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Beach Bum -- Serena and Grimsley
"It’s… It’s so hot," Grimsley moans to himself as he trudges along the beach, feet dragging in the sand. To anyone else, summer would mean sunshine, swimming, camping, and all things outdoorsy and fun. For the Dark-type Elite, though, summer means staying indoors, in the shade and with the air conditioner turned up high. And just because it’s not summer in Unova, doesn’t mean it isn’t summer somewhere else - a fact Grimsley realized just as he stepped off the ship that morning.
The poor guy sticks out like a sore thumb - amidst the tanners, swimmers, and little children splashing in the waves, Grimsley is clad in a dark suit and his scarf trails from his shoulders. He seriously starts to rethink his get-on-the-next-leaving-ship-and-see-where-it-goes strategy.
At last he happens upon a bench shaded by a large striped umbrella, next to some vending machines. Realizing how parched he is, Grimsley hurriedly inserts a few bills and pushes several buttons; the clang of the can of lemonade dropping down is music to his ears and excitedly he cracks it open, taking a long gulp. Can to his lips, Grimsley stares at the open ocean, wondering how such a thing would be anyone’s definition of ‘fun’. Liepard, out of her Pokeball, seems to agree, tail wrapped neatly around her paws as she observes the scene through narrow eyes.
A figure approaches the vending machine and stands before it for several seconds, seeming to ponder over the options. Grimsley turns slightly, wiping the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief before saying, “Ah, excuse me, would you happen to know where the nearest hotel is? I’m in need of a place to stay. But before that, perhaps a boutique… It appears I did not dress for the weather.”
Serena basked in the warmth of the sun as she strolled along Slateport beach. She knew it wasn't good for her skin, but lazing around outside in the summer was one of her favorite activities. The hotter it was the happier she felt. She heard nothing but good things back in Kalos about the beaches in Hoenn, so this summer she was spoiling herself with a nice beach vacation. Gale, her Luxray, was padding along beside her taking in the unfamiliar surroundings and multitude of people who were on the beach.
Serena let out a contented sigh at the feeling of the sand between her toes. The cries of Wingulls served as the perfect backdrop to the sound of the waves and the clamor of beachgoers. The only thing that would make this more perfect would be an iced coffee. With that thought Serena changed her course to a set of vending machines she remembered seeing earlier in the day. It didn't take her long to find them, and she rummaged around in her purse looking for coins to stick in the machine. She perused the options, but before she could select the one she wanted she was interrupted by a voice.
The man who addressed her was in no way dressed for the weather and was even wearing a yellow scarf. Serena felt hotter just looking at him, and it was clear from the sweat on his face that he wasn't exactly enjoying himself. Why is this guy even on this beach or in this climate?
"I'm staying at a hotel up in the city. I think there's a shop in the lobby. Do you... Do you need me to take you there?"
Spending time with strangers was not Serena's favorite activity, but there was no way she could turn down someone who looked like they were about to have a heatstroke. She only hoped they would be able to get him some new clothes before he passed out.
Pokemon X and Y Super Music Collection - Battle! (Champion)
Bureaucracy || Looker & Serena
The agent couldn’t help but crack a faint smile as he pulled away from the doorway, “Serena, my dear friend, I can assure you there are no Ghost-type Pokemon in this building. More than likely, it is but a stray Pokemon in the alley behind us.”
"Serena," Looker called, after a rather slight hesitation, "Just… remain here. I am going to check the premises for a moment. I will return immediately."
With a nod, he ventured forth, the cool city breeze brushing against this skin. To the right of the Bureau, a small entry was present—barely anything one could even call an alley. Regardless, it was still a path small enough for a wild Pokemon to have gotten lost. It was only fair to check it out.
Looker snaked his way though the passageway, shifting though the tightly pressed brick walls on either side of him. When he reached the end… there was nothing. “Hm,” He mused to himself, there is nothing here. Oh well. Perhaps the Pokemon or whatever has fled!”
With a shrug, Looker retraced his steps back around the crammed alley, about to step back onto the street when a strange voice stopped him:
"Golbat, Confuse Ray!"
Suddenly Looker’s vision grew bright, horribly white as he felt himself slouch against the brick wall behind him, head in his hands. The young man, cloaked in a waiter’s attire instantly withdrew his large Pokemon and was fast to put on the act as he reached for the agent, “S-Sir? Are you okay?”
