingering anger. It was rather amusing how a simple comment about the irksome crowd had spiraled into this spectacle. He pondered, a hint of introspection coloring his thoughts, weren't they all, in some small way, contributors to this chaotic yet oddly enchanting mess?

"Could you both stop screaming?" Olivier's voice rang out. He addressed both the agitated Drag Queen and the black-haired boy, his gaze shifting between them with an air of gentle authority. "This is just a big misunderstanding," he assured, his words laced with a soothing intention. Seizing the role of a mediator, he extended an olive branch of introduction, a friendly smile tugging at his lips. "I'm Olivier, scientist here in Sandgem. What about you guys?" he inquired, his curiosity sincere and his demeanor open, as if inviting them to share a slice of their stories in this lively tableau.

[Vertigo]

__________________________________________________

Before Cedric could shout any more instructions or encouragements to Warden, the performer turned her attention to him, all high and mighty up on her stage, to ask what he was shouting about - as if it wasn't clear.

"Huh?" Cedric turned to her, blinking. "What, got glitter in your ears? I'm having a Pokémon battle over here!" He gestured towards the two Pokémon. "That thing yours? If so, you better start cheering it on, cause Warden's about t-"

Before he could finish that thought, a chuckle from nearby caught his attention. It came from the tall guy he'd pushed past, who was now imploring them to stop shouting too, Come on, this was a festival, you were supposed to be loud! Right? Man, this small town folk...

The guy introduced himself as Olivier, a scientist, then prompted the others to do the same. It came a little out of nowhere, catching Cedric off guard, and it showed on his face.

"... Cedric?" it sounded more a question than an introduction. Awkwardly, Cedric let go of whatever - or whoever - he'd been leaning on and straightened, tearing his gaze away from the battle long enough to look over the others. (Oh, look, the trash bag was gone now!) He wasn't sure what he'd interrupted, but the lingering tension betrayed that something had been going on - something that this Olivier guy was now trying to fix with a smile and a change of topic. Sure, fine...

He shrugged one shoulder, not really able to claim any title or job comparable to a scientist. "I'm just a dude. With a Pokémon. So, uh, guess that makes me a trainer, huh?"

As if to illustrate his point, sparks and embers flew every which way behind him; the Snubbull's Thunder Fang had earned it a pained yelp and a retaliative Fire Fang in response.

[Birdboy]

For a brief moment, Elena was relieved as the drag queen's sour expression faded. A weight lifted from her shoulders as she felt the ire in their eyes fade. Then, the man who she had just met began to defend her. Part of her wanted to agree with him. Oscar had every right to enjoy the show as everyone else there. Elena did not want to ruin the show, though, and the scene they where making was only causing more problems. Fae Rae had begun snapping at the White haired boy, and seeming to remain unaware of the battle commencing behind her. Oliver seemed to try to set them back on track, and having learned his name Elena couldn't help but smile at his earnestness.

The other boy in the crowd seemed a little less eager to explain himself, but she was happy to meet another trainer. Maybe they could help her catch more pokemon after this. At the very least, he might be able to teach her how to train her Trubbish better. Oliver being a scientist was very interesting too, perhaps he would know if the professor here had any pokemon left. Likely not, knowing her luck. Now, it was her turn to introduce herself. She hardly knew what to say, as Elena didn't see much of merit to mention to these strangers.

"I'm Elena, nice to meet you all, but uh..." She answered briskly, before motioning to the fight in progress. Two dog-like pokemon where currently rough housing, sending lightning crackling and fire flaring. Elena's eyes glistened with amazement. This was how real pokemon fights must look. So far, she hadn't had a chance to use her pokemon in a battle.
"Should we stop them?" She asked genuinely. Truthfully, she was curious which one would win, but there had been enough interruptions.

[Crimson Flame]

“What?” It was only when Cedric gestured did Fae notice her Snubbull and the Growlithe were fighting. The Growlithe had given her a fiery bite, which caused Grace to let out a pained yelp. She was about to retaliate with another bite, but Fae recalled her back to her pokeball. “Apologies. She gets feisty. I’m not opposed to having a proper Pokemon battle at some point, but time and place!”

