[@Demon Shinobi][@Old Amsterdam][@Gardevoiran][@Dusksong]

Jacques was momentarily taken aback by Alice’s excited appearance, lifting his top-hat a little to look at her, but quickly smirked, quite in his element in obtaining recognition from the young fan. He crossed his arms, smirking down on the rambling young girl, waiting for her to complete her speech. He looked quite amused. Kalmia, meanwhile, looked stunned for a couple of moments as Alice continued, then breathed out a little in relief, happy for the excitement of the young trainer. Of course, Jacques continued looking more than pleased as Alice kept going claiming she’d one day be coming for him…

[color=EF284F]'Fu-fu,'[/color] Jacques started with his little laugh. [color=EF284F]'Well, then, young Alice. You’ve sparked my interest. I’ll be looking forward to what you become,'[/color] he simply said, smirking at her, then…

[color=EF284F]'As for why I’m here…'[/color] 

Then all that earlier.

Seemed like that the present trainers were, in fact, desiring a battle. Kalmia nodded to them and Jacques smirked more, he hadn’t been able to stop smirking since Alice’s little thing earlier. But before that, Axl came up and asked to see one of his Pokémon. Axl got himself smirked at by the glassed man in a top-hat.

[color=EF284F]'Fu-fu. So I’ve been asked again. Very well. So, to answer your earlier question, Ms. Alice…'[/color] Jacques turned his head slightly glance at Alice, though was still facing Axl. He made a quick swipe of his left hand past his clothes, not seemingly actually entering any pockets but exiting on the other side with a Pokéball nonetheless, said Pokéball tumbling to the floor as Jacques finished his sentence. [color=EF284F]'Why, yes. Yes, I did bring him,'[/color] Jacques chuckled some more as the ball hit the floor, opened with a flash of light, and a giant Pokémon took shape, filling the majority of that side of the room. 

[color=ff961f]'[b]RRRRHHHHHHYYYYYYYYY... perior![/b]'[/color] The Pokémon roared, standing on two large legs and lifting its arms high, its sheer bulk filling a massive amount of space in here. As Alice would know, Rhyperior always let out this particular cry when let out.

[center][url=https://i.imgur.com/HU6CJLo.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/Vw0Yslp.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #464 – Rhyperior, the Drill Pokémon. Evolving its intelligence further from Rhydon, Rhyperior uses the muscles in its arms to shoot rocks or Geodude as cannonballs from the holes in its palms. Its armour can withstand the force of a volcanic eruption.[/i][/color][/center]

[color=EF284F]'To think I’d be showing you off inside this room twice, fu-fu,'[/color] Jacques smirked up at his Pokémon.

[color=ff961f]'Rhy-rhy!'[/color] Rhyperior grinned as well as it could jollily down at Jacques in turn, after having done a sound that was pretty clearly him trying to copy the sound of his trainer’s laugh. In any case, Jacques turned smirking to Axl, who had been the one to ask.

[color=EF284F]'This is my partner. They know me as the Servant of the Mountain, and this guy is very much my mountain. He’s supported me throughout my journey, joining me at my lowest of lows and helping me reach the highest of heights. This guy’s a gentle brute that’d never hurt a fly, assuming said fly is not challenging him to a Pokémon Battle, f-fu,'[/color]

[color=82c6cf]'Don’t do that too often, it’s probably not good for my floor,'[/color] Kalmia inputted from the side, looking up Rhyperior’s undoubtedly heavy body. 

[color=ff961f]'Rhy!?'[/color] Rhyperior suddenly looked shocked at the notion of having damaged the floor, starting to slowly lift one foot to look under for damages. Seeing none, he very, VERY gently sat his foot down on the floor again, expression suddenly stressed as he became careful of doing any unintended damage to his surroundings. In any case. Jacques smirked to the trainers, and then it was time to keep going.

[color=EF284F]'So, you’re accepting the challenge? I’m glad. Let us head out, the four of them I called are waiting outside,'[/color] he said, moving for the door, Rhyperior looking panicked behind him as he was extremely unable to exit through that door without doing massive damage to it.

