[Fayne Abernathy]

Fayne glanced down at the map in her hands, verifying that she was going the right direction. This city was so big, much larger than what she had been used to back in Alfrim, and although her birth-region excelled in technological advancements, it wasn't nearly as populated as Arciel. In fact, it paled by comparison. Very few tourists visited Alfrim and even fewer folks chose to move to such a remote, nature-less place. Arciel was different. It was a brand new experience, in more than one way. The city itself a huge change of pace, what with how active it was -- so much so that Fayne actually took a few weeks after arriving to the area to familiarize herself with the city before visiting the lab. But it wasn't just the city. It was the different biomes. The chance to actually do some field studies. And, of course, the opportunity to get her very first starter Pokemon. Fayne had grown up around Growlithes and Arcanines, all thanks to her mom's line of work, but she never had the opportunity to own a Pokemon for herself. Instead of starting her journey in her youth, as many children did, she had opted instead to continue her schooling. These classes taught her how to train, battle, and care for different Pokemon. Theories and principles were all well and good, but it was the hands-on, personal experience she was most excited for. With a canvas backpack over her shoulders, Fayne pushed past the crowded streets, uttering a quiet, "Excuse me," each time she accidentally brushed up against someone. It didn't take long before she finally arrived at the outskirts of the city, with the laboratory visible just a short ways off, beyond the hustle and bustle of urban living and on to opposite side of a vast stretch of land. Fayne folded the map and stuffed it in the side pocket of her bag as she hurriedly made her way down the road. It didn't take long to reach her destination. With eyes aglisten, Fayne stared up at the laboratory with admiration. It was even more stunning in person. The pictures online and on brochures didn't do Professor Holly's lab justice. Silently, she peered inside one of the nearby windows, not sure if she ought to knock or simply walk in; but after some quiet contemplation, she stepped through the doorway. No one was immediately present in the foyer, likely due to the fact that Fayne had arrived earlier than she had scheduled her appointment for. In her defense, she had expected to get lost in the winding city streets and had left her townhouse early to ensure she had plenty of time to get to the lab. That was okay, though. The waiting gave Fayne time to take in her surroundings. She wandered around the front room, briefly eying the posters on the walls, but ultimately grew bored. Partially out of foolishness and partially out of pure curiosity, Fayne made her way behind an antimicrobial curtain that was half drawn back. Behind it were desks covered in clipboards and paperwork, monitors displaying diagrams and charts, and beakers that were half-full of mystery liquid. Fayne approached the desk and cocked her head to one side as she attempted to read the chicken scratch on one of the sheets of paper. TAG ▸ @staff NOTES ▸ No comment.

MADE BY VEL OF GS, WW + ADOX 2.0

[Jae]

“Fayne Abernathy, I presume?” Holly’s voice came with a certain sharpness in that moment. If Fayne turned around, she wound find the woman standing there with her arms folded. Reaching up, Holly adjusted her glasses briefly. “You’re a bit early, but I have your Pokemon and supplies ready.” She made a gesture back out to the main area before turning and starting that way.

Once there, Holly walked over to a shelf and unlocked a small box that had been sealed to the wall at that point. “Considering you already made your decision, this is hardly a choice now. Here is your partner Pokemon.” With that, Holly tossed up a Pokeball.

	Charmander  Lv5
		5 Energy
	Tiny!	Jolly
	Blaze
MOVES
Scratch, Growl, Ember

[Fayne Abernathy]

What Fayne had expected to find by wandering around the "employees' only" portion of the lab was a mystery to all, even her. Granted, there was no sign prohibiting the young woman from snooping, but most strangers knew better than to go probing, especially in a place so full of questionable and potentially dangerous experiments. When Professor Holly's voice cut through the silence, Fayne snapped to attention, whirling around on her heels to see who was speaking. "Ma'am!" she stammered suddenly, as if out of habit. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I was just--" There was no time for excuses, and she knew it. The moment the professor adjusted her glances, the young researcher fell silent. With a single hand gesture, Professor Holly began leading the way back to the main area of the lab. Fayne followed in silence, scolding herself for the piss-poor first impression she undoubtedly made. The older woman, on the other hand, had plenty to say. She explained that although the new trainer was early, her equipment and starter were ready for pick-up. Fayne nodded, daring not say anything that would put her deeper in the hole. Instead, she merely watched as the professor retrieved a pokeball from a locked box and tossed it into the air. With a flash of light, the ball opened and out came a Charmander, much smaller than Fayne had initially expected... no, it wasn't just small. "It's tiny," Fayne gasped while crouching down and holding out a hand for her new starter tosmell. The orange lizard did... and immediately squeaked, causing Fayne to giggle at how unintimidating he was. Maybe he would get bigger when he evolved. Not that it mattered either way to her, she'd love him and take care of him all the same. "Molokai," she mumbled under her breath, as though she were trying out the word for the first time. "How do you feel about that? Molokai?" she repeated a bit louder. The Charmander stomped his tiny feet and squeaked again, the toothy smile on his face letting Fayne know how much he appreciated the unique name. He seemed easy to impress, however, and there was no doubt in anyone's mind that he would've approved of any name she came up with. "Molokai it is then." TAG ▸ @staff NOTES ▸ No comment.

