And so, the story begins {Open}

[NoActualName]

How long has it been... since I've last seen that smile of hers...?[/color] Hazy memories of a faceless girl were all that he had left, even her name seemed so distant to him now. It only showed that with time, even what he deemed most important loses itself to the sands of time. Though, he swore that her kindness shall forever remain with him, unchanged. All of a sudden, a loud booming voice had broken him out of his trance, announcing that the ferry that he was on, arrived to the Caligo region. His reason for being there was simple, she was here. Somewhere, in this vast region of Caligo, she awaits. Now, he won't ever stop running toward her. Never again, will he let go of that hand of hers. With haste, he moved along with the crowd of tourists off of the ferry, making his way toward the town of Lacewing. ... Where? Where could she be...? How will I find her?[/color] Finding a single person in this vast region would prove to be difficult, perhaps even impossible; even more so with how his memory of her fades little by little with every passing day.

He had to come up with a way, a way to aid him in his search of his very own princess. His body continued to move forward, simply going along with the wave of tourists; whist his mind pecked away at plausible ideas. Something big... appearing on television would ensure that I'd be recognized... but doing what...?[/color] It was there and then did he remember a glimpse of his past with her, remembering how she loved Pokémon. The answer was clear. He would become... a Pokémon trainer. Beat all the gym leaders, go up against the elite four, and win against the champion. Popularity would ensure that everyone's talking about him. Television would show his face, so that perhaps she would recognize him. And along his long and perilous journey, he might bump into her. With a goal in these unknown lands of Caligo, he set out to find the pokelab where he would obtain his very own Pokémon.

Shortly after, he had entered the quaint town of Lacewing; only then did he realize how uncomfortably hot it was. Even for someone such as himself, he never liked such a level of heat. Sighing once, he then walked on attempting to find the lab. Which was easy enough, all he did was walk to the center of the town and there it was, a laboratory. He entered through the door, hoping that the place had some air conditioning at the least; the heat would be worst inside than on the outside otherwise. He looked around the lab, not exactly sure of where the head researcher is. Where are the Pokémon kept...?[/color] He questioned, attempting to find where the pokeballs were located... wanting to take one and be on his way. He was confident if he got caught, he could easily outrun them. Or at least lie right to their face. With that, he moved about the lab. Attempting to find those poke-balls, and not getting caught by any of the researchers of the lab.

[Cai]

A boy entered the lab, and Laurel was aware of him from the moment he heard the faint swoosh of the automatic door. He glanced up from the pile of documents he was sorting through, partially hidden by a machine which emitted a grinding whir every now and then. For a moment, Laurel didn't move, watching the boy carefully. He was a good judge of character, and he liked to observe people before they knew they were being observed. It showed their true colours, because they hadn't had time to put on a different face.

This boy was small, very small, and at first Laurel mistook him for a young child, but the face said otherwise. Otherwise disregarding the physical characteristics of the strangely built youngster, Laurel sat back on his heels and watched for a moment. He was strolling into this laboratory, not saying a word, not even letting him or his researchers know of his presence before wandering straight into the expensive machinery and apparatus kept within. Well, Laurel automatically felt uneasy. Most people let out a cheerful greeting, or at least a tentative "hello" before they marched into his lab. Most youngsters were keen, bright, happy and excited at this moment. Yet this one didn't look any of those things. He looked shifty, searching, a pinched expression on his face as he darted his eyes about Laurel's lab. Looking for something.

Laurel sighed deeply. Was this a petty thief? Surveying the apparatus for valuables? Well, this was the precise reason he kept his starter Pokémon under strict security. Laurel didn't discriminate, and he knew nothing concrete about this boy, which was why he made himself approach calmly and jovially.

"Well, hello young man," he said clearly, striding forwards with hands tucked into his lab coat pockets. "And what might you be after from my laboratory, hmm? Because I assure you, the only valuable machinery I have here would be much too weighty to shove in a pocket and run off with." He kept a close eye on the boy, but smiled benignly. And somewhere in the lab, his Tropius poked his nose in the window, a second pair of watchful eyes fixed on the boy in question.

