-- surviving in the suburbs.

[amrak ┅]

One, two, three, fo- "Bzzzz!" One, two, thr- "Bzz!"

  Rhythmically, Florence mentally counted the seconds until another small crackle of electricity erupted from the Elekid's two prong-like horns, who was walking to her right. The whole right side thing had taken a. . .few times to communicate, an inexperienced trainer coupled with an infant-like Pokemon almost comical to watch. She'd gesture at her desolate left socket, wave a hand in her blind spot, then place the baffled little creature on the correct side and exasperatedly run her fingers through her hair. Eventually, Alset seemed to catch on somewhat, or perhaps just accepted the girl's odd, unfamiliar motions. They'd just recently met on the bus here, after all. "A girlie like you'll need some extra protection out there." What a kind old man.

  Nevertheless, Florence was still headed to the laboratory to receive a second Pokemon, greatly due to the fact she'd already been on her way here and wasn't about to waste the effort nor bus fee. The duo rounded the block, revealing yet another pleasant freshly-paved street. So lush, so green compared to the stark grey of the city - Florence relished it. In fact, she didn't feel she'd ever wish to leave the wonderful little suburb, but unfortunately it offered too little toward her journey to warrant it. Furthermore, she wanted to be in a hotel in Featherwing by dusk and it was already high noon, the brilliant afternoon sun high in a clear summer sky.

  "Ele?" The electric-type suddenly hummed, passing his trainer up a curious look. She mimicked the look, then furrowed her brow in thought, mouth slightly agape. Taking a wild guess, she said, "I, uh, think we're almost there." Wasn't that what kids usually wanted? To know if you're there yet? Maybe it applied to Pokemon, too. Fortunately, the Elekid seemed satisfied and went back to blissfully skipping along, eliciting a tiny grin from the teenager. Already, she was beginning to enjoy her companion - she could only hope her relationship with her Starter would go just as well.

  True, they were indeed almost there, for Florence identified just up the road the same white building that'd been on all those fliers. Those same damn fliers that the Rangers seemed to make sure to plaster everywhere - Don't go unarmed in these dangerous times! Visit Hawthorne Lab! Therefore, it was time for Al to go back in his vessel; she didn't want to completely deflate her chances of getting another Pokemon. Briefly stopping, she plucked the ball from her hip bag and murmured, "As soon as we get outta here you can come out again." The Elekid went willingly, and Florence picked up her pace.

  Stumbling upon the lab's doorstep, Florence's fingers didn't hesitate to press the doorbell and alert whoever inside of her presence.

[Ava]

NEXIVUS LABORATORIES

Hawthorne was in the middle of a wonderful little nap when the doorbell rang—these afternoon naps didn’t happen very often for the professor as she was a very active lady, especially when it came to pokemon and her job! But for once the day had taken a bit of a toll on her, and she’d given in to a siesta. Unfortunately, it didn’t last very long. The doorbell startled the Professor awake. Sleepily raising her head from the desk, hand still wrapped around a cup of tea even in sleep, Hawthorne squinted at the door. Wuh…? Must be a trainer.

Groggily getting up from her desk, Hawthorne shuffled over to the door and opened it. ”Hello there,” she greeted amiably, if tiredly, to the female soon-to-be-trainer on the other side of the door. Her gaze briefly flickered over the empty eye socket the girl possessed, although her facial expression did not change. In her time as the owner of the most popular pokemon laboratory in Nexivus she’d seen some pretty bad deformities and was no longer so easily fazed. Taking a long, thirsty sip from the tea cup still clasped in one hand, Hawthorne threw the door open wider and ushered the girl in. ”I assume you’re here for a pokemon, sweetie? I’m Professor Hawthorne by the way, what would your name be?”

Inside, Hawthorne dutifully went to check on her tea pot in case the new guest was thirsty- and who wouldn’t be for tea?- and checked that the pokemon booklet was nearby. There! Ready, despite the lasting grogginess.

