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Day 23 - A song that you listen to when you are angry

♔ | Lady of the ROSE ; Admiration was certainly not the usual response people had upon the mention of Poison types, well known for the risks present in training or tending to them– may it be bodies covered in poisonous slime or poisonous fumes that they emitted. Granted, not all Poison types had such, but the fact remained that people simply tended not to have a liking towards Pokemon of said type. Those who could tolerate Poison types were uncommon in the people that she had met throughout, let alone any that liked or admired them. A rare occasion indeed, one that she would not have had experienced had she not continue with the conversation between herself and this individual, a thought that helped ease the uneasiness she had been feeling in regards of their interaction.

If it were not for Liv’s request to use the nickname, Jacqueline would most definitely have had called her by ‘Olivia’– such an elegant name would be a shame to not be used, really. It would be rude of her to do as she wished and call Liv as such, perhaps it was something that would be done in the future, when if they ever got closer. “ Fire types… ” She echoed the words, as though she was quietly searching for the pieces of knowledge that she had of the type. Several memories crossed her mind in the process: a Magcargo shyly hiding in its shell, a displeased Litleo spitting fire– though she was not directly involved in disarming that particular situation, being too young at the time. Liv’s words were not ignored while she reflected, a smile and nod given in response of the brief mention of an experience reminiscent of her own.

There was a complicated sort of expression donned upon her features upon hearing the posed question, lips pursed as her gaze moved downwards. Quite a thought-provoking question that she had been asked, though it would not seem as such to any other person. “ Well… I would have to say, yes and no. There were a few occasions where I could’ve gotten pricked by my Roserade when she was a Roselia and trying to tend to a Gastly… ” A gentle, yet meek smile graced her features upon the mention of the Ghost type, her words continuing after a brief pause. “ But all types have their share of Pokemon that are like that, as I’m sure you would know. With enough care and patience, what may be deemed dangerous can turn out to be not. ” 

Her face lit up at seemingly nothing, gaze directed somewhat upward to the side as she seemed to be addressing someone or something. “ Ah, you’re back! The others… you snuck out, didn’t you? You’ll make the nurses worried if you don’t go back, Gengar. ” As though the call of his name summoned him, the Gengar appeared just as his name was spoken by Jacqueline, giving a nod ( with just the slightest bit of sulking, from what she could tell ) and before disappearing once again. She then turned her attention back to Liv, hoping that her Gengar’s sudden appearance did not startle her. “ Visits like these make him restless… I do hope he didn’t startle you, Liv. Though, I am curious if you have any Ghost types on your team? ”

Certainly interesting to actually sit down and discuss poison types with a poison-type trainer - insightful as well. Not that Liv was absolutely infatuated with them, but she always saw benefit in knowing as much about the different types of Pokemon as she could, especially if she’d potentially face hundreds of incredibly tough and powerful trainers in the future. Often when she and her team clashed with a poison type, it went one of two ways: her Pokemon were quick enough to take them out, or, they’d end up out for the rest of the battle. It was impressive to see how their power was often underestimated - much like fire types, with their weakness to water. Her new acquaintance should see how Gomez runs circles around the water types he’s up against.

Speaking of, Liv was a little surprised that he hadn’t been sent back out to her yet; the Houndoom really wasn’t used to being treated by nurses, and was notorious for trying to pick fights with the Blissey tending to patients, just because he was so stubborn. Liv glanced over to the nurse’s desk and the set of doors she’d last seen her Pokemon disappear behind, spying not any Pokemon recognizable to her, but to Jacqueline, apparently. The trainer eyed up the Gengar as he floated in and out of her visible sight, only becoming completely opaque upon spying them.

Ghosts! They didn’t bother or frighten her in the slightest. Perhaps her third favorite type to fire, she couldn’t help but smile just a little bit at the sight of the Gengar. (Seemed she wasn’t the only one who had some impatient Pokemon.) She should have guessed that her acquaintance had one on her team, they were fairly common after all. Liv watched as Jacqueline urged him to return to the nurses, gaze lingering a moment at those doors as though she were waiting for something to burst through next.

