Sanguine Rose

Pokémon: There and Back Again

Faye Wrexlyn

Inventory

Pokédollars: 3,000
Egg in Egg Case
1x Potion
Camping backpack with a cold weather sleeping bag with a sleeping pad added to it, waterproof canvas tarp, 50 ft of rope, mess kit, extra clothes, a week of food (granola, jerky, a few canned soup, basic pokemon food for a few common types, etc), water purification kit and canteen, compass and maps of the region, magnesium fire starter, multi-tool knife, and a camping saw.

Pokemon

On-hand

Sage

♂

Species: Eevee
Type: Normal
Level: 6
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Growl, Sand-Attack
Ability: Adaptability - Increases STAB from 1.5x to 2x
Held Item:

Tilia

♀

Species: Rowlet
Type: Grass/Flying
Level: 5
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Growl, Leafage
Ability: Overgrow - Powers up Grass-type moves when the Pokémon's HP is low.
Held Item:

PC

Walking the streets even the moderate distance between the Center and Critical Roll posed a considerable challenge. No, there wasn't anyone getting in her way or trying to stop her. There wasn't any attack to be had. There was just so much....stuff! Unlike Grand Glory's towering buildings or familiarity of King's Cross, this place had noises and colors to capture and captivate the senses at every step. For a girl that occasionally had a lot of trouble keeping her eyes on the prize, this was a very distracting town to be walking through. She certainly needed to stay on task or risk being lost to the wonder of it all. Fenris had a similar feel, the underlying peace and appreciation of life, but it was more subdued and tranquil over this boisterous celebration of it. Walking the streets of Fenris she didn't feel pulled in every direction like she was walking these streets.

Sage trotted close to his purple haired trainer. When someone got a bit too close, he'd shift a bit closer. Unlike Grand Glory that was crowded with people with things to do, he seemed a bit less comfortable walking beside her streets crowded with people milling about enjoying the atmosphere. He did seem to perk up when Faye finally stooped down and scooped him up in her arms. That was when his interest finally perked up just as much as hers was to take in their surroundings.

When they finally arrived, without even getting distracted and stopping to browse a single stand, at their destination the duo just stood looking over the display in the window. She knew a little about the various apricorns and what kind made what kind of ball, but it was still pretty cool to actually see them all on display. Definitely out of my price range, but it doesn't hurt to look to see just how far, the young trainer told herself.

Faye placed Sage down and let him trot in first before following quickly behind him. She hadn't noticed the store clerk, immediately having her attention grabbed by a display on her left. So when he spoke up, she blinked and had to turn to face him.

Something seemed off, but she figured it was best to address his question first. "I mostly came in to browse and see what there was." But it was weird how nervous he was, wasn't it? Couldn't just be because she was a customer. Maybe because Sage wasn't in a ball? Or was it something else? Well one way to find out. "Is there something wrong?"

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

Interactions: Nolan @hatakekuro, Damian @Zarkun

It didn't seem like the corporal was about to believe her, but then he did. Or at least he was willing to accept the answer for granted. They needed help badly, and any help was better than no help. Which just made her feel all the worse with the nagging feeling she was going to let everyone down. The water mage was so caught up in her own thoughts and worries, that she didn't hear the whistling approaching them.

Hearing her name, however, elicited a soft gasp as Ria startled. She turned toward the sound, having missed the words. The bit of shock was chased away by a beaming grin. Any worries vanished. "Damian!" No sooner had his name escaped her, then she was on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around his neck in a huge hug. "I thought you had already set off, and I'd been so upset I neglected to say goodbye!"

Then Nolan opened his mouth and her beaming grin diminished slightly. "Oh!" It hadn't even occurred to her that Nolan might not know the swordsman. She pulled away and took a step over to stand off to the side but still somewhat between the two. "Nolan, this is Damian; he has been a regular facet at the guild since it started. I have not seen anyone come close to a match for Damian's skill with a sword but I am certain Kiba will be one to give him a proper challenge soon. Damian, this is Nolan; I'm sure Jenna has told you a lot about him, but he's one of the guild's A-class and yes, he agreed to assist with this escort mission.

"But like Nolan said, I didn't realize you were part of the - well, to crudely phrase it - cargo for the mission. Given how the guards were talking, I suppose they haven't heard of your skill and assumed you were just some tag along they'd have to protect as well." She tabbed her chin softly as she looked to the sky. "Though, that really doesn't seem to change our roles with the caravan as you were not intending to defend unless necessary."

