They'd decided on an early morning trek, at Gideon's suggestion. Just around sunrise, when the sun's rays blossomed cool pink and orange tones onto the horizon. And, of course, when most avian Pokémon were active, along with other matutinal species.

While Gunner Graves took a more casual approach to the hike, Gideon himself wore gear typically associated with the hobby: waterproof boots, convertible cargo pants, a light shirt and vest combo, and a small backpack with necessary provisions. Additionally, the professor also sported a harness for his professional-grade binoculars and digital camera (essentials every nature nerd needed for their trips outdoors).

His PIDGEY, Poppy, perched squarely on his broad shoulder, cooing softly as they hiked.

"You know me, I like to stay busy." Gideon responded, although his attentions were on a cluster of nearby shrubs. Rustling of the leaves indicated that some understory species may be hiding within.

"Did I tell you I was appointed Director of the Natural History Museum in Slateport?" It truly had been quite awhile since the brothers had reconnected. Gideon couldn't clearly recall if he'd shared the big news with Gunner yet.

Gunner Graves
[poison/bug/grass]
outfit check

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A BELLSPROUT waddled from the underbrush. Gideon acknowledged the Grass-type, categorized it as a common species to find in this particular ecoregion, but didn't interact with it further beyond snapping a quick photograph. Besides, Gunner Graves had plans for the pitcher plant-esque Pokémon anyway.

"Thank you," Gideon replied, matching Gunner's wide smile with a closed one of his own. Although not normally very expressive, the professor's eyes betrayed a spark of pride and satisfaction.

"About two months now? It's been a bit of a whirlwind." That was an extreme understatement. But, as Gideon had always been prone to do, he piled his plate to nearly insurmountable heights.

"I've had to cut back some of my hours at the university to accommodate my new responsibilities, though."

Almost as soon as the words left his lips a glimpse of something red caught the professor's attention. A LARVESTA, munching on the leaves of a small understory tree. Gideon stilled for a moment before bringing his camera up to his eye.

"These aren't that common..." He muttered to himself as the shutter continuously clicked. Eventually he'd bring the camera down and browse the main screen for confirmation that he'd captured at least a few worthwhile images.

Content with his work, Gideon then released one of his VIVILLON - his favorite, actually, with a morph he'd produced himself through genetic modification. CRISPR, as the butterfly was called, knew the drill. He floated languidly toward the LARVESTA, strategically releasing SLEEP POWDER spores atop the larvae until it fell into a deep slumber.

A light volley of a Poké Ball would cinch the capture.

catching LARVESTA ♡
Gunner Graves
[poison/bug/grass]
outfit check

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At his brother's request, Gideon didn't immediately respond and instead watched as the other's QUILAVA went to work. Once the excitement of the capture subsided, he then spoke up, sounding both a little tired and excited all at once.

"Everyday operations, of course. Long-term planning and fiscal health. Maintenance of and acquisition for the collections. I oversee any research that's conducted at the museum, too." When spoken aloud the list seemed incredibly long. And yet, it all came so easily for someone like GIDEON GRAVES. "Things like that."

Here he paused again. Apparently startled by the sounds of the TOXICROAK's capture, a MEGANIUM appeared from behind a swath of tree limbs, looking worried about the presence of the two humans. Again, Gideon nodded for his VIVILLON to float over and render the Pokémon unconscious before lofting a Poké Ball its way.

"What about you, Gunner? What have you been up to?"

catching MEGANIUM ♡
Gunner Graves
[poison/bug/grass]
outfit check

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As Gunner spoke, CRISPR fluttered onward and eventually ran into another Bug-type Pokémon. This particular WHIRLIPEDE, like most of it's species, was rather quiet and preferred being left alone. Unfortunately for her, Gideon's VIVILLON was an apparent chatterbox.

"That sounds quite enjoyable." Gideon threw his sibling a dubious look. "Very lowkey, actually. Are you starting to slow down in your old age?"

His mouth cracked into a thin-lipped smirk.

"And here I thought I was the elder brother."

He chuckled at his own joke.

A moment a levity that preceded a dimmer topic.

"Mm. That is," He paused, taking a moment to choose an apt descriptor. "Odd." What more could be said?

Gideon was more than familiar with the myriad genetic disorders that could cause someone to act so strangely. Perhaps the kidnapper was afflicted with Wilson's disease? Huntington's? Von Hippel-Lindau? The list could go on. There were so many conditions that could alter a person's temperament to be outside societal norms.

But he was not here to diagnose. Only to lend an ear.

"What ended up happening to the man?"

catching WHIRLIPEDE ♡
Gunner Graves
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"Old man?" Gideon echoed, mocking incredulity. "You say the word and we'll see who wins the race back to the car."

The professor's confidence wasn't a bluff. Despite his excessive time spent indoors, he was a broadly-framed and attractively-toned man. Routinely hiking up and down mountains on top of regular exercise guaranteed a certain level of fitness.

He was sure he could beat Gunner, who held an office job with minimal need for extended endurance. Little did Gideon know of his brother's actual career and it's strenuous physical requirements...

Gideon would probably be left in the dust if they did actually race.

"Yes, I'm glad to hear that the children were unharmed," He replied, his eyebrows knitting as he formulated his next question. "But do you think prison is where he needs to be? As you said, he's likely unwell. Is there an alternative for mentally ill perpetrators?"

A flash of lavender in his peripheral vision momentarily caught Gideon's attention.

"Gorgeous..." He lifted his camera to his eye.

Resting on the trunk of a nearby oak tree was a large, periwinkle lepidopteran. VENOMOTH were a nocturnal species and not usually found so exposed during the daytime. This was obviously a mature specimen - perhaps past it's prime? Which wasn't really saying much, as these insects were known to have short lifespans.

Still, it would be a beautiful addition to the Insectarium for as long as it continued to live. With it already being asleep, Gideon simply threw a Poké Ball without the need for his Pokémon's intervention.

catching VENOMOTH ♡
Gunner Graves
[poison/bug/grass]
outfit check

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