"You also say you are our handler for this program, what exactly does that entail?" Roger asks while giving his shoulder Treecko chin scritches, smiling at the contented chirps it makes at the attention.
While Preston speaks with Malakai, Spike picks up on the conversation of battle and starts to eagerly nudge Preston.
"What is it bud? Oh... you already wanna get fighting? You know as well as I that a mudkip is going to have the type advantage."
Spike huffs triumphantly, not letting a water type scare him from a challenge.
"Well then if you're good I am too. We will need to get much stronger, especially if we'll be helping with league duties and possibly more. I know Steven used the power hidden in fossils to be the champion in the past, let's show Hoenn what we can do!"
Preston steels himself, a confident grin washing over his face. He turns to his compatriots that are fired up for battle.
"Challenge accepted! I hope you're ready for an ass-kicking a million years in the making"
Preston responds "Nice to meet ya Lionel, I'm Preston"
Preston looks towards Malakai "I'd like to continue my inquiry with you once this battle is finished"
Preston motions towards the door to the battle ground. "Shall we?"
Spike roars in excitement.
Preston and Spike take their places.
His first battle. The battlefield feels strange, new. Excitement wells up inside him, ready to show the world he is meant to be a trainer. Ready to show them his bond with Spike.
"Best of luck Lionel. Now let's do this Spike!"
Spike roars in excitement and stamps its feet
Quick on the draw, Preston points out towards the opposing mudkip and shouts
"Now Spike, let's get 'em with a Headbutt"
Spike rears back and charges forward
However Spike has never fought in an official battle before, and doesn't move fast enough, giving the opponent the time necessary to dodge out of the way.
"It's alright boy, just keep at it"
Spike recoils from the supereffective hit, stumbling a bit before catching himself
"Alright Spike, go in for another headbutt!"
Spike is still a bit dizzy from the water gun and misses his headbutt again.
Spike looks upset and missing twice in a row.
Preston notices and cheers him on:
"You'll get him next time bud I know it, you'll hit hard!"
Spike recoils from the hit, very much hating these torrents of water coming from Akhlut.
Preston is worried he won't get a single hit in before this battle is over. He knew water was good, and Spike was ready, but obviously they've got a lot of training to do.
"Alright spike, this is the one, get him with a big headbutt! Really focus on this one bud!"
Spike swings his large spiked head right down onto the mudkip that keeps blasting him.
AH see you did it Spike! Amazing hit bud
Preston feels proud his boy finally got a hit in for their first fight
Spike seems relieved the water gun barely missed him, avoiding having to endure another blast.
"Alright Spike keep it up, let's try to finish this with one last strong headbutt! Let's make Dad proud"
Cranidos swings its spiky skull again, summoning all its strength, wanting to do Preston proud in their first real fight, and connects a devastating uppercut onto the disoriented Akhlut. Spike's rock hard skull and spiky head bash into Akhlut like a truck and knocks him off his feet as he stumbles and collapses from the damage.
"WOOOO Spike that was AMAZING good job buddy. I knew you had it in you. Thank you for your hard work."
Spike trumpets proudly and runs to give Preston a big hug to celebrate their win. Preston crouches down to embrace his partner.
Preston thinks to himself Hey Dad, see that one? I think Spike and I have what it takes. I miss you a lot.
After a celebratory moment Preston walks over to Lionel and puts out his hand for a handshake.
"That was a close fight. You and Akhlut just met and I can already tell you'll make a great team. You really had me worried with those water guns!
He looks over at Akhlut and gives a nod of approval to the little mudkip
Preston grins back
"You bet there will be another!"
Preston chats with Lionel on the way back to the classroom about their fantastic first battle.
He hopes the two of them can sit down and analyze ways to improve once they have some free time.
Preston is too amped up from the battle with Lionel to notice anything strange
Watching the two boys make their way to the battlefield, Astraea finds herself torn between following to watch and staying behind to question Malakai discretely.
After a moment of indecision, she shakes her head and follows the others outside. I did not leave to deal with the politics of another region. In the end, it doesn't really matter who created this program.
The battle turns out to be short, but nonetheless intense. The Mudkip proves his mettle by nimbly evading the Cranidos' opening charge and retaliating with a Water Gun. What follows is a dance between the two as the Cranidos attempts to headbutt his target while the Mudkip continues to evade and shoot Water Guns at him.
Until, with a wild toss of his head, the Cranidos finally manages to hit the Mudkip. It's enough to destabilize the water type and make him miss his next attack, allowing his opponent to hit him with the full force of his next Headbutt and ending the fight.
Astraea grins as she applauds both trainers. "A great showing from both of you! I can see why you were selected to be Seafarers." She gestures them inside. "But let us get back on track, hm? Doubtless there is still more Malakai has yet to tell us."
