The letter had come in the mail shortly after you had finished your trainer exam.
Congratulations! Due to your test results you’ve been selected for the Ever Grande League’s newest rookie assist program, Seafarer. The Seafarer program is intended to help new trainers with potential reach for the stars, and entails additional aid and responsibilities including a starting fund, assistance in training, and requiring participation in the Conference among other details.
If you agree, please sign and return this letter. A psychic will appear at the listed date below to transport you to Petalburg where orientation will occur on the 28th of April 28, 997.
Warmest Wishes,
Champion Wallace
It's now the 28th, and each of you await for the psychic to arrive and take you to Petalburg.
It's a crisp early morning, a stiff breeze fills the air. Preston brings the mail inside and sees a letter marked for him
Preston shouts "Hey mom, I got some sort of official looking letter, I hope its the trainer exam results! Spike, Crusher, come here!"
Preston pulls out a pokeball and releases a small cranidos, Spike. Spike looks eager to see how his trainer did in the exams
Preston's Mom says "Oh really? So soon? I thought it took longer for them to process all of the results.". Irene enters followed by a large Rampardos, Crusher. Crusher nods to Preston. Irene is filled with curiosity and anticipation.
Preston feels a lump in his throat, worried he didn't do well enough and got rejected immediately. He isn't well versed in battling, but he thought he and Spike had done a well enough job on that front. Preston had no worries he'd aced the written portion, he'd studied for months, his nose buried in books as usual.
Preston starts "Here goes nothing..." and he slowly tears open the envelope, half looking away but still peeking out the corner of his eye.
Preston skims the letter eagerly. He says "I think I got in?! I've never heard of the rookie assist program, have you mom?"
Irene says "I haven't, but it sounds exciting! Congrats honey!"
Spike and Crusher excitedly roar and stomp around.
Preston breathes a sigh of relief and hugs his family, embracing their warmth.
Irene says "I know you've wanted this for a long time. I'm sure Dad is watching down from above, cheering you every step of the way. I'll help you gather your things so we can get you on your way!"
Preston scrambles for an envelope and pen to sign the letter and send it back as soon as possible.
...
It's now the day the Psychic is supposed to arrive. Preston checks all of his gear for the third time, anxiously making sure he hasn't forgotten anything. Spike stands near him, excitedly pacing around, imaging all the adventures he and Preston will get to go on.
Preston kneels down to Spike "Looks like it's time for us to go out and see the world bud. Let's make our Dads proud"
Irene is holding back tears as Preston prepares to go off on his own for the first time. Worried about her son's safety but knowing he has Spike and his wits to keep him safe. "Call me to check in whenever you get the chance!"
Preston responds "Of course mom, I'll keep in touch. I'm gonna miss you a lot. I love you". Irene responds "I love you too". She pulls him in for a big, long embrace. Preston is doing his best to hold back tears. His family means everything to him. He wants to stay by their side, but he also desperately wants to see the world and go on his own adventure.
He steels himself. Preston and Spike head out the door to await the Psychic's arrival. His grand story is about to take its first steps.
Astraea hums a tune as she strokes Titania's neck, the warmth of the Ponyta's flaming mane a testament to the bond between them.
"It's really happening, isn't it girl?" The young woman asks rhetorically. "We're finally at the starting line. A bit later than most, I suppose, but we're there."
It still feels like a dream if she's being honest with herself. The snap decision of leaving home the manor, crossing the ocean to arrive at Slateport, passing the trainer exam, and receiving the letter. Everything's happened so quickly.
"Grandfather... I wonder how long you've anticipated this." She muses. She had barely started packing her things that her grandsire had shown up in her room, forged papers in one hand and a pack filled with traveling necessities in the other.
The few words they had exchanged as he'd led her to the stables, where Rachelle had been waiting with Titania saddled and ready, are still fresh in her mind.
"I am sorry it came to this, granddaughter, but not surprised. Your mother never understood why Amandine couldn't be content to stay at home with us. She's never had that spark that you so clearly share with your grandmother. I warned her, you know? That she would end up driving you away if she stayed this course. But of course, just like back then and even now, she still doesn't understand. Or perhaps she doesn't want to. I'm not sure which one is the more pitiable."
