As each of you arrives at the convention center designed to be the start point. Banners and lots of high society vehicles are parked awaiting your and the many other entrants' arrival. You are shepherded through the many halls by low-level employees wearing company outfits and into the main conference area. Where you are left to mingle with your fellow Competitors and Allies in the future endeavours of your companies and your own Adventure.

She glances past the vehicles and banners with a sly smile before raising her hands to sides seemingly rubbing something on each side of her in mid air. Dropping her arms as she moves through the entrance and through the halls directed by the employees, she looks over at one or two for a few seconds before finally entering the main area with a click of her tongue. She slips over to an area off to the side with fewer people happy just to watch for now talking softly with no one else as she glances over her shoulders occasionally with a soft chuckle.

Lise walks through the room with a slightly annoyed look on her face. In reality, it's just her face, she's not thrilled to be here but she knows it's necessary. Perhaps the most notable aspect of her showing up isn't her disheveled look or casual attire for such an important meeting, but probably the fact that her Pokemon are out of their balls and accompanying her. Once she makes her way to the conference hall, Lise asks one of the staff if she could get a glass of water for each of her 'very important research assistants' as she's dubbed the Ralts and Hatenna shadowing her. She's very insistent that they be allowed out and about, and that they won't cause any trouble.

The former Pokemon seems to be quite calm and relaxed, simply swaying back and forth in place silently, the latter seeming a bit nervous, but staying in place and showing a good amount of self control. Lise reaches down and pats the Hatenna's head gently, whispering "If you want to go back to your pokeball I won't blame you. There's a lot of people here." after a moment the Pokemon shakes its head, or rather its whole body, indicating it can tough out the stress for now.

Aurora is annoyed. Not only was this event taking her away from her research, but Kier was late, and she had to go first. Exiting the car marked with the seal of the FLamel family, the young explosive shortie sighs. Well, social experimentation is as much as an experiment as anything else, she thinks. Let's get this over with. Entering the conference hall, Aurora's eyes have gone cold and accurate. "If we are to start an adventure, we'll need the right allies", she mutters to herself. As much as she'd like for it to be just her and her mate, she knows they need more support and it will do her good to expand her knowledge of others. Seeing a few animals roaming freely, she takes an interested look, before finding a rather secluded spot to analyze the crowd from.

Aurora, like anyone else at the convention, doesn't look normal. Dressed in a labcoat and a short dark dress, her eyes were the detail that attracted others first: red, big, and a piercing quality that went right to people's cores. While Aurora only recently started experimenting socially, her approach to relationships is always the same: find the most interesting and most suitable people, and be absolutely direct on what she wants from them. She finds it best to never lie or dawdle on the subject. She already saw multiple interesting people and is now just waiting for Kier to make an appearance.

Stepping forth from the stretch hummer sent to bring him from the hotel to the event Kona took in the sight of all his soon to be admiring fans. Smiling wide as he tipped his fedora jumping from the hummer before it even stopped letting his white coat flow in the wind as his red vest stood in striking contrast. Before his foot even touched the pavement, a small Bunneary landed first wearing a basketball Jersey with the letter "A" on it, a heavy gold chain, and a baseball cap swept back with a embroidered B.

Sachiko sighed as she absently paid her cab via her Pokedex and hopped out, looking up at the convention center with a put upon sigh. She had considered leaving her Eevee's out but wasn't comfortable with that yet, they where still fairly young. Ignoring the crowds as she was want to do she made sure her glasses where on straight, her hair wasn't look and her labcoat looked amazing.

Humming cheerfully the young professor headed inside, hands stuffed in the pockets of her labcoat as she walked with a skip in her step. While she wasn't quite so keen on the whole public persona thing, the fact was she had to deal with it. Sponsorship was important for research. And so she showed a bright smile and an absent wave to people here and there when her attention was called.

"Hey, nice to meet you all. Here for the potential sponsorship as well?"

