path of a gym leader ic

[True North]

Swaaaa! Swaaaanaaa! A flock of swanna swoop around the exterior walls of a lavish estate for an afternoon flight. The coolness of Cooldrift swaddling the home's intricate exterior with its revitalizing freshness. A paddling of ducklett drift downstream beneath the cobblestone bridge, wiggling dry their dripping tail feathers . Their mother guiding them with her marvelous neck reaching into the sky. Zipping by, a masquerain slices across the glittering waters surface with it's daunting wings in full focus.

In a patch of flowers nearby, a ledian dances silently within the radiant colors of sunshine. A flutter of butterfree made their rounds within the velvety soft petals. Drawing nearer to the estate, is the blended chorus of starly and flirty taillow perched within the surrounding trees of lively green. A hive drizzling with honey hangs from a branch outside a blinding stain glass window. Busy combees are hard at work, buzzing in unison. Flowing through the limbs, a dispersement of jumpluff scatter their seeds carried onward by the wind. Roosting upon the window sill of the exorbitant glass window, a beautifly opens and closes it's fragile wings.

Far above on the residence's highest level, a vivacious pikipek hammers away at the wooden spandrel atop one of the high windows. The ruckus provoking the dreams of the resident who slept soundly inside. Buried within the embossed puff comforter and luxurious silk linens of a kingly bed, a raven haired fellow squirmed with an unconscious pout. Cleckk cleckk cleckk cleckk cleckkk! The relentless pecking of the hyperactive bird resuming outside his window. The sleeping man's eyebrow gave a twitch as the pecks came again more violently. With a fury, the man sprawled up with bewildering eyes and a raise of his finger to curse the bothersome racket. "ARCEUS DAMNS YOU!" Clammered the man in a stupor, knocking off nearly all of his sumptuous pillows before falling back into a slumbersome slump.

Spoiler

The rock slide of pillows tumbled down to lightly arouse the consciousness of a resting arcanine. The mass of him nearly stretching longer than the enormous bed itself. He gave a fangalicious yawn and the floofy goliath rose up to give a slobbery wet kiss to his sleepy master. Only a groan came from the man as he swiped off his cheek to roll back to sleep. With his mighty paws, Arcanine commandingly shoved the man until he gasped into consciousness to catch the breaths repeatedly knocked out of him. "OKAY-AY-AYYY" the disgruntled grumblings of him being shaken awake could be heard from downstairs, followed by a loud thunk. Below, a group of maids readied themselves with silver platters filled to the rim with luscious fruits and tasty danishes for the house lord's brunch.

By the time he reached the top of the crystalline staircase, he was met with a host of charming maids who adorned him with his diamond garnished coat and crown. They spoiled him with greetings and massages to soothe any restless muscles. He kept silent with relaxed yawns as if accustomed and entitled to such treatment. As he descended the steps, his haughty arcanine followed his lead, licking away a pikipek feather from his snout. Meanwhile, another servant reported any most recent news to his finicky master. Once stepping into the expansive parlor, they were eased into an embroidered plush lounge chair for optimum comfort.

Spoiler

"My lord... I'm careful to remind you of your engagement in Midway today for the gym initiation declaration." a maid with pinned up cheri berry colored curls chimed, as she fed him a juicy bluk berry between his lips. He gave a nod for a satisfactory gulp from his goblet before answering, "Are those the Razz berry jelly tarts???" His eyes lit alive, ignoring the question initially. "Yes, indeed. We know those are your favorite Lord Marcello." She beamed. He stuffed a tart into his mouth with haste before proceeding to the question. "Ah, mmm yes. They're having that today... Prepare me a carriage then. It's too fine a day to take the limousine." His second pastry slipping from his grasp in that moment to begin rolling off the lounge chair. A maid immediately dove to catch it with her knees squeaking across the marble floor before the precious pastry could hit the ground. Marcello paying no mind to her valiant efforts.

The other servants left straight away to prepare his transport, while a few remained to escort Marcello from his lounging to a private corridor. "I will be alone now. Be sure to scrub the base boards of every room while I'm away. Oh. And polish the chandeliers, will you?" He said to send off those who accompanied him. He and Arcanine vanished into the shadows of the long hall, but not before wiping his sleeves clean of any pastry crumbs. Stepping from the darkness, Marcello reemerged on the other side of a hidden passageway. He gave a signal for his beastly companion to wait on the edge of the dark. A huff from Arcanine could only be heard. Marcello now stood inside a secluded chamber with a pedestal column in front of him which had an oval object cloaked upon its surface. "Still we wait..." His voice crept in the darkness.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°
​

RoARRrr. A lazy, roaring yawn escaped the jaws of a pyroar lioness who lay in a bed of grass miles away from the estate in Cooldrift. She stretched out her front paws and watched as a yanma playfully zoomed around her before zipping away. Across the grassland around them, was a raised facility built at the base of a rocky mountain suitable for a pride of Pyroar. Close by was also an extensive area of cracked earth which most Pokemon steer clear of. "Enjoy your nap?--" A lady with a sun loving glow and lab coat whirled passed Pyroar with a crate full of pokeballs. Her accent alluring. Pyroar offered a gentle puff from her snout in acknowledgment. "Come now, Bahati. I have lunch for you." The lioness now pacing after her.

Spoiler

As they made their way to the laboratory, the yanma from before flitted onto the top of the human lady's head who bore the name badge of 'Professor Jemila' proudly. She gave an expected smile when the dragonfly perched above. The Professor then pulled a rope to lower the wooden stepway up to the lab, so that any wild predators below could not easily access the facility. Once ascending to the upper level, she pulled the stepway back up before heading for the net veiled doors. Within the lab, was a spacious foyer with tropical plants that included an inground play pin for newborn Pokemon. The foyer led into the main room that appeared to be an indoor recreational area for Pokemon of all ages. Professors Jemila's work zone slightly lowered at the center.

"Ooop...." Professor Jemila nearly tripped when stepping down into the lab, spilling her crate of pokeballs. Each rolling pokeball began to pop open and soon enough the entire lab was lit up in a light show. "It will be like a zoo when the initiates arrive!" Jemila laughed from her belly. Rooaa.. Bahati lowered her head in a sigh, realizing that nanny duty had just begun. The lab came alive with beginner Pokemon who gathered around Jemila or raced toward the fun recreations, while others shied away to themselves. Bahati drug her paws dreadfully to go round up the little ones. Three of which had already climbed up the hanging vines to swing from the ceiling. A grookey, chimchar, and baby treecko. "Where are those initiates anyway?" Jemila wondered, as she began collecting the empty pokeballs that lay agape. The thought of a new venture brightening her spirit...




@everyone

 

[True North]

chgghhchgg. chgghhchgg. A train like a little red durant weaves its way through a dreamy railway town. Near the edge of a snowy slope, sat a boy taking in the view with tanned skin and shaggy white hair like seel fur peaking from underneath his toboggan. A clear blue parka with a furry hood containes his body warmth. "Well... this beats the train..." He said to himself, pulling down a pair of icy blue goggles over his eyes. His breath pushing out a misty cloud into the icy air. Underneath him is a wooden sled with knapsacks and other belongings secured to it. He leaned forward with a sudden rocking motion, and instantly began to zip down the slick frosty snow.

"Waooooohhhhh!" He howled, feeling the drop stealing away his breath. He was too high from the thrill to notice the icicles forming underneath his running nose. Tugging a rope from side to side, he maneuvered the sled around the frost covered trees and icy rock slumps. Just when he could see the transition from snow to rock approaching, he reeled back on the rope when the ground began to level out. The sled took a short spin before coming to a halting crash into a snow pile at the snow's end. The snow mound collapsed around a tubby round spheal who shook away the wreckage of snow from its fur. An unexpected invader had completely demolished the chub ball's favorite hiding place.

"Sssorry about that." The young man on the sled could no longer feel his own face. Spharp. The spheal barked with a blink of its beady eyes before flipping up to slap the boy right on the chin with a tail flipper. SWAHPP. "Yoww!" The human groaned. "I said sorry.... O cool...." The spheal had spun around for a gassy toot in his face. "Welp...." He said, noticing his things sprawled all around in the melting snow. They flew off after his not so graceful stop. "Here's something for your trouble." He tossed a muffin from his coat pocket over to the grumpy chubber.

