Ogo

Yurei High: Spooks Versus Students (Ghost Hunting)

Well, my dude's mostly done, but I'm exhausted and it's incredibly late for me. I need to grab at least a couple hours of sleep before work. That being said, I'll have him up sometime after work tomorrow.

Later days~

Yurei High: Spooks Versus Students (Ghost Hunting)

so many walls of texts...
this will take a while...@__@

@TrixyTrix

The struggle is real T-T

Yurei High: Spooks Versus Students (Ghost Hunting)

Oh my! That was a quick turn around. Thank you! I'll try to live up to the role. :D Right then, I suppose I'll disappear into the night for a bit to drum up a charrie _{and get caught up with the IC.}

Yurei High: Spooks Versus Students (Ghost Hunting)

So uh yeah...how about that weather, eh?
No, no, terrible introduction. Lemme try that one again.

...

Uhh...mighty fine weath-shoot, no.

Yeah, I give up. ANYWAY, how's it going party peeps? Just wanted to see if this was accepting anymore apps? Savo's asked me to join about three times now, and, well, it'd be rude of me to keep ignoring him. So here I am, throwing myself at your mercy, m'peeps!

_{if not, no biggie. I lurk, therefore I am.}

edit:

Runedawg!(Why have I never used that one before?)
How's it go, duuude?
I'm uh...totally not stalking you or anything. Haha. That'd be weird. Yeah. Hahaha.

Pokemon: Shadow of Nemesis Reboot

Gwen King: Route 29: Pitchin’ Tents

Near the front of the group traveling the wooded road was a small lass, who trudged along the path gazing at her feet. She walked by herself, radiating a sort of uneasy aura. True, her frustration was palpable. Or was it disappointment?

Or was it pure, unbridled rage?

A setting sun bathed Gwen in the last bit of sunlight for the day. In all honesty, it had be a rather beautiful day. The sky was clear for most of the trek out of New Bark, but now it was streaked with the fingers of twilight. But despite the coming night, it was still relatively warm. Gwen was thankful that she hadn’t worn heavy clothes…

The girl continued staring at the ground. She was keeping right up with the group…

But she was starting to feel it.

Perhaps she had packed too much. Did she really need to lug her guitar along with her?

…

Yes.

Really though, was it a physical burden? Or was it sheer annoyance at the stupid, lying, good-for-nothin’ lug. The hell was his problem, lying like that? He could have just said something. Oh hey, Gwen, I’m a giant wuss so I’m not gonna go. Bah. Fuck it. She didn’t need him anyway. Stupid punk would just end up getting in her way.

She frowned and continued her march forward. Whatever. She wasn’t going to let it slow her down. She wasn’t going to give anybody a reason to look down at her. Fuck ‘em. She could go all day. Hell, she could go all night as well. Ain’t no brakes on the Gwentrain, this baby’s going all the way to Violet City. Nonstop, one-way, red eye expres-

"Hmm...I think it'd be best if we went ahead and made camp, here."

Oh sweet merciful Arc- err...whatever, fine. If the babies wanted to stop because their wittle feetsies got tired, then they could stop. Gwen grinned for the first time since the lab. Oh how she amused herself. Seriously, someone get her a mic. She’s killing it.

…

"It's getting late and setting it up now, rather than later after the sun has fallen would be the best idea."

Gwen gazed about the group to see if anyone was going to comment. She wasn’t going to chime in, lest she risk sounding like a…

“Even though she is thinking more or less with her stomach, she does raise valid points with dusk being upon us. I prefer us not having to deal with an incessant group of pokemon.”

...like a Yuu! Perfect timing, dork.

She caught Cerise chiming in as well, but the general look on everybody’s face was agreeance. Well, that worked for her. She tuned out the others and found her own little neck of the woods, so to speak.

She slid the guitar case off her back and laid it on the ground by a tree. She then removed her backpack and plopped it down beside it. Bending over, Gwen unfastened the tie between the tent, bedroll, and backpack. Grabbing the first one, she took a couple steps away before unfastening the tent’s own bindings. She had a fairly simple tent. Nothing fancy, it would do enough to shield her from the elements. Slightly. Maybe. That was the hope, at least?

…

The tent turned out to be annoying as all fuck. A few times Gwen found herself nearly complete with the set up, just for something to pop and all of her hard work to come literally crashing down to the ground. And each time the girl would get up, unleash a string of profanity, kick the tent, and start all over again. She was uh...nothing if not persistent though. She considered trying to get her Pokemon to help but…

…

Oh fuck. Gwen’s eyes shot wide. She hadn’t met her Pokemon yet. She had been too preoccupied with the goddamn Avery thing. Her hand went to her pocket, but she stopped before grabbing the ball. It wasn’t time. Not yet. She wasn’t going to kick off her career as a fucking mess, was she? No, she would finish the tent, THEN she would meet the Tyrogue.

