Pokemon: Mind and Soul [IC/PG-13/Not Accepting]

[Mr. Hyde]

 

As they all walked into the city, Oswald could be seen visibly flinching, as the heavy smell of fish wafted through the air.  He pinched his nose shut, but was excited at the prospect of finding a good place to find some grub!  He was hoping this place had what he had been looking for since his release from Johto.  While walking through the town, he was distracted by all of the nice things these people were saying.  It was an awfully friendly town...but I'm sure they had to make up for what they lost in the smell department.  He looked on as they smiled, wishing he had lived in this town long enough to get used to the smell. 

 

"You look like such a good lad."

 

Oswald politely thanked them, rubbing the back of his head.  He caught a glimpse of the shoreline, seeing it for the first time since they had embarked on this new journey together.  Even though it seemed like a couple of days ago, it was rather nostalgic.  

 

I'm going to go bring my clothes over there," Kanon stated to Oswald and Nomi, pointing and walking in the general direction of the laundromat she'd been told about. "Shouldn't be long. Try not to wander off too far in the short time it takes."

 

"Ah!  No problem!"  Oswald watched the girl run towards the building, with images flashing through his mind of faint traces of what she looked like under all that rain gear.  He even remembered catching the faint blue traces of a small...and cute...bra.  Oswald's face turned red, as he soon rid his mind of the images...for now.  Instead, he ushered for Naomi to follow her.  "I think it's about time we got to battle together Naomi.  If we're gonna work together, we should learn each other's battling style, right?"  He smiled.  This way, he could kill two birds with one stone.  Get a better feel for battling, and keep an eye on Naomi.  If she were to run into a group like she had in that other town, things might not end the same way.  Eventually, he made his way to two Fishermen.  

 

"Excuse me gentlemen, but would you care to battle?"  Oswald asked, with Archie wagging his baubled tail excitedly.  "And let's place a wager.  If I win, you tell me how to get one of those fishing rods...and a nice place for some sushi.  Your treat?"  Oswald laughed, and then turned his battling face on, waiting for their reply.  

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

 

"I dun get it why would I wander off?" Naomi said as she waggled her shoulder in a half-hearted wave at Kanon. "I'll just stay right here.." The girl yawned as she said that and slumped over Princess's head.

 

"I think it's about time we got to battle together Naomi.  If we're gonna work together, we should learn each other's battling style, right?"

 

"Huh? B'my'nap..." She mumbled as Princess grunted and followed Oswald down towards the docks where the Fishermen were gathered, comparing fish sizes and bragging about "The One That Got Away".

 

Princess had halted at the top of the stairs leading down to the dock, refusing to move down the steps herself. Naomi rolled off the Pokemon and half rolled half walked down the stairs, sending Princess back to her Pokeball in the process.

 

The two Fishermen glanced at each other as Oswald asked. "Well you don't have to battle for that, all you gotta do is."

He was elbowed by the other. "Hey now don't ruin the kid's fun. Plus, this way we can get someone to say which of ours is actually the biggest!"

"You're right, you're right, alright lad lets see how you handle this!"

 

The Fishermen sent out their Pokemon, Goldeen, who seemed to be exactly the same size and coloration. "Guess might's'well." Naomi said and sent out Knight to do battle with the Water types.

 

The moment Knight came out of the ball he charged towards the Goldeen on the right, trying and failing to attack with a Splash attack.

[spoiler=OOC]Goldeen, level 7, Water Veil, Peck, Tail Whip, Water Sport, Supersonic

 

---

 

As Jacklyn knocked she'd hear a sound of surprise which was followed by what sounded like something hitting the floor. A few moments later there was some more noises, shuffling, and footsteps. The door cracked open and a rather tired looking eye could be seen. "I already told you I don't have any rare Pokemon for y...who are you?" She opened the door more, revealing the rather haggard looking woman on the other side. "Why are so many people visiting me these days?" She eyed them up with a shrewdness that bellied her messy appearance.

[Mr. Hyde]

 

"Well you don't have to battle for that, all you gotta do is."  He was elbowed by the other.

 

"Hey now don't ruin the kid's fun. Plus, this way we can get someone to say which of ours is actually the biggest!"

 

"You're right, you're right, alright lad lets see how you handle this!"

 

And with that, the battle was on.  The two fishermen sent out their Goldeens, who were clearly the same size.  They probably weren't going to take to kindly to that notion though.  Instead, Oswald shot his hand out, as Archie instinctively joined the fray.  

 

"Guess might's'well."  Naomi said rather lazily.  She sent Knight the Hoppip out, who rushed a Goldeen as quick as it had been chosen.  However, the Hoppip didn't do much as it's squishy body just dabbed against the Goldeen.  Oswald couldn't help but grip his mouth to keep him from laughing at the display.  However, he stopped laughing as the Goldeen that was splashed upon retaliated with a quick Peck.  Seeing as how the Hoppip was so close, the attack landed with devastating effect.  Archie sprang into action, as it's fur let off building static, shooting rings of electricity at both the Goldeen.

