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Interactions with: @Savo @Floofenstein @Crusader Lord @Xaltwind

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“Gahaha, you guys have the steel to weather the toughest of storms, I’ll give you that!”

Amid the noise of the cruise liner guests, a boisterous, though gravely voice rang out high above the others. A small crowd had gathered on the top deck where one of the cruises' main attractions were - what else but an arena for Pokémon battles. This wasn’t just any normal battle, however.

On one side, a Dhelmise.

In another, an Annihilape.

“Most folks aren’t prepared for Dhel here.” The owner of the voice, an older gentleman dressed in an old dark blue navy uniform. Long wind-swept hair white with age. “Good, a man needs to be prepared to face any wave out on the sea.”

“Your praise is unneeded, Sir Tuule. This was merely a whim for Annihilape. He was quite eager to test his mettle against a strong opponent. He is my only partner and under any other circumstances the outcome might be very different.” The opponent, a man dressed in highly traditional looking clothing, something that perhaps might be seen in Tohjo or Kantona.

“Don’t undersell yourself. Luck has gotten many a man through a gale. Now then, lad, I’ll be generous and let you have the first move.”

“Very well then. Kasaru, Rage fist!”

Annihilape let out a cry, an angry but focused growl as it leaped forward, fist glowing with ghostly fire -

“Hah, Dhelmise! Phantom force!”

The seconds before it made contact, Dhelmise simply vanished into the ether, the fist of the Annihilape missing entirely.

It wasn’t unusual to see people fighting aboard the ship. What was unusual was that this was the ships Captain: a man by the name of Tuule and also the Gym Leader of Rivenwall. His opponent was a trainer that they had picked up in Kantona after a brief stop over for the final leg of the journey.

The battle would last quite a while, neither side being able to get a decisive blow or being hit with a battle changing move. Dhelmise made good use of its moves - it lacked speed compared to its opponent but yet, it hit much harder and was able to take more blows. Annihilape though, was faster and was able to avoid most of Dhelmise slower moves.

“Gyro ball!”

“Tch-Kasaru! Rage fist before it can finish the wind up-!” The monkey Pokemon leaped towards the anchor, but the moment he did so, the anchor was launched, slamming right into the Annihilapes body and sending it flying out of the arena, and almost overboard into the sea below.

“...Humph. Good fight, but not good enough kid.” The captain chuckled, grabbing a walkie talkie from his coat. “Alright everyone! I hope you enjoyed the battle!” His voice echoed everyone over the ship, coming over through the PA system. “This is your Captain speaking! We’ll be pulling into port shortly! Everyone get ready to pack up and move out! If you need assistance, ask any of the crew! I’ll be out on deck.” Turning back to his opponent he’d offer a toothy grin. “What’s your name, anyway lad?”

And so, the ship would pull into the port and Byjerlfal not too long after. Professor Camphor asked those who were aboard the cruise to meet with the Captain of the ship so that he would lead them to her lab.

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Interactions with: @Azure Bubbles @Psyker Landshark @Double @Ryik @PlatinumSkink @Yankee

---

The airport was just as lively as the ship was though it was of a different excitement.

“Like seriously, have you ever thought about getting into the contest scene? You’ve got the perfect bod for it and that serious cool demeanor the guys will love.”

“Ma’am, I’m just the security you hired. I’d appreciate it if you kept the hands off.”

“Wo-how. Re-jec-teeeeed. You know, most people would kill for an opportunity for me of all people to sponsor them, but here you are turning me down three times.” The woman in question was wearing a black and yellow dress, and somewhat eccentrically so. She looked more like she belonged home on a stage more than being at an airport.

“Ma’am, I’d ask you to stop being so loud before we draw attention to ourselves-” The other woman was dressed almost the exact opposite. A striped suit, long dark hair and a no nonsense, almost tired looking expression.

“Aw, and deny my wonderful fans a chance at an Autograph? Pfft, fat chance.”

“Ma’am, I am authorized to forcefully move you out of here and to the venue.”

“You’d use force against a delicate flower such as myself?”

“Yes. Excessive force.”

“Tch, you’re no fun, suit - ah. Well it looks like the fans found me.”

True as she said, a small crowd had gathered. A quick look at various posters and adverts in the plane terminal said something about the current round of contest finals being held in Byjerlfal - later today of all things! Aside from having the best of the best coordinators showing, the current Contest Star dubbed the ‘Dream of Byjerlfal’ was making an appearance herself - which was the woman now being swarmed by fans - the Bug Type gym leader of Honinngton by the name of Valarie.

The crowd was quickly growing and making it a small bit difficult to get out of the terminal. The security woman seemed less then amused and was seemingly questioning the life choices that led her to this exact moment.

Camphor had instructed all those that were coming from within the region to board a plane and be welcomed by one of her assistants. A woman by the name of Frieda.

The crowd was steadily growing. Above the crowd though, one could see a small sign being held up by what was a tiny little pair of arms that said 'Camphors Lab', though it was hard to see who was holding it up as they were now well past the steadily growing crowd of Valaries fans.

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Interactions with: @Renose

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As for the lab, it was a lot less hectic and lively. The reception area was far from the stereotypically sterile interior one would expect of a lab, instead being more comparable to a business lounge.

Upon entering the rectangular room, instead of being greeted by tiles, anyone who entered would instead be greeted by a freshly vacuumed carpet and a large receptionist desk near the center back. The desk was oddly barren, aside from the coffee machine set up nearby with some packaged coffee beans nearby.

The walls would further compliment the lounge aesthetic with wooden panels, coupled with tables and chairs on the right side of the room that had untouched snacks laid out. The only thing that really stuck out was the massive TV taking up a huge section of the wall near the tables; it looked to be broadcasting something about the Mexatus Nature Preserve in the region.

And it was accompanied by the rich smell of freshly brewed coffee.

"Here ya go, Svein, one for you, one for me." A young, rather effeminate man with brown hair would pass a paper cup full of coffee to another slightly rougher looking fellow with grey colored hair and sharp eyes. "Annnd none for the ladies. Seriously, you guys have terrible taste."

"Tea is much better thank you, Mr. Forde." A green haired young woman in a fashionable beige dress with stripes was sipping on a small mug of freshly brewed herbal tea sat opposite of the sharp looking fellow. A Sprigattito was rolling around in her lap, trying to get her to play with it.

“I dunno Laurel, your Sprigattito looks miiiiighty interested in trying some.” The young man with the leather coat teased with a coy smirk, casually leaning back in his chair as he pointed the coffee mug directly at the stylish lady.

“Her name is Verdue, and you will address her as such.”

"Right, Verdue; whatever you say Princess~."

"...burnt toast." Laying on one of the couches in the lobby was another girl, slightly younger than the first was laying face down on it. A Slakoth was resting on her back, tilting its head sleepily.

"Aw come on, Nevvy! It's good for you! It'll give you lots of energy!" The younger man who made the coffee would pout lightly, before shrugging and walking over to the final occupant of the room. "Hey, freshly made! You want some? Uh...what was your name again?"

---

”What, hey! Watch it!” complained Jackson Bridge when he was bumped by one of the many fans moving to go see the apparent celebrity that was also getting off the plane. His complaint went ignored, however, since apparently some people could turn into mindless zombies when it came to their favorite idols or whatever. He adjusted the shoulder strap of his bag and started the descent down the stairs of the plane. Now, what was it the Professor said to do? Something about an assistant being at the airport to pick him and a few others up?

”Oh, crud… what was her name again?” Jack muttered, struggling to recall the name of the aide he was supposed to be looking for. All he could do for the moment was scan the airport and hope he spotted someone with a labcoat, possibly holding one of those signs with his name on it or something. All the while, he couldn’t get the person’s name off the tip of his tongue.

Meanwhile, he felt the Poke Ball on his belt vibrate a moment, or at least he thought it did anyway. Electric Pokemon like Sparkplug were required to stay in their balls while on the plane for safety reasons. Something about their electrical energy potentially causing interference with the equipment. Either way, that meant Sparkplug had to be cooped up for the flight and the little Elekid had not been happy about that. He protested and complained, even refusing to return to his ball for a bit which nearly made Jack miss the plane boarding before takeoff. But he did eventually manage to coax his partner into the ball. And now the ornery little guy was eager to get back out.

”Yeah, I know, buddy.” Jack said, placing a hand on the Poke Ball to try and calm it down, ”Look, just… just give me a minute to get out of here first, okay? Gotta find this aide person. Miss, uh… ah jeez, why can’t I think of her name?” Speaking of which, he still hadn’t spotted any labcoats or someone holding a sign with his name on it. Was she late? Or was there just too much of a crowd right now thanks to that contest idol’s fans?

”I swear, if this crowd makes me late on the first day…”

@Savo, @Floofenstein, @Crusader Lord

---

---

There was a ruckus going on out there on the ship. Buncha people shouting, cheering and making a whole bunch of noise. Something really exciting must've been going on for them to be acting so riled up. And yet, the little blonde from Galar couldn't have given less of a fudge about it if she tried. Perfectly content with lying on the bed of her cabin, the girl was far too busy trying to gather her thoughts to be bothered with the likes of hysterical hooligans howling about some happening in the here-'n-now. The girl's mind was preoccupied with too many plans, expectations, anticipation, dreams, wants, schemes and a real craving for waffles for some reason.

Then, her not-so-peaceful and actually pretty turmultuous head-spiining was smashed into itty bitty shards as the loud, obnoxious roar from the ship's PA system blasted through her teeny, tiny, compact, economy-class cabin with an important announcement. They'd had apparently arrived at their destination...

Well... Swell... The girl would've liked some more time to put the pieces of her now shattered mindscape back together, but ... Well... What had she been thinking about before anyway? Bah! Who cares? She'd remember it eventually! Or not. Both options worked~!

Getting up and walking over to her satchel, the short queen gave her stuff a solid once-over. Just a once though. But considering she hadn't pulled anyhting out, or made a mess by leaving crap everywhere, there wasn't any need to worry about somehting not being there or that she'd misplaced anything. It was all good in the hood, as they say. Content that all of her affairs in this cramped, cozy, claustrophobically cahrming cabin were finally over with, Tilly walked on over the door, grabbed the handle and turned her head back to the room once last time.

"Cheers room, I'll be goin' now. Dun let someone sniff the sheets, alright?" With a smirk at her own comment, she pushed the handle down and left.

Onto the deck.

"Now 'at's a pretty city."

Tilly gave the foreign metropolis infront of her a good looking-at. She took in the sights of the different buildings, the shapes, the colors... It wasn't a fairy tale or unimaginable dream world, but it was different from good ol' Motostoke, that's for sure. Approaching the railing, the girl also gave the people down on the docks a look, and the folks beyond that. It looked... City-ish? And the people were... People-y...? Yup. No matter where you went, cities were gonna city and people were gonna people!

... Now... What was she supposed to do agian...? That granny-fessor that'd paid for her trip here had told her that she'd need to... Um... Uh... Something-something dark side? No, that wasn't it...

