The Pace of Youth [Pokemon RP]

[ThermalTrickster]

It's the dreams that will always haunt him the most. The gray smoke that fills his vision and makes him choke on his words and gasps will always keep him there locked in his subconsciousness. It swirls around him curling around his legs making it's way to his mouth, but he can't fight it. His arms are locked to his sides and his legs are numb from the shock and anger that courses through him every time he's back to this. Back to this...day? Night? His dreams are so filled with such disgust that he can't remember anything from before. There is no light. No sound. Yet somehow he can feel it crawl up his body making him shiver despite the motionless air and make him hyperventilate. His breathe is nothing, but the labored gasps and his heart feels as if it's trapped. He can't breathe yet he can. It's close. The smell of smoke fills his nostrils as it comes closer and closer and closer and closer.


Until it's gone.


Leon's eyes flash open with the silent gasp that he makes. He's curled up on his side in fetal position clutching the covers tightly with a shaking fist. He can hear the air conditioner as it rumbles and coughs and he remembers that his mom has to fix it one of these days. He blinks against the light that streams in pairs on his bed making him narrow them and grit his teeth in slight frustration, but he can feel the underlying relief that flows through his body. He likes the light, hell he likes the Sun. It makes him forget the troubled darkness in which he awoke from and helps him remember his place in the real world.


Slowly his body relaxes limb by limb and before he knows it he's on his back basking in the chill air against his wet skin. He tries not to think. It's too soon he tells himself as he stares at the ceiling. I's just another one of them. He frowns at the thought, but chooses not to lull on it any more.


Memories from the day before begin to hit him slowly yet they become faster and faster as if they want him to remember. No, demand him to remember. Oh, he knows alright. He knows exactly what;s going to happen on this day of- he turns to his clock- July 18, 2015. He blinks before doing anything else wondering why he doesn't feel as excited as he should be. It's not normal he tells himself as if that will make him jump in the air with a jubilant yell. He knows it's not yet he can't bring himself to do anything, but stare.


The clock is staring at him. He can feel it by the way it ticks by slowly pressing against him reminding him of his duty.


7:48 A.M.


He's late he knows that. He doesn't need a clock of all hings tell him-he sits up with a push of his arms and shakes his head at his ridiculousness. It's a clock, the thought goes through his mind, why are you yelling at a clock? The voice laughs at him mockingly. Pushing it aside with a shrug he sits up and shivers as the cold finally gets to him. The air rubs up against him making tiny goosebumps appear on his arms. With a shove he pushes the remaining covers off of him, the mixture of stereotypical Pokeballs on his sheets crumple together with a slight rustling, and he stretches with his arms high over his head.


His arms pop and he flinches quickly, but laughs it off nervously as his mind begins to race. As he bgins to get dressed he can tell how the day is going to go. He knows the goosebumps on his skin aren't from the cold and he knows very well that he's not shivering because his mom left the air on all night. He's scared of the day before him. He doesn't know much about anything that's going to happen, but he knows that he has to face it. His mother's words vibrate against his skull making him bristle. Of course all young boys and girls go on a journey with their Pokemon what's not to know about that?


He glares at his bare room as he's finished getting dressed and finally he sighs and seems to melt with forlorn. He doesn't want this. He's scared because he wants to know what's going to happen to him and what his future holds. He grits his teeth tightly and begins to blame the Pokemon and Pokemon professor. Yet he knows he could have chosen not to go....but he couldn't stand face himself in the mirror if he refused and what would his father think? With a shaky hand and hollow footsteps he crosses his room and makes his way down the stairs.


At the last moment he looks back and stands there looking. Watching as if this is a dream and the one before was reality. He jolts as he hears his mother calling him and before he can say anything he's turning and without another look he turns the corner and sees the last of his room and most of all his dad. Sitting there with the creature that killed him in a gilded photo smiling at him as if he's saying goodbye.

 

[Raerae]

Hotel Richissime's revolving doors spun around as she exited, instantly enveloped in sunshine, emphasizing her honey, hip length hair. Her chiffon top was a blush shade, hugging her model physique as did her dark wash, denim shorts; white flip flops adorned her feet, whilst a wristband clasped around her delicate wrist held six little pokeballs, four of which were empty, the other two consisted of a polished luxury ball, and an equally shiny heal ball. To her left ear was her cell phone, the brunette was engaged in a conversation with her mentor, Nimbasa city gym leader, and world renowned supermodel, Elesa.


"Professor Sycamore is expecting you, Rae. You'd best get there quickly. How'd you like the hotel?"





"I know, I know. It was wonderful, even had a chocolate fountain" Rae responded, attempting to hail a taxi, but the hustle and bustle of the city made it near impossible. She turned the phone away to sigh in frustration, before pressing it to her slightly flushed cheek again. "Definitely five stars.


The blonde on the other end chuckled, "Chocolate fountains? Is that how you prepare for an evening full of go sees? Shame on you, Rae."





"Does it help if I said it was dark chocolate?"


Well, that's better. But take it easy on the sweets, love. They're not easy to burn off no matter what your metabolism can do.





"Okay, okay, I'll munch on salad for lunch like a Skiddo."


"My, my, aren't we sassy this evening? Now, do get going; he'd handed out starters this morning therefore he ran a little behind in other projects, perhaps you can aid him in his endeavors whilst we await an agency call."





"Will do, Elesa. Talk to you soon." The brunette slipped her phone back into her pocket, the adoration on her fair face an obvious indicator she admired the older woman very much. She took to watching as cars and Gogoat ran by, and after a few moments debating, she decided it'd be easier if she just walked to the lab. She swung a light weight messenger bag over her petite shoulder, and for the sake of company, tossed her heal ball upwards, which burst open and revealed a graceful Sylveon. The empathy pokemon was glowing with health, toned, capable and groomed to perfection, from her slightly twitchy ears to her dainty, pastel colored paws. Every bristle was washed and trimmed, and her fangs glistened white as she smiled upwards.


"Off to the lab, Lottie," Rae hummed mallifluously, smiling as the feline wrapped a ribbon around her trainers wrist and proceeded to walk beside her.

 

[ThermalTrickster]

By time he leaves his house his day is somewhat better. His mother sensing his somber mood and by the quick responses he gave her, she had prepared for him a large breakfast in which he had ate with fervor. They didn't talk much which was a surprise for Leon who had been accustomed to his mother's way of speaking with great happiness and excitement as she always did. Only this time did she seem quiet and reserved only smiling when he looked at her. They both knew what this day meant for both of them. A life changing journey for one while the other was to stay only greeted with phone calls and letters. Still they made the best of it, both chatting and laughing even if it seemed forced and scared. Leon remembered with a slight pang how tired his mother looked, she who had always cared for her appearance had bags under her eyes and the smell of her bed still clung to her as if she was in a waking dream.


