Shades of Gray

[Diamond]

“Cynda! Cyndaquil!” the pokemon said, happily trotting alongside its trainer.

“Why do you comment on things and expect me to know what you're talking about? I don't speak pokemon,” the brunette said, replacing a stray strand of hair as she checked her location on her Pokegear.

She took a moment and admired her surroundings. The waist-height grass swaying gently in the breeze, the aroma of freshly blossomed flowers, the soothing sound of water gently lapping against a shore and the clear sky with no sign of a storm. Spring was truly her favorite season. It was quickly disrupted when a few frightened and slightly battered looking Sentret and Ratata ran by, making scared sounds.

Amethyst frowned. She glanced at her activation glove, the orb was glowing. “Why didn't I notice that?” she wondered, running off in the direction the pokemon had run from.

“Cyndaquil!” her pokemon, Jazz, shouted, a bit too late.

“Vee!” the angry pokemon growled, landing a hard Quick Attack to the small of the girl's back, knocking her down.

“Looks like we figured out which one it is,” Amethyst mumbled, rolling over and looking at the growling Eevee.

“Cynda...quill!” Jazz said, flaring up in preparation for battle.

“Alright, let's do this,” Amethyst sighed. She wasn't a trainer, but it looked like he would have to fight. “Use Ember!”

Jazz obliged, sending the hot flecks of flame at their opponent, who dodged.

“Stupid fast thing!” Amethyst muttered. “Smokescreen!”

Jazz coughed out the thick smoke and the world around the Eevee seemed to vanish.

“Vee...?” it muttered, trying to look around but having to squint to keep the smoke from irritating its eyes further.

“Tackle!”

Jazz complied, landing a hard hit on the pokemon.

The Eevee growled as a dark purple cloud surrounded it.

“Look out! Get out of the way!” Amethyst shouted.

Jazz scrambled, but was unable to dodge it, getting knocked out of the thinning cloud of smoke and into the pond.

“Jazz!” Amethyst said, wading into the water and fishing out the wet and unhappy Cyndaquil.

“Cynda...” he said, looking apologetic.

“Don't be sorry, that wasn't your fault,” Amethyst soothed, putting him but in he Pokeball. She tossed the other one in the air.

“Mareep!” the purple lamb called.

“Let's finish up here, Dolly. Be careful, though,” Amethyst said.

“Vee...” the Pokemon lunged with another Shadow Blitz.

“Reflect!” Amethyst shouted, hoping it was timed right.

Dolly complied, the transparent screen going up just in time for the Eevee to crash into it.

The Eevee panted. It had already been fighting before Amethyst had found it, so it was no surprise that it was tired already.

Amethyst pulled out a Greatball and charged it with the Activation Glove. She tossed it at the Eevee and crossed her fingers.

“Stay in, stay in, stay in...” she chanted, watching the ball like a hawk.

Both she and Dolly let out a sigh of relief when the ball gave the tell-tale noise of a Pokemon being securely caught.

Amethyst walked over and picked it up. She smiled. “Well, time to head back to the Lab and show you to my superior,” she said, not really knowing if he could hear her or not. “Return, Dolly,” she said, calling her other pokemon back.

She turned around and headed back towards the lab. This was shaping up to be an interesting day.

[Moonlight]

Wind blew through their hair, Selina’s pale electrum-blonde locks blowing around her face as they sloped downwards. Aero’s powerful wings drove the trio downwards as the pidgeot dive-bombed, causing all four of it’s riders to slope backwards in attempt to stay on. The russet and golden-red flying type abruptly pulled level as they neared the water, causing a thin spray to follow him as his talons dragged across it.

The quartet half staggered off of the pidgeot when he landed; disoriented from his elaborate flight patterns. Her amber eyes flicked around her surroundings as she straightened, sighing. Well, they’d reached New Bark Town in one piece, at least. Selina combed her hiplength electrum locks out of her eyes as she knelt besides her companions – A sturdy poochyena, an elegant ralts, and certainly a charming eevee. Koun seemed to have a bit of a headache, though, as he flinched when she lightly patted his head.

“Heh, well, be glad that’s all you’ve got. We’d be a less than dignified splat on the ground with how Aero flies if it hadn’t been for my barrier,” Leta pointed out tactfully, though admittedly looking a little ill as well. The ivory and jade colored psychic type had been a lifesaver what with their transportation’s acrobatics, though. Aero simply began preening himself at their reactions, though, and nudging Eva’s wobbly form over to her human.

