Julien blinked in surprise at the sudden appearance, then disappearance, of Melody's Gardevoir. The confusion passed in a moment, though, and his face creased into a mirthful smile. "Not at all." [break][break]

The smile fell away as she shared her feelings about kyle lopez's death and her subsequent promotion. Julien considered if he would feel the same remorse, but he was not close with anyone in particular; all of his connections were professional colleagues or social acquaintances. [break][break]

"I cannot imagine what you're going through right now. But I'm sure you are doing everything in your capability, even if it isn't easy," he said, in an effort to sound reassuring. [break][break]

When Melody questioned him in turn, he had an answer prepared. "It was a great loss for all of Hoenn. I wish I could say I knew Kyle, but I heard of him. That he was the glue that held everyone together, despite all the politicking." [break][break]

Julien hesitated, then added as a small joke meant to empathize with the woman, "And I know a thing or two about politicking." The corner of his mouth curled up in a rueful expression.

TAGS – Melody Miro[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Julien's smile widened a fraction at Melody's resistance. His hand remained outstretched, the check held between his fingers. [break][break]

"Actually, I'm more interested in you, Miss Miro," he said in a pleasant, even tone. "Though if you are offering tickets to your show, I won't turn them down," he added as an afterthought, thinking of marilee beaufort. [break][break]

His expression growing serious, Julien continued, "To be honest, I heard the recent news about your promotion to Top Champion. It seems strange to extend my condolences at the same time as my congratulations, but you have both." [break][break]

The ambassador had not had the chance to meet kyle lopez before the man's tragic demise. He decided he would not waste the same opportunity with Lopez's successor. [break][break]

"I imagine you must have a lot on your plate right now. How are you handling everything?"

TAGS – Melody Miro[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

When Melody took the eggs in her arms, Julien moved to pick up the last remaining ones. With his other hand, he waved off the Rangers in a dismissive gesture. Looking relieved, they waved farewell and turned to leave, taking the cart with them. [break][break]

"You need more staff, then. And in order to obtain more staff, you need more funding," Julien observed as he followed Melody to the incubator. After she placed her batch of eggs inside, he did the same. [break][break]

Then he reached inside his jacket pocket and withdrew a checkbook and pen. "On the contrary, I was thinking I might show my gratitude for everything you are doing here, Miss Miro." [break][break]

With purposeful strokes, Julien wrote a generous check for 500,000 PD. He handed it to Melody. "Will this be enough?"

TAGS – Melody Miro[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Before the young assistant could answer Julien, Melody Miro appeared, her bright pink hair a beacon for the eye in the facility. As the man met her gaze, his smile widened. His expression remained composed and professional, never crossing the line into warm or familiar. [break][break]

"That's correct. And you must be Miss Miro," Julien said, extending his hand to Melody for a handshake. Afterward, he noticed the way her Corsola cowered from his Houndour and gestured toward the dog. "And this is Lucilla. She's very well behaved, so you have nothing to fear." [break][break]

As if to emphasize his point, the Houndour sat down next to her master. [break][break]

Addressing the woman again, Julien asked, "Where would you like us to put the eggs?" [break][break]

The two Ranger cadets looked toward Melody expectantly.

TAGS – Melody Miro[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

On one bright, sunny afternoon, Julien arrived at the island north of Fortree City where Pokémon H.O.M.E. was sequestered. To his surprise, the facilities appeared sparse; he thought the League government and Rangers had more funding to spare for Melody Miro's pet project. Perhaps it relied more on charity than he'd anticipated. [break][break]

A couple of Ranger cadets accompanied the Kalosian ambassador as he walked through the rehabilitation center's grounds. They pushed a cart bearing a large, heavy-looking crate. Julien's favorite Houndour, Lucilla, padded beside the cart as if in charge of its security. [break][break]

"Good afternoon," Julien greeted the nearest person to cross their path. He offered them a polite smile. "My name is Julien Demassieux and I'm here to deliver Pokémon eggs recovered from Mt. Chimney. I called ahead about it."