They had hugged and said goodbye too quickly for either of them to process and by the time he's outside the door is closed and he's faced with the bustling city of Lumiouse. The streets are wild and jam packed with cars, people. and the occasional gogoat with a passenger attached to it's back. The sounds are loud in his ears and he thanks it secretly for the chance not to think. He climbs down the steps and jumps over the last two falling with a soft pat of his shoes on the sidewalk. A man glares at him and Leon ignores him in favor of walking to his right where he knows the professors lab is. The people of the city are rude and some even stare at him as he slinks in between them muttering the occasional 'sorry' or 'excuse me' to the person on his left or right.


His mind wanders as he walks only stopping when he has to check directions and ask occasionally where to go. He hasn't been to the lab all that often and now he's starting to regret it. As he's reading the sign he nods to himself and mutters where to go so he doesn't forget and turns to walk once again and blinks once he realizes he's walking side by side with a rather alluring girl. He doesn't want to be nosy, but he can't stop but stare as his eyes drift to her arm where something is wrapped around it. A cold chill fills him as he begins to walk a bit faster and tries not to draw attention to himself. He can't see the creature clearly, but he can tell by the light pink design of it that it's probably a psychic type or even one of the new types they found out about. He can't help, but stare at it anyway as his heart begins to pound.


He tries to tell himself that's smaller than him and even so it wouldn't hurt him...shouldn't if he might add. Even so he's sen the power those creatures can do to others like themselves and against their trainers. He swallows back a sigh as he loses sight of them and shakes with relief as he spots the lab. He can tell by the way the picture his mother gave him that it's there. Blinking a couple of times he starts to run ignoring the shouts of surprise people give him and swings into the labs front gates. He pauses there for a moment staring at it. He's scared and afraid of what might happen...even so he has to do it...if he can't he's no better than a coward in other people's minds and he won't be called that. Not again. With a grit of his teeth he pushes onward and climbs up the steps his heart racing faster and faster and opens the lab door entering with a silent push.

 

[Raerae]

Located directly opposite of Vernal avenue, within a beige brownstone with a sign to give away it's name, was the laboratory. Past the threshold of the entry way, assistants, logistics specialists, scientists, and the occasional, out of place stranger crossed back and forth, heading into the elevator, rushing out the door, nose deep in a thick volume, or hovering over metal desks gleaming under fluorescent lights. A few unique pokemon sat out for examination, like a Fletchling on a protruding, make shift stump on one table, or a Pikachu, who's cheeks sparked as a band wrapped around it calculated its electrical power. Poke balls lined the shelves, all very individualized, mostly empty, with the labels 'Silph co.', 'Devon Corp.' and several other top, designer brands.


Walls spotted with ancient paintings, and colored a vibrant cerulean gave the establishment a sort of lively comfort, whilst berry colored rugs over ivory tile kept it from seeming too relevant to a hospital room. Not a spec resided upon them, nor was there any notable stains, smudges or tears. Monitors buzzed, blinked, and bleeped, the scent of rubber gloves, a distant microwave meal in another office and a few strong mixes of cologne conjured the aroma that wafted along corridors.


In the farthest of the room was a healing mechanism similar to that of a Pokemon Centers, but with a futuristic look as it was still in the works. Beside that was a curved computer desk, and hovering over a large desktop was the one and only, Professor Sycamore. Lissome, lean and engrossed in contemplation, one hand thoughtfully stroking his stubble, the other gripping the edges of his pristine desk.


Upon hearing the front door open he whipped around, lab coat whirling with him. He seemed a bit bewildered, but quickly composed himself and offered a rugged grin in greeting. Assistants slowed their pace and turned to look at what- or who- had caught the man's attention, different colored eyes observing behind various styles of polished glasses.


"Good morning young man, how may I help you?" Sycamore inquired cordially.

 

[ThermalTrickster]

Leon was already nervous by the time he touched the doorknob, but now his heart was racing as the smell of french cologne greeted his nostrils. Taking a deep breathe he tried to ignore the thumping in his chest and dozens of eyes watching him as they waited. He took a deep breathe slowly and smiled unsure as he finally glanced around the room as his eyes locked with a Pikachu. He flinched as it looked at him, but at the last moment he turned his gaze towards an older gentleman who seemed to be in charge.


"Umm, my name's Leon...Leon Gretcher sir." He began awkwardly as he shifted on the balls of his feet. "I'm here to pick up a Pokemon and begin my journey. Y-you called my mom last week to make the deal final..." He remembered it vividly. The look of shock on his mothers face and the dread in his heart as he eavesdropped in on the conversation that occurred. Taking a deep breathe he closed the door behind him and moved to the side to watch Sycamore silently.


The Pokemon around him made him nervous and agitated and he couldn't help, but begin to shake slightly as he watched them. His breathe began to quicken as he watched a Pikachu stare at with interest and he put a shaky hand in his pocket and looked around to ignore the eyes. It wasn't that he hated Pokemon, no. He didn't trust them...they were too unpredictable for him and they way they used the elements was frightening. It was...unnatural for him. Every time he even looked at a Pokemon his anxiety began to perk up with it's ugly head and curl around him like the smoke in his dreams and he couldn't get away from them.


His eyes trailed back to the Pikachu who seemed to move closer to him and he bit back a yelp and felt tears of frustration begin to prick at his eyes. "I-I'm sorry." he began quickly. "I-I- I just came to get a- you know..." Sometimes he hated his phobia of them, but even then the doctors and nurses and therapists that he saw would always tell his mother that he would get over it. That had been five years ago and even looking at a Pokemon made him want to hide behind something. Breathing fast now he started to shake as the Pikachu came closer until it was a foot away. Their eyes locked and Leon froze in place. The Pikachu watching him and coming closer suddenly sniffed at him and it's ears curled against it's head as if it were sad. It moved away slowly and turned it's back on him, but looked back once more to watch him. Leon licked his lips and coughed to ease the tension.

 

[Raerae]

"Ah, that's right, I remember speaking with your mother." Which was surprising, considering just how many parents or legal guardians he spoke to weekly, encouraging children to acquire a starter and leap into the world. If he remembered right, the child's mother had been notably shocked, even a little reluctant, though you could only affirm so much via phone call. Some parents refused, whilst others couldn't wait to get their kids out of the house; she simply couldn't make up her mind, which led their phone call go be a little longer than most, likely, that's why he could recall it; bits of it, anyways.


To deny anyone their chance to leave the nest and fly filled the Professor with dread, however, it was something he'd been tasked with one too many times, and for various reasons, though they rarely ever made the burden any less heavy.


"Well, Leon, I am sorry, but tardiness has its consequences, and... unfortunately, all the starters were handed out about thirty mites ago... Even my back ups were handed out, more children than I'd expected showed up this morning."


His voice lilted as he observed the electric mouse pokemon, inching its way closer to one of the few children he'd ever seen to remain indifferent, stiff, even. That brought him to be curious, as it was a rare sight, catching a youngster seemingly apathetic towards a creature as iconic as a Pikachu. He scratched the rubble along his chiseled jaw, dark blue eyes inquisitive.


