[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Ruby was tired. Tired of walking, to be more specific.[break][break]

Atop Mt. Pyre, Ruby simply rested on the ground as a couple of her Unowns floated around her in a circle, curious over their trainer's lack of actions for a good solid couple of minutes. Eventually, one of them nudged her and she finally spoke up.[break][break]

"I'm fine, honest." She'd slowly sit back up, sighing quietly. "My feet just hurt. We've been hunting for more of you guys all day. And unlike you guys, I can't float." Whether or not they found her funny, was impossible to tell. They simply blinked at her, then at each other, and then began to slowly float around once more.[break][break]

"Bluh, fine." Ruby would roll her eyes, standing back up to her feet after taking off her shoes and slipping on the sandals she had spare in her backpack. Hopefully, that would help a bit. "Let's get going you guys, walk down the mountain slowly and see if we find anything unique?"

[break][break][break]

notes Psychic/Ghost Spawn!

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Her search for Unown had always taken a backseat to her other priorities. Helping people at the local food bank in Slateport, volunteering at the local PokeCenter when they were overwhelmed, or even simply studying for her new college classes. And yet right now, this suddenly became the biggest priority she had. [break][break]

There was a mystery to be solved, and it seemed almost kind of ominous. This strange app, The Unown Report, cataloging Unown and revealing words one after another. Surely, there had to be something to be discovered, something of importance. Nothing happened in this region that wasn't at least tangentially related to something important. [break][break]

And yet, here she stood atop Mt. Pyre, completely confused. Had she already walked past that tree before? It looked familiar, but she could swear she was just going in circles with all the hyper-focusing she was doing. With a soft sigh, Ruby sent out a good portion of her own Unown collection, only to speak with them. [break][break]

"Let's go guys, help find more of you. And, maybe the safe way down too, when you can."
[break][break][break]

notes Psychic/Ghost Spawn!

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Unown. She always knew there was something special about these Pokemon, and now she had a reason to prove it. Just how many people had volunteered for that pop-up restaurant, only to find one of these strange chips? Certainly, enough that people began to care about it, that was for sure. A mystery to be solved, something she refused to just sit down and do nothing about.[break][break]

Summoning her own swarm of Unown, Ruby set out onto the road. Mt. Pyre had a collection of Psychic Pokemon, although the presence of Ghost Pokemon did unnerve her somewhat. With any luck, her own group would draw in any Unown by their own lonesome. Or perhaps, her own group would simply draw in those who were also looking for Unowns. Perhaps it was best to be a bit cautious.
[break][break][break]

notes Psychic/Ghost Spawn!

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]The door is quick to fly open and Ruby immediately gives a soft smile and a nod to the Professor. Already, first impressions of the woman seemed quite lovely. It certainly would be hard to work with someone who was grumpy, or too serious. The smile was a lovely change of pace.[break][break]

Walking into the room, Ruby would gently sit down onto the chair. Very familiar with Indeedees and their habits, Ruby gave the pokemon a soft smile before grabbing the glass. "Thank you, dear." For now, however, she'd simply hold the glass. It would be rude to take advantage of their hospitality without at least a little conversation first. [break][break]

"Good Afternoon, Professor." Ruby would speak up with a soft tone to her voice, although that was quite normal for the young girl. "My trip here was pretty simple, yes. It was quite a distance from Slateport to be here today, but my Pokemon make it a quick and painless trip." Finally, she'd gently sip the glass of water, admittedly trying to hide her own nerves.[break][break]

"Teleportation truly makes things quite simple, so please don't worry about the distance from home. I do have reliable transportation." She'd chuckle quietly, knowing that was at the very least a common question in job interviews. Or at least, that's what the internet said.  "But, may I first ask, if you have any questions for me?"
[break][break][break]

notes ...

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Was... any of the drinks here non-alcoholic? It had to be, right? There were plenty of other underage people here, but it seemed like finding one was practically like a needle in a haystack. She didn't exactly trust the punchbowl to not have any alcohol in it, but it looked safe enough. Regardless, after filling her cup a familiar voice called out her name. [break][break]

Turning around, a wide smile spread across her face. "Cardamom Bliss! It feels like it's been ages! You look lovely as well. How goes the bakery business?" Sure enough, Whisper recognized the bear pokemon. They simply smirked over towards them, as cocky and as confident as ever. Of course, even she had to respect that fighting spirit.[break][break]

And sure enough, another friendly face arrived. Hideo Kino was busy dancing with his Gardevoir, but his Beheeyem was a friendly sight at this point. Ruby would reach down to shake the alien-like Pokemon's hand before turning back to Cardamom. "Don't be surprised if you see even more people we recognize! This region has a habit of shoving familiar faces at you everywhere you go." She'd chuckle quietly, finally taking a sip of her drink.[break][break]