She kicked the tent once more, then got things going.

That tent?

She was going to make it her bitch.

---

Sophia Rhodes: Route 29 : A Colourful Cast

“Cyyyyn…”

Oh?

Sophia slowed slightly, looking down at the little guy in her arms. He was fast asleep but...oh. His legs were twitching. And he was making soft sounds. He was having a dream of some sort? How precious. She was practically swooning over the little ball of adorableness. She had lucked out. Cinder was great. A wee bit on the lazy side, it seemed, but he had already stolen her heart. Honestly, she couldn’t wait until she got to Violet City. Miss Manami would love to see the little fella.

All of a sudden, something felt…off. She felt as if someone were coming up from behind her. The heavier footsteps confirmed that. She slightly tensed, but she relaxed ever so slightly when she saw who it was. The purple haired guy. She hadn’t caught his name, but he seemed rather...colourful, to say nothing else. At least he seemed to be a part of some commotion of sorts back at the lab. She hadn’t really caught much of whatever was going on. But it was alright, she supposed.

He...why, she noticed that he was smiling at her. Not wanting to come across as rude, Sophia returned the smile and nodded. Then he began speaking.

“I don’t think we ever got around to properly introducing ourselves cutie… I need to work on forming better compliments…”

The guy started rubbing the back of his neck. Sophia took a moment, then chuckled. It was rather sweet in a delightfully awkward sort of way. Before she had a chance to respond, he continued.

“Aside from my less than desirable attempts at being nice, my n-”

He was cut off by the girl that had taken the lead of the group. She had announced that she wished to set up camp. That was fine with Sophia. This seemed as good a spot as any to stop...and...well...she really would much prefer getting settled in before it got dark. One never knows what might be lurking in the shadow of night…

A chill ran down Sophia’s spine and she shuddered.

Her companion’s train of thought seemed to have derailed, as he broke off from speaking with her to start laying down some rather sensible information. Safety, food, shelter, fire.

Hmm…

Well, she had some food. And her tent. So food and shelter was fine. If they were all together, they were probably safe enough. And fire…

Sophia grinned down at the little guy in her arms. He was still snoozing away. Well, the fire situation was covered. No problems there. The purple haired lad turned back to her and asked if Cinder could provide fire later. She grinned and nodded before he trotted off. He seemed nice enough. Practical. It was useful.

…

Oh. She hadn’t caught his name.

As if on cue, the guy shouted back, suggesting that they all introduce each other after getting things set up. That suited her just fine.

Sophia scanned the area, noticing the lead girl and her redheaded companion heading off to...well, somewhere. Oh well. It wasn’t her business, though she did silently wish for their safety. She would hate to see anybody get hurt. Granted, she didn’t know any of them from Adam, but honestly, she wouldn’t wish harm on anyone.

Another guy, the wet guy from earlier, seemingly set up a bed of...leaves? Oh dear. He wasn’t planning on sleeping on that, was he? Sophia frowned. If he hadn’t found better lodgings for the night after introductions, she would offer the tent to him. Granted, she would have to find another spot then. She couldn’t just plop down next some guy. She blushed slightly. Her father would absolutely murder her if he even heard the whispers of such a thing.

Sophia shook her head. It was time to get busy.

…

She spotted the pale haired girl having some difficulties with her tent. Sophia couldn’t help but giggle a bit. But still, she crossed over to the girl.

Approaching from her back, Sophia stopped a few yards back. She let out a polite cough to alert the girl to her presence...at just about the same time that the girl jumped up and kicked one of the stakes, muttering language foul enough to cause Sophia to blush.

“Excuse me...would you like some help with that?”

Without turning to look at her visitor, the small girl bent back over and started hammering the kicked pole.

“Nope.”

Sophia frowned, absently poking her index fingers together. She should just leave at that but...she really did seem to be having some trouble. Surely she could lend a hand or two? She just needed to be a bit more...assertive!

“Err...Are you sure? You seem to be having a bit of a time with that…”

The girl paused for a moment, and Sophia thought that she might be considering her offer.

“Yup. Pretty sure.”

Sophia winced as the girl as the girl denied her help. She didn’t seem to be ANGRY. Agitated, maybe, but...oooh, come on, Sophia. Be ASSERTIVE. Help somebody out.

“I won’t get in your way, I promise. I just want to he-”

The girl stood up and whirled around. Sophia noticed the dark scars running across the girl’s closed eye. It would be terribly rude to ask her about it but...she was rather curious, she had to admit. And judging by the look on her face...well it probably wouldn’t be the best time to ask provocative questions. The girl got her attention as she began to speak, nay, GROWL at her.

“Listen, girly, I ain’t buyin’ whatcha sellin’. So shut the fuck out, calm the hell down, and dance your happy little ass away, alright? Fuckin’ beat it. Got it?”