 

"That's right Archie!  Let's stop them in their tracks with that Thunder Wave!"    Oswald then looked to Naomi.  "Hey, uh...I know we're all not used to battling but...I don't think Knight is the best option for this fight.  Maybe you should tag Princess in to help?"  Seeing the defenseless, but hot headed Hoppip get more injured than it should was a hard sight to see.  So senseless, seeing as how Princess would make short work of the Fishemen's pokemon.  As it was now, this battle was a 2v1.  "Archie!  Tackle that Golden that pecked Hoppip!  We gotta protect them!"  Archie courageously dashed into the Goldeen, knocking it a fair distance away from Knight.  

 

"These kid's got some fight in him!  But he didn't tell us which is bigger!"  

 

"Well we got bigger fish to fry at the moment!  Get yer head in the game!"  

[👀 REP 👀]

 

---

 

Ivan let out a heavy sigh, Po in his arms as he turned to the Daycare. "Oh yeah, Ivan," Ivan turned to the girl. "You're darn right you aren't joining any shitty team on this island. After all, you're part of my team. And that's where you'll stay for the rest of this journey!" He was shocked at the girl's declaration, a grin creeping on his face. He wasn't sure what he was feeling, although he could feel a rush of emotions come over him. He tried his best to hide this from her.

Finally, he shook his head, chuckling a big. "And don't you forget it!" Ivan replied, giving the girl a thumbs up. His voice was a bit strained as Po looked up at him, grinning widely. 

 

 

Eventually, Genny did come out of the Daycare, looking worn out but overall better than she had been when they entered the town. "Oh? I figured you two would go on ahead..." While her face was rather sheepish, her tone was upbeat. Ivan wasn't sure if she was trying to act upbeat, but with how she was when they entered the town he doubted that. "I missed most of that discussion, but monsieur filled me in as we worked... Should we, ah, get going? The professor must be a busy woman!" Ivan nodded his head.

 

"Nah, you're stuck with us 'til the end." Ivan said jokingly, feeling a lot more upbeat than he was before. The group continued onward to the Professor's house.

 

As they were walking, Ivan turned to Genny. She seemed less tense than she had been when they got here. He still didn't know what her deal was, but if he really was gonna stick with them, then he should at least try and get along. He sighed before coughing. "Sorry for givin' ya such a hard time back then. I'm sure the last thing you needed was some bonehead berating you."

 

When they got there, it became very apparent that the Professor was a bit of a hermit, and that another group had been here not too long. Just thinking of those three made Ivan' blood boil a bit, although he kept his rage from surfacing even a little bit. Truth be told, he wasn't even sure why they were here to begin with. He decided to hang back and let the others say what they needed to say to her.

[Alaina]

 

Jacklyn waited expectantly at the door, excited to see what the region's professor was like. As the woman answered, Jacklyn didn't seem to be all that cognizant of her tired look, nor the tone she had towards the group. Instead, there was a bright smile on her face as the region's pokemon professor was before her. With great enthusiasm the girl proudly declared, "we're adventurers on a pokemon league journey!" After that, the girl seemed oddly more bashful in her response as she said, "and well, when my sister started her pokemon journey she went to see our region's professor and so I just thought it would be really cool to meet this one's at the start of mine and stuff, you know. Um, hi." 

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

 

"Hey, uh...I know we're all not used to battling but...I don't think Knight is the best option for this fight.  Maybe you should tag Princess in to help?"

 

Hmmmmm, Naomi watched the battle with half-closed eyes. It did seem to not be working very well...Even if the Goldeen were Paralyzed, there were two of them and Knight...well, didn't seem to be doing as much as he should be. Weird, Grass was good against Water weren't they?

...Did Knight have a Grass move? Naomi forgot...

 

While she pondered this the Fishermen seemed to realize that Archie was the only actual threat here and double targeted him. One of them released a wobbly wave of sound, which would be visible and not extremely fast moving, towards Archie, a Supersonic, while the other one tried to circle around and Peck him. Unfortunately for the fish it would be held up by Paralysis after getting into a position behind and to the right of Archie.

 

"Oh, right." Naomi said then, remembering she was supposed to be doing something. "Come back Knight." She raised Knight's Pokeball and tried to get him inside of it. Though the Hoppip stubbornly dodged out of the way of the beam. With a frown and a confused head tilt Naomi tried again. "C'mon, inya go..." She muttered. This time she managed to return the Pokemon. "Go Princess!" She called out and her Rhyhorn emerged. "Get that one!" She said.

 

Princess looked at the fight and grunted in understanding, heading over to the Goldeen who was trying to Peck and slamming her horn into the Goldeen's side.

Naomi nodded. Right, that was the attack, now why didn't Knight use his attack too....