The spheal's face instantly brightened, gobbling up the surprising snack. Meanwhile, the human went to collect his things. While the boys back was turned, the flubbery spheal noticed a round object a few feet away. Spheal gave the red and white ball a curious sniff before flipping it up with his nose to play. Suddenly the spheal could see a veil of red light falling over its eyes before everything became a blur. "Alriiight, that's everything-" The tan boy paused, after returning from fetching his things. He noticed that the spheal was no longer there. He just shrugged his shoulders and returned to the sled. "Oh. I nearly forgot that I brought this empty pokeball..." He picked up the ball and shoved it in his pocket.

After hiding the sled behind some shrubs, the tan boy removed his parka and goggles to leave with it. Underneath he wore his usual attire which consisted of his jacket with a wave design across it and grey sweatpants. Once abandoning the sled, he wandered toward a grouping of trees rather than toward Midway town. He knew a shortcut that would get him to the savannah faster. The trip through the woods was rather uneventful other than seeing a pair of skwovet wrestling out of a tree over an acorn stash. At the end of the woods, was the river that separated Midway from the split canyon. A row of large river rocks formed a path for one to cross. He drew in a deep breath, shutting his eyes to relish in the sounds of the rushing river. Just as he stepped onto the last rock, a loud swish washed over him sending him backward.

SWSHHHHH!!!......

A massive gyarados flailed right over his head. It cast an unbelievable shadow before diving back into the river to swim upstream. FLUMP. The boy now found himself soaking in the river as the current carried him downstream. "DON'T PANICKKK." He said to himself, snatching at different holds but to no avail. He remembered a piece of advice his father taught him and carefully leaned back his head to take a steady breath. He let his mind drift away so that his body would flow with the water effortlessly. Using his feet to kick off of any harmful obstacles in his path, he floated down river until he washed up against a shallow edge of the riverbank.

"That's one way to get here." He mumbled, before rolling around to pull himself to shore. From there he began his trek around the canyon's mountain, letting the warmer grassland breeze dry his clothes. On his way along the mountain, he spotted a den of pyroar with their cubs. He kept on pushing as to not provoke anything to lead him into becoming lion food. As he drew closer to the edge of the savannah, he saw a geodude practicing its punches on a boulder on a mountain ledge. Upon entering the savannah, he nearly tripped over a grazing phanpy. From there it was a run for his life from momma donphan barreling after him in a death roll. Luckily she crashed into a dur ant hill, prompting his escape.

When the lab was in sight, he dodge rolled out of the way of a family of girafarig that nearly trampled him and made his final sprint to safety. "Hhhh. HUAHHH." He collapsed at the front of the lab and just layed there staring up at the clouds. One of the clouds was shaped like a horsea, he noted. The horsea cloud seemed to be using double team. His head was now spinning. "Smol horseas everywhere...... uaaaughhh."

 

[Reanimator Buns]

Moe Thomas

And so it was that today was the day that marked the start of his carrier! Oh, and uh, that he would become a gym leader. But that didn't take as much precedent. The journey was the most important part of that. Whether he succeeded or not was a whole other matter. He ran in calling after his partner who's stubby legs were moving as fast as the poor things could move them. His camera bounced by his side, as a few papers filled with writings and a couple of polaroid photos flew off into the air. The poor little Pokémon did his best to grab the loose pieces of, while also trying to make sure he didn't get too separated from Moe.

As Moe pulled in to the city gates, his eyes lit up at everything happening around him. The fine castle settle beneath the mountains was especially appealing. From there, the rivers and bridges that spanned their lengths with the stone streets added an ambience of nostalgia. He picked up his camera and put a filter lens on, and started taking picture after picture for his own enjoyment. He garnered a lot of attention from a score of people, all of whom laughed at him.

He took pictures of the city for almost an hour, as his little partner finally reached his feet, tuckered out from frantically gathering he could. With a muffled "murr...whis..." He plopped the stack of paper on the ground and faceplanted straight into the pile, and dug himself into a cozy little dome. Moe turned around seeing his paper on the ground, but no idea where Crier went. He scooped up the paper and looked around. Oh well, he must not be too far off since he dropped off his paper for him. It was then that his watch went off with an alarm, alerting him it was time to head to the station. He had directions on a map. Must be somewhere in this pile. He reached in, not realizing his friend was in there, accidentally sticking his hand right into his mouth. This frightened the poor thing, as it let out a piercing wail, causing Moe to jump backwards, and let the papers fly, once again being spread to the winds.

"W-Wha! Oh no the map is among them! Crier! Help me get the map!" He called out frantically waving his hands, trying to grab his map. He never found it. Instead he asked around hoping someone would point him in the right direction until he finally found the lab. Currently looked less like the lab and more like the safari zone given the number of pokemon running wild around there. He snapped a quick picture before calling out.

"Excuse me! Is this where the Gym applicants are supposed to meet up? It looks like I'm here before most of them. Mind if I set up shop real quick?" He might have asked, but he was already setting up a camera stand and a flash bar, making sure he got a head shot of everyone joining in. "Alright! My name is Moe! I'll be doing my best to keep a record of everything that happens here! And you are?" He pulled out a pad of paper and a pen from behind his ear. Just then another man came by, rolling head first into the wall of the establishment. Crier reached up to his bag and pulled out a set of his own, mimicking his partner, and approached the dazed man. "Whismur-Whis..." he nodded as he muttered about hoarsees.

@luelle @FrozenDreams ​

 

[Andy]

Corey Gunn
​

"Alright! One more time guys! Together now! Punch! Punch! Punch! Kick! Punch! Kick!" Corey's loud energetic voice echoed out into the sky from behind his house as he and his three pokemon stood together in a line following the instructions of their trainer. In perfect sync the young trainer and his pokemon would throw a punch at an imaginary target standing in front of them the echoes of their own cries only being drowned out by the sound of their trainer's excited instructions. Sweat slowly dripped down Corey's forehead as he threw the final kick along with Timburr, Riolu and the newest member of his team Machop. As they finished his final kick he would stand there with his leg extended in the air while he balanced perfectly on one leg his pokemon following suit. He would hold this stance for a good 20 seconds at least before he slowly lowered his leg and stood up straight. As he did he would bring his hands down to rest beside his hips in tightly clenched fists.

After a moment of silence he would look down at his pokemon who had all again perfectly followed suit before he gave a nod of satisfaction and gave them all a big thumbs up "Way to go guys! Perfect form again! Great way to end off our morning routine! Timburr great motivation! I could feel your energy the entire time! Riolu Your form and timing was perfect as always. Your going to be a force to be reckoned with out there! And Machop you've adjusted to this training very well! Can't believe it's only been three days since father gave you over to me! If I didn't know any better I'd say you've been here doing this just as long as Timburr has!"

In response to his encouraging words Timburr would give a satisfied yell and would jump in the air. Machop would proceed to grin in satisfaction and raise his arms into the air before flexing both of his arms as if trying to show off his strong upper body. Riolu however wouldn't celebrate like his fellow pokemon. He instead would simply cross his arms and look down with a satisfied smirk and give a nod of his head at the praise. The three pokemon would then look at each other for but a moment before they looked at Corey with a glint of trouble sparkling in their eyes..and almost immediately Corey would recognize it and slowly start to back away "No..No guys..don't even think about it. I know what your doing..No..I said no..AGH!"

No sooner did he finish speaking did all three pokemon suddenly launch themselves at him and tackled him in the biggest group hug they could imagine. Corey in response would fall to the ground pinned beneath his three pokemon before he gave a loud hearty laugh and shook his head before he sat up and looked around at all three of his pokemon before he gave them each a loving rub on their head "I love you guys too. And I'm proud of all the work you've put in so far, but this is only the beginning! C'mon it's time for the real adventure to begin! It's time for us to open our own gym and prove ourselves in the initiation tests!"

His pokemon would in response nod their heads and clench their fists..or..paws in Riolu's case and punch the air in determination. Corey would smile in pride at their show of confidence and determination before he stood up and proceeded to dust himself off before he pulled out their pokeballs and with a bright beam of red light he would call each of them back into their individual pokeball. "Alright..let's go guys." After pocketing their pokeballs he would move over to the side of his house where he had left his backpack. After slinging it over his shoulders he would turn and start jogging towards lab where Professor Jemila was waiting for him and any of the other potential future gym leaders were waiting.