“Certainly true, and you do have a good point, Leta,” Selina murmured, though picking up their youngest teammate as she stood again. The younger eevee nuzzled into her hold, ears and tail hanging limply. Even her atypical azure eyes were closed, apparently to keep her world from spinning. Selina chuckled lightly in understanding as she stroked the fennec’s soft umber pelt, motioning to her shadow hound and now levitating psychic companion. “Thank you for the ride, Aero. You may tell my father that we’ve arrived safely,” the young woman said, nodding to the pidgeot. The massive eagle dipped his head, long crest glimmering in the sunlight, before erupting into flight. Gales rose around them briefly, before the giant bird was out of sight. “All right, let’s go. According to that invitation, I’m supposed to go talk to Professor Elm,” she mused, earning an eager bark from Koun.

His crimson eyes danced with excitement, belying his imposing gray and black coat. Muscles clearly rippled underneath them, making the over-aged puppy body seem more like his evolutionary counterpart. Koun’s tail slowly wagged as he trotted along side her, casting Leta a glance before awkwardly shrugging one canine shoulder when the psychic rested on her human’s shoulder. “Koun and Eva say that they’re looking forward to sitting down on something solid and specifically unmoving,” Leta added with a mental chuckle, clearly smiling from her tone.

“Don’t worry, we should be there fairly soon,” Selina assured them, slowly withdrawing one arm from underneath Eva when she reached a bulletin board. A laminated map was pinned to it, showing the medium sized town’s roads and main attractions. Professor Elm’s lab seemed to be only a few blocks away, fortunately enough. The young woman paused, half turning when Koun stepped away from her. A low growl reached her ears as she glanced over, arching a brow upon seeing his hackles were raised, and teeth bared.

It was clear whom he was growling at, though. Two men were had approached without their notice, though one chuckled at Koun’s threat to bite. “I don’t think we’ve seen you around here before, sweetie. It’s not very often we see foreign pokemon,” the taller one pointed out, leaning against the bulletin board as he spoke.

“No, you haven’t … You seem a bit out of place as well,” Selina noted tactfully, earning a smirk from the leather clad duo. Out of all their choices, black leather pants and jackets were their choices. Biker men, apparently.

“Pointing out the obvious, much? We’re just enjoying ourselves, waking up this little town,” the second said, though his amusement was much clearer.

“Oh? Why so?” the young woman queried casually, though making move as to get somewhere with more room. Promptly being blocked by the one that just spoke. Her brow furrowed slightly, though otherwise unresponsive.

“Because we’re bored. Besides, you seem like an interesting girl.”

“Your point being?” Selina countered, ducking around him so she was facing the otherwise empty road. Being it was early morning, she didn’t have to worry about many bystanders seeing if their boredom turned into a fight. Though she’d rather not have it get ugly, she was at least prepared.

A hand gently touched her shoulder as she stepped back, startling the human and her pokemon trio. “There you are, sweetheart. I’ve been looking all over for you,” a soft masculine voice said, utterly calm as someone stepped beside her. Selina immediately glanced up, arching a brow.

His longish dark auburn hair hung in a semi-neat but also casual disarray, soft gray eyes fastening on the duo in front of them. One hand was shoved into the pocket of his black jeans, a booted foot casually tapping the cement as he awaited an answer. His longsleeved maroon t-shirt like top was untucked, but that didn’t detract from his appearance, clearly being muscular underneath as well.

After almost tripping on their words, though, the leader of the duo spoke up. “We’re busy. Beat it, pal,” he snapped, glaring at the redhead. Only then noticing his tall alakazam, though.

“Oh, really? It looked like you two were just leaving. Isn’t that right, Kaz?” the young man inquired casually, though still resting his hand on her shoulder as he nodded to the golden and umber psychic. Pink aura flared around them, puppeteering the bikers down the street in an odd hopping-walk motion. He chuckled softly under his breath, before stepping back when they vanished around the corner. “They’re no longer bored, I don’t think. May I ask your name, miss?”

She quirked a brow, before nodding. “It is Selina, sir … Thank you, though. I’d rather have not had to hurt them,” the electrum tressed trainer returned, also nodding in thanks to Kaz.

“There is no need to use formalities, trust me. Just call me Evan,” he said, offering a smile. “Mind if I walk you to your destination? I didn’t really expect to see anyone at seven AM, so this is a pleasant surprise,” Evan continued, his alakazam partner having returned himself to the storage sphere on the redhead’s belt as he spoke.