Sophia floundered for a bit before taking a step back. She stammered and could feel her face growing warm. Cinder stirred in her arms, but ultimately kept on snoozing. She...well, she didn’t mean to upset the girl. She certainly wasn’t expecting this. She turned and began to walk away.

“Ah...geez...hey, I’m sorry, alright? Didn’t mean to snap. I just...I wanna be alone right now. Nothin’ personal, I just...just kind of had a shitty day.”

Sophia looked back to see the girl facing her, but she seemed to be looking off in another direction...at nothing. She sounded genuine enough, and Sophia didn’t hear any of the malice in her words. If anything, she seemed embarrassed. Ms. Rhodes nodded and managed to find a smile, albeit it weaker than normal. She was kind of hurt, but it wouldn’t do to show it.

“Yeah, no, I understand. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have pestered you. I hope things get better for you.”

At that the girl nodded back and kind of just awkwardly stood there before shrugging and returning to her tent.

Feeling somewhat dejected, Sophia searched for a spot a distance away. Once satisfied with her decision, she quickly went to work constructing her own tent, placing her things and Cinder out of the way. Unlike the disaster that was the pale head’s, Sophia’s tent went up nice and easy. She caught the girl staring at her nearly completed tent at one point, before the girl shook her head, spit, and went back to the mess muttering something which the blonde could not pick up. Sophia couldn’t help but to grin despite herself.

Once her tent was finished, she went about looking for sticks and twigs in the immediate camp area. She wasn’t about to head off into the woods for them. She even tried to rouse Cinder from his beauty sleep, but the little guy seemed insistent that he get his full twenty-four hours in. Oh well. Eventually, she had to give up and return him to his Pokeball.

As the girl strolled around the camp, she couldn’t help but feel like something was...not right.

…

There were no Pokemon outside of their own.

Curious…

She stood quiet for a few moments, but that just brought her silence. Indeed, she couldn’t hear anything. While wild pokemon did usually stay away from people, she wouldn’t have thought that they had been at camp long enough to clear the area.

Sophia’s stomach knotted up something fierce…

She had a bad feeling about all of this.

Pokemon: Shadow of Nemesis Reboot

@Savo
Kutairo looks alright to me.

For the most part, I would prefer if future npcs stick to having Pokemon from Johto. This one is alright due to being part of the INP. However, random trainers and whatnot shoold really stick to that. Foreigners are fine and all, but this is still Johto xD

Pokemon: Shadow of Nemesis Reboot

Gwen King: Elm’s Lab :Confrontation

The Nidoran was...quite a bit friendlier than she was expecting, really. She had heard of most pokemon simply flying into fits of rage. She had even seen it in some of the local pests but...well this little dude was the picture of serenity.

...or it was just stupid.

“I’m so sorry. I have no idea what he was trying to do. He didn’t hurt anything did he?”

Huh. So she COULD speak without being a hostile little bitch. Well imagine that.

Gwen shook her head and regarded the chick with her lazy smile. She was fine. Though Abigail wasn’t asking about her, but they never did. It was the leg. Always. Honestly, the damn thing was a bit tougher than people tended to think. That leg was made of pure Unovian engineering. It would take a bit more than a poisonous rat to break it. Maybe two or three. Four tops.

“Nah. Nah, he’s fine. Little dude was just curious, s’all.” She glanced down at the rat for a moment before continuing, “...maybe a bit hungry? I dunno.”

“Oh, hello Abigail.”

Gwen began to turn to acknowledged the voice, but something cut across her view quickly. Following it, she found...a bird sitting on Abigail’s shoulder. The Natu. Was it too much to ask for the bird to leave a hot steaming pile of humility on her shoulder?

“I suppose I should introduce the two of you. Abigail, this is Gwen. Gwen, Abigail.”

Gwen gave the lavender lass a nod, but didn’t add anything else. Honestly, she didn’t quite like the vibe she was getting from this chick. Too...ah, hell, call a duck a duck, yeah? She seemed like a stuck up bitch. But whatever.

An elderly voice cut the slight tension.

“Alright, since everyone has their pokemon, I think it’s time all of you got going. It’s already past noon! It would be better if you could go ahead and get at least halfway to Cherrygrove before dark.”

Completely disregarding Abigail and Cerise for a moment, Gwen finally managed to make eye contact with Avery. Some of the other trainers were making for the exit like Elm suggested but...he was just standing there. What the actual fuck was going on?

Yuu spoke up. Again. For the umpteenth time. Gwen didn’t quite catch it. It was directed to Elm, it seemed, so she didn’t rightly give a fuck. Instead, she crossed over to Avery. He seemed a bit nervous and tried to look away, but he didn’t move. Fucking moron probably forgot how legs worked.