He knew the path to the lab well since he had lived in Midway town all of his life so the jog to the lab was going to be nothing for him. With each step he took he felt his excitement growing at the prospect of all the new pokemon he was going to see and all the strong trainers he was going to have the chance to battle and meet. "We're going all the way guys..I know we are. We'll not only build our own gym but we're going to make it the best gym in the entire region!"

The jog from his house to the lab only took about 15 minutes..and as he walked through the front door he was greeted to quite the sight. Young pokemon running amok through the lab, a woman whom he instantly recognized as the professor attempting to pick up a bunch of dropped pokeballs, one person laying on the floor outside of the lab staring up at the clouds in a daze, another one setting up a camera as he attempted to take pictures..and another man trying to talk to the professor..it was certainly a mad house..and Corey was loving every second of it!! If this was what the beginning of his adventure was going to be like he could only imagine how the rest of it was going to go! "Hahahaha wow never a dull moment around here is there?! What better way to start an amazing adventure without a little bit of chaos to go with it?!" Chuckling still he would start making his way towards the professor as well "Hey Professor! Did you need any help with all of this? If so just point me in the right direction!"

@luelle @FrozenDreams @Reanimator Spuds

 

[SilverPaw]

Lyra Knight​

Arriving at the airport after an hours-long flight was a relief. "Ah, finally to Valoro," Lyra muttered as she stretched, then let her Pokémon out of their Pokéballs. The first out was Juno, a houndour. And the second one was Gale…who'd apparently decided to appear illusioned as a houndour, which he often did. Lyra could easily tell them apart despite the nearly identical appearance, as Gale was the much more excitable one. She grinned at the duo. "So, fancy something to eat, then a run to the Professor?" She got two replies, one more vigorously affirmative than the other, but even Juno agreed with the idea of having a lunch. So, hefting her travelling bag more firmly over her shoulder, Lyra began her search for a decent but affordable restaurant.

***

Some two hours later, Lyra and her companions were ready to move on. "So, according to the GPS, we should head…there," she glanced from her phone at the surroundings. Checking things, it looked like there was at least one good road there, which was great. It meant she could finally unstrap her skateboard from the side of her bag, and freely ride around now that she was out in the open and out of the too-crowded area. She still preferred cycling, but years on the road her taught her that a board was much more convenient; she could bring it onto public transport when she had to. Also, it was pretty fun, and both Juno and Gale enjoyed running next to her.

So, this was what they did this time as well. Lyra rode on her skateboard, balancing her heavy bag which was now strapped across both shoulders, and the two houndour (well, one was still just an illusioned zorua) accompanying her. Every once in a while, Lyra drew out her phone out of a jeans pocket, checking their destination. After about an hour, she stopped. "We're near," she explained. "You wanna switch it up?" she asked, looking towards Gale.

Gale considered her question, cocking his head to the side. Then, with a bark of "Zor!" he smoothly transitioned from his assumed appearance of a canine Pokémon to those of a child. In his human form, he appeared about 10 years old (older than he actually was by two years), with curly dark brown hair and a face vaguely resembling hers. His clothes were unassuming; he'd often studied townsfolk, especially children, for exactly such a purpose – blending in. Lyra strapped her skateboard back onto her bag, and proceeded to walk the rest of the way. Gale was right next to her, hand latched to the hem of her shirt. Juno, who'd uttered an exasperated "Hooun," at the switch, was now placidly pacing next to them.

They passed a few wild Pokémon, and Lyra usually stopped for a few seconds to record a short clip of each new one she saw. Most were wary of the houndour by her side, though, so stayed far away. It was like this that the trio arrived at the lap some minutes later, and they might have promptly entered the lap (where sounds of cavorting Pokémon could be heard) if it weren't for the two boys outside. One was collapsed, and Lyra bemusedly glanced at him. The other though, had set up an actual camera, which definitely drew her attention.

"Oh, hey, is this a photoshoot?" she asked eagerly, approaching. Bot Gale, in the guise of a human child, and Juno followed. "Could you make a pic of us? I'd like a high-quality one, whether it's digital or physical," Lyra said. Glancing from the camera boy to the collapsed one to the lab, she recalled the momentarily forgotten purpose of her visit. "Oh, right, and if this is officially for Valoro's gym initiates, don't worry, because I'm part of that. Lyra Knight, by the way. Do you need an ID?" she questioned, looking towards Moe and his whismur.

Gale had hidden half behind her, and was peeking over as if shy. Lyra was pretty sure he was just estimating the potential for hijinks. Even she could rarely predict when he decided to reveal himself, though it was usually done in a way that he thought would most surprise an observer. Juno was standing at her side, warily gazing at the strangers. If there were any danger, she'd let Lyra know.

@Reanimator Spuds

 

[Cresion Breezes]

ELYSIAN

Interactions: Moe ( @Reanimator Spuds) , Lyra ( @SilverPaw )​

"Ahh-"

-Crash-

Elysian rolled a couple of times on a grassy hill into a flowery patch, it was near a fancy-looking building. The boy looked up at the place, he noticed some figures going about through a window, it looked like a few people and an Arcainine, but they didn't seem to have noticed him. "...Is this where the rich people in this region hang out?" He muttered as he dusted himself off, while looking at a suspicious-looking "rock" nearby. Elysian kicked the rock a bit before it rumbled and floated up in midair.

"Geez, why do you have to be like that?" He scrawled at the floating rock, "just fly yourself, Myst can't carry both of us, I grew taller too you know?" The Minior spun around a few times before a cracking sound can be heard, and bits of rocks fell to the ground revealing the core. The star-shaped Pokemon then tumbled to the ground again. Elysian put his palm up to his face, but picked up the Minior, at least it was much lighter now that it shedded its shell. "Stop being lazy, or I'll throw you." He said as he tossed it up and down like a ball a couple of times.

"Hey! You!" Some shouting can be heard in the distance

"Uh-oh, Myst!" Elysian realized that he may or may not be trespassing currently, this probably wasn't a good first impression to make if you want to become a gym leader. The Drifloon caught on quickly, figuratively, and literally as it took off the moment Elysian grabbed onto one of its stringy arms. Hubble the Minior also floated up as it was startled, positioning itself under the purple balloon-like body to push it up. "Alright alright, back on track," Elysian looked down at his Pokegear's map while directing his flying Pokemon to the lab.

As he moved towards the location, the balloon-like Pokemon has already begun to lose steam and altitude, the meteor snuggled back into its trainer's arms again, leaving quite a bit of weight to the balloon. "Come on Hubble, you can't just-" A sudden drop cut Elysian's words off as he looked down, it was pretty high up, but the rooftop of the Pokemon lab was in sight. "Um....-um!?" It was pretty clear that they were crashing, again, this time seeming towards the Pokemon lab. "Guys, what happened to a good first impression??" He shooked the Minior in his arm a bit while crossly asking it.

The wall of the lab grew closer at a speed that Elysian can only describe as "not good", but he caught sight of a window near their trajectory. "Myst, w-w-window!" The already struggling balloon shifted a bit to the side and then continued to crash towards the building. Okay okay, good enough. Elysian watched the window frame closely as he descended, and when he floated close enough, he let go of the Drifloon and grabbed onto the top of the window frame, swinging a bit and kicking the window open.

Now Elysian was standing on the windowsill, gazing down at what's happening in the lab, he tried standing up straight as his hood and oversized coat bellowed a bit in the air, a fitting first impression for an aspiring flying type leader. His two Pokemon popped up behind him, also peeking through. What he saw was unexpect though.

"...What sort of rogues' gallery is this?" He said to no one in particular as he looked at the scattered people, Pokemon, and some guy with a camera? He ordered Myst to use his long stringy arms to tap one of the people there, the guy with the camera, who had an older looking girl nearby. "Hey, is this the right place? Gym leader initiative? This isn't some avant-garde Pokemon studio right?" Elysian asked while playing around and tapping his feet on the windowsill with impressive balance. "Would they really pay well? Doesn't look like it..." He added, with a lowered tone this time to no one in particular again.

