[color=chocolate][center][h1]Amber Pine[/h1]
[h3]Mesalon Pokecentre -> Mesalon Gym[/h3][/center][/color]
[@Dusksong]

Watching the policewoman leave, Amber could only hope the investigation would yield results. [color=chocolate]"Yeah, let's hope for the best,"[/color] she replied to Aedre. [color=chocolate]"If there's a good chance this is a Pokemon, they'll want to give this their all."[/color] If Ty was right about the low crime rate around here, the police wouldn't be swamped with cases, but still, this could be connected to a group that evaded the authorities.

Tacita hopped onto Aedre's shoulder, nuzzling her as if to say it wasn't her fault, then flitted back to her trainer, tucking herself into one of Amber's spacious trouser pockets. Amber petted the little bird, then looked back at Aedre.

[color=chocolate]"Well, I'd better inform the gym leaders,"[/color] she announced. [color=chocolate]"Looking into things like this is part of their duty here. See you everyone, and let's get a good night's sleep."[/color] She shivered as she headed towards the gym, partly from the evening chill creeping through the air, partly from the thought of a theft happening in such a quiet little town. For her own protection, she brought out Kyra, who trotted along at her feet. While the puppy brought comfort, something else nagged at Amber's mind - the message she'd have to reply to. If this kind of thing kept happening, how on earth was she supposed to explain it?

At her hurried pace, it didn't take long to reach the gym. Once she'd relayed the story to Lan and Rachel, she took a detour. There was one more person to speak to - assuming said person was still here, and actually wanted to speak.

Footsteps clacked, and the figure Amber was looking for appeared from around a corner, all professional poise. Sharp eyes, as if also searching, met hers.

[color=lightsteelblue]"There you are."[/color] Vivianne spoke as she might to a work colleague. [color=lightsteelblue]"I have to say, I'm afraid I can't stay much longer. So... I was just about to head out and find you. To let you know."[/color]

That hint of warmth the cool tone gave way to stirred mixed feelings through Amber, bittersweet memories from long ago. [color=chocolate]"It's ok. I understand,"[/color] she replied, feet curling inwards. [color=chocolate]"It was... nice while it lasted."[/color] She cringed at the unintentional double meaning.

The other researcher nodded, her face an impassive mask. Several seconds of silence passed by before she gave her simple answer. [color=lightsteelblue]"It was."[/color] As she moved towards the door, she turned her head. For a moment, a trace of the sparkle Amber knew returned to Vivianne's eyes. [color=lightsteelblue]"Well... I wish you luck."[/color] She lingered by the exit, then turned and strode out, her pace brisk as if to put the past behind her for good.

Amber found it difficult to speak through the lump forming in her throat. [color=chocolate]"Thanks."[/color] As she stood staring at the door, she felt something warm and fluffy rub around her ankles, followed by the sharp scratch of stones. She winced, but smiled anyway as she crouched to pet Kyra.

[color=chocolate]"Meeting her here... That was certainly unexpected,"[/color] she murmured. [color=chocolate]"Like a lot of things."[/color]

It was with heavier steps that she headed back to the Pokemon centre, towards the room she'd booked, where she could reply to the message and settle into bed. What a day. At least it was near its end, a new one about to start... although who knew what that would bring?

[center]...[/center][color=chocolate][center][h3]Mesalon Pokecentre[/h3][/center][/color]

Morning sunlight streamed through the cafeteria window, as if it promised better things. If only she could do the same, Amber thought as she hunched over her laptop, answering the endless questions in Coral's replies.

[color=chocolate][i]It's all fine now,[/i][/color] she typed. [color=chocolate][i]Mesalon's pretty peaceful, please tell Mom and Dad they don't have to worry.[/i][/color] For obvious reasons, she decided not to mention what had happened to Aedre, or the attack by the frenzied bats. To further lighten the mood, she attached some photos of her Pokemon. Imagining her sister's face upon seeing the picture of Larimar dozing with her claws tucked in cheered her a little.