... Yep, the punch was slightly alcoholic. It's not like it had been labeled or anything. They really should do something about that. Oh well. [break][break]

She'd give Shin a soft smile before returning her attention back towards her friend. "This place is pretty big, so there might be room for more! Just be cautious, you know. I know I own a few pokemon that would rather cause mischief than enjoy the dance floor, after all."
[break][break][break]

notes Ref: X

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Ruby was quiet for a long, long time. Just holding the egg silently in her arms, She refused to give up, but the silence of the cave didn't encourage hope. Just before she slid away, moving to stand on her own, it happened.[break][break]

The egg moved. [break][break]

That was all it took for Ruby to spend the next few months taking care of the egg. Flying back and forth to the island whenever she could. Her compassion and drive all but demanded she turns that damp wet cave, into a home. If not for the pokemon within the egg, then for her. A place to get away from the stress and the danger of the world. Everything just made sense here. She knew what her goal was, and she knew exactly how to help. [break][break]

One afternoon, tired and exhausted from all the past events, Ruby slumped down into the cave and once again summoned her pokemon to help hatch the egg once more. Getting a job, settling down, all that more adult things were hard. But she could never forget, this took precedence over everything else. She could just, feel it in her bones. This was special. [break][break]

The sound of cracking immediately stirred her to her feet, leaping up as quick as she can. At first, she was almost afraid the earth was cracking again, such bad experiences at Mt. Chimney. That is before she witnessed the white shell falling to the ground from the egg itself. She couldn't believe her eyes for a moment. [break][break]

And there it was. Or perhaps, it was more appropriate to say they were. Three small pixie-like Pokemon exited the egg, and Ruby almost couldn't breathe for a second. It took her ages to even speak as they floated down towards her. "Y-you're... so beautiful."[break][break]

Each one, blue, pink, and yellow looked at her with what she could only describe as curiosity. Ruby's own eyes were wide as well, looking at the clearly legendary pokemon before her. And then, they all floated down to "kiss" her on her forehead. She couldn't help it, giggling ever so quietly even as the tears began to flow. [break][break]

And before she knew it, they were gone. Flying out of the cave with such speed she couldn't even keep track. Ruby scrambled up to the edge of the cave, attempting to watch them go. They already seemed so mature, so full of life and energy... she brought them into the world. They had chosen her and now they had left the nest so fast.[break][break]

"Go," Ruby whispered quietly to herself, hoping that somehow they would hear her, and understand. "Make the world a better place. Better than I ever could on my own." [break][break]

There was no way Ruby could ever abandon the island entirely, she had fallen in love with the place too much. She would return every now and then, just to check up on the place for sure. Ruby would simply lay at the edge of the cave the rest of the day, watch the sun slowly setting on the horizon before she even bothered to move. No matter what happened, today was a good day. And hopefully, those three would help make every day a good day for someone out there. [break][break]

Before she could strike up the courage to leave, Ruby grabbed a large piece of the eggshell, gently tucking it into her backpack. A memory, just in case she never saw them again.[break][break]

But she will find them again, she swore it to herself. You don't simply give up taking care of your children after they've grown up, after all?
[break][break][break]

notes Ruby is a proud mother, and seeks to forever help her new babies. She takes a piece of the egg and vows to return to the island often to keep it a safe haven, a place for them and herself to return to.

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Ruby had to admit, this was an incredibly fancy gathering and she was absolutely delighted to take part. The last fancy dance she had been to was the Aurorus Ball, and it had felt like a lifetime since then. This was something new and exciting. A meteor shower! A view that only happened so rarely, and to think it was early too. Strange, but astronomy wasn't really her line of expertise. Instead, she was simply happy to enjoy the moment. [break][break]

That is until she almost tripped on her own heels. Luckily, Whisper managed to catch her before she completely fell. "Heh, thanks dear. Let's have fun tonight, shall we?" Grabbing Whisper's hand, Ruby would join the rest of the early arrivals and listen to their host speak. [break][break]

And yet, she couldn't help but focus on what she meant, even despite all the joy all around them. The world is but a shadow? Was that some kind of saying meant to inspire some kind of confidence? Or was it one of those 'yolo' things that she never quite understood the point of? Either way, as the music began, Ruby gently squeezed Whisper's hand, leading her away from the music for the time being. [break][break]

"I know, I know. Not too loud for you, is it? You can always sit back in the pokeball if you want." Sure enough, the little ribbons in her hair looked absolutely silly, and Whisper felt silly too. But the stern look on her face told Ruby she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. Too many events had been missed because she hated loud sounds. She still did, but Ruby clearly took priority. [break][break]