 

[True North]

~ Professor Jemila's Lab - Valoro Savanna ~

Just as she picked up the first open pokeball, Yanma began to buzz atop her head and departed from his perch which he normally did when going to investigate the other Pokemon or when greeting a visitor. Jemila paid no mind until she caught a motioning figure in her peripheral as she reached for a second pokeball. She paused to look at the young man who began to introduce himself as one of the initiates. "What a coincidence! I was just wondering when the initiates might get here." The professor heartily laughed.

"Welcome to my lab, Pendragon! How considerate of you. What a mess I've made." Professor Jemila said, looking around at the mess of empty pokeballs scattered across the entire room. "I would appreciate your help very much!" She smiled big to him. "Who's your friend?" She asked, giving the well mannered Jangmo-o a smile of encouragement. Yanma had zigged around Pendragon when he entered and hid, sticking onto the back of his shirt. "Yanma come off of the man's shirt!" She laughed, which prompted the dragonfly to reveal himself.

Stealing away Jemila's attention, was another young man chuckling away as he entered her lab. The voices of other young people present outside the lab. "Sounds like everyone's starting to arrive!" The new young man with a karate uniform greeted her and offered to help as well. "Hello there! Yet another gentleman has come to my aid. Who might you be?" Professor Jemila asked him, laughing her contagious laugh in appreciation. She then pointed the first two pokeballs to recall a nearby turtwig and bulbasaur who were butting heads.

"If you don't mind placing them back into the crate when we're done. Thank you!" Jemila smiled big to them both. She returned the two pokeballs into the crate and began to retrieve the others with her new helpers.

@FrozenDreams @Andy

~ Outside the lab ~

As the horsea clouds continued to swirl around in his head, the tan boy with the seel fur hair could hear a small voice that grew to be as loud as a giant close by. It was like a strange dream as he listened to a male's vocalizations. The only thing he could make out was something about a shop or something.

The voice introduced itself as Moe. "TYDE." The tan boy returned the introduction as he raised up to rub a dizzy eye. He blinked around at the new set up of camera gear. An inquisitive whismur hopping over to him with a pad and pen. "Uhhh." Tyde was at a loss for words. He turned to watch another guy with brown hair laughing his way into the lab with karate attire.

Joining them, was a girl with dark hair and intense eyes. Her little brother with her? Tyde saw the resemblance of the shorter boy beside her with a hondour. The camera grabbed her attention and she began asking for pictures from the other boy. "Yeah, are you like the photographer?" Tyde asked Moe.

The girl soon introduced herself as an initiate for the program. She didn't introduce the younger boy which seemed unusual. Maybe he is just shy, Tyde wondered. "What's up? I'm Tyde. Here for the gym thing, too."

He stared off into the sky, watching a boy in a hood drifting down by way of a balloon Pokemon. "This day just keeps getting weirder." He said aloud, watching the boy now standing on a windowsill. Tyde stood to dust himself off while the others conversed. They seemed to be more interested in one another than himself. He gave a peace sign down at the Whismur before slipping away inside of the lab.

"Yo, I'm Tyde." Tyde announced upon entering. He scratched the back of his head at the sight of other guys and the Professor returning reckless young Pokemon back into their pokeballs. Everyone seemed too busy or preoccupied to notice him much. Just then, he felt a punch on his head and he staggered back in surprise. "What the HECK?" CHIMCHARRR. The monkey pokemon fell from the swinging vine above. The chimchar snatched off his toboggan and rolled away inside of it.

"Aayy, could you get this one?" He called over to the dude with the short scaly dragon. "Oh heyyy, welcome in!" Professor Jemila called over to him during her hunt for other Pokemon to return. "Heyyy..." He awkwardly gave a slow wave, watching the mischievous monkey stretch out his hat. The length of Tyde's shaggy white hair now vulnerably exposed.

@Reanimator Spuds @SilverPaw @Cresion Breezes @FrozenDreams

 

[Lulunopia]

Flora Kain

---

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-

"Koshka!" A feminine voice shouted over the shrill scream. Flora stared down at the little Eevee with a stern glare. It had only been 20 minutes since they had left their home and already the Koshka was screaming to be carried. The little diva insisted on walking at first but now it seems her feet are 'too tired to carry her.' The Eevee stared back blankly unfazed by her partners glare. Face dropping in defeat Flora lets out a long sigh before smiling at Koshka, "Okay, I'll carry you." The Eevee's eyes lit up and a happy Eev~ came out as she jumped up into Floras arms. Today Link, her Togepi was sleeping in his ball so it was just Flora and Koshka.

With that settled Flora looked up at the city in the distance and smiled. It was time to fulfil her dream. Continuing her walk along the small dirt path Flora gazed out at the grassy plains where Pokémon were grazing or playing together. It was peaceful with the sun over the horizon and few clouds dotting the sky. Though the fairy trainer wasn't too sure if she could pass the tests, she's sure she hasn't had as much training as the others but hopefully that will change. A fire burned in Flora, one that won't stop, not until she's finally done it and become the fairy gym leader.

Eev? Koshka cocked her head to the side looking up at her partner who was now just standing at the edge of the city. "Huh? Oh! Sorry Koshka I was lost in thought." Flora explained before walking into the city, a bright smile on her face. Her monochrome eyes darted around as she searched for her friend, Leo. He lived in the city while Flora lived on the outside by the sunflowers, but they still managed to be friends. Not seeing him Flora continued walking toward the Professors Lab.

 

[Andy]

Corey Gunn
​

Corey would give the professor a big thumbs up in response to her request for help and would waste no time walking over to pick up several empty pokeballs. "Name's Corey Gunn Professor! Nice to meet ya! Now let's get all these little guys rounded up before things get out of control and someone get's hurt..or something gets broken!" With his introduction out of the way he would the professor and another young man in rounding up the pokemon. Beam after beam of red light would shoot from Corey's hands as he used the pokeballs to call back their respective pokemon.

As he was going through collecting all the pokemon he would give a pause as he came across a small alcove where some boxes had been set. They were off to the side enough that it would be easy to miss it if one wasn't paying attention..but as he had gotten close to them he would hear a small "Teee.." followed by the smell of what smelled like smoke. Giving a small pause at that he would make his way towards the boxes and look on the other side..where he found a small Tepig curled up on itself looking quite lonely and dejected.

It would only take a moment for Corey to realize that the little guy was just shy or..otherwise scared of everything that was going on..which was understandable. There were a lot of pokemon running around this place all of a sudden and it was a strange room that the Tepig probably didn't recognize in the slightest. Giving the Tepig a small smile he would step around the boxes and kneel down in front of it "Hey there little guy..what's wrong?" The Tepig in response would look up at him and sniffle before it moved back away from him a bit further against the wall and the boxes as if tryign to put as much distance between itself and Corey as it possibly could. "Hey hey..it's ok little guy I'm not going to hurt you. Nor is anyone else here. We're all friends here."

The Tepig clearly didn't seem to believe him in the slightest and in response gave a big snort which caused a big puff of black smoke to rise up and completely cover Corey's face. Corey in response couldn't help but start coughing as the dark smoke filled his nose. After a quick coughing fit he would shake his head and then look back at the Tepig again before he gave another small smile and reached into one of his pockets "Here..how about a little snack? Would that help calm you down?" He would then proceed to pull a pokemon treat from his pocket and held it out to the little tepig with his palm up.

The Tepig's eyes would light up a bit at the sight of the treat..however it was still clearly nervous about accepting it from the stranger. Corey in response would just stay where he was and continued to smile gently at the Tepig. It seemed like hours were ticking away as the two just sat and stared at each other..but finally the tepig would slowly start to step towards Corey and his outstretched hand..it would then lean in and slowly sniff at the treat..before it gave a small squeal and quickly snatched the treat from Corey's hand and began to munch on it happily. Corey in response would only chuckle and would slowly reach out after the Tepig had started eating the snack and began to slowly rub it's back. "There you go little guy..see there's no need to be afraid. Your in a good place. And I'm sure your going to find a good trainer who's going to take very good care of you."

Tepig would pause at that and look up at Corey with big curious eyes before it gave another happy squeal and nodded it's head and proceeded to nuzzle it's head against Corey's hand. Corey would only chuckle a bit as he continued to gently rub the Tepig's head for another moment "Don't worry little guy. Your going to be just fine...now it's time to go back to your ball. Your journey is only just beginning" With that Corey would pull out a pokeball and in a flash of red light..the Tepig was gone. So with his pockets full of retrieved pokemon he would make his way back to the box and begin unloading the filled balls back into the box. "Shouldn't take us too much longer to get this all done! So Professor! Who else are we waiting on still? And when are we going to hear the rest of the details on all of this?! I can't wait to get started and get to work!"

