[IC] Journey of a Thousand Miles

[tobiax]

Professor Sycamore seemed like he was about to say something more, when the girl spoke up. He looked to her rather quickly, with a calm, interested expression.
"Well, usually multiple trainers come by to receive Pokemon," he noted, "So, these two will stay with me until someone comes for an adventure of their own and chooses them. But don't worry about them, they're very popular, and someone will take them," he explained, tousling the Pokemon's heads gently.
It was then that Tobias decided to speak up.
"Um... Professor?" he began.
"Oh, right," Sycamore replied, turning around and retrieving a flat red object from a locked drawer and handing it to him, "Here. This is a Pokedex. It will record information on Pokemon that you see, but catching them gives more data. It would really help me out if you could gather as much information on Pokemon as you can. Do you think you can do that?" he asked.
Tobias nodded, taking the Pokedex from Sycamore.
"Now," the Professor continued, "Take these," he said, taking five contracted Pokeballs from his pocket.
Tobias took them and nodded, putting them in a side pocket of his backpack. He then took the Pokeball that Chespin had been in, and stepped back.
"Oh, and take this," Sycamore offered, seeming to remember something suddenly.
Again, he reached into his pocket, this time removing a small purple bottle with a rather blunt, white spray top. Tobias soon recognized the object as a potion, and confirmed this due to the tiny print up the side. With the object secured into another pocket carefully, making sure the spray nozzle was locked, he moved back again, not sure if he should leave.
Sycamore then stood from his desk, and approached the girl who was standing by the partition wall, looking at the other two Pokemon who were still standing on the desk.
"Well miss," he began, placing his hands at his hips, but not in an off-putting way, "If you wish, I could give you a Pokemon as well. I'd feel confident in your ability, being that Liepard seems to like you so much. At the very least, I could give you some Pokeballs to use. So, what do you say?" he offered jovially, flicking his left arm out in what would easily be called a signature pose by those who knew him.

[Mistress Dizzy]

The girl blinked several times, looking at the Professor with an expression of pure confusion. "Wait, what? You're going to give me one of those?" She looked rather curious, before frowning abruptly as if remembering something. "Wait, no one does that. What's in it for you?" She recoiled very slightly. "No one gives something for nothing. No one. I mean, you're giving him a Pokemon because he's doing your research for you. It's a win-win. But I have nothing to give you at all, so you're gonna want something." The girl shook her head, and behind the clear distrust in her eyes, there was fear. "I- I'm not buying it. I'm not." Luna, who had been lying at her feet, stood and placed itself between the girl and the professor, silently guarding.

[tobiax]

Tobias, who was passively expecting her to easily accept, smiled, setting his Pokemon on the ground and settling the Pokeball in a small loop on his belt. He was beginning to become acquainted with his Chespin, watching as it struck a pose like a punch. However, all who were present, including the Pokemon, turned to face the girl.
The Professor nervously cleared his throat, before straightening his collar. Tobias stared in disbelief, an expression matched by the Chespin. The Froakie and Fennekin, however, had looks of great concern, and even sadness.
"Well, I'm not doing this for me," he pointed out- he could tell what her attitude was about this from her tone, and so took a slightly cynical tone in his voice, but it was obvious it was not that deep, as it was only to make a point "I'm doing it for the Pokemon."
He then turned, standing behind his desk and placing his hands on either side of the case, on which the two Pokemon still sat.
"Do you really want them to sit here?" he continued, passing a quick wink to the two Pokemon on the table, which hopefully wasn't noticed, "I mean, who knows how long it's going to take? You don't want them to stay here forever? Or go to someone who wouldn't care for them as much as you could, right?"

[Mistress Dizzy]

That seemed to take the girl by surprise. Her expression softened as she looked at the two little Pokemon. "O-oh... no, I don't want them to... to just be... stuck. I mean, that's not fair to them, being all lonely..." Her gaze turned downward, to her dear partner Luna. She crouched low, to gently hug her precious Pokemon around the neck. "What do you say, Luna? I mean... you'll always be the best, but... maybe we can help someone else, y'know?" The Pokemon licked her trainer's hair, making the girl's dark locks stick up funny as she let go. With a yowl, Luna padded right into the Professor's part of the office, sniffing gently at the two remaining Pokemon. The Froakie backed up, making nervous croaking noises. The Fennekin, however, leaned down to sniff Luna right back. It made a little yelp, which Luna responded to. Then Luna, very carefully, leaned up on the desk, and took the Fennekin gently by the ruff on the back of it's neck, carrying it carefully as if it were her own baby. Calmly, she held it for her trainer, who gently held the little yellow fox.