Sachiko showed a bit of friendliness approaching the others, or at least more specifically Aurora. It shouldn't be that surprising though considering the pair share the amazing fashion choice of Labcoats. Aurora was obviously a woman of good taste.

Kona watches his bunneary for a second as the little cutie bounds around passing out his newest mix tape around to the bystanders. His eyes quickly scanning the crowd before noticing the group of researchers wearing obvious work related lab coats rather than proper fashionized versions more appropriate for such occasions. Believing his Bunneary to be fine on its own agenda he begins to approach the desperately in need of fashion policing researchers.

"Why hello there, couldn't help but notice you ladies came to the event from work. Though some might say work uniforms are out of style these days I think it's a wonderful statement especially  in your fields. Perhaps a revision of the overall design and a bit more stain resistant might do good to increase the public appeal while retaining the statement of hard  work and forwarding of understanding."

Even before being properly responded to Kona had already pulled out a pad of drawing papers to work on a few prototypes using a special blend of cotton from a cottony and some waterproofing grime from a Muk.

Sachiko tilted her head at Kona, raising an eyebrow at his assumption they came there from work. She did seem interested in his suggestion especially about the stain resistant part, tapping her chin absently.

"I'm always working. Even when not in the uniform, but I like the traditional labcoat. Even if my mentor didn't like them. That said you may have a point about a stain resistant fabric. Though they're often way too expensive and does it really matter, a few stains just show you actually do work."

She brushed off the rest of what he said it seemed as she considered the stained ends of her labcoat, that looked like it was drug through the dirt. Regularly. Well at least she was giving Kona's ideas proper consideration?

Aurora looked at the succession of people talking, analyzing the situation without responding at first. After thinking of an answer, she first adressed Sachiko.

"You do work on Pokemon evolution and genetics right? I'm fairly sure I have read your latest paper, on Eevee's and how they can be transformed, it looks interesting. Aurora Flamel, chemist, poison-maker, specialized in curing uncurable diseases."

Calling out her Pokemon since it seemed to be normal here, a fiery Salandit and a cute little Toxel appeared on her shoulders.

"And these are my companions and test subjects, Amica and Fulgur."

Looking over at the stylish man, Aurora raised an eyebrow, reminding herself that not everybody was like her. She sighed and opened her mouth again.

"Research is an ever-ending road to discovery. While I have developed resistances to most poisons, my labcoat is lined with acid-resistant and fire-proof materials, to avoid getting roasted by Amica here. The overall price of it is probably higher than your entire uniform, as it was custom-made by my family and made in our proprietary alloy. However, changes in design might be possible."

"Yup! Professor Sachiko, specialized in Eevee and their eeveelutions. Pleasure to meet you! I imagine the discovery of a poison type Eevee was of interest to you? And oh! That's a pretty niche field but a very important one, how did you get into it?"

Sachiko smiled at the Salandit and Toxel, absently patting her belt and shifting her labcoat to reveal a pair of labcoats.

"Nagi and Nami are resting and I'm hesitant to release them in such a crowded place, but they're both Eevee's and the culmination of a breeding pool meant to further my studies. It's a pleasure to meet a fellow scientist that understands the need for further experimentation!"

Kona couldnt help but chuckle a little at the suggestion that his outfit was less expensive before taking a quick look over his shoulder, making sure the bunneary wasnt causing too much trouble.

"I would hope my outfit would be more affordable considering it was hand tailored myself from wooloo fur. As for the cost of an acid and flame resistant outfit have you thought of using discarded Magcargo shells and shed Arbok skin? The coloration  would end up less the traditional white but perhaps a more striking deep purple. As for stains they matter quite a bit in a public setting dear. If you are trying to stand out its best to stand out with an intended purpose and not looking like an imitation Grimer."

At this point Kona's mini fashion rant is interrupted by a small kick to the back of his leg as the darling little Bunneary looks up at the ladies in a slightly bashful apologetic look over his master's hobbies.

