[ cαriввeαи ] blue.

[`jαzz]

It was an absolutely gorgeous day, perfect for sailing. The afternoon sun was high overhead and not a cloud was in sight. The ocean shimmered and sparked in the light; it was as if a million diamonds had been scattered across it's churning surface.

The young man inhaled, allowing the salty sea air to fill his lungs. It was so refreshing, standing out on the deck of the ship, allowing the sun to warm his exposed torso. Just like the Octillery DNA intertwined with his own, Julian Coire Devereux felt as if the sea was a part of him. But perhaps that was only natural, considering he shared genetic material with a Water-type Pok?mon.

Draping his arms over the railing of the ship, Julian allowed all eight of his tentacles to hang limply from his back. He was feeling somewhat self-conscious; he hardly appreciated it when people stared. The fact that his Croconaw, Nirvana, was growling at anyone who came near wasn't exactly helping the situation, but Julian was glad that his Pok?mon cared enough to defend him.

"Nirvana, you realize that growling at all of these people isn't necessary? I appreciate the gesture, I do, but I don't believe that it's going to make any difference." Julian smiled weakly at his companion, but the Croconaw didn't seem to heed his words. "Don't be ridiculous, Julian. If it weren't for me, you probably would've been mauled by one of these punks by now," Nirvana replied hotly, fixing his threatening stare on a couple of rowdy teenage boys.

Julian forced out a laugh, but he figured that the Pok?mon was probably right. Of course, not all humans were that way, and Julian was grateful for that at least. But what was it about Pokémorphs that made certain individuals so uptight? Before the young male could dwell on it any longer, an announcement over the loudspeakers interrupted his thoughts.

"Ladies and gentleman, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for traveling with us today. We have now arrived at Angler's Warf, in the lovely Kairuu Region! Please make sure to collect all of your personal belongings, and do make sure to watch your step as you exit the ship. On behalf of all the crew, thank you and good luck on your journey!"

"Hey, that's our cue to ditch this joint. Have you got all your stuff with you? I'm not running back to the room if you don't!" Nirvana said, tugging on the sleeve of Julian's white hakama. The Octillery 'morph nodded, shouldering the battered grey satchel that he had found abandoned in a park back in Johto.

Unsurprisingly, both Julian and Nirvana were among the first to exit the ship. Nirvana's relentless efforts in pushing people out of the way had earned them a spot in the front of the crowd. The boy had given up on trying to apologize to people during this endeavor, and had allowed himself to be dragged by the hand until they reached the end of the dock.

"Admit it, you're lucky you've got me. Boy, I swear you'd be lost without my guidance," Nirvana chimed, a toothy grin stretching across his maw. Julian voiced his agreement while his eyes searched for the Pok?mon laboratory. He wanted to make the trip there as quick as possible; no doubt more young people would be arriving there, and he'd rather not be subjected to any more scrutinizing eyes than was necessary.

Unfortunately, he could not locate the laboratory from where they were standing, so his only other option was to approach someone and ask for directions. Julian was unwilling to approach any group of teenagers, so he opted for an elderly woman instead. Although her gaze was skeptical, she didn't hesitate in directing him to the lab. "Thank you ma'am," he said with a smile. Turning on his heel, the 'morph made his way in the direction specified.

The lab was bigger than he imagined it would be, but in all honesty, Julian wasn't sure what to expect in the first place. Taking a deep breath, he hesitantly approached the entrance. "I don't understand why you're so nervous. Relax already!" "You're probably right, Nirvana. But this whole coordinator business is new to me, so you'll have to bear with me until I get the hang of things..." Julian mumbled, raising his fist. Without further hesitation, the Octillery 'morph gave three short, quick knocks. Hopefully someone inside heard him.

[bijuu.]

Cree had been more than happy to volunteer his services to the professor during the man's absence from the laboratory--after all, while it wasn't he directly who gave the creature to him, it was thanks to the professor that the Horsea 'morph received his starter, the handsome little Mudkip Ishtar. Here he was now, comfortably situated - having introduced himself to the infant creatures some hours earlier - in an overlarge armchair, legs crossed and absently reading a tattered old magazine he'd picked up somewhere. His Pokémon, so far only seven of them, were scattered around the laboratory: Ishtar, his Mudkip and former resident of this very place, was chattering idly while leading his blind Sandshrew companion Manu around the room; Jenova, the snobby young Vaporeon snoozing in a corner with his dolphin-like tail over his nose; Tamerlane, an old friend, a Carvanha that his brother Jacy had sent over via Pelipper Mail, was swimming about in the shallow pool made exclusively for the Water-types of the lab, terrorizing its younger inhabitants, along with Sian, Cree's Remoraid, who was further goading the older fish by shooting bullets of water at him playfully.