Oh, right! She needed to meet up with some bloke who'd take her to the place! That... Place... Where you got the things and the stuff for the things and the stuff... Yes! That. Who was it again though? Oh, duh! The loud flelow who spoke on the PA system, the bloody cap'n himself, that's who! Tilly donked her own head for forgetting about that. Only momentarily. It wasn't easy keeping trakc of all these high-profile, overly complicated matters, you know?

So... Where... Was.. He... Oh... Wait.. How... How'd you get off the boat anyway..? She hadn't thought about it when she boarded, buuuut... This place was huge.

"Oh well, nothin' for it. Guess I'll just look around 'til I find 'im." She said, to nobody in particular except herself.

And so the search began!

... And continued... For... A while... Like, seriously, she could've just asked for directions from a crew member or somehting, but she didn't. 'Cuz Tilly will Tilly.

Eventually however, she managed to... Not really locate the guy, but picked up on his distinct voice. Following it, she soon came upon the sight of the old codger, having a lively talk with another fellow. And, there was some third joker standing a bit away... A lanky-lookin' fellow, tall as a tree though! Kinda had a sour face to him, and was giving the good captain the most unmissable stink-eye she'd ever seen. The scene made her put a hand to her mouth and stifle a chuckle.

Unimpeded by the captain's current conversation with his counterpart, Tilly swaggered over unannounced and undeterred by the fact that the manw as already engaged.

"'Hoy there, guvna. 'Membered I was 'sposed to come'n mee'cha when we arrived 'ere. Somethin' 'bout you bein' an escort to this loveliness and gettin' 'er to the lab o' 'at Prune-fessor, ye?"

Tilly said all this while approaching, stooping only a short few feet away from the much, much, much larger man. Hand on her own hip, a happy, but slightly smug, smile on her face with accompanying, half-closed eyes. Yup, she was ready to go whenever.

‘Heeeey, don’t I know her?’ Stiles peered over at the woman with the other woman that all the nondescript people were flocking towards. The question was directed at the Budew standing on his shoulder, who looked over at him curiously.

‘Buuud-dew?’ Bud the Budew asked, tilting his head.

‘Oh, yeah. That’s right. I do know who she is. She’s the Gym Leader of Honnington! We challenged her!’ Stiles suddenly realized, his eyes widening in realization. He smiled as he turned to look at Bud. ‘We gave her a run for her money, right?’

‘Buuuuud…’ Bud shook his head with a resignful smile. What had actually happened was that Stiles had rushed in with a Level 2 Budew and challenged the Gym and promptly gotten his unprepared ass whooped.

‘Wait. No, that’s not it,’ Stiles suddenly looked forward, his expression getting mildly more serious, and Budew looked on curiously, wondering if Stiles had remembered what actually happened or not.

‘That didn’t happen. That didn’t happen, because I am not Stiles,’ he stated… and then dramatically lifted a hand to his chest, and then spoke again. ‘That didn’t happen, for I, am Victor Gallagher, and I have not seen this woman in my life!’ he stated, faking a posh accent to the best of his nonexistent ability. Combine that with that he was still wearing his usual street-wear, plus a fancy red cape that didn’t match the rest of his clothes at all.

‘Budeeew~’ Yeah, no, Bud’s just smiling through the resignation now.

‘Come, my companion! We have a professor to greet and, uh, academic! ... stuff, to, uh, discuss… at once!’

So he claimed, and started wandering… he stopped by the person holding the sign. He stared at it. ‘… What was the professor’s name, again?’

(he’d eventually find his way there)

Stella Gold had expected Byjerlfal Airport to be busy. Between the contest finals, the resort traffic, and the general insistence of people existing in large numbers, some amount of crowding was inevitable. What Stella had not expected was for the terminal to become nearly impassable because a Gym Leader had decided to hold court in the middle of it.

She came to a stop just beyond the thickening crowd, one hand resting on the strap of her pink designer handbag while the other held Fantasia’s Poké Ball. In a flash of light, the Galarian Ponyta appeared beside her, shaking out her pastel mane with a soft little whinny. Stella’s pale blue eyes narrowed slightly as she watched the fans gather around the woman in black and yellow.

Valarie. The Bug-type Gym Leader of Honnington. Contest Star. Dream of Byjerlfal.

Stella recognized her, of course. It would have been embarrassing not to. Valarie was famous, visually memorable, and currently making herself impossible to ignore. Stella’s gaze moved over the eccentric dress, the theatrical posture, the fans, and the deeply suffering security woman beside her.

“Of all the Pokémon to specialize in,” Stella murmured, rubbing lightly at her temple, “she chooses creepy-crawly bugs?”

Fantasia gave a soft whinny.

“Yes, yes, I am sure she is very talented,” Stella said, glancing down at her. “That only makes the decision more mysterious.”

The crowd shifted again, several fans pressing closer in hopes of getting a better look at Valarie. Stella took one step back, narrowly avoiding someone’s backpack as it swung past her skirt. Stella frowned. “Personal space,” she muttered, “continues to be a lost art.”

Fantasia stepped closer to her side. Stella reached down automatically, smoothing a stray lock of the Ponyta’s pastel mane back into place.

Then, above the shifting heads of the crowd, Stella caught sight of a small sign held aloft by a pair of tiny arms.

Camphor’s Lab.

Stella stared. “…Of course,” she said after a moment. “Naturally, Professor Camphor’s idea of a proper welcome is a sign barely visible behind a celebrity traffic hazard.”

Fantasia neighed.

With a final glance toward Valarie, Stella lifted her chin and began making her way through the terminal. “Excuse me. Pardon me. No, I am not in line. Please move your bag. Yes, I am sure she is very impressive.”

As she passed near the edge of the crowd, Stella’s gaze flicked once more to the Gym Leader’s dramatic black-and-yellow dress.

“Lovely outfit,” she murmured. “Tragic specialty.”

Then she continued toward the little sign, Fantasia trotting neatly beside her. Once close enough, Stella stopped, adjusted the strap of her handbag, and looked down toward whoever was holding it. “Camphor’s Lab?” she asked matter-of-factly. “Stella Gold. I assume someone here is expecting me.”

Toshi

Toshi was a bit late getting off the plane, not that he was in any rush despite the anticipation thrumming in his veins. He had spent most of the flight over thinking about what kind of trainer he actually wanted to be, with a lifetime of televised competitive battles to draw on as inspiration.

He wanted to be the best, but what did that actually mean? Looking at other champions, they tended to just use pokémon known for being incredibly strong with others that more or less balanced out the team's strengths and weaknesses, though the same could be said about plenty of competitors that never made it as far as they did. That isn't to say it's not a tried and true teambuilding strategy, or that many such competitors didn't do well, though to him, it did feel a bit samey when so many followed such a template so rigidly.

It was to be expected, he supposed. After all, most of the dark rapidash showstoppers never actually did as well in competitions due to a variety of factors, and the templates for the success that they did achieve was not as universally applicable.

One particular pokémon did stand out to him, however: Lightning the Linoone. It was the lead actor for a children's TV Show about pokémon superheroes, and the Linoone's Extreme Speed certainly gave credence to the idea that none could contest its speed, even if it was only in straight lines. The truly interesting part was that it also sometimes participated in the competitive scene, and wouldn't you know it, its speed is absolutely the real deal. The standard strategy it went for was to use Belly Drum, a traditionally very risky move due to the self-damage it inflicts, heal up by scarfing down a Mago Berry, which most pokémon tend to be more leery about the flavors of, then start dashing straight through any and all obstacles, opponents included. Barring a couple of inconsistent or less successful outliers, its demonstrated speed and striking force were regularly put at the tippy-top of the post-game stat sheets the analysts would put together, and it was a personal favorite of Toshi's among competitors.

He didn't exactly want to go cribbing the style of Lightning the Linoone and their trainer - he'd have to avoid ever picking up a Zigzagoon lest he end up not knowing what else to do with it, but the concept of Lightning in the competitive scene was certainly something he wanted to emulate. The strongest. The fastest. The toughest, perhaps, though that category was a bit too multifaceted to single any particular idea of achieving it out right now. There were a variety of less obvious '-est' things he could think of, and a variety of ways to achieve them. Although he'd never seen them in action, supposedly a Raichu over in Unova was the fastest known Extreme Speed user. Extreme Speed itself has some limitations that faster pokémon need not abide by, and the whole debate over which variant of Darmanitan was stronger after a belly drum was a hot button issue online, not to mention some vague mentions of an Ursaring evolution, whether a Marowak using a bone club as a weapon counts, and some Azumarill simps that frankly don't know what they're talking about.

...He's getting off-topic. Going back to Lightning the Linoone, there are ways other than belly drum to boost a pokémon's strength too, though they tend to take repeated uses, making them significantly slower and less practical. That's why, even if most pokémon are stronger than Lightning, Lightning almost always takes the top spot for strongest strikes.

Could he do better?

The plane finally arrived while he was still pondering the notion, and when it was finally his turn to make his way out, he was greeted with the sight of a massive crowd gathering around what he inferred from the screaming to be some celebrity. He almost completely ignored it when he heard the name Valarie and for a moment seriously considered joining in to get an autograph. She was a gym leader, after all, and the strongest of their teams were certainly no slouches. Still, he wasn't cut from the same cloth as a bunch of rabid fans, and quickly discarded the idea. It wasn't his style to join a crowd, much less ask anyone for their autographs. He'd be giving her his autograph one day, he reassured himself, though the second glance did catch a sign for Camphor's lab just barely peeking out above the crowd.

Well, that was inconvenient. Seeing as how there didn't seem to be much ways around it, Toshi held his bag close and began to push his way through.

"Yo, sorry. Comin' through. Outta the way please. That wasn't actually a request, stop fuckin' loitering Arceus-dammit. And- yeah, thanks. Whew."

After a short but aggravating ordeal, he found himself standing before who he presumed to be professor Camphor's assistant, with an Impidimp standing on her shoulders, holding up the sign. He wasn't the only one there, though the email had implied there would be more than a couple of recruits picked up here. He decided to introduce himself for now, even if he'd have to do so again when everyone got here. "Yo, I'm Toshi. Nice to meet you." Turning to specifically face Camphor's assistant, he couldn't help but feel dissatisfied with the sign's height clearance. The height of Impidimp's platform and the length of their tiny little arms both seemed woefully ill-equipped for the task at hand, and if they were going to be waiting here until they were noticed, he might as well do what he can to make it more noticeable. He offered both the professor's assistant and her Impidimp one of his signature charming smiles and pointed at the sign Impidimp was holding. "Need a lift?"

Whether Impidimp wanted to hand the sign off and give their arms a rest or simply stand on his slightly less vertically-challenged shoulders, he would leave up to the little pokémon gremlin. He didn't really mind either way.

