Late spring air heavy with the smell of flowers in full bloom perfumed the air just outside of Floroma Town. Among the delicate petals suspended on their stalks sat a young woman. Her legs were crossed, elbows planted on her knees, fists supporting her head up as she pressed them into her cheeks. She was young, in her early twenties, with glossy auburn hair that she had braided into a rope that hung down her back. It swayed slightly as her head turned a little, green eyes following the shape of a Combee buzzing busily over the flowers, the little bug Pokémon humming quietly to itself as it worked. She blinked her green eyes a few times, trying to focus on the beauty of the moment and not fall back onto her habitual list of to do's or studying. It was harder than she would've liked.

Unexpectedly, a look of shock and fright crossed the Combee's faces and it rocketed upwards, just as a dark shape exploded out from the flowers, dark grey arms reaching up to grab the other Pokémon before it could fly away. Fortunately for the Combee, she missed, the fox like Pokémon landing back among the flowers with a soft thump. The Zoroark lifted her head to watch the fleeing bug, a mischievous grin splitting her pointed muzzle before her and her bright red mane of hair disappeared back beneath the plants.

Maeve laughed. She didn't know whether or not Whisper had missed on purpose, but she wouldn't put it past her. Her Pokémon had probably seen her sulking and thought to lighten up the mood. Well, it had worked, no matter what the intentions had been behind it.

Straightening up and stretching out her legs, hoping to allow her 1 foot that had fallen asleep time to wake up before something else happened, Maeve looked for any of her other Pokémon that were out exploring the fields of Floroma. She had traveled to Sinnoh for a change of pace originally, but couldn't help but notice that there seemed to be a lot of activity focused in and around Jubelife City. She had tried not to pay too close of attention, but it was wired in her brain to notice things like this, indicators of something exciting happening. Her guess was that they were organizing a tournament, though no one she asked seemed to want to give her a straightforward answer. She had silently accepted their evasiveness, but was keeping an ear to the ground for any news of an upcoming competition.

Something solid collided with her before her foot had had a chance to wake up completely, sending a series of painful prickles through the appendage. Maeve managed through sheer force of Will to keep a grimace off her face as she wobbled, instinctively wrapping her arms around the Ampharos that had managed to approach her from the opposite direction she had been looking, the electric Pokémon having gone in for an affectionate hug that flopped half of her heavy body across her trainers lap.

"Bridget, careful. Don't knock me over," Maeve said with a huff of effort, releasing her Pokémon as she herself was let go and resigning herself to the physical contact as Bridget settled in next to her and put her head on her arm. She smiled though. She didn't mind the touch.

Gently rubbing the top of Bridget's head with her hand that wasn't trapped in the Pokémon's own, she had just caught sight of a low bodied Gastradon slipping out of a nearby flower patch, it's blue head turning to look at her with a calm smile when she noticed a human figure coming up the path. Being trapped where she was by Bridget, Maeve waved from her sitting position to the man she recognized as one of the people who helped out in the Pokémon center. He waved back, turning his walk into a light jog. Maeve caught sight of Whisper's sharp face peering out across the way, a gleeful expression brightening her features. Maeve gave her head a sharp shake and Whisper pouted. But it wasn't until a paw was placed on her back that the mischievous gleam in her bright blue eyes faded. She gave a disparaging look up at Atlas, the Lucario giving her a stern look. With a grumble, the Zoroark slipped away, probably off to pull a prank on one of the other Pokémon instead.

Taking a deep breath, Maeve tried to smother the grin that threatened to lift her lips. It would only serve to encourage whisper and her antics.

"Hey Maeve, glad I caught you before you headed off too far," the man said as he reached her, breathing slightly heavier from his light run.

"Hi Stewart," Maeve responded politely, smiling up at him. "How can I help you?"

"Well, I might have an answer for that question you had the other day," Stewart replied with a grin, waving a glossy purple envelope through the air. "This just came for you."

Maeve's attention sharpened, immediately focusing on the envelope in his hand. When he held it out, she took it and quickly looked over her own name embossed on the thick paper in loopy silver lettering, an elegant wax seal holding it closed. It was in printed with a stylized letter E.

"I got only a few of these for some trainers that had registered at the Pokémon Center in Floroma. You and two others. It must be special if the invitations are so exclusive and fancy."

"Must be," Maeve murmured, giving Stuart a distracted wave and thanks when he wished her good luck.

Bridget had mercifully released her other hand, so Maeve was able to break the seal on the back of the envelope, Harbor joining the Ampharos in watching as she pulled out a heavy piece of paper printed with more fancy words, gold this time. She read aloud for their benefit.