She laughed softly, regaining the smile from her thoughtful look. "I'm glad we get to see you off. It looks like the caravan is just about to get going so we should all go join the guards." She didn't wait for the two men to agree or not. The water mage spun on her heels and, with a skip to her step, headed off to join the guards and see if there was any help she could provide them in their final checks.

---

---

Interactions: Adelyn @Lunarlord34, Kiba @Cello, Seargent Monreu @Zarkun

Adelyn had argued that zap she'd given him was not a true display of her power, but Mark had seen little to support that claim. He supposed that a bulk of the reason for that was only seeing her zap in response to physical contact instead of seeing her on a job. Come to think of it, he couldn't recall any time she had taken a job. Usually se sat in the guildhall with her nose in a book or ranting in her over articulate way at some unsuspecting soul.

The dark mage spared a glance at the otherwise silent swordsman beside him when Kiba let out the softest noise. What was funny enough to make their quiet companion laugh? Whatever it was likely wasn't important. Not worth pressing someone that didn't speak by choice to share the joke. Either they would discover in time or not.

What was important was that they finally reached the command center, and moreover the briefing room where they were to meet the man in charge of giving them information on the job. Though unchanging in his expression, the air around the stoic mage grew a little colder when the sergeant doing the briefing used - at least the kinder - nicknames he'd heard muttered in reference to guildmembers. It would be better to just leave the posting and leave with Adelyn and Kiba, not completely the job, but then what would Jenna say? No, they needed to complete the job. They just didn't need the guard to do it. It didn't change much of what he expected to happen. Kiba could help guarantee Adelyn didn't get hurt, and Mark himself would carry the bulk of the weight. It equated to slightly more complicated than the last time he was hired to deal with a dangerous beast, but only because there were two mages he hadn't worked with instead of just doing the job by himself.

"If that was the first thing, you should have lead with that instead of starting with an insult, Sergeant." His tone was even and tempered, face placid of disappointment, but even the guardsman would likely have little difficulty sensing the shift in the air. "You will use formality with addressing us, and will address her as Ma'am with a prompt apology.

"Then provide the details for this job so my team and I can complete this task. You will stay here. That should eliminate a variable that is clearly a threat to my team." Mark kept his gaze leveled on the man's face, but he took in the room with his peripheral. "Is any part of that unclear?"

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

Interactions: Nolan @hatakekuro, Garrison @Zarkun

Off to a wonderful start! Everyone was being cordial and the guardsman - Corporal Nalen - even shook shook Nolan's hand! Honestly, of all the ways Ria assumed this might go, this was the absolute best route. Well, not with being asked to lead the caravan, but still. The guards seemed up for working with the foreigners and that was the starting point they needed. The guild couldn't afford for this to go sideways - on so many levels - so it starting so splendidly was precisely how she hoped. If it hadn't, well, that was why she wanted to join him. At worst, the water mage had been prepared to calm tensions and help smooth out rough edges. But the only edges that seemed to be around were those of the guards' understandable unease over the whatever the monster was that was causing them so many injuries.

They may have seemed reluctant to bring up the misfortune but it did need to be addressed. The water mage only knew of the misfortunes in broad strokes, but she still knew of their diminished capacity. At least enough to draw some conclusions when she first saw this job go on the board. Would Nolan have been better received if the circumstances were not dire? She knew the answer to that, but that was what made this the perfect job for him to take to help his reputation with the guards.

Of course, when the question of skill came up, her gaze shot to her companion. She doubted he was going to take the inquiry kindly, but any worry over his reaction was void from her face. Her smiling, almost carefree mask remained in place. No one needed to know her concern. Which made her smile all the more when he spoke so well in response to the inquiry.

Her mismatched gaze returned to the guardsmen with a nod. Her smile grew a bit brighter, and her voice was a tad more chipper than it had been. "I assure you, we are quite capable of ensuring this mission goes off without any further complications for the guard."

A chill ran down her spine, her stomach twisted into a knot, but the smile remained. She knew what she'd just promised. In the back of her mind, she could hear her father chiding her for ever thinking she could ensure the safety of others with her water magic. She was weak compared to others, could never hold up in combat whenever tested. How could she not let Nolan down and cause him to burden more of the task instead of share it equally? How was she supposed to ensure these men - so new and uncertain - didn't meet with injury or worse if she was lacking?