[amrak ┅]

  Although it was expected, Florence jolted slightly when the door opened, head snapping up with a soft hum. The woman before her looked curiously weary, the teenager noted, and a subtle pang of sympathy blossomed within her. "Hello, I'm Florence." she responded, pleasant tone complimenting the friendly curve to her lips. "And, uh, yes'sm, that's right. Gotta get myself a little buddy to help protect me out there." She quietly snorted and smiled, this time a little larger, and hastily accepted the invitation inside - she certainly didn't want to find out if the professor had an impatient streak.

  In the laboratory, the trainer briskly glanced about, gathering a strangely homey atmosphere, before her gaze followed Hawthorne to the teapot. Subconsciously, she tried swallowing against her dry throat - hydration hadn't been too great a priority on her adventure here. The lady was already graciously handing out Pokemon, would it really be absurd to request a cup of tea? "Well, yeah, I'd love'a Pokemon," Florence began, thoughtfully running her fingers through her bangs and putting her thirst aside, "but I admittedly don't really know what kinds you have here. I never really, er, got a list." An apologetic look was given, which turned hopeful that the professor most likely had such a thing.

  Conversational skills momentarily failing her, Florence reverted to toying with the little pocketwatch around her neck. Yet, she kept her posture straight and facing the older woman, then finally begged the question, "Also, if it isn't too much trouble, could I get a cup of tea, please?"

[| odysseus]

PROF. HAWTHORNE

The professor had a tendency of being a bit ornery when she was awoken in the middle of her sleep, much to the younger woman’s misfortune. However she was still raised better than to snap on someone who’d asked of her assistance during her working hours. Therefore the tired woman listened to the trainer’s typical reason for visiting her laboratory, simply nodding her head at random intervals where it seemed appropriate. It was the same for everyone, why did they have to specify their purpose for visiting her lab? Calm down, Maria. You’ve no reason to bare such ill thoughts toward the poor girl. The professor took in a quick breath over her teapot, allowing the delicious scent to infiltrate all of her sense. If she focused only on this then she would be right as rain…but there was a trainer to tend to. With an indiscernible growl she grabbed the booklet from her fireplace’s mantle and made her way to her desk in order to rest her aching legs. Just as she was preparing her clarification of the booklet Florence spoke up and kindly asked for a cup of tea.

A smile slowly crept onto the Professor Hawthorne’s face, gradually evolving into a dazzling beam. The girl’s interest in the tea had cured the professor’s drowsiness in a matter of a second with that one request. “Yes of course, dear! It would be absolutely Ludacris of me to allow you to leave without tasting my world famous brew. Do sit down, please.” Holding the small book between her fingers she pleasantly explained, “This booklet contains all of the Pokémon my laboratory has to offer you. Please look through it carefully before making your final decision. I will just leave this here for you while I go fetch the tea.” With a bright smile she gestured for Florence to sit at the chair in front of her desk before briskly striding toward her tea apparatus. Being the tea professional that she was, the professor had both her own and Florence’s cup of tea made in seconds, both placed before their respective owners. Now back and seated behind her desk the professor cradled her cup between her two hands and let the earthy scents in a second time, patiently awaiting the girl’s final decision.

[amrak ┅]

  Apparently, that request had been one of Florence's best decisions so far, judging by the earnest it seemed to suddenly strike up in the professor. Relieved, she exhaled with a quiet chuckle - there was no need to be nervous around this woman. She gingerly took the seat, crossing her legs on habit while listening to the short spiel. Then, opening the book in her lap, she briefly licked the tip of her thumb and started in on the pages, eyeing each creature curiously. It was almost odd in a way, seeing all these Pokemon that could potentially become hers. The teen tucked her bangs out of her face, softly crumpling her brow and biting the inside of her lip in thought.

  The delicate tink of ceramic against wood immediately pulled Florence's attention away from the page of Grass-types, her eye lingering over them a tad longer than the others. A Shroomish sounded rather pleasant - from her home region and likely an unpopular choice due to its, well, grumpy looks. Regarding the professor across the desk, Florence smiled and carefully proceeded to sip from her cup. A delighted "ahh" preceded her praise, "Oh my, this is wonderful, thank'ya." Carefully, she returned the cup to its former position and herself to the book, comfortingly feeling no rush from the woman as she turned another page.