A warm muzzle nuzzling her cheek draws Astraea from her thoughts and she smiles, looking into her partner's dark eyes. "You're right, Titania. I shouldn't dwell on such things. What's done is done, after all."
The Ponyta huffs in a wordless 'of course I'm right' manner, causing the redhead to laugh even as the hot hair brushes across her face.
She checks her watch. The time is nearly upon them. "Are you ready for this, girl?"
Titania huffs again, excitedly this time, one hoof pawing eagerly at the ground, and Astraea's lips quirk into a smile that, she's sure, looks just as eager.
Watch over me, grandmother. The name of Arvelia shall once more be known as a Lord of the Battlefield. This I swear to you.
A pulse of psychic energy flares in her peripheral vision and Astraea feels her smile widen into a grin. Showtime.
Roger finishes up milking the last Miltank of the morning before leading her out to the pasture where the rest of the Miltank are resting until their next milking. "Now lets get these jugs of milk up to the house for dad to sell and that should be-" as a massive Arcanine runs up and tackles him to the ground, the sealed steel milk jug tumbling to the ground as the old dog licks his face, excited to see Roger this morning. "Alright girl I know, I know. I was just about to go check on your puppies after I brought this inside, let me up now? Please?" As he tries in vain to free himself from the affection of the old dog, she finally relents and he shakily stands on his own two legs, and then picking up the full steel milk jug He proceeds to the house with the Arcanine following closely behind.
At the house he sets the jug in the cooler, and goes to the room where the higher risk eggs are held. Arcanine whines at her clutch before rushing over to them as they begin shaking violently and Roger's eyes widen in realization. " Hey Mom, Dad get in the egg room. Its happening! he shouts deeper into the house before turning his attention to the eggs that have now begun hatching on their own. Thumps echo down the stairs as Roger's mom Agnes sprints to the egg room, with Reggie following behind at a much slower pace. "Hey Roger? what day is it and what time is it? His father Reggie asks him with a raised eyebrow. "its the uh 28th of april..... oh s&@~"
Agnes pipes up "Before you panic and run out the door, say your goodbyes, dont forget your egg and your change of clothes is on the table." his mother says to him with the tone of someone used to this. "Bye Mom, Bye Dad, Bye Arcanine" he says with quick hugs and some petting, grabbing his egg that mom wont tell him what laid it just that its "tradition" and quickly changing his clothes and grabbing the bag he set out last night with a couple pairs of clothing changes. "Time to meet that psychic"
The sun rises over the ocean of Lilycove, the beaches, the hills, and creeps in like an unwanted guest through the windows of Villa di Altamura. The easternmost room of the great house happens to be Esther’s. Normally, this is a great boon- it’s lovely to watch the sun as it rises from the comfort of your own bed. Today, it’s a reminder that she won’t see it again for a year.
With a heavy heart, she slides the last of her things into her bag and shoulders it. Edelweiss, kicking her feet back and forth off the edge of the bed, complains Are we going yet? You woke up at 3 a.m. and you've repacked twice. Get yourself together- it's a journey, not a death sentence.
Esther winces and sends back I know it's not, but I don't want to go.
Oh, come on. It's a single year. You'll live. Edel hops up, and instead of levitating herself like a normal Ralts, jumps onto Esther's arm and clambers up to her shoulder like a Panpour before directing Get breakfast and go meet Claudia before you worry yourself into a hole big enough you never get out.
The two go through the final motions of getting ready for to leave: popping by the kitchens for a meal and supplies, talking to a few well-wishing cousins on their way through the courtyard, and getting to the entrance hall to wait for the Paterfamilias. It's only a few minutes of waiting before the tap of his cane and psychic presence echo down the hall. Esther watches him approach with rising dread.
Alfonso Altamura, head of Paterfamilias Altamura, comes to a steady stop in front of Esther, resting his hands on his cane and peering down at her. So, bambina, today's the day? In contrast to his stoic face and unrelenting appearance, his mental touch is as comfortable as ever, and her shoulders relax in spite of herself.
Yes, nonno.
He nods with approval and reaches out to rest a hand on her shoulder. Do what is meaningful. I have faith this can be just what you need. And keep in mind- I may be asking you to go against your nature, but that does not mean you must do it alone. Reach out, girl, to your friends and your family, and reaching for greatness will follow.
