— PROFESSOR SHIN

A mundane topic perhaps, but one Summer was all too happy to elaborate on. “You’d be correct. I’m an Academy alumnus, so I travelled the region quite extensively when I was a teenager. The region has a lot of different species of Pokémon, due to the various biomes. Truly a researcher’s paradise…!”

Of course, there was the topic of a particular area within the region, a period of research on the young professor’s record that brought them great attention early on.

“Ah, yes… I also spent a period of time in the Crater. If your acquaintances are visiting for leisure, I know there’s a wonderful place to grab food in the town closest to the entrance.”

“  oh, that’d be most wonderful. trying out different foods from different regions is always so fun but yes .. the Crater is definitely of great interest. would it be ok to … ask how that was?  “

There's a major storm passing over Lumiose today, but Cafe Fortune is still open as always, providing an obscure shelter from the howling winds and pelting rain. Due to the weather, the usual crowd is small today but the clinking of glasses and soft jazz music wafting from a nearby record player makes for a comfortable atmosphere. Water from the old building's leaky roof drips rhythmically into a corner bucket, only adding to the ambiance.

Charlie is wiping down glasses at the counter when the cafe's door suddenly swings open, revealing a very soaked newcomer. From the way they're dressed--along with the damp folders and documents they appear to be protecting close to their chest--Charlie guesses that this mystery guest is either an academic or business-type, both common sights in the Kalosian crown jewel. Regardless of who they are, he offers up a small smile all the same. (The other patrons glance at the blonde for only a moment before returning to their own hushed conversations.)

And then, of course, came the rain. Sudden and heavy as the clap of thunder it brought, the professor found themselves rushing into a nearby cafe, plans of a leisurely walk through Lumiose's streets completely dashed. Utterly soaked, protecting their papers, they pushed open the door of the unassuming cafe.

Café Fortune... Summer had heard a mention or two of it from locals, who described it as a hidden gem amongst the better-known (and usually packed) spots known to tourists. Immediately they could understand the appeal of the bar, with its warm atmosphere and the ambience of the jazz music playing. Even more so did they truly "get it" when they were offered not just a friendly welcome but a soft towel, of all things, once they approached the counter.

𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄 :

hide .   hide now .

shh !!  there’s somebody in the house .

i’m not gonna hurt you !  see ?  look ,  i’m putting down the  [ weapon ] .

[ name ] ,  what were you thinking ?!

you’re being followed ,  pretend you know me .

stop , stop !  just put the  [ weapon ]  down !

drive ,  just drive fast !

you seriously think i could’ve done this ?

can you walk ?  i need you to walk for me ,  okay ?

let me handle it ,  just go !

what was your plan ??  you could’ve gotten yourself killed !

you’re just going to leave me here ?!

[ name ] ,  can you hear me ?  get out of there !

you knew and you didn’t tell me ?!

don’t you know how dangerous this is ?

you’re not going to shoot me .

move and you die .

i’m gonna come back for you ,  do you hear me ?

we have to stop the bleeding .

can you see how many fingers i’m holding up ?

i just want to go home !

don’t move a fucking muscle .

if it weren’t for you ,  we wouldn’t be in this mess .

i almost DIED back there ,  and you’re laughing ?

you’re only making this worse for yourself .

you think this is a joke ?

if i go down ,  i want you to run .

we’re gonna die ,  so what’s the point ?

this was the ONE thing i told you not to do .

i can’t promise we’re going to make it out of here .

where’s your first - aid kit ?!

just calm down and find your phone ,  we need to call the police .

someone’s been stalking me .

just listen to me for once !

i didn’t think you had it in you .

put the gun down ,  and kick it over here .

we can’t stick around here ,  let’s go .

kiss me before we die .

do whatever you need to do ,  hurry .

i can’t breathe ,  i can’t -

please ,  please  -  let me in ,  there’s someone -

i’m gonna give you one last chance .

you have to believe me ,  i didn’t do this !

run ,  and don’t look back .

this is real ,  i’m real .  look at me .

take this .  it’ll keep you safe .

follow my instructions very closely .

put your hands where i can see them .

you can’t just let me die !

i think  …  i think i need a doctor .

we need to get out of here ,  come on .

no ,  this isn’t it .  we’re getting you out of this .

you panicking is not going to help us right now .

𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 :

[ GETAWAY ]  sender acts as a getaway driver for receiver .

[ MEDIC ]  sender arrives on receiver’s doorstep ,  badly bleeding .

[ HIDE ]  sender and receiver hide from a threat together .

[ HUSH ]  sender clasps a hand over receiver’s mouth to silence them .

[ DRAG ]  sender physically hauls receiver to safety .

[ RIGHTS ]  sender calls receiver from a police precinct .

[ REALITY ]  sender helps receiver through an episode of derealization .

[ SHELTER ]  sender and receiver must find shelter from a storm  .

[ ARMED ]  sender brandishes a  [ gun / knife ]  at receiver .

[ CRASH ]  sender and receiver survive a  [ car / bike ]  crash together .

[ SEARCH ]  sender barges into the hospital demanding to see receiver .

[ BACKUP ]   sender calls receiver panicking after committing a crime .

[ CORNERED ]  sender menacingly backs receiver into a corner .

[ UNEXPECTED ]  receiver comes home to find sender already inside .

[ BREATHE ]  sender helps receiver get through a panic attack .

[ BADGE ]  sender and receiver flee from the cops together .

[ STRANDED ]  sender and receiver become stranded in the woods .

[ EMBRACE ]  sender kisses receiver thinking it’ll be the last time .

[ STRANGER ]  sender can’t remember who receiver is after an injury .

[ TOKEN ]  sender gives receiver a lucky charm before they go into battle .

“Oh, goodness. You’re no bother at all. If anything, it’s my pleasure to meet you, Professor Sycamore.”

Summer was a tad surprised by their fellow professor’s apprehension, said peer being the illustrious Augustine Sycamore of all people. The tall Kalosian was someone whose papers the blonde had read intently over the years, and it was a thrill to be approached by a capable peer. “Ask away. Your time permitting, there’s much I’d like to discuss in return!”

he can’t help but laugh at the other’s enthusiasm. he knew he had that kind of effect on people but it was still such a surprise. “  oh it’s nothing really. i just remember hearing about your origins from Paldea. a few companions of mine are travelling there soon and i was hoping to know what the region was like.  “

Of course, there was the topic of a particular area within the region, a period of research on the young professor's record that brought them great attention early on.

@lctescent​ ; STARTER CALL.

maybe it was the sudden shivers that ran down Augustine’s spine but there was a daunting feeling as he felt Xerneas react slightly to the person ahead of him.  curiosity gets the best of him and he gently approaches the stranger.