♔ | Lady of the ROSE ; Words could not quite begin to describe the relief Jacqueline felt having had her inquiry answered, and without a hint of being bothered by it whatsoever as well! The pause before the other’s answer did not escape her however, a sense of uncertainty that she may have disturbed this individual from what it was she was doing forming within her. Her mention of being a bother had yet to be confirmed nor denied, which simply added to the feeling nagging at her: that she ought to leave the other be and not ask any further. The conversation having been initiated by her did mean that her reluctance to continue said conversation for whatever reason it may be would seem rather rude– at the very least she ought to have continued it a fair bit rather than ending it so abruptly.

Regardless, these thoughts were significantly less stress-inducing than her previous ones, her calmness returning to her as she came to a conclusion. The girl’s words finally got through to her, and after her own barrage of thoughts fueled by uncertainty, they provided her with some optimism in regards of having initiated the conversation with her. She was someone that was in the same predicament as herself after all, but that did not mean that Jacqueline was any more free to bother her as she wished. “ Yes, they did say it would be a while before they released the results. ” Her response seemed almost like an afterthought of sorts in regards of the stranger’s response, nodding in agreement before she spoke.

A question in return was certainly not expected by her, with it a tiny spark of hope that perhaps, they both could provide each other a temporary distraction from their current situation. ( and maybe, even a potential friendship? ) Nevertheless, said question warranted an answer of sorts, to which she soon answered: “ Ah, I’m a poison type specialist myself. ” Briefly, there was a pause between her words– though there was a thought of not wanting the conversation to falter, her words flowed out naturally as memories played out in her mind. “ Not many people tend to like poison types… I lived in a town native to Dragalge, and have been fascinated with poison types ever since. Although– ” 

Her words trailed off as she was reminded of her company, her initially wistful expression turning apologetic as her gaze flitted back up to meet the girl’s. “ Oh, I’m so sorry! I did not mean to ramble, it’s just nice to have someone to talk to during such a nerve-wracking time. ” A meek giggle followed her words, fingers smoothing out a stray lock of hair– a habitual action that she tended to do during times of uncertainty. She was quiet again, both out of sheer uncertainty that conversing with her any further was not something the other would like to do; yet she still wished to at the very least, know who this individual was. “ I’d like to introduce myself: my name is Jacqueline. I.. I too, would like to know what type you specialize in… what may I call you? ”

Liv gave a slow nod when she’d finally responded. Honestly, content that she had - perhaps a bit worried she might’ve overstepped her bounds, or assumed too much without much proof besides an odd hunch. The other young woman seemed like pleasant company either way, so really there was no cause for such worry. Liv attributed it to her already uneasy nerves. 

So she was a Poison-type trainer. Honestly, Liv never would have guessed it, but she supposed she’d been judging a book by its’ cover here. What she knew of Poison types was minuscule compared to her knowledge on Fire types, but she’d certainly come across her fair share of poison opponents in her travels. Ever tough, and a bit of a nuisance, it was pretty easy for her to see every reason why a Poison-type trainer might be successful in holding a spot in the Elite Four. She might’ve found it a bit intimidating, perhaps if she saw her in action. Thought turned to her team, her Houndoom and Delphox, and the others. An impressionable bunch. Hopefully. 

The Fire-type trainer shook her head. “No, it’s alright.” She didn’t mind the conversation that much, really. Better she think more about what to say next than sit there and bite her nails. “I admire Poison types - I imagine they can be fairly difficult to train with, much like my hot-headed Fire types . . .”