In any case. Outside. The outside was a regular street with houses lining the sides, but the asphalt as well as the small garden outside the lab was more than enough for Pokémon battles.

A party of four individuals approached. The four which could get here as quickly as possible that weren’t necessarily caught up in something else. 

The first of them eagerly dashed to stand at a slight distance from them and point at them eagerly, a short boy in blue and more blue. 

[hider=Simon][center][url=http://i.imgur.com/tfmllbg.jpg][img]http://i.imgur.com/9rvE9EW.jpg[/img][/url][/center][/hider]

[color=607ebf]'There you are, I have been waiting for you! Quivering in your boots is entirely okay, for you are standing in the presence of a future Pokémon menace!'[/color] he announced in a voice too high-pitched for how mature he wanted to sound, before placing his hands at his hips, and calling out loudly.

[color=607ebf]'I am Simon, and once again, I announce! I will be the very best, like no-one ever was!'[/color] … So he says. An eyebrow on Kalmia twitched a little seeing him, after which she turned to look at Jacques.

[color=82c6cf]'… Still can’t believe you picked up Simon,'[/color] she rather quietly asked Jacques.

[color=EF284F]'I figured it’d be amusing, fu-fu,'[/color] Jacques answered. [color=EF284F]'Besides, you can’t fault his enthusiasm, can you? He has the drive to grow strong.'[/color]

Kalmia looked at Jacques, then shrugged, before looking to the next. She threw a glance at Skylar, for no apparent reason, then back at the trainers.

The second one was an older boy with brown hair in a dark jacket, looking them over with a little gleam in his eyes, looking nothing short of confident.

[hider=Rodger][center][url=http://i.imgur.com/xbE4eVz.jpg][img]http://i.imgur.com/xbE4eVz.jpg[/img][/url][/center][/hider]

[color=9e8d77]'Heh, more trainers from Kalmia. More chances for me to face strong trainers. Alright, I’m Rodger. I’m looking forward to comparing how you are now to when we fight in the league,'[/color] he said, standing about looking confident. He looked to Jacques and nodded.

[color=9e8d77]'Thank you, once again, for this chance,'[/color] he said.

[color=EF284F]'Think nothing of it,'[/color] Jacques said, despite his head being held high and proud. [color=EF284F]'Your promise was what gave you your chance.'[/color]

[color=9e8d77]'You know that I’d have been in a very, very bad place if it weren’t for you?'[/color] Rodger asked with a grin, meeting Jacques smile. Then, Rodger looked to the trainers before him. [color=9e8d77]'I intend to make the most of this chance I’ve been given, I’ll never stop being grateful. Therefore, don’t expect me to hold back, you hear?'[/color] So he said, confident.

The third was a boy with green hair and glasses, frowning as he saw them approaching, seemingly silently judging them as the time came closer.

[hider=Oaken][center][url=http://i.imgur.com/9XFt4r1.jpg][img]http://i.imgur.com/JwzuDUO.jpg[/img][/url][/center][/hider]

[color=82c6cf]'Hi, again, Oaken~ Been enjoying your trip?'[/color] Kalmia waved a bit to him, greeting with a playful tone.

[color=7eab87]'… You picked up more rabble,'[/color] Oaken stated in a disgruntled tone.

[color=82c6cf]'Now, now, you already have a Pokédex now, you can’t [i]still[/i] be bitter about me giving them Pokédexes before I gave you one,'[/color] Kalmia waved a finger at him, not sounding very serious. Oaken was less than amused.

[color=7eab87]'Once again, I will prove you made a mistake. I didn’t pass all your tests only for you to make fun of me.'[/color]

[color=82c6cf]'Ah, but ask yourself, was there an invisible test mixed in there that you didn’t know about, that you didn’t pass?'[/color] Kalmia made a show of considering, frowning and putting a finger to her lips to indicate thinking.

[color=7eab87]'… I repeat,'[/color] Oaken stated, frowning. [color=7eab87]'I’ll prove you made a mistake,'[/color] he stated, before turning to the available trainers, awaiting the challenge.

The fourth was a brown-haired young lady who looked focused but nervous, standing a bit away from the others but nonetheless prepared herself for what’s to come.