[stars and moons]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=align,center][CS=2] ♠You can't read my poker face♠

The ferry hit the dock with a slight thud, and Spade looked up with her dark red eyes to see the new region that she was going to travel through. The town she arrived at was Lacewing Town, according to what the captain of the ship had told her, and it was where many new trainers would start their journeys. The professor here was said to be friendly to all new trainers, and out to help anyone. As Spade boarded off the ship, she took one last look out back at the wide, open seas that separated her and her family. With an inaudible sigh, she turned her back to the ocean, the first sign of her new independence. Now that she was alone in a new region, her safety would be in her hands. She didn't have parents to help her anymore, so every decision she made would be entirely her fault. The place was quite hot, even though it was near the ocean, and she was unused to it, since she came from Sinnoh. The mountains caused the temperature to be a little cooler. Walking into town, she noticed it was quite small, and quiet. She liked that, even though the hot weather made things uncomfortable. The lab was not far in the distance, and Spade began walking towards there. She idly wondered if any other trainers were in the lab, though she would like it if was just her and the Professor. Though, she guess she wouldn't mind a small group, but if the lab was absolutely crowded, Spade would wait until some other day. She didn't like crowds, and finding a huge group of people made her a little nervous. All those people were there to get a Pok?mon, and were itching to go off on their journeys. Some would be impatient, and then she'd feel rushed and not get to pick the right partner for her. Since she didn't want to be stuck with some Pok?mon she couldn't get along with. Spade's train of thought had overcome her other senses, so she lost track of what was actually going on around her. She had the general sense that there were obstacles and the occasional groups of people, but not much else. The girl didn't even notice the change in temperature when she walked into the lab. She didn't see the boy that was already there, nor the man that had appeared. It didn't even register to her that the older man might be the Professor, and that he was speaking. She kept walking...and was shaken out of her trance when she bumped into the back of the boy. "Hmm..? Oh! Excuse me! Sorry, I didn't see you there."Seeing the man, she figured he was the Professor and he was busy with the boy there now. Beginning to back up, she decided she'd wait outside until the Professor was done. It was the polite thing to do.

TAGS:nameless, cai NOTES:Well, nameless, you said I should go with you to the lab, so here I am with Spade!

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[NoActualName]

Kiryuu kept on walking about the laboratory as silently as he could, not keen on attracting the attention of any of the researchers of the facility. Looking for where Pok?mon were kept, but to no avail did he find them. Shortly after he noted that he would not find them via such means, he decided to look for a map of the place, and then decide from there where he would go next; the thought of asking a researcher came, though he dismayed it. It was then did he hear the mature voice of an adult coming from behind, he instantly froze up; stopping dead in his tracks. Though he shortly relaxed his body afterwards, since he believed that he had done nothing wrong... besides walking around unannounced. He kept on thinking of lies that he could spout should the researcher before him start asking questions. He turned around to face the man, wearing his usual mask of a fake smile; one he often wore in any uncomfortable situation. The man greeted him, then let out how he didn't have anything of value to steal. Kiryuu worked out that the man had been watching his suspicious behaviour, thinking that he was gonna steal; whilst it may be true, a machine was not something he was looking for.

Now that he was finally caught, by whom he suspected to be the professor of the lab, he had to spout up lies in order to seem less suspicious. "Then it in that case, it appears as if I require larger pockets." Kiryuu had then proceeded to laugh off of his comment, attempting to create a fun atmosphere for the both of them, though shortly afterwards stopped to explain himself; with lies of course. "But all joking aside, I was merely looking for the professor. But, I... became curious to the pieces of machinery found in this laboratory. I've always been interested in such things, but I assure you... despite that, I wasn't planning on stealing any of these fine pieces of technology. As you might expected of any youngster that comes to the lab, I myself, am looking for a Pok?mon to call my own~"[/color] Kiryuu had been about to say more, though... it appeared as if someone bumped into him from behind. And since he was leaning forward whilst he was trying to explain himself to the professor... he fell to the ground. He moved his hands to protect his face from the floor tiles, and a crack resounded throughout the area.

A burning sensation overwhelmed his wrist on his left hand, the pain being pushed back by his rage against the one whom bumped into him like an idiot. This is why I hate children... damn 10-year olds... always running about so absent-mindedly. Lucky for him that the professor's right there, otherwise he'd experience something similar as I am...[/color] He had then visualized breaking the bones of a small child, his mad wide eyes reflecting his part sadistic and part psychotic fantasies. His teeth clenched, he abruptness jerked his head to see the cause of all of this. He was taken-back, his face revealed a rare puzzled look on the individual. It was a woman. And obviously much older then the mere child he envisioned. Kiryuu had then grinned to himself, whilst she apologized for how she absent-mindedly walked about. "That's alright, an honest mistake for someone such as yourself." He had undoubtedly had given a hint of how he expected that of a woman, he would've cracked a joke about how she mustn't be used to being out of the kitchen; though prevented himself in doing so because of the professor behind him. So he just smiled to himself, enjoying the joke to only himself. He had gotten off of the floor, if any of the two would offer help in him getting up, he would reject their offer. He then proceeded to soothe the dull pain in his left wrist, glad that it wasn't actually broken, just simply bruised and slightly swollen.