Last, but certainly not least, Leevi, the eccentric and affectionate Buizel Cree had first met during his initial visit to the lab--the weasel had joined him willingly some time after his original owner had departed the Kairuu region and was unable to bring his teammates with him. The Buizel was curled up in the Horsea boy's lap, paws protectively wrapped around a pale blue egg splotched with tan and dark green, both tails flicking excitedly as the small oval quaked violently every few seconds. "Mika, Mika, d'you think the egg will hatch soon? It's been twitching up a storm so hard lately, my paws're getting numb from holding it." the brightly-colored otter inquired, leaning up to rest a paw against the Horsea 'morph's bare stomach, intelligent black eyes flashing. "And you still haven't decided what to name 'im, once he does hatch." he added, almost as an afterthought, as if the idea had just literally decided to leap to his black lips.

Setting down the magazine on the corner table, the Horsea 'morph sighed in an almost gently exasperated fashion, and hooked his arms around Leevi, leaning over to caress the top of the otter's head with his cheek. The Buizel gladly reciprocated the affection, bumping his snout against the boy's chin in his eagerness to receive the cuddle, momentarily forgetting the egg, which was safely nestled between Cree's folded legs. "Soon, like I've told you multiple times, Leevi, though I'd really like to see the baby already..." he mollified the orange otter, tapping at the Water-types nose even as the egg began to rock back and forth and flicker with a soft white glow. "As for a name, I think I'd like to call him Citlali, 'star', because it is both feminine and masculine, and no matter what, he'll be a star in his own right. Noah did say he was fairly sure it's a Squirtle... oh!"

At that moment, he was cut off by a sharp squeal that sounded awfully like Ishtar's voice--before he could move, the Mudkip came racing toward him, practically dragging poor Manu - whose teeth were gently locked around the mudpuppy's tail for guidance - behind him as he flung himself against the armchair, as if claiming safe haven as the sleek feline form of Jenova came to a skidding halt some feet away, a disgusted look in his dark eyes. Before Cree could ask, the Vaporeon threw back his head with a frustrated huff and stalked away. Ishtar giggled and imitated the 'eon, tapping his two front paws against the linoleum in a mocking version of the Vaporeon's retreat. "Be nice, baby--you know Jenova likes his privacy." the Horsea 'morph scolded gently, not taking his eyes off the glowing egg, even as it began to shapeshift between Leevi's attentive paws.

A curled tail separated from the shapeless lump of flesh, followed by four thick-set feet, a tough shell, and a rounded head. When the glow faded away, it revealed what Cree had been hoping it would--a tiny baby Squirtle, brilliant brown eyes already bright and alert, though his claws had instinctually dug into the first thing they felt, and that was Leevi's chest. "My Arceus, how adorable are you~!" the 'morph chirruped excitedly, gently prying the turtle's grip away from the otter, hugging the newborn to his chest. The Squirtle, just barely hatched, had yet to find his vocal chords, and instead was simply making tiny cooing sounds, all the while gazing adoringly up at his designated mother and father--Leevi, and Cree. "Told you he was a boy! Let me have him, let me!" the smug tones of Leevi permeated the Horsea's hearing, and he reluctantly let go of the hatchling Squirtle.

The otter held the little Water-type surprisingly gently, laying on his back with the turtle on his stomach, like a mother Buizel would hold her young--it was a heartwarming sight, and Cree had to loose a soft 'aww' at the two. The moment was interrupted abruptly by a sharp knock at the door, and the trio perked up immediately--Leevi left his perch, abandoning Citlali to the care of Manu and Ishtar, following Cree as the boy unfolded himself from the chair, slipping his bare feet into a pair of navy-blue flip-flops and heading for the entrance of the laboratory, the otter at his heels on all fours.

Cree had already mentally readied himself to witness another human trainer who would be shocked, or even disgusted at the sight of his gills--with each steady inhale, the flaps of skin lifted slightly to expose pale pink flesh underneath, an odd contrast against his smooth blue scales. As he wrapped his slender fingers around the knob, Leevi reared up on his haunches and peeked around his boy's legs curiously to welcome the newcomer when Cree did. The door made a soft click when Cree pulled it inward, forcing the Horsea 'morph and Buizel both to take a step or two back in order to allow the door to swing freely on its hinges.

The Horsea 'morph certainly wasn't expecting to see what he did, and it was only through consideration toward his guest that he did not loose a squeak of adoration--almost immediately he recognized the other male as a 'morph, and Octillery at that; Cree had spent a better part of his years chasing after wild specimen, finally here in Kairuu managing to get his hands on a Remoraid egg, from which hatched his beloved Sian. He did not, however, manage to withhold a gasp of acknowledgment at the sight of the oddly-hued Croconaw accompanying the Octillery 'morph. A Water-type? So soon, too! His mouth exploded in a wild grin as he beckoned the other boy inside, almost tripping over Leevi when the Buizel slithered between his legs to greet Nirvana. "Hi... I mean..." Cree stumbled over his words in his excitement to meet a fellow 'morph of the Water-type--luckily, Leevi kept a level head, and pushed his way to the front of the Horsea boy's legs, rolling his eyes pointedly as if to indicate his embarrassment. "Welcome to Professor Hemlock's laboratory. My name's Leevi, and this cute bumbling fool here is Mika Sebii--he and I, and my teammates, are standing in for the professor today. Can we help you?"