[hider=Vivia][center][url=http://i.imgur.com/ZOa4kVb.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/XyjJyiW.png[/img][/url][/center][/hider]

[color=b5e6e2]'… I’m Vivia,'[/color] she stated, looking slightly at a loss of words after she said it, looking them over.

[color=82c6cf]'My former assistant, before Jacques decided to snag her with the promise of adventure. Sorry I didn’t notice,'[/color] Kalmia said from over there, sounding apologetic.

[color=b5e6e2]'No, I didn’t say anything, so-'[/color] Vivia coughed and shook her head. [color=b5e6e2]'That’s in the past!'[/color] she declared, turning towards you new trainers with newfound vigour.

[color=b5e6e2]'I’m Vivia! I will seek to become the Pokémon Champion, and thereafter the greatest Pokémon Researcher I can be! I’m str- going to become strong, so face me at your own risk!'[/color] she announced, pointing to the trainers.

[color=82c6cf]'That’s the spirit!'[/color] Kalmia grinned to her. After that, she then looked to Jacques a bit.

[color=82c6cf]'These four, huh? Where’s the other five right now?'[/color]

[color=EF284F]'Joshua was saying he and Ewan was on a dramatic mission to escort a pure and compassionate maiden to her destination and as such couldn’t come, apparently. Maple was too forward-facing and coming back didn’t appeal to her when she’s mid-adventure, and she’s currently dragging Ellyn along. Cathia outright refused, reasons not given. Besides, these four agreed to come back in exchange for an additional Pokémon for varying reasons…'[/color] 

[right][sub][color=607ebf]'[i]THE STARTER YOU GAVE ME HAD NO ATTACK MOVES![/i]'[/color] - Simon

[color=9e8d77]'Jacques helped me when I needed help. If he requests, I comply.'[/color] - Rodger

[color=7eab87]'I earn another Pokémon, which expands my options for an early growth.'[/color] - Oaken

[color=b5e6e2]'I got lost in Wet Caverns, so it wasn’t that far to walk ba- No, wait, that’s not- Aaah, I didn’t say anything!'[/color] - Vivia[/sub][/right]

[color=EF284F]'… So it all works out,'[/color] Jacques simply said, nodding proudly. Kalmia threw a single look at him, then shrugged, and then turned to you four smiling.

[color=82c6cf]'Alright! So, anyone in particular you want to fight?'[/color] So she asked.

[color=607ebf]'They get to pick their opponents this time, too!?'[/color] Simon asked, looking a little frustrated.

[color=82c6cf]'Why, yes. Because you can see their Pokémon,'[/color] Kalmia kindly explained, without looking at him. Simon took and processed that a few seconds, before smiling and putting his hands on his hips.

[color=607ebf]'Fine! I’ll grow to be a trainer that can accept any challenge! I’ll battle all four of you at once by myself if you so desire! As soon as you see what I…'[/color] … Simon suddenly paused, his smile dropping, his eyes suddenly widening in surprise as he looked towards one of them. Skylar, that is.

[color=607ebf]'… Is he…?'[/color] he asked quietly. Kalmia smiled, and nodded to him. [color=607ebf]'… Oh,'[/color] Simon sounded out a very small sound of realization, suddenly very much quieter than before, not able to take his eyes off Skylar right now. Kalmia just smiled at the reaction before turning to her trainers again.

[color=82c6cf]'So, who’d you like to battle? Do you want to battle alone, or perhaps in teams? Any particular preferences?'[/color] So she asked. It was up to them, now.

__________________________

[@Rune_Alchemist]

When Ralia got too close to Meganium, the grass-Pokémon would suddenly rapidly turn to glare at her from a closer distance, wary of her shenanigans. One way of saying “nope, too close”. He wouldn’t do anything, however, and simply keep walking after where Chikorita ran after having made himself clear to Ralia. Still, it was allowed to pick flowers around here and follow after Meganium, fortunately having an emotion-sensor so she could sense what flowers were traps and which ones were approachable.