---

 

"we're adventurers on a pokemon league journey! And well, when my sister started her pokemon journey she went to see our region's professor and so I just thought it would be really cool to meet this one's at the start of mine and stuff, you know. Um, hi."

 

Professor Cedar let out a bit of a groan as she heard that. "You know usually that's because new trainers need Pokemon, you already have yours..." She looked at Jacklyn's eager face and sighed. "Very well..."

 

She straightened up, slightly, and glanced to the side as though trying to remember something. "Hello, welcome to Korova. My name is Cedar. Pokemon Professor. This world is inhabited by creatures called pokémon. For some people, pokémon are pets. Others use them for fights. Myself...I study pokémon as a profession. Or, more specifically, Pokemon culture. Are you a bo-...nevermind. I never understood why Samuel made that part of the speech..."

 

She sighed again. "What do you need?"

[Mr. Hyde]

 

The two goldeen's were on the offensive now, as one made it's way to pincer Archie, while the other shot a slow moving wave of distorted air towards the sheep pokemon.  It was slow moving enough that Archie was able to sidestep the attack no problem.  However, the one from behind prepared to jab Archie with it's horn, but was stopped in his tracks by the paralysis.  Oswald was about to direct Archie to tackle the one behind him, but was interrupted by Naomi.  

 

"Go Princess!  Get that one!" 

 

Naomi had listened to his advice, and switched out her partners...although much to the dismay of Knight.  Princess rammed it's horn into the Goldeen that had it's sights set on his Archie.  

 

"Good job Naomi!  You're pretty good at this!"  He said, smiling at the girl.  "Now keep up, and try not to doze off, alright?"  Oswald had kept his eyes off the battle for a moment to compliment his battle partner, but the other goldeen had been instructed to Horn Attack Archie.  even though the attack was slow, it hit it's mark, burying into Archie's protective layer of wall, and punching his body.  Archie lept back a bit, and gave a cry.  It must've been a rather critical hit.  "Dang..."  Oswald said under his breath, "I should've had Archie launch a growl..."  Not dwelling on his mistake, Oswald told Archie to Tackle that same Goldeen in retaliation.  Archie let loose a sheepish war cry, as he charged the fish fiercely!  

[Blake]

"Nah, you're stuck with us 'til the end." Ivan said jokingly, earning a cocked brow from Genny. She was about to question his mood when he sighed before coughing. "Sorry for givin' ya such a hard time back then. I'm sure the last thing you needed was some bonehead berating you."

 

"Why, Monsieur Ivan... Everyone has their moments, non?" Genny smiled softly, shaking her head, "It is in the past... Though, I must say I am surprised that monsieur has taken such a shine to me~"

 

Walking ahead of her male companion, Genny's smile faltered slightly as she looked at the town, gripping one of her elbows with her opposite hand. She steeled herself as she made sure to return the smile to her face, resolving herself.

 

This town has nothing to do with home... And this region is likely full of towns like this. I came to spice places like this up! I can't afford to let myself be shaken like that!

 

----

 

The professor was, as expected, a hermit... But Genny had not been prepared for the woman to be such a curmudgeon, yet she would also recite such a speech. Genny was thoroughly baffled by the woman before her.

 

"We did not come here for anything in particular. Jackie here simply wanted to meet you!" Genny reproduced her smile, tilting her head slightly as she closed her eyes, "Though... When you say Pokemon Culture, do you mean how species interact amongst themselves? If so, do you know about Popplio, by any chance?"

[Alaina]

 

As the professor woman straightened herself up and recited her speech, Jacklyn's excitement seemed to bubble over as her glee was all the more apparent. While she didn't know that professors actually gave this kind of speech to all pokemon trainers, the fact that it existed, and that Jacklyn was now being given it made the girl jump for joy. Trying to recollect herself as the professor asked her what they wanted, the girl nodded as Genny spoke up, seeming to realize something herself. "Oh yeah yeah, do you know more about Rus too?" The girl hurriedly sent the pokeball containing her Lepash out, saying, "I haven't had him long and I got him when I was coming to this region and I know he's native to here and -" stopping herself, she had another look of realization as she said, "oh!" Pulling out her pokedex and Rus's pokeball, the girl presented it to the professor with a beaming expression saying, "can you autograph these?"

[👀 REP 👀]

 

---

 

So the professor studied Pokemon culture. The other two seemed to be interested in talking with the Professor about their specific Pokemon. Ivan, however, didn't really care much at all. All he really cared about at the moment was training Po. He let out a sigh, staring at the sky. He'd just have to wait for the others to finish whatever they were talking, hoping they wouldn't take too long. 

 

Po, meanwhile, had left Ivan's side and made its way towards Jacklyn and Genny, trying to get a look at the professor. Ivan's eyes shifted from the sky to his small panda as it jumped up and down to try and get the professor's attention. "Wonder what the little guy's tryin' to do..." He said to himself, shaking his head.

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

 

"Now keep up, and try not to doze off, alright?"