"Do you... Really want a Pokemon?" He asked him, and see conclusions from the mouse's reaction, a look of pity flashing across its little face before it returned to where it'd been. He'd say that exchange said a lot, for Pokemon were intuitive and understanding; but what did it mean, was the question.


"You don't have to take one, you know," He added casually, but it was an offer to take either coarse, and, of course, as a Pokemon enthusiast, he would encourage acquiring at least one and giving it a chance.

 

[ThermalTrickster]

"Y-yes. Please....I-I need to do this you don't understand I need to go on this journey," Leon flinched at the professors pitiful tone and tensed as he straightened up his back in a false move of confidence. "Don't you have any? I'll take whatever you have...please." he left it at that. He sounded pitiful, humiliating even. He hated to resort to begging, but he didn't want his only chance at proving himself to the world to be wasted all because he was scared of a Pikachu. Come on now.


Taking a deep breathe Leon shook his nerves off and shivered despite the warm air. He could see the Pikachu staring at him and if he looked close enough he could see a dark blue face peering at him from around the corner. Leon turned his head towards quickly as it waddled towards him and his eyes widened as he froze and stared at it. The...thing was short and had no neck what so ever. It walked on two short legs and had a gaping mouth that was almost the entirety of it's body and two beady eyes that peered at him curiously. The fin on it's neck was smooth and sleek and he could tell it had dry skin. He blinked once watching it stop before him and settle down. It narrowed it's eyes and unlike the Pikachu stood it's ground with a stare that locked on his. Leon felt a prickle on the back of his neck.


"W-what is that?" His voice shook as he whispered it mostly to himself. "I-Im sorry about being late...I was busy." Lying through his teeth wasn't the best idea. If anything he had spent the morning dreaming about gray smoke and with the dread of leaving his house for the last time in probably ages.


"I'm sorry for wasting your time...I'll leave if you want me too sir..." His head dropped down in embarrassment and he felt tears coming to his eyes. He began to turn around until he felt something prod his foot with a light tap. Looking down he almost jumped out of his skin as he watched the...Pokemon.... gaze at him with interest and slight annoyance. As if it were saying, "Man up kid!" Leon glared down at it and for a while they stood there staring at each other both holding each other's gaze. One with annoyance and the other filled with slight fear.


"Hi..." It was quick and quiet and meant for the Pokemon. A flat voice held with fear and apathy for it. Mostly fear if you asked him and the apathy part he faked.

 

[Raerae]

Sycamore watched silently, mirroring astonishment as he observed the young man struggle with what he wanted. What was it that motivated him to plead? Yet his disturbed facial features implied only fear? A most peculiar individual, he assessed, but then his attention switched to the dragon type inching it's way forward, and Sycamores train of thought derailed as he wondered just what the young specimen was intending to do.


"That'd be Gible," He answered thoughtfully, wonder filling his eyes as the Pokemon took immediate interest in the young man, even going so far as to earn his attention despite his discouraged tone and actions. It growled a little in response to Leons half hearted greeting, but in more of a beckoning than threatening way. "And he seems to have taken a liking to you. My Garchomp had recently mated with another, and Gible here was the proud result... a feisty little thing. Not too friendly with the others."


The Professor opened his mouth to further elaborate, however, a familiar, silvery voice coming from the entryway beat him to it.


"Seems like a perfect match to me!" The brunette chimed and came forward, her Sylveon right by her side as they brushed past the boy and came to the Professor's size. "Hi, I'm Rae." She told Leon, waving a manicured hand his way.


"And what makes you say that, Rae?" He asked with a chuckle, though also hinting curiosity.


"Opposites attract?" She shrugged, "That, and when a Pokemon acknowledges you like that... I don't know, to me, it's significant."


"That it is," The man nodded. "Err, hand me the poke ball on my desk, will you?"


Rae disappeared and returned just as quickly, holding out the poke ball to the professor, to which he began to extend to Leon.


"Mr. Gretch... I don't have the slightest clue what brings this... discomfort, that you have. But I'd like to think that your ambition will encourage your overcoming it, as well as enable you to become a strong, confident young man."


He held out the capsule, leveling their gaze as he crouched down a little, "If you'd like to take Gible with you, considering it's friendliness towards yourself I'd say go for it. But only if you want to. If you want this."

 

[ThermalTrickster]

Staring into Sycamore's eyes he paused as he let them drift down towards the Pokeball in question. The statement left a mark in his mind as he opened and closed his mouth. The Pokemon--Gible--had tensed and was staring at him intently. Leon locked gazes with it for a moment before nodding slowly at first before nodding strongly. "Ye-Yes....I want to do this." For my father. The statement was said, but he could tell that Gible knew what meant. Even so what was he getting into? Did he really want to leave his mother, his home for a journey in which he didn't know where he was going only to come back when he was finished? Leon was scared...frightened almost at the prospect, but he knew that he had come so far and if he didn't take it he wouldn't get another chance like this again. At least he was sure of it. The words of countless medical professors came to mind with the words he had come to hate. Scared. Pitying. Maybe he should just stay home?


Deliaphobia aka the fear of Pokemon. He hated the word with a passion, but he knew that was the only word to describe it with. His fear of Pokemon made him scared, nervous, panic filled, and even traumatizing. For a moment he hated his father for leaving him an the Pokemon that took him away. If only they had just battled-


He snapped out of his thoughts before they could get away. Raising his hand he touched the Pokeball feeling the smooth metal that was strangely warm in his palm. The reality of the situation pressed against him making blink before taking it gently our of Sycamore's hand. The smell of cologne was everywhere and for a moment he couldn't breathe.


The Gible made a sound that made him jump and without a word it pressed up against his leg with seemed to....hug him? Leon blinked twice before bending down and smiling nervously. "Hi there little guy..." His words were softer and more gentle and even pain filled. He raised his hand to touch him and paused before he could set it down on the dorsal fin. Gible looked up at him questioningly and Leon put his hand down. Tears filled his eyes as he stood back up. "I'm sorry little guy...just....not now." He turned away with the Pokeball still in hand and faced Sycamore. "I want to become a Pokemon trainer if that's okay with you. I'm tired of being scared of them and I want to change that...thank you." he felt awkward leaving it there, but he had no choice.

 

[Raerae]

"No, no, thank you," the Professor straightened his posture. "I'm honored to have set the coarse for a--"


"Professor! Professor!"


"Yes, yes, what is it?"


"The Santalune Police Department just called, they're under attack!"


"Wha...What?" He whirled around, wide eyed with alarm, and every ones attention shifted to the frantic assistant who'd just popped out of the elevator.


"There's a disturbance that's getting way out of hand, they said their officers are pinned down and the city's security force simply isn't big enough for so many rivaling forces!"


"What about Viola?"