After being scooped up, Chikorita laughed alongside Claire, looking more than happy to be petted and relax in Claire’s lap after a fun chase. She was relaxing there… when the other being appeared and Claire looked at it, before all the rest happened.

Now, within that bright expanse that Claire had found herself in, and that image.

There was no response to Claire’s first question, the emptiness simply maintained for her to further consider. The bright void lingered, until she finally gave her answer. Even though she couldn’t feel herself grin, the same mental change that came with grinning most certainly happened.

With that, her mind was suddenly given information she couldn’t possible have learned herself. Recorded within her memory was a location, the location of that girl in addition to two different routes to her. One of them was in Mt. Strength. Following a path that was inserted into her mind she could travel deeper and deeper, until she was no longer in the tunnels of Mt. Strength but in a maze of an underground. Following a passage east she could then reach a metal door that could be opened by a keycard. The facility keeping the girl was through there. Her new memory cautioned her of guards within the underground corridors under Isson, for they used them for unseen travel. The underground entrance was closer to the girl, but also harder to reach from the outside. It tended to be guarded due to the number of hostile Pokémon in the underground.

The alternative was reaching them from above. Inside Worldedge City, the largest city in Isson, there was a district called the Industrial District. Within that there was an abandoned factory, highlighted in Claire’s memory, which was very much not abandoned. Once again, it could be opened only by a keycard, unless she could find a way in besides the door. Inside the factory, a path was routed from both entrances to a huge security door, that which needed a higher-level keycard, not available to the grunts. Then, first there, the path to the girl was open and clear… with the exception of the guards that would be there. The factory entrance was easier to reach, but then she’d have to cross a larger portion of base to reach the goal. The path wasn’t strictly guarded, but it took her straight through the base full of people who were all capable of raising the alarm.

An emphasis of importance was put on the girl. It wasn’t explained why, but the memory emphasized that the girl was very important, perhaps for the whole world.

A picture was shown in her memory. It was of the Pokémon League, and rows of shadowy figures stood on a row. She couldn’t see them well, but the memory made clear these were all the Elite Four, all the Gym Leaders and all the powerful trainers. It was clear they were kind-hearted, dependable and could be trusted… well, some were a bit worse but that wasn’t the focus here. There was one exception. One of them opened their eyes, and the eyes shone red at Claire with vile intentions, their aura malicious. One of them could not be trusted. One of them was bad. This person could not learn of this, no matter what. … The memory could not tell her who it was.

A figure appeared in front of her in the void. It was a Pokémon, floating before her. She couldn’t make it out, something prevented her from making it out, but she knew it was the one that was providing this information to her. It was locked here, at this stone, it couldn’t move. However, it was cursed with knowledge, knowledge something had to be done. It wasn’t safe. It, along with its kin in Highhill Town and Lakewatch Town, were not safe. Someone needed to call them, show their worth, prove their character. Only the one before Claire could without a test know the individual was suitable.

In Highhill Town, at the top of the hill, was a collection of rocks standing in a circle, their mystery never discovered. A code was provided to Claire. Walk to the center of the rocks, and then, along with her Pokémon, perform in order…

First, a show of generosity.
Second, a show of sadness.
Third, a show of joy.
Fourth, a show of anger.
Finally, a show of passion.

If it was performed with good intention, then something would appear.

In Lakewatch Town, there was a building called Descent Tower. It lead to a place called Flooded Lakewatch. Bring a Pokémon that knew dive. Seek out the Drain. When there, cross the Drain on her own, without the help of her Pokémon, reach the end and prove her dedication to the task. When in there, things could occur in her mind that would not usually. If she could overcome that, cross through the drain and reach the rocks that waited within, then once again, something would appear before her, acknowledging her actions.

These tasks did not have to be performed by her, even if they needed to be performed by someone. However, she was urged to be careful who this information was shared to. A wrongful tip could have devastating consequences, the hint of devastating consequences backed up by the shadows of something enormous behind the shape, not clarified of what it actually was.