Looker blinked, shaking his head. The inside of his skull pounded horribly to the point he felt as if it’d explode. Who is this man…? Why is he yelling—w-where am I? The officer could only simply moan in disgust, while the young waiter drew him into his arms.
"It’s okay," The young man cooed, "I’m gonna get ya right to the Pokemon Center, okay? They can check you out, make sure you’re good, alright?"
As they shuffled along the cobblestone street, and into a Taxi, the young man branched off whispers into a subtle earpiece, “…Target secured. Meet at the Cafe, about 5 minutes or so.”
"…Understood…" A voice faded dimly into his ear, "…If the boss were here… he’d be pretty… proud…!"
The waiter cackled softly, “…Anything to help Team Flare succeed…!”
Despite Looker's reassuring words, Serena was on edge. She didn't know why, but the situation was making her uneasy. The cause being a stray Fletchling or an escaped Furfrou made sense, but she was not convinced. She trusted Looker, but Serena kept diligent track of how long he was gone. He said he would return immediately, and she was holding him to that.
Two minutes passed and all was silent. There was no banging and no Looker. Serena stood out of the chair and walked towards the door, ready to open it if he was gone for much longer. Four minutes. Maybe her sense of time was skewed, but it was starting to feel like he should be back. Five minutes. Serena reached for the doorknob and made to walk outside. She stopped short, door open a fraction. There was nothing suspicious about a waiter walking the streets of Lumiose on his time off, but there was something suspicious about that waiter dragging around her friend. Serena thought about calling for Looker, but something didn't seem quite right about the way he was walking. Besides, the other man hadn't noticed her yet, and she was pretty sure approaching him wouldn't be the best way to find out what was going on.
They were heading to a waiting cab. It wouldn't be hard to chase down on Astro's back, but following on an Arcanine was a more conspicuous option. Well I have to do something. I knew something felt wrong about those noises. Serena strained to listen as the waiter muttered to himself before getting in the cab. She could only make out a couple words, but it was enough to get her moving.
"A café huh?" She mused.
There were plenty of cafés in Lumiose, but Serena only had one on her mind as she set off on her roller blades. Lysandre's Café.
TM
[[ i did some html stuff and added a second image to my blog! i hope people like it as much as i do ]]
Young Volcanoes || Serena & Touko
Touko stopped short, staring at Serena straight in the eye with the intensity of someone who was just told that they were about to be launched into space. “You…You think I’m cool?”
She gave a short fist pump, voice raising loud enough to startle a nearby Fletchling into flight. “YEEEEEEEESSS!” Touko grabbed Serena’s shoulders, eyes practically sparkling. “From this day forward, I’m cool. You’re not allowed to take those words back! Even if I do something mega ultra uncool!”
Quickly becoming aware that she might be scaring the poor girl, Touko turned it down several notches, adopting a more casual stance as she leaned back and crossed her legs. “I-I mean, life’s not all about being cool.” She capped the tube of disinfectant and was about to hand it back to Serena when she realized that what had once been half-full was now almost empty.
"…" Touko grinned apologetically. "Whoops! Sorry, I think I used a bit too much. How ‘bout I treat you to lunch and we call it even? I’ve been wanting to try these Lumiose cafes anyway."
The smile vanished from Serena's face at the look in Touko's eyes. Did I say something wrong? Is "cool" an insult in Unova? Serena nodded in response to Touko's question. She didn't sound angry... She let out a yelp at the shout of “YEEEEEEEESSS!” Okay so she was... happy? It was hard to read this girl, but she was clearly excited about being called cool. There was no way no one had never called her that before. She was cool (in her own way), and she definitely had lots of friends with that personality. It was impossible to tear her eyes away from Touko's. Though that could have something to do with the fact that she was currently being held captive. Serena couldn't hold in her startled laughter. This whole situation was too much.
Touko released her and did a complete 180 as she leaned against the back of the bench. Serena glanced around. Luckily no one was paying them any mind even after the recent explosion. Touko was much more relaxed in a superficial sense, but Serena could feel the pent up energy rolling off her in waves. Part of Serena considered dismissing Touko and telling her that she didn't need to be repaid, but she shook those thoughts away before she could voice them.
