Their conversation continued. Elinor listened thoughtfully, and should Josh be perceptive he might notice how her smile widened when he mentioned that he wasn’t doing this solely for himself, but for the League as well.

And as he continued she hoped that he was right, that one day Raikou, whether it be Hoenns or one from a third region, would come to him, befriend him, perhaps even grant him Avatarship. The League could certainly use such a pure hearted asset.

“True, without a lead well, it’d be impossible.” The struggle was too relatable. She’d been searching far and wide for just singular leads for even the weakest of Legendary Pokémon. From visiting Raikou dedicated shrines, to reading reports of previous sightings of unknown Pokémon and what not. Sometimes she even wondered if they knowingly hid from her.

And so in all her pondering and conversing with Josh, their food arrived. Elinor began to eat as Josh’s attention returned to the game. All too eager to explain what was going on and cheering on his favorite team.

She quickly realized that he was trying to start a cheer and so joined him by saying “Go Goldenrod!” Perhaps not the most convincing, but surely it wouldn’t matter for the fans, right?

OOC: RITUAL Prompt for New Year's event
LOCATION: Slateport City -> Lower Districts

Speaking of aggression.

As Elinor and Delphox continued on their journey a strange powder began to gently float down upon the fire type.

The Delphox found itself filled with rage. And seeing how the only possible source was a Jumpluff nearby the fire that spewed from its wand would seek to consume the little trickster.

Alas the Jumpluff could do little in its defense and quickly found itself defeated by the Delphox.

Elinor sighed, Jumpluff wasn’t exactly a Pokémon she would pick, but now that it was hurt, she couldn’t simply let it be.

She threw a Pokéball at it and once that was done, she would move on.




OOC: Catching Jumpluff
LOCATION: Route 102

@tagsomeone

Fernando was grateful. This pleased Elinor, though she was well aware that it could merely be empty platitudes to put her at ease.

Fernando gave her another question.

She took a moment to mull over how she ought to respond.

“My concerns lay mainly with the cadets level of professionalism.” Elinor replied. “I know that a single meeting does not provide the full picture. But I worry that a few rotten apples can spoil the whole bunch, and give us a lot of unnecessary PR work to do.”

Not to mention discontent among the Cadets would be a sure fire way for Rocket to plant moles in their midst.

OOC: MEETING TIME!
LOCATION: EVER GRANDE CITY -> THE POKEMON LEAGUE -> ELINOR'S OFFICE

Elinor gave a light nod. Josh would prove his own skills, she was certain of that. She had faith, though admittedly she was a bit torn. Who should she side with for the match, Amor or Josh? She would have to ponder that later.

An easy going smile formed on her lips as Amor suggested to make a date out of their challenge. “Yes, let’s do that.” Elinor replied.

She could do naught but snicker and smile as Amor tried to downplay his own skills or perhaps he was merely joking? “Do not worry. I am fairly confident that it won’t be a one-sided battle.” Oh no, she had faith enough in his abilities as a trainer.

And so they continued to enjoy their dinner.

“Oh?” She spoke. Amor made her aware of the time. Funny, how she hadn’t paid the time any attention while she was enjoying the company of a like-minded individual.

OOC: Figured we'd still be going by the Eight badges rule, since this thread was made pre-changes.
LOCATION: LILYCOVE CITY -> A Fancy restaurant.

Plain old surprise appeared in her eyes as one Amor Rose joined her.

“Well color me surprised.” Elinor muttered beneath her mildly intoxicated breath, though it was done so in a pleasant manner.

“I am doing good, thank you for asking.” She replied, before she took another sip of the winter kiss before her. “How about you?”

Elinor’s eyes gazed around trying for a moment to see if Amor was accompanying someone. But she couldn’t see any obvious candidates. “What brings you to a place like this... alone?” Elinor asked casually, knowing full well that it was equally weird for her to be here alone. .

OOC: Moonblast Microbrew New Years prompt
LOCATION: Verdanturf Town

The hug was accepted.

Elinor allowed her hands to wrap around the little girl, offering her a moment of brief safety. Even if she knew that the world would snatch it from Eris soon enough.

Silence filled the room as Elinor allowed Eris to keep hugging for as long as she wanted to. This little choice was the least she could offer the poor girl.

And yet she wondered how long it would take before something or someone would disturb them.

OOC:
LOCATION: Ever Grande City

Matias gave wise counsel.

A muttered “True.” soon followed as the Kommo-o returned with the captured Skiploom which was quickly placed in an empty ball.

“Honestly, I’ve run into a bit of the same problem. Too many Pokémon and not enough time to train them all.” She hated playing favorites, but there was simply no way to personally train them, and yet here she was adding another one to her collection.

“What do you do with those you haven’t deemed worth training?” Elinor asked curiously. Though she feared that he simply abandoned them to some lab.

A Simisage ran by. Realizing that it’d fit nicely along with its fire counterpart, she once more gestured for the Kommo-o to hunt a Grass-type down.

And the Kommo-o was all too eager to do that, much to the Simisage’s dislike.

OOC: Trying to catch Catching Simisage!
LOCATION: PETALBURG WOODS

It felt like she’d been sitting there forever.

But at last a voice familiar to her reached her ears.

“Oh hey Ollie!” She sounded enthusiastic. It was nice to see a familiar face.

“And fancy meeting you as well.” Goofy smile was returned with a more controlled smile of her own.

“Generic question inbound, but what brings you here?”

She figured she knew the answer, and yet she could not help to ask.


OOC: HOWLING AT THE MOON new years prompt
LOCATION: SLATEPORT LOWER DISTRICT