@luelle

 

[True North]

Professor Jemila's Lab - The announcement

"Nice to meet you, Scales. What a fitting name! I haven't seen a jangmo-o so well behaved!" Professor Jemila laughed. "Did you find him by the spiky mountains in the far east? That is where a dragon might be." She asked curiously, as they picked up empty pokeballs.

Yanma flitted away from Pendragon shyly and hovered down to stare curiously at Scales. The professor turned her attention to the other young man, "Same to you, Corey! Thanks again for your help! I can see you'll be competing for the fighting gym." The Professor winked to him and his troop of fighters.

While he and Pendragon went off to round up some more little ones, Professor Jemila made her way over to a scorbunny and popplio who fought over a ball. The tiny sea lion spun the ball on her nose and the fussy fire bunny kicked it off which set it ablaze.

Bahati lept over to catch the fire ball mid air with her jaws and spit it out to put out the fire. The lioness then herded with her a small group of other fire starters. "I can always count on you, Bahati." The Professor smiled after returning the scorbunny and popplio to their balls.

Within Bahati's group, was a charmander who rode on the back of a fennekin like a ponyta. He soon lost his balance and tumbled off, igniting the flames on a cyndaquil's back who was following behind shyly. "It's nap time little ones." Professor Jemila said, recalling them all into their assigned pokeballs.

She watched the interaction between Corey and a tepig that had hidden itself away. "I think Tepig likes you." Professor Jemila noted with a large smile. "I'm happy to see thoughtful young trainers!" She added when seeing Pendragon giving a cookie to Chimchar. "You'll make fine initiates!"

"I like your enthusiasm! We'll take a look outside to see who all is here. Then we can get started." She turned to Corey with her big smile. She pointed a final pokeball up at the grookey hopping from vine to vine at the ceiling. When the red light swallowed the grass monkey up, Professor Jemila looked back to him. "Treecko should be the last one." She said, watching Pendragon observe the baby gecko carefully.

The professor then walked near to the new young man whom she wasn't sure about. "Sorry about your hat! Chimchar was just monkeying around. Are you here for the initiation as well?"

"Thanks. It's all good." Tyde thanked the dragon initiate who bribed the fire monkey into his ball. He shook off his toboggan before returning it to his head. "Yeah, thought I might see what its about. My name's Tyde. Don't think you could hear me over all the noise."

"Like the ocean tides." Professor Jemila smiled. "I like the name!"

"Thanks." Tyde replied, watching them pile pokeballs in the crate. "I was hoping to get a starter Pokemon from here, if that's cool." Tyde said somewhat embarrassed. "I can help you with those." He slid over to pick up the crate for her, so that she didn't have to carry the load.

Professor Jemila blinked down at his considerate action in surprise. "Thank you very much, Tyde! On my desk will be fine. You've never had your very own Pokemon?" Professor Jemila asked, as he put away the crate. "I will help you change that!" She smiled, her unsure feelings about him easing. "Come, first let's go meet the other hopeful initiates!" Professor Jemila told them.

"O cool-" Tyde followed them outside of the lab, not really interested in introductions.

Professor Jemila stepped out into the sunny savanna to greet the new initiates. "Good afternoon, trainers! How is everyone? I hope you all made it here ok." Tyde ringed out the remaining river water from his shirt from when he arrived, but remained silent. "Looks like you got straight to work!" She winked to Moe. "Hello up there!" Professor Jemila laughed, noticing the young man on the window. "Be careful coming down."

"Now... I thank you all for coming. This is exciting! The gym initiation program will start with a few simple assignments, and will increase in difficulty the deeper we dive in. There is a gym initiator who is eager to meet you all to begin further initiation proceedings. But first... I myself have a fun assignment for you to lighten things up! Spring is the best time to find Pokemon eggs if you look hard enough!"

She smiled to herself, "Earlier this morning, I went out into the savanna to hide a handful of painted pokeballs with written hints inside. Each pokeball is decorated with a symbol corresponding to the type you choose for the gym initiation. My task for you, is to find your pokeball which may lead you to a real Pokemon egg resting within their nests. Once you find your egg, it will be imperative that you hatch them with the appropriate care."

"Circling around the base of the split boulder to my right, you will find metal pins like badges of your gym types which have your hints underneath them. Be sure to fasten the pins somewhere on yourself to show which type you've selected for the program. Good luck! If you have additional questions, I will be in my lab. This way, Tyde. I have a starter for you to help you on your hunt for an egg." Professor Jemila finished, leading Tyde back inside.

@Solar Soarfell @FrozenDreams @Cresion Breezes @SilverPaw @Andy @Reanimator Spuds @LuluBunny @Dendrowo @LoveandHate91

 

[Reanimator Buns]

There was quite a bit of activity happening here. Moe had almost no time to really properly address the questions that had been thrown his way. He did manage to snap a few pictures though, but it wasn't too long before he was given his first assignment. An egg hunt it seemed! How fun. It looks like the professor had a bit of a love for games.

He quickly gathered his stuff together, knowing he needed to get heading out. As he quickly picked up his camera, one of the Gym initiates seemed to start up a fight with a treeko. But from the sound of it, this wasn't really related to story at hand. Perhaps he could do a post fight interview.

He Collected his things messily and shouted to the group. "Alright everybody! I'll be back first thanks to my amazing sleuthing skills! I'll have everything set up again when I'm back! I'll be conducting a brief interview with everyone then! See ya later!" And so Moe hurried off, calling back for Crier as he ran forwards to find his little egg.

This however caught the little whismur off guard who had to pick up a few bits and pieces that Moe and forgotten. It moved as fast as its little legs could let it, letting out an anxious "~Muuuuuuuuuuuuuuur!~" Not wanting to be left behind again.

---

And so Moe began searching high and low with crier searching most certainly not higher, but definitely lower. He still hadn't found his hints at all! As he looked around, he was starting to lose hope. His step was sluggish, and he started searching less earnestly. He wanted to interview someone already! He thought rushing this was going to be the best chance he was going to get!

Crier, in spite of his meek demeanor, was quite driven to find these pokeballs. In fact, he found one! Sitting in a tree was a painted brown pokeball surrounded by many nuts and acorns. But right before he could grab it, a Dedene appeared before him, and shoved a bunch of the pile into its cheeks and ran off into the brush.

Crier let out a surprised murmur and chased off after it, leaving Moe behind, as he searched around for someone to help him. Someone else ought to be out here soon...

 

[True North]

Professor Jemila's lab
​

"Which type will you choose, Tyde?" Professor Jemila asked, leading him through the lab. "I don't want to assume by your name." She said with an authentic smile. Yanma stealthily buzzed to stick behind Tyde's jacket now like he did Pendragon's shirt. Tyde continuing onward without notice.

"Water actually. Yeah the name matches. My dad named me after his love for the ocean." He said to her. Her face softening in adoration with a gentle nod. "Lucky for you, I have a wide selection of water type Pokemon perfect for beginners!" The Professor now leading him to the back of the lab with her laughs.

"Do you have a Pokemon in mind already?" She asked him.

"Nah, not exactly..." Tyde admitted, as they neared an aquatic enclosure. The inside of the enclosure was set up to accommodate swamp life with a pool of mossy water and damp shore.

"I believe you might like Mudkip." Professor Jemila said, pressing a button on the side of the glass. The button triggered a platform to raise inside the enclosure at the edge of water. Six pokeballs sitting on top. "You can choose from my new litter!" She flipped a switch to activate the pokeballs to simultaneously release the Pokemon inside. Muuuuudkiiiip. Half a dozen baby mudkip now wrestled within the enclosure.

Water lilies afloat on the water's surface behind them. "Which do you like?" The Professor smiled to Tyde. "Hmm." Tyde took a moment to look over the litter of mudkip. He stepped closer to the enclosure to see if he'd draw any attention. Most of the little amphibians were preoccupied with wrestling with one another, while one just lay flat on its face. He was peeking up at nothing in particular when Tyde noticed him. The others were bent on expending all of their energy, while he just wanted to chillax.