She supposed this called for an actual introduction, then. “I’m Olivia - call me Liv, though.” She preferred the nickname better actually, and being in this position reminded her that she should start introducing herself as such. If she were possibly going to be considered for the Elite Four, certainly a name that she’d worked so hard to make something of was worth using. “Like I mentioned, I train with Fire-types. There’s always been something about them that’s drawn in my attention, ever since I brought home a Fennekin.” She supposed her new acquaintance, Jacqueline, knew what that felt like.

Sakura Inami ( 伊波 桜 )

♔ | Lady of the ROSE ; More waiting ensued, and her thoughts began to settle, the realization that it may take quite a fair bit for her Pokemon to return,  seeing that there were quite a number of trainers around only now dawning upon her. Again, it was surprising that she misplaced such a detail, being that she had been personally involved during such busy times at a center. First that odd sense of loneliness, and now her lack of perception around her.. she did not quite realize how nervous she actually was. Remaining calm was something she had learned to master in her work and subsequently, battles– but it seemed that even she was feeling fairly uncertain of the outcome.

The gaze she felt on her was almost a welcomed distraction to her thoughts, her gaze now wandering in search of whose exactly it was. It eventually settled upon the person sat next to her, their own attention seeming to have just recently been diverted. Perhaps she was waiting for their Pokemon to be treated by the nurses as well? Well, that would be a given, seeing that they both were in the vicinity of a Pokemon Center. There were a few trainers that chose the center as a destination for rest, but something told her that this particular trainer was not here for that. 

That something, being that Jacqueline had seen the other while undergoing the League test– again, she was baffled at how long it took for her to come to this conclusion. It made sense that her gaze felt familiar, seeing that they were both here for the same thing they would have likely crossed paths at some point or another. Coincidentally, she had seen something similar upon feeling a gaze of another, but differing in the fact that it had been a mere glimpse she had caught of them. A glimpse could not quite help her truly identify this person, after all the two might not be one and the same. But if she was… perhaps she would be able to share some kinship of sorts with her?

Gentle taps were made on the girl’s shoulder by Jacqueline, hoping to get her attention by doing so. “ Sorry for bothering you, but I’d like to ask– might you be here for the League test as well? Oh! That is, if it is alright to ask. ” The latter was simply out of politeness, but her curiosity yearned an answer for the question, considering that it did not feel as though it was too prying of a question to ask. Or perhaps it was, it would be up to the individual to consider said question intrusive or not… Words could not convey how much she wanted for her Pokemon to return, please come back soon!

     Liv exhaled, began to replay the test over in her mind, and did her best not to wonder about what she could have done better. It wasn’t worth the worry. They wouldn’t be notified of the results until the time was right, so there really was no use in getting hung up it. Best thing she could do right now was set her head back and try to take a nap or something; pretty tired, couldn’t remember the last time she had actually slept . . . it was a good idea. At first. But before she even had a chance to find the most comfortable spot against the wall, there was that girl she was staring at earlier. Oh boy. She hoped she wouldn’t be berated for her zoning out.

     All the other seemed concerned about was the League test - took a moment for Liv to process what she’d said, she said it so politely. That wasn’t exactly something Liv was used to. Kind words were a rarity. The young trainer blinked once, and gave a quick glance over to the girl who’d tapped her shoulder, before having her attention turn back to the bustling Pokemon center around them.

     “I . . . am. I’ve already taken it, just waiting for results.”

     Her suspicions had been confirmed, then. She’d seen the girl back at the League, probably after she’d taken her test and left. It came as no surprise that she’d run into someone in a similar situation here, as it seemed to be the place where all of these trainers were congregating, but Liv hadn’t really payed much attention to the thought until just now. For a brief moment, she wondered if this trainer was feeling the same way she felt - anxious, eager, a little sick. It didn’t occur to her to ask of course, being too much of an invasion of privacy, and not to mention Olivia was far from eager to share anything with this stranger. But, she would have felt a bit rude to just wave her away after drawing her attention like this.

     Maybe a conversation would take her mind off of waiting.