"Dear Miss Brennan, you are here by cordially invited to attend and participate in this year's Elite Tournament, an exclusive competition that will match the strongest and brightest Pokémon trainers from all over the world against one another. We ask that you and your Pokémon be present for the event that will take place in Jubelife City on May 23rd. The event will span the entirety of the following week and rooms will be provided in the adjacent hotel to the Battle Colosseum. Please check in the day before so that an accurate roster may be organized. We hope to see you there. Best regards, The Elite Tournament Committee."

So she had been right. Maeve hummed thoughtfully as she reread the invitation once more, before glancing up at her Pokémon. Atlas was looking at her intensely, the light of battle in his eyes. Bridget smiled, leaning in for another hug. Harbor was looking thoughtful, as if pondering on what was to come, but got distracted looking at a flower almost at once. A loud screech of excitement exploded from Tempest, the Talonflame having come closer when he had heard Maeve's voice. He spread his wings and swooped a few times overhead. Juniper peered out from the flowers curiously, a Kricketot blinking nervously at her side.

'Trust Juniper to have made a friend out here.'

Laughing at the clearly positive response from her partners, Maeve gave Bridget a gentle squeeze. "We'd better hurry then if we want to make it there by next Saturday," she said, making to get up.

Whisper chose that exact moment to explode out of the flowers again, tackling Tempest out of the air and sending them both tumbling away in a shower of petals, causing Maeve to dissolve into a harder fit of laughter.

Quiet... Things were peaceful, for once... In an isolated valley in Stahlblatt, not far from the peak of the tallest mountain in the region, sat someone who appeared to be some sort of scientist. A Lucario, Ninetales, and Gardevoir sat across from him. His breathing was quiet and his eyes were closed, deep in meditation. His Pokemon seemed to match his breathing, acting as silent guardians. All things seemed peaceful, until he was interrupted by his communicator going off. The anthem of the country played as his ringtone. With an annoyed sigh, he tapped on the device on his wrist, causing a green hologram to be displayed in front of him.

"Ja? I hope you have good reason to bother me. It is time" He spoke, a tone of irritation in his voice. The hologram saluted him. They weren't anyone he recognized, but they seemed to be dressed in clothing befitting of a member of the mail delivery service. "Good sir, we are sorry to bother you, however there is a letter addressed to you here in Rukala Kapitol. At your earliest convenience, please come to retrieve it. I believe it to be highly important." They spoke with a great deal of formality. After Adolphian acknowledged the message and promised swiftness, they hung up, leaving him mildly perturbed.

"Kitsi, Lekarzie, Toddbringer. Return. We must leave." He spoke a simple command, his voice moderately loud and authoritative. Without even touching his Pokeballs, his Pokemon heeded his instruction and entered their balls of their own volition. Adjusting his visor, he sighed and made preparations to head off. From his bag, he pulled out a long jacket and old wartime helmet, designed to fit in with his visor. After all, the winds could get cold during flight in Stahlblatt, so it was best to prepare, even for a short-ish journey. After dressing himself for the cold of Rukala Kapitol(a creative name for the capitol city of Rukala, I know), he sent out his Staraptor. "Kielak. Kannst du fliegen?(Can you fly?)" He spoke, mild concern in his voice. The bird simply nodded and gave out a cry of affirmation. Though it's wing had some slight dried blood on it's underside, the wound seemed to have healed.

A faint smirk appeared on his face before putting on a sort of breath mask, hooking it up to a device hooked up to his waist. "Oxygen regulator functional. Temperature nominal. Visor display indicates ideal conditions. Kielak, es ist Zeit zu gehen(It is time to go)." He spoke. After mounting his bird, the creature gave another cry of affirmation and waited until his trainer was properly seated on him. He then took off, moving with haste.

While most would have headed immediately to the post office, the first stop for the scientist was the closest medic centre to the post office. Due to it's size, the Kapitol had a few, which made things easier. After dismounting and returning his Staraptor to his ball, he headed in to get medical care for his Pokemon. "Some Pokemon have minor injuries. Wild assailant." He spoke simply to the receptionist, who took his Pokeballs from him... And after care was given, he wasted no time in getting to the post office. Using his communicator to show proof of identity, he was handed a strangely fancy letter. Adolphian was certainly confused, the letter was certainly of foreign origin, what had he done to gain the attention of someone capable of sending such a thing?

