.::.Chapter One: First Steps.::.

[♥.:.RizuChan.:.♥]

"Land ho!"

"The cry brought a new sense of hope to the crew as they gazed upon the marvelous, new land that was theirs to claim and explore, to name and cherish before all others. A land which Kiel named before he even set foot upon its dry lands. Lanorae. After the Gardevoir that had been lost in her final thrust to protect those she so cherished..."

The female blinked, shutting off the small Poketch as she managed to stifle a few tears. She had been doing some research about the Region she was heading for, and the history on how it had been discovered had been enough to almost have her cry. She could picture the events one by one in her mind, making a mental picture, which only aided in making it more painful and amazing at the same time.

"Wow... Lanore must have really loved Kiel a lot, to sacrifice herself to the point of exhaustion... I only wish she wouldn't have fallen overboard, after all that hard work to keep them all safe..."

"We thank you for boarding the S.S. Annie, we will be arriving shortly to our destination: Konika Village. Thank you for trusting us in your voyages over the vast blue seas, and have a nice day!"
"Oh wow, we're here already?!"

A smile spread widely over her dainty lips as the female rose from the bed, before rushing out the door of her cabin. The brunette climbed the stairs, before running over to the ship's railing and grasping it strongly. Chocolate eyes gazed out as Lanorae slowly inched closer and closer, and a giggle was set lose out of excitement as the wind teased her hair.

"Alright, journey here I come!"

***** * *****

"Let's see... The lab should be around here... Ah, there!"

Turning her gaze away from the trusty appliance, the female shut the Poketch of as she gazed at the double doors of the single floor home. Though similar to all the others, this one was -- by far -- many times longer than all the others, and the double doors gave it away that this was the lab. Heading over in its direction the female reviewed what she had learned during her trip.

"Let's see... The professor is female... Morwen Aspen was it? Mmm, I think so. According to the info it seems Lanorae has a special set of starters -- just like Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh -- but I couldn't find a scratch of info at all about them! Pity, really, I wold have liked to see them in a picture..."

Finally she was there, the female blinking as she looked at the double door. She swallowed lightly, Rizu could feel her heartbeats kick up a few more gears -- it almost felt as though she would end up vomiting her heart at this pace. Finally she was here, at a lab and hopeful to receive her first Pokémon... But what would the Professor think? Here was a nineteen year old, and adult almost, wanting to ask her for a starter Pokémon to embark on a journey like a ten year old...

Hopefully Professor Morwen Aspen would allow her the privilege of owning one of the starters Lanorae had to offer.

"Well, there's no turning back now really... Here goes all of it."

Sighing and taking a deep breath the female then gently knocked on the door -- before waiting to see if some sort of sign of life would be revealed. After all, she couldn't just waltz into the place liek she owned it.

[Prof. Aspen]

Professor Aspen sighed deeply as she took a sip of the black coffee that had been positioned next to her hand. She was actually at the lab today, and actually had been for the past few weeks, which was something that many of her assistants considered to be a new record. The region had been quiet lately, therefore, the dark-haired woman actually did have time to hang around her lab and run things like she was supposed to.

Her icy blue eyes turned to the door, the mug of coffee still held to her lips as she heard the tell-tale sound of someone knocking upon it. All the better! She actually had the chance to take care of handing out one of her starters to an aspiring trainer it seemed, for she wasn't really expecting any of her colleagues today.

She set the mug down, rising to her feet and striding briskly to the door where she promptly pulled it open with a small, polite smile in the direction of the individual that stood before her. From the looks of it, this woman was certainly a lot older than most of the new trainers she got visiting, and it was certainly a nice change. "Hello, how may I help you?" she asked, opening the door wider to show that Rizu was welcome.

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[♥.:.RizuChan.:.♥]

<sup>"Hello, how may I help you?"

The female hadn't been prepared -- she'd expected one of the usual Lab Assistants to get the door instead. After all, much of the reacher Rizu had found pointed that Professor Aspen was rarely found inside her lab -- so as soon as her chocolate eyes caught sight of the well-known Professor the ability of speech was robbed from the young adult... At least for a couple of seconds.