Esther wraps her own hand around his on her shoulder, feeling slightly like a child as her anxiety rises further, and gives a wordless nod. Alfonso sighs and steps back, before unpinning his cloak and handing her the clasp. The emblem of the Altamuras, a golden Xatu with a laurel halo, gleams back at her. Your father isn't here, so there is nothing left for you to do. Go. With one last look at her, he turns and walks away, the creak of the estate's great door opening untouched his only other comment.
Esther's heart beats a little bit faster against her ribs. With growing trepidation matched by the excited wiggles of Edel on her shoulder, she sighs, turns and exits. Time to find Claudia, and face her future, whatever it may be.
"Although many have come in time past and many will in the future, today, with this single step of mine, my very own legend of glory will commence."
The rays of the early morn illuminated the green fields of Reliquiaium. Like a lone dust in the wind, the mighty girl cast a shadow upon the town, her messy head of hazel blonde hair, haphazardly tied in a high ponytail, swayed along the trees as the sun raised.
She took in a deep breath, amber eyes opening and basking her in the beauty of the region, the slightly humid, yet cool air caressing her rather sharp features.
"Hear me, Reliquiae! Hear me, people of Volumo! Hear me, region of Hoenn! Hear me, those who call themselves Elites and Champions! For my voice will shake your hearts, my actions compel your emotions, and my passion melt any and all doubt!"
A small Pokémon could only watch on. Perhaps the only spectator despite the girl's words. A small, apathetic little bird, who might have normally not even bothered to bat an eye, yet found herself enthralled by her performance.
"As my ancestors before me said: I came, I saw, and I conquered. Let my words be legend, and my legend be known. My name! Is Claudia Bianchelli!" The girl spread her arms wide open. She looked down, her silhouette appearing tall, yet her stature remaining as short as ever.
"Witness as I and my loyal Theodora reach the heavens!" As the last words left her mouth, she suddenly found herself grasping for air. "Hahh... Can't believe I find myself panting for air like an Equite in a public bath after such a short speech."
The little chick couldn't help but chirp at her misfortune. To clarify, the small bird not find her jokes funny at all, but something in how the human girl delivered them had a certain gravitas that made impossible not to at the very least find amusing.
"Now off we must go, my dearest companion! I do not wish for my brilliance to leave the good citizens of Reliquiaium dazzled." She said, with all the bravado her short frame could muster.
The chick couldn't help but wonder something, so it settled on sending a confused look to the girl. She only had to look upon her eyes for a second to instantly understand what the fire type wondered.
"My parents?" For a second her resolve wavered, but she quickly recovered, fixing her cap absentmindedly. "It is better this way. I know they will be worried, and potentially furious, but truly the ties that hold us together can only be broken swiftly and by merit of a surprise attack."
Her eyes flashed. Torchick quickly understood what was about to happen. "Like General Belisarius during the battle of-"
The bird pokemon scratched her shoe, not particularly wanting to endure another of the girl's rant about generals and whatnot.
"Yeouch!" She looked offended for a second, but part of her - albeit a tiny part - understood the bird's reluctance. "Fine then! Let us go and find Esther, we shouldn't tarry long, lest someone discovers we retreated."
The bird somehow managed to arch an eyebrow.
"Wait, no! Not retreat, but rather... err, right! A pull back maneuver!" This only made the pokemon's eyes roll.
And thus, with a glint on her eye and a swiftness on her step, she departed towards Lilicove, eager to meet up with Esther.
To her very own adventure.
With a start Roger stumbles into the room, egg clutched tightly to his chest from the unannounced teleportation. A quick series of coughs escape his throat as he gets his bearings. "I wasnt aware Slowbro were found here, and that they learned Teleport" he says to nobody in particular.
There is barely enough time for Astraea to widden her eyes at the Exeggutor's warning, never mind brace herself, before the worst physical sensation she's ever experienced grabs her and she's wisked away.
No sooner has the world stopped spinning that the young woman makes a beeline for the nearest trashcan, shoving a couple people out of the way as she goes, and empties her stomach of the light breakfast she's had earlier.