"She's out of region!" The man exclaimed, and the other assistants gathered around, equally as unnerved.


"That's right, she's in New Tork, Unova for Fashion Week," Rae commented, knowing the gym leader all too well. "Otherwise she'd have cleaned this up before it started."


"Right, of course," Sycamore grimaced. "Aren't there any other means of help?"


"A few trainers have tried to help out but no one's really around since the gym leaders out of town. Plus, from what Jenny told us, whoever these people are, are incredibly aggressive. They're pursing something but we don't know what."


"Well, find out!" Sycamore demanded, "Get them back on the phone and have them relay everything to you in detail until I can get in the comms room! In the mean time..."


Abruptly, he faced Rae, "Think you can go and assist? I know you're here on official business, and Elesa has you pretty busy, but, I... don't know who to call on. It's not big enough for the league, but--"


"-Assist? Professor, you slay me." She rolled her eyes, and Sylveon mirrored her trainer's sarcasm. "They won't know what hit'm when I fly in."


"Now, now... Rae, do realize that they're causing issues with law enforcement-"


"That's cause they go by protocol, I don't have rules to hold me back, just altruism," She told him, and then her eyes fell to the boy who'd she'd yet to learn the name of. "You wanna come with? Get a taste of the real world?"


"I... don't think that's such a good idea," Sycamore murmured.


"Oh, come on, give me a little credit here," She told him, almost chiding. "Lets not forget, I've acquired every badge in Kalos, and seven in Kanto. Would have been eight, but Blue's out of town. Go figure."


"I, well... Leon, would you like to go?" He asked him. "By no means do you have to. And I'm assuming she's going by flight, and if you've never rode on a Pokemon..."


"Felicity is just like a big puppy," Rae remarked. "And she's out flown Skyla, so. Nothing to worry about. What do you say? Meanwhile, there's a town in trouble, not like we really have tiiiime," She hummed impatiently.

 

[ThermalTrickster]

"S-sure! I'll help!" he spoke the words without thinking and blurted them out almost into one word. Heart racing and mind feeling numb he turned towards Gible who seemed to be staring at him with a sort of a frown? Leon didn't take the time to think about it as he turned towards the girl who he realized was taller than him and tilted his head slightly to nod in determination. Gible made a noise and tugged at his pants leg trying to make Leon notice him once again. Ignoring it Leon led the way towards the door trying to shake off the rest of his nerves and put a hand on the door looking over his shoulder at Gible and Rae.


"Aren't we going? Also, what is a Felicity?" He sounded the name out slowly trying to process it. Why would a Pokemon have a human name? Without waiting for an answer he called opened the door and began the walk outside jumping over steps and waiting near the gate. The sky was even brighter during this time and it seemed to be a cloudless day. In general it was beautiful in contrast with the event that was currently happening. If you could call it an event anyway.


He tapped his foot and slapped his head as he forgot Gible and raced up the steps and slowly opened the door just wide enough for Gible to squeeze through. "C'mon...uh...Gibel-I mean Gibles-Just come on!" With a roar or anticipation Gible jumped up and ran across the room towards the door startling some of the scientists who were focused on the scene before squeezing through the door and with a pop he was outside standing beside Leon.


Leon watched the scene unfold before him. The once busy street was filled with silence only broken by the occasional roar of a siren that signaled it's distress. No, gogoat in site and there were even a few fletchling roaming around before taking off as they spotted Gible. Leon looked down at Gible who in turn turned towards him. Leon frowned and shook his head as he turned towards the building to wait for Rea and..Felicity? He just hoped it was as nice as she sounded.

 

[Raerae]

"This could be problematic," Sycamore ran his fingers through his obsidian, tousled hair as he spoke, watching the boy run outside.


"Maaaaybe. But I wasn't all that different when I was hos age."


"When you were-" Sycamore laughed boisterous and genuine, "You were his age just two years ago, young lady!"


"Not the point," She grumbled. "He just needs someone to put faith in him. You've done so by giving him a chance, and I'll help him acquire purpose."


"Mmm... Just see to it that you keep an eye on him while he's with you."


"Sure, sure," She gave him a brief hug, to which he returned warmly, before she waved good bye and trotted out the door, Lottie in tow.


"So, are you gunna tell me your name, or am I going to have to keep referring to you as 'kid'?" She asked him, though her silvery tone was more playful than harsh. She slipped on a pair of gold rimmed aviators, and then pulled her cascading, hip length honey locks into a tight, high ponytail.


With a swift notion she unclipped her second capsule, the luxury ball, from her black wrist brace. "Felicity is the dragon type Pokemon, known as Flygon." She held up the luxury ball for him to see, light glinting off the orange, swirly accents; it vibrated in anticipation, and Sylveon cooed, awaiting her companions arrival.


"Don't let her freighter you, alright? Intimidating as she may seem, she's really a sweetheart. She was my first Pokemon, I never got a starter, either."


She pressed her thumb to the middle of the capsule, which increased in size. With a subtle flick of her wrist, she tossed it upwards, and as it caught the glint of the sun, it burst open, emitting a golden light, which, upon dissipating, revealed Felicity, one Hell of a Flygon.


'Nyaaaaa!' It roared, flapping its wings and swishing its tail back and forth in an enthusiastic stretch. Rae giggled and flung her arms around the dragons neck, hugging it tightly even as its towering height caused her to be lifted off the ground a little. Sylveon mewed and rubbed against Felicity, ribbons swishing in contentment.

 

[ThermalTrickster]

"Well then I guess that answers my question..." Leon stared at Felicity and to be honest he was in awe. A pale green dragon Pokemon with a long slender neck that Rea held on to. Two bright red goggle like things surrounded her eyes probably for better vision and two rectangle like wings protruded from her back. Leon blinked a couple of times and felt a cold chill rise up against him. He grit his teeth in annoyance and tried to shake it off and approached the dragon cautiously.


"H-hey-uh...Felicity..." He waved a hand quickly at the dragon and watched with slight amazement as Rea hugged it despite the obvious size difference. "Aren't you scared?" The question came out innocently yet it was inquiring. Leon didn't know much about dragon type, but he knew by the articles on the internet that they were hard to train and unpredictable at times. Sometimes causing serious injury and even death to a careless trainer. Leon was amazed at her willingness to hug it even have one that looked like it was capable of taking off and doing...something.


Glancing back at Gible Leon wondered what Gible would look like when he evolved. Would he be as big as Felicity? Or would be smaller? Would be he ignore him or even hurt him? Dragon types were...dangerous. Reading and seeing countless articles and new stories about them were terrifying and it made him even more wary of them. It seemed a bit ironic that his starter would be a dragon type. He glanced at Gible quickly and saw that Gible was staring n the distance eyes focused as it watched something. Leon frowned as he watched him open and close his mouth as if he were scenting something.


Putting it out of his mind he turned back towards Rea and her dragon. Leon coughed to get their attention. They kind of had a problem at hand.