"Let's get them closer. How about some treats?" Professor Jemila raised a baggy of dried venomoth wings. The amphibious babies heard the rustling bag and instantly stopped their play fighting. They then all began to fumble over to get a bite to eat. The hungry mudkips caught the dusty venomoth wings fluttering down with their mouths and shoved into eachother to get the best bites.

The lazy one was last to arrive and opened his mouth wide up at a falling wing. But before it reached his mouth a more aggressive mudkip snatched it out of the air with a big gulp. When another set of wings glided down to the ground when the others were eating, he quickly snatched away the wings and hobbled off.

The mudkip belly flopped onto a nearby lily pad and just lay there while eating and paddling his legs to float around. "Could I meet that one up-close?" Tyde asked, the sight reminding him of being on a wakeboard. "Sound likes a good idea!" The Professor said, using one of the pokeballs to recall the one in the water. After the light sucked him up, Professor Jemila cast him back out at Tyde's feet.

Mudkip? The Mudkip was still in the laying position, but now on the floor looking around. He then blinked up at Tyde with a curious smile. "Sup?" Tyde said, squatting down to his level. The baby mudkip sat up and wobbled over to sit on top of Tyde's shoe. "Umm." Tyde wasn't sure what to say. He had never experienced a Pokemon who wanted to be so close to him before.

Spoiler

​

"Do you want to be friends?" He finally asked, picking up the mudkip under it's arms. The mudkip dangled out in front of him as Tyde held him out to look at him curiously. Kip. Mudkip just gave him a happy stare. "It's settled then! A very good choice! This one has been in need of a companion." Professor Jemila encouraged them. "Ok. I'm game." Tyde said with a satisfied look.

Tyde set Mudkip down and brought down his backpack. "You can chill in here if you don't want to walk." Mudkip. Mudkip hopped right inside and popped his head out of the unzipped opening. Tyde carefully returned the bag to his back with it still unzipped for Mudkip to peek out of. "I appreciate it." Tyde thanked the professor before heading off to start their first endeavor. "Now you have your very own partner for your journey! Best of luck to you Tyde!"

The Savanna Outskirts​

"I think we're lost." A girl with green hair sat down on a nearby rock with a froakie stuck to the side of her bright red backpack. The frog blinked each glossy eye individually while looking around for any delicious flying bugs. An unfortunate ledyba took flight from the nearby tree and was instantly gobbled up by the flick of a long sticky tongue. "What do you think?" Remedy looked up from her pokedex at the frog.

Spoiler

​

She shielded her eyes from the sun to see the gleam of a building in the distance. "Sometimes your eyes are just as good as any GPS! Hang in there Hopper, we're nearly there." She stood up to get back to walking. Her frog's eyes now in impatient slits. They would need to trek across the lively grassland.

When they finally arrived, Remedy could see a group of initiates already there. One in particular seemed to be starting a battle with a little treecko. "Hi there..." Remedy said politely to everyone around while passing through. She caught the end of the Professor's announcement before she had went back inside with a tan boy named Tyde. Remedy started over to the boulder and knelt down to pick up a water pin.

She unfolded the slip of paper that was underneath the pin and read it in silence. Remedy nodded to herself and rose up to walk over to find a small stream of water by the lab. "Let's take a break first." She sat beside the trickling brook, taking off her backpack for her froakie to plop down and splash into the water.

While she let Hopper cool off, Remedy watched the guy with silvery hair prepare for the fight with the grass gecko. The man's jangmo-o seemed raring to go. Remedy kicked her boots off to give her bare feet a dip in the fresh water while the battle commenced. What are we up against... Remedy thought.

@FrozenDreams

 

[Takumi]

Dante Moore​

"Here we are, Valoro.~" Dante sighed as he adjusted his bag more securely to his shoulders. The flight to Valoro had felt much longer than it had been, and his restlessness didn't help. Stifling a yawn he turned his head to his companion, Clay. The little Espurr stared back blankly before taking a look at their surroundings.

Purrr. Clay grumbled, glad to be out of the airport and onto a trail. Turning his gaze back to his trainer, he gently bumped his head along the young man's leg and lifted his arms. Said trainer was finishing up tying his white hoodie around his waist, his sleeveless tight shirt the only thing he wore underneath.

"Up?" He asked telepathically, earning a chuckle from the boy who raised him. A pleased chirp left the fluffy psychic Pokemon as he got what he wanted, snuggling into one of Dante's arms and getting comfortable as the other began walking. Clay watched as Dante used his free hand to pull out a map of the region he bought so they knew where to go.

"Savannah?" He inquired while pointing at where the lab was marked, earning a hum in response as Dante kept on the trail. Valoro was a rather large region just waiting to be explored, but first things first was finding the Professor's Lab. Admittedly, his initial thought was a space with cold floors and white walls. It made him frown a bit, though he supposed the cool flooring would make sense since the lab was supposed to be in a savannah of all things.

Sighing, he gave a soft pout as he estimated the time it might take him to reach his destination by foot if he stopped and got both him and his Pokemon something to eat in the meantime. It wouldn't hurt to see what the region offered dish wise, plus a small break was needed. That, and if he didn't get food in him for the needed energy, the moment he sat or laid down somewhere he'd probably fall asleep.

---​

"I can't carry you both like this forever." Dante complained with a grunt, trying to hold onto Daisy with one a, while balancing Clay on his head and holding the map with his other hand. He didn't want either to slip, but both Pokemon didn't seem as concerned by that possibility while comfortable.

Sloww... Daisy drawled, her usually blank stare in place. Dante huffed, before seeing the lab and smiling. His smile was a bit stiff before he tried to readjust his grip on Daisy and then-

He tripped over what he had thought was a small rock, that turned out to be a Dwebble. One who wasn't very pleased at being disturbed and made that clear by the angered squeak it made. Quickly regaining his footing, Dante turned to look at the bug Pokemon.

"Uh oh, my bad little one! Haha...ha, ha." He chuckled, eyebrows raised only for the strained smile on his face to grow tighter when the Dwebble scuttled up to him and angrily waved his clawed arms with an indignant Dweb! In the process. Turning on his heels, Dante rushed in the direction of the lab, while Clay turned his head and with a glow from his eyes as he used Protect right behind them to intercept the little bug from coming any closer or attacking. Dante easily returned Daisy to her Pokeball so he had a better time moving without threatening to have her slip from his arms or worse yet, fall on her should he trip over another rock.

Ess. Clay hissed softly once they made it to the lab, patting his trainer's head once they stopped since Dante seemed to be taking a moment to catch his breath as he put away his map and adjusted his bag on his back.

Ehh? Clay murmured with a tilt of his head when he noticed a few young trainers gathered outside of the lab and going behind a rock, before the gentle reassuring pats turned into small almost urgent tapping baps to get Dante's attention.

"Down! Look!" He telepathically cried out, and with a purse of his lips the trainer set the little psychic type down as requested.

Leading the way, Clay made his way right up to the labs entrance to follow after Professor Jemila as she led Tyde inside, and by the time he got inside and took a look around he could hear conversation in towards the back.

Espurr. Purring and pleased to have found what he was looking for, the little Pokemon waddled as fast as he could only to bump into Tyde as he was leaving the area.

Bonk!

Squeaking as his head collided with Tyde's leg, Clay fell back on his butt and sat there for a moment, blankly staring up at Tyde, before big fat tears formed in the Psychic types eyes as he was seconds away from unleashing a wail.

"Ah, excuse us! Sorry about that! Clay, c'mon bud, you're okay." Dante called out as he entered the lab, before walking over and crouching down to the gray fluffball's level and patting his head. Clay had a thick skull, and didn't act like much of a baby half of the time. Well, when he wanted to, he could be a bratty stubborn little guy. Given the fact that earlier in the day he headbutt him to get his attention and now he was close to crying over bumping his head was one thing, though he did run into the moving object known as a leg.

@luelle

 

[Cresion Breezes]

ELYSIAN

Interactions: Crier (@Reanimator Spuds )

"Huh? For real?" Elysian tapped his foot on the window sill as he watched more trainers gather in the lab, each with their own Pokemon, or whatever, he didn't care. The assignment was explained by the professor, which was really just a glorified "steal Pokemon eggs from their natural environments". Elysian raised an eyebrow, he was told that stealing was bad (which never deterred him from doing it before wanting to become a gym leader anyways), and now his first task was to steal something. Great, just when he thought about turning over a new leaf.