@Savo

So here she was! The ship! The uh, SS Calliope! And it was almost there, to the city. There was noise thataway that sounded like a Pokemon battle, but for Melissa, that was only of mild interested. Interesting, yes, and neat, and something she might need to care about, but she had more important things to do. Like explore. The ship was big. Like, big-big. She'd spent the whole ride since she got on at Lilyport (Which she'd almost gotten lost from 'cause uh, woops, first time out of Sootopolis, there had been so many things to look at, she was really thankful for the trainer who'd taken her there reminding her of her cruise!) exploring it. Exploring it, all of it, high and low! The only things she'd really stayed away from was the edge. Not that she feared the water, of course, but she did fear being left behind. No, she explored everywhere else. Up, down--yes, down! She was really surprised she was allowed down in the depths where it stopped being cruise ship and started being like, ship machinery stuff-things. Or nobody found her and she'd made it past that one door nice and easy, could be that, too.

It was practice, she'd decided she'd tell anyone, for her new job: Exploring! Training Pokemon! Capturing them! Cataloguing, too! All that sciency stuff. Which sounded fun, if not exactly up her alley, all things considered. Well exploring and capturing, sure, but fighting and thinking not so much. Not like she was bright (if you asked her, anyway), buuuuut it'd be fun, so here she was! All expenses paid, so she was really glad she hadn't done something dumb to get her in trouble. Or nobody cared. And she hadn't even gotten hurt! Not that she would have been in trouble, she had all her stuff with her, which included bandages and stuff. And snacks, can't forget snacks. Especially since she was presently eating a granola bar as she sat, leg swinging, on a roofy-uppy-bit of the boat.

"Zuuuu...." oh, and right, Lonitt! Her cute li'l Azurill, who she'd gotten! Who was her new friend. Who was adorable! And good. And probably wanted food? Turning to look at the small blue creature instead of the city ahead of them, she blinked. And blinked. and reached into her bag and pulled out a biscuit. Well, cracker-thingy, for Pokemon or people, hopefully, and offered it to the small creature, who took a nibble! And seemed happy, Excellent. She grinned, letting her new friend (And yes it had been a few weeks, or something, but still! New!) eat it all, then

"Weh!"

"ZUUUU!...."

Both of them shouted, Melissa's arms waving, but! Pitch back, lay flat on the roof. That. That cone thing nearby her? That's a speaker. Good to know. Holy frig. Ow. That was...As startling as the time she was up near the lip of the crater and a Skarmory went shooting over it. Wowza. Okay. Blink, blink, sit up! Turn, inspect."You okay?" she asked, leaning in to the teeny-tiny normal-fairy, who seemed...Mostly fine, startled but unharmed? She reached out and patted her (or his) head, and got an upset-sounding
"Azz..." in return, hm. Well! As good as could be expected.

...Wait, that loudness had been words, words which meant--oh! They were almost there! Aaaaand she had to meet the captain to get to the lab! Where her Pokedex lay! And also some lady who put down one rule she was determined not to break (and definitely hadn't already and as long as nobody looked in the room with the bucket that was actually a lot less sturdy than it looked would remain that way): Don't break anything.

So she scooped Lonitt up, got her bag over her shoulder, and began to make her way down. Slopey-bits were easy enough, shoes had traction, climby-doodles with the grabbable-thingies were easy, Lonitt had taken to perch around her shoulders and neck as she did things and it was great, she was really coming to appreciate that presence, annnnnd...there. On solid ground. Well deck. That kinda went woob-woob with the water but whatever, it was flat. Annnnd...Stand on her toes, a hand shielding her eyes from the sun, checked...yup, there. Lean forward....More slopey bits, buuuuuut that jump looked...

....oh she was already clambering over the thingy and making her way down the direct route. Lonitt didn't even protest, no, that was a cheerful sort of "Azu!" she/he cried as she descended in a totally safe and controlled manner, including several jumps taller than she was, and down and thud and perfect landing! Even moving like it did with the ocean (She'd gotten used to it already, of course) it was a lot smoother and waaaaaaaaay more space than what she was used to climbing. She very much did not pay attention to anyone being surprised by her and instead trotted over to the captain. Who she didn't need to have seen earlier to know he was the captain, because, seriously, he just plain...radiated sea-veteran captainlyness. Like, looking at him, on the street? Even without his outfit? Sea captain. You just knew. So she made her way over to him juuust in time to hear, uh.

Wow, what kind of accent was that? How did 'professor' become 'prunefessor'?...wait that might be an insult? Okay fair, but the rest of it was pretty bonkers, okay! That was an accent alright, neat! Well whatever, they'd probably be friends. That beanpole tho looked surly, buuuut maybe he was nice, too?

"I'm here to meet the professor, too!" She chirped, standing, well, more swaying from side to side on her toes, to some beat even she couldn't hear, bouncing up every so often then settling back to her swaying, beside the blondie, and only 'taller' than her by virtue of Lonitt now perched on top of her head, the two of them staring up at the old guy...then, she shrugged and looked to the blonde's face. Better than hurting her neck, really!

"I'm Melissa! Nice to meet you, coworker!" She chirped with a grin. Wow, chesty, mhmm. Then she blinked. Wait, did people call people like that? Coworker? Or maybe she should wait until they got to the place for introductions? Hm. Eh, that'd be a lot more people, probably, so this was good! Yup yup.
"Zuu!" came from above her, and she nodded. "Right, and this is Lonitt! He, or she, is just the coolest ever!" She added, reaching up to pat the li'l guy, or gal, on the noggin, then on the tail which was on her shoulder, giving a tug at the little tail-bracelet-thing she'd made out of some old twine and fabric for her/him. So cool.

To say it was at least an entertaining and somewhat educational trip on the boat was at least to say something of the voyage. Not that it had been much of a voyage for her personally given her family's new home and location. Then again, Nicholas would have been estatic to watch the show playing out before their eyes at the very least. Someone likely from the local enclaves from Johto and Kanto, it would seem, facing the boat's captain on what was favorable terrain for the hosting party. A familiar face in terms of Pokemon was what the captain was using, while the latter was using a rather combative and speedy Pokemon. Two different fighting styles, then, made to clash under the morning sun and the salty sea spray as they made the trip to Byjerfal to meet with the Professor herself.

Though for her part Lina had put herself into the watching crowd at a decent distance to see things up close, albeit being more silent than the cheering crowds as a contemplative glint in her eyes simply sought to regard the moves, the choice of strategy, and the timing of it all. A suitable battle indeed, especially given the captain himself was a proper Gym Leader and she'd gotten on at the same stop as his opponent had. She didn't live too far from Byjerfal in the comparative sense, after all, and was able to meet the boat just before the journey's final leg in any case due to that.

Even so, the battle was certainly something that favored the eventual victor, it seemed, in this instance. All the same, a good battle was a good battle.

Yet when it came to getting bits of what others thought about the ongoing battle from the people around her along the way-

"Some imbeciles are too easily pleased."

...Not everyone seemed as content to be entertained by the display by the two trainers, or at least had thoughts on the crowd's reactions to it for the most part. At least in the case of a boy who seemed to push past her in the crowd as he moved to leave the throng of cheering passengers. Hmm. There was no pleasing everyone, really, but it had at least answered one thing she wanted to know about her new home region. Such was that one could find Dhelmise in these parts, which was certainly something that piqued her curiosity if nothing else. Would be good to know where and how to get one if possible, if the Gym Leader was amenable. Sure it wouldn't be the same as Alola, but having a Pokemon that could fit inside of buildings would be a good idea if she wanted to get along on her journey.

“Alright everyone! I hope you enjoyed the battle!” His voice echoed everyone over the ship, coming over through the PA system. “This is your Captain speaking! We’ll be pulling into port shortly! Everyone get ready to pack up and move out! If you need assistance, ask any of the crew! I’ll be out on deck.”

At least she wasn't too close to the speakers when the Captain made his final call before they'd arrive at port.

"Weh!"

"ZUUUU!"

Not that everyone seemed to choose a good position with regards to the nearby speakers from the sounds of it.

They'd end up arriving at their destination of the docks of the city in good time in any case, enough time for her to at least step aside near the side railings ahead of time as the battle finished and crowd eventually began disembarking from the vessel.

After all, they'd been told to meet with the Captain himself to get directed to the Professor's lab, at least, and truth be told she didn't want to miss her party....or the chance to see the other new trainers employed by Camphor either. Those who were coming in by sea at the very least in this case. Even so, something inside ached to let out Jorm to at least stretch once they perhaps got beyond the docks. Would be easier and faster to move while sitting on his head, at least if the streets were wide enough.

But, well, that would be a thought for after she got sight of some of her new peers at any rate.

Reaching her right hand back without looking, Lina would find a particular pocket on her backpack and would soon draw out a bright red cherry lolipop. One that with nimble fingers would rapidly be freed from the prison of its wrapper and popped into her mouth for the moment being. First one of the day, so she figured it'd be good to be awake before meeting the Professor at least. At least a little more so than she was already. Even so she'd pocket the wrapper in her right pants pocket, the colorful wrapping having Johtonian script on it for reasons obvious enough to her. It was a favorite of her grandparents' house in Kalos that her grandmother would bring home a few boxes of to share with guests whenever she returned from a visit to her original home region of Johto.

...They had some rather good cherry lolipops indeed over there indeed. Even had a small design on the front of it of Entei. But again she digressed for a moment as she finally got her chance to approach the Captain as well, though it seemed a few people were just going to beat her to the punch already. At least she caught a little of what one of them said as well as her eyes went over and then inevitably down toward its source as Lina herself walked up to the gang of people meeting around the Captain it seemed.

"-'bout you bein' an escort to this loveliness and gettin' 'er to the lab o' 'at Prune-fessor, ye?"

Galarian accent there was almost as thick as the girl's chest was densely compacted into her poor, poor top. Not that she could point out all the local Galarian dialects by any means, but it was at least a familiar accent to her ears if nothing else. Cold place. Cool bikes. Chill Copperajah at that zoo all those years ago. Fun times. All the same, she could almost hear someone barking back at the girl in her mind in a similar accent barking out with some sort of Galarian slang.

The red-and-black haired girl's eyes then silently moved over to a slightly familiar figure, that of the sullen tall boy that pushed past her in the throng of the battle-watching crowd prior. Silent this time, or at least talking more quietly perhaps, while leaning on the rails nearby alongside a Rotom Phone who seemed to be looking out at the city. So he was another person here, also seemingly hired by the Professor or such. A bit rude seeming, or perhaps just a bad morning for all she knew, but he seemed quick to make comments about people from her most breif of interactions with him thus far.

Then came the movement of her eyes to the final person who seemed to be there, which was-

"I'm here to meet the professor, too!" She chirped, standing, well, more swaying from side to side on her toes, to some beat even she couldn't hear, bouncing up every so often then settling back to her swaying, beside the blondie, and only 'taller' than her by virtue of Lonitt now perched on top of her head, the two of them staring up at the old guy...then, she shrugged and looked to the blonde's face.

