Nicole checked, and rechecked the paper that was in her hands. She had come to Pyron to see what had changed after two years, and to check on the man she hadn't seen since they took over the Underground two years ago. However, at the moment, it seemed that she was lost. There was no way the tall building in front of her was the one that she needed to be at. From beside her, Nero was also looking at the building with uncertainty, while next to him, Isolde was trying to get his attention so he would play with her. "Isolde, stop that, we have a serious problem here." Nicole tried to scold the Pokemon who merely ignored her in favor of biting Nero's leg gently. Nero gave a huff and nosed the Electrike away. Giving a small groan of annoyance, while looking to the sky and silently asking Arceus what she had done to deserve having problem children for Pokemon, Nicole decided the best thing to do was to actually go inside the building in front of her group and ask for directions. Taking a step forward, she drew Nero's attention, which in turn caught Isolde's, and the group moved forward towards the doors to the building. Once at the doors, Nicole looked down at her Pokemon and huffed. "Behave yourselves inside, okay you two?" She asked before stepping inside.
"I guess normal was never supposed to be a word for me." - Nicole
Post by Zandrophin on Jul 18, 2015 23:21:40 GMT -6
Sonos chimed as the woman entered the building. From one of the side entrances to the atrium, Lox's voice could be heard,
"...tried to tell you...but you wouldn't listen. Now, beat it!"
The sound of a body hitting the ground outside could be heard.
"If I catch you skulking around here again, it won't just be your wrist that gets broken, UNDERSTAND?!"
Retreating footsteps were followed by a brief moment of silence, then Lox cleared his throat, straightened his sleeves, and brushed back his hair as walked back into the main section of the atrium. Just before he reached his desk, Sonos chimed again. Lox straightened up, and turned to face the door, a genuine smile on his face, noticing the woman at the door.
"Welcome to the Celosia Trading Company, Pyron City branch. My name is Matthew. Can I help you with anything today, Miss?"
Do not fight for a cause or for what you believe in: Fight for yourself, because who you are rarely changes. Zandrophin
Nicole blinked a couple of times as she tried to get what she had heard out of her head, as well as come to an understanding that she was in the right place. She then gave the man who had spoken to her with a sheepish look. "Ummm... Well... I was going to ask for directions... But it looks like I found the place I was looking for..." She started lamely, not sure how to follow up that statement. From beside her, Nero gave a huff and then nudged her hand. Nicole looked down at him at that. "What... Oh... Right..." She said, finally getting it when she saw the expectant look on the Ninetails face.
"Anyways... I'm looking for Zandrophin. I'm a... Friend, I guess you could say? Or is it business associate? Ally? Ummmm... Terms are confusing." She answered, though it sounded even more pathetic than what she had said before. Well, there went first impressions. She probably looked like a lost child and not a sixteen-year-old. From beside her both Nero and Isolde shook their heads with huff-like sighs. "Hey, we haven't been in society for almost two years! Give me a break! I don't people and you know it!" She snapped looking down at her Pokemon with a pout. Nero merely rolled his eyes and looked up at her with a 'really?' look, all the while going back to ignoring Isolde's restarted attempts to get him to play with her.
"I guess normal was never supposed to be a word for me." - Nicole
Post by Zandrophin on Jul 21, 2015 10:51:47 GMT -6
Behind his smile, Lox was rather suspicious of this unknown face. He couldn't help but think she was familiar...but he couldn't place the face.
'Business associate'...well...let me just check that...
He walked behind the desk and opened up the small book he always kept with him. He thumbed through the pages until he found the page detailing the woman's identity. He raised his eyebrows in surprise and relief. He had nothing to fear from this one...she was legitimate. He spoke up to answer her question,
"Yes, of course, Miss. I believe he's in the PokeMart we have on-site."
He pointed towards the door at the back of the atrium and continued,
"Just head through that door back that way, go across the garden, and you should see it on the edge of the garden. If I may, I'd recommend you walk slowly...you seem a bit tense, and the garden may help to relax you. If you need any further assistance, do not hesitate to ask."
As she walked past him, in a hushed tone, he added as he was reading the newspaper without looking at her,
"Enjoy your visit...Miss Everfield."