 

"Huh? Wazzat?" Naomi said, blinking in confusion. She had dozed off for a moment until Oswald said that. She noticed Archie slam its body into the Goldeen, pushing the fish back, who tried to get away and fire off another Supersonic at the Mareep.

 

The other Goldeen, meanwhile, had sent a couple of attacks at Princess before the trainer realized it was futile. He ordered it to hit Princess with a Supersonic and the Rhyhorn was hit head on. They Goldeen tried to maneuver around the large Pokemon to strike at Archie but was once more seized up with Paralysis.

 

"These two are tough kids ain't they?"

"Or maybe you're just weak, I always said my Goldeen was the strong one."

"Oh please mine is clearly the strongest."

 

Naomi in the meantime had just finished feeding Princess a berry she had found, while the Fishermen argued, and the confusion faded away. "Do the thing again." Naomi said and Princess responded by lowering her horn and slamming it into the Goldeen, sending the fish into the air. It seemed clear that the Pokemon was on its last leg. Or rather fin. Naomi giggled a bit at the thought as her eyes drifted from the Goldeen towards the clouds.

 

[spoiler=OOC]Not gonna use berries out of nowhere often just figured it'd be amusing for that moment. The Goldeen Princess is fighting is in red health, the other yellow.

 

---

 

"Though... When you say Pokemon Culture, do you mean how species interact amongst themselves? If so, do you know about Popplio, by any chance?"

 

"Mm." Came Professor Cedar's hesitant response, followed by a brief nod. "By culture I mostly mean social habits. Though also I've found that Pokemon have their own forms of art, religion, and languages..." She caught herself before she went on for too long and straightened her glasses. "In any case. Popplio families tend to spend their time bonding with their young by creating water shows together. It's hard to observe as they tend to avoid showing anyone these shows until they've perfected them. Moreover they tend not to perfect it until they've evolved, so it doubles as a sort of coming of age rite."

 

"Oh yeah yeah, do you know more about Rus too?" The girl hurriedly sent the pokeball containing her Lepash out, saying, "I haven't had him long and I got him when I was coming to this region and I know he's native to here and -oh! Can you autograph these?"

 

Cedar rubbed at her neck awkwardly as the girl pressed so many questions on her, clearly uncomfortable with her energetic nature. "What's a Rus..." However her eyes focused a bit more when Jacklyn sent out her Pokemon. "Ah, Lepash." She said.

The Professor bent over and picked up Rus carefully, the Lepash seeming to relax into her hands, then stood up straight again. "So this is the trainer you ended up with." She glanced between Rus and Jacklyn, taking note of several things, before frowning and handing Rus towards Jacklyn. "It seems he doesn't quite think you're reliable yet. You might have to work on that. I will say it's a step up, still, he wasn't very good with the town's children..."

She paused and glanced down at Po. Adjusting her glasses again she spoke up. "Hello. Is there something you need, Pancham?"

The Professor looked to his trainer. "Have you been making sure he gets enough exercise? Pancham bond over wrestling matches and the like so it is important for their development. If you haven't already you should get another Pokemon that can be his sparring partner as soon as possible."

 

The woman seemed a bit more talkative now, though awkward silences seemed to follow every moment of explanation. She hadn't taken the Pokedex that Jacklyn offered, either, seeming to have forgotten what she asked in the midst of everything else.

[Mr. Hyde]

 

The tackle landed, and pushed the Goldeen a far ways away.  In retaliation, the Goldeen launched another Supersonic sound wave attack.  Archie tried his best to avoid the attack, but being so close to the Goldeen this time around proved the task to be a bit too much.  Archie was bombarded by the attack, and started to wobble around, looking for where the Goldeen currently was.  

 

"What's wrong Archie?"  Oswald called out.  This must've been another status condition!  Confusion!  It wasn't too serious, but maybe his commands would get through to him.  "Archie, Tackle that Goldeen again!"  Archie's head shook to the side, as it reared it's head into the air, and made it smack down into the ground, as if he thought Goldeen was there.  Archie's head flung back up from the pain, as he stumbled around again.  "Shoot!  I'm sorry Archie!"  Oswald apologized.  He thought back to the academy, and tried to figure out a way to stop the confusion.  Naomi had done the trick with giving a certain berry to Princess.  Unfortunately, Oswald had no such thing.  Instead, he recalled that placing your pokemon back into it's nestled home in it's pokeball would stop the confusion.  He returned Archie almost immediately.  "You're up, Ic!"  Oswald shouted, throwing out the next pokeball on his belt.  

 

Icarus was unleashed, as his wings unfurled, and he gave off a sharp chirp.  