"Pro-Professor Aspen?! Hi, it's wonderful to have the chance to meet you!"

Yes, the brunette was excited, much like a small child. But who wouldn't be? After all, this was a brand new place, with brand new Pokemons -- and she got to meet the actual Professor, not just another assistant. Noticing her rather hyper-looking state the female tried to calm herself a bit, taking a few silent but deep breaths to regulate those heartbeats back to normal rate. As the door was opened wider in sign of welcoming the female nodded and ventured in -- taking her shoes off and leaving them at the entrance. She new some Professor sliked to keep their floors clean.

A smile played in her thin lips, while a wild look of excitement and childish delight was visible in her eyes -- her gaze devouring every single detail inside the Lab. Yes, this was a memorable event -- and Rizu wanted to be able to remember everyhting, from how the place looked to how everything smelled. She might not be able to remember it all later on, but by Arceus name she would try! Turning to catch the blue gaze of Professor Aspen she gave a second, more polite, smile towards her again.

"I'm sorry, it might seem a bit odd to have me here... I'm pretty certain is not usual to get nineteen year olds coming into a lab for the first time...."

A faint blush of embaracement stained her cheeks lightly, the teen giving a nervous chuckle. She did felt a bit awkward now that she tought about it. After all, wasn't this something kids did as soon as they had their tenth birthday. She was almost a decade late from that date...</sup>

[Prof. Aspen]

The professor couldn't help but smile as she picked up on the young woman's stammer as the brunette realized it wasn't one of her aides that had opened the door. She never really thought much of the fact she tended to be gone quite often even though she had been officially been labeled as the head of the lab, though really, one couldn't blame her. Being both the head of Pokemon research in the Lanorae region and the main overseer of the Lanorae Pokemon league did call for responsibility after all... not to mention her tendency to try and find out other things before some instances got out of hand.

"Likewise, it's a pleasure," she replied warmly, though she waved away the woman's statement about her age. "No, don't worry about it at all. It's actually a nice change to have an adult step into my lab." Her icy blue eyes sparkled. She honestly enjoyed any company that happened upon her doorstep with friendly intentions, but all the same, there were generally some interests that younger individuals failed to recognize, for instance, the fact that the young woman had not only knocked first but actually took her shoes off upon entering.

Professor Aspen was a bit of a neat-freak, to be sure, but she generally didn't mind a bit of dirt here and there. After all, her aides were in and out all day though the gesture was certainly a nice one.

"I'm guessing you're here for a starter then, correct?" she continued to smile, leaning absently against her desk with one of her hands placed absently on one of the numerous sketchpads that could be seen littered in neat piles around the lobby. "Do you have any idea on which one you think would make the best partner?"

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[♥.:.RizuChan.:.♥]

A sense of relief washed over the girl as she listened to the Professor. Good, Professor Aspen didn't seemed to have the least bit of problem with her age -- which was something that placed the girl at ease. Now inside she took a moment to observe the desk -- piles of sked pads here and there. And yet... They were all stacked so neat, the desk looked clean.

"I'm guessing you're here for a starter then, correct?"
"Mm- Ah, yes! That is correct."
"Do you have any idea on which one you think would make the best partner?"
"Well... I did do some research while on my way here with the ferry, but... To be honest I couldn't find an image on any of them. I do know their names, though! Iglora, the grass starter, Firecub, the fire starter, and Seaward, the water starter! I... was sort of hoping I could see them before making my final choice? If you don't mind, that is."

A nervous air still played about her, mixed with excitement. After all, this was the first time she would receive a Pokemon -- though Rizu had never been good at talking with strangers or being in far away places. Sure, she would probably relax and act more normally if she were to spend more time with the Professor -- but since this was their first meeting it was natural for the late teen to be nervous.