Cree flushed a subtle pink color, a hue that barely accented his cheeks, and folded his arms in an almost submissive manner, unsure whether or not to discipline the otter for being so outspoken; in the end, he decided against it when Leevi turned to wink at him playfully. "...yes, well, while I wouldn't have chosen your way to put it, Leevi... I'm Mika, and... like he said, I'm just helping out for today. I take it you're here for a Pokémon...?" he faltered near the end, assuming that, by the looks of the Croconaw, the Octillery 'morph was passing by for some other errand. He didn't voice his opinions out loud, however, knowing he had already spoken too much without giving the other male a chance to open his mouth.

[`jαzz]

In all honesty, Julian had been expecting an actual professor, and a human one at that. The person he saw before him wasn't either, and this left him at a loss for words. He knew that other Pokémorphs existed, and that there would be a slim chance that he would come across one at some point during his journey, but this -- this circumstance was pure coincidence! Another 'morph, so early in his travels, and a Water-type one for that matter. Julian bowed his head slightly out of embarrassment, knowing that his pale skin amplified his blush a thousand fold.

"Come on Julian, don't be stupid," Nirvana said, growling his disapproval at his master's actions. He turned to face the Horsea boy and his Buizel, a look of faux apology plastered across the Croconaw's face. "Don't mind him, he's always shy around new people. Say hello, Julian," The crocodile-like Pok?mon chided. The young man shot an annoyed look towards Nirvana, allowing himself to once again be dragged by the hand into the laboratory. Nevertheless, the Octillery Pokémorph offered a shy smile to the temporary proprietor of the lab, as well as a barely audible hello.

This provoked a heavy sigh out of Nirvana, of which Julian ignored. "..Um, I take you're also a big fan of Water-type Pok?mon?" he queried as he motioned around to the room full of what he assumed to be Mika's current team. He felt a little tempted to release his other two Water-types, but decided not to. Nirvana alone was enough at the moment. Besides, he'd probably try to pick on little Aukai, his timid Squirtle. He certainly didn't to deal with that, not in front of the other boy. To Julian, Mika's Pok?mon seemed to be well-trained and relaxed; he didn't want to come across as an incompetent coordinator that couldn't control his teammates.

"O-oh, uh, actually, I am here to pick up a Pok?mon. ..Er, that is, the Pok?mon I have with me weren't obtained from a lab... I guess that means I need an official beginner? I-I mean, that's what I'm a-assuming, at least," Julian stammered, wondering if he had been wrong in coming to the lab. Everything about this visit was completely new to him, so he had no clue if he was doing this right or not. He nervously toyed with a loose thread on his sleeve, then cast a glance at his companion. Nirvana, however, was preoccupied with watching Mika's Pok?mon. Julian figured that he was probably sizing them up.

The boy opened his mouth to speak again, but the Croconaw was quick to butt in. While Julian had assumed that the creature had heard none of the conversation, he had indeed been listening. "What Jujube here means to say is that we originally came to pick up a coordinator's kit. But since it's true that Julian doesn't have a beginner from a laboratory, does that mean that he'll also be receiving one in addition to his starter pack?" Shaking his head, the Pok?mon returned his attention to the other Water-types in the lab, leaving Julian to await Mika's answer.

"'Jujube'..? Isn't that some sort of candy?"" the boy murmured, looking quite baffled. "Yes. And also your new nickname. Now shut up." Nirvana repiled as-a-matter-of-factly. Julian raised an eyebrow, but didn't press the issue. "Um...anyway, yeah. What my Croconaw said, that's pretty much the reason behind our visit. So..um..." He allowed his words to trail off, as to give Mika a chance to reply.

[bijuu.]

Once the initial surge of pleasant surprise wore off, Cree found his wits again and clamped his mind around them once more, if only not to appear foolish in front of his guest. He rubbed the back of his head apologetically, grinning sheepishly when Nirvana took the initiative and physically tugged his owner into the laboratory--it seemed the Octillery 'morph was rather shy around people as well, or perhaps it was just the awkward emotion almost anyone felt upon meeting a new person. He wasn't allowed time to dwell on it, however, when the other 'morph finally deemed it time to open his mouth to query about the presence of the five other creatures in the room--or rather, five of seven; two were confined to the pool.

"Uh-huh." Cree uttered dumbly before realizing how stupid he must've sounded. "Sorry, I meant, yes. This loudmouth is Leevi; my Mudkip is Ishtar, the Sandshrew with him is Manu, and that antisocial Vaporeon in the corner there is Jenova. And that Squirtle there is Citlali--he hatched just a few minutes before you guys arrived. Oh, and my two others are in a pool in the back room--Tamerlane is my Carvanha, and Sian is my Remoraid." he stopped himself before going on about the multitude of other creatures currently confined in his computer storage system, another awkward grin tugging at the corners of his lips. It seemed that the stranger's Croconaw was the one leading the group, not the other way around--he couldn't blame the boy. For a moment, Cree wondered how old Julian was; it wasn't easy to tell on a 'morph, and the other male was a good five inches taller than him, but... then again, most people were, so the Horsea 'morph paid no mind to it.