Her mind distantly registers someone in the room addressing her and the other people, but she's too busy fighting another bout of nausea to understand the words being spoken.
"As far as first impressions go, this probably can't go worse than that." She thinks with a miserable groan.
Esther bows her head politely to the League Teleporter, ignoring Edel's fingers still tugging on her hair really much harder than necessary.
Yes, I'm Esther. One of the others chosen for Seafarer is running a bit late, I'm not sure when she'll get here. It's nice to meet you.
From the distance, the three psychics see a rather humurous sight. Claudia approaches them sprinting, holding her Torchick in her arms as the small bird's eyes are almost popping from their sockets. The girl is fast, the chick's plumage is now almost as messy as the girl's own hair.
"Esther, my dear friend!" She says with a smile as she finally reaches them, in her excitement completely ignoring the fully grown Gardevoir who would've otherwise cause a spectacle of awe. "Excuse the tardiness, I forgot to take my bike from home, and couldn't exactly go back to retrieve it. The girl offers a hearty laugh.
"Oh, and hi, Edel." She greets the small psychic with a nod, her brain still not registering the taller one. The small chick to flabbergasted to register them also.
Don't forget your bike then, moron. This is the first day of your journey and you forget something as basic as that? Step it up.
Esther gently pushes down on Edel's head in admonishment at her rude comment and mumbles "Hey, Claudia. Torchic, nice to meet you. Ready to go?" Her awkward fidgeting with the Pokeball chain on her belt loop gets a little quicker.
Claudia chuckles at the ralt's comment, mostly used to its antics by now.
"Ready as all ever be!" She flashes the nervous girl a sympathetic smile. "You don't have to worry, ok? Y'know I got your back!"
The girl does her best to try and cheer up her friend.
In the background, Slowbro stares, admiring the colorful walls. As additional psychics blip in, deliver their cargo, and return to where it is that they call home, the water type is entranced by a small crayon drawing. The whole time, Shelder attacks the psychic's tail, frantically chomping at the pink appendage.
With a blink Claudia appears in the class.
"Woah! Such a superb teleporting proficiency! She looks at her friend to see how she's faring.
As soon as they complete the teleport, Edel's ball shakes vigorously until Esther reluctantly taps it open. -that slimy, Distortion-eating, mind-blind bastard, I'll show his dumbass what a goon looks like! Son of a Golduck, thoughts of a Dark-type-
Esther immediately returns Edel again to swear to the inside of her own Pokeball. "...sorry about that." She winces upon catching sight of the childish decorations of the room, and even more upon seeing the tattooed giant waiting for them. She sidles behind Claudia to act as her human shield for social interaction.
Upon knowing Esther was more or less okay, her gaze follows her friend's and she soon finds herself staring at the chiselled, almost praetorian like body of the man. She cannot help but gulp, acknowledging his physical prowess as the one of a proper warrior. She takes in a deep breath and adjusts her posture to seem more poised and presentable.
"Greetings, league representative!" She puffs her chest, slowly but surely regaining her confidence, and carefully choosing to ignore the sickly girl in the corner of the room. "My name is Claudia Bianchelli, proud citizen of the town of Reliquiaium! This here is my dear friend Esther Altamura!" She glances back for a brief second, her short frame only barely able to hide Esther's own.
Roger checks over the egg in his arms, making sure it completely survived the impromptu teleportation and then turns around to check if Slowbro is still there "Thank you for transporting me Slowbro" he says as he turns to acknowledge the new members in the room, and seeing one girl bent over a trashcan with the psychic holding the hair out of the way. He chooses to leave her be and turns to the newer arrivals. "Hi there" Roger says to the exuberant girl that just arrived, carefully adjusting the egg so his arms wont get sore.
Preston feels relieved to be back on solid ground after his first encounter with teleportation. He stumbles for a second but catches himself, and takes in his surroundings.
Thanks Medicham! I appreciate the.. ride I guess you could call it?
Preston looks around the room, the classroom setting putting him at ease, albeit a bit childish of a classroom. The large man with tattoos throwing him off a bit. Preston notices a girl upending her stomach into a nearby trashcan, as well as a guy clutching a unique looking egg. Lastly he takes note of the duo of girls making a bit of a scene upon his entrance.