So far, though, she couldn't complain at all. Professor Aspen really was a nice lady -- the research had made her out to be (in Rizu's mind at least) a bit more... strict. Honestly, the brunette had expected a Professor that would be very meticulous and, while it was obvious Professor Aspen was careful wit things, she didn't seem the distant Professor type.

And that was a major relief.

[Prof. Aspen]

Professor Aspen seemed to be more than happy to comply. After all, it made her heart soar when new trainers showed interest in the region's native starters. It was true that some people simply wished to journey with a Pokemon they were familiar with [at least at first], and there certainly wasn't anything wrong with that, but there was just so much more challenge choosing a partner that was new to the individual; and in a way it was far more rewarding as well.

"Of course! It's so nice to see someone that's so prepared, hm, some people just walk in here and ask me what starters I have then choose on the spot!"

She turned to apparently go and fetch the starters, but then paused for a moment to look over her shoulder. "How about this. You come back to the habitats behind the lab and can see the starters in the environments we set up for them. It's so much easier to see their true personalities that way."

She smiled warmly. Usually new trainers were more than happy to see the set ups behind the lab where the Pokemon they couldn't carry -- most of the time -- resided during their journey. Of course there were always people that just wanted to get in and out, but at least the offer was there.

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[♥.:.RizuChan.:.♥]

"Of course! It's so nice to see someone that's so prepared, hm, some people just walk in here and ask me what starters I have then choose on the spot!"
"Hahaha, I just wanted to be prepared. And the trip was long, so researching made it seem a lot quicker than it truly was!"

As the Professor turned, seeming to be on her way to fetch the starters, the girl had been about to look around at the lab one more time -- before she then noticed the female pause, and finally turn around to look at Rizu once more. The late teen froze, mostly out of habit, as she wondered if she had said, or done, anything to upset the older woman -- though doubts were soon chased away as Professor Aspen spoke of a very interesting proposal.

"How about this. You come back to the habitats behind the lab and can see the starters in the environments we set up for them. It's so much easier to see their true personalities that way."
"Aahh, really~! Wow, I'd love to go with you please!"

Chocolate eyes held a sheen of pure excitement and her face lighted up with a childish smile. Wow, this was definitely a treat she hadn't expected! And in just a second the female had lost all shyness from being in a new place, replaced now by the excitement rushing through her blood. To get to see the Pokemons in the natural habitat the lab offered them... It was like offering a kid to take anything he wanted from a candy store for free!

"Oh, I should get my shoes!"

Bounding back to the entrance the female picked up the pair of red and white running shoes carefully, holding them in her hands as she came back to stand besides the Professor. She wouldn't wear them inside, she didn't want to dirty the floor, but once outside int he habitats she could place them back on. Giving a friendly smile to Professor Aspen she then waited for her to continue moving, so Rizu could follow her like a duckling.

[Prof. Aspen]

It didn't seem Professor Aspen was the type to stop smiling, her icy blue eyes glimmering warmly as she waited for Rizu to fetch her shoes and return to her side before she began to lead the way into the corridor that lead into the back labs. As she passed an open door, a few men and women dressed in lab coats and standing around a coffee pot gave cheerful waves before going back to whatever it was they happened to be talking about.

"Staff room," the professor stated simply, raising her hand to give a small wave back. It seemed that most of the staff had been present in that particular room, for even as they passed by the numerous computers and other various necessities of a research lab that made up the back rooms, it didn't seem like anyone was exactly working at the moment.

"Ah, here we are," it seemed that Morwen's voice had taken on a momentary sing-song quality as she gestured toward a door. She reached out and gently took the handle, pulling it open and stepping to the side to let Rizu go in first. "These are the habitats. Don't worry if any Pokemon choose to come close, save for the starters they're all owned by trainers that have started from my lab and are all reasonably friendly for the most part."

The habitats behind the lab were extremely expansive. While the terrain was noticeably uneven seeing that part of the cliff face that rose from the beach behind the lab had been taken in to be used, it seemed that there was at least some sort of terrain that most Pokemon would find enjoyable. A herd of Tauros and Miltank could be seen grazing far off in the distance where the habitat had actually extended into route one, and even further off several Rapidash and Ponyta could be seen running.