When most of the people had cleared out, she finally turned to him.

“Yo. You coming or what, dude?”

Gwen crossed her arms and looked up at the impossibly large guy that she had known as a brother. Avery sort of hunched down, and rubbed the back of his neck. Despite their rather drastic height difference, it was as if Avery were looking up at a towering Gwen.

“Uhh…” he began, but faded off. He had a far off look in his eyes. Gwen frowned. She knew were this was going, and she did not like it.

“Un-fuckin-believable...you’re not going. The fuck d’ya lie to me?” she clenched her fist. She REALLY did not like being mislead, lied to, or otherwise had.

That was her job.

“I uh…” Avery seemed very uncomfortable. He obviously didn’t want to answer, but she wasn’t letting up.

“DUDE! You even packed. Wha, ya gettin’ cold feet or sumthin’? Stop fuckin’ around and let’s go.” She was getting agitated now. Stop beating around the damn bush already.

“I can’t.”

Gwen grinded her teeth a bit. It was like pulling teeth with him sometimes.

“Whaddya mean ya can’t?! Sure ya can! Just grab a ball, put one foot in front of the other, and we’re outta here.”

“No, I mean...uhh...I didn’t get a license.”
...

That one floored her. She wasn’t expecting that. Why didn’t get get a license? He passed the tests and shit (thanks in no small part to her), and did just about everything she did. It couldn’t be physical either...for fuck’s sake, SHE passed, and she had twenty-five percent less limbs than he.

“Didn’t get a - how? I know you passed the test. You…”

“I forgot to put the form in the envelope when I mailed it.”

…

This fuckin’ guy.

Completely fucks over himself because he forgot to stick a piece of paper inside another goddamn piece of paper. And...what, did he still mail the damn thing? ...this idiot actually mailed an empty envelope. He really fucked himself over.

And her too. Now what was she going to do? No, she was still going. She wasn’t about to sit around twiddling her thumbs waiting on this asshat. But she did LIKE having this asshat around. He didn’t talk much and made for a great packmule.

…

Oh fuck…

She was going to have to talk to those other asshats…

Gwen’s hand went up to her head and she lightly pressed on her temples. This guy was the cause of more of her headaches than just about anything else. Part of her wanted to just give him an earful. He had done some pretty stupid things but this…c’mon…

Before she spoke, Avery took his chance.

“But I’m going to work in the lab until I can try again. It’s gonna be fun. Professor’s going to let me be the first to taste that egg over there. Or, well, he never said that I COULDN’T be. And I’ll get to play with the other Pokemon until they leave. It’ll be fun.”

…

Gwen sighed.

She threw her hands behind her head and Avery’s shoulders relaxed in response.

“Guess that just means I get a head start. You BETTER get that shit in for next time though. If I become the Champion before you even get your first pokemon, I’m banning you from them altogether” she said playfully. Avery, being Avery, missed the banter, and his eyes grew wide with fear.

“You wouldn’t do that...would you?”

Mischief flashed on Gwen’s face.

“Maybe. Guess we’ll find out?”

And with that, she turned to leave. She heard Avery start to say goodbye. She spun around, raised her hand, and cut him off.

“Ehh-ehh-ehh, none of that goodbye bullshit. No farewells, no later days, and certainly no goodbyes. We’re gonna see each other again soon. After all, you lied to me, and I can’t have that. Now, I might not feel like it at the moment, but I’m still gonna have to kick your ass. Got it?”

Avery’s face was all scrunched up and...fuck, the dude was crying. But he still nodded. Gwen quickly turned around and left the blubbering giant. She entered the lobby and grabbed her things, not looking back. It was time to get this show on the road.

So she left.

...

Her face felt weird.

Odd…

Gwen wiped her face with her arm. It was wet?

Weird...

When did it start raining in Elm’s Lab?

---

Tetsuya Nishimura: Route 46 :The Trail Goes Cold

“Never gonna happen.”

“Aww, c’mon, Delaney. Live a little~”

“Swing and a miss.”

“Hush it, Gramps.

From behind a veil of smoke, Detective Tetsuya Nishimura watched his colleagues banter. He barely followed what they were talking about, instead worrying more about why they were here in the middle of nowhere. Route 46...they were approaching the entrance to a cave that would open up onto Route 45 and after going through another tunnel, would put one at the foothills of Blackthorn City. It wasn’t exactly the busiest route in the region, but it was an important one nonetheless.

And now it was completely sealed off.

On both the Blackthorn City side and the Route 46 side, the entrances to the caves had been collapsed. Normally that might just be chalked up to nature being a fickle bitch but…

Tetsuya frowned. He took a deep drag on the cigarette before tossing it to the ground and stamping it out with his shoe.

“Alright, people.” he projected. The others quieted and turned to face the speaker. He continued. “Wilson, take Himura and block off the area. I don’t want anybody getting any funny ideas. Delaney, you’re with me.”