With a soft smile, Ruby would slowly walk off in order to find something to drink. Non-Alcoholic, of course.
[break][break][break]

notes Hold Hands. React to Dr. Holo's Intro. Ref: X

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]It took forever to find the place she was looking for. The cold chilly air in the sky, paired with the biting chill of anticipation drove her to the ends of Hoenn in her desperate search. Even her own Pokemon Amor seemed to be growing tired, his wings had carried Ruby aloft for quite a time. She was just about to call him back to rest so she could continue the search on Gemini her Starmie before she saw it.[break][break]

An island, blurring into the distance with every surge of the waves. This was it. It had to be it. Her heart nearly stopped as she witnessed the sight before her. This couldn't be natural, could it? Scared that she would lose sight of the island if she even dared look away, Ruby quickly steered her Togekiss down to the island.[break][break]

There was only one thing to say about this place. It was perfect. The sun was shining down so beautifully, the pokemon who lived here seemed such at peace, it was almost like stepping into a picturesque world that she shouldn't be a part of. Too beautiful to mess up with her human presence. And yet, just the short flight over the island revealed a cave within a lake and she knew she couldn't resist. [break][break]

An island, within an island. It was almost as if whatever was here, had called out to her. And she couldn't resist the call if she tried. Perhaps it was curiosity, stupidity even? She couldn't really understand enough to explain her own actions as she stepped down onto the cave floor. Returning her Togekiss to its Pokeball, she pressed forwards. [break][break]

Only for her to be witness to the most majestic sight Ruby had seen. It wasn't much, but it was enough to satisfy her. A practical lifetime of struggling to find this place, guided by a single vision forever ago, granted her the sight of the egg before her. This massive, beautiful egg balanced atop a rock within. She couldn't help but approach, placing her hands so gently against the shell. It was cold... [break][break]

This island, this place was so full of life! Surely, this egg must also be full of life too. It just needed the right chance to grow. Taking a brief look at the eggs in her backpack, Ruby slowly pulled them out and placed them down right beside the massive egg. "You guys stay put, alright?" She spoke to herself, a soft anxious grin on her face. [break][break]

Ruby was quick to summon a few of her Pokemon, namely Grace and Sauna. The Gardevoir standing tall, examining the world as Sauna the aptly named Coalossal stood ready by her side, crawling around to examine the cave itself.[break][break]

"I don't know much," Ruby spoke to her pokemon, gathering their attention once more. "But Pokemon eggs need two things. Warmth, and love. I can provide the second part, but I need you two to do the first. Grace, can you provide the water for Sauna?" Even as she spoke, Ruby was stripping off the jacket she was wearing. It was about to get toasty in here. [break][break]

With a dramatic bow from the Gardevoir, Grace began to twirl, summoning Life Dew that covered Sauna's rock body. Sure enough, their intense natural heat began to burn off the water, almost like a Steam Engine, creating a natural sauna in the air close by to the egg. "Keep it up!" The young trainer shouted, hopefully, it would be enough. [break][break]

Being quite honest with herself... Ruby had never hatched an egg before. It's a bit too late to volunteer at the Daycare now, alas. With a sigh, Ruby slowly approached the eggs, giving the two smaller ones a gentle pat before moving to the large one. She'd reach over to gently brush her hands against the shell once more before giving it an incredibly soft hug in her arms.[break][break]

"You called me... didn't you?" She'd speak so quietly after what felt like an eternity, almost as if she was afraid to crack the very shell with her words. Months of anxious research and preparations went into this, she couldn't ruin this now. And yet, all alone away from the rest of the world, she couldn't help but just pour everything out. "When I healed that thing... you called out to me. I know you did, I just know it. I just want to know why."[break][break]

Luckily, the intense steam in the air from her Pokemon's creation would hide the ever-so-subtle tears that began to roll down the Saint's face and onto the egg itself. "I don't understand anything... Why do such terrible things happen to such good people in this region? But I'll never turn down someone in need. Person, Pokemon... Egg, anything, just-" [break][break]

Eventually, Ruby's own Hatterene must have popped out of her pokeball of her own will, sensing the intense emotion of her trainer. And yet, all Whisper seemed to do was place a gentle hand onto their shoulder. There was always a time and a place for her dislike against strong emotions, right now her trainer was clearly struggling. Her presence helped Ruby focus at the very least, breathing calmly for a few seconds before speaking again. [break][break]

"I just, hope that I'm not too late to help you too. So many people have been hurt... Is it so bad to wish I could make the world a better place? One step at a time?" [break][break]

SozJ3I8q
[break][break][break]

notes Ruby lands on the island, and has an emotional moment. Life Dew / Steam Engine to attempt to make a sauna to warm the large egg, and her own. Finished social threads as I got: xxxx