Just under the eaves on the lab, three or four Zubat could be seen hanging upsidedown in the shade, away from the sun as they slept the day away, and a large gate seemed to close in a particularly large portion of the ocean where several water Pokemon were currently leaping and playing: noticeably, a few Seaward who seemed to be trapped in some sort of game.

A small "pride" of Firecub were currently sunning themselves on a rock, their fiery tails lashing in contentment as a nearby Pyraness, their evolved form, watched over them carefully and turned to gaze with emerald eyes as it noticed the lab door had been opened.

Near the entrance to a small, human-made wood, two or three Iglora could be seen chasing each other as their powerful legs carried them quickly through the trees, their powerful jumps impressive as one managed to reach one of the first branches of a tree with a single bound. A large shadow was evident nearby, hinting that possibly one of their evolved forms was regarding them closely.

Professor Aspen gestured to each one in turn. "Seaward's evolved forms are probably deeper at the moment. They tend to prefer darker waters, but if you go anywhere near the water you'll most likely hear them singing. As of right now, we don't have a fully evolved Furion staying at the lab -- my son's Firecub has most likely reached that stage, but I haven't heard from him in a while -- so one of the male Pyraness has taken on the role as you can see, and the Iglora are over there. If you want to get a closer look at them though, be careful. I can see a Terrador in the shadows there and even in the best situations they tend to be somewhat aggressive..."

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[♥.:.RizuChan.:.♥]

A happy grin was given the the Professor as the teen returned to her side, her left hand moving to brush some brunette bangs behind her ear -- while both running shoes were grasped in her right. With a cheerful expression she followed Professor Aspen, blinking in curiosity as they passed the room and the many people with lab coats on that seemed to be gathered there at the moment. Maybe it was lunch brake?

"Staff room."
"I see... It seems they really enjoy working here, and with you."

The statement was spoken with a happy tone, it made Rizu happy to see a warm and friendly working environment like this one -- and Professor Aspen seemed so nice and kind. It was surprising how much warmth radiated from those icy blue colored eyes.

"Ah, here we are. These are the habitats. Don't worry if any Pokémon choose to come close, save for the starters they're all owned by trainers that have started from my lab and are all reasonably friendly for the most part."
"Uwaaaah~! It's so huge, and wide, a-an-and... Amazing!!"

It was clear that the female was very impressed by the vast terrain that stretched before her, chocolate eyes sparkling in excitement as she tried to take all of the environments, and Pokemons in them, into her brain at once. In her excitement she'd almost forgotten to place her shoes on, bouncing on one foot first, then on the other, as the struggled to get those running shoes back on her feet. Sure, it would have been easier if she would have sat first -- but currently the excitement was such that the female just wanted to get out there and see everything. While she did this the words of the Professor echoed inside her head, the brunette looking back at Aspen as she finished and nodding.

"Alright, I'll be careful then."

With that she ran off, first towards the ocean. She wanted to see each of the starters -- and perhaps she would be able to hear their evolutions singing, like Professor Aspen had mentioned. She slowed down as she reached the sands around the edge of the ocean, giggling softly as she watched the Seawards entangled in their game. Standing just out of the reach of the incoming waves she settled for watching -- after all, it would be rude to just go right in and disturb the young ones.

"Wow... This place is truly magnificent..."

[Prof. Aspen]

Professor Aspen smiled as she watched the younger girl run off to see the various starters, while she settled down against the door to the lab and watched from where she was. She decided she could see everything fine from this position, and if Rizu happened to get into trouble she was at least close enough to interfere if necessary. The woman adverted her icy gaze upward towards the sky, where the sun shone brightly, though it was obvious on the horizon there would be a storm later in the day. A slight sigh escaped her lips. She didn't exactly mind storms, but she did prefer the sun.