How hard could this be, can't be harder than stealing from people.

Though Elysian was a little miffed about raising an egg. He wanted to make his Pokemon stronger, as he had neglected battling in favour of other ways of living despite owning his Pokemon for a long time. A newborn or egg would just feel like a liability, and it's not like he had a Pokemon big enough to strap the egg around. He'd have to carry it himself. Ugh. Myst floated over and wrapped its appendage around the flying type metal pin and tossed it over to his trainer, the boy grabbed it and fasted the object onto his jacket, with his silver wing and other assorted decors. Myst zipped out the window as did Elysian, who stepped back and hopped out.

"Alright Myst, let's go, and wakey wakey already." He grabbed onto the drifloon while shaking the boulder-like Pokemon in his arms. It reluctantly shook a bit, and floated slowly up into the air. The outskirts of the lab had many places to hid things in, Elysian rolled his eyes as he thought about the logical place a flying type clue would be: the sky. With an annoyed sigh he pointed up, the two round Pokemon caught the signal and accelerated upwards.

"Guys, too fast, guys-" Elysian can feel the speed of his Pokemon dropping as they climbed, they were much too eager for this gym leader thing. "I said-Ack!" There wasn't much the boy could've said as the trio tumbled out of the sky, crashing into a few tree branches and into a pile of leaves. "I said don't do too fast, do you think you're bird Pokemon or something?" He scolded before noticing another rotund object, or Pokemon nearby. A purple ball, similar to Myst in color but a completely different Pokemon, a whismur, if he recalled correctly.

"You look familiar." Elysian picked up the whismur and held it in front of him, staring at it while his two Pokemon hovered around curiously.

 

[Reanimator Buns]

Moe had by now just been wandering aimlessly. Fortunately though, Crier was still busy. He had picked up everything that Moe had left behind (including his pin) which the pokemon was now wearing himself, as his trainer was too engrossed in his own ideas to really pay it much mind. Eventually, the Dedene, was startled (As was Crier) by a sudden falling rock from the sky. "MUUUUUUUUR!~" The startled pokemon let out, dazing the several tree-dwelling pokemon who still remained, as they fell from their perch.

Moe however, was quick to be snapped out of his stupor, hearing a frightened cry from his partner. He wasn't going to let anything happen to him. "Wah! Crier! I'm coming buddy!" It wasn't too hard to find him fortunately. His light pinkish purple coat really stood out against the greens and browns of the plains. However he wasn't alone. There was another kid there, with a few twigs stuck in his hair. Moe took his camera and snapped a photo real quick. He recognized this boy. He was at the lab a little while ago.

"Oh! Hey there! I see your search is going about as well as mine." This was actually a lucky break! A solution literally fell from the sky for him! He walked up to Crier, who spotted the K.Oed Dedene. What Crier had originally thought to have been a pokeball was unfortunately only a rather large nut. Moe picked up his partner and placed him behind his neck, where the small pokemon held on to murmuring in relief. "Hey, why don't we team up? I am absolutely stumped about where I'm supposed to go."

@Cresion Breezes

 

[True North]

~ The Laboratory ~

"Hm?" Tyde felt something furry and squishy bounce off of his shoe as he made his way out of the lab. A little bipedal, grey kitten whined up at him. "Ummm. Professor, I think you might've missed one-" Tyde called back, wondering if it was one of the beginner Pokemon that had escaped their pokeball from the Professor's crate. Mudkip just blinked at the kitten from high in Tyde's bag unsure what to think.

Just then, a voice entered the lab and a new trainer revealed himself. "Oh no probs." Tyde said walking by. The new guy looked familiar, but maybe he just had a familiar face... and judging by the strange slowpoke at his side, he must be the psychic guy. "Wait, Tyde!" Professor Jemila ran up to them both. "Forgetting something?" She smiled, handing over Mudkip's empty pokeball. "Ah, yeah might need that... thanks." She turned to Dante. "Hello! How can I help you?" Professor Jemila asked him politely.

Exiting through the netted doors of the lab onto the deck, Tyde lowered the stairs to the ground below. Walking down, Tyde could see new trainers had arrived to the scene while some others ran off to start their egg hunt. "Best get started..." Tyde said to himself, walking over to the cracked boulder with the pins.

"YOOOOO TYYYDE! How's it hangin', brosef?" A loud voice he recognized pulled his attention away. The sunshiny hair waves. The undeniable swimmer's build. The blinding white smile. The signature tan lines. It was undoubtedly Midas. Tyde shivered before he completely faced the beach bum's direction.

Spoiler

"Yo... Midas..." Tyde said with a forced smile. He even was carrying his favorite surfboard in the middle of a savanna... "Wait. Midas?" Tyde stared at him.

"Duuude, I told you, you can call me Sunny. We're wavy bro!" He wrapped Tyde into a side hug that Tyde tried to squeeze free from. "Came in from the ocean channel on my daysailer. Then got a little sidetracked..." He said swiping back his sea kissed hair. "Can't pass up a killer wave y'know?" He winked at Tyde. "What are you doing here?..." Tyde blinked at him.

"Heard the gym thing was pretty rad, so I got amped up about it. Going to give it a go!" Sunny beamed. "Woahh, who's the little dude?" He creaked his neck to spy Mudkip in Tyde's backpack. "You're joining us? That means... we're rivals?" Tyde nearly whispered. He noticed Midas now giving him a funny look. "OH- uh this is my new partner. Not sure what he's called yet." Tyde admitted.

Mudkip squinted out at the sunny man. "Right on! I knew you'd score one eventually." Sunny blinded him with a smile. "Maybe I can get a starter too. Meena needs a friend." Sunny wondered aloud. "You should totally come with to pick one out!" His beaming returning. "Oh I uh- was going to tackle the assignment early..." Tyde squinted through Midas's unwavering smile reflecting the sun.

"Broooo, loosen up! We can help each other on the assignment!" Sunny gave him a friendly nudge. "Ok, yeah, sure...." Tyde said anything for him to stop blinding him. Tyde followed along begrudgingly, staring at the back of Midas's wavy golden hair. Midas held his board proudly shuffling shirtless toward the lab. They passed by the dragon trainer who was in battle mode.

"RADICAAAL." Sunny shined a smile to Pendragon giving him a 'hang loose' hand sign as they passed.

Tyde noticed a girl watching the battle by a small stream. He then saw the blue frog swimming in the water beside her. ANOTHER water initiate? He thought, quickly looking away when she noticed him staring. He increased his pace and made it back into the laboratory with Midas.

"YOOOOOO." Sunny made his entrance, giving the Professor and Dante the hang loose sign.

"Hi again." Tyde said awkwardly to Professor Jemila and the psychic guy.

"Sunny! How you been?" Professor Jemila smiled brightly. "You guys know eachother?..." Tyde blinked. "Well of course! Everyone knows Sunny. And if they don't, they quickly learn." Professor Jemila laughed. "I coached Professor J's niece in my swim class! She caught on like a newborn remoraid!" Sunny chuckled with Professor Jemila joining in with laughter. "What's up, dude?" He flashed a smile to Dante.

@FrozenDreams @Takumi

 

[Takumi]

Dante Moore​

With Tyde giving him a nod, Dante returned it. Luckily he didn't have to do much to get Clay started on settling down, and with Professor Jemila approaching his green gaze went to her as she spoke to him after speaking with Tyde. She seemed approachable and nice from first glance alone at least.

"Ah, I missed some of what you had said when we got here, having came more towards the end, Professor. Just needed a quick recap on what we need to do is all." Dante replied to Professor Jemila as Tyde left, before holding a hand out to shake for the woman with a smile.

"I'm Dante by the way, if you weren't already aware? As you can see, I'm here hoping to be the Psychic Gym Leader." He added, hoping to be polite. By now, Clay had calmed and was nudging his trainer's leg for attention.

"Up!" Clay telepathically spoke to the boy, allowing with a verbal squeak that caused his trainer to bend and scoop him up.

Not long after, Tyde came back with another boy, who on first glance was a surfer and apparently a water trainer if his initial guess was correct. Giving Midas a close eyed smile as he greeted him to keep from being completely blinded by his cheerful disposition, Dante gave a wave.