"I'm Melissa! Nice to meet you, coworker!" She chirped with a grin. Then she blinked.

"Zuu!" came from above her, and she nodded. "Right, and this is Lonitt! He, or she, is just the coolest ever!"

It reminded her of herself and Jorm, seeing that Azuril sitting on the blue haired girl's head as if it was a cushion. In that sense it was kind of adorable. Not that the bouncy tail of the Azumaril wasn't already a bouncy and cushy little thing on its own, mind, though it matched the cry she'd heard when the Captain made his announcement as well. Though from the looks of it all on just a passing glance, it was almost hard to decide which blue colored bubble of bouncing energy was the trainer and which was the Pokemon for a moment.

As stoic as ever in her visible disposition, Lina simply politely waited her turn to speak and others to be out of the way from the leaving throngs of people before she stepped forwards to join them.

"I take it those here are headed for Camphor's Lab?" she said, words rolling pleasantly in a calm yet casual cadence off of her tongue before she glanced at the others to confirm, even the sullen boy, before looking back at the Captain, "Also good battle back there, Captain, and your Dhelmise seems to be well cared for. Good sheen and density from the looks of its seaweed there even, from what I could tell off the cuff.

But if you'd not mind another question, I'd like to ask where and how I could best find a Dhelmise myself here in Eidda as well potentially."

Always good to get info on things, especially given what she was coming to Byjerfal to start doing after all. Among other things. Could work to get up the cash to get a decent rod, given some of her more personal travel plans, if need be. Etc. Yet she did at least want to be polite towards their Captain all the same in her language and such if nothing else.

@Floofenstein@Xaltwind@Savo

---

"Why am I doing this?"

This thought goes through the head of that fifth occupant of the lab's reception area. Said occupant is currently sitting quietly on one of the other unoccupied couches. His messy, unkempt, blonde hair is long enough to easily cover his eyes. His hair seems like it'd be any hair stylists nightmare with how many split ends and tangles present in his wavy locks. Coupled with his hunched over posture, seeing his face can only really be done if one looks from a lower angle.

He seems tall, but his hunched over position coupled with his very baggy black jacket and sweats make it quite hard to tell how tall he actually is. Said clothes don't just seem baggy, but rather they look as if they are a couple sizes too big on him. These clothes also look like they have been worn for years as their color is quite faded and there are multiple lose threads present on the entire ensemble.

This blonde, hunched over youth has thought that same thought many times not just since getting up, but over the past week since he got that application. In all honesty, he still can't believe he even got accepted. After all, the emails that had been sent had been quite harsh.

The one from the assistant had been simple in it's harshness, yet had approved his application in the end?

"about what happened to your sight; that's really whatever, but you're not strong at all. application approved"

"I am weak after all... yet I can't even be weak properly since I came here. Why the hell is that?" He can't help but ask himself that as he feels the couch below him. How much did a nice feeling couch like this cost? "Right... I'm just here to repay my parents" he repeats this again a few times in his head, remembering his purpose for coming here.

He can't be here for himself after all. With that in mind, he tries to recall if anything sent by Professor Camphor mentioned how much they'd be getting paid, yet all he can remember is the email he received from her specifically.

"Well someone's living the well deserved consequences of their own reckless actions, eh? I'm not gonna sugarcoat it kid, you're a horrible dumbass for getting involved. In fact, you are a liability . I mean I blame you."

Recalling what that email said makes this unkempt blonde's thoughts go silent. All except for one:



He can't find any way to refute those words at all. She hadn't even approved his application in that email. All she did was just send that truth his way.

"So why is she giving someone like me a Pokémon? Or am I just the replacement for Dr. Feldman's grandson because she just needs someone? Maybe I'm just supposed to deliver it to either him or someone else and it's not for me at all." The hunched over youth thought about his bi-monthly checkup he had the day after filling out that application.

His doctor, Doctor Feldman, had mentioned that he was the one who sent him the job posting and how those who accept it will get their own Pokémon. He had also sent it to his grandson for a reason this forgetful young man can't remember, but his grandson had turned it down.

The more he entertains these thoughts though, the more he begins to accept it as the present reality. He has no way of confirming it though, so he just chooses to accept it. Even with that acceptance of this, he can't help but lower his head a bit more than it already is.

"I should have realized this was just a delivery job." As he thinks this he puts his hand on the camping bag next to him. Sleek, lightweight, durable, and a bit pricey. A bag perfect for any outdoorsman or aspiring Pokémon trainer. In it are many essentials as well, many of which had been a bit pricey relatively speaking. The cheapest things in there are his own clothes that came from the same cheap thrift store as his current haphazard outfit.

All it cost him was his tablet. He recalls his parents being reluctant to sell it, but they accepted his request in the end and sold it anyway. After all, it was for this grand adventure they were convinced he was going on.

"In the end, I'll just disappoint them again..." he can't help but think of them. As he does, he remembers that feeling. "They felt so bright... when I told them. Now I'm just going to make them dim again..."

He can't help but remember how this is the second time in four years where it seems like he was doing something right, he just ended up doing something wrong. His previously quiet, inaudible breathing sped up just a tiny bit. He recalls that. How bright it had felt. The left side of his head begins to throb.

He doesn't have his tablet. There is no mindless music to pump in his ears or podcasts to turn off his brain.

"I... just stop I--"

He feels a light in front of him as he hunches over a bit a lower without realizing it.

"----- You want some? Uh...what was your name again?"

A voice enters his ears and the fresh smell of coffee brings him back into reality. Its strong enough to pull his focus away from the light he had begun to feel and everything that came with feeling said light.

The black garbed youth had no idea what this person was offering. Is it food? Is it coffee? He isn't sure. He had been so immersed in his own head that the entirety of their conversation had washed over him.

He isn't sure what to say. Part of him wants to just ignore the young man in front of him in hopes that he would go away. Another part of him is afraid that if he does this then the light, or whatever it is that he "feels", will come back. He hasn't told anybody about it before. Not even his parents or doctor.

After a very long, very awkward silence he finally responds.

"R...Ryuuichi and... no thanks" says his quiet, raspy voice. He doesn't even bother raising his head to look in the eyes of the person who approached him. In Ryuuichi's mind, things like eye contact are pointless. It is for the same reason he isn't even bothered by his hair covering his eye and eye patch that he wears on the left.

He is blind after all.

Even when he felt that, he still has always been in complete darkness. It had been four years since he had last seen anything at all, including light.

Ryuuichi doesn't say much after that, but he does sit up a bit though so he's no longer hunched over. This makes him seem a bit taller, but not by much as he is still slouching. Its better than being hunched over though.

---

Everything about traveling by plane was stressful, as Hazel was finding out. It was her first time, and she'd nearly had four separate panic attacks already. The terminal was confusing and full of people pressed for time or in poor moods, the plane itself was touted as being very safe but it was basically a little flying tin can with teeny wheel legs, and she could think of about a million things that could go wrong. She'd never really thought about how planes actually got into the air, but experiencing the take off herself (which apparently involved the vehicle zooming across the ground at extreme speeds and the sheer force of that just lifted it off the tarmac?!) had her getting very acquainted with the provided barf bag. The landing was not any better; in fact, it was worse. And then the passengers, herself included, were all ushered off a quickly as possible and left to fend for themselves in the much, much larger city airport.

Before anyone could take her inner thoughts the wrong way, Hazel was grateful for the plane tickets. Without them she would have had to find some other way to get from Peltra to Bjyerlfal. The Winding Woods was between the two towns, and she was scared to even imagine what trying to get through the forest on her own would have been like. She didn't have any camping equipment with her, because she did not own any - meaning she would have been at the mercy of the elements! And that's not even considering what kinds of dangerous, wild Pokémon might be lurking in there! Of course if she'd tried hitching a ride with a stranger to bypass the forest, that might have gone even worse!

Even so, Hazel was left disoriented and standing against the wall of her arrival gate just trying to get her bearings. Her hands were gripped tightly around the strap of her cross body bag.

Another thing about the plane ride, something she had not anticipated, was that once they were in the air was the little else to do but... think. The trip was only a few hours, but her small plane lacked commercial amenities like in-flight movies. And her nerves had been too much to allow her to sleep. So she thought. About what she was doing. She really was worried about potentially getting a bill, but she was not blind to the fact that some small part of her was maybe, perhaps, just a little bit... excited?

But then she thought about the Professor's message. How she was apparently rooting for Hazel, but also objectively had the least hope for her performing well. Hazel couldn't blame her. After all, what right had she to be offended by such remarks when they were absolutely true? She had no experience, no ambition, hardly even any drive... and she was clumsy, bad with people, and far from some kind of genius that could get by on their wits alone. Aaaaaaaah how am I going to do this...?! Hazel thought to herself, shrinking against the wall and letting out a soft, high pitched noise not unlike a tea kettle letting out steam. That little part of her that was excited? She had to squash it! Stomp on it! Ignore it until it got really depressed and just dissolved into particles! It was impossible for her, so she might as well just let save herself and Professor Camphor some time and bow out immediately after seeing the lab.

(She did very much want to see the lab.)

Several minutes and deep breaths later, Hazel shakily drew her phone from her bag and began to text her mom that she was alright and would be home soon. In the middle of typing something bumped into her hand, and she glanced down to see her keychain charm swaying.

"..."

Hazel turned her hand to catch it in her palm, swiping her thumb over the rubber charm. Just two letters... just two letters...

She pocketed the phone and began to sidle her way around the large room. She avoided the largest, densest portion of the crowd as much as possible, and was moderately successful since they were all swarming whoever was at the center of the mass. There were various epithets being shouted, but one name in particular Hazel kept hearing over the din: "Valarie." It couldn't be the Valarie, could it? There was no way someone so amazing would just happen to be in the same place as Hazel... Better avert my eyes just in case, I'm not worthy to look upon her in the flesh!

It was in Hazel's nature to pay attention to the people around her, even if she had no intention of interacting with them, so while she inched her way around the perimeter she noted more than a few individuals. There were people of all ages, but one boy that sounded as confused as she felt which was both reassuring and concerning. Another was talking about having met Valarie before... or not?? The sudden one eighty and change in voice actually made Hazel turn her head, and a few seconds later she realized what was going on.

S-s-split personality?! she shrieked (internally). There were actually people like that in the city?!

She might have been interested to see such a literary trope in real life if she wasn't already completely overwhelmed with her own situation.

Eventually she made it to the opposite side of the room, even if it seemed to have taken twice as long as it should have. Now in an area where the crowd was thinned, Hazel took several steadying breaths and raised her eyes, her glasses catching the overhead lights for a moment. According to the message, she was supposed to meet one of Professor Camphor's aides, Frieda, here. And would you look at that - Hazel could just barely see a relevant sign over the throngs of contest fans. Now to get over there.