Akio Himura, the youngest of the quartet, frowned and began to say something no doubt moronic, but held his tongue and trotted off behind Malcom Wilson, or Gramps as he was known, instead. Not that he really had a choice in the matter, really.

That just left Tetsuya and-

“Thanks for the save, bossman.”

Zoe Delaney. Tetsuya started off towards the caved in entrance, and she fell in step beside him.

“So when are you and Himura going to stop playing your little games and finally tie the knot?” he casually shot over to her. The tall blonde’s grin didn’t falter.

“Pfft please. That kid couldn’t handle all of this.” Zoe gestured to herself.

Tetsuya chuckled and shook his head as they grew closer to the cave-in.

“Tell ya what, why don’t you finally grow some balls and ask out Natalie, and then maybe, JUST MAYBE, I’ll let the kid buy me a drink or two.”

That one elicited another laugh from the man in the dark suit. She had him there. He shrugged and nodded as they finally reached the cave.

…

It was blocked up alright. But judging by the surrounding area, it didn’t seem like anything else was really affected by this little slide. Not at first, anyway. Whatever it was, it was local. Zoe approached one side and Tetsuya the other. The more senior detective didn’t like this. Not one bit.

The Chief was right...something didn’t fit…

This cave-in was just TOO perfect.

…

It was almost as if someone had designed it...but...why? Why block off this path?

Tetsuya, standing up tall, just gazed at the pile of rocks.

Instinctively, he reached for his jacket and pulled out another cigarette, which he promptly placed between his lips before searching himself for a lighter.

"Hey Nishimura...you uh...you might want to see this."

Tetsuya raised an eyebrow. She found something, eh? He abandoned his search for a lighter and quickly crossed over to the younger Detective.

She pointed at something. He couldn't see it at first, but when he did, a groan escaped the man.

What a fucking headache...

---

Sophia Rhodes: Route 29 : A Quiet Stroll Through Stranger Town

Sophia trotted along carrying Cinder. The Cyndaquil that she had received from Elm was a male...and apparently rather lazy. He didn’t quite seem all that interested in walking. But that was fine. Sophia didn’t mind carrying him whatsoever. They had left shortly after noon, and now the sky was a fine auburn. The sun was hanging low over the trees. She didn’t figure they had much daytime left at all. But she had to say, the leaves against the dusk skyline? Absolutely breathtaking.

The trail had been a rather straightforward one. After they set out from New Bark Town, the small little group had pretty much stuck to the road. She had to admit, the path seemed much, MUCH safer with other people around. On her way in, she had practically flew, terrified of getting caught alone in the dark. She even had to admit that she felt the tiniest bit of relief when she found the tunnel out of Blackthorn closed. Sure, her trip took MUCH longer but...well she felt as if she grew a bit during it. She had found a way to travel for every stretch of her journey...but Cherrygrove to New Bark was all on her. Luckily, that path was fairly quick. Going back however…

RMMBLR

Sophia stopped for a moment and looked down. What was that sound?

RMMBLLRR.

Oh. It was a stomach growling, demanding nourishment.

…

Oh dear. She was getting rather peckish. And Cinder likely could go for something to eat as well.

She gazed at the ones in front of her. Surprisingly enough, the young looking girl with...well, the artificial leg, was among the frontrunners. She probably felt obligated to do so. To prove that she wasn’t just a burden. Sophia’s smile waivered upon that thought. She felt bad for the girl...but quickly she shook herself out of it. She had met people in similar situations as white haired woman. Pity was not something they usually welcomed.

But that was all speculation. She hadn’t had a chance to talk to the girl, and ever since leaving the lab, she had seemed rather sullen. The look on the girl’s face could kill. Probably. She didn’t want to test it, that’s for sure.

…

Come to think of it…

Sophia gazed about at the rest of the group.

She had heard a few scattered introductions, but nothing official as it were. Oh well.

When they finally decided to make camp, she could ask then.

But those were thoughts for another time. For now?

Sophia put one foot in front of the other, and marched on.

Pokemon: Shadow of Nemesis Reboot

Gwen King: Elm’s Lab :Growing Unease

As Gwen made her way back to the rest of the group, she passed by Abigail. She didn’t spare the girl a second glance, instead just focusing on returning to the group. She was ready to rock ‘n’ roll, so hey-ho, let’s go.

But it didn’t quite seem like that was in the cards just yet. There were still quite a few peeps hanging back in...in what appeared to be a line? The hell was that about? Gwen shrugged to herself though. How they got their jollies was their business, not hers.

When she returned to the redhead’s side, it appeared as if she was waiting Gwen’s return. She continued their conversation as if Gwen had never left. Odd...but hell, maybe it was a foreign thing? She also didn’t get why the girl wanted to know about the “products” as she put it if she wasn’t planning anything. Gwen raised an eyebrow and gave her nod.

