StarfrostedFox

Pokémon: Battles of the ascendant League

Chat based role-play is definitely faster paced, I haven't done that in years though. I, like Azure, need some time to wrap my head around how my character is going to respond. Especially if they are a different personality than I am. So with that and the occasional distraction pulling people away, I think our story is going to be at a slower pace. We can implement friendly reminders when it's someone's turn and it's been a few days though. Does that work?

I don't personally have ADHD or autism, but my best friend is autistic. My exposure to ADHD is what I've learned from Penn Holderness on YouTube. Power to you both though. And please, if there is anything I can do to help, just say so. I'd really like to make this a comfortable and creative environment.

Between Lessons & Lies

Ronan felt a stab of sympathy that he quickly tried to stifle with Giselle's initial reaction, though without his realizing it, a small frown turn down the corners of his mouth. He made no comment as she returned to the office, simply moving forward and standing near the doorway to watch. He knew there was nothing to watch for, but still... Appearances. Especially with little cameras he knew were installed in schools with footage that a certain senator or head assassin might get a hold of.

With Giselle's return and comment, Ronan actually tipped his head slightly to one side. He had known their were going to be children around, but the idea of being an object of interest hadn't really occurred to him until that moment. He hadn't been around anyone younger than 16 in a calm environment in a long time.

"I think I'll manage," he finally said with one of his almost smiles, gesturing her forward. "Lead the way."

The classroom he followed her too was eat and orderly, with touches that spoke to the youth that studied there. He glanced around, taking note of where the desks were, where Giselle sat, where there were windows, and then situated himself in a spot that optimized his view of the room and exits. Adopting a casual stance that would let him act quickly as needed and not tire him out, he waited, braced for the dozens of eyes that would find him, watch him.

It was so much easier being invisible.

Pokemon: Professor's Academy

"I," huff, "am," puff, "so," pant, "late," wheeze.

August Pine was running behind on his very first day. Literally. The lanky young man was sprinting through the halls, bag swinging wildly from one shoulder, a small pink Pokémon held protectively in his arms. He had gotten absorbed in studying his latest collection of eggs when Sunny, his Chansey, had quietly tapped him on the shoulder and pointed towards the clock. He had hollered a few incoherent words around, gathering up all his things in a whirlwind of action, and scooped up Nugget and run out the door. He thought he had heard one of his Pokémon calling out after him, but he'd have to worry about that later. Ecology 101 needed him pronto.

Weaving around the other people still out in the hallway, miraculously avoiding hitting anyone with his bag and apologizing to anyone he startled, August slowed his steps only long enough to avoid full body collision with the door of his destination. Opening it and slipping inside, he clutched at a stitch in his side and try to catch his breath as quietly as he could. A few heads still turned in his direction, one person sniggered.

August simply beamed at them.

When they had finally all looked away, he quietly slid into an empty chair at the back of the room and glanced at the clock. Five minutes late. Not as bad as he had been bracing for. His mad Dash had done something good for him in the end.

"Cutting it close, don't you think Pinecone?"

August looked towards the whisper, meeting a pair of violet eyes with his own green ones.

"Only a little," he whispered back to his fellow first year, Megan. "It'll be fine. I shouldn't do it again." He paused. "Much."

Megan rolled her eyes, brushing back a wisp of purple curls that had fallen across her face. "You're going to get in trouble if you keep running through the halls all the time," she then said in a sing song voice before gesturing to her laptop. "Syllabus has been sent. TA today. Professor Birch is out of town." Succinct, quiet, and delivered with a heaping helping of sass.

"Thanks Meg," he whispered back, smiling again. He'd have to come up with a better nickname for her at one point.

Settling Nugget onto the table where the miniature Slowpoke contentedly settled her chin on her front feet and stared off into space, August slid his laptop out of his bag and opened it, waking it up and scrolling around to find the syllabus. As he retrieved a pen and notebook, he gathered that the TA, a man in a lab coat that had seen better days, was answering questions that students were asking. He paused, focusing on the ladder end of an answer.

'[]'Not the most exciting? I'd say this all is very exciting,' August thought to himself, though he would never point out that his very thesis foundation was being poked fun at.