"Ah, I do apologize. I sometimes get absorbed into my fashion designs a bit too much. Thankfully little Mai here is more than happy to bring me back to my senses somewhat. Id let you meet my other partner Manu, but he is one to get some extra sleep before a show"

As much as she detested wearing the blouse, skirt, and heels that the company suggested, they at least picked up the tab even if her normal attire would be out of place even with the pair of lab coats. She raised an eyebrow at the jersey wearing bunneary through overhearing the pair discuss research and evolutions she couldn't help but get curious. She glances over both of her shoulders with a smile and nods her head towards the group before making her way over.

Only making it over there after Kona does, she raises a hand for a quick wave and smiles all while glancing between the three and their Pokémon. "Hello." As she speaks her Litwick phases back into view levitating above her shoulder while her Ghastly does something similar though instead comes up through the floor between them all eliciting a long soft sigh from her. The Ghastly seemingly just snickers as he floats up above her other shoulder even as she "chastises'' him. "I reminded you several times we had to remain serious." She rolled her eyes while pinching the bridge of her nose before returning her attention to the three she was trying to talk too. "Sorry about that. He sure does love to live up to the stereotypes of his species even when he knows better. I overheard your discussion about the research of evolution and it piqued my interest."

Lise glances over at the conversation going on, taking a few mental notes but not wanting to dive in. She'd given a polite nod to the group, but at this point the discussion was well on its way, and it may be rude to dive straight into the middle of it all. She instead opts to just listen some more and wait for whatever big announcement is surely on its way soon.

Hatenna meanwhile scoots its way behind its trainer, losing bravery with every passing moment in this increasingly crowded conference room. With a sigh Lise brings out its Pokeball, a luxury ball at a glance, and recalls it with a shake of her head and a smile. "I know you aren't comfortable in a crowd. If a private discussion comes up I'll make sure you're filled in."

The Ralts meanwhile hops onto her lap, sipping slowly from its glass of water, seemingly interested in all the new people it's never seen before.

Aurora gave a small smile to Kona. The man might not be that uninteresting after all. His knowledge of fabrics and design seemed to indicate a deep knowledge through experimentation. Just as she was about to answer, Amica decided to jump from her shoulder onto someone else's lap, looking up and cooing at the unknown lady. Going to grab her, Aurora gave a small nod.

"I must apologize for my dear Amica, she gets excited a lot by newcomers and seems to have been focused on your Ralts right here. I'm Aurora Flamel, I assume you are here for the same reason we are?"

Turning back to the other new individual, and her two seemingly ghost typed pokemons. She hadn't explored the realm of Ghost pokemons yet as it was hard to draw DNA from them, but she believed some incredible properties could be drawn from their essence if we were careful in approaching them.

"Are you another researcher? Welcome. This seems to be a quickly expanding circle of educated people, which is good news. I was afraid to only find tools at this event, but as expected, the top of the top of various companies are interesting."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:57, Thu 21 Oct 2021.

"It makes sense, glory is temporary but getting your company name in the history books is also fairly tempting I would imagine."

Sachiko chimed to Aurora's comment about a third researcher, also noting the pair of ghosts she carried with her. A quick glance showed that she was a single elemental trainer like Aurora. Sachiko may seem like one but she was a single species elemental trainer, a notable difference with a species like Eevee.

She smiled then at Kona, letting him know he wasn't forgotten. "No worries, pretty sure everyone in this circle will understand losing yourself to your passions. Isn't that the core of research ideally after all?"

She shifts side to side on her feet as she speaks, not used to wearing heels.

"Yes I am. Alexis Becker, pleasure to meet you. I've been researching the difference of the development between humans and pokemon. Can't wait to discuss some of our findings and just maybe we will have something that will help each other push the boundaries even further."

As she speaks her Litwick floats down in front of her stomach while her fingers entwine together underneath now holding her Litwick. Gastly unwilling to stay still as they hover side to side above her head for a short while before quickly darting off to each person and pokemon there and looks over them for a couple seconds before moving onto the next.