[Cai]

Professor Laurel looked up, bemused, at the sight of another youngster wandering into the lab, so absorbed in whatever it was she was thinking about that she colllided hard with the boy who was already there, sending him to the floor. Laurel jumped back, raising his eyebrows, and winced at the hard thump of the boy's arm making contact with his linoleum floor. Oh dear.

"Are you all right, young man?" he asked pleasantly, watching as he got to his feet. The boy spoke in a manner which was somewhat at odds with his age, and his words were somehow laced with a coldness that Laurel instinctively balked at. He spoke smoothly, cleanly, spinning his story without a moment's hesitation, and Laurel shrugged off his initial distrust of him. Though he was not in the habit of giving trainers he did not trust any of his Pokémon, whom he regarded with much affection, he was also not inclined to discriminate based on mere suspicions. This boy was a trainer too, asking him for a Pokémon in the same way hundreds of others had done in the past.

The girl, embarrassed, perhaps, at her rather ungraceful entrance, attempted to back out of the lab. Laurel called after her cheerfully. "No, no, young miss, stay where you are. I presume you've come for a Pokémon too? I don't see why I can't help the both of you out. Wait here with this young gentleman and I shall see what can be done." It wouldn't hurt to have someone waiting here with the boy, anyway, Laurel thought, one eyebrow raised as he turned and carefully unlocked his storeroom. He examined the shelves, pondering, and thought of the boy's pallour and pinched face. And the girl, slightly awkward, not a dainty little thing... Laurel picked out Pokéballs from his plentiful shelves one by one, weighing up the creatures held within as he tried to place the best Pokémon he could with these two children.

Eventually, he held three Pokéballs in each palm and nodded, leaving and locking up the storeroom once again as he reapproached the girl and boy.

"Well. For you, young man, I have three choices. You shall have Yamask, Pawniard or Gastly."

KIRYUU IS OFFERED ONE OF:
"] "] "]

"And you, young lady, also have three options. I have Houndour, Vulpix or Murkrow for you."

SPADE IS OFFERED ONE OF:
"] "] "]

[stars and moons]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=align,center][CS=2] ♠You can't read my poker face♠

It was a shock to find that her silly mistake had made the boy fall so hard onto the ground. She had to wince slightly at the sharp smack that echoed when he hit the floor. He seemed to be fine, so Spade didn't bother to help him up from the ground, and any desire to help dissipated when she heard his comment to her apology. "That's alright, an honest mistake for someone such as yourself." What was that supposed to mean? Someone like myself? Wait.....

[/color] The underlying meaning of what that boy said was picked out by Spade, and she guessed he meant that it was expected of all women to be lost in thought....it was either that or her clumsiness. Spade guessed it was the first option, seeing the slight smirk on the boy's face, and she felt a spark of irritation.
"No, no, young miss, stay where you are. I presume you've come for a Pokémon too? I don't see why I can't help the both of you out. Wait here with this young gentleman and I shall see what can be done." With a small smile and a nod, she stayed where she was, though it was slightly uncomfortable being with the rude boy. Spade had to make do with the situation, since not every person she will meet in the world would be polite and kind. However, if the boy did anything else he'd probably find himself on the floor again with an aching--
Spade took a breath to calm herself. Her temper was acting up, and since the boy did not actually say anything to her face, she found it silly to get worked up over something that hopefully would not happen. The Professor was a good man, she could see, and she didn't want to cause him any trouble. The man had gone into his storeroom to get the Pok?mon, with a last strange, almost suspicious, look to the boy in the lab with Spade. Had he done something wrong? she wondered. With a shrug, she guessed nothing was wrong and awaited for the Professor to come back out of the storage room. He was taking a while, and she thought she could hear him mumbling to himself, but she could have been imagining it. The Professor then came out with three Pokeballs in his hands. The Pok?mon that Spade saw were a Houndour, Vulpix, and Murkrow. Each of them looked like great partners, and she had a tough time choosing which one would be her first. She remembered some of the advice her father gave to her on the Pok?mon, though the black dog was slightly unfamiliar to her. The Vulpix and Murkrow could be found in Sinnoh, but not that Houndour. Spade had come to Caligo to start a new adventure, so she should pick a Pok?mon that would remind her of that. Taking up the Pokeball that held Houndour, she said to the Professor, "Thank you, sir, I'll take Houndour." She looked fondly at the Pokeball that held her first Pok?mon, and felt the tingle of excitement that her start for an adventure would begin soon after leaving the lab.[/div][/td][td]