 

"Icarus!  Let's practice that new move!  Quick Attack, now!"  Icarus' eyes sharpened, as he flapped his wings, taking flight in the blink of an eye.  He moved so fast, that the air behind him almost seemed to glow.  He connected with the Goldeen, with his wing crashing into it's body.  With the devastating force, the fish flopped onto it's back, but almost immediately flipped right-side up, albeit with a bit of a struggle.  The Fishermen then instructed for his pokemon to use Supersonic again.  "Dodge it Icarus!  Then counter with another Quick Attack!"  The Starly was easily able to outmaneuver the slow sonic wave, and rushed into the Goldeen again.  This time, the Goldeen flopped onto it's back for good.  Oswald then smiled, looking to Princess.  Icarus did the same, and chirped.

 

"You know what to do!"  Oswald said, pointing at the other Goldeen.  Icarus chirped again, as he made his way swiftly to the other Goldeen, ramming it as Quick as the other times, and flopping it onto it's back.  Both Pokemon were now unable to battle.  Oswald ran up to Icarus, and patted his head.  "Good job Icarus!  That new attack is incredible!"  He said, pumping his fist.  He then pet Princess as well.  "You're pretty reliable too Princess.  Naomi would be totally lost without you."  Oswald then looked to the Fishermen, and smiled.  "I believe we had an agreement gentlemen?"  

[Alaina]

 

When the professor handed back Rus to her, the girl took hold of him with a bit of pout on her face. "Wait you don't think I'm reliable?" she looked dumbfounded towards the Lepash. It, in turn, merely snorted a puff of smoke at the girl's face. Letting out a small cough, Jacklyn then said, "well, don't you worry your cute smoking tail off. By the end of this journey, you'll think I'm the best trainer in the whole league!" While Jacklyn gave the Lepash a proud and confident smile, it merely rolled its eyes at the girl. Paying no mind to the fire rabbit, Jacklyn then had a curious expression on her face. Storing Rus in her hood, of which the Lepash merely nestled there for the time being, the girl said, "wait, so did you know Rus before he was mine?"

[Yui]

---

The trip to the laundromat - as Kanon had predicted - didn't take very long. Find dryer, put clothes in, insert money, easy and done. Now came the problem of waiting for her clothes to dry though. Contrary to what she'd asked of Nomi and Oswald, they'd already wandered off in the time it took her to drop her clothes off to dry. She had a gut feeling about where they could have gone, but she wasn't about to start running all around town looking for them. Worst case scenario, she could do that a bit later, after her clothes were dry. Instead, the blue-haired girl decided it was time to do some exploring of her own. Even if the place still reeked of fish.

 

As Kanon meandered about, she came to a small, rather cozy-looking restaurant. It had the feel of the kind of place you'd expect to find just off the road as a spot for travelers to grab something to eat, with knitted checkerboards out front. As Kanon stepped in, that fish smell that permeated throughout the town seemed to be swept away, in favor of a more home cooking sort of aroma. Albeit, the place still smelled like home-cooked fish. She could have gone for a snack, but not a full-blown meal. Shame. The food here was probably really good. As such, although she had been seated, Kanon didn't look too hard at the menu. Some sort of appetizer would have to do.

 

Should I get something for the others while I'm here? ...probably.

---

[👀 REP 👀]

 

---

 

Po gave the professor a thumbs up, chuckling a bit, before turning to Ivan alongside the professor. "Have you been making sure he gets enough exercise? Pancham bond over wrestling matches and the like so it is important for their development. If you haven't already you should get another Pokemon that can be his sparring partner as soon as possible." Ivan was caught off guard by Cedar, almost dropping the comb he was using as he waited. He turned to Po, who seemed eager and starry eyed at the sound of a sparring partner.

 

"A sparring partner?" Ivan eyes shifted to the panda. "So that's why he was so eager to wrestle with me back at Alola..." Ivan grinned, shaking his head. "I mean I've been tussling with the little guy... getting another Pokemon to spar with him isn't a bad idea though..." He nodded his head, before pumping his fist. "Alright, new mission." He turned to Po. "We're getting ya a sparring partner. I'll even let ya choose 'em!" The panda seemed excited at the prospect, Ivan chuckling.

[Blake]

"Mm." Came Professor Cedar's hesitant response, followed by a brief nod. "By culture I mostly mean social habits. Though also I've found that Pokemon have their own forms of art, religion, and languages..." She caught herself before she went on for too long and straightened her glasses. "In any case. Popplio families tend to spend their time bonding with their young by creating water shows together. It's hard to observe as they tend to avoid showing anyone these shows until they've perfected them. Moreover they tend not to perfect it until they've evolved, so it doubles as a sort of coming of age rite."

 

 

"Ah, Etoile and I already do practice her water tricks! She does not have the best control of her balloons yet, but she does have one down!"

 

Excited to show off her young Pokemon's perfromance, Genny sent Etoile out, sparkles filling the space around the baby as she emerged.

 

"Utilises Anneau Hydro, mon papillon!"

 

With a happy bark, the sea lion stood on her hindflippers, proudly sticking her head up with her eyes closed, arms out wide as the rings began to spin around her, the sparkles from her appearance accenting them nicely.

