The Mt.Pyre gang was rather quiet. Elinor was mighty surprised by that, she glanced quickly at Callan Young. But decided to focus on matters at hand, turning her gaze away once more.

While listening to illeana reyes’s explanation the grim serious gaze was not lost upon her. But the words that followed gave more food for troubling thoughts and vivid imaginations.

Sea!Hoenn. She had hoped to never hear that again.

Matias was the first to speak, she noticed hints of frustration from the Elite Four member. Even before Matias had finished speaking, Elinor had an inclination of where he would be heading.

She gathered her thoughts. And yet, memories arose. Memories of her doppelganger. Memories of the certainty in which her doppelganger performed her duty without fear. Now combined with her imagination running wild, it painted a grim picture.

Though she was no soldier, she knew that fighting a war on two fronts would not be in their favor.

A defeated sigh left her right before she began to speak. “Matias might be onto something.” Elinor spoke though the aftertaste of the words soured her expression. Not because of Matias, but the implications it carried.

“I will admit, I do not like the prospect of a war with Sea Hoenn. But they declined our diplomatic attempts. So aggression might be what we have to resort to, and yet..." She paused, hesitation perhaps? She sent a brief glance toward Laurence Anderson and then back at Callan, before resuming. "I do not believe we have a force powerful enough to deter them from reciprocating or for that matter from being the aggressors should they be given time to prepare an attack.”

Gaze wanders from person to person, gauging their reactions to her statement. She was certain a few people’s pride would be stepped upon with that comment. But that was the truth she saw.

She turned to MATIAS SILPH, a question in her mind. “With that said. Military operations are outside my field of expertise.” She paused, “And I personally do not see how we can mount a worthwhile attack without risking important assets.” Throwing avatars at the problem wasn’t exactly a risk free solution, and it would surely leave the League ripe for Rocket aggression.

“But perhaps you can enlighten me on how we would approach this, Matias?”

OOC: N/A
LOCATION: Ever Grande City -> The Pokémon League

@tagsomeone

Elinor listened. She did not comment, she did not judge. All she did was gaze upon the man she had fallen for as he bared his most vulnerable to her.

“I think so…” Elinor replied. She gazed downwards suddenly feeling the weight that she carried. But then she pushed it away. She could not push it upon Callan. He had too much on his plate already.

“But it sounds like you really aren’t in a good place right now.” Elinor stated.

“I hope that you know, no matter what, I will not see you in a different way. You will always be Callan to me, the Callan who rose from Ranger to Gym Leader, and then Elite Four within a rather short span of time.” Elinor reached out to him.

“But perhaps we should talk about this somewhere more warm?” Elinor suggested.

For all the clothes she wore. She was starting to feel, and she figured Callan didn’t want to display his vulnerability to the world.

OOC: Finishing post
LOCATION: Slateport Park

Light thuds of shoes against flooring announced Elinor’s approach to the office. Clad in a casual business suit, hair flowing like a pink waterfall down her back.

Her heart was thumping, palms sweaty. One of the goals she had when she returned to Hoenn earlier last year was coming close. Defeating the Elite Four. The finish line was so close, she could almost grab it.

But before she could challenge the Elite Four, there was an interview to be held.

Callan would be the one to ask the questions.

This excited her. Not in an intimate way, but more of a professional excitement. It wasn’t often she got to be on the receiving end of his professional doings.

She walked through the door right on time. “Hi.” She took a seat with the casualness befitting her station.

OOC:
LOCATION: EVER GRANDE CITY -> THE POKÉMON LEAGUE

@tagsomeone

“I will admit they have a certain charm to them. But I don’t know about catching them though. I suppose am still on the fence about that, but if anyone can catch and hopefully tame one, it’s going to be you!” She replied.

But it seemed their conversation would have to end. Pruning was not on Andrea’s wishlist, which her Kangaskhan reminded her of. Elinor getting yet another ToS-violating view for the briefest of seconds before a towel quickly censored this episode to be more appropriate for the target audience… As if.

Elinor smiled as Andrea turned around waving farewell and plugging her new gym in the process. It was nice to know that even though what had happened in the Icelands, they were still on friendly speaking terms.

Elinor’s arm extended from below the water to wave. “Oh congratulations! I might come visit then, perhaps even challenge it, should my duties permit it.” They probably would. But she didn’t like making casual promises that might reach far into the future.

OOC: New year new me.
LOCATION: Lavaridge Town -> Hot Springs

Elinor allowed herself to sink deeper into the waters, leaving little but her head above the warm waters. As she listened to Andrea speak of the discoveries her group had made.

“Well, I don’t know if you would call it interesting.” Elinor said, seeming almost dismissive of it, perhaps because of how little she had contributed to it.