 

[Raerae]

"Scared? Very few things scare me, kid," She told him honestly, though that was an embarrassing list even in its shortness, and she'd not elaborate further. "Felicity isn't one of them. I've had her since she was just a little bigger than Gibble, as a Tranpinch."


She noted his cough, one likely to emphasize they'd kind of just been standing around. But she wanted him to feel... some sort of comfortable, if that was even possible. She could understand his hesitancy, of course, though at the same time her impatient nature made her want to hurry up and get him settled in.


"Yeah, yeah," She waved her hand as a gesture for him to come closer. "Lottie, sweetheart, just for now." And reluctantly, she called her little feline pokemon back to its pokeball.


"I'd suggest returning Gibble to its poke ball, you'll need to hold onto me when we fly. Felicity likes to loop," She told him with a half smile. Flygon.bowed its head, exhaling softly as Rae lifted herself gracefully onto her companions back, legs comforting naturally for a better grip, and her delicate hands resting on its neck. "It's easy, she'll stay down so you can climb up and sit behind me."


"Dragons get a bad rep. It's the trainer's fault if their Pokemon are upset, they're just instinctual about it," She commented, patting her beloved starters neck to which it growled in agreement.

 

[ThermalTrickster]

Nodding silently Leon turned towards Gible and looked down at him. Gible's eye twitched and it growled at him causing Leon to flinch violently and fall back with a rough breathe. Gible blinked at him back up and with a running start propelled itself on Felicity's back. It wiggled to get comfortable and turned to stare down at him which cause Leon to swallow down the fear that built up in his throat. Standing up shakily he approached Felicity and brushed his fingertips against her skin feeling the rough sandpaper like texture and with a cautious eye on Felicity and the time he jumped on quickly with Gible in the middle and Rea in the front.


Trying not to think about what was to occur Leon tried to place his hands somewhere where he could get comfortable. He didn't want to touch Rea as he wasn't raised in a barn and didn't touch girls without their permission. Leon frowned and instead placed his hands on the warm body of Felicity. "Are you sure she can handle all of us?" Leon didn't want to think about what it would be if she couldn't lift them. What is she turned to quickly and that caused him to fall? What if she made a loop like Rea said? What if-


Gible poked him hard in the stomach with his fin and made a snorting sound. Leon bit his lip as he realized he was shaking violently and gripping Felicity hard. He relaxed his grip and saw Gible turn towards the front as if he didn't do anything. "R-ready..." Leon's voice was shaky and scared and he didn't want to know what would happen next.

 

[Raerae]

Without hesitation, Felicity propelled herself in the air, just as swift and powerful as if she didn't have anyone riding her. She blew past the trees, causing them to shake violently under the forceful gusts from her wings, and within moments they were already at a level high enough to look over the roof tops, and see the Lumiose tower.


"Hold on tight, you two!" Rae told them over her shoulder, before jabbing her finger in the direction of Santalune, and with incredible velocity, Felicity bolted forwards. For Leon and Gibbles sake, Flygon kept from any abrupt movements, looping, or flying so fast they'd fall off if they let go. Wind rushed at them as they zoomed past the cities borders, and were soon zipping down Route 14, evading flocks of Swanna and Talonflame, weaving underneath and over cumulus clouds.


To Rae, taking flight was nothing short of exhilarating. It defined freedom, proving she'd never be caged, restricted or obligated again. If she wanted to, at any time, she and her pokemon could just... leave. Start over, begin anew, refresh and redo. That kind of comfort spoke volumes to her, the escape, the wildness, to just be able to... go.





She'd kept relatively quiet as they slowed down to a more gentle glide throughout the air, her contemplative state likely the reasoning. Her eyes were soft and full of internal reflection as they slowed to engage a small group of Fletchling, lowering to ground level to swiftly hover over a lake bed, their reflections crystal clear in the water. Rae reached out a hand and let her fingers glide against the water, noting the little bubbles that indicated aquatic creatures were likely observing from underneath the waters surface.


Felicity soon bolted upwards again, and from what Rae could see, they were nearly there.


"Not too shabby, eh?" She glanced at Leon over her petite shoulder, to confirm he was still there. Her brown eyes met his and she held his gaze, squinting a little in the harsh sunlight. "Santalune is just over that audience of trees," she told him, and then redirected her focus to Flygon. "Let's go, Felicity."


The dragon roared mallifluously and continued on its track, flapping its red rimmed, rhombus wings effortlessly. Within twenty minutes, they'd arrived, and not a moment to soon.


"Please, just leave us alone!" Came a cry so shrill, even in the air the small group could barely hear it.


"Not a chance, woman! We've put a lot on the line for that thing! Hand it over!" Considering the man's scraggly voice, the threat wasn't all that intimidating. But a large group of individuals had followed behind him, all dressed in unique outfits that bared the same symbol on the back of their shirts; in unison, they tossed poke balls of all kinds into the air, releasing more than you'd expect from the stereotypical bad guys. Beartic, Ursarang, Electabuzz, Crobats-- Rae assessed quickly and understood why the cops had been having trouble. These baddies were stocked!


"I think a thunder bolt might make you reconsider!" Came one voice, boisterous and determined he ordered his Electabuzz to wound up an electric attack, aimed towards the woman who, as Flygon gradually descended, Rae realized was holding a tiny Pokemon, but she couldn't make out whom.


"Damn it," She groaned, and just as the electroball wound up, Felicity caught her trainers thought wave and descended downwards, only to counter that with Earth Power, cobblestone erupted and blasted into the pokemon, which sent Electabuzz reeling, and nailed the Crobat beside it with the electricity.


Felicity swerved near the fountain lightning speed, and Rae urged Leon and Gibble to hop off. "Stay put, alright? I don't want to hear it from Sycamore if you two get a poison sting. I'll be... back." She grimaced at the thought of all those adversaries, but had to do what she could, even if she knew all that battling would be an over load for her and her Pokemon. It was times like these she knew she had to stop being picky, and acquire a new team member. She tossed out Sylveons heal ball and the feline greeted with an anxious, combat ready cry.

 

[ThermalTrickster]

Flying was...it was...different. He head read the stories time and time again on the internet about how amazing it felt to be up in the air with the wind pushing past you with the only thing separating you from your death was a Pokemon in which you trusted. It wasn't just a regular trust between a bidoof and it's trainer...it was the kind of trust that made you put your life on the line and expect to live afterwards. He could see the trust between Felicity and Rea and even with their little Sylveon. Feeling a slight pang of envy Leon shook it off and looked down to where Gible was. Would they ever have that kind of trust someday? So, far it seemed up to this point was stares and questioning glances at one another. Leon didn't know what to do, but Gible apparently did as seen back there.