The young woman flushed slightly, before shrugging one shoulder. “If you’d like. I’m only going to Professor Elm’s lab, though, so it isn’t far from here.”

Evan’s brow arched, apparently bemused. “It would be my pleasure. And if you do not mind me saying so, it looks as if you’re already an accomplished trainer,” he added, motioning to her companions.

Selina chuckled, shaking her head. “We dabble a bit, yes. But we are just now becoming an official team today. I’m certain you’ve heard of The Phoenix and the cause that he is apparently helping Professor Elm with? I volunteered to come and lend a hand. Dangerous or not, the Shroud should be taken care of before it becomes lethal to people and pokemon alike,” the young woman stated as they began walking, missing his briefly startled expression.

[Diamond]

Amethyst opened the doors to the lab and grabbed her lab coat off the rack near the door. The air conditioning was on rather high today, so she pulled it on to keep warm.

“Professor, I'm back!” she called, setting two Pokeballs on the restoration machine. “I found a Shroud pokemon!”

Elm grabbed her by the wrist and she ran along after him, by now used to his rather busy ways.

“Set its ball there,” he said, pointing to a machine while he worked on a computer.

“Ketchup on your cheek,” Amethyst said, doing as she was told.

Prof. Elm wiped it off with the back of his hand and studied the screen that showed the state and stats of the pokemon. “Uh-oh,” he said.

“'Uh-oh'? What's 'uh-oh'?” Amethyst said, rushing over to look at the screen.

“Aloof nature,” Elm sighed.

“Crap! Like it wasn't hard and dangerous enough to open a Shroud Pokemon's heart!” Amethyst said, facepalming.

“You're going to have to deal with it,” Elm said, pressing a few more buttons.

“Wait, aren't you going to do it?”

“We've found that their hearts open faster if around a trainer. You're the best we have right now,” Elm said.

Amethyst sighed. Yes, this was a very interesting day indeed...

[Moonlight]

Selina turned at the door to Elm’s lab, before offering a brief bow of thanks. “My thanks, Evan. I do appreciate the thought, and enjoyed your company. Kaz also seems like an interesting one,” the young woman added, smiling. A mental chuckle was audible from both said alakazam and Leta, making it apparent they’d also been having a conversation. “Hopefully we’ll cross paths again.”

The auburn tressed man nodded, a small smile playing about his lips. “Oh, I’m sure we will, one way or another. Until then, Selina. Do take care of yourself – I’m sure you’ll have quite the adventure here,” Evan added, nodding once before turning and walking away.

“He at least earns pointers for manners, huh, Selina?” Leta commented, nudging her human. For once playful, oddly enough. A slight tinge of crimson lightly dusted Selina’s pale complexion, before fading quickly.

“Your point is?”

“You think he’s handsome.”

“Oh, hush, you,” the young woman chuckled, trying to wave it off despite being embarrassed. As was apparent in her eyes, even if she had regained physical control. The electrum tressed trainer opened the door for Koun, before walking in behind her dark companion. The gray and black wolf puppy trotted at her side as they moved, taking in their surroundings while looking for the professor.

[Diamond]

“Ow! Son of a bi-big Charazard!” Amethyst said, swapping the word out last second. “Get off my hand, you stupid Eevee!”

For once, it did as she asked and let go, only to make a break for the door with Amethyst on his heels. She very much regretted letting it out of the Pokeball to take a look at it.

“Someone stop that Eevee!” she shouted, wondering briefly how an Eevee got to be that fast.

[Moonlight]

Koun immediately bristled in response, stiffening as he crouched. And promptly tackled the incoming fennec pokemon, sending both of them rolling along the floor. His human cried out in alarm as they collided with a table, something glass wobbling precariously when the eevee suddenly tore into him like a demon. A sharp yelp echoed through the human den when the masculine fennec clamped his teeth onto his tail, the wolf puppy whirling around. His hackles raised, teeth bared. And promptly chomped the base of his opponent's fluffy tail, setting back against it. Unnatural malice gleamed in the eevee's eyes, however.

Pink aura suddenly flared around the duo, lifting them up into the air. Their paws wildly clawed at it for a moment, until Koun realized it was his psychic packmate. Leta. 'Thanks,' the wolf pup commented dryly, ears drooping in embarrassment. One perked back upwards when Eva hopped down, gingerly padding over. The poochyena's crimson eyes hardened with protectiveness when the offensive eevee proceeded to growl at her, the younger eevee being very much like a daughter to him. He was less than pleased.