Watching as Preston and Leo make for the training field, Malakai gives a wistful shake of his head. "Nothing quite like those first months of training where progress comes fast and plentiful."
Focusing on the matter at hand, the large man begins to walk the remaining Seafarers through usage of the PokeDex. "The green button on the cover can be pressed to engage the Dex's scan function. From my limited usage, the circle functions as a scroll wheel or selector, and the two small buttons are your back and accept." Giving Zephyr a well meaning pat as the dragon circles back with the empty bag, he continues. "It should have a fairly comprehensive list of Pokemon found in the National League. It's a bit spottier for Kalosian and Unovaon Pokemon, though I have heard rumblings of patches to include them and some fringe regions aside." Glancing at Roger, the tattooed trainer's eyes take a inquisitive bent. "She was right to be protective. These are rare and expensive pieces of tech that greatly aid trainers, and are uncommon outside of those chosen by Professors. Odd for one to end up at a farm."
Interrupted from further questioning as the more battle hungry trainers return, the older trainer peers out into the yard. "Glad to see no limbs lost or need for Zephyr to repair the field." Malakai then addresses Preston's question from before he left the room. "While unlikely, revivification is among the services being offered. I'm sure you're aware of the time required however, and that cannot be fast tracked."
Lifting himself off the desk at Roger's last question, Malakai rises to his full height, even taller than the Flygon beside him. The more jovial attitude washes off him like water off a Psyduck's back, revealing a trainer who faced the best of a region and found the competition wanting. "Simple. All reports you make go to me. All of your missions will be assigned by me. Any mistakes you make reflect on me." Straightening his head, Malakai stares down at you with a face of granite, bulky and blackened arms tucked behind him in a parade rest. "I don't intend to disappoint the Champion."
Stepping forward, he deposits two small disks in the standard Hoenn orange cases on the children's table. "Your first assignment is delivery of these disks to Professor Birch. They contain data on some strange Pokemon migrations patterns we'd like investigated." Walking away, Malakai began to gather his detritus and belongings. "If there are no other questions, I'd recommend stopping by the Pokemart. They have a cache of Pokeballs and trainer belts set aside for you. Just flash your PokeDexes and they should turn them over to you."
Esther, with the ease of long practice, viciously scrubs her internal Edel's cursed ideas from her mind as she listens to Malakai speak, hiding any pinkness in her cheeks by staring at her new Dex. By the time he finishes, she's slightly more capable of meeting his eyes again. She reaches out and picks up the disks, holding them like a particularly bitey Zigzagoon. "...Thank you for your explanation, sir. Is there a non-emergency way to contact you?"
At the sensible question, Malakai blinks. "Damn it, I knew I forgot something." Rummaging through the sack, his giant hand pulled free to reveal two particular sturdy PokeNav that resembled cheap toys in his oversized hand. Giving them an overhand toss over his shoulder, he stood up. "Those PokeNav's are modified for extra durability and less features for ACE teams in the field. My contact information should be in there, and I can also be contacted through the directory at the videocall terminals in a Pokemon Center if you scan your Dex. If I can't get reach of you via the Nav I'll leave a message with the local league or gym forces."
Considering the claw grip Esther still has on the disks, it's a little surprising she manages to catch one of the PokeNavs in time. She nods in thanks, and puts the three items in the depths of her bag. Returning to Claudia's side, she cautiously takes out Edel's Pokeball again and sends her out. The little Ralts materializes with a glare, and Esther visibly winces. Next time that bastard shows up, let me at him or I'll soak your hair in Solosis goo in the middle of the night. Despite her evident anger, Edel still retakes her usual position on Esther's shoulder.
Astraea gives Malakai a serious nod as Esther picks up the disks and one of the PokeNavs. "Consider the job done, sir. And thank you; for this opportunity. On my honor, I swear I shall do my utmost to not disappoint." She says, resisting the urge to bow. The man has a presence to him that demands respect.
She looks at the other Seafarers. "Well then, shall we head out for the Pokemart? I think a side stop to the Pokemon Center might also be in order for Preston and Lionel's Pokemon."
Astraea blinks at Lionel's rather abrupt departure, the boy no doubt making a beeline for the Pokemon Center. "He certainly does not waste time, I'll give him that." She says, looking at the others with an amused smile. "Shall we, then?"
Roger scans his newly gifted shoulder buddy and makes a puzzled look after doing a little more research on the pokedex. "Well arent you a special one, little buddy?" and looks up to see one of his fellow new trainers sprint out. "That one sure is energetic huh" and acknowledges the remaining people in the room. "To the center first as a group then?" He says while stuffing the pokedex into his front jeans pocket. "Esther was it? Do you want some help carrying all that? Or at the least someone to hold onto some of it while you get yourself situated?" He asks genuinely
Preston responds to Malakai's statement about the fossils "Oh of course, I'm just glad to hear its accessible, thank you sir. I'll do my best to reflect well on you sir."