Since when did the Pokemon ever pick their trainer? Leon tried to forget and hold the task at hand. The woman, a young lady with no distinguishable features, was holding a tiny silver ball curled up in her hands clutching at it as if it were her hope. He could make out a few distinguishable parts, but was soon overcome with revulsion as his took in the scene. Pokemon of all sizes primarily of larger stature had her surrounded on all sides. Leon watched as Felicity blocked an attck with amazing speed and accuracy and fling it back at him only to hit both him and a large purple bat with four wings.


Leon shivered as he felt the bile rise in his throat. This was what he had seen in his dreams. Pokemon-especially larger ones- being used for things like this...it made him want to run and hide and wish he were back at his house instead of being in the center stage. This was what he was afriad of. Of Pokemon hurting humans...even killing them by the way the men were glaring at the people. Frozen solid with fear and disgust Leon turned away as he felt shame build in his gut. What could he do? He didn't know any attacks like Rea did...Hell she had eight gym badges from Kalos! He even remebred she had some from Kanto if he heard he correctly.


Feeling a tug on his pants leg he jumped and looked down to meet the annoyed gaze of his Gible who seemed to be anxious as he was. Gible shook his head to get his attention and while Leon furrowed his eyebrows he pointed towards a young girl about the age six slowly walking towards a large bear like Pokemon. Almost at once his heart stopped in a chest and without thinking he raced forwards with Gible in tow and almost in slow motion he watched as she tugged at the large Pokemon who turned towards her with malice in it's eyes and a large white beam powering in it's mouth.


Leon didn't see the purple mass of energy that shot from next to him as the beam was fired point blank. The beam flashed once and the bear Pokemon turned towards Leon who in turn stopped and looked down Gible who had a stream of smoke flying from it's mouth. Gible's face was curled back in a snarl and his eye's were narrowed as if it were holding back it's rage.


"Gible.." Leon whispered and tensed as Gible spun towards him. Leon blinked and looked up as he heard the shout and saw the mass figure coming his way with a man behind it barking orders. He could barely see the symbol on the man's shirt and he narrowed his eyes so he could get a clearer picture. All he could tell was that it was a the symbol of a dragon-tribal style-curled around itself in a circle. Leon tried to see more, but his eyes focused more Gible who jumped in front of him and crouched down slightly as if waiting to attack.


The bear blinked once before looking back at it's trainer as if in confusion, but in that brief second Gible had raced to the side almost like a blur and Leon couldn't help, but admire his speed. With a turn of his heel Gible raced around back and jumped on the bears back. The bear flinched wildly and began to shake and Leon couldn't help but smile as he spotted the blue creature hanging on tightly as if he were in a rodeo. His smile was broken as the bear reared up on it's hind legs and began to roar, but suddenly it's head jumped forward with a blast of blue energy.


"D-Do that again Gible! Keep shooting!" The words tore out of his mouth almost at once and Leon could feel the excitement that pushed against him. He began to jump up and down smiling from ear to ear as he laughed.


Gible was point blank shooting at the bears head...


Leon saw the man stare at Gible with his mouth hanging open as if shocked as he watched the blasts come again and again and again until the bear froze from it's seizure like movements and finally dropped still. Leon stood shaking as he thought the worst, but saw the faint breathing of the bear. Gible jumped off silently and stood watching Leon with a smirk on it's face.


A man who had the same get up had watched all of this with a frozen look on his face. Leon smirked and glared at him until the he turned away and quickly called back his own Pokemon and call to the other's to do the same. 'Retreat! We don't need the damn thing anyway!"

 

[Raerae]

Though the man had called for the others retreat, some were stubborn and persistent, especially the one that was locked in a battle of pride with Rae. Flygon had knocked out Electabuzz, Crobat and a Vigoroth with ease, but when he'd sent his Beartic in, the brunette suddenly had to be a lot more cautious, as an ice type against her dragon was an advantageous match up for her opposition.


"Beartic, freeze'm with ice shard!"


"Sylveon, calm mind!"


The man stood dumbfounded as the Pokemon sat perfectly still, seemingly meditating as a wave of ice came at her, full speed. Just hummed quietly to herself, completely calm and collected. Just as they were about to hit, her eyes flashed open. "Psyshock!"


Now fully enveloped in an indigo glow, Lottie stopped the shards of ice just before they sliced her, and began to levitate them up in the air, before emitting a shrill growl and simultaneously flinging them back at both the trainer and his Pokemon.


"Flygon, use Earth power again!"


The already unearthed cobble stone erupted further, blasting upwards from underneath the Beartic, knocking both the bear and it's master on their backsides. Their stubbornness would have somehow kept the battle going, but the sudden revved engines of several motorcycles broke through the air, followed by police sirens and the distant wail of an ambulance.


"Don't think we'll forget this, you two!" And with a swift notion and a thud on the concrete, they were shrouded in smoke, only to disappear once Flygons gust blew it away.


"Bastards," Rae kept looking around, as if she'd catch them somewhere, however, for all she knew they could've used teleport!


"Hey, Leon, you alright?" She asked, flashing him approving smile. While others would have reprimanded him, Rae felt this was just the situation he needed to get a little gutsy. "You and Gible did great, keep working on that."


She groaned as the cops finally appeared, several of them by the looks of it, and even a helicopter over head. The woman who'd been hiding distantly was who Rae went to approach, she was still nervous, but Rae had a way of breaking the ice. "Are you alright?"


"Y-Yes, I'm... oh, no, not really. What if they come back?" She asked nervously, and clutched the silver pokeball to her chest.


"I can't say they won't, unfortunately. Why we're they after you?"


"I'm assuming it's for my Eevee, she's got an unusual coloring, and I've been embarrassed by scientists, trainers, collectors, and criminals alike for her. It's overwhelming. I just... I don't know what to do."


"Go see Professor Sycamore, he'll help you," Rae told her confidently, before two officers came and offered to drive her home whilst they got the full report.


"Leon!" Rae came up beside him, Flygon hovering nearby and Sylveyon returning to her heal ball. "You wanna head off on your own from here? Viola isn't in yet, so the gym isn't open. We could head to the next city over, past Lumiose, if you want. I'd like to make an escape before the feds start asking questions, mostly because I..." She looked back at the mess that'd been made during the battle, "I don't want to get stuck with damage to the city fees or anything." She smiled sheepishly.


"I'm going to give Sycamore a call to update him real quick, think it over alright?" She whipped out her cell phone and dialed the number, mentally going over all the events since she'd seen him just a couple hours ago.


"Rae! Thank Arceus! Is everything alright?"


"We're alive, if that's what you're asking."


"We? Does that mean Leon stayed with you?"


"Course he did! And he battled, too. Gible somehow managed to take down an Ursaring, all on its own."


"You're kidding."


"Nope," She watched as the helicopter flew off in another direction, grimacing as she considered whether or not it'd caught wind of the men she'd just encountered. "They're a good match up. Told you so!"