"I think I'll take you up on that, Touko. Just try not to be too mega ultra uncool." She threw in the jibe to see how the other would react.
She had been planning on going to a café anyway. She would be a fool to turn down company and a free lunch. Especially if that company continued to be so entertaining.
Bureaucracy || Looker & Serena
The agent returned upright, one hand waving a dismissal towards the young woman while another casually hung at his side. “No, no,” he began, stepping away from the table, “It is nothing. Mere paperwork—nothing of major importance, yes.” His hand now made a motion, shifting her attention towards the table and chair behind her, “Please, do take a seat if you wish!”
Looker wasted no time rushing towards the tiny kitchenette off in the corner, prepping two glasses of water as he finally returned to a seat beside her, “I am sorry, for there is not much I may offer. Had I been aware of a visitor, I would certainly been far more prepared!”
The elder took a sip; the cool liquid gliding down his throat and into his stomach. It felt good, the sudden coolness and relaxation—away from those damned papers. Now, Looker was no slacker, but as long as Serena wasn’t too busy, a small little break couldn’t hurt.
"So… you have wandered in here by mistake? Oh, Miss Serena—I would think you recall of the Bureau’s location, no?” Looker couldn’t help but chuckle, the lighthearted joke easing his stress and nerves little by little. The entire conversation was rather quite calming, really. Looker spoke about some of his latest missions, while Serena allowed him to catch up on her journeys following the whole Team Flare fiasco. It felt nice—like a pair of good friends catching up after a long, hard day of work—but the agent knew that in his world, nice things didn’t always last.
"…Yes, well. I will have you know that that warehouse was packed with—!?” Looker paused, his brow furrowing at a strange noise, as if something had slammed into a wall nearby. “…My apologies,” Looker shook his head, “It must simply be Mimi, awaiting for… wait.” No. That didn’t make sense. Emma was out, and that meant Mimi was alongside her. It was just the two of them sitting there, neither of them having any Pokemon outside of their Pokeballs (well, Looker didn’t even have to worry about that issue on his end, but still). So, what was it…?
"…Y-You are hearing this, Serena… no?" Looker arose from his chair, and curiously made his way towards the front door, peering out from behind the glass. No… nothing over here…
Serena sat down in the seat that Looker indicated, smoothing out her skirt as she waited for him to return from the small kitchen area. He was back in a moment, handing her a glass of water and apologizing.
"Don't worry, Looker. Water's more than enough," she reassured him before taking a refreshing sip.
She settled more into the chair. They sat in companionable silence for a moment as they enjoyed the simple beverage. Serena laughed along with Looker. He had a good point. It was no wonder this was where she ended up. Her wanderings must have been less mindless than she had assumed. It was like the Bureau, a place that she knew well, had been calling for her. The two exchanged stories about their recent escapades and experiences while they relaxed. Over time Serena eased more and more into the conversation. Catching up spread a warm, pleasant feeling through her body.
"W-what was that?" Serena jumped at the sudden banging before forcing herself to calm down. It was, of course, just Emma, Mimi, or someone else that she didn't know of.
The expression on Looker's face as he halted in providing an explanation didn't allow her the luxury to annoy the sound. He doesn't know what it is either.
"Yeah. What do you think it is?" Serena glanced around the room for a sign of anything suspicious while Looker checked the door. "Is anyone else here? Do you think it's a client or..." Serena trailed off, feeling foolish, "or a ghost?" She finished in a hushed tone.
Bureaucracy || Looker & Serena
Serena… The girl who single handedly stopped all of Team Flare. The girl who went forward to claim the title as one of Kalos’ All-Time Greatest Trainers. The girl who came back to stop Team Flare again, and help him guide young Emma to heroism.
The Serena Beaumont. She was back and, for some reason, straight into the Bureau once more. Was this, perhaps, the start of another mission…?
The agent lifted himself from his seat, hands pressed firmly against the desk as he leaned forward, gazing intensely into her eyes for a moment. Suddenly, a soft, kind smile replaced the firm scowl he once held, “Serena, it has certainly been a while, no?”
"Why, it is me! Me, yes! The one and only Officer Looker of the International Police. Do you not recall?" Looker pressed, excitedly extending his hand towards her as means of an introduction, "It is certainly great to see you again, yes! I do know Emma will be just as delighted, yes, yes. I must ask, however… What does bring you here today, Miss Serena?"