^{"E-excuse me... u-um... pardon... s-sorry, excuse me...!"}

Her voice was imperceptible in such a rowdy space. Still, somehow, she managed to wiggle her way from the wall through the thinnest part of the crowd to reach who she assumed was Frieda. She's caught a glimpse of the lab aide in the video message Professor Camphor had sent, so at the very least Hazel was sure she had the right person. That was good!

But Frieda was not alone. For one there was a little pink Pokémon with her. There was also—

GWAAAH A PRETTY BOY! Hazel immediately turned about face upon catching a glimpse of the blonde boy, and though her inner thoughts were articulated what accidentally escaped her mouth probably sounded more like "sd;klfjdsio;fhsd...!"

Of course when she turned, she was now face to face with—

UWAAAH A GORGEOUS GIRL! The second, female blonde was dressed to the nines with a perfectly painted face. Hazel slammed her palms against her own face covering it up as a whispered noise that sort of sounded like "wawawawawa...!" trickled out from between her fingers.

After several moments she wordlessly turned her back to the small gathering. Maybe they hadn't noticed her and she could just silently follow when they made their way out of the airport. Yeah.

The flight wasn't very long, but it was still the longest Hiddy had gone stuck in a Pokeball since Miharu had formally caught him. So she released him from the ball as soon as she'd gotten off the plane. The Mankey materialized hanging off Miharu's shoulder, grunting cheerily.

"Yes, yes. Thanks for being so patient with being in the ball until now." Miharu reached up with her other hand, patting Hiddy on the head as she walked through the airport concourse. "Here, as an apology." She slipped her Pokemon a rice cracker, and Hiddy occupied himself with tearing through the packaging before wolfing the treat down. While he did so, his Trainer easily sidestepped a veritable stampede of people crowding two women in particular. And on closer inspection...

"Hm." Miharu hummed, briefly recognizing the two Trainers from television. A Gym Leader and a Contest Star, eh? While she wasn't one to be so obsessive about celebrities herself, seeing both here was something of note. For a moment, at least. All in all, there was hardly any desire on her end to try and crowd them like the majority of the orbiters around the two were doing, and she simply walked on after a brief glance over. Seeing those two women did raise questions for herself, though. Namely, what exactly was she hoping to get out of this job with Camphor? One supposed that Gyms and Contests were the natural route to go from there for an aspiring Trainer, but the Gym circuit wasn't the only path to go for a good battle.

Still, those were thoughts for later. For the moment, Miharu supposed she ought to do her best to...deal with Camphor. And her task. But mainly the professor herself. Her lips pursed ever so slightly as she recalled the video message she'd received with her acceptance letter. What a rude woman. This had the potential to be somewhat trying on her patience. But that was the price of freedom, evidently. For now, there was still the matter of meeting whoever had been sent to pick up herself and a few others.

Eventually, Miharu spotted the sign. Or rather, Hiddy did. And enthusiastically drummed on her head until she looked the right way. With a patient smile, Miharu approached, looking over those who had arrived before her. Had she arrived last? Ah, well. Now, let's see...

Two blondes, a boy and a girl, as well as a second girl bearing resemblance to a trembling Zigzagoon. Miharu's lips pursed in sympathy. The poor dear. Was she overstimulated by the crowd? A comforting hand patted Hazel's back, and Miharu put on the most calming smile she could.

"There, there. Are you alright? You're with the group going to Professor Camphor's lab, yes?" She looked between Hazel, the other prospective trainers, and Frieda and her Impidimp. She took her hand off Hazel's back, giving a brief but formal bow.

"Miharu Agawa." A gesture up to the Mankey on her shoulder, who hollered in greeting. "And this is Hiddy. Very pleased to meet. Is this all of us, or were we waiting for another?"

Location: Byjerlfal City, Commercial District
Interactions with:@Azure Bubbles @Psyker Landshark @Double @Ryik @PlatinumSkink @Yankee

---

"Huh? Did I hear someone throw shade in my direction?" Valarie would pause a moment, eyes scanning the crowd and eventually landing on Stella. Her eyes narrowed, before her mouth started to turn into a toothy cheshire grin. "Heeey you, Missy with the ponyta-Ow hey that hurts!"

"Nuh-uh, not doing this. We have a show to get to and you are not causing problems." The suited woman had grabbed Valarie by the ear and was now pulling her away from the crowd in question.

"Ow hey-Im a girl be gentle with me!"

"Yeah yeah," The suited woman cleared her throat and addressed the crowd with a surprisingly loud voice. "Shows over folks! GO home! Valarie has a show now get lost and head to the contest hall if you want to see her!"

"Ta-ta my lovelies! I'll see you all at my show!" And with the final parting word, the two would disappear beyond a security door not too terribly far away much to the chagrin of a disappointed crowd...thankfully though, this would cause the throng of folks to start dispersing and making it easier for a certain lab assistant.

"Oof...!" Finally managing to push her way through the throng of Valarie's fans, would be a woman of about roughly average height, a darker, olive skin color tone and wearing a simple one piece dress with a comfortable looking jacket hanging around her shoulders, and long black colored hair tied back in a braid and hanging over her shoulder. An impidimp was sitting on her shoulders, holding up the sign and waving it excitedly back and forth that was honestly, far too fast to be read. "Oh dear if I knew today was going to be the same as the contest finals...ugh...weh!?"

She hadn't been looking where she had been going, almost face planting right into Toshi.

"Ah!? Mr. Toshi. Glad to see you made it. So terribly sorry about this crowd. Glad that the sign worked."

"Imp." The Impidimp in question looked at Toshi's offered hand, then up to Toshi's face....and proceeded to take the sign and whack him in the head with it.

"Wah Pix no!" Frieda took the Impidimp from her shoulder and held it against her stomach instead, wrapping her arms around it and giving him a small frown. "You know better then that!"

"Dimp."

"I dont care if the professor says you can! You can't while I'm here!"

"Impy."

"I'm sorry, Toshi, this little troublemaker has been picking up some bad habits." She offered Toshi a friendly smile, while the Impidimp made another whacking motion with the sign. "I didn't realize today was going to be the contest finals otherwise I would have made a different meeting spot...oh! Jack! Over here!" Frieda shouted. "Goodness glad I was able to see you...I sure hope this crowd thins out soon. Oh right, the little troublemaker is Pix. He's mine."

"Dimpyimp!" The impidimp would greet Jack with the same eager sign waving he had given earlier.

"Lets see...the others should hopefully be disembarking soon...ah! Victor! Over here Mr. Gallagher!" Frieda would give a small jump and an arm wave to get his attention. "Ah, and yes, hello Miss Gold. Im glad you made it. Todays been hectic enough without losing anyone...I think we're just waiting on Hazel and Miss Miharu - weh!? Pix!?"

Before Freida could stop the Impidimp he'd wiggle out of Freida's arms and run over to Hazel and Miharu, and proceed to the nervous girl and give her a little tap with the sign. Not the light whack he gave Toshi, but rather a small little bump just big enough to get her attention.

"Agh, sorry, the crowd has this little one worked up. Hope he didn't startle you."

"Impimp." He was soon returned to Frieda's arms as she'd offer Hazel a reassuring smile. "Well, glad to see both of you made it. Ahem, now that everyone is here." Frieda gave everyone a bow. "Frieda. Professor Camphor's lab assistant. I'm sure you're all tired from the flight but since everyone is already here, if you don't mind I'll go ahead and escort everyone to the lab...of course, I'll answer questions once we're there. Its not a long walk, just a few blocks."

Frieda would lead the group from the airport. The group of course, would be free to talk among themselves, or ask some questions as they walked. Yet, as they did walk, the city of Byerlfal came to life around them. Large billboards, screens advertising products of every kind. Pokemon shampoo, dresses, fashion items, the Resort - and a number were advertising the master rank contest taking place today. One particular one was showing an interview with a one David Mexatus, CEO of the Mexatus Corporation about the Nature Preserve he had built with the help of Camphor's lab.

This was to say nothing of the crowds, either. Busy streets packed with vehicles, people packed on the sidewalks. Businessmen, tourists. Little shops in the commercial district selling all kinds of things from more touristy trap areas to legitimate businesses. The deeper they went into the district though, away from the resort area the more calm things would get, until eventually the group would come upon a rather small and inconspicuous building. Well, as inconspicuous as a single story building could be, fenced off and surrounded by tall sky scrapers could be.

The only sign that it was a lab, was the large ‘Camphor Laboratories’ hanging right over the sliding glass doors that led inside. A small pond was in front with a decorative fountain, along with a small geometric sculpture and some benches. The building itself seemed more clinical in construction, square with pristinely clean white walls.

“Here we are.” Frieda said, turning to the group. “The labs exterior is a little...boring but Camphor thought it’d stop people from bothering her if it looked like this. The interior is a lot more cozy…well, aside from the labs. "Now, we're waiting from some out of region trainers from the docks to get here, but in the mean time you can all head inside and make yourselves comfortable."

Location: Byjerlfal City, Camphor’s Lab
Interactions with: @Renose

---

Remi blinked.

"Ugh, come on! Laaaame! Seriously, no coffee?" He'd let out a slightly exasperated sigh as he was rejected for the third time. "Fine, fine, more for me. Ugh, the only person here who has any taste is Svein." He'd walk back over to the seating area, flopping down on one of the many chairs. An Alolan Vulpix had curled itself behind it, rather timidly peeking out from the seat in question.

"I would say its you and Svein that have no taste, Mr. Forde." Laurel responded giving him an amused side eye as she'd sip on her tea. Verdue had seemed to noticed the vulpix hiding. After a few seconds of rolling around, it would playfully pounce on the fox and start chasing it around Remi's chair.

"Nevvvy I'm being bullieeeed."

"...yes and?" The sleepy woman would yawn, giving Remi quite the uninterested look that kind of said 'you probably deserve it.'

"Ah, I've been abandoned, whatever will I do..." He'd give a non serious pout just as the sliding doors to the lab opened, Frieda walking in with the group of trainers from the airport. "Ah! They're here!" Remi, forgetting all about coffee, or being bullied, would leap up from his chair, the Alolan vulpix taking his place and playfully swatting at the Sprigatito chasing it. He practically bounced over to the group.

"Hey Frieda!" He'd greet cheerfully. "These the new guys?"

"Hello, Remi. Yes, just picked them up from the airport. Tuule should be arriving soon with everyone else." She'd turn to the prospective trainers. "Feel free to wait in the waiting area. We've got vending machines, snacks, coffee, tea. And if you need anything specific while we wait just let me know. If you can find an impidimp walking around they might be able to help too uh, if you don't mind a little mischief. I'll be just outside waiting on the others."

"The names Remi!" He'd introduce himself to everyone at once with a cheerful smile. "I just made some coffee if anyone wants some. Surprisingly high quality stuff! Not that anyone else here except Svein appreciates my coffee-making talents."

---

Interactions with: @Savo @Xaltwind @Floofenstein @Crusader Lord
Location: Byjerlfal City, SS Calliope => Byjerlfal City, Camphors Lab

---

"Hmm?" The solid old oak of a man raised an eyebrow as he glanced the the side at the shorter, blonde haired girl as a small frown and furrow crept across his face.