She could perform wonderfully when it was just her and Azria training. If she could just get her mind focused like during those matches then it would all work out just fine. Azria believed in her capabilities. She just needed everyone else to be confident in her too. Maybe if everyone else trusted she could do it, she could convince herself too. "I have extensive combat training in a plethora of scenarios, and I know Nolan is more than capable of handling most any situation that may be thrown our way as well. You are in capable hands."

Pokémon: There and Back Again

Faye Wrexlyn

Inventory

Pokédollars: 3,000
Egg in Egg Case
1x Potion
Camping backpack with a cold weather sleeping bag with a sleeping pad added to it, waterproof canvas tarp, 50 ft of rope, mess kit, extra clothes, a week of food (granola, jerky, a few canned soup, pokemon food for Sage, etc), water purification kit and canteen, compass and maps of the region, magnesium fire starter, multi-tool knife, and a camping saw.

Pokemon

On-hand

Sage

♂

Species: Eevee
Type: Normal
Level: 6
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Growl, Sand-Attack
Ability: Adaptability - Increases STAB from 1.5x to 2x
Held Item:

Tilia

♀

Species: Rowlet
Type: Grass/Flying
Level: 5
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Growl, Leafage
Ability: Overgrow - Powers up Grass-type moves when the Pokémon's HP is low.
Held Item:

PC

Wait, splitting up? Well, that would probably be best. It wasn't exactly like they were conversing much or any of that. She'd wanted him as backup to assist with the forest for which she realized she was woefully underprepared. They didn't exactly need to travel together. It would be nice but...Gods, he was awful to socialize with, why did she even care?! At least for as awful as their partnership had started, he was being surprisingly nice in his departure. Just kind of proved right to have chided herself for her initial assessment of the guy.

"Oh, okay then, sure." She shrugged lightly. If he wanted to sightsee instead of look into what might help him gain an edge as a trainer, very well. Just made it easier for her to buy things she needed without feeling like she was the inexperienced one that foolheartedly rushed out of Grand Glory without buying necessary supplies.

Faye blinked as the boy walked out the door. "Did you say mafia?" she gawked. But it was too late. He was already off on his way toward wherever he wanted to start his sightseeing. Maybe he was just playing around. Payback for her lack of details about the Illusive Forest she supposed. Whatever the case, even if the case he was working involved the mafia, why would they look for her? She wasn't involved in the case. That likely didn't matter, but then again would she know someone was mafia just from sight? How often did mafia people actually dress like that in real life? They'd stick out like such a sore thumb it would be neigh impossible to operate an underground organization without getting caught.

Whatever. The purple haired trainer shook the thoughts from her head. Instead, she set her mind back to the task at hand. She left the PokeCenter and released Sage from his ball. While letting both out would be nice, keeping track of both her Eevee and her Rowlet while walking around would likely be too much. Besides, Tilia would likely enjoy the time not in the sun. Probably better to not show off her shiny Rowlet just walking around an unfamiliar city as it was.

So, with Sage happily trotting beside her, she headed off to Critical Capture.

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

Location: in route to Suspicious Monster Sighting
Interactions: Adelyn @Lunarlord34, Kiba @Cello

Thankfully there were no more complaints or interruptions. At least, none that prevented them from finally leaving the guildhall. It was hard to start a job if you couldn't leave to actually start it. Out in the street it was at least slightly less noisy, and it gave Mark a chance to finally properly read the posting. He'd skimmed it, but not actually seen what the details were. The job implied killing the beast was expected - proof job is completed. Could there potentially be an alternative, capturing or taming it? He had heard the rumors of the beast attacking the garrison, but he hadn't heard of such a beast before in the literature he had read or outside of these attacks on the garrison. It might do well to study a living specimen instead of simply analyze a corpse.

When he looked to verify Kiba was in fact joining them, he realized the sparking mage was talking. Had she stopped or was she still carrying on? If she insisted on talking so much, he supposed he could listen. Listening wasn't difficult if she didn't expect responses. As long as she shut up before they left the city, it wasn't an issue. Once they left, she needed to quiet to let him work out plans and give them a chance to sneak up on the thing - or track where it may have gone if it left this potential lair.

