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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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The Regieleki grew to such a tremendous size that Julien had to crane his neck to look up at it. His fencer's instinct prompted him to take a step back, to put space between himself and the Pokémon. [break][break]

This must be Dynamaxing, he realized. Recent news about the artificial power spots in most of the major towns and cities had brought the region's latest development to his attention. [break][break]

He did not have much time to dwell on the implications, however. The Regieleki uttered a digital cry before unleashing a THUNDER WAVE toward the humans.

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

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Julien knew of Mari's connection to the Pryde family, but her familiarity with the Fisks was news to him. He nodded slowly as he absorbed the information about her rise as a star and, later, her downfall. [break][break]

"I can only imagine how difficult that time was for you," he said, rote politeness that came effortlessly despite a complete lack of empathy. So many years had passed since her accident, yet she was still dealing with the trauma? How child-like. [break][break]

Mari should have rejected his offer to go ice skating. But if she had, he wouldn't have learned this new information about her—not the details of her past, but how she struggled with her courage. [break][break]

It certainly made her an easier target for him. [break][break]

"I won't ask you to accompany me to the ice rink anymore. I promise." Julien patted her knee again, then stood. "Rest here a little longer. I'll be right back." [break][break]

He left her alone for only a few minutes, returning with two steaming paper cups of hot chocolate. Armed with their drinks, they hailed a Corviknight taxi, first to take Mari to her apartment, then to deliver Julien to his residence. But before they said their farewells, he slipped a 100 PD bill into her pocket. [break][break]

"Treat yourself to something nice," he murmured. "You deserve it."

TAGS – marilee beaufort[break]
NOTES – mission

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Julien raised an eyebrow at Elisabeth while Theo took the bundle of wires from him and set to work. "Is it not? Then perhaps your longer stay in this region has made its wonders commonplace." [break][break]

Regardless of his wariness of the phenomena plaguing Hoenn, they were still marvels beyond any person's wildest imagination. One could appreciate their extraordinary nature while exercising caution for the dangers they posed. [break][break]

Julien nodded at Theo when the underboss answered his question. The building's lights had all turned on, illuminating a forward path for them through the subterranean, alien landscape. [break][break]

"Tiberius, lead the way for us," Julien instructed his Pokémon. The Nidoking grunted and stomped ahead of their group, his typing an advantage in case of electrical obstacles or traps.

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

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Julien took the bundle of wiring from THEO BECKETT without protest. He examined the thick cables, then raised his eyes to regard the strange and wondrous landscape that stretched before them. It reminded him of a circuit board, commonplace in any electronic device. [break][break]

"What an incredible place," he mused, loud enough for his companions to hear and reply if they chose. "I never imagined to find anything like this when I first came to Hoenn." [break][break]

Granted, they weren't in Hoenn anymore. [break][break]

"Are we seeking anything particular here, or just exploring uncharted territory?" Julien asked the underbosses. Nearby, his Nidoking surveyed the area with a suspicious gaze. [break][break]

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

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