A few moments passed of silence between the girls. Gwen was pretty alright with it, but apparently that was good enough for the redhead.

“Uhm, pardon, another question - Excuse me if I’m coming off as a bit annoying - but I’m not entirely too familiar with Pokemon.”

...wh…

What?

Then why the hell was she even here? HOW was she even here?

No...no this was some kind of fuckery. She was screwing with her. Gwen dropped back into her lazy grin and regarded the girl as she continued.

“Did they have a psychic type up there? that’s the only type I even vaguely know, and I don’t really know any pokemon from this...place well…”

Gwen was about to offer some sort of sarcastic retort, to either turn around this fuckabout or just get a good laugh herself, when another voice chimed in.

“If you’re looking for a psychic pokemon, go with Natu.”

Gwen narrowed her eyes at the source of the answer. Yuu. The fuck did he get off just jumping into private conversations like that? Mothafuckin’ asshat just ruined her fun, and defiled her privacy. That was strike two for that lavender shithead. There wouldn’t be a strike three. Bah, she could practically feel her mood worsening by the second. But she couldn’t just stand there with her thumb up her ass now, could she?

“...yeah, what he said.” she muttered before looking about. Cerise excused herself to take her pick.

Given a slight moment’s respite, she gaved about the room, checking out the others. Abigail seemed to have picked up a Nidoran and Yuu an Eevee. She could see the merit of both. Nidoran would eventually go into Nidoking, and that mothafucka was built like a truck. And Eevee...well there were options. She wasn’t exactly the biggest fan of the tiny brown dude but she could see why somebody would.

Another guy, one that Gwen vaguely remembered from earlier as muttering about some towel, was playing with a little blue dude. Totodile, she believed. That one had waaay too many teeth for her liking. Brr. A much smaller dude picked up a Chikorita. They were having a moment off by themselves. Gwen couldn’t help but grin. That was actually kind of a cute moment. A bit of red caught Gwen’s attention next and she whirled to see who she at first thought was Cerise playing with something...floating. A ghost-type. That...wasn’t exactly Natu...but she quickly realized that that wasn’t Cerise either. It was the OTHER redhead that Yuu had attacked. Creepy little sonuva…

“H-hey, get down! I spent hours doing my hair this morning you runt!”

Gwen blinked and turned to the sudden cry. She uh...she found the Natu alright. Good on her? It had declared itself King of the Hairtops, and Cerise didn’t seem too pleased about that. That got a chuckle from Gwen. Good luck with that one then. That…

That should be everyone then, right?

She looked about. Avery hadn’t picked up his Pokemon yet. Why…?

...there was only one card left.

Gwen heard footsteps from behind.

...what was goin-

Gwen heard something like...metal being scraped. And she felt a bit of pressure on her…

Her eyes widened as she looked down to see the Nidoran trying to gnaw on her leg. What the actual fuck was it doing?! Her leg was not some fucking meal for some shithead Nidoran. She pulled her leg back away from the little pink dude. For a brief moment, she considered kicking the damn thing. But as quickly as the thought came, it was gone, yet Gwen felt a bit of disgust at herself. That was a fucked up thought. She squatted down, an admittedly difficult stance for her, and poked the pink dude in the cheek. Her face didn’t betray her unsettled thoughts, rather she looked a bit bored.

“Right...none of that. You got me, little dude?”

She quickly pulled her hand back. It probably WOULDN’T bite her but...fuck, why risk it?

---

Sophia Rhodes: Elm’s Lab :Choices...

Sophia quietly and patiently waited at the rear of the group, smiling softly as each trainer in turn made the trip to the front of the lab and retrieved their first Pokemon. The joy was practically plastered on their faces...for the most part. She could see that a couple seemed rather anxious about the waiting. Whether that was from eagerness to get started or a dislike of crowds, Sophia couldn’t say. Personally, she wasn’t in much of a hurry. Not anymore, anyway.

During the procession of soon-to-be trainers to their Pokemon, one of the guys in the room asked Professor Elm about getting a Pokedex. Another one chimed in, also expecting one. Sophia raised an eyebrow. Would Pokedexes be handed out? From what she had read, they were great research tools. She couldn’t help but raise her hopes. Elm quickly dashed them. Sophia found herself slightly disappointed, but it passed. It wasn’t a big deal, really. Most of the information the device could provide would be easily available in books. She had a few books that may even fall under that category, though if she really wanted to load up, she’d need to stop by either the Academy in Violet or one of the bookstores in Goldenrod. But that shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.

When it seemed as if everyone had gotten their Pokemon, Sophia stepped forward. She made her way across the lab and surveyed the Pokeballs for a while. She recognized many of the names, having come across them many times in her studies. And reading. And…

Oh dear. She couldn’t decide. Any one of them would make for an excellent partner but…

Cyndaquil.