"I have seen it in action. You tried to shock me when I stepped on your foot." But that wasn't the main thing she was talking about. The job. Kiba needed to know it as well.

Mark offered the flier to the sparking mage and looked at Kiba again. "I signed up to handle the mysterious beast that has been attacking the garrison. We are to stop it from causing further losses." He hadn't determined how or how long it would take, but the job was to prevent this thing from attacking again. The poster didn't say it needed to be killed, just that proof the thing would not attack again; he preferred not to kill it but if that was the only option that would be how it ended. Which was precisely why it was good Kiba came along; a swordsman working with him would certainly help make that an easier option to complete.

* * *

Location: Town Guard Command Center
Interactions: Nolan @hatakekuro, Sergeant of Garrison @Zarkun

Ria had only originally caught the look out of the corner of her eye, but when she'd checked what she saw - she almost didn't stifle the bit of a giggle that bubbled up. Never had she seen such a look of shock on his face. In fact, she supposed something she said must have been so completely unexpected he couldn't keep up the brooding asshole appearance that he usually tried to. No one in the guild would ever believe her if she tried to convince them he could make such a face, but she supposed that was fine. It didn't take him long to get his usual look on his face, which was best given their arrangement. Working with guards that didn't like guild mages - it was probably best they both showed their usual side.

"Thank you very much. We're ready to go once they are." She offered the commander a polite smile and parting courteous handshake before following Nolan over to the others they would travel with.

Her smile didn't falter. Nolan was being polite. That was a great step in the right direction. Hopefully it would put everything else in order. All anyone needed to do was just coexist together and focus on completing the job and surely it would help head toward repairing relations. At worst, all the guild mages needed to ensure everyone came back alive and relatively uninjured without losing any of the cargo. That would certainly signify a job well done and still hopefully win some good will between the guards and the guild. Especially with Nolan helping make that happen.

The water mage offered them all a raised hand as a wave. "Hi. I'm sure you guys have seen me around helping farmers and such, but introductions are great for making sure everyone knows who is who. I'm also a Rising Star guildmage, and Nolan's partner. You can call me Ria. It's great we get a chance to work with you on this. Thank you for trusting us to ensure this shipment is delivered without issue."

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

Location: Somehow unable to finish leaving the guildhall
Interactions: Adelyn @Lunarlord34, Kiba @Cello

Mark only made it a few steps before the short spitfire lightning mage was in front of him, blocking his path once again. Saying he had something to do should have been the end of the conversation, right? Why did she insist on continuing to prattle on when there was a job to do? Obviously there would only be one way to be rid of her now. He had to actually talk with her. Or, at least, he would if she ever shut up.

He could have answered everything, but what was the point? She had her assumptions set. It was a waste of time to backtrack reply to any rhetorical question she posed. The more insulting thing was that - for as long as they had been in the guild together - the bookworm didn't know his name. He hadn't bothered learning her last name, but at least he knew her first. Oh - well, supposedly it was good she introduced herself. He thought her name had been Adeline. Perhaps an introduction was called for.

"Markovis."

No sooner did he finish saying his name than she continued on. This girl spoke more than their bubbly water mage (and that one could carry on a conversation alone) but more passive aggressive in her attempts to socialize. He knew he wasn't the best at this whole interaction thing, but he at least knew better than to force his presence onto someone. Especially without knowing what the task at hand was, or if he was under skilled for the mission.

So what did he have to say? "No."

He went to go move a step but realized she was going to stay in his way when she shifted to match. A soft sigh escaped him. "You are not capable of handling this task. You are neither physically fit, nor magically capable enough to assist. You will get killed. Kiba is more than capable of assisting without potentially getting killed." He turned and looked at the swordsman. "Your skillset would be helpful. You should come."

His attention returned to the silver haired girl before him. "You're not going to move out of the way unless you get a yes." It wasn't a question. It wasn't even an accusation. It was just a very obvious fact. One he hated.

He massaged the bridge of his nose with another sigh. "Very well, come. But your life is your own responsibility."

With that as the final note, he stepped around her and started off again. It was up to them to join him. Kiba would make the job easier; Adelyn was likely to complicate it. So, ultimately, whether they joined or not - it seemed the difficulty would remain the same. The only thing that would change would likely be tactics.