Once she'd clicked "send", she reached down, petting the smooth shells of Chalcedony and Larimar as they scooped snacks from a bowl with their claws. Kyra, having quickly gobbled down her meal, wagged her tail and jumped around after Aeshna and Tacita. [color=chocolate]"Well, now I can keep watch over you,"[/color] she said to the green Pokeball she took from her belt, [color=chocolate]"it's your turn for breakfast."[/color] She pressed the button, then hurriedly sprinkled quartz shards in front of the Ghost type that appeared. [color=chocolate]"Eat up! But only the ones you're given."[/color]

Almandine's crystalline eyes gleamed at the sight of the meal. She instantly tucked in, champing down the gems with loud crunches. Amber smiled as she watched, although she kept her finger on the Dusk Ball button, ready to return the Sableye at a moment's notice if she caused trouble. [color=chocolate]"Wow, just how many of those do you eat in one sitting?"[/color] she chuckled. [color=chocolate]"That'll be something to study. Good thing Rachel let us keep those mining kits, looks like I'll need one more than ever."[/color]

The travelling Rock type gym leader was probably on her way right now, but hopefully she'd figure out at least a little about yesterday's happenings.

[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]
[hr]
[color=orchid][center][h1]Sophia Danvers[/h1]
[h3]Out and about -> Mesalon Pokecentre[/h3][/center][/color]

Sophia, meanwhile, had woken bright and early. Well, to tell the truth she didn't feel one hundred per cent awake, not after yesterday's overexertion. It didn't really matter, though, as long as she could seem energised enough to draw the attention of passers-by. It was only a small gathering, but a gathering nonetheless.

[color=orchid]"Now presenting, Sophia the Spectacular!"[/color] She gestured towards herself, then swept her hand in a wide, theatrical arc. The intricate origami Xatu she'd made flew around her, doing a flip before landing. As surprised stares turned to applause, she grinned. Paper wouldn't cause too much strain, and being praised rather than patronised was a welcome change.

Of course, some people refused to be impressed, rolling their eyes at fluttering Swoobats and dancing Grumpigs, dismissing her psychic tricks as some kind of stage illusion. A few others told her to tone down the high-and-mighty attitude. Sophia tried to pay them no notice. If they didn't want to recognise awesome, that was their problem.

One comment, however, she couldn't ignore.

"Not bad," said a bored-looking guy, "though you should see the Psychic type gym leader who visits town now and again. Now there's someone who could teach you a thing or two."

Sophia stood speechless as the man trudged along his way. Shame washed away all satisfaction. Someone had just HAD to remind her she couldn't compare to Ray. She resumed the show with some half-hearted tricks, but loss of enthusiasm won out. 

[color=orchid]"Well, I bet you wish you could watch me all day, but I'd better get going,"[/color] she announced, her voice wavering despite the forced confidence. [color=orchid]"You've been almost as great an audience as I am a performer!"[/color] She gave an exaggerated stage bow, only to stumble, planting her foot straight into a piece of chewing gum. Face reddening, she avoided eye contact with anyone as she scraped her shoe clean, then gathered up the paper Pokemon and the few coins she'd earned. Without a further word, she hurried back to the Pokemon centre.

Scowling, she took a seat in the corner, arms folded. Some day she'd be good enough. And today, she'd prove it with something other than a street performance. A gym rematch. Not that the thought of facing the expert who'd humiliated her two days ago comforted her any.

[hider=Notes]
[b]Pokemon Party:[/b] Gothita "Lacey" lv14, Purrloin "Grimalkin" lv13, Staryu "Arcturus" lv13, Darumaka "Lumas" lv11, Shuppet "Fantoccino" lv11, Bronzor "Clarus" lv11
[b]Pokemon in PC:[/b]
[b]Inventory:[/b] Pokeball x1, TM33 (Reflect), Oran Berry x3[/hider]