Kaló merely tilts her head the opposite way at first, letting Koseki take her time warming up to it. She purrs as the Yamask circles her- turning her head slightly to try and follow her. This new friend sure is curious- and so is it!

"I'm sure she could. The only issue is that she's very..." Sio trails off, watching Itiá almost immediately deflate back onto Tsukiko as it turns up emoty handed. "...Treat motivated. I could've sworn I'd brought some with me..."

On Quill's side, the Smeargle is far from surprised as the stick goes aflame- though he has to admit, the fire is kinda pretty. Still though, it really isn't anything new for him- but the amount of sticks still laying around give him some ideas...

Instead of immediately hopping back into Yurei's saddle, Quill grabs a few reasonably sized branches. Yipping and barking, he wags his tail excitedly and gestures to his findings; maybe they could make them into skis? It's something he's seen before, at least, and it certainly looked like fun!

But for now, the beagle clambers back onto the saddle, ready for more adventure before the Sinsitea can try and steal more hard earned sticks.

Makoto Kurumi

Kaló tilts her head back to Koseki, playfully mirroring the Yamask. While she can't quite mimic her whistling to a t, it tries anyway, giving its own little cheerful whistle.

"A...coordinator? Oh, no no! While I've been to a couple shows, I could never put one together myself. I simply mean that Itiá is a bit.." Sio trails off- almost in perfect timing with the Phantump in question floating up, up, up-!

Only to lean back and "fall" onto Tsukiko with a low, rumbling sound, a little hand resting on its own forehead. It's playing dead. "...Dramatic," Sio chuckles sheepishly. "Hang on, dear, I'll look for a treat for you.." And just like that, Itiá perks up- watching eagerly for the treat while Sio looks through their pockets.

Meanwhile, Chamomile watches from above as Kama hops down and searches for a stick- and it makes an assortment of bubbling chatters as a sort of warning sign.

But even that isn't enough to stop Wisp; once he gets the stick in his tiny little hands...and then holds it to his flickering flame. All at once, the stick bursts into flames, and the Litwick gives a ghostly cheer! Victory!! On the other hand, Chamomile gives a gurgled huff- holding its stick even tighter to itself. This is its stick, and no tiny arsonist is gonna take that from it! Quill looks between both of the ghost type pokemon and..merely pants with a lazily wagging tail. Business as usual.

Makoto Kurumi

Mirroring Kama's light nudging, Quill swings his legs back and forth- not to nudge Yurei any further, but instead to show his excitement!

Which, speaking of excitement, he would excitedly yip and bark as Yurei started in a trot and sped up to a canter- adventure!! (Honestly, even if the trio did stray too far from Sio, he didn't mind! They always found him if he didn't find them first!)

While Sio enjoys her time greeting the more extroverted pokemon, Kaló floats her way over to Koseki- slow, careful, and yet all the more curious. Once she's a comfortable distance away, she gives a quiet trill to her.

Sio snickers as Tsukiko licks her hand- which then evolves into her own bout of laughter as Itiá gets involved with its antics. Speaking of- pleased with the outcome of its greeting, the Phantump rattles and chitters, rubbing its face up against the Ninetales. "Oh, her? That would be Itiá- my lovely little actress." At the mention of its name, Itiá perks up- having just taken to hiding her face in Tsukiko's fur. Once she reveals herself again to Makoto, though, she gives another cheery rattle and waves.

As for the other two...well, the scene practically sets itself. Chamomile, the Sinistea, is floating a good couple feet above the ground with a stick much too large for its little body in its grasp. Meanwhile, most of the quarreling chatters come from Wisp- a tiny Litwick who seems to want nothing more than to burn the aforementioned stick! Oh, the tragedy!! It makes for a funny sight for Quill, though- who gives a panting chuckle at the argument.

Makoto Kurumi

BREAKING NEWS - BREAKING NEWS - BREAKING NEWS

Space distortions- a familiar concept to many- to almost all but Sio. SUre, they've heard of them plenty of times. Heard whispers on the wind from trainers who had already experienced it before. And yet, all the more alluring, is the fact that the reporter doesn't have any of that information for herself. To constantly hunger, and barely to feed. To be left in the dark, with but the barest embers burning- tumultuous desire for more and more and more that leaves the candle burning at both ends.

Sio is far from experienced enough to deal with such a phenomenon on her own, and yet here she is- two pokemon out, and the other three in their pokeballs for safe keeping.