Pokémon: There and Back Again

Faye Wrexlyn

Inventory

Pokédollars: 3,000
Egg in Egg Case
1x Potion
Camping backpack with a cold weather sleeping bag with a sleeping pad added to it, waterproof canvas tarp, 50 ft of rope, mess kit, extra clothes, a week of food (granola, jerky, a few canned soup, pokemon food for Sage, etc), water purification kit and canteen, compass and maps of the region, magnesium fire starter, multi-tool knife, and a camping saw.

Pokemon

On-hand

Sage

♂

Species: Eevee
Type: Normal
Level: 6
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Growl, Sand-Attack
Ability: Adaptability - Increases STAB from 1.5x to 2x
Held Item:

Tilia

♀

Species: Rowlet
Type: Grass/Flying
Level: 5
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Growl, Leafage
Ability: Overgrow - Powers up Grass-type moves when the Pokémon's HP is low.
Held Item:

PC

@samreaper

Things could most certainly have been worse, so if all she had to put up with was an egotistical brat being her chosen traveling partner, Faye counted herself lucky. At least they had a fresh start and she'd try to give it an honest effort. It just was a bit awkward waiting next to him. What did they have in common besides being second day trainers?

Before she could run through a list of things to try (and crossing off almost everything she considered) their Pokémon were returned. She felt a wave of relief wash over her, but caught herself before she sighed. "Thank you, Nurse Joy. I'll be sure to check out the Move Tutor before leaving town. That'd probably be helpful for Sage." But for now, they - well, she - had other things to do. She collected her pokeballs and left.

She figured Tristan would probably leave his Pokémon in their balls, given Princess's allergy, but if he let them out, hers would too. It wouldn't be fair to either sets' Pokémon if one needed to be kept in their balls while the others were out. Not after already starting to socialize.

And off she went toward Critical Capture.

Or, at least she would have been. She got to the doors of the Pokémon Center before turning to face Tristan. "Critical Capture was next, right? Or the Berry Emporium? Both have unique items that make them great stops for new trainers to just learn a bit more beyond the basics. Though I was planning to just go buy stuff from the local Poke Mart given it's more affordable and serves the purposes for catching and caring for the Pokémon we have and can handle training right now. But I still want to check out those specialty stores anyways, 'cause they'll be useful to know what those places carry on hand when we're ready for them. You coming with me or taking off on your own?"

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

Location: Town Guard Command Center
Interactions: Nolan @hatakekuro, Sergeant of Garrison @Zarkun

What was usually organized chaos of bustling guards going about their duties had dwindled to a meager sight. Given the things she had been hearing, the increased dangers around the town blamed on the increased amount of mages thanks to their guild, there was no surprise to see how few were around. The fact there looked to be any that would be accompanying them - given how the ones near the trucks acted and what she overheard of their discussions - surprised her honestly.

Ria found herself gravitating toward the transport vehicles, but blinked back to attention when someone shouted for someone to come over. And was looking straight at her and Nolan. A smile settled naturally on her face as she approached what was clearly a commanding guard. She showed the job posting and introduced them both as mages from the guild here to help. Then it was a matter of staying focused on what the sergeant was telling them and not get sidetracked by the dismal amount of town guard in the yard.

It might be best they were just supposed to be there "just in case" but even Vulcan could be problematic. At least she'd seen the job to handle the lightning beast had come down when she went to grab it - that actually had been one she figured would have been more worth Nolan's talent given what she'd heard of his capabilities - so someone was likely on it already. If that was the case, the beast might not be a problem. Before she could dive too far down that rabbit hole of thought over what could and couldn't be problematic and how they might be able to handle problems as they arose, Nolan cut straight to the chase. Hearing his pointed questions completely derailed her thought. It wasn't a surprise he would be the one to bring it up; he was the one with a sorted history with the town guards after all.

The fog of thought cleared from her face as her usual cheerful smile replaced it. It wouldn't be a problem. "Obviously we're not here to take command of any of the towns guard. It helps everyone to know the official chain of command, though. If I might be so bold as to make a recommendation: as this is a job we are hired for, we meld it as a partnership. Your commander for this task is first in the chain, but if necessary for there to be a second, I believe that should be Nolan. He has a wealth of tactical experience so if something does happen to cause delay in delivery, and should the commander for the mission be incapacitated, it would do us all good to follow Nolan's instructions. I'm certain his ability to handle himself is well known fact; I have no doubts he has the capacity to give instructions that will success, should a secondary leader be needed. Doing this would help instill a level of trust between your men and us, as it would show them that a more senior commander trusted us beyond just backup should trouble arise." Polite, measured in her wording, she made sure she presented herself as nonthreatening and inoffensive as she could. This wasn't the first time she had to deal with a potentially difficult situation to ensure everyone got what was best. She figured it wouldn't want, but hopefully it wouldn't take much negotiation to get both comfortable with the arrangement.