Having scanned the remaining Pokeballs, Sophia found her gaze linger on the fire-type for just a hair longer than the rest. It was as good a pick as any, so she picked up the Pokeball. The weight of it honestly surprised her. It wasn’t at all what she was expecting...but it wasn’t bad. Not at all.

From there, she walked over to a counter with a younger child and...Sophia blinked. The other young man by the table, one of Elm’s assistants, perhaps, was quite possibly one of the tallest people that she had ever seen. It was...quite frankly a bit intimidating. However he didn’t quite strike her as any sort of ruffian. Rather, he seemed a bit...distant. Lost in his own thoughts if she had to guess.

She smiled at him and the younger child before retrieving her very own trainer card and various supplies. She neatly put them away before heading back towards the group.

She noticed many of the trainers playing with their new partners. It was beautiful. Sophia couldn’t help but to join in. She retrieved Cyndaquil’s Pokeball and unleashed the creature before her.

The Fire Mouse Pokemon materialized from the red light. It seemed petrified at first, but after a few moments shook its body. Sophia was concerned at first, but the little thing just kept at it. It was...it was almost as if it were dancing. It was adorable. Sophia started to chuckle, but quickly raised a hand to her mouth to muffle it. However, it was enough to startle the shimmying Cyndaquil. It was snapped out of its dancing fever and noticed the large number of people in the room. Slowly, it moved backwards, until it bumped into Sophia herself. That startled it more. Cyndaquil lept slightly, and from its back came a small ember.

The blonde girl was quick enough to take a step back from the flames. They persisted for just a few moments before dissipating. The Pokemon then turned to see what its attacker looked like.

Truth be known, the sudden flame had startled her quite a bit. That could have been terrible. Her heart was racing but...but Cyndaquil looked so much more terrified. Sophia, noticing the unease in the Pokemon, approached it slowly, before crouching down. She offered a hand out towards it. It looked from her to her hand and back again. Slowly, Sophia pushed forward, until she touched Cyndaquil again.

It...didn’t freak out this time. That was a plus. It still seemed rather unsure of her, but it allowed it. She could work with that.

_{“Hehe. I guess I might have frightened you. Terribly sorry about that, dear.”}

Honestly...she wasn’t sure if anything she could say would really hit home with the Pokemon. But she spoke in a calm, soothing voice. It didn’t matter what she said, but how she said it.

Cyndaquil...seemed to be responding well to it. The tense stance it had dropped ever so slightly. That was a relief. Sophia began to pet the creature, patting its belly, scratching around its arms.

It loved it.

The little thing dropped to the ground and began heaving, making sounds that almost resembled laughter. She kept at it for a short time before finally stopping. Cyndaquil looked at her quizzically. Then it got back to its feet and crossed over to her, nuzzling her hand as it rested on her leg.

Grinning nearly ear to ear, Sophia picked up the little one. It curled up into a ball and rested in her arms...and shortly afterwards she could hear soft snoring coming from the ball.

Adorable. Simply adorable.

Sophia returned to the group with her partner in her arms, practically beaming to everyone. She’d return it to the Pokeball but...well it would be a shame to disturb its sleep. She’d let it rest for a while, then send it back.

…

She would also have to found out what gender it was. And get a name in mind.

Oh dear…

This was rather exciting.

Pokemon: Shadow of Nemesis Reboot

Sophia Rhodes: Elm’s Lab :A Friendly Gesture

"Yeah, this is Elm's Lab. You actually came right on time as they are about to give out the Pokemon to everyone. Better get back in there, we don't wanna be last in line!"

Sophia answered the guy’s smile with her own. That was a relief. A huge relief. She murmured a word of thanks as he turned and walked away. There was so much that could have went wrong...even the slightest delay and she would have been too late…

She took a deep breath and looked back towards town. It was a rather sleepy place, really. There were a few people here and there, but it was overall pretty sparse. That was...kind of refreshing, really. Blackthorn was much larger, much busier. She had heard that it too used to be a more sleepy place not too long ago but...well, Father happened.

Her smile wavered for just a few moments, but she quickly pushed away the thoughts. If she just stood around out here, then, well, what was the point of any of this?

Turning back to the entrance of the lab, Sophia pushed onward. She had come so far already. Sure, she was enjoying the small break she was getting but...it was time.

Entering the lobby, Sophie quickly realized two things. First off, somebody had carelessly left what appeared to be a guitar case just lying in the floor. And that she was completely alone. She could hear the sound of excited chatter coming from the direction of a nearby door. She started to head in that direction but paused at the last moment. She turned and moved over to the case, picking it up and laying it down on the bench instead. She felt odd touching somebody else’s belongings but...well, someone would be rather disappointed to see that thing crushed.