"Bit rude to interrup' someones conversation lass... harumph, kids these days." That small frown didn't last even a second as he cracked a smile with a hearty, baritone chuckle as he looked over the girl before glancing back to the exorcist. "Care t'put a pin on our chat for now Masaru?"

The young man nodded, "Aha, of course Captain Tuule, though I must be going soon," and offered a quaint smile to the man and the rest of the three.

"Thanks lad," Tuule responded before watching as another sprightly girl joined the group. "Quite the crew Camphor picked out; bright and bushy-tailed... well, most of you anyways," he remarked as he glanced out of the corner of his eye at Yuu for a brief moment. "Get over here lad; yer not going t'get anywhere sulking like that," he called out to the lavender haired boy, gestured with his thick, gnarled hand to come and join the rest of the group.

As the Captain drew attention to the sullen boy, the Kantonan Exorcist glanced over at the boy, looking at him with a curious gaze, "Oho..."

Whether or not Yuu would join the rest was up to him. Regardless, the ship captains gaze would turn back over to the group while the exorcist's would remain firmly on Yuu.

And before Tuule knew it, another newcomer had arrived. As the girl addressed each of the individuals, the Captain counted off over everyone with a craned finger before the newest of the bunch addressed him. "Hah, thank you for th' kind words lass, especially towards Dhel. They certainly deserve the praise," the older man smiled warmly at the girl as he lauded his Pokémon, giving the Pokéball in his waist-pocket a gentle pat.

Following that was the girls question.

The old sea Captain stroked his beard as he looked around at the small audience, cracking an even bigger smile with a twinkle in his eye. "If you have to know lass, I might as well tell it to everyone here." Tuule would give a large gesture with his arm to the four of the new hires and exorcist as he took a puff from his pipe.

"Back in my younger, more vulnerable years, I wasn't th' Captain you see today but a small lad learning t'sail off the coast of Eidda. I was brash, burnin' with a hunger for more as I crashed against each wave, pushed against each and every current... yet my confidence would lead me to take a turn for the worse." Captain Tuule paused for a minute, taking another puff as he looked up, inhaling the salty air before continuing.

"There were signs that a storm was brewin' off the coast of Rivenwall. I didn't heed th' warnin's, instead taking my first vessel out t'sea once more. T'would prove to be my undoin' as I was taken aback by a sudden squall! I thrash and crashed against the wave, lookin' to navigate the violent seas! As I attempted to brave this storm, my ship broke against the craggy rocks that dot much of Rivenwall's waters." As he described the last portion of his tale, Tuule would whip the hand with his pipe forward in an exaggerated motion, as if the pipe was the vessel itself.

"What happened next, you might be wondering, well," Tuule paused, holding the group up in suspense, waiting to see each and everyone of their faces.

"... that you'll have to wait on for another time. After all, you didn't come all the way to Eidda to listen the tales of an old sailor after all." Tuule let out a hearty chuckle.

"Hm hm... quite the cliffhanger there Captain... I do pray that you survived," the Kantonan Exorcist chuckled. "Unfortunately I do believe our exchange ends here. I must be going, otherwise I'll be late."

"I understand lad. Good luck with your contests and ghost hunting."

With that, the Kantonan man would make a small bow to the Captain before taking one brief look over the rest of the new trainers once more, eyes still lingering on one of you in particular before departing.

"Anyways, we're burning sunlight; lets get you four to th' lab." The Captain would then begin to march off, gesturing for Yuu, Tilly, Melissa, and Lina to follow directly after him. The quartet was free to discuss things or question the sea captain further as he wouldn't be too far away from the group nor leave anyone behind.

As they walked towards the city, the group could see the a couple of beach-goers walking along the beach or engaging in battle. Wingull could be seen flying overhead with some people, tourists or otherwise, either feeding or attempting to catch some on the beach. There were multiple stands for numerous types of food, some coming from Eidda with a few advertising snacks that would come from outside the region.

As the group would further make their way into the city, the sea-side shops with seafood, summer-wear, and so on would fade out of sight, naturally transitioning into the bright-blasting lights Byjerlfal that lit the city up. Myriads of ads flashed across electronic billboards, swapping rapidly between contests to advertisements for different products.

One advertisement talked about the strides that David Mexatus, CEO of the Mexatus Corporation had made in the region with setting up the nature Preserve, thanks to the help of Professor Camphor.

And then another would go on to talking about how Master rank contests were being held today, as the screen would go onto flashing different performances of high profile coordinators, as well as the competitors. "Will these rising stars be able to make a splash? Or will the Contest Masters keep their crown? Find out after the break!"

This was to say nothing of the crowds either. The streets grew more frantic the further the group went in as both people and their Pokémon alike rushed to and fro. Some looked late for an important business meeting whilst some were posing outside of tourist traps or massive skyscrapers that stretched into the atmosphere as Starly and Pidove peeked over the edges of some buildings.

"Don't worry, we're nearly at the calm in the midst of the storm."

It was as the Captain stated. The further the group was lead into the city, the less claustrophobic everything would seem to be. There were less people and Pokémon around and even then they seemed to be in less of a rush than their contemporaries. Eventually, the group would come upon a rather small and inconspicuous building... granted it did stick out like a sore thumb with the numerous skyscrapers dwarfing it and the tall fences blocking off the city from it.

The only sign that it was a lab and not someone's private property was the large ‘Camphor Laboratories’ hanging right over the sliding glass doors that led inside. A small pond was in front with a decorative fountain, along with a small geometric sculpture and some benches. The building itself seemed more clinical in construction, square with pristinely clean white walls.

"Here we be," Captain Tuule proclaimed, looking over the four. "Been a while since I've been to the lasses lab; hope she isn't just holing up like the last time I was here." The captain mused to himself as he took another puff of his pipe before gesturing to the lab. "Best you all get inside and make yourself comfortable. In th' meantime, I'm going to get one more puff before joining you all; the little lass doesn't particularly like smoke."

Toshi

After making the offer to the professor's assistant and her Impidimp - Pix, apparently, the little gremlin brandished the sign it was holding and gave him a small bonk on the noggin. It didn't hurt that much, but the professor's assistant immediately got embarrassed, so he simply started laughing. He had enough younger siblings to take such mischief in stride, and he could appreciate the slapstick of getting bonked.

As his short bout of laughter subsided, he decided to offer casual advice to the Impidimp as he would his siblings. "A simple 'no' would have sufficed, little guy." He shook his head as if to remind Pix that you didn't need your words to be understood to communicate. Sometimes people and pokémon just don't know how to talk things out, and need the reminder.

Impidimp then proceeded to bump another person with the sign to get their attention, but it wasn't as violent, so he considered it progress.

The professor's assistant ran through the names of everyone he hadn't heard introduce themselves as she gathered them up, though he wasn't sure he'd be able to remember them all. She then introduced herself as Frieda before leading the group from the airport into the city of Byjerlfal, making their way towards Camphor's lab.

Toshi had seen plenty of the world outside of Tohjo. His parents, for all their lip service to tradition, didn't actually give a rat's ass about it except for when it suited them, so there was nothing isolationist about his upbringing considering the flat screen in their living room with about 10,000 channels. Still, seeing other cities on TV or online was one thing. Being surrounded by tall and completely modern buildings each reaching for the heavens, with the hustle and bustle of the city around him was another.

It didn't phase him at all. Nope, no sirree. Anyone looking at his face would only see a relaxed smirk as his eyes idly wandered up towards the top of the skyscrapers before returning to the city around him at ground level. Yeah, that's right, it's no big deal. It's not like Tohjo is devoid of towers, they're just '''''a bit''''' more old-fashioned.

Anyway, as for the group he's traveling with... well, let's just say he's never considered himself the quiet sort. He began by asking Frieda a question, then chose someone nearly at random and began chatting them up. As the conversation topic came to a close, he transitioned towards chatting someone else up, in a pattern that repeated across pretty much the entire group.

---

@Savo@Rune_Alchemist
"So, Frieda, know any good places to find wild pokémon near Byjerlfal? Gotta get comfortable with my starter, so I imagine we'll be going back and forth between the pokémon center at first."

---

@Yankee
The mousy girl who looked liked she would implode if someone hinted that they might be a little bit mean to her, maybe, seemed like she could use a friendly chat to get her more comfortable with, like, existing and stuff. So, he began rambling to her because that was the best form of conversation he could think of that would avoid putting her on the spot, and it might make her feel less out of her depth as a new trainer, a feeling he would never admit he could relate to.

"So, Hazel, right? You ever been told you look like a bit like a Zigzagoon? Hoennian, that is. Hope that doesn't come off the wrong way - Zigzagoons are pretty damn cute. Can't say Galarian Obstagoons can hold a candle to the potential of a Hoennian Linoone either, ironically, but what do I know? I mean, I have come to appreciate a certain famous Linoone that sometimes makes an appearance in the pro leagues, and as far as I know, Galarian Linoones just can't replicate their success, but eh, that's neither here nor there. If you ever do see fit to pick one up though, I recommend finding one that can use the move Extreme Speed. Not sure how hard it would be to find one; I think you might have an easier time if you go through a breeder for it, but I can tell you that, at least for some other Linoones, they've certainly got a lot of mileage out of that move, pun not intended." He assessed her reaction while also giving her an opportunity to respond. He didn't actually know if she even liked Zigzagoon after all.

---

@Psyker Landshark
He remembered Miharu's name, if only because he was there for her initial introduction. "So, Miharu, you said your Mankey's name was Hiddy, right? Cool. Annihilape's a pretty popular pokémon in competitive battles. If you're running the league circuit, then he's going to be a menace one day. Got plans for his partners? Funnily enough, a lot of people use pokémon that are good at being annoying to power up Annihilape's rage fist in double battles, though he's plenty strong without the help."

---

@Azure Bubbles
"Not sure I caught your name. You seem like the type of girl who's famous, somehow. You'll have to forgive my ignorance - I never paid too much attention to celebrity types, until now, I suppose. He gave Stella his signature charming smile.

---

@PlatinumSkink
"Victor, right? Cute Budew. Can't say I know too much about their evolved forms. Only a few people use them, though from what I've seen, they've certainly got a few tricks up their sleeves. Were you planning on taking on the league circuit?" Victor inexplicably struck him as a fire-water-grass core kind of guy, though he held off on saying as much because he wasn't trying to fill dead air like he was with Hazel and didn't want to come off as annoying.

---

@Double
"How 'bout you, uh... Jake? You seem the type to become a pokémon trainer. You getting a starter from Camphor or bringing your own?" There was something about the boy that screamed "fighting type", but he didn't exactly know the guy, and appearances could be deceiving.

---

@Savo@Rune_Alchemist
When the group finally made it to the lab, Frieda told everyone to help themselves to the waiting room, and one of the people there introduced themselves as Remi before offering everyone some coffee.

