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[img]https://i.imgur.com/QVTSpW7.png[/img]

[color=d9837c]Mentions: A few[/color]
[color=d9837c]Interactions: Sawyer [@Vertigo] | Bianca [@Majoras End] | Isaiah [@PrankFox][/color]
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Iris had fallen quiet for most of the meeting as the words from the Chairman settled within her brain. She understood why Hyacinth didn't want them interfering with the investigation. She could understand why it was necessary that they keep quiet about this mess. But did he [i]truly[/i] expect them to just, continue on like nothing had happened? Ryker is their friend... Not to mention, whatever happened to him could happen happen to any of the other Gym leaders. Who's to say Hestia wasn't next? Or Iris herself? These people kidnapped the [i]Champion[/i] for Arceus' sake. They'd have no trouble taking whoever they wanted...

She was still in her chair processing all the information as the others were starting to shuffle out. Iris wasn't sure what to think, or what to feel. But she certainly felt an all too familiar sensation; one that she hadn't felt in a long time thanks to her Pokémon. Fear. The anxiety that she could wake up and learn that someone else had suffered the same fate as Ryker. Or that they would find Ryker's body somewhere in Galar...

[color=d9837c]"Thank you Chairman..."[/color] She said steadily as she got up from her chair. [color=d9837c]"Rest assured I'm much too busy caring for undead children to interfere with a police investigation. All I ask is you keep us updated."[/color] With nothing else to say, she left the room and walked away, pausing where Bianca and Isaiah were.

What should she do? Postpone gym battles? Until when? She had people camping outside her gym around this time; so many younger and older trainers looking to get their first Major league gym badge after battling all the Minor leaguers... Ugh... She couldn't just postpone her battles. But what if those trainers make it to Hestia only to find out there's no Champion to challenge? What then?

She pulled out her phone and sent a quick message to Sawyer; the only one to not have been present for the meeting.

[color=d9837c][i]'The ceremony is cancelled. Ryker was kidnapped. We're expected to not interfere with the investigation or we face severe punishment.'[/i][/color]

Once Iris was finished with her text message, she put her phone away and looked over to the two leaning against the wall.

[color=d9837c]"I don't suppose the other gym leaders would like a group chat to check in on one another."[/color] Her voice remain calm and collected, but given Mimikyu's insistent head bumping to be held, it was apparent her Pokemon was trying to provide her some emotional support. Still, she took Mimikyu into her hands and started petting the body of his messed up Pikachu costume.

[color=d9837c]"I take it everything isn't well with her."[/color] She asked Isaiah, though it sounded more like a statement than a question.