“Excuse him, he often helps me with my research and assists in finding volunteers for my research.”

As the Ghastly floats a bit close to Kona's face the little Bunneary jealously hops up and swats at it. Shocked as it's hand passes through the creature Mai tumbles off his shoulder and lays bewildered upon the floor.

"This is the world getting back at you. Silly Mai"

Lise blinks as she's addressed, but Ralts seems to welcome the company, waving politely to the other Pokemon.

"Me? Yes, I'm a researcher and here for the same reasons you all are, at least I'd assume, although my field of study is... well let's just call it broad for the sake of not wanting to bore anyone." she laughs, offering her hand to Aurora. "Lise Portier. And this is Ralts." she indicates the small Pokemon still perched on her lap. "Hatenna is another assistant of mine, but doesn't do very well with crowds. So I had to put her back into her ball for a bit, I hope that's understandable." after a moment she clears her throat before addressing the room "Either way it's good to meet all of you. I feel a bit underdressed but in my defense I'm really not used to having anyone interested in what I'm doing unless they're complete wackjobs." indeed her casual wear might seem a bit too laid back for this setting in hindsight.

Upon examining Lise's attire Kona pulls out his briefcase, accessing a spare set of clothes consisting of an oversized hoodie and a pair what seems like black skinny jeans almost like leggings with a super comfortable feel. Passing it over to Lise with a smile on his face.

"Always pays to be prepared. Its a sample of my outfit line I plan to use for a few performances in the future. As for what field of research you take part it would be wonderful to know. Lets me plan a much more appropriate outfit rather than a substitute meant for another's purposes."

Sachiko smiles in acknowledgement of Lise's complaint and gives a soft nod and a hum thinking back to her own experiences. "Fair though especially when dealing with people. Hard to tell if you're supposed to be dressed professionally for the lab, for outside of the lab, casually... ugh. It's why I stopped caring and just wear my labcoat. I passed my internship and people can deal with it."

She seems very content in her labcoat and not seeming to care beyond that, lucky girl. Plus? It has pockets.

Aurora greeted everyone else and then just observed interactions for a while. Until a few years ago, social interactions had been the least of her concerns, but since Kier came back in her life, she had realized it could be a field of study of its own, and one that could prove to be pleasurable. Listening to the fields of studies of others, she gave a sly smile, realizing that she had read most of the publications of these people, and was interested in most of them. Turning to Kona, she looked at the wildcard in there, and held her hand towards the Bunneary, to see if she would accept to jump to her.

"The symbiotic aspect of our relationships with Pokemon seems so accepted by the general population, but it is indeed fundamental to understand how it became so. I have just recently become interested in the field of compared sociology and the evolution of our current society towards Pokemon. It is quite fascinating."


Looking back at Sachiko, she gave a chuckle.

"It may be because of the status of my family, but I've always found that if I wear what I want with pride, people will just accept that. You shouldn't feel bad because of that."

Her Gastly sticks his tongue out at the Bunneary as it lays on the floor before continuing its round to finally float above her shoulder again. Ignoring her Gastly's tour once her comment was made she nods along to Aurora with a smile. She glances to Lise, shifting on her heels while adjusting the Litwick her hands with a light chuckle at her last comment.

"Wackjob? Possible. I wouldn't be surprised if most average people would have a certain predisposition towards us and our peculiar lives that brought us here today."

Lise nods to everyone before patting Ralts on the head. "I think it's more my specific... I guess you could call it research field that attracts weirdos. But again that might be dull and you might peg me for a weirdo yourselves." she smiles. "But it shouldn't be too much longer, right?"

There was no car, or escort, or even announcement of the arrival of the man known as Kier Zabelle. In truth, he had flat out refused to accept any arranged transportation from those in charge and refused to provide them with when, where or how he would arrive. Caution, bordering on paranoia, had been beaten into him by his grandfather. A known public event, large security force, high value targets in the open...it was like a field day for any possible enemies.