"I'll take a cup. Black, please." He said, while helping himself to a handful of lollipops lying around. He liked sweet things. He liked his coffee black. This was not a contradiction at all. It wasn't even performative, it's just that he'd long since given up on making coffee taste anything like hot chocolate, and anything in between just felt disappointing, so he might as well drink it black. he could use the caffeine anyway; it was his first day as a proper pokémon trainer and he wanted to make it a good and productive one.

Bjyerlfal City || Route 2 => Camphor's Lab || Morning
_{Make reality your dream}

Vrroooom

A pleasant morning on route 2. The winding seaside path was sandwiched between the western fjords and the winding wood. A travel path for most trainers on their way on Giervor through Route 5 as their first gym battle, or on their way back to Byjerlfal to make it their final stop on the journey. It was a popular spot for even non-trainers due to the sandy beaches beneath the cliffs at low tides, relatively temperate climate, and typically friendly wild pokemon.

Usually, it was a relatively peaceful place.

Usually.

"Told you we were gonna be late, but noooo, someone had to stop to ogle the fancy cakes!" A horn from another vehicle honked as she zoomed around it, completely ignoring the speed limits and likely breaking a number of other laws in the process.

"..." The only response she would get from the companion sitting on the back of the motorcycle, was a silent shrug and a small tap on her shoulder.

"You're gonna get fat if you keep eating that much." An eye roll and a humph was the only response she received. "Whatever-hold on that’s a cop..."

"...!?"

A yelp was the only thing Scarlett could respond with as the vehicle veered off to the left, barreling across the road, through incoming traffic and right into the winding woods just as the police sirens started...

---

Location: Byjerlfal City, Camphors Lab
@Ryik

It wouldn't be until Frieda arrived at the lab would she start answering everyone's questions in earnest. She'd turn to face Toshi with a warm smile.

"Lets see...uhm, well, Route one and route two are popular areas for beginners. Route two takes a seaside route next to the ocean and cliffs, and it has direct access to the Winding Wood - though I wouldn't recommend going there to start with." Pix would free itself from Freida's arms and hop onto the floor.

"Black? Wow, strong." Remi Interjected. "Hmhm, coming riiiight up!" He'd bounce over to the lounge, take the coffee pot from its brewing station and pour a cup straight out of the pot. No cream, sugar, or anything.

"Ahem...right. There's also a cave there not really marked on most maps there. Its only accessible at low tide, but you could find some interesting pokemon there. As for Route one, its mostly light pine and temperate forests. Plenty of pokemon and beginner trainers can be found there, and it connects to Pines End. A cozy little village - it has a shrine there to some ancient pokemon, if you're interested." She offered a friendly smile as Remi bounced back over.

"Here ya go! Black as Laurels soul." He handed the mug to Toshi. "So, whats your name, newbie?"

"Alternatively...honestly?" Frieda continued as Pix ran off. "You could probably find plenty of pokemon in Byjerlfal as well. Lots of ghost types can be encountered in the city at night, and there are plenty of parks that the city built to help with wild pokemon that live in urban areas."

---

Outside Camphor's Lab
@Savo@Xaltwind@Floofenstein@Crusader Lord

"See! We made it! Told you we could lose them in the winding wood!"

"....!" There was a light smack to the back of her head.

"Your hair is fine! No worse then it usually looks." She rolled her eyes, the motorcycle zooming down through the busy Bjyerlfal city streets, weaving between cars, giving a few pedestrians heart attacks. "Sides, we also totally made it now. Look! We got some newbies ahead!" She pulled back on the vehicle, the front tire raising from the ground.

The first thing the trainers arriving by boat would hear, was the harsh revving of an engine. A look in the direction of the sound soon revealed its source - a sleek, red seemingly heavily customized motorcycle doing a wheely heading straight past them at high speed, before its rider returned both wheels to the ground, tires screeching on the pavement as the vehicle was turned ninety degrees as it would slide to a halt, the smell of burning rubber and a bit of smoke coming from the tires.

"Humph," The owner would slowly remove the white colored helmet, shaking her head and causing a cascade of white hair to fall before she'd turn towards the gathered group, her hair flipping over her shoulder in the process. "So, these are some of the trainers Camphor hired, huh?" Her eyes narrowed, scanning the gathered trainers with obvious disdain. "You guys, look absolutely pathetic." She'd chuckle with a snort. "What about it, Scarlett? Any of these guys look interesting to you?"

The other person who had been sitting on the back of the motorcycle had shifted her position so she was sitting reverse, her back towards the handles and her legs kind of dangling over the other end. She tilted her head to the side, and proceeded to laugh, her messy red hair sporting a few leaves and sticks sticking out of it for some reason.

"....~"

"Pfft, right? Thought the same." The white haired woman would brusquely walk up to Tuule, ignoring everyone else. "Just in time, aren't we Tuule?" Scarlett would leap off of the back of the vehicle and walk up next to Risette, stuffing her hands in her pockets and giving the gathered trainers a disinterested, bored glare.

Toshi

He listened to Frieda with one ear while listening to Remi in the other, holding off from unwrapping a lollipop before he got to taste Remi's coffee since he seemed to take some pride in his brewing skills. He thanked Remi when he handed him the mug, then took a long, bitter swig as Remi asked him his name and Frieda finished listing the straightforward options available.

"Toshinori. Everyone calls me Toshi, though." He turned his head to address Frieda, "thanks for the rundown, by the way. You've given me some ideas." He then turned back to give Remi his compliments. "This is some damn good coffee. Best I've ever had, even." He proceeded to take another deep swig in such a manner that he inexplicably gave off the impression that the mug was somehow filled with alcohol. It was simply how Toshi normally drank his coffee.

'Best he's ever had' was kind of a low bar considering he's pretty much only ever had instant coffee before, but it was simultaneously smoother and more bitter than any he's tried before, which, combined, made it rather pleasant compared to the ashy flavors he was used to out of coffee. How did that saying go? That coffee is meant to taste as bitter as a Trevenant and as sharp as a Doublade? Or was that saying for tea? He decided not to mention it in case Remi called him out for being a fake coffee afficionado, which he kinda was.

"It's nice and smooth." He gave Remi an appreciative smile before chugging the rest of the mug and moving to put it down in the sink. He didn't particularly mind the aftertaste of coffee, but he couldn't deny he preferred sweets more. He unwrapped a lollipop and put it in his mouth before finding a place in the waiting room to unobtrusively loiter about. He ended up leaning against a wall with his arms folded, one leg bent at the knee to fold over the other with the tip of his shoe resting on the ground. Y'know, all casual-like. Mentally, he busied himself pondering what starter pokémon Camphor would have available and the ramifications his starter would inevitably have on the rest of his team. It was a bit anxiety-inducing, if he was being honest, but outwardly he remained as cool as a cucumber.

The name Victor was called to him. He had to take a moment. He turned in the direction of the shout with a slightly confused expression, then pointed at himself like “you mean me?”, and then eventually decided that yes, they did mean him, Victor Gallagher, and he did a small spurt of a slow jog to get over to them.

Well, there was a crew here. Frieda, yeah. Unfortunately, any interest Stiles may have had in the humans present was completely blown away by the sight of the pretty multi-colored Pokémon by the very tall blonde lady.

‘Wooow…’ Stiles' eyes widened in amazement as he looked at this incredible horse creature. ‘What kind of Pokémon is this?’

‘I mean, uh,’ he started, before coughing, and then turned to the humans. ‘Hello! I am Victor Gallagher! You will, uh, let us do a good job and become great trainers together!’ he proclaimed. ‘It’s nice to meet you all. Yeah.’ He nodded. That was flawless.

‘Buuud~’ Bud the Budew on his shoulder wiggled the bug on his head back and forth in his best attempt to wave “hi”.

---

@Double
‘Oh, hey. You look like a dude,’ Stiles said to Jack. The meaning of this was “you look like a solid guy I could be friends with” in his circles. ‘Where are you from? Anything cool happening around there?’ he asked, something about Jack making him not even bother with the accent and just being himself for the second.

---

@Azure Bubbles
_{kinda assuming she’ll respond to the Ponyta line before this}

‘Huh,’ Stiles made a slightly surprised noise as he looked up at the blonde girl taller than him. Sweat drops and an awkward smile. ‘I, uh, look forward to working together!’

He was scared by her tallness, fancy clothes and general aura.

---

@Ryik
“Victor” looked back at Toshi as he was spoken to, and his Bud was praised. His expression turned happy and excited. ‘Oh, yeah! Bud’s got a bunch of cool tricks! Like for instance, after a long and intense training…’ He grinned happily. ‘He can ride a skateboard! How cool is that!?’ he proudly said.

‘Budeew~’ Bud looked proud of his accomplishment. Maybe not the tricks Toshi meant, but Stiles didn’t know that.

‘Anyway, what’s the league circuit?’

---

@Yankee
Stiles awkwardly scratched his cheek as he looked at Hazel for a second. She looked like she might fall apart if he talked to her. So he didn’t, for now. Maybe when she was less overwhelmed. Still, if their eyes met… awkward wave and a smile?

‘Buuud~’ Bud waved his bud as a “hi” wave at her.

---

@Psyker Landshark
‘Huh,’ Stiles made a similar huh as the one with Stella. However, this time it was because super-gentle-looking lady combined with a ferocious-looking Mankey, of all creatures. It was an interesting combo.

‘Uh, hello! Pleased to meet you! Victor Gallagher, at your service! _{Yeah, that’s a good line!} Where are you from? What cool stuff happens there?’

He was once again intimidated by a tall lady and aura, albeit it was by gentle aura instead of fancy aura this time.

---

@Savo@Rune_Alchemist
Stiles was alright with waiting around when they arrived at the lab. Just gonna need to remember that he’s Victor. He had realized afterwards that he had kinda dropped it at slightest provocation with Jack and Toshi before. Bud the Budew kept chilling on his shoulder. So, then, there were more people here. Mostly girls. One of said girls_{(Stiles' pov)}, Remi, offered them coffee. Stiles’ expression immediately shone up.

‘Oh, yes! I, Victor Gallagher, will have coffee!’ Stiles, who has never had coffee in his life, said. He was pretty excited about getting to taste it.

He’s gonna have a moment when he absolutely detests the taste but out of needing to remain Victor Gallagher he’ll have to pretend he likes it. Because in his mind, Victor Gallagher absolutely drinks coffee.

---

”Huh?” Jack perked up at the sound of his name. After a moment of looking around, he finally spotted the Professor’s aide. ”Oh hey, there you are Miss… uh…” Thankfully he didn’t have to flounder trying to remember her name as she was busy wrangling together the other new trainers arriving. So that was at least one social crisis averted… for now.

The introductions were all rapid fire, and Jack was almost positive he was going to forget half of these people’s names by the time he was actually out on Route 1 or 2. But he was addressed directly by two of the other guys. Toshi and… Victor? Was that what the professor’s aide called them? Either way, that didn’t stop Jack from twitching an eyebrow at his own name being casually misremembered.