TAGS – Melody Miro[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Duncan's answer was shallow and superficial, which only implied to Julien that the duke was there for other, more confidential business outside of his engagement and public discussions with his cousin. Julien was certain of it. [break][break]

"Whenever you like," the Kalosian said with a polite smile. "I am at your disposal." [break][break]

Which was not at all true, but royalty liked to believe it was. [break][break]

Their conversation continued to other small talk—economics, politics, and their respective pastimes. The waitress brought their entrées: steamed Kingler legs and claws with hot butter and fresh lemon wedges. Julien had not expected it to taste good, considering the establishment. However, the taste was excellent, even if the presentation was lacking. [break][break]

Of course, when the meal was over, the Kalosian Embassy paid for everything. [break][break]

"It was good to see you again, Your Grace," Julien said to Duncan as they prepared to depart. "I look forward to dinner with you and your fiancée. Please give my regards to Miss Valentine." [break][break]

And then, with an incline of his head, he was off to the nearest Corviknight taxi station.

TAGS – Duncan Calcifet[break]
NOTES – mission | outfit

[attr="class","pkmn"]

The corners of Julien's eyes creased as he smiled up at Mei. "What a surprise. I thought the night was your domain," he commented mildly. [break][break]

His gaze took in her attire—a much more conservative ensemble than what he'd seen her wear in the past. Knowing she lived in Slateport, he concluded she had come to the biggest park in Lilycove to enjoy the festival, too. [break][break]

The notion struck him as unusual, but not in a negative way. It made her seem normal, in the same way her answer to his question about how she liked to spend her time had. The concept was grounding, a reminder that she was merely human. Not an exotic plaything but a real woman. [break][break]

"Did you just arrive or have you been here for some time already?" Julien asked, gesturing with a casual hand at the blossoming trees.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission | outfit

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Ah, whoops. "My apologies, Fiorelli. A slip of the tongue." [break][break]

Still, Julien allowed himself to be chastised. He followed Elisabeth without complaint, recalling his Nidoking along the way. Continuing to fight the Regieleki was pointless during their retreat. [break][break]

"Thank you," he said to Theo as they reached the exit. Julien waited for Elisabeth to step through first, then proceeded after her. [break][break]

But not without a backward glance at the towering, Dynamaxed Pokémon. Truly, Hoenn was full of wonders.

TAGS – THEO BECKETT Elisabeth Fiorelli[break]
NOTES – ultra plant #2

[attr="class","pkmn"]

The snows of winter had melted. Chill winds warmed as the gray landscape exploded into a panoply of color. Spring had arrived, bringing an abundance of beautiful flowers along with it. And all across Hoenn, flower viewing festivals and parties cropped up in every city and town with a big enough park. [break][break]

Julien had taken the day off to observe the annual marvels for himself. Instead of inviting someone to go with him, he thought he'd enjoy some solitude in the outdoors, for once. But as soon as he arrived at Lilycove, he saw solitude was not an option. [break][break]

Everywhere, families, couples, and gaggles of friends meandered to and fro. They were buying sweets and trinkets, setting up picnic blankets on any patch of available grass, and taking photos against a backdrop of pastel blossoms. [break][break]

After purchasing an iced Americano from a drink stall, Julien picked out an empty park bench for himself. Two women and a little boy sat on another bench nearby, enjoying ice creams. Their soft chatter filled the pleasant silence of the afternoon as Julien settled in to watch the other festivalgoers.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission | outfit

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Theo did not have to tell them twice. He'd never seen a THUNDER WAVE hit multiple Pokémon before; even his Nidoking was struck. Thankfully the Ground-type did not suffer from the same paralysis as Elisabeth's… snail? What was that creature? [break][break]

A strange and sudden GRUDGE spiked through Julien as he watched the Pokémon from where he'd taken cover. It was a reminder of everything he didn't know, even though he'd been in Hoenn for months. [break][break]

And whose fault was that? Not his. [break][break]

"Agreed," he said instead, wrenching his gaze from the odd Pokémon. "Tiberius can provide a distraction." [break][break]

The Nidoking retaliated against the massive Regieleki with EARTH POWER. Unfortunately, it barely did anything against the Dynamaxed Pokémon. Still, Julien took the opportunity to rush to Elisabeth's side. [break][break]

"Come, Lisa. Let's go." In the adrenaline-fueled chaos of the battle, he slipped into an old habit.

TAGS – THEO BECKETT Elisabeth Fiorelli[break]
NOTES – ultra plant #2

[attr="class","pkmn"]