Walking out of the building, he was confronted by a certain Ninetales who had decided she wanted to get a bit nosey. "Co tam jest napisane? Co jest napisane, proszę pana?(What is written there? What is written, sir?)" She questioned excitedly, her mechanical tail clunking against the pavement as she wagged her tails like an overly excited puppy. Patting her on the head, Adolphian gestured for her to follow him as he sat down on a bench. He removed his helmet and breath mask before breaking the seal on the envelope. Kitsi attempted to sit on his lap, but finding herself too large, she settled with sitting next to him and resting her head on his shoulder.

"Elite tournament... Exclusive competition?" He questioned to himself as he read, a look of confusion on his face. "I understand that I've been partaking in the league challenge, however... I never realized... Evilane! You're to blame for this, I know it!" He mused. He scowled and shook his fist at the sky while Kitsi gave a curious cry at the mention of Evilane. "Co ona tym razem zrobiła?(What did she do this time?)" She questioned. Adolphian simply sighed, putting a hand to his temple. "Ma pewne kontakty z wpływowymi osobami. Jestem pewien, że to ona za tym stoi, zawsze lubi się wtrącać w moje sprawy.(She has contacts with influential people, I am certain she is behind this. She's always meddled in my affairs.)" He grumbled.

Standing up, he engaged his holo-communicator, tapping away at the holographic display. His Staraptor wouldn't be able to make it to Sinnoh, at least not without a great deal more specialized training. But perhaps Adolphian would be able to pull a few favours and get a transport there. Getting up, he didn't return his Ninetales, but rather let out his Luxray. She seemed rather eager to get some walking done and protected him from his right side, while Kitsi protected his left. The three unlikely companions headed for the airport, but it'd be a good walk. That gave Adolphian time to think. How would someone manage to get out to Stahlblatt? Sure, the region had been open to outsiders for a few years now, but restrictions were strict as to who was allowed in. The process was rather lengthy as to protect the region from those who'd wish to exploit it. It was also quite out of the way and difficult to traverse, only a specialized flying machine or incredibly powerful bird Pokemon could manage to make their way to the heavily mountainous region. So many thoughts, so little time...

"I want you to take him."

Tide had returned to Castelia City after journeying across Unova. After defeating the Hoenn League, he decided to continue his journey across the different regions, completing the challenges that each one presented. Kanto's Indigo League felt almost nostalgic, even if he had never been there. The whole region had this dream-like quality to it, a simplicity in the Kanto way of life, and straightforward battle that he had not quite captured anywhere else. Ultimately, as much as he enjoyed the region, it was a straight shot to the Kanto Pokemon League, and he cleared them without too much trouble. Or, that is, altaria cleared them, with help from sylveon, and even mightyena! It may not have been his first league, but he was proud of his team nonetheless. It's only after coming to Unova that thing's got crazy. He had a run in with a Team Plasma goon, discovered a gardevoir in the slums that had become a mother to the outcasts there, and... Well, that was most of it, but it's still exciting!

But to return to the present-

"You want me to do what?"

The man pinched his brows and frowned down at the smaller man in front of him. He was a trainer that operated in the Castelia City bug gym, Wilde, and he was all but forcing a pokeball into Tide's startled hands.

"Please. I... I can't. Spots needs a good home. A good trainer. I can't provide her with either."

Tide's frown deepend. He had never seen any hints as to anything wrong with the man. He battled with such fervor in the gym, just a couple months ago. What had changed? Whatever it was, it has left the smaller man harrowed in a way Tide has scarecely seen. He looked pale, and possibly frightened. What had he gotten himself into...?

"Just take it!"

Wilde thrusts the ball into Tide's hands and hangs his head. When Tide finally, reluctantly accepts the pokeball, the man raises an arm to cover his face. Tide wants to say something, to learn more about what happened, but... It's clear whatever it is, he doesn't want to talk about it.

"I'll take Spots," he says softlly, and he lays a hand on the other's man's shoulder. He freezes under the touch, but doesn't pull away. "Just know, I will return. One day. And we'll sort this out, together. Okay?"

Tide waits for several long seconds, until Wilde gives a single, solemn nod. That's enough for Tide, and he leaves the man to his demons. He meant what he said, and he will be back... But not now. In fact, he has a message he should probably review. He was about to do just that before Wilde approached him in the streets, startling him so much he almost became a ghost-type on the spot. But that's int he past now. He should really read that letter.

Digging it out, he skims the contents with mixed worry and excitement. If this is true... Somebody has recognized his talent, and he's being invited to an exclusive tournament. Oh, his mother has to hear about this! He has to get writing right away! Now, where is Castelia City's post office again...?