TAGS:nameless, cai
NOTES: xxx

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[NoActualName]

The concerns of the old man had ironically only bothered Kiryuu, he had never enjoyed it whenever people had done so; he himself could never truly understand the reason why. But nonetheless he had continued to wear that fake mask of his, smiling whilst he nodded that he was indeed fine. Though even if he had said so, he had continued to fidget with his left wrist, squeezing, releasing, twisting. As if it were some sort of charm in order to cease the pain, though of course as expected only worsened the condition; though he found some relief by doing so. He had continued this ritual of his even after he had stood up, which then he was left with the girl while the professor went to retrieve Pok?mon for the both of them. He had then turned to face the girl, keeping his eyes closed whilst he continued to smile as he had done so earlier. Once he was assured that the professor had left the vicinity, he suddenly stopped smiling and opened his eyes. He had tried to intimidate the girl via his violent way of glaring, though he was unsure whether it had any effect on the woman or not.

He disliked the woman before him, mainly because he didn't had the satisfaction of watching her apologize to him. He had always loved it whenever someone would beg for forgiveness, though it seemed as this time he wouldn't obtain such a display of humiliation. Though, being the child that he was... he wouldn't be able to let go of such a thing. In order to see her writhe in pain, whether that pain be psychological or physical, he shall attempt to keep close to the woman for it to happen. And when it does... oh how he will laugh. And just now, he had a rather interesting idea on how he would keep close to her; though whether it would work or not would depend if she would fall for his lies. First, he would find an excuse for his glaring. "Sorry for staring like that, there was a bug by the window. Scary things."[/color] A poor excuse, though it should be fine. Kiryuu had then proceeded to put on a new mask, one that seemed friendly on the exterior, though was filled with sinister intentions. Now then... will she fall it...?[/color]

As he finished his thoughts on whether she would for his lies, the professor had came back with Pok?mon; out of these, one shall become his tool. He awaited for the woman to pick hers first, ladies first as they say. Smiling while he watched her have trouble picking her own, a bit ticked off for how long she was taking. Why can't women make up their minds over such decisions... no wonder they take so long shopping. After a short while, she had finally picked the Houndour. A choice he himself would have taken, though he would have abandoned it as soon as he could for another. He then proceeded, and snatched the pokeball containing the Gastly with his right hand. "I'll be taking this Gastly off of your hands, professor."[/color] Smiling, he put the pokeball away at the pocket on the right of his jeans. Unlike the woman, he hardly looked at the pokeball containing his new partner. He had no need to love a creature, he only needed it to do as he demanded of it. He then looked toward the professor, and he had asked him a question concerning his goal. "Sir, would you be as kind as to tell me of any interesting information that you know of? Or of the closest gym to this town?[/color]

[Cai]

The Professor smiled gently at the girl, nodding as he passed her the Pokéball containing the Houndour. He pocketed the other two for later, and then turned to the boy, but before he could offer the Pokéball with the Gastly inside, the child snatched it straight out of his hand. Laurel watched him levelly, a coolness settling in in his gaze, and all the years of experience and knowledge the Professor had in his arsenal suddenly seemed to surface in his expression - one which spoke of deep disapproval.

"It is customary to wait to be handed a gift before one takes it, young man," he said steadily, withdrawing the other two Pokéballs and placing them inside the safety of his lab coat pockets. He waited a few moments after the boy had spoken befor replying, his voice pleasant, but his expression quite searching. "Interesting information? I will offer you some advice. I'm sure I don't need to express how important it is for a trainer to nurture a deep bond with his or her Pokémon partner. For they truly do not begin to flourish until a foundation of true understanding and encouragement is built. And a trainer who does not treat his Pokémon with respect will never conquer a trainer of equal standing who does." With slightly raised eyebrows, the Professor glanced between the two, then turned round.

"Now, these are your trainer starter equipment," he said, handing each youngster a small package. "A Pokédex and five Pokéballs to get you started. The Pokédex shall be a crucial recording tool as well as a source of information. Simply point and press at any new Pokémon you encounter, and it will tell you what you need to know." Laurel resettled his hat upon his head, letting out a faint sigh. "To answer your earlier question, the gym most young trainers prefer to head towards is located in Penumbra Town. A journey south of here."

He picked up a small stack of papers, nodding at the two. "Unless you have further queries, I believe you are both equipped to begin your journeys? I wish you all the best!" His cheerful, jovial tone was back, and he smiled an unreadable smile at both trainers before he busied himself with the documents, hmming slightly as he sifted through.