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]It was time to get a job. [break][break]

It was a strange statement, admittedly. She hasn't had a job the entire time she has been in Hoenn. Or at least, nothing long-term. Sure, there has been the occasional job here and there, but it wasn't the same as waking up every day just to head to work. It was kind of a sign of adulthood. Or at least, close enough to adulthood anyways. [break][break]

Ruby would sigh to herself, looking up at the big buildings of the Pokemon League HQ. Once upon a time, she came here to challenge the E4. And now, she was attempting to apply for a job opening she had found, a lab assistant. She was always interested in sciences and research, so why not attempt to put that desire into something she could make money doing? She had to pay rent for her new apartment somehow, anyways.[break][break]

Steeling her own nerves, Ruby brushed down the simple dress she was wearing, hoping to make a good impression. As soon as she was sure she looked at least somewhat decent, Ruby would gently open the doors and push inside. Luckily, the foyer didn't seem super busy. Shifting the purse on her shoulder, she'd pull her phone out briefly to check the time before approaching the front desk.[break][break]

"Uh, excuse me. My name is Ruby Walker, and I'm here for my interview."[break][break]

---

[break][break]

Sure enough, Ruby would eventually be directed down to an office. Every time she had been in this building, she never did understand the floorplan. Although to be fair to herself, she had only been in here such few times before. Maybe she'd be able to get to know the place if she actually got hired. [break][break]

Reading the name on the office door for a brief second, Ruby would gently knock and wait to be invited in. The last thing she wanted was to showcase bad manners, after all.
[break][break][break]

notes ...

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]
Sylveon Custard. What a delicious treat, an absolute delicacy. Ruby couldn't help but smile at the mere thought of it, how it must taste so wonderfully. Luckily, this was something she actually knew how to make! Ruby whipped out several of her Pokeballs, taking command of the kitchen herself for once. [break][break]

As she turned around to talk to her Oranguru, it quickly began to use Trick Room, its strange properties helping the slow process of cooking the mixture actually speed up a considerable amount. However, with her back turned, her Galarian Slowking Prince decided it needed a bit of something special. Mixing in its own Curious Medicine, it quickly slipped off to the side with a soft smirk on its face. [break][break]

"Alright!" Ruby shouted out, grabbing the finished custard slice and preparing it to serve. "Last meal of the lunch hour, completed!" Sure enough, in her excitement, Isabelle the Chimecho began to ring its Heal Bell, signifying the changing of the shifts, and giving life and energy to the dishes, as well as the worn-out chefs who had worked so hard.

[break][break][break]

notes Trick Room. Heal Bell. Curious Medicne. Order 14.

[break]

[attr="class","rolling-header"]

[attr="class","rolling-thread"][attr="class,"faction"]Team Rocket, the Tree, Sootopolis, it was all a bit much to deal with. This place reeked of hurt, in so many ways than one. And yet, the tree itself seemed so beautiful from the very pictures she couldn't help but take a closer look herself. After all, it was startlingly similar to the tree that had been destroyed at Littleroot. Looking back, it was almost certainly Team Rocket in disguise, but there wasn't exactly any way to prove that. She had really just been in the wrong place at the wrong time...[break][break]

With a sigh, Ruby bundled up her hoodie a little tighter and pushed forwards. Luckily, sneaking inside the tree was pretty easy considering her stealthy talents, but the inside was more beautiful than she could have imagined. Would the Littleroot Tree have grown to be this large and majestic if it had survived? There was little she could do but speculate at this rate. She wasn't a scientist, after all, just a girl with intense curiosity.[break][break]

Which is precisely why she grew curious when she heard conversations happening from within. Even stranger, a few familiar voices. Pausing her quiet exploration, Ruby slowly approached with her feet as quietly as she could. Not wanting to be caught off guard in case anything happened, Ruby summoned her Gardevoir who'd be able to get her out of there in a split second if something went wrong. [break][break]

And yet, what she witnessed was something completely different. Her friends were simply, talking. There was John Sullivan and Hideo Kino right there, as well as Andy Blackadder just, discussing. As well as a stranger she didn't recognize. What were they up to this time? Ruby didn't bother to speak, knowing better than to communicate vocally in case they were found. Instead, she simply looked over at Grace, encouraging the Gardevoir to telepathically inform Hideo Kino 's own Gardevoir of their presence. [break][break]

Despite sort of announcing her presence telepathically, Ruby was still very much hidden. Wearing a dark green hoodie and sweats, she was practically laying flat on the ground in the tall grass, with her Gardevoir also trying its best to attempt to keep a low profile.
[break][break][break]

notes ...

[break]