[color=bc8dbf][center][h1]Rachel[/h1] [h3]En route to Mesalon Gym[/h3][/center][/color] [@fer1323] [@Heckno12] Noticing how uneasy Oscar seemed, Rachel gave a warm smile. [color=bc8dbf]"Well, I'll let you in on something. In Kosei, all of us gym leaders are move tutors. The first move we teach is for free, so if you have any Pokemon who can learn Rock type moves, I'm more than happy to help! And there's quite a range of Normal type moves that can be tutored."[/color] She turned to Sophia, who gaped in shock. [color=bc8dbf]"Did you meet my brother, Ray, while he was here?"[/color] she asked, unfazed by the younger trainer's expression. [color=bc8dbf]"Next time you run into him, that could be something to ask about. Plus, since he's easily the most powerful psychic in the region, it isn't just Pokemon he helps with their skills."[/color] [hr] [color=orchid][center][h1]Sophia Danvers[/h1] [h3]En route to Mesalon Gym[/h3][/center][/color] [@fer1323] [@Heckno12] All Sophia could do was stare, open-mouthed. A gym leader. She'd just gone and looked like a complete and utter weakling in front of yet ANOTHER gym leader. Not only that, but this woman had confirmed Ray held the same title. Ray, whose achievements seemed to take him little to no effort. Straightening her back, Sophia stopped leaning on Clarus. [color=orchid]"Oh geez, you've got to be kidding. Both of you, gym leaders? And yeah, I've already heard quite enough of that advice of his."[/color] No sooner had she blurted out that last bit than she knew she shouldn't have. Particularly around Oscar. Particularly after she'd already hinted at that complete Tauros crap Ray had told her. Sooner or later, Oscar would want to know more. [color=orchid]"But, uhh, never mind about that."[/color] She trailed a short distance behind, glancing over at Oscar. He'd been unusually quiet, and when he had spoken, worry had been clear in his voice. [color=orchid]"Wait!"[/color] She ran up to him, nearly toppling, and tensed her fists by her sides before searching through her bag. [color=orchid]"You say Daisho's going to take part in this..."[/color] With that, she held out a disc in a case. The Reflect TM. [color=orchid]"Hmph. Don't you think you're off the hook for talking trash about my family,"[/color] she grumbled. [color=orchid]"Or that you can expect this from me all the time. And remember, if things were different, I'd show you I could get a badge first. But just this once, for the sake of your Pokemon, I'll let you teach Daisho a move. I'm sure he can learn this."[/color] She caught a glimpse of Lacey looking up at her with a wry smile, as if to suggest it wasn't just for the sake of Oscar's Pokemon. Of course it was, Sophia told herself. Why else would she want her rival of all people to win? [hider=Notes] [b]Pokemon Party:[/b] Gothita "Lacey" lv14, Purrloin "Grimalkin" lv13, Staryu "Arcturus" lv13, Darumaka "Lumas" lv11, Shuppet (currently unnamed) lv11, Bronzor ("Clarus") lv11 [b]Pokemon in PC:[/b] [b]Inventory:[/b] Pokeball x1, TM33 (Reflect)[/hider] [hr] [color=chocolate][center][h1]Amber Pine[/h1] [h3]Mesalon Pokecentre[/h3][/center][/color] [@fer1323] [@Heckno12] [@AbysmalDemon] [@Dusksong] [@Noxx] After she'd gotten her Pokemon healed and Vivianne had excused herself to report the results of her investigation, Amber sat with her laptop, fingers poised over the keys. The events of the past few days rushed through her head in a way she could barely make sense of, let alone put into words. Recalling Aedre's advice, she sighed and started to type. [b][color=chocolate]Hey Coral, How are you and Omanyte doing? And about these first few days... Well, I'm going to be honest. We ran into a few issues. This region, just like any other, has its unsavoury types, and some were causing trouble the other day. Don't worry, I'm alright, and everyone involved will be. The gym leaders are looking into this, and they're not to be messed with. Trust me, I've met a few already. (One even gave me an Anorith, can you believe it? An Anorith this early on!) The important thing is, I'm not here alone like you were concerned I'd be. I've made some good friends already and we're all sticking by each other no matter what happens. Being a Pokemon trainer has its fair share of challenges, but it's all worth it. Also, guess who's here after all? Vivie. I mean she probably won't be tagging along, but things aren't too bad between us, and you'd be amazed at how strong her Pokemon are! Seems I've got some catching up to do... Miss you too, and try not to worry too much, it'll all be fine. Amber[/color][/b] After rereading the message a few times, she clicked send. There. She'd done it, told her sister the truth, or at least part of it. Her family would undoubtedly want more details, and all she could do was become a competent enough trainer that further bad news to report would be minimal. She put away her laptop and busied herself stitching up the torn section of her bag, occasionally glancing at Vivianne, who stood talking on the phone. The two were only a few feet from each other, but the distance seemed so much greater. Were they really on decent terms? Would any attempt at rebuilding their friendship end with it falling apart again? Could anything about this journey "all be fine", like she'd just said? A flash of scales caught her attention. The dragon, back to travel with Oscar, who stood up and led the little Pokemon out as Sophia and Rachel followed. Standing up to tag along - this would be a valuable learning experience - Amber turned in surprise at the sound of a voice. [color=lightsteelblue]"If it's alright with you..."[/color] Vivianne strode forward, putting her phone away, black work shoes clicking on the tiles. [color=lightsteelblue]"I'll come along. I still need to speak to the gym leader."[/color] With a slight smile, Amber nodded. [color=chocolate]"Yeah. That's... That's all good."[/color] Both women walked in silence as they headed out after the small group. [hider=Notes] [b]Pokemon Party:[/b] Kabuto "Chalcedony" lv11, Yanma "Aeshna" lv9, Rockruff "Kyra" lv13, Rowlet "Tacita" lv10, Anorith "Larimar" lv12, Sableye "Almandine" lv11 [b]Pokemon in PC:[/b] [b]Inventory:[/b] Pokeball x1, Potion x2, Dusk Ball x1[/hider]