I have not heard anything about the return of the Team Flare. I would assume that is not the current issue, no?
Serena jumped as the man stood. His gaze was intense again, but this time his eyes were swimming with recognition and what looked to be respect. Serena was used to being recognized around Kalos after the events with Team Flare, but she could tell that his recognition had to do with more than her celebrity status. That was when the recognition hit her as well. Could it be? Before she could even begin to respond Looker was off on one of his introductions.
Serena extended her arm to return the gesture of greeting and her hand was swallowed in his larger one. She felt immediately at ease once she realized that the man in the cluttered office was someone she already knew well. No need for the awkward first stages of a relationship this time!
"Of course I remember you, Looker! It's great to see you again," a moment of hesitation, "I actually just kind of wandered in without any reason. I hope I didn't interrupt anything."
Her eyes flitted to the desk that was between him before returning to make eye contact. Did he need help? It wouldn't be the first time they worked together, and she didn't have much else to do.
introduction thing
[[ i decided to finally make a post introducing myself since there are so many new members and everyone else is doing these! my name is sarah and you can call me that (or trash queen). i'm a college student and i've loved pokémon since forever. hoenn is my favorite region and arcanine is my favorite pokémon.
but yeah! i'm super pumped to be here and i hope i do an alright job. if anyone wants to plot or just talk then drop me an ask! the only thing i like more than people are potatoes, so odds are i'll be stoked to get any sort of message. so yeah i think that's enough. ]]
Young Volcanoes || Serena & Touko
A wide grin appeared on Touko’s face when she listened to Serena talk about life in Kalos. Her words were full of such love and affection that it became clear that the region held a very, very special place in her heart. Touko could most definitely relate - she adored Unova with every bit of her soul, and no matter how much traveling she did nothing could ever replace her home.
"Ah, thanks!" Touko said as she took the disinfectant, spreading a generous amount on both her knees. She winced a bit when it stung, but carried on anyway. When the question was directed back to her, she tilted her head thoughtfully. Her voice softened a bit from its usual mile-a-minute pace.
"Well, all my life I’ve known that something big was in store for me. Maybe not at destiny’s hands, but by my own hands. And I can’t just stay in one place for that! I want to see everything. Every city in every region, every Pokemon and every trainer! I’m not just gonna be some speck in the universe that disappears without a trace. My life is going to mean something. So…here I am!”
There was a pause and Touko laughed, sticking out her tongue. “It’s a pretty lofty goal, eh? You must think I’m preeeeetty weird.”
Serena wasn't sure what it was about the girl that intrigued her so much. Maybe it was her positive energy or her–what appeared to be–boundless optimism. Hell, maybe it was the fact that she used five times as much disinfectant as she was supposed to. Whatever it was she liked it. (Okay so maybe it wasn't the disinfectant thing. She was almost out now.) Her feeling of intrigue was only heightened by Touko's words. Serena, though she was not traveling at the moment, understood her sentiment. She felt the same way. So much had happened in her relatively short life, but she could tell there was more out there for her. More that she had to go and find herself. There were always new places, new people, and new Pokémon waiting out there. And speaking of new people...
It was at that moment, sitting on the bench and worrying about her disinfectant, that Serena made a decision. She decided that she wanted to be Touko's friend. She could only hope that the sentiment would be reciprocated.
"You're not weird at all, Touko! I think you're pretty cool to be honest."
Pokedexy catch-up continued!
Day 4: Favorite Electric Type - Shinx Day 5: Favorite Fairy Type - Sylveon
what are your ships?
[[ for serena my otp is boutiqueshipping (serena x shauna) and i also like trendshipping (serena x touko). my serena is bi, so whatever happens happens, but personally i’m more a fan of her having a female romantic interest ]]
Bureaucracy || Looker & Serena
That voice. Something about that young woman just seemed to send a spark off in Looker’s head of familiar memories. He finally glanced up from his papers, his brow furrowing as he slowly shook his head, “N-No… I do not need assistance, thank you…”
Of course he needed help with this damned papers, but that wasn’t the issue here. She was important enough to rattle the inner workings of his mind and therefore, required far more than just a simple ‘have a great day!’ farewell.