  Upon the last, the girl halted and hummed to herself, considering the small number of Pokemon she'd narrowed it down to. Surely, there was no perfect choice; no matter which she chose, there'd be disadvantages. Taking another drink from her cup, she briskly went back over a few pages before closing the book and setting it neatly in front of her on the desk. She noticeably hesitated, voice catching in her throat with sudden uncertainty, but politely spoke, "I'd like a Buizel, please. Oh and, uh, female." Yes, she thought she'd made a good pick. There was Al, her Elekid, whose weaknesses would be covered by the sleek little water-type and vice-versa. Florence began fiddling with her necklace, awaiting somewhat eagerly now.

[| odysseus]

PROF. HAWTHORNE

“You’re very welcome, dear.” The smile was obvious in her voice and apparent upon her face as well. She was growing a distinct liking for this Florence girl. She was certainly down to Earth and knew how to behave around adults and not to mention she had a taste for tea. Unlike most of the arrogant hot-heads that blew through Hawthorne’s lab daily, sometimes denying her earnest invitation for tea and instead taking one of her precious Pokémon. It was pleasant to see that there were still some good eggs in the youth today. There may still be some hope for our future, yet!

Time seemed to not matter to her anymore as Florence paged through the booklet, looking thoughtfully from page to page, clearly mulling over each and every option. When she found the right partner for her, Professor Hawthorne would know. There was a sort of face trainer’s made when the found the perfect Pokémon to suit their lifestyle. Not that it was the same face every time, but there was a familiar emotion shared between them all. Meanwhile she lifted her cup of tea to her mouth once more and took a gradual, soothing sip. The divine liquid dulling her stress even further, she began to recite a short poem her mother used to sing quite often. For some odd reason she could only remember it if she had a warm of cup of tea in her hands.

I had a little tea party
This afternoon at three.
'Twas very small-
Three guest in all-
Just I, myself and me.
Myself ate all the sandwiches,
While I drank up the tea;
'Twas also I who ate the pie
And passed the cake to me.

She couldn’t help but giggle outwardly as the final rhyme echoed in her head, but she quickly composed herself and placed her finger to her lips, determined to remain silent until Florence had made her final decision. However it was apparent she was still running the poem through her head, for she began humming the catchy tune without even realizing the action. Soon the girl spoke up, obviously hesitant in her decision before asking for a Buizel. “If you would be so kind as to excuse me for a moment, I will be right back.” With a bow Professor Hawthorne set down her cup of tea and got up in order to make her way to the back of the laboratory where the Poké Balls were held. From the row of Buizel she selected three of them she thought would be perfect for Florence before returning to her office to showcase her options. In a flash of crimson all three of the water types were free from their confinement. The first was all over Florence, sniffing her from head to toe, but being sure not to touch any part of her.

Maria gave a soft chuckle before clarifying, “She’s an inquisitive little one. A bit defensive in the beginning, but when she warms up to you she’ll instantly grow attached and practically live to please you. If you’re looking for love and obedience, this one is the right choice.” Another Buizel was steady attempting to nip at the professor’s lab-coat, apparently not willing to give up for any reason. “That Buizel is rather determined and committed to accomplishing any task his mind is set to. He’ll grow up to be a fierce battler, but a bit on the hot-headed side. Patience is key with him.” Finally, the third and last crawled through the sleeve of Hawthorne’s lab-coat, obviously cautious of the new face. “She may be shy at first, but once you get her comfortable she’s a real riot. She can’t help being a bit clumsy and slow at commands, but no one is more willing and dedicated than her to try her best.”