Unfortunately, Leevi thought it his civic duty (however small that may have been) to assist any newcomers, and in his eyes, that wasn't forthcoming from his boy--clearing his throat, he inconsiderately shoved aside the blue-skinned boy and folded his arms across his chest in a casual manner, all the while eyeing Nirvana suspiciously, as if he wasn't quite sure whether to trust the oddly colored crocodile or not. "Well, you were right to come here." he intoned smugly, speaking more to the Croconaw than Julian, "'Cause Mika, even, had to get his official starter, even though his brother Jacy sent Tamerlane over, and..."

Fortunately, Cree saw fit to quiet the rambunctious at this point, and did so, gently but firmly (if you count pulling the otter away from Julian by his tails); who was the aide here anyway, he or Leevi? The Buizel took the hint and fell silent, though it could be easily told that the orange Water-type would much have liked to protest, but did not do so only out of courtesy for his master--he also did not want to appear unprofessional in the eyes of the Croconaw. "I'm really sorry. Leevi is just... excited. We haven't had visitors all day, not since that one boy that, well... I'll shut up now." Cree finally cut in, laughing rather sheepishly and shaking his head as if he wasn't sure what to say in defense of the overactive otter. "...wait, you said you wanted to be a coordinator, too?" the Horsea 'morph suddenly realized, his crimson eyes lighting up like a pair of rubies--without a word, Leevi slipped away and within moments, returned dragging a small bag of items, dropping it neatly at the Octillery boy's feet.

x5 x1 x1 ______________________ x6 x3 x2 ______________________ x1 x1 x1

Now that he had discovered something in common between himself and his guest, Cree felt a good deal more confident--turning on his heels, he beckoned Julian further into the laboratory. "I trust you're after a Water-type? Or are you an all-around trainer? We've got the basic Grass-Fire-Water from every one of the four regions, but the professor is also now stocking Fighting-Poison-Ground types. An odd choice, but that's just him..." he chimed, placing his feet carefully because Ishtar was weaving around his legs cheerfully, tossing his spiny gill-crested head this way and that.

Now that initial awkward phase was gone, and Cree had reverted to his own bubbly self, happy to be here helping out new trainers, breeders and coordinators alike; he was still faintly aware of Julian's discomfort, but tried his best to make the other male feel at home. He already liked the boy, if only because he was a Water-type as well, not to mention so interested in them, just like himself.

[`jαzz]

Julian listened intently as Mika introduced his plethora of Pokémon. The mention of Sian the Remoraid particularly caught his interest; he hadn't noticed it amongst the others before. "A Remoraid, huh? I think that's pretty cool... But considering the circumstances, I would say that that is probably already a given." The Octillery boy motioned to himself, smiling sheepishly as he did so. "I don't have quite as many Water-types on my team, to be honest. Just a Poliwag and a Squirtle. I also have a Zangoose, surprisingly enough." Despite what many people must have thought, Julian wasn't aiming to build an all Water-type team. He wanted to become a well-rounded coordinator, and focus on raising a team of beautiful Pok?mon, both inside and out.

Julian felt a slight twinge of jealousy, which was completely out of character. Mika had received his Carvanha as a gift from his brother? Sighing, the boy wished that he had family somewhere, family that cared enough to provide him with even the smallest things. He wouldn't ever know that feeling. What was he thinking? This wasn't the time to be wallowing in self-pity. All of that was in the past, and he couldn't afford to waste any more time on what had happened all that time ago. He was here now, about to take his first steps as a coordinator. That was all that mattered.

Nodding, he watched the Buizel run off to fetch his coordinator's kit. He was surprised at how fast the deed was done, and thanked the small otter-like Pokémon when the bag was dropped at his feet. Scooping it up, Julian placed it neatly in his beat-up satchel. Lifting his head, he met Mika's gaze once again. Before he could open his mouth and speak, however, Nirvana had decided to throw in his two cents. "So..what are you going to pick, Jujube? A Mudkip, or maybe even a Piplup? Meh..but those evolve into those half-steel type things. I don't really see you raising a Empoleon. Mudkip, on the other hand, they're cute. See, lookit there! Ishtar, I think his name is? You already have a Squirtle, and me of course, so I think a Mudkip is a good choice..yeah." Nirvana said, nodding smugly.

"Nirvana, I appreciate the input. Thank you. But actually, I don't exactly want a Mudkip. I do love Water-types, that much is true, but I'm feeling a little adventurous today. I think I'd like to try my hand at a randomized Pok?mon, please," he replied. Though Mudkip and Piplup were okay Pok?mon, he didn't quite prefer them enough to choose either of them as a beginner. Nirvana simply shrugged, rolling his eyes as he did so. He then lumbered over to the pool where the other Pokémon were playing. Julian watched him go, laughing quietly to himself. What was he going to do with that Pokémon?

