Sandgem Town

Quinn was especially focused on the interaction between Stella and Orion, making sure to take detailed notes of both of them. Suddenly, though, Cooper’s voice broke her concentration. While Quinn was annoyed by this distraction, it wasn’t until she heard what Cooper was saying that her annoyance decreased. To her surprise, he began to apologize for being rude and uppity earlier. He also went on to say that he hadn’t had much experience as a trainer and that the two of them probably didn’t really know how to best communicate with each other due to their differences.

Quinn was thoroughly surprised as she was often the one told she was being rude and uppity towards people, so hearing someone else admit that about themselves was a bit refreshing. Quinn paused her observations from the Pokemon once Cooper had finished talking and responded to him, “Honestly, I didn’t think you were rude, at least not as rude and pretentious as I tend to be towards people. But, I am working on that. I, too, am sorry if anything I said overwhelmed you or came off as abrasive. Also, don’t feel bad about not knowing much about Pokemon, let alone the unique creature that is your Cleffa. Even as someone who has studied Pokemon most of my life and probably will for the rest of it, I know relatively little about your Orion, hence why I wish to observe it. Everyone goes at their own pace when it comes to learning, even about Pokemon. I simply had to learn fast and stay ahead as best I could in my life…”

Upon this last remark, Quinn turned away from Cooper and let out a deep breath. She analyzed her little speech and felt it was appropriate and candid. She wasn’t sure what it was exactly about Cooper, but she felt comfortable enough opening up a little bit to him and admitting one of her faults to him. Maybe it was the way he apologized for something she normally had to do. Maybe she felt an obligation to share since he allowed her to observe his Pokemon. Whatever it was, she decided to not dwell too much on this.

She turned downwards towards Stella who seemed to have stopped playing with Orion at some point while Quinn was talking. Stella and Cyan were looking up at Quinn with some worry, but she patted them both gently on their heads to reassure them she was okay. “Anyways, I appreciate your apology,” Quinn finally said trying to sound friendly for a moment before her tone changed back to its normal, monotone, analytical sound, “My observations on your Cleffa Orion are complete. You all are free to continue on your journey now.”

Party:

• Croagunk (level 12- shiny)

• Nickname: Cyan

• Nature: Strong, silent type, Gruff

• Gender: Male

• Met at: Outskirts of Black City, near the landing site of Stella

• HP: 90/90

• Exp: 3/17

• Ability: Poison Touch- The opponent has a 3/10 chance of being induced with Poison when using an attack that requires physical contact against this Pokémon

• Moves:

• Poison Sting- 15 (3/10 chance of poison)

• Dynamic Punch- 90 (Confuses the target)

• Astonish- 20 (3/10 chance of flinching, makes contact)

• Thunder Punch- 55 (1/3 chance of paralysis)

Quinn reconsidered if she should stay and decided it would be best for her to leave already. She took her leave from Copper and the new girl, determined to do some observations in the nearby fields before the day ended even though it was already getting late.

Quinn walked to the outskirts of Sandgem Town and found a good open spot near a few trees. Once there, she released her Pokemon from their Pokeballs to take notes on them, though she only had to update her notes on her previously obtained Pokemon. Quinn was particularly interested in Zephyr, the Starly Gwen gave her from the Pokemon Lab.

Once she had taken notes on Marie the Snivy, she moved on to Zephyr. At first, the bird was not interested in being handled to take good notes on it, moving away from Quinn and trying to peck her as she tried to move its wings and such. “Ah, so you are a bit of a diva, I see. I honestly thought you’d be more cooperative now that you are out of the lab,” Quinn began as she tried to poke and prod the Pokemon with little success, “Well, even divas have their weak spots, and I suspect a little bribe is all you need.”

Quinn reached into one of her many pockets and pulled out a round, silver case. From it, she grabbed a Poffin and showed it in front of Zephyr. The Pokemon was quick and eager to try to snatch it from Quinn, but she was quicker and moved it out of his reach. “Only Pokemon that are polite and help me with my research get a Poffin,” Quinn said, to which Zephyr calmed down and begrudgingly let Quinn make her observations.

After taking detailed notes of Zephyr, Quinn gave the Poffin to the Pokemon, who seemed quite pleased now. “See, that wasn’t that bad, was it?”

As Zephyr happily ate, he began to glow with a harsh light. Quinn and the others were surprised at first, but then Quinn and her older Pokemon companions realized what was happening. Quinn slid on her shade lenses and watched as Zephyr evolved from a Starly to a Staravia. Once he was finished evolving, Zephyr shook his feathers and got resettled in place on the ground. “Well, I suppose that means I have more observations to do now.”

Zephyr sighed but complied this time with the hope he would get another Poffin. After completing her observations on the new Zephyr, Quinn gave the diva another Poffin. “Alright, I think I have enough information to write my first report to Professor Juniper later tonight. We should go back to the lab for now,” Quinn announced as she led her Pokemon back to Sandgem Town, returning most of them to their Pokeballs first.

Quinn spent the rest of the evening writing her report to Professor Juniper at the local Pokemon Center. It didn’t take her long to write it, but she made sure to be thorough in her notes and observations. Her Pokemon milled about a bit in the Pokemon Center, except for Cyan, who kept watch on everyone for Quinn.

Once finished, Quinn submitted her report to Professor Juniper, anxiously awaiting a response. However, she realized it was rather dark by the time she had completed the report, so she decided it would be best for all of them to stay at the Pokemon Center for the night. While it wasn’t the luxury hotels she was used to, it was still cozy and, more importantly, safe. Once arranging the details of their stay with the front desk of the Center, she led her team to the room to rest for the night. Despite not having done a lot that day, it was just hitting Quinn how exhausted she was. “Alright, everyone, time for some rest,” She announced, moreso to reassure herself that this was what she was doing and had time for.

It wasn’t until Quinn woke up in the morning that she realized she had fallen asleep with her day clothes on, something she was annoyed at herself for. She changed into something a bit more casual and decided it would be better to get started with her day already rather than dally with washing her clothes, at least until she reached her next destination. To add to her personal annoyance, it was almost mid-morning when she checked the time. She preferred starting her days early, though she forgave herself when she considered she must have needed the rest.

She checked her X-transceiver for an update from Professor Juniper. She had a new message from the Professor, which was filled with praise from her along with the next task. Quinn deflected the praise in her mind and focused on the next task. It said that she had to capture a Pokemon with a split evolution chain. She thought for a moment of the possible Pokemon in Sinnoh and two immediately came to mind, Burmy and Wurmple. While Wurmple would be easier to find, research on them was often not considered to be basic, though Quinn was sure she could elevate it and make it worthwhile to read. Quinn decided she would do her research paper on whichever she could catch first, or possibly even both if events align to allow that in a timely manner.

Quinn put away her X-transceiver, knowing exactly where she wanted to go. Though Eterna Forest would have both the Pokemon she needed, she wanted to first make a stop at Oreburgh City to visit some acquaintances and friends with the museum there. It would be a short detour on the way to Eterna Forest, so it wouldn’t add much time to her travels. She gathered her things and returned most of her team to their Pokeballs except for Cyan, who preferred being by Quinn’s side to keep watch. The two left the Pokemon Center to start their day.