[amrak ┅]

  Suddenly, the sheer wonder of the moment struck Florence and her face broke into a large, hearty grin once the professor was gone. Indeed, the wilderness that awaited her was dangerous, especially as of late, yet she was currently secure, full of warm tea and about to meet the very Pokemon she'd selected. Ideal. Although, not wanting to appear too overly excited, her unbridled happiness was slightly reined in upon Hawthorne's return, stifling it down to an enthusiastic smile. She turned at an angle in her seat to better face the woman, facade growing all the harder to maintain at the sight of the Pokeballs.

  Accepting the boldest Buizel's evaluation, the trainer hunched over slightly to get her own look at the otter-like creature. Foreign to Hoenn, Buizel weren't a species she was particularly familiar with, however, their brilliant orange coat and overall charming appearance lured her in. She began to reach out to pet the Buizel, but abruptly thought better of it and retracted – too bold, perhaps. Instead, she cooed, “Howdy, girlie. Do I smell funny?” And then let out a goofy little giggle.

  The Pokemon was allowed to continue sniffing while Florence shifted her attention to the second Buizel, quite obviously the ornery one of the bunch. The teen gave an amused look, watching the water-type's war upon the lab-coat for only a few moments before casting her eye on the third. Unlike her comrades, the meek Buizel somehow immediately sparked attachment within Florence. Humming fondly at Hawthorne's description and quirking her head a degree, the girl stood up. “Well, you just sound lovely.” She declared, bestowing the Buizel with a kind smile.

  The bashful Pokemon sounded proper for a fresh, new trainer – dedication was a virtue, Florence could deal with a bit of clumsiness and hesitation. Therefore, she spoke to seal the deal, giving an affirmative nod to the professor. “I'd like this'un, please. She seems like she'll fit in splendidly.” Slowly, as not to startle, Florence offered her hand for the shying sea-weasel to investigate, keeping about a foot between it and the Buizel's snout.

[| odysseus]

PROF. HAWTHORNE

Professor Hawthorne noticed Florence had a distinct interest in the third Buizel. Coincidentally enough it was her favorite as well. To confirm her suspicions the girl sternly stated that she wanted the shy little Pokémon, much to Hawthorne’s pleasure. How thoughtful of the young woman to take on the task of raising the slightly bizarre Buizel. With a smile she said, “Excellent choice!” She returned all three of the little water types and handed Florence her desired starter Pokémon. “Here you are. I wish you the best of luck on your journey!” As much as Maria hated to see the other female depart so soon, she knew she couldn’t really develop any sort of meaningful relationship with her guests. But that wouldn't keep her from bringing her up in her mind with fond memories. So all the poor professor could do was give a stiff nod and head to the back of her laboratory in order to replace the other two Buizel. Hopefully the next trainers that came along would collect them.

You've received a BUIZEL!

Female
Level: Five
SonicBoom | Growl | Water Sport | Quick Attack | (Egg Move)

[amrak ┅]

  "I can't thank ya enough, ma'am." Florence cupped the sphere in her palm, admiring its smooth metallic surface with fascination and realizing that, yes, she had just successfully gotten her starter. Though, rather than place the Pokeball in her bag, the girl bit her lip thoughtfully and then lightly swiped her thumb over the button, re-releasing the Buizel. Novice trainer logic, perhaps, but she would certainly be fonder of someone new if they didn't keep her cooped up in a container. With baited breath, Florence watched as the little creature peered around for a moment, a tad befuddled but nonetheless calm. The Pokemon seemed to comprehend the situation well enough - she'd been "chosen" - and remained near the trainer's feet, albeit shyly. Smiling, Florence was satisfied with the results of her decision.

  As the professor recalled the other Buizel and began to depart, Florence gave her own farewell, "Good luck with the lab and, uh, tea and such. " Goddammit, that had sounded stupid. "Maybe we'll meet again someday. See you!" She added as somewhat of an attempt at redemption. Thoroughly convinced that goodbyes were not something she was good at, the girl instead looked down at her new companion, who met her gaze briefly before backwardly forfeiting. "Oh, come on now, darlin'. Lets go." Florence exited through the lab doors, the meek orange otter in tow.

END THREAD.