And with that, Sophia finally crossed over and walked through the doors.

It seemed like she was...the absolute last person in line. Well, that was fine. Right?

She gazed over to the Pokeballs housing the future companions for the young trainers in the room. She...finally realized that she hadn’t but any thought toward what starter she would be interested in. But, well, she wasn’t exactly in a position to be choosy. She would just have to love whoever she ended up with.

A swath of red entered her field of vision. Sophia, surprised, glanced down to see a rather tiny girl trying to get a better look at the labels. She considered offering help but...would she take it as her making fun of her stature? No...she would hold her tongue for now. There would be plenty of time for introductions later.

Surely.

---

Gwen King: Elm’s Lab :Dazed & Confused

Gwen raised an eyebrow at Avery who was...not in line? What the hell was he doing? She shifted her weight and crossed her arms, a favorite stance of hers, and stared him down. That bastard was purposely avoiding her gaze. The hell was his problem? Bah...dork. Dude was probably just playing some stupid game with himself.

“Uhm, excuse me~”

No. Oh no.

After the bullshit out in the lobby, she wasn’t even remotely interested in speaking with any of these people. If they were really completely cool with being asshats to the people you’d likely be spending the next couple months with was...well…

“I uhm, well...odd question maybe, but is that your natural hair color? Or did you dye it?”

…

What? Gwen turned her gaze to the nearby redhead, regarding her carefully. Her hair color? The hell did she care? What, was she going to give her some shit over her hair? This girl was nine pounds of dumbfuck in a five pound bag if she-

“Either way, I think it looks absolutely fabulous on you.”

…

wha…?

…

Actually, scratch that. This girl was alright in her books. What could she say? Chick had good taste. That or she was trying to fuck with her. Well...two could play that game. Gwen smiled as the girl wrapped up.

“Haha, well uhm, thanks. Really. But, yeah it’s uh...it’s natural.”

She started, finding herself oddly at a loss for words. Which was odd...she was usually a bit of a smooth criminal but this random ass chick had flustered her. Gwen chalked it up to her shitty mood beforehand. Completely. Not that it was a bad thing but...wait, crap...words, Gwen, words.

“So...Cerise, right? Cerise, tell me you’re not planning on doing anything to that wicked mane...that’d just be a shame, dude.” She waited just a beat before adding to the end, “Oh. Yeah. I’m Gwen, by the by.”

Elm started speaking, cutting Gwen off. It was probably for the best. Truth be told, she wasn't really used to complimenting others. She had been raised in households that usually bonded over insults. And was wicked mane really a compliment? ...maybe. Well, she liked red hair. If the chick caught that, great. If not, then whatever. It was no skin off her bones.

He went on a trademark Elm spiel...honestly she kinda zoned out a bit. But he eventually wrapped up and looked about the group.

…

Oh fuck. It was time.

Gwen gave a quick glance around the room, gave a shrug then walked forward. If no one else was going to, she’d have a go.

Elm flashed her a winning smile and Gwen returned a nod. She approached the table and looked at the line of pokeballs, taking in the names carved into each of the namecards. There were quite a few of them...she could pick absolutely any one of them…

…

Well, who would it be?

Totodile, maybe?
…Nah. Too...weird.

Eevee?
Fluffy as hell but not exactly her cup of tea.

…

Tyrogue.
Yes.

Gwen reached over and grasped the Pokeball. She held it in front of her face and tossed it up in the air just to catch it, repeating it two or three times. She considered letting the little guy out but…

Not yet. Not just yet. Soon…

She couldn’t really explain it but...she didn’t want a lab to be where the dude saw her for the first time. Maybe it didn’t matter at all, but she had made up her mind. She returned the ball to the smallest setting and slid it into a pocket.

Later, little buddy.

She then walk over towards Avery and the licenses. She glanced down at them before finding her name on one of the cards. Retrieving the swag, Gwen checked some of the others out of curiosity.

Something was off here.

Where was Avery's card?

Did he already take it? It was possible but...then wouldn't one of the other Pokémon be missing?

She didn't like this...

She REALLY didn’t like this…

But she didn’t press it. Instead, Gwen returned to where the others were gathered, ending up back near Cerise. She might not know exactly where the girl was coming from but...hell, oddly enough, this redhead, sketchy as she may be, didn't seem half bad. Or maybe she was. Really, hers was like the only name she knew in the room, other than Avery, but he was off being weird.

...well, there was Yuu…

…

…

Redhead it was.

Pokemon: Shadow of Nemesis Reboot

<Snipped quote by Ogobrogo>

Ah I see. Sad, considering I liked the guy a lot.

:)

But it's your decision, and I respect it.

@XxFellsingxX

Why thank you xD and I wouldn't say that he's gone for good. I'm just shelving him for use later, rather than waste him :3