Hey everyone, I'm Preston! Nice to meet 'cha, what're your names?
He looks around a bit anxiously, hoping he's not coming off as a complete doofus to what he presumes are going to be his classmates and new friends in this program.
Roger checks over the egg in his arms, making sure it completely survived the impromptu teleportation and then turns around to check if Slowbro is still there "Thank you for transporting me Slowbro" he says as he turns to acknowledge the new members in the room, and seeing one girl bent over a trashcan with the psychic holding the hair out of the way. He chooses to leave her be and turns to the newer arrivals. "Hi there" Roger says to the exuberant girl that just arrived, carefully adjusting the egg so his arms wont get sore.
"Greetings, fellow Seafarer! May I know your name? It is unpolite to not introduce yourself, you know?" She offers him an energetic smile and a handshake.
Preston feels relieved to be back on solid ground after his first encounter with teleportation. He stumbles for a second but catches himself, and takes in his surroundings.
Thanks Medicham! I appreciate the.. ride I guess you could call it?
Preston looks around the room, the classroom setting putting him at ease, albeit a bit childish of a classroom. The large man with tattoos throwing him off a bit. Preston notices a girl upending her stomach into a nearby trashcan, as well as a guy clutching a unique looking egg. Lastly he takes note of the duo of girls making a bit of a scene upon his entrance.
Hey everyone, I'm Preston! Nice to meet 'cha, what're your names?
He looks around a bit anxiously, hoping he's not coming off as a complete doofus to what he presumes are going to be his classmates and new friends in this program.
"I like your energy, Preston! Glad to make your acquaintance!" She had previously introduced herself, so thought not to do it again.
"Im sorry, my name is Roger Alder. You are Claudia, right? and the one behind you is Esther?" Roger says sheepishly
Preston feels relieved to be back on solid ground after his first encounter with teleportation. He stumbles for a second but catches himself, and takes in his surroundings.
Thanks Medicham! I appreciate the.. ride I guess you could call it?
Preston looks around the room, the classroom setting putting him at ease, albeit a bit childish of a classroom. The large man with tattoos throwing him off a bit. Preston notices a girl upending her stomach into a nearby trashcan, as well as a guy clutching a unique looking egg. Lastly he takes note of the duo of girls making a bit of a scene upon his entrance.
Hey everyone, I'm Preston! Nice to meet 'cha, what're your names?
He looks around a bit anxiously, hoping he's not coming off as a complete doofus to what he presumes are going to be his classmates and new friends in this program.
"I like your energy, Preston! Glad to make your acquaintance!" She had previously introduced herself, so thought not to do it again.
"Thanks Claudia! and after hearing Roger mention Esther's name he says and nice to meet you as well Roger and Esther
Preston points over towards the sick girl and asks "Is she okay? Do we have any meds for her? Anyone know her name?"
Claudia nods her head at Roger with the same eager smile, trying to cheer the tall boy up by the way of her actions. Shifting her gaze towards Preston, she begins to ponder.
"Perhaps she is not too used to teleporting? Her features strike me as healthy so I would assume that is the case. Her ailment should cease in a couple of minutes, I would say not to worry too much, simply give her room to breathe. She can introduce herself when she gathers her bearings".
Claudia looked around, just noticing they were in what essentially was a glorified kindergarten.
"Hello Preston, and no she arrived shortly after I did and has been there the entire time. No introduction or anything, I'd offer her something but I don't have anything like that on me. I don't think she's ok"
Esther lets out a vague, polite mumble and a nod that might've been a 'nice to meet you' if one squinted and turned the Rorschach blot upside down. Shoulders hunching and trying to ignore the hysterical beat of her heart, she rummages through her hip bag for a moment before pulling out a packaged white tablet and a bottle of water. Reluctantly, she approaches the miserable new girl. Esther offers her the items with the air of someone who would much prefer to scuttle into a dark corner and never come out than actively choose to speak, but is too easily guilt-tripped to do so.
Carefully avoiding to breath through her nose, Astraea straightens before taking a handkerchief out of her pocket and wiping her mouth and lips. Once that is done, she accepts the bottle of water and medicine from the skittish girl with a grateful expression before taking a mouthful that she quickly spits in the trash to rinse her mouth, then another to swallow the tablet.