After all, when they're forced to their knees like this, when the strings yank them downaward, all she can bring herself to do is write. Scrawl feverishly, as if the very moment she left this membrane, there'd be nothing left for her to gain. Write and write and write until the Hisuian Arcanine finally takes the valiant swing of his claws right to her heart and--

FWOOSH!!

All at once, brilliant purple flames surround the reporter- the work of Wisp, for certain. Though, between the size of those flames, and the harsher cries the pokemon lets out, something feels..amiss. Not quite like the Litwick she's always known. Through weary, squinted eyes, Sio can only sit and bear witness as another uproar of flame captures all that stands before them in spectral smoke- as the pokemon changes shape, grows in size once more- the signature flame dance of a Lampent takes form.

And at the same time, Kaló returns as well, seemingly more tired than usual. The power that emanates from her is grander- wait, that emanates? As if to answer to their nonverbal curiosity, Kaló thrusts her head forward once more, showcasing a wild cut of psychic energy. Though, perhaps that wasn't all that she picked up...

"To be researched further...at a later date."

Notes:

- Wisp EVOLVES- Litwick -> Lampent

- Kaló learns Calm Mind and Zen Headbutt

- Sio obtains 1x Green Shard

For a while, Quill simply stands and waits- watching quizically as Kama chitters to Yurei, and the Wydeer lowers herself down to the ground.

But, once Kama is on and holding the reigns, it's not long before the Smeargle clambers up into Yurei's saddle, too. He even holds onto Kama's shoulders to be safe- a ride! A ride!!

"Ah- thank you!" Sio hums, their appraising gaze faltering for once at the compliment- though only very briefly. The more little details Makoto seems to present to her, the more she, in turn, can start to paint bigger pictures. Basic ones, sure- but the intricate portrait would come much later on.

In response to the greeting, Kaló makes one more happy purr before settling down properly on Sio's shoulder. "Koseki...hello, Koseki," she greets the Yamask, not really seeming to mind her reserved nature.

Once Tsukiko makes themself known with a nuzzle and yapping, though, Sio startles for a split second- only to chuckle and bring a hand down to pet behind her ear. "And hello to you too, Tsukiko!"

Curious now about all the new faces and sounds, another pokemon of Sio's makes herself known. Itiá, a wispy little Phantump, stays quiet as she sneaks up beside Tsukiko- before letting out a vast array of cheerful, trilling, echoey sounds.

Still in the very background for now, but still able to be heard, a Sinistea and a Litwick make seemingly argumentative chatters and noises at each other. What could that all be about..?

Makoto Kurumi

Being a beagle of impulse and curiosity, Quill only sniffs and observes Yurei for a bit longer before her idle nosing for vegetables almost seems to bore him. Quill's not really the type to search for vegetation anyways, unless there's berries nearby that he really likes. If it's just for any sort of vegetation at all, or whatever a Wyrdeer eats, then he's not interested.

Besides, Kama seems to be more his speed anyhow! With his chattering and gesturing, the sneasel easily regains his attention. Quill looks between the ice and Yurei..then back at the ice...then back at Yurei, and finally to Kama once more. It'd chatter and yip in turn, with a small "aroo?" of intrigue. As if to follow along, he'd point to Yurei too, then cock his head to one side. He can kind of put the pieces together...maybe??

Though her gaze stays warm and genuine, it's much clearer with the continuing eye contact as well as the handshake that Sio is still observing. Perhaps it's in a lighter, more positive light though, as she merely hums and nods. "Makoto...a lovely name, rolls right off the tongue." And it's true- they've seen and written many names before, some much more unsavory than others.

In a similar fashion during the pause, Sio reaches over to scratch the top of Kaló's head. The Abra purrs and trills with the affection, leaning into it and floating above its shoulder. "Mh? Why, thank you. Her name is Kaló; and what about your Yamask? They seem quite precious, too!" At the mention of her name, Kaló tilts her own head curiously- peering at Makoto and Koseki with another friendly trill.

Makoto Kurumi

With the joy easily growing mutual between Quill and Kama, the former can't help but be overjoyed even during their shared greeting. In return, the beagle yips cheerfully and waves back- just as eager to get to know him as well!

And as the Wyrdeer also joins in on the introductions and greetings, Quill can't help but grow curious about them as well. He'd stretch up on his tiptoes, waving to Yurei and eagerly sniffing them, too. So many new scents! So many new friends! This is absolute friendship HEAVEN for the little smeargle!!