MADE BY VEL OF GS, WW + ADOX 2.0

[Jae]

Ah good. A small smile came and went from Holly before she turned and grabbed a box of supplies off the shelf. “I have some supplies for your journey as well,” she stated turning back and handing the box and the Charmander’s Pokeball to the girl. “Do you have any questions for me, or are you ready to begin?”

[Fayne Abernathy]

Current party Molokai Lvl.5 Charmander 10/10 health 5/5 energy

Fayne giggled again when the Charmander scrambled up her arm. Being about the size of an adult bearded dragon, he was light and agile enough to climb onto her shoulders and stay there without much of an issue. "Careful with that tail," she cautioned when Molokai settled beside her left ear, the tiny flame at the tip of his tail resting against the back of her neck, warming it slightly. When she mentioned it, however, he squeaked in understanding and moved the open flame away from her hair and clothing. It was about that time when Professor Holly returned with another closed box and the Pokeball that had once contained the miniature Charmander. "Thank you," Fayne said as she accepted the items. When the professor asked if that was all, the young researcher perked up. "Actually, I was wanting your advice on something. I'm sure you already know, but I'm interested in studying Evolution Stones and their properties. I heard Ivy Town is the place to go if you're a researcher, but I also heard that Pine Town and the Glowworm Caverns are big on mining, so maybe I should head there first." She felt like she was talking too much, but she didn't silence herself. "I'm eager to get my hands dirty and start some field research of my own, so my heart is telling me to head south. But I figured, if there was anyone I should get a second opinion from, that would be you." TAG ▸ @staff NOTE ▸ No comment.

MADE BY VEL OF GS, WW + ADOX 2.0

[Jae]

Hm, a curious assessment. Holly looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking. “Pine Town is closer, only a single Route, compared to Ivy which is at the very least three. I’d suggest going there first— with the addition that you be careful. The miners in the area are known for being suspicious of outsiders on first go around.” As she finished speaking, Holly nodded to herself. “Anything else?”

[Fayne Abernathy]

Current party Molokai Lvl.5 Charmander 10/10 health 5/5 energy

Fayne nodded as she listened to what Professor Holly had to say. The older woman's cautionary claim about the miners in Pine Town being wary of outsiders briefly made her reconsider going there, but it wasn't enough to put her off the idea completely. She'd come to this region for a reason, and by Arceus, she'd see it through. She wasn't a quitter. And who knew? Maybe she'd get along fabulously with the locals. There was only one way to find out, and that was by going there for herself. Fayne nodded once final time to let the professor know that she fully understand what the path ahead had in stake for her. "Just one more question," the young researcher said when her elder asked if she needed anything else. And yet, as soon as she opened her mouth, she regretted speaking at all. She had made a poor first impression and it was clear she was overstaying her welcome -- Professor Holly undoubtedly had things she needed to get back to. And yet, Fayne had already uttered the words and there was no going back now. She just needed to say what she wanted to say and get out of the professor's hair. "I, uh... I saw you were looking for some help cleaning up around the lab. Beaker washing and stuff. I was just wondering if maybe I could swing by later and help out with that. Like, maybe before I head to Pine Town..?" TAG ▸ @staff NOTE ▸ No comment.

MADE BY VEL OF GS, WW + ADOX 2.0

[Jae]

Hm? Ah. Holly gave a small nod. “Yes, that should be fine,”s he answered before taking a step back and calling the name of one of her assistants. The young woman came out from the bowels of the lab and asked what was wrong. As Holly explained the situation, the assistant gave a small nod of reassurance. Whenever Fayne wanted to drop by, there were dozens upon dozens of beakers that needed washing and other minor lab things that needed to get done. After all the information was exchanged, the assistant retreated back into the lab again.

[Fayne Abernathy]

Current party Molokai Lvl.5 Charmander 10/10 health 5/5 energy

A faint, bashful smile crept over Fayne's face as the professor and one of her assistants voiced their approval for her to come in and help during her free time. Sensing his trainer's overflowing pride and joy, Molokai nuzzled his nose against her cheek, as if to say, "Good work! You're well on your way to becoming a famous researcher." Fayne's wary smile grew into something more genuine at this silent praise, and her eyes glistened with enthusiasm as Professor Holly explained what the job would entail. "I can do that," the young woman chimed, "Thank you." And that was it. If she had been any other questions or inquires, Fayne had forgotten all about them in the flood of shame and excitement she'd felt from the moment she first arrived. "I'll be seeing you around, Professor Holly," she said finally, bowing her head slightly as a sign of respect and farewell. TAG ▸ @staff NOTE ▸ No comment.

MADE BY VEL OF GS, WW + ADOX 2.0

[Jae]

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Fayne Abernathy

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