He managed to keep from sighing. Always the optimist, he smiled to himself as he began taking detailed notes to himself, using his computer when his hand wasn't fast enough. Even if other people weren't excited about environments and their effects on Pokémon, he was, and that's what mattered to him.

By the time class ended, August had an appreciable amount of notes written out over several pages of his notebook and a sizable list on his laptop screen. He scrawled a few side notes to himself before turning his attention back to his laptop and saving his document before putting the device to sleep.

"Catch you later Piney, i've got to jet to make a stop before my next class," Megan said in a friendly sort of way, having already packed up most of her things and standing from her chair. She gave August a nudge on the arm with her elbow before she retrieved her water bottle and began walking away.

"See you later lavender queen," he called after her, hearing her laugh lightly.

"Dork," she chuckled, casting him a quick amused look over her shoulder before she was gone.

"Mom was right Nugget," August commented to his Pokémon as he started to pack away his computer, "trying to go to the same school as your cousin will definitely make life interesting."

The Slowpoke simply blinked at him, but otherwise chose not to comment. August smiled fondly at her, giving her a rub on the top of her head before fishing a piece of dried pineapple out of his pocket and putting it in her mouth. She looked rather pleased with herself.

Quickly writing down one last thought that came to mind, August put the cap back on his pen and slipped both it and his notebook back in his bag before latching the flap back into place. He glanced around, gaze sweeping over those who were still left. He spotted movement low to the floor and leaned down to get a better look. A Growlithe was standing near one of the other students, looking as if she had just recently deposited a notebook on the floor. He smiled again and automatically fished a small treat out of one of his other pockets. He clicked his tongue to get the fire types attention before holding it out in offering.

Pokémon: Battles of the ascendant League

Yes, it's your turn @Azure Bubbles. I've been checking on you off and on and was planning on sending you a message later today. If you'd like, I can either tag you here or start up a chat with you where I can help remind you when it's your turn. I have memory problems myself and have to set up lots of reminders on my phone to keep on top of everything and even then I have things slipped through the cracks. If I can help you out, please let me know! :)

Wellspring Tavern

Haha! Just picturing the group traveling together and all the odd looks that they are going to get is amusing. Fantasy is fun.

Pokemon: Professor's Academy

August Pine

“Every Pokémon starts somewhere. Sometimes all it takes is the right environment, a little patience, and someone willing to believe in them.”

Full Name: Augustine Thelonius Pine

Age: 23

Year at the Institute: First Year

Favorite Color: Green

Thesis Subject: The Influence of Environmental Conditions and Social Bonds on Pokémon Egg Development and Hatchling Temperament

Appearance:

Standing at 6'3",, August possesses a lean build more suited for long hikes and fieldwork than battling. His dark green hair is perpetually windswept, often falling into his lighter green eyes that seem to sparkle whenever Pokémon are involved. His face is narrow and long, with a pointed chin and sharp cheek bones. His wardrobe consists of comfortable outdoor clothing layered beneath a well-worn Institute jacket with far too many pockets. Various notebooks, incubator sensors, berry samples, and Pokémon treats can usually be found tucked away somewhere on his person. A permanent smile seems etched onto his face, and he’s rarely seen without a clipboard or notebook tucked under one arm.

Personality:

August is relentlessly optimistic and approachable. He possesses an almost infectious enthusiasm that makes it difficult for others to stay pessimistic around him for long. While many students focus on battling applications or evolutionary research, August finds genuine joy in observing the earliest stages of a Pokémon’s life.

As a new student, he approaches the Institute with a sense of wonder and excitement. He eagerly asks questions, volunteers for research opportunities, and is always looking for chances to learn from more experienced classmates and professors. His enthusiasm occasionally gets him into trouble, as he tends to jump into projects before considering whether he has the time or expertise to handle them.

Though intelligent and hardworking, August is still developing his confidence as a researcher. He sometimes worries that his focus on breeding and hatchling studies is less prestigious than other fields of Pokémon research, but his genuine passion for the subject always shines through. He approaches both people and Pokémon with kindness and patience, preferring cooperation over confrontation whenever possible.

Bio:

August grew up outside Solaceon Town in Sinnoh, where the Pokémon Day Care quickly became a second home to him. While other children dreamed of becoming Champions, August spent his afternoons helping caretakers feed Pokémon, clean enclosures, and observe newly hatched Pokémon taking their first steps.

