[Sidney Ridley]

Seina… That was a beautiful name for a beautiful new Snom. Sid smiled warmly at that— only to giggle softly as the Pokemon then crowded Koa. They could only imagine the surprise, excitement, and love the Pokemon were feeling right now for their new teammate. As the Snom took it in stride, Sid chuckled. “If she’s anything like Mothra, she’ll adore affection given enough time,” they murmured. Though that was probably evident from the moment Koa met Mothra.

Listening to the Pokefood suggestion, Sid gave a nod. “That would give the balance of food and snow…” they agreed. And it would also help solidify the new dynamic presented trainer and Pokemon. Their eyes pulled back to the other egg again and then up to Graces who smiled at them. “Ah, apologies, Grace, if you need to head back to work please do…” they answered. Graces gave a small cry and a salute before turning and heading back the other direction. Though she was Sid’s Pokemon, when in the center, she was the center’s Pokemon.

Thereafter, they headed onto the kitchen. At the suggestion, Sid immediately looked back to Koa and beamed at him. “You’re right!” They paused and hummed. “I’ll have to go get him from the PC, actually, though. Maybe once I show you the cafeteria, I can go get him.” Hime gave a small coo. She’d actually only met Mothra in passing due to their different roles of sorts. It would be nice to talk to him more.

As they got to the cafeteria, Sid slowly looked around. It was not at all the most grandiose cafeteria they’d ever been to, but it suited a lot of needs.

At the question, they looked back at Koa and smiled. “Oh! Well let’s see… over there…” they made a direction to a corner with an orange accent wall. Hime floated a little down their arm and pointed with her flower for extra effect. “Is the Pokemon food station. It’s got everything for any kind of Pokemon and even has a screen that offers you suggestions on what would be best for what Pokemon…”

There was a trainer standing there right then pushing a few buttons and making gestures at a screen to a Beautifly that kept shaking its head before finally finding something that worked and nodding. The trainer was quick to punch it in, read over what the necessary prepsteps were— in this case what nectar to grab from the low fridge— before getting that, opening it, and offering it to the Beautifly. The Bug Pokemon was quick to take a test drink and then nod. The trainer made a small excitable ‘yes’ gesture with her arm. That was perfect then!

Sid then pointed to a yellow station next to it. There were a few trainers lined up talking to a server and pointing out various things. “There’s a human-food line with different meals of the day. I think the special right now is a chicken soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. Right next to that is a sandwich station if you have any preferences on those specifically…” There was a pause, and Sid glanced back to Koa again. “You can actually ask for rice instead of bread too and make it a bowl. They just sometimes forget to tell you.” They explained before making a final point to a red station.

[Sidney Ridley]

“Over there is the coffee bar. It also serves tea and that sort of stuff if you prefer it…” Hime turned and nodded sagely. She had never actually had coffee herself, but she’d seen Sid drink it plenty of times to know. “But lemme go get Mothra, actually,” Sid grinned. “I’ll be right back….”

And with that, they stepped back towards the entrance to go towards the Pokeball machine. Quickly exchanging one Pokeball for another, they got Mothra’s ball, enlarged it, and smiled at him as he quickly squished their face in greeting. “Heya buddy… I have someone you’re gonna wanna meet….” The great Frosmoth looked confused at that. Sid only grinned.

[Koa Leilani]

He agreed with Sid's statement that she'll like inherit Mothra's adoration for affection from her friends and loved ones. Koa wouldn't have that any other way. He reached up and gently rubbed the side of her face as she rolled slightly into it, content with the attention. She seemed very gentle and friendly. Koa waved goodbye to Grace as she wandered off to get back to work. "She's a really hard worker, isn't she? I bet everyone really appreciates that spirit."

He was glad that his idea for the Poke-food seemed sound! They would get on that as soon as they were all settled at the cafeteria. He was especially excited that Sid thought that having Mothra meet Seina was a great idea. He smiled brightly, glad that Seina will be able to meet her father. This was going to be precious, he just knew it. "Awesome! We'll have to get pictures. A moment like that's important to immortalize." He said as Seina also looked a bit confused. Who was she going to meet?

As Sid and Hime showed off the food dispenser and explained how it worked, Koa wasted no time to grab some food for the Pokemon with him. He gently set Seina on the table and walked over to the dispenser. He looked at the various settings for different Poke-food. Something high in protein for Makoto and Toki, and something to stimulate Ali'i's psychic powers. He nodded as he gathered the first few bowls and brought them back. "I'll be back for Seina's. Just a moment, everyone. Don't eat until we're all ready, okay?" He said to them as he went back to the dispenser. Some softer food for Snoms. That made sense. Next up he went over to an ice machine to gather some cubes.

Once that was settled he walked back to the others and set a bowl in front of Seina. He lightly crushed the ice before sprinkling the little shards into the food. "There! That should do it." He said with a smile. "Feel free to dig in, everyone. I'm going to go order some food." He said. His Pokemon cheered happily and sat together as they ate. Seina inched forward and adorably munched on the chilled meal. She beamed delightedly, happy to eat something so delicious with her new friends.