“We stumbled upon a crater used as nesting grounds for some Ultra Beasts, I believe they are called Celesteela. And we also figured out that the nesting grounds were protected by the origami looking Ultra Beasts… What were their names again?” She looked thoughtful.

“Oh, right, Kartana.” The mostly healed cut on her left arm began to itch at the mention of the little critter that had cut her.

OOC: New year new me.
LOCATION: Lavaridge Town -> Hot Springs

In Lars’s words shit hit the fan quickly.

She really didn’t have a whole lot to add to that. And so turned to the drink that slid in front of her. A wild Alien running about, and one potentially aligned with Rocket.

Perhaps Amor Rose knows about that one? Even if he did, he was unlikely to share it. Elinor knew this.

Returning to the conversation and drinking ahead. She gave Lars a nod in response before she took a sip. But she halted mid-sip when news of the Mirage or rather lack thereof escaped Lars. She was a moment's weakness away from spitting her drink out in Lars’s face. But her professionalism kept her from doing so.

“What?!” She finally mustered.

“Have you checked up on it? Did it say that it wanted some alone time?” Elinor was quick to ask. Worry written plainly on her face as she feared Lars had been too caught up in his own problems to notice that of partner deity.

OOC: Mission thread for POST-PAAA
LOCATION: MOSSDEEP CITY - THE NIMBUS

Elinor finished the Donut she’d begun on just in time for Eris to begin her tale. Mild surprise appeared as her mother’s occupation became known to her. Even more so the leather bound tome that Eris had…

For a brief moment Elinor considered snatching it from her. It could lead to an unclaimed legendary. But she pushed that thought away. Reminding herself that she wasn’t such a monster.

Her father sounded nice too, and Elinor for a brief moment felt a pang of envy.

But that all changed when Team Rocket attacked.

The brief look toward the ceiling, the fading weak smile, the knuckled hands. These were all physical tells that Elinor noticed as Eris continued the tale, though horrible it might be. She even went so far as to show the scars left behind. And though Elinor wanted to look away, she paid Eris the respect she deserved and quelled her squeamishness to gaze upon the burn scars before they were hidden away once again.

A quick look of appreciation was sent toward Reiner as its part in the tale was told.

But that wasn’t the end. Eris stated as much. Scribbling for a moment before showing Elinor the drawing.

Elinor was surprised. Though simple in its design the drawing told a tale of treachery. Unfortunately, Eris confirmed what Elinor had feared. She did not know why, but something awoke in her or perhaps a veil was simply moved away. As Eris became clear to her. Though she had noticed all the small details before, now they stood increasingly clear to her. The small chokes of sadness, the sniffling, bitten back sob. The shaking ruffled the blanket. The Pokémon goes in to reassure its trainer.

The tale came to an end. And with it, Elinor came to an understanding of Eris’ situation. Some part of her wished she had never heard it, wished that she could push it away, ignore the double standards. Continue to believe that the League was all good, merely ineffective. But Eris had torn down the curtains, thrown them on the pyre and forced Elinor to see reality for what it was.

But what can I do? Elinor thought.

She slowly began to rise from her seat on the floor. Empathic understanding painted upon her face as she looked at Eris.

“Thank you, for telling me. I know it must’ve been hard.” Elinor began. “I know there isn’t much I can do to heal the wounds of the past.” Elinor continued. “But I still want to try.” She finished.

She spread out her arms as an invitation as she continued. “Perhaps you would let me begin with a hug?”

Eris looked like someone who needed it, needed to know that she wasn’t alone. Elinor hoped she would accept.

OOC:
LOCATION: Ever Grande City

Within short moments disaster set upon them.

Elinor barely felt the touch of the curious Celesteela. It was only when Guillermo spoke that she realized what had happened. And then it was too late.

The hoard of Kartana set upon them. There was an initial wave that Remiel and Alex were quick to set upon. Dealing with. And for a brief moment after Remiel’s Z-move usage, it seemed they had found peace.

Only for her to feel a sudden slicing feeling along the arm before a warmth spread searing pain spread. A single Kartana had dodged all of the attacks, the fire, the fancy sword play only to find its target.

Right hand covered the bloody wound, soon the red spread to her grasp. For a brief moment she looked at her wound, then toward the Kartana which hovered in front of her. But it didn’t attack. It’s Origami body betraying no emotions to her. It almost felt like she was staring at a paper clone of FERNANDO SILPH.

Luckily, she had had enough meetings with the nigh emotionless man to spot the small twitches in the Kartana’s facade.

It almost seemed curious.

Perhaps these two species work and live together in symbiosis? Kartana defended the younglings in return for some unknown, probably food of some sort. It made sense.