In truth, Kier had scouted the venue himself days in advance and had opted to use an entrance that the staff left propped open when they went on smoke breaks. In without anyone noticing, and security wondered why he wouldn't trust his safety with them. Then up through the kitchen, and out to the event itself.

However, like a ghost pokemon in the night, Kier moved about rather unnoticed among the crowd even in his ostentatious attire. After all, it was how he operated most of the time. But spotting the little group of scientific folk, he really couldn't help himself.

For Aurora, the first thing the woman would notice or feel was the warm, calloused and familiar hand curl around her throat from behind. Then a firm, but soft pull of her hair to tip her head backwards before Kier placed a rather...intimate, upside down kiss on the woman's lips, looking down over her. When he broke it, he smiled still looking down at her, "Sorry I'm late, but you know how things are. And seems like you've met some interesting people." His hand lingered on Aurora's neck for a moment, his thumb rubbing at her juggular...in a rather affectionate way...before finally letting go and looking toward the others.

Of course, Kier shouldn't be one to talk. Given he was...interesting in his own right. Tall, lean, scarred and dressed rather ostentatiously in his broad hat and greatcoat...not to mention the pair of bladed revolvers resting in holsters at his thighs. Truthfully...of the group he was probably the oddest of them all.

Aurora had smelled Kier coming for a while and thus didn't resist against his rough and bold approach. On the contrary, she embraced the tall man, smiling for the first time since she had arrived here.

"Ah, dear mate, why must you always be so late? But yes, you are quite right, these minds are rather brilliant. However now that we have someone from a radically different field, things will get even more interesting..."

Embracing Kier's broad shoulders, Aurora shamelessly put a hand on his butt, having learned it is quite common behaviour to "mark" your mate this way in social gatherings.

Shrugs her shoulders with a soft smile and shakes her head to respond.

"I would hope not with how many people they called together for this."

Her gaze snapping over to the man that has just arrived and the equipment he carries. She quickly becomes tense and her expression becomes cold and possibly even hostile as he grabs Aurora by the throat only to close her eyes and settles back on her heels at his words with a deep breath and a sigh.

She finally takes time to examine him more closely, not attempting to hide her stare as she looks over his physical features, barely paying mind to what is likely flirting. A light grin forming at a corner of her mouth as she bites the edge of her tongue just to keep herself controlled thinking how useful he may be to her research depending on how cooperative he wants to be.

"I'm not always late, some times I'm early...rarely on time. It's good to keep people guessing, being predictable is how bad things happen," Kier said with a little grin on his face, "Besides, if I was on time, I couldn't play these fun little games with you~" He chuckled as he felt the smaller woman place her hand on his rear, seemingly unbothered.

"Oh, I doubt a bunch of scientific minded folk would find much interest in me or my field of expertise," Kier said lazily, "Not like I'm revolutionizing our understanding of pokemon or mega-evolution or anything. I'm just a simple contractor." Of course, his eyes spoke much more than his humble words. As his gaze raked over every member in the little group, careful, calculating...assessing each and every one of them.

Iseret arrives what can only be described as fashionably late, with her elegant black dress and the expensive-looking ceremonial sword at her hip, flanked at each side by bodyguards that made even her look small, despite her already being quite the tall and well-built lady. Once she had made her entrance, quite a few eyes turning her way, denying the host's offer to announce her arrival, figuring it had been obvious enough she was here from the number of heads looking her way.

Iseret is a rather well-known figure in the realm of corporate balls and events, having spent her share of time in corporate high society as the Heir to Saad Heavy Industries, a rather prolific manufacturing firm in Kalos, having come here today as a representative of her father's company, her family had decided it was high time she made a name for herself, even if still under the banner of their company.

Iseret dismissed her guards, telling them to at least watch her from afar, finding them far too stuffy as she plucked a drink from the tray of a passing butler, taking a sip as she situates herself nicely within the party, drifting around the various circles and saying hi, being quite familiar with a number of the partygoers, seeming to know everyone's name and occupation, regardless of their relation to her or her company, having obviously done more than enough research on who was going to be there, and who to make friends with.