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

Interactions: Nolan @hatakekuro

Nolan's expression didn't change, but he definitely changed colors. Why did her invitation make him so red? It's not like - Oh my goodness, did he misunderstand? Now did she explain to him that she had not invited him to see the city as a means of them interacting on a more intimate note, or did she just gloss over his fluster over it? Surely he must have had a panic or alarm going off in his head to turn such a brilliant shade of red she hadn't ever noticed before. She hadn't exactly thought he could blush, much less she would ever make him do so.

He didn't say no. Instead, he said he was concerned for her reputation. That was sweet, especially for one that tended to be rather rude to most (or at least rude to Adelyn.) It was that concern that was why she was certain he was simply misunderstood or - like Markovis and Kiba - had trouble expressing themselves to others. "If anyone thinks less of me for being associated with you outside of the guild, then they clearly never thought too much of me." She offered him a more cheerful smile. "So, if it means I lose a few kind words, then so be it. Besides, for every one that may think less of me, I am certain there will be another that thinks better of you for it.

"So, don't be coy with concern over my reputation in the town." She gently touched his arm without even considering the fact he might not want to be touched or what that might imply either. Right now, she was more concerned with the fact he didn't think he was good enough to be her friend. She'd completely forgotten how red he had been just a second ago. "You deserve to have public friendships and not be some kept secret just like everyone else." She nodded like that was that.

Then the smell of fresh baked pastries caught her attention. A soft gasp escaped her and a beaming smile sparkled in her eyes. She took hold of his hand in both of hers, skipping forward a few steps while dragging Nolan along, toward the front window of a pastry shop. "Oh! When we get back you absolutely have to come with me here. They make the best streusel you will ever try! It's just that right mix of sweet and flaky and -" she hummed with delight. Then realized she was holding his hand and let go with a sheepish laugh and rubbed the back of her head. "Sorry about that. But I mean it. When we get back, I'm buying you a streusel."

She nodded to herself then turned and started off on their way again. Well, rather, she started on her way again. She assumed Nolan would follow because the awkwardness of him blushing over her invitation had already slipped from her mind. It was decided in her head they would go see things in the town when the job was finished. She wasn't going to take no for an answer just because her reputation might take a hit. Who cared about that if it meant someone felt they weren't allowed to be her friend? She refused to accept someone couldn't be her friend because their reputations were polar opposites. Either people would like him more, or she'd have better friends. It was a simple as that.

---

---

Interactions: Adelyn @Lunarlord34, Kiba @Cello

The tiny spark that zapped him barely even registered - definitely not in any change in expression on Markovis' face, and barely acknowledged by his brain either. Almost like just some small amount of static discharge one might build up keeping their ass planted in a seat and shifting every so often while reading might be expected to build up. The bookworm barely registered much to him much like the spark she assaulted the unwanted touch. And much like the momentary static discharge, their contact was gone just as quickly. The stoic mage wanted to stay in the din of the guildhall no longer than required. So once the girl was righted, he was off on his way again.

Or rather, he would have been if the tiny static mage running in front of him and making a huge scene of it.

Markovis blinked, stopping before he bowled her over again, and stared at her. The girl was horribly unfit. He may not be one to go out for a jog - ever - but at least he could handle a bit of physical exertion. It was all about conservation of energy and properly applied efforts. For a bookworm, she clearly had no grasp of core concepts. "Perhaps you should exercise more often," he commented rather blandly, like an offhanded piece of advice, while she struggled to catch her breath.

He glanced over her head, noting how little distance was between them and the guildhall door. That was when she started spitting out her longwinded insults while barely having the breath to do it. This, once again, warranted another blink from Markovis.

An almost puzzled look smoothed his already placid expression. (At least being completely uncertain about what she was talking about was evident in his eyes.) Did what he say not actually count as an apology? That was what you were supposed to do, explain the reason for the issue then you could move on. He explained why the collision had occurred - neither were hurt - so what was the problem? She didn't fall.