Which also probably meant that the hoard that just came was the scouts. A small, expendable force gauging the strength of the enemies. It would make sense, not only because it would be the same approach she would take as a member of the Council, but because of the way the Kartana didn’t seem to attack, but simply stare and lick at the blood it had drawn from her.

Perhaps we can calm them with food?

The idea was simple. But worth a shot.

The Kartana tensed as Elinor began to move her right hand, reaching into one of her pockets for the snacks inside. She slowly reached it forward as an offering as she said. “We come in peace.” She did not know if the Kartana could understand what she said. But the little Origami figure took the snacks all the same and flew off towards the giant Hoard that was coming for them.

Wait hoard?!

She might’ve converted one, and hopefully it would spread the news that they weren’t dangerous. But there was no way it could stop the hoard quickly enough.

Remiel Calcifet did not need to urge her on. Elinor quickly jumped onto the back of her Hisuian Braviary once again, hoping to make her Northward bound escape on its back as it took to the sky.



OOC: N/A
LOCATION: ULTRA CRATER
TLDR:
- One Kartana gets through the fire and swords.
- Elinor uses her EXPERIENCE as a COUNCIL-WOMAN having MEETINGS with FERNANDO SILPH and his emotionless facade to deduce the Kartana's intention.
- She offers the Kartana a quick snack and it accepts before flying back to the hoard to spread the good word.
- Elinor then takes to the Skies northward bound on her h!Braviary

Remiel Calcifet Alexei Ivanov Guillermo Marceliño

Elinor gave a reassuring nod. A Lanturn was a good choice for an underwater expedition. But besides that there was little to be said on the matter.

Before long they found themselves ordering food. Josh went for a Ritual Raven Combo, which honestly sounded rather exciting. She ordered the same, though she could not help but chuckle as Josh asked if she was cole slaw inclined.

“Sure, if you aren’t going to eat it.” Would be be a shame to let it go to waste.

With food ordered and underwater expeditions covered. Their focus returned to the game on the screen once again.

“That makes sense.” Elinor remarked as Josh explained to her the whole debacle with the foul. “Must be incredibly hard to run around with all that gear on.” Elinor turned her gaze to Josh. “Have you ever tried playing that?” She gestured for the screen.

She couldn’t recall Josh having mentioned it before.


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

With one Pokémon richer, she turned her attention to Matias as he replied.

His answer surprised her. If he truly had one of every evolutionary line. “That is a lot of Pokémon…” She mumbled. Though by now she owned way past a hundred Pokémon. So maybe she ought not speak too loudly.

“Honestly. I don’t know. I haven’t checked, but perhaps I ought to.” Her Pokédex was more often than not left at home. She figured letting experience be the teacher was the better option. After all, she wouldn’t always have the Pokédex to rely on.

A Skipbloom tried to skip past them. Alas, unfortunately for it Grass types were in short supply among Elinor’s hoard. And so, without further ado she gestured for her Kommo-o to catch it for her.


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

If only Elinor could read minds, she would’ve been able to relate to Callan’s struggle. Though her own burdens were eased by the workload of the council placed upon her.

Callan’s words brought further worry to her. His focus on something that surely hadn’t changed in ages seemed weird.

Is he sick? She knew certain illnesses could make one light sensitive.

Her gaze hadn’t left Callan. Worried as it was, she tried to hide it to not place further burden upon it. But she knew the question had to be asked.

“Are you alright?” Worry seeping into her voice. She pondered for a moment if Callan would answer honestly or try to push the issue away.


OOC:
LOCATION: Slateport Park

A Quiet “True.” escaped her lips as Lars pointedly replied her doubt in Darkrai.

Lars continued. While Elinor wasn’t familiar with just how hard taking out a Shuttle like that would be. The way Lars spoke of it, bespoke a power that should not be questioned. Time and time again, it seemed that Legendary Pokémon would come to wreck havoc.

Her face revealed the question mark in her mind as Lars confirmed the existence of another creature besides Darkrai.

She was about to question his sanity, but before she could do so he began to sketch the thing. While he did so, she would order another drink, something a bit harder this time.

She returned her attention to the drawing. She hadn’t seen anything like it before. But the brief moment between ordering another drink and looking at the sketch had allowed her time to find a lost memory. The Memory of a Meteorite that Amor Rose wanted to investigate.

Perhaps a similar creature had spawned from it?

“Well that is worrying. Not only Darkrai, but also a creature from outer space. And you say it was hostile?” Elinor spoke thoughtfully.

“I presume you were able to deal with this alien creature?” Another thoughtful look, though Lars would find no uncertainty in her voice.

Of course, they dealt with it. Lars brought Articuno... In her mind, no alien creature would surely be able to match that kind of strength.

"By the way, how is Articuno doing after all that?"

OOC: Mission thread for POST-PAAA
LOCATION: MOSSDEEP CITY - THE NIMBUS