However… for all that was shown to her, she was not in a rush. It emphasized that those who were researching on the girl would not have progress anytime soon, for they were mistaken in an initial assumption. She had time to grow strong, to prepare, to take care of things as she went along. But… this has to be taken care of eventually, and this Pokémon could only trust so many people. For if [i]they[/i] knew it was here… they’d come take it immediately, and it would be unable to stop them. For it cannot move without risking terrible consequences, the huge shadow emphasized once again.

Hold onto what had been placed within her hand. Should the worst come to pass, it would come to use when combined with the two items provided by the Pokémon’s two kin.

That would be all.

[hider=A peaceful place][center][url=https://i.imgur.com/E4Otnri.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/E4Otnril.png
[/img][/url][/center]

Claire came back, reality snapping back into view. She was still sitting, Chikorita in her lap. Her eyes were looking forward rather than to the side where she had looked to see the foreign being. Said foreign being… floated right in front of her, same distance away as within that void. It had a bright grey body, but yellow on its head looking like it was wearing a strange mask that continued above its head like a stationary hairdo, a red jewel on its forehead. It was floating in mid-air, its grey body sporting two long grey tails, the tails each sporting a jewel on them at the ends. The eyes of the being was closed. Those eyes had not been closed a moment ago.

[hider=The Being][center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/e/ef/480Uxie.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/nX6P3kJ.png[/img][/url][/center]

Now, in case she directed her Pokédex at the Pokémon, it showed the following message. 
[sub]I promise for gameplay reasons that no villain will be able to take advantage of your Pokédex data, no danger in scanning it.[/sub]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]<Picture unavailable. Click for camera!>[/i][/color][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #480 – Uxie, the Knowledge Pokémon. A Legendary Pokémon. It was born from the same egg along with its kin, Mesprit and Azelf, and together they gave their gifts to the ancient humans. Known as the “Being of Knowledge”, legends speak of that with Uxie’s emergence it gifted humans with the gift of intelligence, allowing ancient humans to solve problems and improve their quality of life, leading to the technology and civilization we know today. It has full control of the memories of those who see its eyes, which it uses to make people forget they’ve ever met it.[/i][/color][/center]

Yet, here it was, floating before her, staring at her through closed eyes.[/hider]

Claire would notice she had something in her hand.

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Claire obtained the Crystals of Knowledge![/i][/color][/center]

A couple red jewels, or crystals apparently, were gathered in Claire’s hand, bound together. A third of a whole. Claire was free to react as she pleased to this.

[color=ccdba7]‘Chikorita!’[/color] the Pokémon still in her lap announced happily, looking up with a touch of admiration at Claire. She had seen the whole thing. If Claire asked her now, she’d be more than happy to join her.

[hider=If Claire so desired][center][color=6ecff6][i]Claire obtained Chikorita![/i][/color][/center]

[center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/b/bf/152Chikorita.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/FkegcRT.png[/img][/url][/center]
[b]Gender[/b]: ♀
[b]Type[/b]: Grass
[b]Personality[/b]: (Up to player.)
[b]Quirks/Talents/Aspirations/Other[/b]: (Up to player.)
[b]Level[/b]: 8
[b]Moves[/b]: Tackle, Growl, Razor Leaf
[b]Ability[/b]: Overgrow. Boosts power of Grass-type moves when heavily damaged.
[b]Held Item[/b]: None.

[center][color=6ecff6][i]New Pokémon caught! Claire earned 3000 P![/i][/color]

[color=6ecff6][i]Would you like to give a nickname to Chikorita?[/i][/color][/center][/hider]

And if not, that’s totally fine, too. Chikorita’s more than happy here.

Uxie floated before Claire, inspecting her for her immediate reaction to what she had just learned. It should be noted it probably had the ability to change its mind, open its eyes and totally wipe this event out of Claire’s memory if it so desired.

Meganium would eventually appear walking into the groove, Ralia eventually coming after. Meganium was simply looking over with a slightly disinterested expression, while Ralia… well, she’d see Uxie and instinctively know what that fairy-like legendary is. It’d also feel how very unsure the Legendary Pokémon was feeling about what it had just done, unconvinced this girl was the right choice for what it had given. Still, there was a certain amount of desperation within it, which probably had fueled the decision.

So. What would the two do?[/hider]