@will-owisp​​ liked for a starter!!

♔ | Lady of the ROSE ; Breathing. A deep inhalation of breath, followed by an exhale. How similar did it sound to a sigh, however it was clearly not as such as a soft smile was displayed upon her features, not a single hint of the sort of emotion that would induce a sigh. Somehow, Jacqueline had managed to find her way to the Pokemon Center for those that wished to challenge the Elite Four, relieved to know that it was present in her current location. The thought of her healing her own pokemon did not crossed her mind in the slightest, wanting them to receive a full restoration of their health and energy. 

Her Dragalge on the other hand, had other plans– he seemed fairly content with receiving care from her alone, emerging from his Pokeball and softly nuzzling her. His actions were easily understood by Jacqueline, to which she responded with a soft laugh and turned to face the dual type.  Fingertips gently brushed the Dragalge’s crest, soft words murmured by her along with the action. “ I want you to be fully healed. Go on, I’ll wait outside for the all of you. ” Head tilting forward in acceptance of her words, she took his Pokeball and withdrew him, placing the final Pokeball on the nurse’s tray to be brought for healing.

It had not been too long, but Jacqueline could not help but to already feel lonely without the presence of her Pokemon around her. Trips to the Pokemon Center were usually rather quick, seeing that they were brought in after her own care had been given to them– it was one of the rare times that she did not do as such before bringing them here. To feel lonely so quickly, she must be quite used to their company for such to be the case. Hence, the deep breath taken as a small smile settled upon her lips, her gaze pointed toward where her Pokemon had been taken.

Regardless of her attention being elsewhere entirely, it was rather uncharacteristic of her to not be aware of her surroundings– perhaps, it was due to her thinking as to whether she ought to help out in this Pokemon Center. Her reasoning loitered around the idea that she might regret her decision of applying for the position of an Elite, but deciding to help out at the center there instead would be rather.. rude, would it not? Quite rude, almost as though she was doing it out of spite. The line of thought continued as she sat by the available benches, waiting for her Pokemon to be returned to her.

     Her hands. She didn’t know what to do with them. Kid couldn’t recall a time when she’d fidgeted so badly; not even when she was trying to cover up her wrongdoings in front of her parents, lying to anyone she came across in an attempt to cover up unforgivable actions . . . misdeeds as a kid were absolutely nothing compared to this milestone before her now. It was different now, because this was something she absolutely wanted, something she’d worked to accomplish on her own. Her team had worked so incredibly hard to not only prove their true strength, but make a lasting impression. Liv could only sit and wait at the nearby Pokemon Center, and hope that the impression stuck.

     The girl’s team were taking a little while to be treated - her Houndoom was undoubtedly giving the nurses a hard time, and her Talonflame was a little notorious for getting nippy trying to protect himself and his injuries. She’d warned them, sure, but they usually end up underestimating her word. Honestly, she’s surprised she hasn’t heard a ruckus coming from the back just yet. Her dear Pokemon know that she would have simply treated them herself, if she thought she could handle all of them at once. Liv was no healer.

     Eventually she convinced herself to take a seat; collapsed into the nearest chair, and pressed herself against the wall. The fire-type trainer had to find something to get her mind off of waiting for her Pokemon, and waiting even longer (Arceus knows how long) to hear word about her status with the League. Nothing left to do besides people-watch. She hadn’t noticed how busy the Center had been before, with all sorts of trainers coming and going with their Pokemon. She had even recognized a few she had seen before, also likely having taken the same test she had. In fact, she realized she had been sitting close to somebody she was sure she had passed by, a Poison-type trainer, if she remembered correctly.

     She wasn’t one for small talk in the slightest. This girl, she barely knew her. Liv couldn’t help but notice though, that the two of them were sharing similar situations. This girl would understand how anxious Liv felt in that moment. Then again, she’d never been known for sharing how she felt. So, ultimately the girl opted to just stay quiet.