For a moment, Looker simply sat there, watching silently like a Noctowl on the hunt as the young woman stood before him. She was beautiful—long golden locks and bright eyes. Of course, nothing peaking his interesting in that kind of fashion, but rather that strange sense of familiarity—dammit, for why this troubling me so?!
Looker finally give a polite nod and spoke, “P-Please, do forgive my strange actions today, yes. I am rather… erm… overwhelmed, for a lack of better vocabulary, with my many tasks at hand, hm.”
The agent finally set the pen aside on the desk, his hands now free of any objects as his own fingers simply intertwined with each other. A brief moment of hesitation before he finally spoke, “…I am sorry, but… Do I, perhaps, know of you?” He felt bad for asking; he really did. It was one of those instances where the guilt would begin to eat him alive for something so ridiculously insignificant, as if he should have known who walked though the door.
Once he’d hear her name, however, he’d swear the memories would all just rush into his head like a dangerous flood…
At the man's dismissal Serena stood in place and tried to decide what she would do next. Leaving immediately and pretending this had never happened could have worked, but she could not shake that feeling of familiarity that was made even stronger now that the man was looking at her. And boy was he looking at her. Serena squirmed under his scrutinizing gaze. The intense attention was getting to her enough that she considered bolting and getting the hell out of Lumiose.
Before she could make any rash decisions she was interrupted by his apology. Overwhelmed is right. She once again cast her eyes around the mess of an office that she had walked into. His next words sent a wash of relief through her. So she wasn't the only one feeling confused and intrigued, and from the look of things she wasn't the only one feeling awkard either. Serena took a couple tentative steps further into the room before responding.
"I'm Serena. Serena Beaumont." She offered. Maybe giving her full name would move things along more quickly.
Young Volcanoes || Serena & Touko
"Don’t you worry about me!" Touko said with a wide grin, "I’ve got my sneakers right in my bag, here."
Gingerly Touko grasped Serena’s slim hand and slowly, slowly let go of the pole. She wobbled dangerously and came very close to ending up on her butt again, and instead resorted to clutching both of Serena’s shoulders in an attempt to stay upright.
"Ah…yeah…sorry…" Man, she must think I’m so uncool! "I guess you could just…drag me over there if you don’t mind."
Slowly the awkward duo made their way over to the bench and with a sigh of relief, Touko settled into the bench, instantly working on wrestling her feet out of the deadly skates. Wiggling her toes to get the blood flowing in her feet again, Touko pulled her (much more comfortable) high-top sneakers on.
"I must’ve given new meaning to the phrase ‘hell on wheels’!" Touko said with a loud laugh as she laced her shoes, "I’m never trying that again. At least, not without tons of practice. But man, Lumiose City is enormous! Sure, Castelia City in Unova is big, but at least I understand how those streets work.” Realizing that she was going off on one of her tangents again, Touko immediately shut up. “S-So, anyway, tell me about life in Kalos! Oh, and that disinfectant would be great.”
"Ah!" Serena came dangerously close to going down when Touko grabbed her, but she somehow managed to stay on her feet.
It was impressive that they managed to make the awkward shuffle to bench without any further incident. Serena sat down only when she was sure that they were safe for sure. She watched as Touko changed out of the deadly skates and into shoes that were decidedly less... wheely. Serena laughed at the joke, surprised by how funny she found it. She was about to find a response, but not a second later she was sitting through another rambling train of thought from the talkative girl. There was a pause during which the only noise was the usual hustle and bustle of Lumiose.
"Life in Kalos is... nice." Serena tried to find the words as she dug around in her bag for the disinfectant. "Everyone here lives honestly, and you're not judged by the size of your hometown or the kind of job you have. Everyone loves Pokémon and treats them well. We also have a lot of tourists like you who visit. I've been all over Kalos, and I love every bit of it. That's why even though I live in a small town I spend most of my time wandering around the region."
Serena realized how long she had just been talking and felt bad in an instant. She sometimes got carried away when she talked about her home, but it didn't usually happen with total strangers. Well maybe Touko wasn't a total stranger at this point, but they had still known each other for less than an hour. Just because their foreheads were well acquainted didn't mean that they were close.
"What made you want to visit Kalos anyway?" Serena hoped she could direct the flow of conversation back to the other.