The Seaward that were chasing each other about looked up immediately as Rizu approached, their translucent water-lids sliding up and down over their reptilian eyes as they examined the girl with some degree of curiosity. A faint echo was evident amongst the waves, some sort of ethereal sound that drifted upward on a plain of song that seemed to match the rhythm of the waves. Perhaps that was the song that Professor Aspen had been referring to.

It seemed that a fair amount of the present Seaward chose to return to their little game, though two instead chose to swim over towards Rizu, still regarding her curiously. However, as they neared her, the one on the left seemed to get a sudden playful urge, and promptly bumped into the other, grabbing on to its fin-like ear with a playful tug that immediately sent them both rolling through the shallow water they had drifted into as they neared the shore. They were almost like puppies in a fashion, both of them now trying to pin the other under their serpentine bodies as they rolled about and eventually came close enough that they could potentially tap the girl that was watching them with one of their tails as they tussled in the warm sand.

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[♥.:.RizuChan.:.♥]

<sup>"Teehee, kawaii~!"

The female smiled, watching the Seawards playing, before her ears caught the faint song. Such an ethereal tune -- and yet it was so pleasing and alluring. She closed her eyes, focusing on the melody for a while, simply enjoying the moment.

"Eh?"

Chocolate eyes now loked at the two Seawards playing in the shallow waters, the female now alert to their close proximity since one of their body parts (she wasn't sure which one) had managed to bump against her. A smile flickered through her lips, as the female crouched down to watch the two starters play. If she got wet... Ah well, it would eventually dry off.

"Hi there, cuties."

A hand gently splashed water in the direction of the Seaward pair, the girl smiling softly. Even as they tussled around she could still see their hides -- such gorgeous colors their body possessed. Though the girl wonder how starting trainers would deal with them on land... That must defenitely be quite a feat.

She wasn't going to pick a Seaward as her partner, but it still didn't hurt to look at them for a while. And these two were quite cute and amusing -- she would have expected them to be more around the shy scale.</sup>

[Prof. Aspen]

One of the Seaward crooed, shielding its face with one of its flippers as Rizu splashed them, and the pair exchanged glances before responding with quick flicks of their tails which sent water of their own splashing in her direction. They seemed to giggle, before heaving themselves back into deeper waters with their flippers to swim back to the other of their kind that were floating further out.

It seemed their curiosity at this "new arrival" had been successfully fulfilled, and they assumed that this human really wasn't that interested in taking them from their watery home. After all, most individuals simply chose what they wanted and wished to get out of the lab as soon as possible to get a move on. That was just how it normally worked.

It seemed the Seaward had simply followed the long-set example.

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[♥.:.RizuChan.:.♥]

"Tee-hee-hee~!"

The female smiled, watching the pair of Seawards drift back to the more deep waters and with those of their kind. Her clothes were now damp, though not terribly soaked, and after a few moments to fix her hair the female turned to look around. The next ones closest where the Igloras -- though remembering the warning of Profesor Aspen she decided to watch them from affar.

Terrador sounded like the kind of Pokémon she would be better off avoiding.

"Mmm... I suppose that leaves the Firecubs then~!"

With a smile the female bounded in the directiont he cubs had been before, staying a few feet away from the young ones -- just in case the Pyraness got over protective. She watched the little flame felines through curious eyes, a soft smile adorning her lips.

Hopefully they wouldn't mind her clothes being a bit damp from the small rendevous with the Seawards...

[♥.:.RizuChan.:.♥]

^{Ooc:// Small bump for Ayra...}

[Prof. Aspen]

The small group of Firecub didn't seem to be quite as curious as the Seaward had been. They seemed to be presently more interested in their own games, fairly occupied with pouncing on each other under the watchful eyes of the Pyraness that were lounging about. There didn't seem to be any Furion, the final stage, present, showing that either there hadn't been much evolution, or trainers simply chose to keep their large fire lions with them.

Though it was obvious that females obviously dominated this group. The more lithe creatures outnumbered their slightly more stocky male counterparts to a fair extend, and also seemed to be the more active ones in the group. That really did make more sense, after all, the females did tend to be the ones that did the hunting while the males were more for show and fighting than anything else.

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