Well, Lionel certainly is determined, but Spike needs to be healed too.
"Wait up I'm coming Lionel!"
Preston pivots to the others and says "Anyone coming with? It'd be great to get to know you all a bit during this mission"
And with that Preston starts to head for the door.
What makes her look like she needs help, is it the general aura of looking like a startled Starly? Because I'm afraid that's just what she looks like perpetually.
Esther pushes down on Edel's horns in half-hearted reprimand, before shaking her head. "No, thank you but the disks aren't heavy. They're fine in my bag. Unless you just want to carry them yourself? I don't mind either way." On the subject of where to go next, her eyes flick to Claudia, clearly taking her cues from her.
As Preston nears the door he looks back and grins at the rest
He says:
"Last call, anyone joining Lionel and I to the Pokemon center? It'd be great to travel together but Spike and Akhlut definitely need to get healed up before we hit the road."
"Astrea you seem ready to go? Also Esthers got both disks so we should probably stick together and ensure they get delivered safely, or divy them up so we don't put all our eggs in one basket"
Preston looks at the group with a mixture of excitement and expectation
Claudia's gaze remained upon the three trainers who decided to have a fight until they could be seen no longer. She licked her lips a bit, trying to regain the moisture they'd lost due to her excitement. Part of her wished to witness the battle with her own two eyes, but she remained firm in her belief that the time would come. She was in no rush, ultimately.
Her ears once again perked up in attention as the Praetor continued speaking. She glanced down at the electronic device, fidgeting with the artifact as Malakai offered his explanation. Claudia's brows furrowed slightly.
Why in Augustus' name are these devices so difficult to operate?!
It was obvious to all, if her worried expression and clumsy fingers were any evidence, that the girl was clueless when it came to this type of technology. Esther in particular might remember the one time Claudia managed to brick their classroom's projector simply by holding the remote for over two minutes.
In her flustered state, her brain did not even register the three rookie trainers returning. For the time being, she made the executive decision to to stop trying to operate the Pokedex, instead refocusing on Malakai like a small growlithe looking at a treat.
Upon receiving their first assignment, Claudia was the first to heartedly nod. "Worry not, Praetor! For we shall deliver these round objects in a swift and efficient manner." As usual, her posture tensed up when referring to Malakai directly.
Her gaze meets Esther's. Her lips curl upwards as she places a hand under her chin.
"I believe Lionel stated his intentions to head to route 104.". Claudia pulls out a paper map from her backpack, her brows forrowing in focus as she read. Her amber eyes following a certain trail and her head nodding in understandment as she puts the map away.
"Since he is going the opposite direction we are and our companions are unhurt, I do not see a reason to accompany them to the Pokemon Center. We should focus on the mission at hand and head for route 102 instead, after a brief detour to pick the items the Praetor mentioned of course." Claudia adjusted her backpack.
"Do you find that agreeable?" She looked up at her friend. Flashing her a small smile.
Hearing his native tongue from a mainlander draws an raise eyebrow from Malakai, who begins to form a question before a harsh buzzing emanates from his belt. Glancing down, he pulls out a similar looking device to the PokeNav, reading the message before his face turns grim. "Something's come up. Please use the PokeNav for further questions."
Striding out of the building with Zephyr in tow, he exits on the opposite side of Preston and Leo exit for the Pokemon Center. As the door closes, you catch a flash of a poke ball releasing, and some hurried words from Malakai too indistinct to determine through the door.
Claudia blinks in surprise. She knows it is slightly disrespectul to do, but she tries perking up her ears to try and make out his hurried words.
The sun is high overhead, the day still young and the small city, while not bustling, is nonetheless filled with commotion and movement as people and pokemon alike wander about. A few of the pedestrians give you a curious look, though that seems to be more tied to your age rather than any other characteristics. A glance at the building shows a sign proudly reading, , as a smaller sign states
Esther pats Claudia's arm as she stops fiddling with her Dex, giving her a small, reassuring smile and a wordless promise to help later with it. As she pulls out the map and goes over the travel plans, though, Esther starts looking more anxious and fidgety by the second, just at the prospect of going out into the world.
With a deep inhale, she gives her friend the most confident nod she can at the moment, and wipes her sweaty palms on her shorts. "...okay. I'm ready when you are." She sends an awkward look to Preston and Roger for their rebuffed request, but makes no move from leaving Claudia's side.
Esther bows politely to Malakai as he leaves, and hesitantly heads out into the sun of Hoenn. She cringes slightly at the looks they're getting, and once again attempts to hide behind her friend. Edel lets out her own warcry from her shoulder (that's really more of a squeak) of excitement. Time to finally get this show on the road!