[Diamond]

Amethyst ran over, still nursing the abused hand. "You," she said, staring at the growling and struggling Eevee, “are probably more trouble than you are worth.” She pulled out his ball and recalled him.

She turned and smiled rather sheepishly at the new girl in front of her. “Thanks for that. He probably would've gotten away if not for this little hero,” she said, bending down and reaching out to pet the Poochyenna.

[Inng]

“This is why, I’ll never listen to you again, Noir,” Inng moaned while sitting atop a rock as the purplish ghost pokemon floated around him. He had gotten himself in quite a predicament by listening to his poke companion. Not in any real hurry to get anywhere, the gray clothed man had decided that perhaps he should go to a town, or city to get some supplies. Had he followed the trail he would have been to the nearby town two hours ago. Alas, he had made a mistake by allowing, Noir, his Misdreavus, time outside her pokeball.

“It’s not my fault you didn’t do exactly what I said,” Noir declared matter of factly through telepathy to her trainer.

Inng sighed in response to the ghost’s passing of the blame. “I did do what you said,” he replied, his voice rising slightly with each word. “I followed the trail up the hill, down past the river, through the brush and finally up this,” Inng raised his hand and made quotes with the next words he spoke, “minor rock formation.” The young man leaned to one side and peered down at the steep drop that he might welcome soon should he listen to anymore advice from Noir.

Noir’s large red eyes peered at her trainer, “You need to stop being so frail. This minor rock formation isn’t even that high up.”

Inng turned back to face his pokemon, “It’s a small mountain, you…” he stopped himself from saying anything hurtful. It wouldn’t do any good to yell now. He had to get down off of this ‘minor rock formation’ and someplace else where he could relax, preferably a place that demanded pokemon be kept in their balls. Not wanting to listen to anymore of what the sassy pokemon had to say, the green haired boy began scaling down the rocks, hoping not to fall in, resulting in not only his death, but possibly Noir’s delight.

[Moonlight]

Selina sighed audibly at Koun's reaction to the eevee, but nodded to the girl. "He certainly tries," the electrum tressed woman agreed, a small smile touching her lips when he immediately turned into a mush puppy. As soon as she began rubbing behind his ear, he began panting and thumping his hind leg, tail wagging ninety to nothing. It was nothing less than amusing, endearing him once more to his longtime companions. Although an adult at heart, his puppy tendencies always showed through somehow. And this time, it was through his sweet spot.

Koun immediately returned to his dignified position when she stopped though, as if it hadn't happened. His tail still wagged a little at the tip, however, making it clear he appreciated it. "So, was that one of the Shroud Pokemon I've heard about? I'm here to discuss joining the Resistance with the Professor, but it seems as if we've already gotten a first hand view of the situation," the young woman added, though her tone making it clear she was simply curious. Not about to back out on what she'd came for, but merely seeking more information.

She paused after a moment, noticing Eva was sitting at the arrival's heels. Her atypical azure gaze was fastened upon the storage sphere in the girl's hand, head cocked slightly. "Eev ..." the yearling eevee wondered aloud, clearly startled at the outright viciousness the male had displayed. Although she was a young woman by pokemon standards in age, it was an entirely new situation for her. And Koun's disapproval was made balantly clear when he proceeded to herd his adopted daughter away from the pokeball-wielding hand, protectively taking a place in front of her.

"Koun ... You do realize that unless the demon eevee gets out of the pokeball, it can't hurt Eva, right?" Leta queried from her place on her human's shoulder, tone clearly hinting that she was arching her brow underneath the viridian green helm. After waiting a moment, the ralts shook her head. "Have it your way."

Selina's gaze fastened upon the other woman once more as her pokemon conversed, before offering her hand. "My name is Selina. Selina Anima."

[Diamond]

"Amethyst Gemstone," she said, straightening. "And yes. That Eevee was indeed a Shroud Pokemon. And I do believe the good Professor is still where I left him, unless he decided to go finish his lunch, which is doubtful," she added, sighing a bit.

She arched an eyebrow when she saw the Ralts on Selina's shoulder before deciding it was none of her business. She then turned to Eevee sitting near her. "Yes?" she asked, setting her two pokeballs on a machine to be healed, preferring to keep the Eevee in immediate reach for now.