"What do you say, little guy? You want to be my friend? It'll be tough, so you've gotta be brave. Can you be brave?" The Fennekin wagged it's tail and burped up a little ring of smoke. The girl laughed and hugged it to her chest. "I think I'll name you... hm. Smokey?" She looked to the Pokemon, whose tail dropped. "No? Uh... Ember?" This time, it's little tongue poked out. "Hm. Now about Blaze?" The Fennekin let out a short little bark, and wagged it's tail. "Aha! Blaze, then." She happily rubbed it's ears, looking much less wary and somehow more innocent.

[tobiax]

Sycamore smiled as the girl accepted his offer. Again taking a casual posture, he strode across the room, standing at the back wall, looking out the window slightly as he scanned over the pair of children in his office. He smiled as the Liepard lifted the small Fennekin after they sniffed and barked at each other. He then watched as he gave the Pokemon a name, and leaned back, crossing his arms and smiling contentedly.
This caught Tobias's attention, as he glanced at the girl and her new Pokemon, only to turn to his new Chespin.
"So... what should I name you?" he pondered aloud.
The Chespin sharply chirped, proudly knocking his helmet in response.
Tobias nodded, laughing at the odd gesture. However, his expression became one of deep thought as he pondered a name, his hand going to his chin.
"I think I'll call you..." he paused, looking at the creature's pale face and hard shell.
He then slid his Pokedex from his pocket and pointed it in the Chespin's vague direction. Pushing a button on it, the screen sprung to life with a blue glow.
"Chespin, the Spiny Nut Pokemon. The quills on its head are usually soft. When it flexes them, the points become so hard and sharp that they can pierce rock. Such a thick shell of wood covers its head and back that even a direct hit from a truck wouldn't faze it." an electronic voice sounded out, with the text of "Grass", as well as some height and weight readouts.
"Wow... you're a sturdy guy, aren't ya?" he declared with a touch of bewilderment. "How do you feel about the name Harvey?"
The Pokemon stopped, scratching the side of his head, his brow furrowed in thought. The Chespin then raised his arms happily, sounding out with a happy growl.
Slightly chuckling, Sycamore stood up again, and walked over to his desk.
"I think I'll try my hand at raising Froakie here," he pointed out, "It would be good practice for me. Oh!" he exclaimed, snapping and swinging his arm before himself, "I almost forgot!"
He then opened his drawer again, retrieving another Pokedex and a small package of five Pokeballs. Crossing the room, he held them out to her.
"It would be better for you if you take these. The more Pokemon you have, the easier it is to keep your other Pokemon safe," he explained, then held the Pokedex closer to her, "And understanding your Pokemon better will only help you out. Take these."

[Mistress Dizzy]

"O-oh. Okay." She gently set Blaze down near Luna, and took the Pokeballs. Those vanished into one grubby pocket. The Pokedex she handled carefully, unsure of what to do with it. "Hm." She pointed the Pokedex in the direction of Blaze, to hear a voice inside start to speak.

"Fennekin, the Fox Pokemon. Eating a twig fills it with energy, and its roomy ears give vent to air hotter than 390 degrees Fahrenheit." More words appeared on the screen, and her eyes roamed blankly over them. Then, curious, she pointed the Pokedex toward Luna.

"Liepard, the Cruel Pokemon. Their beautiful form comes from the muscles they have developed. They run silently in the night." The girl scowled.

"You don't listen to this dumb machine, Luna. You're not cruel at all!" She looked toward the Professor. "Ah... thank you for the stuff." She didn't quite know what to do with the Pokedex. "Someone's gonna swipe this pretty thing from me if they see it." Her stomach let out an agitated gurgle- now that it had the granola bar, it was hungry for more. "Oooh..." She wobbled slightly. "I gotta sit down." And she did so, right on the floor of the lab. Luna went over and started to wash her face with its rough tongue, while Blaze climbed into her lap, turned a few circles, and settled down.

[tobiax]

Sycamore chuckled a bit at the girl's rather disdained reaction to what the Pokedex had to say about Liepard.
"Well, the Pokedex only has general information that is sometimes true of wild Pokemon, but it's not true of every Pokemon," he remarked, chuckling warmly before reaching down and attempting to pet the shiny Liepard on the head, "Especially one so well trained as this. No two Pokemon are exactly alike, after all," he replied jovially, as though he knew something that he wasn't telling.
He then smiled, placing his hand to the back of his head.
"Oh, well, you're welcome. And I could give you a bag for your things if you want," he noted, "Or you could keep it in your pocket. It does close into itself," he noted.
He then saw her sit down, hearing her stomach growl. Tobias heard it as well, and turned to her again.
"Oh, are you still hungry?" he asked, "I have a bit more food in my bag if you want..."