 

"It is not the balloons that Popplio normally use, but she is coming along nicely, non?" The entertainer beamed, proud of her little performer.

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

 

Naomi blinked. Oh. It's over is it? That went by fast. One moment they were fighting and the next Oswald was petting Princess. The Rhyhorn seemed to reluctantly let Oswald pet her but as soon as he was distracted she moved over to Naomi's side again. The girl let Princess into her ball and then asked, "S'it nap time yet?"
 
"I believe we had an agreement gentlemen?" 
 
"Kids these days are tough!" Said the first.
The second nodded in agreement, then answered Oswald's questions. "If you want sushi then there's a good place nearby." He then named a place. Just so happening to be where Kanon was currently waiting at. "As to the fishing rods, these we made ourselves, but there's an old geezer that hangs out around this place, calls himself the Fishing Guru, who might be able to get you one if ya want...you planning to take part in the Fishing Competition?"
"Oh, before you go....which of our Goldeen was better?"
-----
"Hmph, this place too?" While Kanon sat in the restaurant she heard a girl's haughty voice. If she were to look she'd see a short, red-haired girl, looking to be around the same age as her. The girl looked around the place with her nose crinkled in disgust. "Isn't there anywhere here that doesn't smell like fish? You there, server, what is taking so long? Get me a table right this instant."
The server would look around, distraught, as there were currently no empty tables. He tried to explain this to the girl but she was clearly having none of it, shaking her finger at him and raising her voice as she told him that he'd better find one.

---

 

"wait, so did you know Rus before he was mine?"
 
"Hm." Cedar began, looking at Jacklyn analytically. Finally, she responded. "I was the one who raised the Starter Pokemon of this region. Lep...Rus, here, was one of the most recent batch. I had wondered what kind of people would be getting them. I suppose this, too, is part of their attempt to find a new Champion." It seemed clear Cedar wasn't overly fond of the idea but she didn't say more as her attention went to Ivan, then Genevieve.
 
She merely nodded at Ivan. Though there seemed to be something of approval in her gaze. To Genevieve she narrowed her eyes slightly. "It's impressive, yes, Pokemon Contests aren't my area of expertise. I always found it...unusual to make certain Pokemon perform. When their nature is often to use their attacks in battles, transportation, or for survival, but it does seem to suit the Popplio line at least."

 

The Professor tugged at the hem of her coat, casting a brief gaze back at the inside of her home. "If that's all..." she let the rest of the sentence hang.

[Yui]

---

Location: Islesbury Town

Poké: 1440

So far, Kanon had settled on something to eat, and probably some food for Nomi once Kanon was out of here. Knowing the latter from their interactions so far, Nomi wouldn't really care what Kanon bought, so for her, Kanon was just picking up whatever was cheap. Even a lollipop would suffice. Oswald was a bit tougher though. He seemed to be a very serious, by-the-book type who was always on the lookout for bad guys. Her gut told her that he'd probably want something healthy. A salad or something like that maybe?

 

"Hmph, this place too?"

 

Suddenly, some girl was saying something with a distinctly haughty tone to her voice. And to her look, too. "Isn't there anywhere here that doesn't smell like fish? You there, server, what is taking so long? Get me a table right this instant." The server in question seemed rather distraught, and tried explaining to the young lady that there were no empty tables. But it seemed she wouldn't be hearing any of that, instead raising her voice and finger alike. On the one hand, somebody definitely should've stepped in and helped the poor guy out. On the other hand, Miss High Horse could probably do with being knocked down a peg or two. Glancing around, nobody else watching seemed particularly eager to interfere.

 

Just leave it to me, I guess. I wanted to do it anyway, so that's fine.

 

Kanon got up from her seat, and headed toward the girl the server she was "talking" to. And it was then that Kanon put herself into the situation, stepping up to the server's side and looking at the girl. "I'm not sure if you were too busy running your mouth to use your ears or something, but he said all the tables are taken. You have to wait, and making a scene won't shorten the wait any."

---

[Mr. Hyde]

 

"If you want sushi then there's a good place nearby." He then named a place. Just so happening to be where Kanon was currently waiting at. "As to the fishing rods, these we made ourselves, but there's an old geezer that hangs out around this place, calls himself the Fishing Guru, who might be able to get you one if ya want...you planning to take part in the Fishing Competition?"

"Oh, before you go....which of our Goldeen was better?"

 

Fishing competition?  Oswald wasn't here to compete...and he wasn't necessarily the fishermen type.  Heck, he'd never even cast a pole in his life.  However, it was probably a good skill to have that would come in handy one day.  Also, it would help his cover as a carefree trainer, totally not on a mission to observe the goings on on this strange island.  Oswald the Angler.  Had a nice ring to it...and it could also refer to the role he would play as a Junior Interpol Agent.  Oswald nodded to himself and settled on the idea.  He would compete.  But before that, he'd need a rod.  As he began to turn around, he remembered to answer the question that had been asked before, and after the battle.  He played eenie-meenie-miney-mo in his head, switching between the two Goldeen with each word in his mind, and landed on one in particular.  

