"I'm from Argent, but my family originally migrated there from the Xiurong region a lifetime ago,"

Argent, that was a relief. Argent was the only neighboring nation Leonias [i]didn't[/i] have a recent history of war with. This was likely due to the mountain chain that ran between them, creating a natural barrier which halted any aggressive moves. Gentry didn't have much experience in Argent, and had even less with the Xiurongese. 

Scizor heard the comment, then closed his eyes and crossed his arms. It was clear he was pleased with the compliment and now was starting to show off. Gentry couldn't help but let out a light chuckle. "Few people have ever met Scizor and called him cute. Though I suppose few people meet him if it's not as an enemy." Scizor knelt down in front of the Staryu and blinked twice before a bubble popped in his face again, though this time Scizor was prepared and thought it funny. Gentry examined the stone she held closely. 

"I can't say I know exactly what kind of Pokemon it is either. None that I have any experience with. Your Staryu, however, will evolve into a Starmie if exposed to a special stone. Something like that may help on such a dangerous journey like this." Gentry leaned back and crossed his arms at her question. It was clear now where Scizor learned the stance. "Actually, I have two more outside. They're-"

The entrance of the emperor, followed by various oohs and ahs from the others gathered interrupted Gentry before he could proudly proclaim his other two companions. Gentry watched the whole thing silently, listening to every word and carefully considering the advice of the emperor. When the speech was over and the emperor gone, the room erupted with the sound of chairs sliding back and warriors heading for the door. It was imperative that they begin right away, as every second wasted was a second the darkness grew stronger. 

"We should go, the emperor is right. An Aurion winter is worse than you can imagine, and we don't want to fall behind. Meet me in the coutyard, you can meet the others first hand." With that, Gentry turned to leave, hoping the woman would follow. It would be nice to have an acquaintance so early in the journey, which could very well be a long one. Scizor smiled again and waved as they walked out.

Gentry found Salamence and Absol curled up in the sun as expected. "Rise and shine, friends. It's time to move out." He stroked the neck of his dragon while he greeted the two, with Absol letting out a soft purr and rubbing up against Gentry's leg. The emperor's speech, while not incredibly encouraging, had lit a fire under Gentry, and he was ready to get to the bottom of all the chaos and bring it to justice. Entei's righteous flame would burn all evil things away until there was balance in the world, and so would Gentry. It was comforting to know they would be heading through Leonias, but he knew it would be a long time before they reached it. The thought of Aurios in the winter was enough motivation in itself to get moving. 

Salamence stood up, stretched, and a big flap of its wings send a gust of wind across the grass of the courtyard. "There we go, Sal. Let's get going." Salamence bent its neck down and Gentry climbed up, mounting himself on the dragon type as he had done countless times. Absol followed, jumping onto Salamence's back and taking a seat right beside Gentry. 

[@nuttsnbolts]