Do not fight for a cause or for what you believe in: Fight for yourself, because who you are rarely changes. Zandrophin
Nicole nearly froze when she heard the other say her last name, but realized that he would probably know because he worked for Zandrophin. That didn't make it any better, but it was a reasonable thought, especially since she had regained some control over the Pokemon trade in the Underground under her last name. Nodding instead, she continued to walk towards where she had been directed. When she had opened the door, Nicole was surprised by the sight of the garden. It was gorgeous, and obviously well taken care of. Looking down at Nero and Isolde, she noticed that they too had stopped to admire the sight in front of them. "It is pretty, isn't it?" She asked, while both Pokemon looked up and nodded in sync. "I guess we could walk a little slower to get to the PokeMart." She muttered as she started to do just that with Nero and Isolde following at the same pace. "Hopefully Zandrophin won't be upset about me not contacting him before hand... This was a kinda last minute decision..." She muttered to herself again, though this time she was admiring the garden as she did so. She really had just come to Pyron to pick up some supplies for her home, having run out a few days before.
"I guess normal was never supposed to be a word for me." - Nicole
As the woman left, Lox pressed a button under his desk before returning his attention to his newspaper.
In the PokeMart, Zandrophin was busy stacking boxes in the storage area of the store when a soft blue light filled the room.
"Ah...someone comes this way. Let us go see who it is."
Sitting on the other end of the room, Mentus handed Zandrophin his staff. Even with the back brace he'd received from Miss Yamada's clinic, walking was still troublesome from time to time. The girl behind the counter, Lox's sister, Patricia, glanced up from her work, brushing back her long black hair. In a voice as smooth as her brother's, she said,
"Sir? What's going on?"
"Someone's coming, Miss Patricia....I'm going to greet them."
As Zandrophin exited the building, he caught sight of someone he recognized. He spoke up,
"I trust you're enjoying the garden, Miss. It's one of the few patches of green you'll see around here."
He walked up to Nicole, albeit with the slightest limp.
"It's good to see you again, Miss Nicole. I'm sorry I was unprepared to meet you at the front. Would you care to come inside? It's dreadfully hot out here."
Do not fight for a cause or for what you believe in: Fight for yourself, because who you are rarely changes. Zandrophin
Nicole looked over at Zandrophin's entrance with a small jump of surprise, but quickly calmed down and gave him a small smile. "It's alright that you didn't come and greet me. This was kind of a last minute decision to come here. You weren't expecting me." She assured as she took another glance around the garden. "And you forget... I don't feel temperature. I wouldn't know if it was hot or not." She quipped, used to the fact she had to remind people of that little fact. Nero huffed from beside her, rolling his eyes at the fact that she was so nonchalant about her little abnormality.
Ignoring her friend's actions she turned her attention back to Zandrophin. "I love how well taken care of this garden is. But, I can understand the need to go inside. Lead the way. I don't exactly know where to go obviously." She said to acknowledge the fact that just because she couldn't feel the heat, doesn't mean the other couldn't. Whistling to gain Isolde's attention, as she had wandered over to one of the flower bushes and was sniffing at them, she signaled that they were moving again. The Electrike jumped at the whistle and whined slightly as she made her way over. "Stop acting like half of your siblings..." Nicole said in response to the pout the Pokemon gave her when she stopped next to Nero. "They're already problem children enough..."
"I guess normal was never supposed to be a word for me." - Nicole
Post by Zandrophin on Jul 24, 2015 21:13:32 GMT -6
Zandrophin lightly slapped his forehead.
"That's right....I'd forgotten. I apologize. Well...we've all got our quirks. You can't feel temperature, and I'm mentally connected to the entire world."
As they walked back towards the PokeMart, Zandrophin looked around his garden. Eventually, he voiced a suggestion.
"Y'know...I need to sit and rest for a bit...perhaps we go inside the store, grab a drink, and head back out here. There's a gazebo just around the bend there. I never really use it, but I can't be up on my feet for too long these days...What do you say?"
They entered the store, Patricia looked up and smiled at the new face.
"Welcome to the CTC Store! (still working on a catchy name...) My name is Patricia, or Paddy, if you prefer. Is there anything I can help you find?"
"Miss Nicole...this is my doorman's sister...she runs this shop."
"Miss Lox...this is Nicole. She's an old associate of mine. We're going to be outside for a bit, so I came in to grab some refreshments. Waive off anything she chooses."
After Zandrophin had made his selections of flavoured waters and lemonades, he stood by the door, awaiting Nicole.