[bijuu.]

Cree realized, only after he had finished proudly introducing his teammates to Julian, that Remoraid evolves into Octillery ▬ his guest, however, had seemingly already picked out that interesting little fact. The Horsea boy giggled politely, leaning over to pick up Citlali as he passed the armchair he'd only recently occupied. "I sorta reckoned you might like him ▬ I personally adore Octillery, used to see them all the time back home on Shamouti Island. That's why I felt so lucky to get Sian; someone just handed me an egg and told me to take care of it, and... well, that's how he came about." he explained, wearing a genuine smile as he turned to look over his shoulder at the other 'morph.

He took this moment to coddle Citlali while Nirvana guided his owner through the possibilities of starter Pokémon ▬ the Squirtle squirmed in his grasp, staring uncertainly down at the floor and nervously at the large crocodile standing only a few feet away. He wasn't sure what to make of the creature so early on in his life, and instead curled his tail around Cree's wrist and buried his head in the crook of the boy's arm defensively, having not yet learned how to withdraw into his shell. The boy stroked the still-soft shell lightly, glancing up at Julian curiously every now and again ▬ he just could not get enough of the strange male, favorite species completely aside.

Leevi must have sensed his intrigued stares, because the otter turned to look up at his boy with a knowing smile before prancing off to join Nirvana at the pool ▬ Tamerlane had just finished teaching Sian a lesson, and now came up to glare at the Croconaw apprehensively, as if not sure what to make of the newcomer. The Carvanha never spoke much, and this occasion was no different. The Buizel was acknowledged with cool indifference, but Nirvana's presence was taken as a challenge.

Meanwhile, once Julian had proclaimed he'd like to try his hand at a completely random choice, Cree's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's always fun." he agreed, setting Citlali down and without even thinking, grabbed the taller boy by the hand in order to lead him to the lone computer-like machine standing in the corner ▬ only two large buttons decorated its surface, one stating boldly RANDOMIZE, while the other claimed SELF-CHOICE. The Horsea 'morph raised a hand as if to press one of them, only then realizing he had forgotten to ask Julian his choice. "Oh, Julian, did you want to choose it by yourself, or have the computer do it for you?"

[`jαzz]

Julian nodded politely as Mika spoke; how lucky the Horsea boy had been, to receive a Remoraid egg! His eyes drifted to the creature his host held in his arms. How could anyone not notice the small Squirtle snuggling up to his trainer? Julian had guessed why the water-type was acting the way he was, and he smiled sympathetically. Nirvana was pretty intimidating, even when he wasn't intending to be.

Julian absentmindedly glanced over at the Croconaw, just to make sure he was staying out of trouble. So far he hadn't tried to pick a fight, but he did look a bit annoyed. That Carvanha didn't seem too pleased at his arrival. The Octillery 'morph began to reprimand his Pok?mon, but then decided against it. He trusted the Croconaw not to do anything rash and uncalled for. Besides, he didn't have time to tend to the crocodile all the time.

It was at this moment that he felt Mika's hand close around his. Previously, he'd been oblivious to the Horsea 'morphs intrigued stares, but he most certainly noticed the other boy's actions now. Julian felt his face getting hotter, the blood pooling beneath his pale skin igniting his cheeks. Dipping his head, he hoped he shadows cast by his blond tresses would help nullify the effects of his terrible blush.

Coming to a halt behind Mika, he peered over his shoulder at the two buttons on the machine. He didn't know all of the exact specifications of each, but he'd rather not waste time by asking any more questions. Instead, he simply blurted out, "The computer can do it for me." He was way too nervous to be fumbling around with different Poké Balls. Fighting back the lump in his throat, Julian tucked his hands into the sleeves of his hakama. Alright, all he could do now was hope for the best.

[bijuu.]

Citlali, not at all appreciating being left alone, promptly began to wail, hurrying out of the armchair and scarpering after his trainer in a panic-stricken fashion, chasing the sight of the boy's retreating ankles on all fours, not trusting his balance to be enough at such a young age. Unfortunately, in his rush to be reunited with his adopted father, the Squirtle was confused between the two males in the room ▬ though he should have already imprinted upon the blue skin and faint scent of Horsea on Cree, Citlali latched onto the first remotely familiar presence in the room; in this case, it was Julian. Tiny claws wrapped tightly around the loose cotton material of the boy's hakama, hazel eyes closing tightly as the small Water-type latched on to whom he thought to be his trainer.

"D-don't leave me alone..." Citlali whined, shaking all over as he clung to Julian, glancing back at Nirvana and almost immediately regretting it ▬ a squeal of fright fled the small turtle and he buried his face into the white fabric, tightening his resolve not to let go of the boy, no matter what. "...t-that thing s-scares me, Mika. D-don't let it e-eat me..."