”That’s Jack.” He corrected Toshi with an indignant huff, ”And literally anyone can be a Trainer. Me, I plan to be a Trainer who wins. And I got my Pokemon already so- OW!” He felt an indignant jolt of static coming from the Poke Ball on his belt before an ornery looking Elekid released itself from its confines and gave Jack the stink eye.

”I was going to release you in a minute, Sparkplug!” Jack said, ”I was TRYING to give us a cool introduction before you had to go and ruin it.” He grabbed the Elekid’s right ear-prong with a rubber-gloved hand, having to shoot the Pokemon a disciplinary glare when Sparkplug was about to discharge some electricity. ”Oh no you don’t!” Jack said, quickly recalling Sparkplug back into his ball, ”Not in here! Are you TRYING to get us in trouble with the Professor?” His hands clamped down onto the Poke Ball like he was having to hold it shut to keep the Elekid within from breaking back out again.

By then he realized he had completely neglected answering Victor’s questions, ”Oh right, uh… I’m from Giants Watch. And it’s um… kinda dullsville unless you’re REALLY into rocks and spelunking. If that’s your thing, then go nuts. The mines lead into plenty of cave systems and stuff if that tickles your fancy.”

---

---

— Participant(s): @Savo, @Floofenstein, @Crusader Lord
— Location: Byjerlfal City, SS Calliope → Byjerlfal City

---

As Tilly had stood there, patiently with a hand on her own hip, others began to show up and join the gathering. First was a bubbly-looking little girl - who, against all odss, were somehow even shorter than Tilly! Though she did try to cheat, by carrying a little balloon-mouse a top her noggin' to try and amke herself look bigger(?). The sight was adorable regardless, and it put a smile on the blonde's lips and she let out a good-natured giggle - especially when the other girl introduced herself and her little friend.

"Tilly's the name. Good to mee'cha, Meli." Apparently Tilly had taken such a shine to the girl taht she'd already given her a nickname after their very first interaction. "'N 'at's a right champion you've got ridin' up 'ere. 'Ello li'l one~" The galarian continued, in her usual mellow, relaxed and calm tone, smiling warmly at the little Azurill atop Melissa's head.

Next, a not-as-surprisingly taller girl showed up. This one had that whole 'cool beauty' look going on, sporting some rather stylishly smooth black hair with red accents. Very snazzy. Not really Tilly's cup of tea for her own look, but the taller lass was rockin' it, so there was nothing to belly-ache about here. Said young lady asked about everyone else also being destined for the Professor's lab, but didn't give her own name or introudction... She also praised the captain's earlier battle and was apparently curious about some supposed pokémon that the captain had in his possession.

Now, Tilly was completely unaware of this creature's existence, as unlike many others, she had not observed the captain's duel with the other gentleman prior to their arrival.

The captain, on the other hand... Well, apparetly he wasn't too keen on having his conversation with the other man disturbed, and made a grouchy, old-man comment about it... Before then promptly bursting into a laugh. This made Tilly raise an eyebrow ever so slightly and a coy smirk spread across the little blonde's face. This guy was alright, for an old geezer.

... Until he wasnt... 'Cuz boy-oh-boy did this old codger like his chin-wagging... After calling the sullen boy with the llavender hair over to their group - why was he standing so far away anyway? Especially if he was going tot he lab with the rest of them? - The good old salty sea-dog decided to respond to the noirette's question about his Dhel-whatever... And... He gave them a whole gosh-darn-dang story, complete with flashback sequences and dramatic special effects... Unfortunately, Tilly sorta... Zoned out... About a quarter-or-so into the tale... You could tell, 'cuz she was staring blankly off into the distant cityscape, rather then looking at the old fart who was talking...

Thankfully, when the good senior sailor decided it was time to go, the red-eyed tart snapped back to the present, readjusted the satchel strap on her sohulder, and followed suit in a unhurried and unrushed pace off the big boat they'd alla rrived on, down onto the docks and into the city proper.

---

— Location: Byjerlfal City → Camphor's Lab

---

As the group was walking through Byjerlfal, Tilly took in the sights, sounds and smells. There sure was a lot to look at, a lot to flood your ears and a very mixed array of things to catch a sniff of. While others may have had their own opinions and thougts on the modern and bustling and city, Tilly for her part quite enoyed their stroll through the place. It wasn't Motostoke, or Wyndon, but that in itself wasn't a bad thing. In fact, it was good, maybe even great. After all, if she just wanted more of what she already knew and were familiar with, she would've stayed back home in Glar, rather than travel all the way to Eidda.

For her aprt though, unless someone had something to say, a question to ask, or a hand to place somewhere on her, the blonde didn't really say much of anything as they walked. Nor did the shortstack ask or inquire about anyhting or anywhere in particular. While this might've seemed strange to those with preconceived notions about her, like the good Professor who had labeled Tilly an 'extronerd' or whatever, it was actually very on-brand for the Galarian.

Tilly could talk and engage almost anyone in a convesation, no problems there. She could also approach any make her presence known if she needed or wanted something, again, no issues on that front. But that didn't mean that the girl was a social butterfly who thrived on always fallping her gums and filling every second of every moment with hot air and brainless banter. If there was nothing to say, then it was fine to just walk and look at things - which was exactly what she was doing. Taking in the scenry and surroundings.

Sure, you could ask questions about where to find what, or where to go to reach such-and-such... But where was the fun in that? if you were gonna go on an adventure, why would you wanna have everything spoiled and told to your face before you even began? Wasn't the best part about going on a trip into the unknown the actual unknown, and discovering things or stuff and gubbins on your own? After all, if you really needed to, you could always ask later! At least, those were Tilly's sentiments as she followed the Captain and the rest of the group at her casual, leisurely pace of walking...

... But wow.. That sure was a teeny, tiny little shack in the midst of all these big, towering skyscrapers... What kinda loon would wanna live in a pla--

-- Oh. Oh... Ohhh......

They had apparently arrived..

"Cozy place, reminds me o' gran's cottage... In size, a'least." Tilly said, an unplussed smile with half-open eyes as she looked at this... Laboratory before them.

The captain welcome them and then stated that he was going to stay outside for a wee bit longer. Apparently he wasn't done sucking on his compartmentalized chimney just yet, and the good professor didn't appreciate having her house filled with second-hand human exhaust fumes it would seem. As the grouup was about to go on inside however, a sudden noise caught - at least Tilly's - attention, as it came rumbling towards them from the side-road.

---

— Participant(s): @Savo, @Floofenstein, @Crusader Lord, @Double, @PlatinumSkink, @Renose, @Psyker Landshark, @Azure Bubbles, @Ryik, @Yankee, @Rune_Alchemist
— Location: Camphor's Lab Exterior → Camphor's Lab Interior

---

The sound and noise of a rumbling engine... And then....

Charging at the group gathered outside of Camphor's lab, in these tighter, smaller, more constricted area, some absolute muppet came barreling in on her fancy red motorbike - while also ferrying another person on it, all while doing a wheelie... Tilly, thankfully, had stopped infront of the lab's fence, and was thus in no immediate danger of being pancaked for no good reason due to the reckless driving and arrival of someone who had the same brain-capacity as a Rhyhorn. ... And just in case there was any confusion, Rhyhorn brains are very smol.

After the duet on the bike zoomed past the new arrivals though, they also decided to leave some skid-marks, just to make sure everyone knew they'd been here - or something? It was a bit hard to figure out what this person actually was thinking... If they were thinking at all.

Following that, the rider finally got off her motorized vehicle - another very tall lass - who then proceeded to remove her helmet, and do the most cliché celeberity movie star hairflip Tilly had ever seen. Nice.

... And delivered a mocking comment about their apparent pathetic appearance... Or state? Or situation...? It was a bit hard to decipher what exactly was pathetic about them and the message didn't really seem to have any sort of meaning behind it. But, when the rider-girl turned to her friend - the other person on the bike - who was an averagely tall red head, it became clear what was going on. The white haired one asked the red about her opinion on the assembled gang, and the latter didn't even respond. She just made some facial expressions, and the two went on their merry way ahead of the rest, into the lab.

"Ah, so they've got 'ose types 'ere too." Tilly remarked to nobody but herself, with an amused look on her. She then turned to the captain. "Well, thanks for the tour, guvna. Gab with ya later, ye?" She said, giving the good sailor a lazy wave before turning and heading into the lab itself.


This was... Somehting... Alright.

It looked... A lot less lab-y than she'd expected. In fact, it kinda looked more lounge-y than lab-y. Carpeted floors, sofas, coffee maker, vending machines... Was... Was this really a Pokémon Professor's place of work? Sure, Tilly had nothing to compare or reference it to, but this didn't really feel like the sort of locale a serious, no-nonsense, science-and-research dabbling egghead would do their number crunching and spread-sheet gawking in... But, maybe she was just stereotyping? Then again, judging by her video response, Tilly had a very hard time picturing Camphor as the 'chill and fun' sort of Pokémon Professor archetype...

Then we had the people... Oh dear gosh, the people... There were a lot of them. Like, a lot of them. And judging by the fact that the vast majority of them had bags, satchels, backpacks or other means of lugging around big piles of stuff, chances were... That these were all also their fellow companions and future co-workers... Sure, Tilly had thought that the gathering on the boat was a bit on the light side, and they probably would run into a few more heads here at the lab... But... This was beyond expectations. This was a lot of faces and bodies... Did... Did Camphor really need all these folks to help her? Forget 'assistants', this was more like the old crone was gathering her own personal militia or something.

Frankly, there were too many. Too many faces and voices for Tilly to keep track of. She could register that people were here, in the lounge-y lab reception, along with her... But other then taht, there was too much noise, movement and going-ons for her to even bother trying to catalogue and remember all of them. There'd probably be some kind of meet'n greet or 'introduce yourselves'-style thingy later on... And if there weren't, well... Maybe she'd run into one or some of them out on the road later on?

There was, however, a single face and form that stood out amidst the little crowd. A certain someone that even the scatterbrained Tilly could recognie with ease and precision. A bright smile flared up on the Galarian's lips and her eyes had a momentary sparkle in them. With her usual casual, relaxed and unhurried ways, Tilly pushed deeper into the lounge-y lab, past the other menaces who'd gathered and mdde a rather direct approach towards her identified target.

"'Ello Frieda. Cheers on pickin' me up for 'is." Tilly was under no illusion that the good Professor Camphor had been the deciding factor in accepting her application. Tilly may not be an academically accomplished ace, much as the old battleaxe had commented, but the blonde was far from stupid or naive. And while she may not be bowing and giving eloquent, flowery and dramatic verses of gratitude, she at least had enough sense to give thanks when thanks were due. "So... Since ye were so kind'n all to me... Fancy a lil' snog? I won't tell gran if you dun~" The little she-devil added, with a cheeky smile and playful eyes. A soft little giggle also left her lips, just for good measure.