Do not fight for a cause or for what you believe in: Fight for yourself, because who you are rarely changes. Zandrophin
Nicole's face had lit up slightly when she heard the suggestion of sitting out in the garden. It had been so long since she had been around somewhere so green. Especially considering how she had hardly socialized for the two years that had passed up until now. "That would be awesome!" She had been quick to say, easily following Zandrophin into the PokeMart. After the exchange of greetings she paused at the fact that Zandrophin had told Paddy to waive the fee. That was something she really didn't believe in.
Looking through the drink selections, she pulled a lemonade out for herself and waited for the two Pokemon with her, the only two currently out of their Pokeballs, to make their decisions. Once they finished choosing their waters, Nicole grabbed a couple more waters and made her way over to the check-out counter. "I know he said to waive the cost, but I'm going to go ahead and pay anyways." She stated placing a little bit more than was probably needed on the counter. "And you can keep the extra if there is any. I don't trust that Isolde didn't chew on something without me knowing. She's a little too puppy sometimes." She stated before making her way over to Zandrophin. "I'm sorry if Isolde did chew up anything. She's new to my little group and so far, she has been acting like she's only just hatched." She said before waving her hand towards the door. "Lead the way. And do you mind if I release my other Pokemon when we get to the gazebo?" She asked. "They've gotten so used to being out of their Pokeballs, that if they're in them for too long, they tend to be a little on the... difficult side."
"I guess normal was never supposed to be a word for me." - Nicole
Post by Zandrophin on Jul 28, 2015 17:03:00 GMT -6
Zandrophin and Paddy both noticed there was a box of candies on the bottom shelf that had a hole in the corner. Paddy motioned towards it with her eyes. Zandrophin made a slight gesture with his hand.
Don't fret about it...let Paus have whatever's left...he'll love it.
Zandrophin opened the door to the store and waved Nicole through. He led the woman around the bend near the Mart. They crossed over a small bridge. Zandrophin stopped for a moment to point out the purple water lilies that dotted the small stream.
"These are my groundskeeper's favourite flowers. I'm quite partial to them, too...their aroma is very relaxing...helps clear the mind."
When they arrived at the gazebo, Zandrophin pulled out Nicole's chair. Once she'd been seated, he sat as well.
"As for your companions, let them run around. There's plenty of space and few breakable things. Who knows..we may even see my illusive caretaker in her natural habitat."
There was a pause,
"So, tell me...how have you been?"
Do not fight for a cause or for what you believe in: Fight for yourself, because who you are rarely changes. Zandrophin
Nicole gave a smile at the allowance of being able to release her Pokemon. At least now they wouldn't be retaliating later. "Okay everyone, you can join Nero and Isolde!" She chirped pressing the buttons on the four other Pokeballs she had with her on the belt she had started wearing instead of carrying her backpack everywhere. Instantly four red lights shot out and Phoenix, Orion, Phaedra, and Pandora appeared. Almost as instantly Isolde and Pandora ended up in a dog pile on top of Nero as the two tackled that Ninetails and began biting an ear apiece with the Ninetails huffing and giving Nicole a pout... Or maybe it was a well concealed glare. Nicole just giggled at her friends distress and shook her head. "Oh no. I'm not helping. I remember what happened last time. That shirt is still ruined." She stated as she shifted Orion on her lap, the Riolu having taken to sitting there when she was sitting instead of holding onto her leg. Phaedra had taken to sitting near the water an staring at it with concentration, while Phoenix just sat(/stood?) next to her chair.
Looking over at Zandrophin she shrugged. "I've been as well as I could be, I guess. I have these balls of energy to keep me on my toes. I have another newbie flying around at home, probably lost without me. He's a renewed fossil Pokemon, only been out of our home once before, but I haven't traveled with him since. I also have another Pokemon egg sitting at home. I don't know where the heck it came from, but it's there. Found a trainer passed out on the top of the Ridge, and helped her out. Finally confirmed I have a cave full of problem children Pokemon." She said casually counting the things she had said off with her fingers before dropping her hand. "How about you? How have you been?" She asked, trying to keep from looking at the staff Zandrophin had with him.
"I guess normal was never supposed to be a word for me." - Nicole
Post by Zandrophin on Aug 11, 2015 23:47:16 GMT -6
Zandrophin shook his head slightly at the antics of the Pokemon.
Problem children, indeed old friend...
Quite, Sir....I do not envy her.