"Esther was it? You have my sincere thanks for your assistance." She says, giving the other girl a warm smile.
Turning, she fixes the Exeggutor with a small glare. "Apology accepted, although I would've preferred if it had not happened in the first place."
She clears her throat. "Pray forgive me for this unsightly display. My name is Astraea Arvelia. Well met." She says, falling back on her etiquette lessons to prevent shame from entering her tone as her eyes sweep through the room, taking in her fellow Seafarers and the man by the whiteboard.
Claudia nods at the tall girl with an approving smile.
"Umu! A great display of resilience!"
Esther gives Astraea a tiny nod, before scooting back to Claudia's side like a Paras under a rock. She refocuses her attention on the man at the front of the room, who hasn't said anything in the while they've been waiting.
Roger nods at Astraea's introduction, and turns to the large man at the desk. "Are we missing anyone Mr...?" he asks reaching for a name
Preston gives a smile.Glad to see you're doing better! Nice to meet you as well Astraea.
Preston also glances over to the man at the front of the room, curious.
Taking note of Astraea’s recovery as the last of the trainers teleported in, Malakai lifted his boots off the table, settling in a more upright position. ”Okay everyone, settle down and take a seat.” Reaching down under the desk, the giant of a man lifted a burlap sack as he released a pokemon. The newly released Flygon preened as Malakai handed the bag to it, scratching its head crest with his other hand. ”Zephyr here will be handing out your Pokedexs while I talk, there’s a label on the back with your name. Make sure you grab the correct dex as it’s linked to your trainer ID.
As the large man stood up, towering over even Zephyr, he began to talk. ”Welcome everyone to the introduction into the Seafarer program. I’m Malakai, and I will be your handler for the program. Please save all questions for the end.” Pausing, he glances out to ensure he has the kids' attention. ”Now as a member of the Seafarer program, you’re provided an initial fund of 2,000 Poke alongside a Pokedex and a starter for those of you who do not have familial starters.” His eyes jump to Leo and Roger, before moving onto Claudia. ”I assume you received your starter Miss Bianchelli, your father was quite insistent we allow you extra time to bond.” His smile tightens, ”Do not expect any further preference, the request was only granted due to your father’s service.”
Placing his fists on the desk, Malakai leaned forward. ”You’ll have enhanced access relative to trainers of your level to League facilities. In order to remain in the program, you will need to participate in the conference, assist with certain League missions that will be assigned later, and maintain a general moral character expected of League trainers.”
Reaching to his belt, the experienced trainer tossed a pokeball to Leo and another to Roger. ”There’s your starters, take good care of them. Now free to ask any questions.”
Claudia's eye flash in recognition, her father had told her that normally Theodora would have been given to her much later. Her respect for her pater only grew to further lenghts, knowing that he really did support her dream to be a trainer and build a legacy for herself.
It was a little sad she had rejected the Aron her village had offered her, but in her eyes she still wasn't ready for the steel type. She couldn't help but glance down at her pokeball belt and smile in satisfaction.
For now, Theodora the Torchic would be more than enough.
"Understood, praetor Malakai! I have no questions on my end, though I will say that is in an honor to learn under you, truly a respectable warrior of our beloved region."
Esther carefully takes her new Pokedex from Zephyr, sending the Flygon a small smile before powering it on and clicking through the setup prompts. It's been a while since she's seen one; she remembers her Cousin Anatolia having one, but it was ancient in comparison, nearly two decades old. She carefully slips it in her bag, into the deepest pocket for safekeeping. Quietly, she asks "What kind of League missions? And- the letter mentioned this program being created to help trainers... 'reach for the stars'. That's a bit vaguer than I'd expect of 'Seafarer', if they were given budget for a trio of starters to hand out. What's the actual goal? Why was the letter so light on details?" She bites her lip once she's finished speaking, worrying at it intently.
As she takes the Pokedex with her name labeled on it from the Flygon, Astraea raises a brow slightly at the blonde girl who had introduced herself as Claudia.
'Praetor'. I've only seen, never mind heard, that word in history books on ancient Hoenn. More specifically, about the Volumo Empire. And that name, Bianchelli... why does it ring a bell? Perhaps I can ask her about it later.