Koa had decided that a bowl of chicken soup and grilled cheese sounded perfect, so he ordered that along with a cup of tea. Once the order was placed, he sat back down with everybody. Sid excused themselves for a moment to go get Mothra from the PC. "Hey Seina, come here." He called for her. She looked back and crawled into his hands, curious. Koa held up Seina to Mothra "Look who it is, Mothra!" He said. Seina started for a moment at the Frosmoth, only to wiggle happily as if she instinctively knew who this was.

[Sidney Ridley]

Fluttering back down the hallway, Mothra shifted from one side to the other looking curiously from Sid to the hallway and then back again several times. A soft cry escaped from him, and Sid looked back over their shoulder before grinning. “It’s a surprise,” they assured. The giant moth tilted his head from one side to the other. Huh, he supposed he’d wait and see then.

As they got to the cafeteria, once again, Mothra immediately knew why he had been called out. The smell of Snom was in the air, and he just had to look around to see— Oh! One of his squishy buddies! And then he held up! Oh! Mothra’s eyes grew wide, and if a Frosmoth could smile, he most certainly was! He “recognized” that sent! His feelers quickly went forward to brush and gently squish the new Snom in greeting, and a low rumbling escaped form him almost akin to a purr? A soft cry escaped from him, welcoming her to the world. Ohhh so smol and cute and perfect.

Sid’s heart could have burst. Watching this cute affectionate exchange had their features swarming and their eyes welling. Oh no. It was so cute. Too cute. A hand reached up over their heart to find it pounding again. Too adorable. Adorableness overload. Like an episode of Too Cute that was actually happening right in front of them. “W-w-what do you think Mothra?” they squeaked out in a blush. Mothra finally looked back to them and then up to Koa. Reaching both feelers out again, he squished Koa’s face briefly back and then smiled warmly. He was happy to see this little baby in the arms of one he liked so much already.

[Koa Leilani]

Koa was actually starting to tear up a little as he watched Mothra say hello to his daughter. The pure joy that emanated from the Frosmoth was plain to see. Seina rolled into Mothra's petting happily and seemed to be absolutely delighted to meet her father. "This is such a blessed moment." Koa said softly as he continued to gently carry Seina in his arms so Mothra could spend some more time with her. "A parent with their child showing how much they love and care for each other...aah this is write out of a story." He said as he wiped at his eyes. There really weren't any words that could describe such a touching scene.

He smiled warmly as Mothra squished his face gently "I'm glad to see you and Seina so happy. I will take good care of her...I will raise her to the best of my abilities." He vowed to Mothra. He set Seina down so she could continue her meal. He set the bowl closer to the edge of the table so Mothra could watch over her.

Koa looked over at Sid "You've done a lot for Seina and Mothra...and for me. I really appreciate what you do for Pokemon...and I'm very grateful that you trust me with Mothra's child. There...really aren't any more ways for me to say thank you." He said with a nervous scratch at the back of his head. "I'll have to buy some food for Seina for the road...and definitely a bag with cold packs...yes." He nodded as he made these preparations in his head.

[Sidney Ridley]

Blessed, that was the word Koa had used, and Sid could not agree more. Nodding quietly, they gave a small ‘mhm’ back. Mothra was such a soft good-natured Pokemon, one of the best for sure to be a parent. This would be an RPG cutscene… Sid realized. They almost wished they had the skill to draw it. But deeper than these surface level thoughts, Sid had another, quieter one: I can’t wait to one day feel the joys of parenthood…. Someday. For now, they would vicariously live through others.

Sid’s eyes found Koa’s again as he started speaking, and a warm smile pulled across their features. “Welcome,” they answered with a softer note. There was so much they could say, but really that summed it up. Their feelings were in alignment. This was a good fit. “I think this will be the start of something beautiful.” Their heart was warm. Their head was certain. Surely these feelings couldn’t lie.

“Mothra, you want something?” Sid called thumbing over to the food. The Frosmoth gave a cry for shaved ice, and Sid nodded. “I’ll be right back,” they stated before heading over to get some food for themselves and Mothra. Coming back with a bowl of shaved ice doused in syrup on one end of their tray and a grilled cheese sandwich on the other, they grinned as they sat down again and started set Mothra’s down right after. The great bug loomed over before bending down to munch the ice in a way strikingly similar to a Snom.

Sitting down and popping the can of orange soda they’d brought with them, Sid grinned a little. “So what will you do next?” they asked with a small grin. “Does the promotion come with more requirements?”

[Koa Leilani]

Koa's spirits were definitely raised from his interactions with Sid today. A new friend, being able to witness this touching moment, and being able to take pictures as well. Speaking of which, he made sure to take pictures of Seina and Mothra together. Koa gently rubbed Seina as she ate the rest of her meal. Koa's food had arrived, so he left her and Mothra together to have his lunch.