"Yo, nothing much my guy, other than keeping my 'mons outta trouble and enjoying the general weather. Name's Dante, Dante Moore, and hi again to you too." He replied to the two other teens. Clay stared at the two before adjusting himself to get comfortable, turning his back to both boys and burying his face into Dante to protect his eyes from Midas' brightness and maybe catch a quick nap.

...Poke? Daisy simply blinked up at those around her, standing beside her trainer and in general, doing Slowpoke things.

@luelle

 

[Lulunopia]

Flora Kain
Fairy Initiate​

Interactions: Moe (@Reanimator Spuds) and Elysian (@Cresion Breezes)

There she now stood, with the other gym leader initiates, staring wide eyed at the Professor. Koshka was tucked in her crossed arms purring happily. Flora's eyes moved from person to person, analyzing them. Most seemed harmless and all seemed to be a different type, which was good new for her. That meant she had no competition. As the Professor spoke Flora couldn't help the excitement that ran through her. Finally! She was working toward her dream in an active manner. Walking over to the pokeballs with other's Flora grabbed hers and frowned...."make your way to where Patrat stay" was her clue? She paused and thought of all the places Patrats liked to stay. Maybe the woods would be a great first place to start.

Nodding to herself Flora walked away from the group, letting Koshak hop onto the ground. "You better not whine or I'm putting you back," Flora spoke with a stern tone that the Eevee ignored. Eee! With that Koshka started running away. Blinking Flora stood in shock for a second. Then she was running after the Eevee. Ugh! Stupid Eevee always playing games, Flora thought as she reached the edge of the forest.

With Eeevee not in sight anymore Flora's worry began to set in. Where did she go? Is she okay? Did she mean to run this far? Thoughts whirled through her head as she looked at the shaded forest. The tall trees were in full bloom and stood tall with it's branches covering any open space in leaves. Small rays of light spilled through holes and crakes when the wind blew. It was peaceful, which made her wonder what Koshka was doing now.

The small Eevee was lost. EEEEEEEEEE! She screamed in hopes her partner would hear and come find her. Koshka wandered around the forest floor, sniffing around in hopes of finding a scent she could follow. Eee? The smell of ink filled her nose and, not thinking about it, took off after the smell. Maybe it was someone who could help. Koshka bounced through the trees and into a small clearing. She froze in place seeing two people and an odd looking pokemon sitting on a boys shoulders. Eeee! Koshka shouted to get their attention.

 

[Andy]

Corey Gunn​

With all the pokemon now rounded up Corey would smile in satisfaction. It was good to know that those pokemon were at the very least in really good condition and that they were in good hands with the professor. This was what being a pokemon trainer was about..creating bonds and pushing those bonds to the limit to grow stronger together! As the Professor called them outside Corey would quickly follow her out to listen to her instructions. During her entire explanation of the process and the first little challenge they would be facing on their quest Corey was practically bouncing in anticipation. The young man would rock back and forth on his heels to his toes over and over again as he listened to the professors instructions.

So the first challenge was a scavenger hunt in a way..and even taking it a step further the challenge was to find and hatch a Poke'egg which made complete sense. Gym leaders weren't just a challenge to test your bond and the strength of your pokemon they were also to test if you were qualified to properly care for your pokemon..and what better way to prove that themselves then to find, care for, and hatch an egg and raise that pokemon from the ground up?

Turning his attention to the board once the Professor finished her instructions he would waste no time moving along with a few of the other candidates to pick up his pin. After finding the pin belonging to the Fighting type he would pick it up and look at it for a moment before he gave a big grin and stuck it on his shirt right above where his heart would be. He would then look down at the clue that he had in regards to where his next clue would be and fell into silence for a long moment….and after a few moments went by he would tilt his head to the side in clear confusion before he crossed his arms..and..went nowhere in his head.

Corey definitely had motivation and he definitely had willpower to keep pushing forward and to find a solution..however..when it came to riddles and stuff…he was kind of a dunce. So as he sat there staring at the riddle anyone who looked at him could practically see the confusion all over his face.. "Ugh…this riddle is hard man…I don't know how I'm going to figure this one out.." No sooner did he say that did a beam of red light shoot out of his pocket and his Riolu came out with its arms crossed and a small glare up at its trainer…before suddenly it jumped up and all but karate chopped him right on the head!

Corey would give a loud yell in response and instantly drop down to his knees as he held his head where a lump was already starting to form. "Ahh! Riolu!...what was that for!?" The Riolu would then glare at him for a moment longer before he turned away with a huff and stared up at the clue for a moment..before it turned and yelled a loud "Grah!" Corey would fall silent as he listened to the little pokemon..before he sat down with a sigh and rubbed his head as the Riolu continued to appear to go off on him as if he was lecturing him!

 

[True North]

The Professor's Lab

Professor Jemila took the hand of the boy with the exotic green eyes. "Nice to meet you Psychic Dante!" She smiled big. "Your first clue for the Pokemon Egg hunt is folded underneath your pin near the cracked boulder, right outside!" She happily informed him. A much larger cat than the kitten Dante scooped up, strided over to them. The regal lioness gave a sniff to the kit and offered a non threatening purr. "Thanks again, Bahati. I've not forgotten about your lunch! Excuse me, Dante." She then lead the hungry lion away.

It was when she retuned that Midas and Tyde had shown up. She was revealed that she knew Sunny, and Tyde was notably shocked. "My niece absolutely adored Coach Sunny!" The Professor chimed, with a smile larger than ever. "Right on! I miss the little dudes..." Midas beamed, looking over to Dante who introduced himself. "Tubular, dude! My name's Midas, but they call me Sunny as you probably guessed." He returned his attention to the professor. "Say, Professor J, could I bother you for a Pokemon buddy for Meena?"

"It's no bother at all!" Professor Jemila laughed, gesturing for him to follow. "How is your sweet mantyke doing?--" The sounds of amused chatter proceeded as the two walked away toward an aquarium circling around the walls of the lowered section of the lab. Tyde trudged along behind them. Mudkip was now snoozing in his bag. The 360 degree aquarium was filled with beginner aquatic creatures. Midas became silent for a moment and just stared at all of the colorful fish in wonder. "Wooooah."

Dancing through the bubbles near a school of Magikarp, was a particular Pokemon that caught Sunny's eye. "Woah... is that a..." Midas stared at the flippered bird now spinning in the water. The penguin snuck one of its eyes open to catch a glimpse of its new audience and cut a flip to give them a performance. Bouncing off of the nearby school of fish, the water bird proceeded to jet up to the top of the aquarium and glittered down a rain of bubbles onto those around when he broke the surface.

Spoiler

"Hey there flippy dude! Want to be buddies?" Midas called out to the lively Piplup. The penguin chick clung to the edge of the aquarium glass with a slippery grip, staring at him quizzically. LUUUUP. A stream of water blasted from his beak which soaked Midas's face. Sunny paused for a moment and then let out a hearty chuckle. The Piplup blinked in surprise and his eyes became cheery. He sprang out of the aquarium and waddled over to stare up at Midas. "Right on! We'll be surfer bros!" He declared with a blinding grin.

Professor Jemila gave an approving laugh and guided them back to the front. "Thanks Professor J!" Midas smiled with Piplup by his side. "It is always a pleasure, Sunny! Now, the assignment is calling your names! " She waved them off. "Maybe the three of you can go on your search together?" She suggested with a laugh. Tyde just turned away from them to secretly roll his eyes. "ABSOLUTELY! Hunting bros it is!" Sunny pulled Tyde into a playful headlock. "What do you say, Dante?" Sunny's smile beaming.

@Takumi

"Ok Hopper, we shouldn't waste anymore time..." Remedy stood up from the stream and offered her arm down for her froakie. She lifted her out of the cool water and made her way over to the cracked boulder. She took one of the water pins and fastened it to her shirt as she approached a young man with a flustered Riolu. Confusion was written all over his master's face. "Hi, I'm Remedy. Need some help?" She finished fastening her pin as Hopper squirmed her way to the side of her bag to stick onto it with watchful eyes. Remedy offered an encouraging smile down at the cute, bipedal canine. She unfolded her own clue, giving it a quick glance.

@Andy