 

"Yours was!"  Oswald said, pointing to the Goldeen on the left.  He waved to them before turning heel completely.  "Hope that cleared things up!  Thanks for the tip, and the battle."  

 

As they walked, Oswald kept his eyes open for any 'guru' types that might have been sitting around.  

 

"Couldn't you have told me where he lived...."  He muttered to himself, before stumbling upon the restaurant that those Fishermen had told him about.  He happily walked in, but noticed there was an altercation.  Apparently there were no seats left in the restaurant, and a rather plucky looking girl was making a fuss about the fact.  Meeting the girl was an all too familiar sight, Kanon.  

 

"I'm not sure if you were too busy running your mouth to use your ears or something, but he said all the tables are taken. You have to wait, and making a scene won't shorten the wait any."

 

Oswald rushed over to Kanon, and placed a hand over her mouth.  

 

"You're making a scene too!  Stop drawing so much attention towards us."  He whispered.  "I'm sure there's more room at your table...and I'm starving!" 

 

Small Blue Bra.

 

Oswald removed his hand awkwardly, not waiting for Kanon to retaliate, before turning towards the girl who had began the conflict. 

 

"Maybe you would like to join us at the table?  I'm sure there's room."  Oswald turned to the staff member who the girl was heckling, before whispering.  "Excuse me..can we get a Corsola Roll over at her table?  Seperate check, of course."  

[Alaina]

 

Jacklyn's expression only became more awestruck as she realized that her first pokemon was one that was raised by the professor of this island. She didn't pay much mind to the professor's tone, instead looking over to the bunny in her hood saying, "man, why you didn't tell me you had such a cool parent Rus?" The Lepash gave the girl a brief look of disbelief before settling back in her hood, seeming to just be lounging in it like a hammock. As the professor asked if they had anything else to do with her, Jacklyn looked to her other friends, asking, "are you guys good to - WAIT!" Cutting herself off in realization, the girl pulled out her pokedex, presenting it to the professor once more. With starry eyes the girl asked, once more, "could you please sign my pokedex, professor?" 

 

The girl didn't really read the professor's expression as she did so, and only cared that in the end her pokedex was autographed. Jumping into the air, with a small, "yipee," the girl looked with much joy at the signature before pocketing her device before looking back towards the professor. Giving a quick bow, causing Rus to tumble out of her hood and onto her head, Jacklyn, "thank you for all of your advice and help professor. And thanks for taking care of Rus." Standing back up, causing Rus to tumble back into the hood, she looked to the others saying, "now are you both ready to adventure! Some more."

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

 

"I'm not sure if you were too busy running your mouth to use your ears or something, but he said all the tables are taken. You have to wait, and making a scene won't shorten the wait any."

 

The girl narrowed her eyes at Kanon. "Excuse me? And who do you think you are, talking to me like that. Especially dressed in such...can you even call that clothes? Hmph." She tossed her hair and gave Kanon a patronizing smile before turning her head sharply towards Oswald. "And you, who are you, her boyfriend? Mr Proper Gentleman coming in to save the pauper from the princess? Puh-lease."

She looked down her nose at the table, which was the only thing she could literally look down on given her height, and rolled her eyes. "I suppose I could let you sit with me, but I expect an apology from this...ruffian." She glared at Kanon as she said that. "But only because I wish for food and have important business to attend to soon."

 

"That's not bacon!" Naomi's sudden cry caused the red-haired girl to jump and let out a yelp. Which she tried to cover up as a cough, face turning red. The sleepy girl had, as expected, fallen asleep while standing up and had only just awoken from a dream. She blinked several times as she looked around. "Were there this many'v'us before?" She asked.

 

The server, still a bit nervous, would take the orders of everyone before rushing off to save himself from this train-wreck of a table.

[Yui]

---

Location: Islesbury Town

Poké: 1440

"Excuse me? And who do you think you are, talking to me like that. Especially dressed in such...can you even call that clothes? Hmph."

 

This girl had some serious nerve. Being such a demanding jabroni, then resorting to targeting Kanon's fashion sense when she couldn't think of anything better to say. The Hoenn girl had a retort ready and everything, but before she could speak up, suddenly, someone else had stepped in.

 

"You're making a scene too! Stop drawing so much attention towards us. I'm sure there's more room at your table...and I'm starving! Maybe you would like to join us at the table? I'm sure there's room."

 

Are you stupid?

 

"I suppose I could let you sit with me, but I expect an apology from this...ruffian. But only because I wish for food and have important business to attend to soon."

 

"I'm not apologizing for telling the truth." Kanon sat back down at her table. Sitting like this was somewhat uncomfortable. The self-proclaimed princess now joining them didn't make the situation any more comfortable.

 

"That's not bacon!"