He dipped his sandwich into the soup and took a bite. He loved sandwiches of all kinds. They were delicious and filling, especially with a bowl of soup. "Ah, that hits the spot." He said with a sip of his tea. "One of these days I'll have to see if there are any malasada shops here in Arciel. I'd love to treat everyone to one. They're a famous treat back home." He watched as Sid ordered their own food. Mothra looked very excited to munch on the shaved ice that Sid bought and smiled warmly. It was adorable how similar Seina and Mothra were. Both were cuddly, both just loved to relax and be with others. Seina was shaping up to also be rather large once she evolved.

He looked up as Sid asked about what he was going to do next "Well my position currently gives me a lot of free time to patrol, and by patrol I mean wander the region at my leisure, taking requests from different offices across Arciel. So I have time to do other things. I'm planning on heading north to Bass City and try to take on the gym challenges. Not only will that help me get a proper layout of the region and its cities, it will also help my team and I get some battle experience and learn some new strategies."

Makoto, Toki, and Ali'i all finished their meals and were now chatting among themselves, walking over to check on Seina some more. It seemed they all really liked her, so they were being extra protective of the baby. "I have to admit, me deciding to be a Ranger also had to do with the fact that it encourages me to understand Pokemon more. I prefer befriending Pokemon to capture them as opposed to battle. It forms a more immediate connection, I feel. It lets me see what they're really up to and get a glimpse of their goals and personalities."

[Sidney Ridley]

Listening to Koa describe his job, Sid couldn’t help but be in quiet awe. It made sense. Rangers needed to be everywhere to be wherever they were needed, but the thought of also having such discretion was more appealing than they could put to words. I wonder if there are positions for more flexible nurses…. But they were happy with what they had here, Sid reassured themself.

The thought of gym challenges, however, earned a smaller hum back. Despite living in Saffron for all of their life up to a year ago, Sid had never once considered challenging Sabrina even when they did have Pokemon. Sabrina was… too much of a celebrity, too amazing, to inspiring. They couldn’t even begin to fathom how others actually stood the tests and trials of a gym challenge against her. But Arciel was different. They didn’t have the same born in adoration for a gym leader as they did back in Kanto…. Perhaps considering it as just a chance to get stronger would… give them more insight. Sid thought these things as they continued eating. Hmmmm….

Mothra smiled watching Koa’s Pokemon greet the baby. Their warmth and welcomeness was greatly reassuring, and he couldn’t help but pat each one with a feeler of reassurance.

Glancing over to the Pokemon as Koa continued speaking, Sid couldn’t help but smile a little softly. “I find communicating is the greatest skill between humans and Pokemon,” they answered. “Back home, there were people who could talk with them just like we’re talking now, and they made for some of the strongest trainers I’ve ever known.” Chuckling a little, they looked back to Koa again. “It seems like you sort of instinctively know that hahahah…” they grinned. “I’d…. love to see what sort of harmony you can bring to a battle… when you do challenge the gym, let me know… I’ll come up and watch.”

[Koa Leilani]

Koa's Pokemon all greeted and pet Mothra in return for his affections. It seemed everyone was getting along very well, a fact that made Koa very happy. Mothra trusted not only Koa, but his Pokemon as well. Seina was truly in good hands, wasn't she? He continued eating as he watched everyone spend a nice day together. Koa had always been the type of person to cherish these sorts of days more than anything else. He knew that stressful days were ahead and he wouldn't have time to appreciate the precious moments like this during those days. As such, he took his time and made sure these memories would stay with the group for a long time to come.

As Sid spoke, Koa couldn't help but be a little insecure, but appreciated their kind words all the same "I guess I never really thought of it as that big of a deal...to me, being kind and warm to Pokemon just makes sense. It never really occurred to me that this level of communication I have with them could be considered a skill that needs to be nurtured. One day I'd like to maybe teach other trainers how to properly communicate with Pokemon and help them forge strong bonds. Yeah...yeah that sounds like something I should do in the future." He said with a beaming smile.

He was glad that Sid would be interested in seeing him tackle a gym challenge. That level of support meant a lot to him. "You'd do that? Yeah I'll definitely let you know, Sid!" He said. He took another drink of his tea "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I'm accustomed to going against wild Pokemon when I can, but big structured fights with audiences and against professionals? That makes me freeze up a bit I'll be honest. But...it's because they're professionals I want to prove myself against them. I have to be ready for any challenge, and I have to brave the ones ahead even if I feel I might not be ready for them." There was such a determination to his words.

"If there's anything you need help or support in, you let me know okay? You've shown me so much support, it's only fair I offer the same to you." He said as he took another drink. He was very quick to grow attached to people he considered his friends. While he didn't like to admit it, it mostly stemmed from his lonely childhood and the betrayal he felt with Team Skull's actions. Still, he kept in touch with some of the former members and was glad many of them were turning their lives around. He finished his sandwiches and leaned back with a content sigh "I needed that..." He said as he looked up at the ceiling "This was exactly the break I needed after the test. I'm just...so happy I passed." He said with a laugh.