"That is not true dear. In your field you are as much an expert as we are..."

Having said that, Amica noticed the cat-like lady and, after chuckling a little, rushed over and jumped on the beauty's head, ignoring anything else. Noticing the movement, Aurora sighed and went to avoid her best pokemon getting killed.

"What did I tell you 50 times, Amica? Just because a lady is incredibly beautiful amongst humans and Pokemon doesn't mean you can become her mate. And I know you think you're "scouting" for me, but I have no need for that... Please do excuse my youngun dear miss, Amica only jumps on two things: shiny things, and beauties. It appears you pertain to both categories, and even though I am training her to become a bit more tame, it can't be helped, female Salandits are what they are."

Chuckling a little too, Aurora went to grab Amica, patting the beauty's head on the way, wondering if she was sensitive or if those ears were cosmetic additions.

"Well it's good to see I'm still underdressed" Lise chuckles to herself as she eyes the new arrivals. "But at least there's a good variety of fields here, at least at a glance. Nice to meet you by the way, Lise Portier, and this is my very important assistant, Ralts." she introduces herself to the newcomers, patting her Pokemon on the head gently to introduce her.

"I wouldn't exactly call what I do a field...well, okay, maybe a mine field," Kier said with a soft laugh, before shaking his head as Aurora's attention was robbed away by the entrance of the young Ms. Saad. He had done some security work for the woman in the past, so he was less enthralled by the ears as his companion was. Turning his attention back to the others, he smiled and tilted his hat as way of greeting, "Pleasure, my name is Kier Zabelle."

"It makes more sense to invite a diverse set of options, a lot like experiments sometimes its the things you don't expect that work out best after all."

Sachiko chimed in to Lise's statement and seemed unphased by the two new arrivals, or perhaps she hadn't noticed them? She seemed a little distracted by the large crowd and though she was all smiles it was obvious she would rather be back in the lab then surrounded by people talking all around her. She could work well with others but not in such large crowded venues if truth be told.

As the conversations reach a fever pitch and others seem to be quite unnerved at it being a fair duration in which you have received no further information. All of a sudden the lights go dark and the floor starts filling with smoke. "Welcome Each and every representative now it is time for us to start this event." A large man who has just started balding steps out on the stage with a wireless microphone he strides out into the light which billows from the ceiling. "This will be the first Corporate pokemon journey competition in which all of you have been called to participate against one another.
You will notice there are your companies stalls set up once I finish please go there to claim your starting equipment should you need it. Do your best to bring honour and excitement you will be watched." As the speech finishes the lights turn on and from the corners of the room where the fog had covered the stands appear on the outskirts of this room and out into the hallway.
This message was last updated by the GM at 00:33, Mon 22 Nov 2021.

In reply to Event Director Roger Mckay (msg # 33):

Kona couldn't help but chuckle at the over dramatic entrance of such a simple contest. Though the lack of any direction or true explanation made it difficult to know what steps to take next. "I do suppose I should leave you all for to pick up whatever the company has packed me for this little game. Good luck on your endeavors and do feel free to call if you ever need some fashion tips." Kona quickly passes out a few spare business cards before running over to the "Poff,Loff,&Droff" stand to gather up the basic camping supplies ever trainer should have into an over the shoulder hiking bag.

"Might as well get to it. What's the timeframe we're working with for this contest anyways?" Lise says, Ralts waddling along behind her as she goes to pick up whatever equipment the companies have set aside for them. "And what's the... contest I suppose. Journey honor and excitement sounds a bit... vague to everyone else, right? Did we have rules laid out or did I zone out during that part?"

Offers a quick wave as she steps away towards the Better U stall. With some mumbling she slowly gathers up the items offered to her as she listens to their directives for this contest. Once they are done she spins around to make her way back towards the group looking slightly annoyed and now carrying a very full bag off her shoulder with some more mumbling under her breath. "Can't wait to get out of this place."