Then the group started making introductions, and Fae’s eyes lit up. “I’m Fae Rae. Drag performer extraordinaire. But you might also know me as Ryan McPhee! I’m a star on the rise! I have lots of followers on Social Media, and I intend to become a contest star! Once I conquer the Contest circuit, it’s off to Unova, where I’m going to get a starring role in a Pokestar Studios film! Soon, the whole world will know my name.”

He then pulled out his phone, and put his arm around Olivier‘s shoulder. “Smile!” He took a selfie of the two of them. Then he showed Olivier the resulting photo. “For a scientist, you’re a cutie pie! You should have no trouble getting likes on Insta on your own, but being seen with me will definitely help! Aren’t you lucky you met me before my career truly takes off?”

[Ignorancebliss]

Olivier's brows furrowed in surprise, his hand halfway to his pocket where his phone usually nestled. Drag Queen Fae Rae's vibrant presence engulfed him, her arm draping across his shoulders as if they were old friends. The camera clicked, freezing the moment in a selfie. Olivier's puzzled expression was unmistakable, a blend of uncertainty and bemusement etched across his features. He managed a weak smile, his lips parting to speak. "I, uh, don't really use my Instagram much," he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of awkwardness. "Likes and all that... doesn't really matter to me."

Olivier's lips curved into a polite smile, ready to express his pleasure at meeting Fae Rae, Cedric, and Elena, but before his words could find the air, their attention was yanked away. A rumble vibrated through the ground beneath them, and their heads turned as one toward the entrance of the fairgrounds. A colossal truck loomed into view, its gargantuan wheels kicking up swirling eddies of dust. What truly seized their focus, however, was the man descending from the truck's cab. His hair was a shock of cerulean, an unexpected echo of the sky on a clear summer's day. Space-themed attire clung to him, a constellation of colors and patches that seemed to belong to another dimension entirely. The man's presence was striking, but it was the creature that followed him that ignited a commotion. With a flourish of movement, he unleashed a Toxicroak, its imposing form towering over him. A sinister hiss sliced the air as acid splattered the ground, and the pungent scent of panic wafted as the corrosive substance began to eat at the earth. In the chaos, screams erupted like startled birds taking flight, and the crowd surged in a tide of frenzy. Unfazed, the man led his Toxicroak with purpose, navigating through the bedlam, a determined trajectory pointed straight toward the heart of the fair – the lab.

My mom. Olivier's thoughts whispered urgently, a pang of worry clutching at his chest, for he knew his mother was in the lab. His words came in a hurried rush, "It was lovely meeting you all, but I have to go!" He pivoted and began his sprint in the same direction as the enigmatic man and his ominous Toxicroak.

[Crimson Flame]

Ryan gave Olivier a blank stare. He lived for the validation. How could likes not matter to anyone? What kind of weirdo was this? A cute weirdo… But a weirdo nonetheless.

The group soon departed, and now that his performance was ruined, he was getting ready to change out of his drag look, and carry on with the rest of his day. When a loud truck rolled in. A blue haired man in space themed attire got out of the car, and unleashed his Toxicroak, and released even more disgusting acid sending everyone into a panic.

Ryan was upset again, and furiously stormed up to the man. “Excuse me sir? What do you think you’re doing? You’ve just ruined our day at the fair with your Toxicroak. Honestly, do you Poison type Trainers live to be disruptive?” He looked at the man up and down, and put his hand on his hip. “ Well, honey, I must say, your choice of fashion is as toxic as your Pokémon’s moves. But next time, consider a less corrosive approach to getting attention.”. He said in a sassy tone.

[Birdboy]

Elena was relieved that the tension seemed to boil down. The pokemon fighting had been stopped and the wrath of Fae Rae had been tempered as she clicked a few pictures on her phone with Olivier. The sheepish trainer did her best to melt away from the group that was gathering, not wanting any of these towering men to turn their ire on her once more. Unfortunately for her, the crowd was dying down and the group where basically the only ones here. Reluctantly she decided to stay put. Olivier seemed nice enough, and both Fae Rae and Cedric seemed like decent trainers. Maybe she could learn a thing or two from them!

Elena didn't get a chance to ask for help or tips, as soon enough the festival had turned to chaos. A toxicroak sprayed acid into the area and Elena yelped in fear at the sizzling droplets that neared them. Olivier took of shortly after, and Elena couldn't help but shout out to him as he ran off.

"w-wait, be careful!" She cried out, seeing the strange man who was approaching them. There would certainly be more trouble afoot. Or rather, that Fae Rae was approaching. Elena crept after them reluctantly, not wanting this new 'friend' of theirs to get hurt or worse.
"L-let's not get too hasty! Maybe he just saw all our Pokemon... yeah! You probably just want a friendly Pokemon battle, sir?" She nervously prattled, making sure she stayed safely behind her more fashionable ally.

[Ignorancebliss]

Amidst the bustling fair, the blue haired man stood confidently, a mysterious air enveloping him. His deep eyes hinted at concealed mysteries. By his side, Toxicroak, his sinister-looking Pokémon, served as a devoted bodyguard. The Pokémon emitted an unpredictable energy, evidenced by a lingering acidic vapor. Its poison-filled eyes reflected unwavering loyalty to its trainer.

A weighty silence settled over the fair, as if even the wind hesitated to stir after the turmoil caused by the toxic Pokémon. The once lively atmosphere had dissipated, replaced by a tense calm that hung over the disorderly tents. Few dared to linger, exchanging wary glances as if any sudden movement might rekindle the recent chaos. The silence felt like an uneasy pause, a tranquility that hinted at an impending storm.

The man shot an icy glare at Elena and Fae Rae, treating their words as inconsequential. His normally enigmatic eyes now exuded a cold disdain, dismissing their presence as irrelevant. Without uttering a word, his sharp gaze conveyed a clear message: he had no interest in engaging with them, appearing detached from their concerns or intentions. Without delay, he and his Pokémon proceeded toward the laboratory with unwavering steps, maintaining the enigmatic aura that surrounded them.

[Vertigo]

__________________________________________________

The impromptu round of introductions was followed by an abrupt end to Warden's big battle. The performer, Fae Ryan or some such, recalled his Snubbull in favor of forcing a selfie on the poor scientist dude. Cedric shrugged a shoulder and went to pick up his Growlithe before the damn thing ran off again. The pup whined but didn't struggle, and for that Cedric was unspeakably grateful. His leg was still on figurative fire, and he couldn't have handled having to manhandle a Pokémon right now.

"Yeah, sure, bet you were just afraid of losin'," he called out to the supposed-star-to-be, grin forming, when all of a sudden, hell broke loose. A truck veered into sight, unleashing a strange man and his Toxicroak upon the unsuspecting festival crowd. For a moment Cedric was impressed, thinking it was a preplanned event to introduce some action into the otherwise sleepy festival. But nah; the panic on people's faces and the horror in their screams was all too real, and so Cedric's budding excitement turned to horror. He hurriedly clasped a hand in front of Warden's nose, fearing the putrid smell of the acid alone was enough to cause harm.

"Who the hell's that?" he asked from no one in particular, glancing at the others to make sure they were seeing what he was — but Olivier was already bolting, taking off in the exact direction the crazy old dude was heading. And so were the other two, right on his heels.

"Whoa, whoa, wait!" Cedric gasped, starting after them with a limp. Shit. The guy wasn't stopping, and didn't seem phased by whatever the others had said. Cedric had no idea where the psycho was heading, but he could piece together the guy didn't exactly plan to buy Caterpie rolls. People were still running and shouting, distancing themselves from the man instead of... tackling him or rushing him or something! Damnit, if only he could've gotten there...

Cedric felt wiggling and glanced down at the pup in his arms. Warden was growling, little body tensed and ready to take off if given the go. Cedric knew the look in the Pokémon's eyes, could imagine the adrenaline coursing through his veins. But could... Warden really take on a Toxicroak?

"...You sure?" he asked, brows furrowed. Warden gave an affirmative bark. Cedric couldn't imagine a fate worse than being coddled or told no when you felt you had to go, so he knew he couldn't impose than on his partner, either. "Fine, alright, but keep your distance. Go and Rock Slide from afar, should get their attention! I'll be right behind you."

Warden leapt from his arms, barking as it took off after the man and his Pokémon. Cedric looked to the others further ahead, and shouted: "What are you waiting for? You got Pokémon too, right? Gonna let my damn puppy fight alone?!"