"Hmm... in that case, I'd like for you to report back to the lab right away. No detours, this is important. I'd like to speak with Leon, and also get the gist I'd what you encountered. The news reporters are already scaling the scene, some thing about uniformed men attacking an innocent woman?"


"Thats part of it. Alright, alright, we'll head back and I'll brief you," She nodded to Leon as she switched off her phone. Flygon descended and curled its tail around Rae. "Professor wants to see us again. Mind heading back to Lumiose with me?" She shuffled through her hand bag and pulling out a Max potion, which she used to spray a few cuts and bruises. "There you go, angel."

 

[ThermalTrickster]

Heart still thudding wildly and heart numb with excitement he nodded blindly all the while staring at Gible with a an expression of awe in his gaze. The events that played in his mind returned over and over and over again pushing against each other trying to take centerfold until Leon smiled and closed his eyes. The battle was amazing. It filled his thoughts making him smile to himself and made him want to shout with glee. His first Pokemon battle and he won. He saw the power in Gible as he jumped on the bear's back and the strength in his attack as he blasted it again and again with the same force.


He didn't know how long he stood there watching Gible as the little creature cleaned itself rubbing it's little arms in the fountain nearby all as if nothing had happened. Slowly his heart rate decreased as he listened to Rae inform the Professor was happened and he could hear her voice from the distance. He felt a prickle of pride as he heard her opinion of him and Gible and slowly he made his way toward him.


Gible turned from his bath and blinked at him and slowly came to him. Leon crouched down and breathed in through his mouth as if hypnotized by him. Slowly he reached a hand out, eyes narrowing and mouth in a tight line, and Gible leaned forward. Leon turned his head away at the moment and closed his eyes and felt the breathe leave his body as he felt the warm skin pulsing beneath his hand. It was strangely smooth like a fish, but it felt...different. That was the only way to describe it. Gible purred rumbled and Leon chuckled as he saw that he was purring.


"Hey, there...I guess I'm you partner huh?" Leon whispered it and rubbed his hand against Gible's cheek. He broke away slowly as he nodded to Rae's explanation and felt his heart drop.


What is Sycamore took Gible away because of what he did? His mouth felt dry and sticky all of a sudden as he pulled away and stood up. Nodding numbly he went over to Rae and waited for her. "I-I guess we should be go then..."


Before anyone could say anything his head snapped up at the sound of people running over to him with camera's in tow. A group of young people probably older than him were running their way flashing their camera's screaming at them about something. It was so loud that everything felt and sounded jumbled together. He reached up and pulled against Rae's shirt sleeve to get her attention. "I think we should go. Like now."

 

[Raerae]

"I'm going to get an earful when Elesa catches sight of the tabloids," Rae murmured as she mounted Flygon. Once the three were settled on the dragons back, Rae instructed Felicity to head back to Lumiose, specifically the lab. Though the initial adrenaline of battle had worn off, her fear of what their symbols meant wracked her brain and urged Flygon to make haste; we're they just a gang around town? Or an impending doom of an organization? She didn't want to get ahead of herself, but Kalos hadn't even recovered from the last group of egomaniacal suits trying to press their opinion on everyone. What was this that she had encountered?


Eager to enlighten the Professor, Rae and Felicity wasted no time arriving at the laboratory. Upon descending, however, Rae was quick to return her to her luxury ball, noting the slight panting and droopy wings of her tuckered out companion. "Thanks, love. You rest up now."


She pushed through the front doors of the building, her silvery voice loud as she tried to catch attention right away, "Professor! We're back!"


Assistants stopped in the midst of their studies, turned and gave a little round of applause to the two teens and their pokemon. Sycamore hustled over from his desk, jubilant and proud, lab coat swaying with every stride. "You two did a wonderful service today, that woman came out unscathed, as did her Eevee."


"Did she explain what she believes they were after?"


"Her Eevee and its unique condition," He nodded with distaste. "What some won't do a dollar. A pokemon with a skin pigmentation is genetically enhanced and discolored, which increase its value and makes for a pretty penny if you know who to sell it to."


"Bastards," She repeated again, leaning against a book shelf with her arms crossed over her chest.


"She's agreed to bring the pup here for further analysis and security purposes. It's quite a treat for us scientists," He smiled gratefully.


"You can thank Leon and Gible for their safety," Rae said modestly, waving off his comments dismissively.


"Is that so?" He grinned at the two, "Leon? How was it? The flight, the battle, the team work... It's different, I'm sure. But exhilarating! Is it something you'd like to experience again? Rae tells me you're a natural, we could use more men like you in the world."


"And what about you, Gible. You've rough housed with the other pokemon here, but that was your first real battle, what do you-"


Just then, the pokeball from his pocket burst open, revealing Gibles fathering Garchomp who roared with pride at its kins efforts.


Sycamore grinned, "What would you say to becoming a projected holder?"


Laying it on a little thick, doc, Rae thought, but smiled encouragingly at the young trainer and his partner. She watched the man hold out the device he'd offered to Leon, and Rae silently wondered what it'd be like to have the honor of being entrusted with the PokeDex.


She headed over to the Professor's desk and began to type into his word doc all that she'd come across today, ignoring the scene behind her and attempting to focus, making sure to emphasize the uniqueness of the group's nearly identical uniforms. Her worry increased as she typed, eventually plopping into his computer chair and rolling it up closer to the desktop. What had they bared witness to?

 

[ThermalTrickster]

Raising his hand quietly he studied the Pokedex before taking it gently. It wasn't too out of the ordinary and to be honest it looked like a touch screen phone. It was red in color and had a transparent blueish screen that looked like glass. It was almost weightless in his hand, but it felt definite and made him feel...important. Sliding it open he watched as a sliding digital sound came from it and a blue screen with empty boxes filled the page. He scrolled down in confusion and furrowed his eyebrows.


"There's nothing there...Is it broken?" Before he could say anything else he watched as he lowered it down to Gible's face a white light flashed from it and a picture of Gible along with an electronic voice that appeared to be female spoke aloud:

Gible the Land Shark Pokemon:


It nests in small, horizontal holes in cave walls and pounces out on prey that come to close to it's hole. The holes it makes are warmed by geothermal heat produced by the Earth.

​

Soon the voice stopped and the screen vanished. Then the blue page popped up this time the only box available was Gible's picture. Leon gasped and smiled at it and began to toy around with it before giggling finally. Gible pressed against his leg with something skin to a cough and Leon looked up and hurriedly put it away and smiled sheepishly at Sycamore. "Uh, sorry..I'm happy to go on this journey with Pooka." He glanced down at him and smiled at him for the first time. "If he's willing to go with me." Gible looked at him before nodding once and Leon bent down to pet him.


Looking up he glanced at Rae and titled his head at her. "What are you looking for?"

 

[Raerae]

"No trouble at all, young man. Be sure to fill that PokeDex by scanning every pokemon you meet. Someday, of you happen to fill it, come and see me. It's pivotal to our research hers in Lumiose, as well as for all the Professor's of the world."