The black-haired mage glanced back to where the collision had occurred. He briefly caught the nod from Kiba - in turn offering a slight nod of his head in similar recognition - before focusing where he bumped into her to help recall the event even though it was only a few minutes ago. He turned; she wasn't there. He started walking; she was there. He bumped into her, and caught her so she didn't fall over. He righted her, explained, then left. Why did he need to say more beyond why he bumped her if he ensured she wasn't hurt? Oh, did he not ensure she wasn't hurt? He blinked again as that realization hit him and looked back at her. "Did I step on your foot when I left? I am sorry for the harm."

Markovis glanced over at Kiba, as if the sword mage had any more information on the subject than he did. He supposed it was more for support than anything. The sword mage had been with the yappy one when the collision occurred, so obviously he was familiar with all that transpired.

Maybe saying the word would make things fine. Only one way to find out. "Now, excuse me, I have a job." He offered Kiba another nod as a goodbye. Then made certain he stepped clear of Adelyn to avoid accidentally stepping on her again as he continued on his way out of the guildhall. All he wanted to do was get out of the blasted guildhall and away from the noise. Why did such a simple task seem to be so difficult?

Pokémon: There and Back Again

Faye Wrexlyn

Inventory

Pokédollars: 3,000
Egg in Egg Case
1x Potion
Camping backpack with a cold weather sleeping bag with a sleeping pad added to it, waterproof canvas tarp, 50 ft of rope, mess kit, extra clothes, a week of food (granola, jerky, a few canned soup, pokemon food for Sage, etc), water purification kit and canteen, compass and maps of the region, magnesium fire starter, multi-tool knife, and a camping saw.

Pokemon

On-hand

Sage

♂

Species: Eevee
Type: Normal
Level: 6
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Growl, Sand-Attack
Ability: Adaptability - Increases STAB from 1.5x to 2x
Held Item:

Tilia

♀

Species: Rowlet
Type: Grass/Flying
Level: 5
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Growl, Leafage
Ability: Overgrow - Powers up Grass-type moves when the Pokémon's HP is low.
Held Item:

PC

@samreaper

Whatever his reasoning to agree, she supposed it was her own fault for offering for him to join. He didn't look like he'd been listening at all, nor that he particularly wanted to join her travel, yet here they were. Hell, he went on to say he clearly wasn't paying attention given they just left a daycare where she got her egg identified and he completely forgot about that like ten minutes later. What a couple of fools traveling together they would be. If he messed up her name again, she supposed their rather tenuous arrangement would end about the same time her fist hit his face. No no, don't be rash. You can do this without violence. After all, she was the one to offer they work together. Twice now.

When King swooped nearby, Tilia took to wing and joined him overhead. The smaller bird-type wasn't keen yet on riding on her shoulder, but getting a chance to fly and chatter with another bird-type seemed just up her alley.

To say Faye was quite content to just listen to the pair flying overhead chitter back and forth was an understatement. Listening to those two was far better than any conversation she could likely get out of the foreigner. Likely any more conversation between them would have brought their tremulous union to a swift end. All the better then, because as they got closer to Florasong, the cacophony of the musical city began to overtake the ability to hear the trainers Pokémon befriending one another. She had heard a lot about the music that came from this city, but she never really stopped by here. Maybe once or twice to get pictures of Aria's Garden when needing

"Okay, so I don't know about your Pokémon, but I think it might be good to make a quick stop at the local Pokecenter to make sure our teams are one hundred percent before going much further. I'm going to stop by the Pokemart too, check out what they might have different from the one in Grand Glory. But there's also supposed to be a artisan shop that sells specialty Pokeballs - that's going to be worth stopping in too. Same with Aria's Garden." That was kind of just her checklist - say it out loud and hopefully she'd stay on track. There was absolutely no guarantee that would happen, but one could hope.

As she spoke, she naturally gravitated toward leading the way toward the Pokecenter. When in doubt, it was always good to just make sure her Pokémon were at their best. Tilia and Sage may have had a rest since they battled, but they still fought hard and she never did make sure they got healed up beyond just resting. It was probably good she didn't have them battle anything. She certainly didn't want to earn a reputation as some reckless trainer that just kept throwing her Pokémon headlong into battles without properly maintaining their health. Her father would be ashamed if she did that and he ever found out. Best to just avoid it all together and just hit the Pokecenter now.