As she muses, Astraea takes the time to discretely examine the rest of her fellow Seafarers. A cursory glance doesn't reveal much. Preston seems eager and the other two boys are busy greeting their starters. Esther, however, looks like she'd rather be anywhere else but here and seems using Claudia as a shield. Perhaps she simply doesn't do well around unfamiliar people.
The redhead then turns her attention to Malakai "I do have a question, sir. Are we expected to become a taskforce of some kind or to act independently from one another? Also, you mentioned enhanced access to League facilities, may I ask you to elaborate on that, please?
As Leo release Mudkip, the small pokemon stretches, before sitting on it's haunches near his feet. At the boy's greeting the Mudkip makes a cheerful bloop noise, sounding oddly like an old video game before clambering up his pant legs and climbing to his shoulder. Once up there, the water started croaked as it observed the room, focusing on the large dragon delivering Pokedexes.
The girls’ questions prompted a toothy grin from Malakai, the man chuckling before giving the uncomfortably small chair a glance before sitting on the empty desk. Ignoring the concerning creak as his weight settled, the older trainer idly brushed his belt of seven pokeballs. "Glad to see some of you have a critical eye despite the allure of free goods. Let me walk through your questions in reverse order."
"You'll start out with access to higher priority healing at Pokemon Centers and may earn access to a variety of rare and useful evolutionary material such as Iron Coats and such. As you acquire more Gym Badges you’ll have an easier time navigating through League restricted environments such as Victory Road and perhaps even a personal teleporter. Speaking of, Trinity, Noir, Dally, get on your way. This isn’t your business.”
In the back corner of the room, the Gardevoir pushed off the wall he had been leaning against, brushing the dress-like material around his torso. No need to get heated bull. I’ll blow it. As Noir prepped to teleport, he snarked one last time. I’d watch out for the dormy doll’s little bindle punk, that one’s on the fast track to the hoosegow. Malakai just groaned, mumbling, ”Damn whoever showed him Dream Eater Alley.”
Noir was already gone by the time Trinity had stopped talking to themselves and stood up, the middle head optimistically asking, Think you can give us that reference of approval to get back to work? Malakai just nodded with a sigh, and the three headed mon leapt in joy. No more of the cheap stuff, we’re getting the good berries tonight ladies and gents. Trinity’s departure was not as silent as Noir, the small pop pulling the drawing Slowpoke, Dally, had been staring at from the wall. The water type slowly trailed the paper, before gazing quizzically at the giant perched on the desk. ”Yes Dally, that includes you. Get.” The Slowpoke slowly blinked three times before disappearing.
”Now that your rides are gone, let me continue.” Malakai held up a second finger. ”You are not a task force, and are free to organize however you see fit. There is safety in numbers, but also less opportunity.” He shrugged, unconcerned. ”Don’t die and I don’t care what you do as long as its not illegal. Speaking off, you'll find an SOS in your Pokedex's features. If you find yourself in grave danger, hit it.”
Rolling his neck to pop it, he continued. ”Given the recent relinquishment of the Champion’s Mantle by Steven Stone, the Ever Grande League has been restructuring, and some smaller requests have begun to slip through the cracks. You’ll be assigned these sorts of missions both as a test of your skills and as a method of repayment for the assistance rendered unto you.”
”Lastly, the goal.” Malakai, leaned forward, his face focusing on you all with an almost frightening intensity. ”Hoenn’s greatest trainers are getting old, and it won’t be long until they begin to retire from League duties. Champion Wallace, “ An odd pause follows the interim Champion’s name, ”believes it was better to proactively hunt for the replacements, and to try to get fresh blood into the League. Thus, the Seafarer program and the aim for the stars.” His idle hand waves and bored tone don’t match the fervent belief in his eye. ”So consider it a prolonged job interview.”
Esther blinks in bafflement at Noir's final comment and tilts her head to the side like a confused puppy, before mentally scratching out his words and moving on. She narrows her eyes slightly at Malakai's pause, but doesn't seem suspicious so much as contemplative. "Champion Wallace wants new Elite Four," she guesses, quiet enough to be barely audible to any but Claudia. "He wants to replace... Drake, Glacia maybe? That's why we're required to participate in the Conference. But why the name 'Seafarer'?"