Zandrophin sighed as he poured one of his lemonades into a glass, mixing it with some of the Razz-flavoured water, and, removing a small vial from his shirt pocket, added two drops of another liquid before stirring the drink with his finger.
"I have, most definitely, had better days. No doubt you noticed the limp...or the staff I'm currently equipped with. I suffered some injuries while training a few weeks back. Miss Yamada, the woman who runs the clinic just down the street, set me up with a brace, albeit with much chastising. I was taught to always reach my limits, and then push myself just a bit further...."
He paused and took a drink.
"I guess I just pushed too far this time...."
Do not fight for a cause or for what you believe in: Fight for yourself, because who you are rarely changes. Zandrophin
Nicole nodded her head at what she had been told, not sure how to respond to it. "I guess everyone has those moments though." She ended up saying awkwardly as she opened the water bottle that was in her hands to hand to Orion who was reaching towards it silently. "I guess it's just a case of making sure you don't make yourself get worse?" Nicole bit her lip after saying that, completely sure what she had just said sounded better in her mind. It was really starting to show, once more, just how little she knew how to interact with anyone other than her Pokemon.
Thankfully for her, a distraction followed right after in the form of a call from Phoenix requesting water. Opening another one of the bottles she had placed in front of her she tilted it just enough to pour it where she had found the Lileep accepted food and water. This in turn seemed to call the rest of her Pokemon over to her from their far away positions. "Really? Can't you guys wait your turns?" She asked as she stopped giving Phoenix their water in order to open another bottle to hand to Phaedra and then another one so she could multi-task with the canine Pokemon and Phoenix.
"Sorry if what I said earlier was awkward..." She finally said after the intermission of giving water to her Pokemon. "And sorry it took so long to apologize. It seems that even Nero doesn't know what waiting is..."
"I guess normal was never supposed to be a word for me." - Nicole
Zandrophin waved his hand dismissively and replied,
"It's no trouble at all...patience is a skill one either learns early on or has to be taught...and teaching is much more difficult."
Right at that moment, Mentus perked up and teleported away.
"And then...every group has a wild card...Mentus, what is it?"
"Oh, it's nothing, Sir...just sensed a friend."
Zandrophin turned around and saw Mentus riding happily on the back of Ardiuba. The Pyroar had a look of begrudging resignation, or perhaps just apathy, for the antics of the Psychic pokemon. He walked up to Zandrophin, and the two bopped heads. Ardiuba stood on his hind legs and placed his front paws on Zandrophin's shoulders.
"I'm sorry, my friend...I cannot wrestle you today...doctors orders."
The Pyroar gave a soft roar, which sounded more like a meow, put his paws back on the ground, strolled over to a sunny spot, and plopped himself on the ground. He never took his eyes off of this new person he saw sitting near Zandrophin, and he gazed rather intensely at her.
"Don't mind Ardiuba...he may be a big cat...but he's a cat, nonetheless. He'll lay in that spot all day, sun permitting."
Mentus hovered back over to Zandrophin, using two twigs like chopsticks to pull the fur out of his skin.
"I regret that decision....it's a universal impossibility to get rid of every hair...."
Do not fight for a cause or for what you believe in: Fight for yourself, because who you are rarely changes. Zandrophin
Nicole let a small giggle at the comment made by Zandrophin and shook her head. "I would only worry if he got up and approached me. Even then it would be how he approached that would tip me off to how to hand the situation." She assured before looking over at the Pokemon in question. "But I think you're right about him. He doesn't look like he is about to move anytime soon." Though what made her giggle a little more and a little louder was seeing Mentus with the twigs trying to remove hair from his person. "Are you going to be okay Mentus?" She questioned, the look of concentration on the other Pokemon's face, making it hard for her to stop giggling. This in turn also had Phoenix making amused sounds though it more of a hum than a laugh. From her lap, Orion watched the scene with his normal blank face, but if you looked closely you could see the amusement dancing within his eyes.
While this was going on, Phaedra had some how been dragged into a game of tag with Nero (grudgingly as well), Pandora, and Isolde and was currently it, thus she was chasing after Pandora with a determined look on her face. Isolde was currently moving to hide slightly to the side of Zandrophin's chair, hoping to stay out of site, and Nero was standing a little ways away from the table panting slightly after having just dodged and ran from Phaedra's determined charge.
"I guess normal was never supposed to be a word for me." - Nicole