His fascination with Pokémon breeding only deepened as he grew older. He became particularly interested in why Pokémon raised in different environments often developed noticeably different temperaments or physical characteristics despite being the same species. Throughout his teenage years, he filled journal after journal with observations on Pokémon behavior, incubation conditions, and hatchling development. Local breeders and Day Care workers quickly learned that if an Egg needed watching, August was eager to help.

When he was 15, he came across a solitary egg that had been abandoned on a beach, or so it seemed. Remnants of other eggs lay scattered about the sand, fragments of shells and dimples of small feet pressed into the ground. He claimed the lone egg and began caring for it at once, using a fabric sling to carry it everywhere with him. When it finally hatched into the tiniest Slowpoke he had ever seen. It fascinated him to know why she had developed so small. She was healthy otherwise, just tiny.

Unlike many Institute students who arrived with extensive field experience, August's knowledge comes primarily from hands-on work at local breeding centers and Day Care facilities. Though he lacks the experience of some upperclassmen, his enthusiasm and dedication have already made an impression on both staff and fellow students.

After submitting a proposal centered on the relationship between environmental conditions and hatchling development, August was accepted into the Laventon Institute as a first-year student. He arrived on campus eager to learn from professors and researchers whose work he had admired for years. Though still new to campus, he has quickly gained a reputation for volunteering whenever Pokémon care is involved. Many students have already learned that if an Egg needs monitoring or a hatchling needs attention, August is usually the first person to offer help.

Now beginning his first year, August hopes to develop the skills necessary to turn his lifelong passion into meaningful research. While his thesis is still in its early stages, he dreams of one day creating a comprehensive framework demonstrating how environmental factors and social interactions influence Pokémon growth from the moment an Egg is laid until maturity.

Pokémon:

Research Team

Slowpoke, F, Nugget

The first Pokémon he ever hatched, Nugget is completely devoted to August. Though she doesn't feel she brings much to his research, she's happy that he keeps her around. Endlessly patient, she enjoys observing long before she makes any comments. She has a deep love for dried pineapple.

Chansey, F, Sunny

August's second oldest partner and the unofficial caretaker of his entire team. Sunny assists with monitoring Eggs and caring for young Pokémon, often noticing signs of discomfort long before he does. Her nurturing personality perfectly complements his research interests.

Fletchinder, M, Scout

Energetic and endlessly curious, Scout helps August travel between field sites and locate nesting grounds. While not yet fully evolved, he is dependable and always eager to help with research excursions.
Minccino, F, Poppy

An obsessive cleaner who keeps August's workspace remarkably organized. Poppy frequently helps prepare habitats for newly hatched Pokémon and seems personally offended by dust.

Quirks:

• Keeps meticulous journals documenting the first moments of every Pokémon hatchling he encounters.

• Can accurately identify many Pokémon species simply by examining their Eggs.

• Gives encouraging nicknames to almost everyone he meets, often forgetting to ask whether they actually like them.

• Carries emergency Pokémon snacks at all times “just in case.”

• Has never successfully walked past an Egg without stopping to inspect it.

• Gets visibly excited whenever a professor mentions breeding studies, Egg Groups, or environmental influence.

Pokemon: Professor's Academy

@RisingRobin Thank you! I'll work on an introduction soon! Do you want me to wait and post it after a certain point or get it posted right away? glad you're through your move, those can be time-consuming. Did all go well?

Also, just as a heads up, I'm legally blind and dictate most of what I write, so there may be instances where things get misspelled. Homophones are my bane. Haha! Anyone is free to point them out to me and I can fix them, just be polite about it. :)

Pokémon: Battles of the ascendant League

But it was a wonderful tangent! I laughed. And I really shouldn't laugh right now, but it was worth it. Thank you! I haven't played Sims in years, but that didn't matter. It was completely relatable.

Pokémon: Battles of the ascendant League

Thank you. At least it didn't turn into pneumonia. How are you feeling?

Pokémon: Battles of the ascendant League

I agree. And if it helps, then enjoy it for sure!

I ended up going to the doctor today because I was getting worse. I have bronchitis, but I've started on antibiotics and other medicine. Fun times.