Sycamore followed Leon's gaze as he directed a question past the man, presumably to Rae. He strode over to her, leaning over her shoulder to analyze her written report. It was admirably detailed, and he found himself caught up in the moment, reading at the speedy pace of her typing, only to come to a screeching vault as she ceased, presumably finished. Her manicured nails twitched and hovered over the keys, before she finally dropped her hands in her lap, "And there you have it."


She whirled around in her chair to answer Leon. "Just enlightening him on the matter at hand. Going over the past hour or so, so he knows what to look for."


"Interesting, interesting..." He straightened his posture after saving her report, making a mental note to go over it later. He put a finger to his chin in a thoughtful manner, eyes scrutinizing as the flickered between the two teenagers. They were fairly opposite, he'd say, just in speech alone, as well as everything else. Rae had a strong, opinionated personality, whilst Leon was more timid and conflicted. Neither were an issue persay, but to balance each other our, Sycamore thought, would be a great idea.


"Leon, would you be opposed to accompanying Rae for a while?"


"What?" She asked abruptly, arching a thin, groomed brow. "Why?"


"I think you two make a good team," He told them with a shrug. "That, and I don't want Leon to run into trouble alone with those strangers again. It can be temporary if you'd prefer, I'd just feel better knowing that neither of you, actually, are alone. And you don't actually have anything booked for your job right now, isn't that right? Perhaps a break from the industry and some real traveling will do you good."


Rae grimaced, not because of Leon himself, but because of the fact that she was so used to being by herself, especially during her travels. A partner meant commitment, obligation, and synced reactions, all of which made her feel heavy just at the consideration of.


"Well, I... I suppose, so." She rose from her chair and looked to Leon, Gible, and then back to the Professor. It was a rather sudden request, however... perhaps it was a better idea than she thought? "Leon? What do you and... um, Pooka, say?"

 

[ThermalTrickster]

Leon watched the encounter with a nervous flutter in his belly. "I don't mind if you don't....Besides I think we would both benefit greatly from this. Me, learning new stuff about Pokemon and you traveling the Kalos region with your Pokemon. I don't know if you want to become stronger, but I think that you would want to learn more about this whole...bad guy stuff..." Leon let himself trail off feeling nervous. Who was he to put his input in a room full of adults? Better yet well trained, knowledgeable, and powerful ones?


Leon shook and his head and turned towards Pooka. Pooka tilted his head and blinked in support before jumping up and down pointing at Rae's two pokeballs strapped to her waist. "I think Pooka wants you and your Pokemon to join." He smiled at the thought and turned towards Gible's father. Leaning his head back in awe of the great beast Leon felt the breathe leave his body. His father was tall. He was taller than Sycamore by far and Leon had to titl his head back fully just to reach his eyes. Was Pooka going to become that? He blinked before coughing in his throat.


"Do you mind if I take P-Gible around Kalos for a partner...more like he chose me, but...I don't want to take a son away from his father. I know how that's like and I hate it..." He licked his lips in determination and tried to stare the giant creature in the eye, but proved to look away at the last moment due to his rising anxiety.


OOC: Sorry for the short post I have to go x0

 

[Raerae]

"He's all yours. Garchomp feels you're a worthy trainer for its son, don't you?" He looked to the dragon pokemon, who growled in agreement, giving one silent nod before it vanished back into its pokeball. "Ah, there we have it, then."


"Alright, alright, I'll go," Rae answered them both half heartedly, rising to her feet and heading over to Leon's side. She'd placed Felicity and Lotties capsules in the healing machine whilst they'd talked, and grabbed them on her way over to him, at ease knowing her friends had rested up.


"Well, you've got my report, and its getting late. We'll head out but call in from time to time, alright?" She told Sycamore, however, she was implying that Leon himself would call, as Rae didn't need to update the man on her adventures. Was that what this was? An adventure?


"You know, I never had a journey of my own. Maybe putting off the modeling and venturing out a little is exactly what I need," She thought out loud, and the Professor nodded encouragingly.


He was using this not only for Leon's sake, but to get Rae out on her own as well. As a man who's sent off many, many trainers, he saw great potential in both of them, and looked forward to seeing their sculpting of character upon their next, future return.

 

[ThermalTrickster]

With faint unease Leon nodded towards her and looked down at the curious form of Gible who had decided to start a conversation with a soft furred Pikachu. Gible was avidly waving his arms while making grunting noises to which the Pikachu tilted its head and stretched to stretch behind an ear. Afterwords the Pikachu nodded slowly before turning its back on him and trotting out softly. It vanished from view as it turned the corner and Gible, looking satisfied, nodded to itself before catching Leon's gaze and walking towards him.


"You ready?" He whispered to Gible as he returned to his side. Gible nodded and turned his head towards Rae and blinked before motioning for both of them follow him near the door. He stood and waited as Leon watched Rae with a worried expression on his face. "Are you sure? You don't have to go if you don't want to..."


To be honest Leon was nervous for them. Part of him wanted to sleep. To forget what happened today and lie down in a soft bed filled with cushions and food waiting for them. The other part, the rational and more mature part, told him to get a move on if he didn't want to run into any trouble. Leon sighed to himself inwardly before waving an awkward hand to the Professor. Leon didn't know what to think about him yet as he did with the others, but it was polite to at least say goodbye for now. "I'll wait outside if you want to go."


Motioning for Gible to get out of the way so he could open the door he placed his hand on the doorknob and tilted it opening it a crack before looking down at Gible and smiling. Gible jumped and squeezed past him his smooth skin rubbing against Leon's ;eg making him shiver and popped outside in the day. Gible breathed in the sweet smell of outside and the pungent odor of the city, but it was overshadowed by the smell of food and perfume. Leon blinked and looked back at Rae and Sycamore before following him outside and jumping off the platform and flinching as his feet met the concrete with a loud smack.


Lifting his leg and patting the sole of his shoe he watched the people empty out into the street as if today had never happened. The men strutted past him busily chatting on their phones and the women walked past in bright and expensive clothing as if on a run way. Leon blushed as he watched a male jogger run past and wink at him. Shaking it off he looked down the left and tried to spot his house, but swallowed down a pitiful sigh as he realized that it was too far to see. His mother was probably cleaning by now as part of her schedule or maybe she went to work? Leon shook his head. She had taken the day off to say goodbye to him...


Gible seemed to be staring too, but instead of his usual focused and intense look he seemed dazed as if in a trance. Leon looked down at his in confusion and laughed as he saw the tip of his nose wriggling softly and his head tilted. "Hungry?" He chuckled as he leaned on the gate.


Looking at the door to the lab he frowned and wondered if she would even come. He was nervous of course for his adventure, but Rae seemed as if she didn't want to go. Leon felt bad as he thought this would be a babysitting job and sighed as he looked to his left and watched the sky for a bit smiling at the birds and shivering at the slight chill.