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It was low tide.

The harsh screeches of maritime Pokémon echoed around her as she grunted with effort, her muscles aching under the high noon sun. Skyler stopped for a moment in order to swipe at her forehead, grimacing at the sweat gathering there. Her job definitely had its perks and if asked she would tell anyone that she was living the dream, her dream. That said, it wasn't a glamorous job at the best of times and not at all as she nearly tripped and fell down while lugging diving equipment back to her house in Lilycove. 

"Stupid heavy thing..."

There was a cough-like sound behind her and Skyler sent a withering glare at the suspiciously amused Lapras resting in the low tide, who then had the nerve to yawn and stretch herself amongst the waves. Honestly, the impossible creature. Skyler loved her to bits, even if she couldn't remember why at times like these.

The tanned girl huffed and checked to make sure her small boat was anchored properly. In truth, the small vessel wasn't much to look at. It barely fit more than two people, she'd had to replace quite a few things in the last months and the paint was peeling away in more places than she'd care to admit, but -much like her irritating starter - she couldn't bear to get rid of it. It was her pride and joy and, most importantly, the source of her income.

As she got the last of her diving equipment strapped onto her back, rivulets of sweat running down her back, she recalled Sirena back into her Pokéball and got on her way. The path to Lilycove loomed ahead and the usually short walk seemed suddenly much more daunting. Her stomach chose that moment to remind her that she'd had a measly meal of plain bread and juice six hours ago and not a thing since. It was, Skyler decided, one of those days.

"Well, whining won't get anything done, will it?"

Wearing a determined frown, Skyler started the climb to Lilycove, pausing only once in a while to adjust the weight on her shoulders or to blow a rebellious blond curl away from her face.