"I see." Claudia smiles to herself, her empathic nature recognizing the subdued eagerness in the grown man's eyes. She glances around, attempting to gauge her fellow Seafarer's reactions, before her instrospection is cut off by the words of yet another rather tall boy, one whose tone displays fervent enthusiasm, and a certain charismatic gravitas, however...
Claudia's watchful eye recognizes his slighty naive enthusiasm. And whislt normally she would've found the prospect of meeting his challenge head on as the best avenue possible, she remembered how many generals in the past were better off excecuting a fair degree of patience.
Thus, the Voluman girl subtly raises her left hand and fakely coughs into it, attempting to draw the attention of the boy.
"Whilst I find your excitedness to be rather endearing, I do believe there is a time and a place for everything. Unless praetor Malakai deems this to be a time for testing ourselves." She looked around the classroom, a scenario clearly unfit for a battle, with an amused look."Perhaps we should wait for some better time, yes?"
20 or higher Wisdom (Perception) check to reveal.
After adressing the boy, Claudia finds her listening to her friend's musings regarding the praetor. She takes a couple of seconds, thinking Esther's words over.
The normally boisterous girl leans into her friend's ear."By picking six young prospects, perhaps Caesar Wallace does intend for one of us to pick the up mantle." She could honestly see it.
Legatus Drake, for all of his might and admirable power, was visibly aging. His once lush and thick beard now only a frail and snow white mustache, his loyal team now more easily tired after extended confrontations. She admired Drake as any other Hoennian, especially after her father would shower her with stories of the senior gentleman during his prime.
"Regarding the name chosen... I assume it may be an allusion to our duty to explore Hoenn far and wide? Get acquainted with its sights and people, especially if we are to take the mantle of a Legate." Esther knew this was the way Claudia refered to the Elite 4.
Giving a lopsided smirk, Malakai waggles a sausage like finger before placing a hand on his Pokebelt. "I don't mind you all holding a mock battle, but if you trash the rental I'll let Geist have his way with you, and I promise you won't enjoy that." Implied threat hanging in the air, he jerks a thumb to the backside of the building. "If you can't wait until you get out of city limits, they have a small combat field out back."
Astraea bares her teeth in what others would mistake as a smile at the words of the tall boy with the Mudkip. "To not answer such a challenge would be insulting. Yet Claudia's words ring true. As soon as we're done here, I'll gladly take you on."
Yet even as she answers the challenge in kind, the redhead finds herself contemplating Malakai's words. While there was no mistaking the dedication of the man, that pause when he mentionned Champion Wallace was telling. Sounds like there's trouble in paradise.
From the corner of her eye, she catches Esther muttering something and Claudia whispering a reply but is unable to make out the words. Her Hoennian is good, but not good enough to understand without clear pronunciation. Do they know something the rest of us do not? More questions to ask later, I suppose.
Grabbing his pokedex and catching the pokeball that contains his new pokemon from the frankly spectacular looking Flygon and the musculuar man... no Malakai, he quickly lets his new friend out of its pokeball and is pleasantly surprised by the sight of a Treecko.
"Hey there little buddy" he says while extending a hand to the small gecko, "Wanna be partners?"
With an exuberant chirp, Treecko climbs up Roger's hand, and arm, all the way up to his shoulder before claiming a seat on said shoulder. Roger chuckles at the energetic little thing and says "I take that as a yes then, if you want a nickname we can discuss later ok?. Now I'm going to scan you with this device here, it should tell me all about you alright?"
"Malakai, how exactly do we use a pokedex? I personally have never used one, I've only seen Mom's and she was pretty protective of it"
Preston excitedly receives his Pokedex and begins pouring over learning the interface and pulls out Spike to scan him and tell him about all that he's read about pokedexes. Spike listens intently at first, excited for their new adventure.
Preston is too preoccupied with the pokedex and explaining all its features to Spike to pick up what Claudia whispered to her compatriot.
Preston thinks to himself Do they know something I don't?.
As Malakai explains the Seafarer program, and then the expanded access to league services, Preston's ears perk up.
"Question Malakai: do these expanded services include... fossil revivification services?". Preston is hoping he can snag an avenue to quickly revive any fossils he happens to come across on his adventure.