 

Nomi was also here. Right. Because Sleeping Beauty's presence made Kanon so much more confident in dealing with this pompous stranger. Maybe it was the way the girl was grinding her gears, but Kanon was suddenly hungrier than she was when getting here. The raincoat-clad girl shot a brief glare at her newest acquaintance before returning to the menu in front of her. As long as she doesn't go grabbing at my raincoat, it should be fine. I want to just stay at the laundromat after this so I can get my clothes back, ASAP. But while I'm here, might as well do what I came here for and eat something. Kanon looked over the menu for this fish-smelling restaurant. Most of it seemed like pretty standard stuff, but her eyes locked onto one item in particular as soon as she noticed it.

 

Feebas biscuits.

 

"They have Feebas biscuits," Kanon said excitedly. It was meant to be purely a thought for herself, but in her excitement, the words escaped her lips. She'd always thought those were exclusively a Hoenn thing! Those delicious round treats, made from one of the least loved fish of all. The Feebas's sturdy body made the outside crunchy, but cooking it thoroughly for just the right amount of time made the interior mushy and smooth, enough so that you could eat it normally or take a big first bite and treat the rest of the insides like a thick, syrup-y drink. Her favorite food, right down to the salty aftertaste! Kanon's mouth was watering just thinking about having some right now...

 

They're a bit more expensive than in Fortree, but I must have them! If nothing else, Kanon's order was certain now. She wanted Feebas biscuits, and a glass of water to wash them down with. As much as she would have loved to get a few extra for the road, they didn't stay good for very long after cooking them, so that was just wishful thinking. As for the others... well, Kanon did want to buy Oswald and Nomi something. "You two just pick something you like, it's on me," she said, looking at her traveling partners. "But try to keep it cheap; we're not all made of money."

---

[👀 REP 👀]

 

---

 

The professor seemed pleased with Ivan's response, which filled him with more determination. It wasn't like he needed her approval or anything, but having it did assure him he was making the right decision. Ivan picked up Po; he felt himself get excited at the idea of catching another Pokemon, although it would be hard to tell from his expression. "We'll get on that as soon as these two are done with whatever business they have." He said to Po, who seemed about as equally as excited to go.

 

"now are you both ready to adventure! Some more." Eventually they finished talking to the professor. Ivan felt himself almost giving the girl a loud 'HELL YEAH', although he contained it and instead nodded his head.

 

"Let's get goin'." He said calmly. "Gotta get a buddy for my bud."

[Mr. Hyde]

 

"I suppose I could let you sit with me, but I expect an apology from this...ruffian. But only because I wish for food and have important business to attend to soon."

 

"I'm not apologizing for telling the truth."

 

"This isn't a good start...is it?"  The had all sat down at the table now. 

 

"You two just pick something you like, it's on me," she said, looking at her traveling partners. "But try to keep it cheap; we're not all made of money."

 

"I already ordered...I don't think it'll be too pricey..." He laughed nervously.  He hadn't seen how much what he ordered cost.  Oswald nudged Kanon with his elbow, leaning in to whisper.  "Hey...I don't think what she did was called for...but maybe if you apologize we can get on the right foot!  Maybe she can tell us where the fishing guru is after the food!"  He then turned his attention to the girl who started the whole commotion.  "I don't think we've introduced ourselves!  My name is Oswald, and this girl clad in rain gear is Kanon.  The drowzee wannabe is Naomi.  We're trainers from different regions, come to take on what Korova has in store."  He stuck out his hand, in a polite manner to receive hers.  "And you are?" 

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

 

The girl glared at Kanon. She crossed her arms over her chest and stared the girl down as though she thought she'd force an apology out by glaring at her while snapping her order at the waiter.

"I don't think we've introduced ourselves!  My name is Oswald, and this girl clad in rain gear is Kanon.  The drowzee wannabe is Naomi.  We're trainers from different regions, come to take on what Korova has in store. And you are?"

 

The girl looked down at Oswald's hand with a hint of disbelief. Then, begrudgingly, she brushed his hand with the back of her own. "I am Alicia, a name that you'll soon learn to obey." Upon saying that last bit she shot another look Kanon's way. Tossing her hair she settled her gaze upon Oswald once more. "You've come to this region at the wrong time, sadly, especially if you plan on becoming Champion." She gave a knowing, cocky, smirk as she gave a short laugh. "But I suppose if you really want to explore this pathetic region then I won't stop you." She tilted her head towards Naomi. "But you might want to ditch that one, she seems positively useless."

 

Naomi perked up as she noticed the girl gesture in her direction. "Why d'I gotta be useful?" She inquired, leaning forward with her elbows on the table and her head in her hands.

 

Alicia sniffed and tossed her head again. "Hmph, because useless people like you just clog everything up. The worst kind of person is one who doesn't get results."

 

"I dun get it." Naomi blinked and looked at the other two. "D'ya get it?"

 

It wouldn't be long after that their orders were placed and with it the promise of food.