Meanwhile, Sio seems to visibly relax on her end as well upon hearing that Makoto is well. Sure, their hands are sore, but that sort of pain will easily fade away with time. It's nowhere near as serious as, say, a broken bone or a concussion. "Good, glad to hear it. I'm sure it won't be long at all before you're back in tiptop shape," she replies, pushing herself up to balance on her own feet once more. This person seems...nice, at least in Sio's eyes. They're pretty, reserved and kind; and while she certainly doesn't feel any sort of immediate sparks, she wouldn't complain if this person ended up being a friend of hers. Plus, now that they're actually keeping eye contact with her...red and purple go nicely together. She knew this already, but it's especially true now, pertaining to a person's features- like little ornaments complimenting the stranger's overall appearance.

And as if to be the topper to it all, Sio would hum, stretching out one of her hands in proper introduction. "The name is Sio Sotí; it's a pleasure to meet you, darling~" she chimes, waiting patiently to see if they would return the gesture.

Makoto Kurumi

"Ah- Quill, Quill slow down!" A certain detective shouts, running after their ever wild and mischievous smeargle Quill. What was supposed to be an ordinary walk out in the snow now turned into an all out chase onto Route 121. When was the last time Sio even bothered to traverse the wild routes for any reason other than commute?

"Smear- Smeearr!" Quill cries out as Sio finally catches him- picking him up while he wriggles in their hold. Of course, he settles down eventually, but...

Now he's more genuinely curious, sniffing the air around him.

Maybe this could be a good opportunity to find some new pokemon after all, or perhaps even a new friendly face?

Shalin Nariya

Quill gives his own sort of surprised yelp at the initial collision - but, true to his nature, it's not long before he's giving cheery laughter-like yips all the way across the frozen lake.

It's not until he and Kama bump into the snowbank on the other side that Quill finally calms down. The smeargle looks curiously at the sneasel, leaning forward to sniff him the first chance he gets (after being untangled from him, of course). In response to Kama's chittering, Quill simply sticks his tongue out - giving a few happy pants while his tail wags lazily behind.

As for Sio, it gives another startled yelp as Makoto soon tumbles onto it- and she stays frozen in place, not wanting to trip the other person up another further. Though she doesn't outright react to their current positioning...she would be lying if she didn't admit her cheeks grew just a tinge pink. Regardless, it watches them closely- genuinely concerned, and making sure they got up fine. Kaló, meanwhile, floats up to meet Koseki's level, giving her own concerned whistles and hums.

"Ah...I am..alright. I'm fine." Sio responds, drawing herself in to sit more comfortably on the ice- legs crossed. She'll get up in a moment, she figures - checking on the admittedly attractive person in front of them matters just a bit more right now."Oh no no, you're fine, dear- really, I'm in the same predicament as you- getting used to this, I mean." She chuckles, dusting off some stray ice shavings from her coat. Though Makoto may keep their gaze averted, Sio's stays dead set on them in turn- watching, learning. And when that gaze meets again, she smiles- the scars around her lips stretching with the motion. "No worries, I'm not hurt; but what about you, hm?" They landed on their hands, didn't they? If they could afford to help- maybe not with money, but with basic care- they gladly would as well. "...Thank you for the offer, though," she tacks on - at the very least, to avoid sounding selfish or ungrateful in any way.


 

Makoto Kurumi

Sio was never one to allow themself much in the ways of freetime or festive activities. But, well, when snow keeps falling, winter keeps getting colder, and lakes closer to them freeze over, how can they resist? Especially considering that this meant they have the chance to learn ice skating...or try to, anyways.



Quill, her smeagle, already seemed to be a natural at the act. That is, if you considered bounding across the ice at reckless speeds and nearly if not entirely knocking into other pokemon and skaters natural talent. On the other hand, Kaló, Sio's abra, was more than content to just sit atop its shoulder. She'd rather not risk being dragged into Quill's nonsense this time, thank you very much.



As for Sio itself, it had just gotten the hang of balancing and moving forward- arms outstretched at its sides, slightly teetering across the ice. And while she's certainly gotten good at going, stopping was a whole other story. One that didn't necessarily come into play with one certain person barreling into her.



"Watch where you're go- ah!"


CRASH!!



All at once, Sio and Kaló went tumbling down, the former on her behind and the latter scrambling about as she skids further away. After a moment, Kaló made her way back to her trainer, who was just beginning to sit up and recollect itself.


"Heavens...Ugh.."

 
Makoto Kurumi

[Now, where was I...? Right, that one report on XXXXX has grown rather stale. I really need to brush up on it..]

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