A soft murmur of laughter echoed across the room, and the sleek form of a very popular 'eon wound itself about Julian's stationary form ▬ Jenova yawned, stretching until his spine cracked deliciously, and blinked up at the Octillery 'morph dismissively with a flick of his dolphin-like tail. Citlali was regarded with cool impassivity, as if the Vaporeon was contemplating whether or not to tell the Squirtle infant that he wasn't clinging to his trainer. Though as much as he would have liked to embarrass the turtle and the newcomer in a one-shot, two-kill situation, he couldn't find the motivation to do so. Instead, he settled down where he was, curling his tail around his forepaws in an elegant fashion, and gazed flirtatiously up at Julian with large, dark eyes that rarely blinked.

Meanwhile, the Horsea boy, too excited to see what his new acquaintance would find inside the Pokéball the computer would soon spit out, fiddled around with the touch-screen for a moment, still hopelessly confused about which selection meant what ▬ the large buttons meant nothing. You pressed one, good; the computer refused to let a Pokémon go until you verified your authorization to hand out beginners. The professor had walked him through it once before departing with haste, and the cheerily absentminded boy had almost already forgotten the requirements. At last, he touched his hand to the screen, and a clack-clack-clacking sound rapidly sped up into a whir ▬ a slot opened up, and a tray slid out, in the middle of which was a brand-new crimson-and-white Pokéball. Cree gripped it gently in the palm of his hand, turning around to give it to Julian.

"Go on, go on, let's see what you got~" the 'morph trilled cheerily, ridding himself of the sphere so hastily the Carvanha fang on its chain jangled furiously. Jenova rolled his eyes at his trainer's eagerness, and were it not for his desire to appear at least somewhat well-trained in the eyes of his boy's guest, would have fired a snappy remark at the Horsea 'morph to stop dawdling about like a total idiot and just send the man on his way so the Vaporeon could get on with his rest.

Psst. The Pokéball contains a male Pichu.

[`jαzz]

"Oh!" This small sound escaped Julian's lips, having been startled by the young Squirtle's surprise appearance. Instinctively, his eight tentacles unfurled from his back, in attempt to help Julian to steady himself. Normally the small creature wouldn't have thrown him off balance, but he'd been standing in an awkward position and therefore more susceptible to a fall.

Turning his head, he looked down over his shoulder in order to see Citlali more clearly. He wasn't quite sure what to say to the baby Squirtle; the Pok?mon had mistook him for Mika, after all. "Oh, you poor thing~ Don't worry, Nirvana's harmless!" he cooed in a soothing tone. It wasn't exactly the truth -- Nirvana could be unpredictable at times -- but it was better to gloss it over; he didn't want to scare the Squirtle any more than he already was. Placing a hand behind Citlali's head, he gently urged him towards Mika. "Here we go~" He glanced upwards for a moment, smiling sheepishly at the Horsea 'morph as he did so. If only he didn't get embarrassed as easily...

It was now that he felt something curling around his leg, and through his hakama he could feel something extraordinarily smooth. "Hm..?" Julian diverted his attention from the lab aide, only to glance downwards once again. This time it was not a Squirtle at his feet, but a Vaporeon. A feeling of awe was quick to overtake him. Extravagant creatures, they were. This one came across as particularly graceful to Julian. "I must say, you certainly have gorgeous Pokémon, Mika~" he remarked. He wanted so much to extend his hand to the creature, but he didn't want the Pokémon to become skittish and run off, or bite him.

When Mika spoke again, Julian realized that the machine was already done with the random selection process. "Oh, pardon me..." Lifting his head, his eyes found the capsule that the other 'morph was holding. Gently he retrieved the sphere, his spidery fingers curling over the flawless surface. "Okay, here it goes.." Grasping the ball tighter, he turned his body so that he was facing away from Mika. The Octillery 'morph inhaled, then proceeded to toss the Pok?ball into the center of the room.

A flash erupted from the thrown ball, and when the light faded the Pokémon it contained was finally revealed. He blinked a few times, if only to rid himself of the spots in his eyes. Julian didn't even get a chance to refocus completely, because the next thing he knew a blur of yellow was hurtling through the air towards him. "Hi, hi!!" the creature squealed, obviously excited.

It took a moment for Julian to realize what it was that was latched onto the front of his hakama. Yellow body, black markings, pink cheeks... A Pichu! "Oh, look at you~ So cute... I love him!" Julian gushed, cradling the baby in his arms. "Thank you so much, Mika!" he added enthusiastically, a large grin spreading across his face. Amazing! He never would have guessed he'd be so lucky.

[bijuu.]

The mistake wasn't anywhere near registering with the newborn Squirtle ▬ Jenova had been courteous enough not to mention the folly, and that was good enough for the 'eon. Perhaps he was just feeling lazy today; usually the elegant Water-type wouldn't have thought twice about letting loose a snippy remark, be his target the ever-annoying Ishtar and that... thing decorating his tail fin, or a mere infant. Instead, the Vaporeon watched as Julian reassured the small turtle, finally urging the little one forward in order to be reunited with his actual owner. "H-huh?" Citlali chirped in a confused fashion; was his trainer pushing him away, rejecting such a cowardly companion? An all-out bawling session seemed to be on its way, at least until the Squirtle realized that the person he'd been cowering behind wasn't Cree, and the knowledge hit him like a brick. The turtle's demeanor changed color immediately.