Pulling out her newly acquired PokeNav, Esther quickly pokes through the menus. Squinting in the harsh sun, she pulls up a route to the Pokemart and offers it to Claudia.
Preston, naturally curious, tried to pick up on what Malakai was doing as they left.
Unfortunately Preston is a bit too far away to make out anything concrete.
Preston follows Lionel outside. The beautiful Hoenn sky opens up before him, the fresh air and bright sun hitting him in the best way.
"The adventure's already started, let's set off on the right foot!"
Preston catches up to Lionel and begins to pour over pokedex entries while they chat.
"Pokemon center first stop?"
Claudia looks at Esther like a spinda caught near the cookie jar after her silent promise. She quietly thanks her friend. The girl mentally makes a note to share what the praetor said later with her, simply because there are more important things to worry about right now.
As they step out, the Voluman meets the people's confused gazes with a confident smile, perhaps confusing them further. She looks at the other Seafarers, or at least at those who are still around, her chest puffs up as the humid air she is so accustomed to enters her lungs.
"My Seafarers, my countrymen, my Volumans! Take pride in yourselves for with this initial step a life full of glory begins, I do not know when, but I am certain our paths are to cross again! My dearest friend Esther and I will take heed to Praetor Malakai's mission and hurry towards Littleroot town. If you wish to follow us or catch up feel free!"
She grabs the Pokenav backwards, shaking in it in her hand at them to emphazise the direction they're heading to. "We will make a brief stop at the Poke Mart, I wish your companions a swift recovery in the Pokemon Center..
With that, she waits a couple of seconds for answers and proceeds to confidently strut towards the direction the currently flipped Pokenav guides them to.
Preston enters the Pokemon center with Lionel, greeting Nurse Joy as they enter. He waits for Lionel to finish speaking and then says
"Hi! Here's my Pokedex as well for verification. How are you?"
Preston hands over the Pokeball containing Spike during this conversation, hoping they can get him patched up quick.
"See you soon bud, they'll get you patched up real quick"
As Astraea steps out of the building, the first thing she does is release Titania. The fire type materializes with a flash of light, shaking herself slightly before giving her trainer a curious look.
The young woman nods with a smile, which is visibly enough to answer the Pokemon's wordless question as she starts pawing excitedly at the ground.
Watching as Claudia makes her grand declaration, which draws another smile from her (the Seafarers aren't lacking in enthusiasm that's for certain), Astraea is quick to fall in stride with the blonde and Esther as the two start walking away.
"Then I will join you, if you don't mind my presence. Besides, I have some questions for you, Claudia." She turns to Esther, giving the ginger girl a gentle smile. "Hello again, Esther. And who's this?" She asks, looking at the Ralts on her shoulder. "Oh, and feel free to load your bags onto Titania if you're getting tired. It's good endurance training for her." She adds, patting the Ponyta's flank, who snorts in agreement.
Roger watches Preston go off after Leo and follows after the girls, as Treecko should be alright and the girls have the disks to deliver to professor. Deep in thought about what he was just charged with and planning out what supplies he'll need to obtain.
Raising his voice up to conversational level he asks "So pokemart alone first or to be thrifty should we shop around at local family owned stores? Like a farmers market for type specific food and such?"
Finally noticing the Ponyta "Oh arent you a gorgeous Ponyta? Astraea was it? You take very good care of her"
We do mind your presence, Edel snaps rudely, tilting her head up to peer at Astraea. What do you want?
Esther winces so heavily as to look actually painful. "...this is Edelweiss. I'm sorry about her-"
Don't apologize for me, I'm perfectly capable of telling her to f@&* off and meaning it! You don't have to be nice to people because you got assigned to the same kiddie club by the Hoenn League. Stop being a doormat for anybody who comes up and smiles at you once. Just because we're traveling to Littleroot to drop off Sir Roid Rage's Great Galarian Bake Off back episodes with her doesn't mean she's worth talking to.
The only expression visible in Esther's entire body is incredible emotional discomfort as Edel sharply jabs her in the shoulder.
Roger hears the voice of the ralts, and raises an eyebrow. "Spirited little one you have there. How long have you and ....Edelweiss been partners?"
Astraea raises an eyebrow at the telepathic tirade coming from the small psychic type, unimpressed. She's heard worse from petty noble girls seeking to make her lose her composure before.
"And what gives you the right to judge if people are worth talking to or not?" She asks cooly. "You know nothing of me or my intentions. And while I can respect someone who speaks their mind (pun unintended) without restraint, not everyone does. I wonder, what do you expect will happen if your words get your trainer into trouble you're not able to handle?"
She chuckles. "Your dislike of me is noted, as is your... apparent disdain for your partner, Edelweiss. For one bearing such a name, I see little that is noble about you so far."
Her eyes turn to Esther, softening at the girl's body language. "And Esther, please do not apologize. I do not blame you for her attitude and neither should you."