[Mistress Dizzy]

Luna licked the Professor's fingers, but returned its attention to the girl soon after. "A bag?" The girl looked up at him, trying to hide the weariness in her face(and likely failing). "That would be okay, I guess... I mean, I don't really have a whole bunch to put..." She shut her eyes, and listed slightly to the side. "Um..." Blaze, who was sitting in her lap, made a worried little yelp, and started to lick her chin with it's very warm tongue. "...ah..." The girl looked up at them. "What... what were you saying?" One dirty hand was holding the side of her head, as if trying to stop pain. "I... don't... feel good."

[tobiax]

Sycamore smiled, not taking a moment to notice her weary face, "You'll find something to do with the space," he remarked.
He then looked quickly down at her as she began to sound unsteady. He saw her wearies, and was immediately concerned. He quickly had an idea of what happened, and for the first time since he met them, his face became serious. He reached down and gently supported the girl by her elbow. Tobias gasped as he saw how tired she looked, wondering what was wrong.
"When is the last time you've eaten?" Sycamore asked in a low tone.

[Mistress Dizzy]

The girl blinked up at the professor, her gaze rather glassy and unfocused. "Mm... Sunday, I think?" It was Friday, now. "The guy in the jacket gave me a... granule bar, or... whatever it.. was..." She blinked several times. "I can do.. ok without food... s'when the water's dirty that it's screwed up... I'm just tired. I'll feel better if I nap." Her head lolled forward, and she seemed to be ready to do absolutely that.

Luna, sensing her trainer's failing health, leaned down and bit her hand. It was a very careful bite- the girl's skin was not broken, and she immediately jerked her head up in response to the pain. "Aouch! Luna.... I just wanna sleep." The Pokemon growled and bit her hand again. "OWWW! Okay, okay... Geez..."

[tobiax]

Sycamore shook his head sternly.
"No. We need to get you something to eat," he replied, "We have to go. Now."
He began to try and lift her slowly by her elbow, then turned to Tobias.
"Help me out," he practically demanded.
Tobias nodded, rushing over and helping the girl to her feet. Slowly, the two began guiding her to the elevator, but were again met with the issue of not all being able to fit.
"Help her down," Sycamore called out, withdrawing the Froakie into a Pokeball from across the room.
Tobias nodded, taking her in the elevator down to the last floor. They lead her to the lobby, and started helping her out the door.
"There, to that cafe," Sycamore indicated, pointing out the one nearest his lab.

[Mistress Dizzy]

The girl sort of let herself be led along, but obviously was fighting unconsciousness again. Luna followed at Tobias's heels, only stopping when he piled into the elevator with the girl. It waited with the professor, lashing it's tail in agitation. Blaze made a little whimpering noise, clear worry written in its' ruby eyes. Luna huffed, and calmly picked up Blaze, again by the back of his neck. When the elevator returned again, they got in with the Professor and rode down. The small, odd procession made it's way across the street, which was a bit busy with passing taxis and the occasional Gogoat rider.

As the cafe door opened, a woman at the front counter in a neat uniform smiled in preparation for a customer. That smile froze on her face, when she saw the two males practically carrying a younger person, who looked like they'd gotten their clothes from a dumpster. Not stylish at all. "W-what is going on?"

[tobiax]

"Don't let her fall," Sycamore noted as he gently released the girl's arm, leaving her to the attendance of Tobias and her Pokemon.
Harvey had jumped upon Tobias's back inside the elevator, and now clung casually to his backpack. So, Tobias now stood, letting the girl rest gently against the glass wall as he supported her.
The Professor smoothly walked to the counter, and, raising his head, flicked his hair away from his eyes. His arms posed openly, it seemed that charm began to pervade the air like smooth music as he began to speak.
"Hi," he greeted the woman at the counter with a smile, "I was wondering if I could get a table for a while. Oh, and a soy espresso for me, please."

[Mistress Dizzy]

The woman blinked several times as the professor turned up the charm. A slow blush spread across her face, and she grinned in a giddy way. "O-of course, sir. Would you prefer outdoor or indoor? And will your..." Her gaze turned to look at the two teens and their Pokemon. "Colleagues be joining you as well?"

The girl was breathing heavily, leaning on Tobias' shoulder. It was unclear what was causing it, her exhaustion or something else, but her cheeks were dark with heat. Her head would nod down, then jerk back up as she tried to keep conscious. Luna had set down Blaze, and was occasionally nipping her fingertips to keep her awake.

[tobiax]

Sycamore smiled warmly, his pose and expression very inviting as he perused the woman slowly.
"Indoor, please," he remarked, "And yes they will. That's a lovely top on you by the way," he remarked.
In a smooth, casual motion, he leaned his elbow on the counter and looked lazily over at the woman working the counter.
"I would very much appreciate if you would be able to get us some paninis... what's say... seven of them?" he asked smoothly, before standing again- he knew what she was going to ask, and thus leaned a bit closer, "Sinnoh style?" he half asked, half answered, sliding a blue plastic square over the counter and towards the woman, "Put it on my tab, won't you?"

Tobias did his best to keep the girl standing. Her head kept bobbing down, and he did his best to help her. He could see her Pokemon nipping her fingers to keep her awake, but it didn't seem to be enough. What could he do? Engage her in conversation?
"So, um..." he began, unsure of what to say, when her head took a rather violent nod, "Woah girl," he cautioned, realizing he didn't know her name, "Come on, stay awake... Stay with me... tell me something," he almost yammered, trying to get her to talk.

[Mistress Dizzy]

The counter girl giggled girlishly. "Thank you, sir!" She was obviously falling all over herself, completely charmed. "Seven paninis, Sinnoh style, and a soy latte. Coming right up, sir." She took his card and slid it in her machine. "Is there anything else? Drinks for your companions?"

Meanwhile, the tired girl with Tobias tried to pick her head up to look at him. Her dark gaze was distant and unsteady, but at least she was trying. "T-tell you... what?" Her lips upturned into a wobbly smile. "Prism... Tower... It's got... over... a million lights on it..." She chuckled weakly, as if pleased, and her head took another dangerous dip downward.

(In the background of the cafe, a distinct swear could be heard from the cook as he was asked to make 7 paninis at once.)

[tobiax]

Sycamore turned slightly, hanging around as he waited for his card to be returned. At the mention of drinks for his companion, he turned his head slightly, smiling ever so slightly.
"Perhaps just a cup of black coffee with an extra shot of caffeine for the young lady," he requested, "Please? There'll be a nice tip for you if you can keep up with anything else we need," he added.
Then, hearing the cook get the order and react rather abrasively, Sycamore couldn't help but laugh as he took a seat. As he pulled out a chair, he beckoned with a wide arm gesture.

While it was oddly amazing to hear that, Tobias soon regained his focus. As he head dropped, he grabbed her chin, stopping her from doing it again.
"Come on, stay awake..." he murmured.
It was then that Sycamore hailed them. With a sigh of relief, Tobias assisted- one could say dragged- the weary girl over to the table and set her in a seat- one he made sure had a back. It was oddly easy to set her in the chair- she was really light. Taking his own seat, with Harvey clambering slowly to his shoulder before sliding carefully down his backpack strap and into the boy's lap, Tobias looked to the Professor with concern.
"So... what now?" he asked, his tone hushed.
"Now we eat," Sycamore declared, "Well, once it's ready."

[Mistress Dizzy]

The blushing counter girl keyed that order in, and beamed a mega-watt smile at the Professor. "Yes, sir!" She twisted a lock of hair around her finger in an obvious gesture of flirtation, but the Professor's attention was already diverted. He was sitting.

The girl, once settled in a chair, did her best not to lean on the table and go to sleep. Luna had parked underneath her chair, as if to keep watch, and Blaze had placed his little self in her lap. The little yellow fox heatbutted the girl ever so gently in the ribs, making a short barking noise. "Nngh." The girl blinked wearily, and looked at the two males who were desperately trying to care for her. There was clear confusion in her eyes. "Wh... why... why are you guys... helping?"

The counter girl set a mug of coffee with an extra shot of expresso in front of the professor, along with a small bowl of various types of sugar packets. A little jar full of real cream followed. She then departed to wait for the sandwiches.

[tobiax]

Sycamore laughed a bit at the girl's question.
"Well, it wouldn't be proper to let someone starve do death, especially someone we just met," he remarked with an oddly light tone.
Tobias nodded. While he held a similar sentiment, he wasn't as eloquent as the professor.
"Yeah, I mean... I couldn't just pass someone and not help..."
As the girl from the counter approached, Sycamore turned to her as though it was second nature and smiled. Thanking her, he took the cup gently, then placed it in front of the girl who was doing her best to stay awake.
"Don't forget my soy espresso now," he reminded charmingly.
Once the woman had left, he turned to the girl, placing the cup near her hand.
"Take this. You'll need it," he offered, with a slight touch of demand in his voice.

[Mistress Dizzy]

The girl looked at the steaming mug of coffee, eyebrows raised. "Uh... okay." She looked down at the dark liquid, before leaning down to sniff at it. "Hm." She lifted the mug in shaking hands, and took a sip. A look of disgust passed her face. "Ack! It's so bitter!" Even if the warmth was nice, the flavor... "Ugh, this is coffee? Why would people pay for this?" Setting the mug down, she looked between them. While she'd heard what they had said, she was still having trouble believing it. Her weary eyes narrowed slightly, into a look of distrust, but it wasn't quite as strong as it had been previously. "I don't get it. People ignore me all the time, like I don't even exist. Why're you two different?"