"Oh gosh, oh gosh, I'm so sorry, so sorry, I thought for sure that you were him, oh no, no, no!" Citlali gushed, bowing repeatedly in an apologetic manner while a frantic blush crept over the small Squirtle's cheeks. He backed up a few steps, tumbling over his tail and landing on his shell awkwardly, at which Jenova loosed a sharp, yowling peal of laughter, more out of mock than joy. Citlali, embarrassed, rocked back and forth for a moment fruitlessly, until Cree finally crouched to pick up the tiny turtle. "Sorry about that, Julian, he's still just a baby~" the Horsea 'morph giggled, hugging the upset creature to his chest while Julian contemplated the Pokéball he'd just been given.

Jenova glanced up at the Octillery 'morph, eyes half-lidded in an almost expectant fashion, and finally, the Vaporeon brushed up against the man's hand, very lightly so as to make it seem more of an accidental touch. "Ya know, I ain't gonna bite 'cha if you pet me~" the aqua feline purred in an amused fashion, flicking his tail tips against the tile floor with a soft slap, slap. Although the Octillery 'morph quite possibly did not know, Jenova was well on his way to manipulating the stranger into praising him. "An' Mika will certainly agree when I say I'm the most han'some of 'em all, right~?" the Water-type 'eon threw back his head with a soft laugh, fixing a quick look on his owner before flicking it right back at Julian, who had finally released the occupant of the Pokéball.

"Wow, well, thank you~ Nirvana is an interesting character all by himself, though, so I don't want to take all the praise." Cree giggled, though he couldn't hide a proud smile and a delicate blush at the compliment the Octillery 'morph had given him. "Don't be impolite, Jenova, I think you all are ▬ oh, wow, how cute~!"

Cree was immediately disrupted by the appearance of the Pichu, and hurried over to get a better look; so that's what one really looked like. He had yet to see a living, breathing baby form of the very electric mouse he had come to love. Julian seemed just as happy, judging by the ecstatic greeting he gave to the yellow rodent, and the sincere thank-you he spouted immediately afterward. "Oh, no problem at all~! I'm really, really glad you like him. Woooow, how lucky~ I used to see a few Pikachu back along Shamouti, when trainers came by, but I've only ever seen Pichu in a book. Lookit, Citlali, a real Pichu~" Cree gushed, diverting the Squirtle's attention from Nirvana to the tiny mouse ▬ the turtle was too young to realize the rivalry between Water- and Electric-types, and so, greeted the pink-cheeked yellow creature with enthusiasm, waving a stubby paw excitedly. Jenova rolled his eyes pointedly, as if he could not quite understand why the two boys were fawning over something so... scrawny, when they could have been praising him. Then again, he never really did understand Cree. The boy was from another planet as far as the Vaporeon was concerned.

[`jαzz]

Julian offered the baby Squirtle a kindly smile, hoping that it would in some way reassure him. "It's okay, I promise. No need to apologize," he replied, nodding gently. In Citlali's haste to return to his true owner, he stumbled, falling over onto his shell. Oh, the poor dear! Julian took a step forward, proceeding to kneel down to help the Water-type. However, Mika reached him first and pulled the creature into his arms. "Are you okay, Citlali?" he asked, genuinely concerned with the Squirtle's current well-being.

The slight tingling sensation that he felt on the surface of his hand momentarily drew his attentions away from the baby Pok?mon. He looked down to see the Vaporeon, who hadn't run away after all. "Oh, well that's good, I guess~" he said with a grin. Extending two fingers, he gingerly petted the area between two of the fins on the 'eon's head. "Why thank you Mika. I'm sure Nirvana would be grateful for a compliment such as that." He took a moment to glance up at the Horsea 'morph.

The arrival of the newly hatched Pichu seemed to be sparking most everyone's interest. Julian grinned, hugging the yellow and black creature closer to his chest. It was a bit ironic, really, that a water-based 'morph like himself would receive and Electric-type as his official beginner. "Thanks Mika~ You know, I wonder what I'm going to name him...or her," the young man mused, tapping a finger to his lips. His expression thoughtful, he tried to come up with befitting name for the small electric mouse. He didn't know if the creature was male or female, so he just had to come up with two possible options. "Mika, what do you think of Soren for a male name? And...well, I can't think of a good female name..." Julian confessed.

[bijuu.]

Citlali felt a frail blush rise to his scaly features once more at the attention he was receiving from Julian, and he shyly buried his face into the crook of Cree's elbow, although managing a modest "Yes, thank you...", albeit the phrase was muffled by the close proximity of his face against the green material of the Horsea 'morph's top; Cree smiled at the coy little turtle, running his fingers along the creature's shell and tail affectionately. The Squirtle had a lot to learn, but hopefully it wouldn't be too hard for him to learn confidence; after all, in the coordinating world, confidence was key.

Eventually, Citlali saw fit to come out of hiding, and instead fixed his attention on the Pichu again, blinking bright hazel eyes at the critter and scrutinizing every detail on the mouse, from its pink cheek patches to the oddly shaped black tail. Jenova rolled his eyes, frustrated now that he realized he wouldn't be soliciting any more attention for a good while, and instead wandered over to Leevi and Nirvana, who were loitering by the small pool and watching Tamerlane and Sian chasing each other frantically from one end to the other.

While Cree was anxious to find out what Julian would dub the tiny Pichu, he did not expect to be asked for an opinion regarding what the creature should be called. Tilting his head to the side, the Horsea 'morph appeared thoughtful for a moment or two. Julian had already suggested Soren as a possible male name; the word had an odd ring to it, but that could be easily blamed on Cree's upbringing. "I like the sound of Soren, actually." he finally said, gazing adoringly at the electric mouse safely nestled within the Octillery 'morph's arms. "I think Nuka could be an option, if you really want my opinion. It means 'little sibling'~ It's also ambiguous, so it'll work either way, really."

As the two were conversing, a rather familiar orange rodent slipped into the room, wearing bright smile on her face and looking around as if to confirm the state the laboratory was in. Upon sight of Cree, Toni made her way to him, calling out a greeting as she toddled across the room. "Heya, Mika~ Lee sent me out here to tell you he should be back within the hour, so you're free to go; he'd also like to thank you for helping out while he was away." the Raichu chirruped.

"Already? I guess you can't have too much of a good thing, then. Alright, well..." Cree replied, flicking a glance at Julian. "I suppose you're heading out to route one, then? We could go together, if you want; I was out there earlier until the professor asked me for this favor..." It was an innocent request, really, as Cree was only looking to travel with company, aside from his Pokémon, of course. Besides that, he had taken a liking to Julian. They were both coordinators, right? It could be fun~

ooc: Short post is short. DD:

[`jαzz]

The newly hatched Pichu, eager to get to know the Squirtle better, tugged on Julian's sleeve and then pointed in Citlali's direction. Bouncing in the Octillery 'morph's arms impatiently, the electric mouse gave a barely audible whine. "Okay, okay, I'm going~" Julian stepped closer to Mika, thus allowing the currently unnamed Pichu to better interact with the water-type.

Before the Pichu had a chance to start speaking, however, a slightly intimidating presence had once again decided to assert itself. "Well, hey, don't let me crash the party," the Croconaw drawled in a bored tone. Wasn't Julian done taking care of business yet? He didn't mind the Horsea boy's Pokémon - no, that was not the problem. He just felt awfully claustrophobic in this laboratory. He was more anxious to get this show on the road than his owner was.

"Oh? What's this, Jujube..? Your new beginner?" Nirvana queried, having moved closer to the group in order to better examine the electric rodent cradled in Julian's arms. He had no need to be wary of the electric fur ball now; it would be a while before the Pichu posed any kind of threat to water-types in general. Not that he would be afraid anyway. "I kind of overheard you talking about names. Is that right? ...If you're having trouble, let me begin by telling you that this little bundle of joy is male. Does that make things easier for you?" Nirvana regarded the Octillery 'morph with skeptical eyes. As a Pokémorph, Julian should have been aware of this.

"Oh, well thank you Nirvana~ That certainly cleared up a lot. Thank you for your suggestion, Mika, but I think I'll go with Soren." He offered the other boy a kind smile. The entrance of a Raichu diverted his attention from the Horsea 'morph for just a brief moment. Julian couldn't help but marvel at the Pokémon - Soren would one day reach this stage as well. How great would that be? Having the privilege of having such a creature on his team was wonderful. It would make his coordinating career even more worthwhile.

Julian turned back to his new acquaintance, expecting to bid him a thank you and farewell. He certainly wasn't expecting the such a startling proposition. "O-oh! ..Oh, n-no..I d-don't mind a-at all! Heheh.." Laughing nervously, the youth dipped his head out of embarrassment. Mika wanted to travel with him, of all people? Oh dear! In the Octillery 'morph's mind, this was both a good thing and a bad thing. Having a genuinely kind companion with whom he could relate to was wonderful - he couldn't ask for better! On the other hand, however, Julian was afraid that he'd mess up terribly and make a fool of himself in front of Mika. How awful would that be? Well, I guess that gave him and even better reason to try his best as a coordinator.

"O-okay, that sounds great. Shall w-we go?" Julian was able to regain a bit of his composure; enough where he could once again look up at the Horsea boy without a terrible blush invading his pale cheeks. He made his way back to the entrance of the laboratory, pulling open the front door in order to allow Mika to exit in front of him. This was going to be an interesting experience, that was for sure!


ooc; yey, all done~ now we can get these two out onto route one. c: