Fly on to That Blue Sky

The young woman sighed, stretching her arms up towards the beautiful sky. A few clouds dotted the vast blue, some even drifted in front of the sun to grant her some shade. She watched as a couple Driftloon floated on by. “Isn't it just a beautiful day, Eden?” Elena asked her Eevee with a smile. “I have a good feeling about today, sweetie! Today is a day for... SCIENCE!”

As the woman and her Pokemon walked through the streets of Aria Village, Elena explained to the little Eevee, “Now remember how we can get you to evolve? Three different ways: items, love, and a specific location. Our job is to figure out what will work to make you evolve, kay?” She bent down to pick up the Pokemon. “Not to say you are not perfect the way you are, but what if you become even more beautiful? Or more powerful! Think of the possibilities!!!” The two spun around quickly. Elena's foot hit an item lying on the ground causing the two to topple over into a nearby person and to the ground.

Eden crawled out of her owner's grasp and nuzzled her face, urging the woman to get up off the ground. Slowly, she picked herself up and dusted herself off. “What in the world was that?” she whispered to herself. Looking around, she finally found the item she had tripped over. It looked to be a bird's beak, the tip of it incredibly sharp. The researcher immediately scrambled towards it, falling to her knees in front of it. “Do you know what this is, Eden? It's a Sharp Beak! Flying type Pokemon hold this and their attacks become stronger! What if there is a connection between this and a flying type Eeveelution?” She looked to the Eevee who merely cocked her head to the side then proceeded to pad over to the person they had fallen into earlier.

“Oh dear! I'd nearly forgotten!!” Elena clambered to her feet and ran to the person's side. Offering them a hand, she said, “I'm so incredibly sorry! I swear, I'm such a clutz. But you see, we're doing research on Eeveelutions and I was so excited and I must not have been paying attention and bumped into you, but I guess you knew that part seeing as you felt me bump into you... Well, more than just bumped into you, more like I nearly tackled you, huh? Again, I am really, truly, very sorry!”

It was painful being in this city. Painful and difficult. Not because of the city itself, but because of how close it was to something else. Home or what he had considered the closest thing to home throughout his life. The area was near, too close in fact. It called to him and as strong as his willpower was, he wanted to follow that call. Would the familiarity ease his nervous. Would he no longer feel hunted within those walls? What would the woman who gave birth to him have to say? What would those children who were children no longer do and how would they react? Too many questions and too much temptation. It made weighing the odds impossible and blurred the foresight. He could predict something with so many unknown variables accurately.

In the end, he would probably be too different to settle in. There was a monster that lurked in his mind and body. A creature that couldn't coexist so easily with humans. It felt more at ease in the wild among the dangers simply because it was familiar. Love, unconditional from a mother, was foreign. The lack of judgement in the eyes of those that sought to emulate him, made him self conscious. They were feelings that he didn't want to recognize or accept. He wasn't so weak as to run away and hide. Yet he avoided the things that could cause him comfort. It was for the better, he repeated every time the call came. I don't want to drag you into my world. I don't want to make you a target.

And yet the responses still felt as false as any mask he wore around normal people. And even less convincing. Deep down he knew that he was scare, terrified. Because if he walked into that household, they would see him for what he really was. If not all, then only his mother. She would see straight through him with one glance. How he'd changed, what he'd done, and what he had become over the course of this journey. Then after, she would still accept him because he knew that she'd already seen it. So the breeder avoided them. Camping in the deserts for a few days, pacing restlessly instead of sleeping. Driving his pokemon in their training and pushing himself even harder. Will finally managed to step into the town after drowning out every other emotion with anger.

The breeder looked ragged now. Dusty clothes worn and sagging, wild hair that hadn't seen a proper cut in years, and an aura that made people avoid him. The young man wanted a drink. Badly. Though there was no place open that would serve a proper amount to drown out the torrent of conflicting emotions. It was still around the middle of the day. So he smoked and waited, prowling around the street in search of a store that might sell the good that he needed so that he could leave. His walking became aimless as his mind emptied out everything, even the anger, until he was left peacefully numb and void. Only then did the breeder start to blend in. However, he still had not found a place to drink.

A long stream of smoke escaped his lips as his eyes locked on to a little hovel that had to be what he was searching for. Still closed, sure, but a destination had been reached. Now he would just distract himself until that closed sign shifted. But what to do? Rations were needed, but now he felt drained a weary. The days had settled on his shoulders and the roots of fatigue dug into his body and mind. There wasn't any Will wanted to do now but wait. Taking another drag, he stood there motionless. He may not have even moved if the sudden collision into his being hadn't happened.

Will gave a tired glance to his side, having been unmoved by the shove. He didn't even feel the urge to muster a glare. Calmly, emerald eyes took in a female that had bounced off of him as smoke drifted from his lips. A female with an eevee. That pokemon actually managed to catch his attention more than the owner. A simple pokemon that held over a dozen paths of untapped potential. The creature's tamer faded into the background as Will crouched to eye level with the pokemon. Shining emeralds gazed out of a curtain of red locks to study it up close as it grew closer. "Curious," he muttered. The voice that left his throat was more of a growling mumble, but held none of the ire that normally accompanied it.

Finally, he took note of the hand to assist. However, he stood without taking it. "No harm done." His curiosity was flooding his mind now as she spoke. A researcher, perhaps? Will was a breeder and knew his subjects, but he didn't focus on just one pokemon. More information on the eeveelutions were something that could prove to be enlightening. Stimuli could be pulled and reworked into other species for a more specific strength in a certain area. "How far along is your research?" He questioned while idly turning to the woman for a proper analysis of her.

The researcher watched the young man stand on his own, thinking that he could at least allow her to help him after having been so rude. She saw his curiosity toward her companion. “Oh! Are you an Eevee lover, too? I have an entire home filled with Eevee and their evolutions! Although it's still kind of a mess... We just moved in a couple of days ago and although the Pokemon are willing to help, and I greatly appreciate their help, getting an entire house clean all on their own is a little difficult. Especially since I'm usually away, focusing on my research and such.”

A frown appeared on her face at the boy's question. That dreaded question... “How far along is your research?” Elena scratched the back of her head and laughed obnoxiously, obviously embarrassed by her answer. “Well, you see, I've only just moved here, so not much research has been done. And when I traveled the other regions, I didn't find much...” She perked up for a moment. “But I know of the different ways to evolve a Pokemon! Items, love, location! So my theory is that maybe a combination of the three will make my little Eden here,” she said as she picked up the Eevee, “evolve into some new species of Eeveelution!”

Eden jumped from the young woman's arms and nuzzled its head against the boy. “Aww, how adorable! She likes you!” Elena exclaimed, clapping her hands together like a child. Realizing she hadn't finished answering his question, she continued, “Actually, I just found something that might help with my research! This!” She held out the item to the young man. “It's a hold item for flying type Pokemon. I've had Eden since I was a little girl, so the love is there. So I'm wondering, if I have her hold this Sharp Beak and take her to a place associated with air, do you think it's possible she'll evolve?” Elena placed the item in front of Eden. She watched her Eevee carefully as it took a seat and stared up at her with huge chocolate eyes.

The researcher sighed. “Either my whole theory is all a bunch of bologna, or maybe we're in the wrong place...” She hung her head for a moment, thinking. Where was a place associated with the sky? Maybe this young man would know! But... she hadn't introduced herself yet. She mentally kicked herself for being so rude to one person so many times. And the day was only halfway over... “I'm so sorry! I forgot to introduce myself! My name is Elena Dahlberg, breeder and leading expert in all things Eevee! Well... self-proclaimed expert... But anyway, it's very nice to meet you! May I ask for your name?”

She thought of how wonderful it would be if she had just made a new friend despite her rudeness. The only person who had even come to visit her was the short blonde girl who had agreed to aid her in her research. Elena had actually started to become homesick, having not seen her parents in months. And living in such a small village, not many ever came to her little “research center”. Maybe a new friend was exactly what she needed. New friend and maybe research assistant? Science tends to get done faster with more people on board. She knew that this exchange had to go well.

An Eevee lover? No. While Will did respect all the secrets and potential that an Eevee's genetic structure could hold and found them purely fascinating in more ways than one, he could not define himself as an Eevee lover or even an Eeveelution enthusiast. He respected such a breed for the diversity, but held no preference toward the specific line. Each and every evolution that came from the pokemon balanced itself out against another of the branch. Some were stronger physical, while others more prone to mastery over the element they were associated with. The balance was useful, but held little to develop. They already served a purpose. Their purpose could also be served as well as others in the same elemental category.

To Will, an eevelution was a preference of the trainer. If they needed one to fill a certain spot, they would surely use it. If they did not, the pokemon was worthless. The most profound method was to build a team of the pokemon. However, to build a team of the pokemon would be the same as showing your entire hand in a card game. People could expect and predict what came from each branch because they only held so many strong points and the weaknesses were just as obvious. An entire team of them would not fit into his preferred style. Sure, he could breed them easily. There the wonders would cease because after the path was predetermined. No matter how perfect the resulting subject, it would lead down a narrow road and in the end only be better at what it did than others of the same species.

"Not necessarily, they're interesting though," he responded simply. Then at her laugh, he could only raise an eyebrow. Items, love, location? That sounded more along the lines of Professor Oak's research. It was general, not specific on evolution theory, but on the pokemon and human bond. He corrected her after she'd finished without thought. "Maturity, stimulus, and intent would probably be more accurate." Seems like she was still floundering more than actually making headway. The drive was respectable nonetheless, especially given the topic. Still, he let her continue rambling as he crouched once more to run a hand over the Eevee's fur. 'It's a good subject,' Will thought to himself while also filing away the information the girl provided him with.

A small glance was spared for the Sharp Beak, but not much faith was given to it. The sharp beak had yet to provide any other flying type with an additional push toward an unseen level and they were already associated with their element. It made them stronger, yes, but that was all it seemed to do. The breeder personally held the belief that she would need a stronger stimulus. Since she asked for it, he gave an honest opinion. "There's a chance, but it would be a small one." Tons of researchers would have done the same thing, with many pokemon as soon as the information got out that items could be used as a stimulus. There was no direction in the action, just hope for something to occur. "However, you might not be too far off."

Will's own mind was racing, catching a second wind and shedding the fatigue to focus on the new challenge. His own ramblings began to escape his mouth as he forged on in thought, going in multiple directions. "You have an intent, but the basis is too simple. You're focus is flying though and that's a start. Higher altitude would be more useful than a place with flying pokemon. There could be a certain build or mindset the Eevee would need as well. Tyrogue undergo a shift based on what their focus in battle is and while the differences may seem minimal it tips the scale to an creature focused in a completely different area than the others. 'The urge to fly', the willingness to take a plunge that would normally result in death? Will trailed off into mumblings, before taking notice that he was still near the duo.

That had felt good. To think aimlessly. When had it become so nice to delve into the chaos his own thoughts could make? Guess the passion was still there, burning brightly even after this long. He was a bit thirsty now though. He didn't talk often, whether among people or wilds. Then he simply shrugged it off. "I'd suggest looking more into papers from Professor Elm and Professor Rowan. They have a superior grasp over evolution theory." The breeder himself was nothing in comparison. "The name's Ryan, by the way." A small lie build on truth. May as well be a fact now. It was the alias he gave himself not to be found too easily, but it picked up and may as well be as natural as his first name.

The breeder noticed that the liquor store's sign had shifted from 'closed' to 'open', but didn't move for it just yet. He had yet to see what else did the woman have to offer.

Elena listened intently as the young man voiced his thoughts on the Eeveelutions. She found herself taking mental notes of every word he said. She had't thought of anything he pondered. She felt silly, blindly running through her research, not really thinking it through. She had almost hoped that the answer would just come to her... But science is never that simple. To be honest, she was a little jealous of the young man, obviously a breeder, and his knowledge. She could definitely use someone like him to meet her goal...

But what he said made sense to her. She had a start. Focus on the flying type. A higher elevation... “That's it!” Elena exclaimed, taking the young man's hands in her own. “Angel Heights! I've heard of it, but never been there! Well, to be honest, I haven't really been most anywhere here in Lyeant, having just moved and all, but that has to be the place! Up in the mountains!” The researcher let go of his hands and scooped up Eden in her arms and twirled around, this time careful not to trip over anything or run into anyone. “We're gonna make you fly, sweetie~!”

Elena stopped her twirling to look at the young man. “Again, it's very nice to meet you, Ryan. What a lovely name! And it's funny you should mention Professors Oak and Rowan. I traveled quite a bit before setting up shop here and actually visited them. Our time together was short, and although I didn't learn as much as I could have had I been there longer, I learned so much! They are an inspiration to people like me!” She punctuated her sentence with another twirl. “I'm giddy as a school girl! This is exactly what I needed, some sort of real start! Oh, I can't thank you enough!!

“Say? What if you came with me?” Elena thought aloud. “It'd be a lot of fun! And I could make it worth your while! An Eevee of your own maybe? Anything you want, you name it! I just don't want to go alone, I guess...” She had to admit, having someone to go with her would not only be fun, but it would be much safer, she felt. Who knew what she would encounter on her way to Angel Heights, or even what she would encounter while there. “Please? Pretty please?” she begged like a child, waving one of Eden's paws at Ryan in an attempt to be cute.

A beautiful woman might have been able to sway him, but she felt too ordinary for that. She had come to accept that she would die a lonely old lady with a house full of Eeveelutions. If she could die in a house full of new kinds of Eeveelutions, she would die a crazy, but happy, old lady. Elena noticed Ryan's eyes flicker over to the now open liquor store. “Why don't you and I have a quick drink while we talk over this trip, huh? It'll be my treat!”

Will finally noted something amiss when he brought a hand up to comb through his hair. He had been smoking previously, but there was no cig in his mouth. While raising a hand to comb through his hair, he glanced about to spot it on the ground in front of his foot. Must have slipped from his mouth while he was rambling or when the girl had collided with him. Either way it was lost, smudged with dust and sand. And if such a state wouldn't have normally bothered him, it was burnt out anyway. However, before his hand completed its journey a loud cry in front of him froze him. Right, the Eevee woman. He must have been more tired that he realized if he was zoning out so frequently.

The woman had already grasped his hands. He stiffened at the contact, noting how soft her hands felt. It was strange how different his were. Rough palms, calloused digits, and scarred knuckles. His hands were also larger than hers, almost comically obvious with the way she held them. Finally, she let go and Will clenched his fists. The bones popped in response while the tendons and muscles flexed with strength. Then he relaxed them once more. Had his hands once been soft? When he was a child maybe?

His head snapped back up to regard the woman when she said she'd met Professor Oak and Rowan. Did she realize just how much of an honor it was for such distinguished individuals to make time for anyone without a major name with the busy work schedules they juggled? The faintest trickle of envy and even jealousy eased into the pit of his stomach before being crushed ruthlessly and ignored. 'I can only hope I have a chance to meet them.' He thought morbidly. Then out of all things she thanked him. Hell, it almost sounded like outright praise. To him of all people. "Eh, don't mention it." He said, brushing off the thanks politely.

She just needed a slight push. Any breeder or researcher worth their salt could have gave that answer. Given time, the woman herself would have discovered it. The only reason she hadn't realized it sooner is most likely because she wasn't fully focused on the task after recently moving. "It's easier to find solutions when you can bounce around ideas with someone," he responded truthfully. His throat was really getting dry now. All the talking was starting to take its toll. He rarely had anything to say to others, but this woman shared his passion. Not just finding and battling pokemon, but solving the puzzles that surrounded them. It was a fascinating change of pace from the mundane and he wondered if she'd be up for a study.

Would she allow him to analyze her? Would her own scientific mind be interested in experimentation? It was a rare instance when William found himself actually interested in another human instead of only the pokemon they carried. And as she continued, the offer opened up. Will actually found himself torn. On one hand, he didn't travel with people often. Only Lyra had accompanied for a extended period of time. He faced constant danger and preferred the challenge. Then again, his days of fighting Imum in the shadows were practically over. There were no more stragglers hunting him and their leader probably wasn't even aware of his existence. And with how well trained his pokemon were, most wild creatures barely posed a challenge. There wasn't much other reason to deny the offer other than him being a loner at heart.

On the other hand, he was a loner because he preferred the solitude. Yet, at the same, time didn't mind tolerable company like Lyra (Who he could stand easily after building up a resistance to her oddities and finding her more interesting than annoying quite quickly.). The study would be more natural and provide more thorough answers would be easier if he traveled as an accomplice to her goal. Not to mention, if she was successful, he'd be present for the breakthrough even if she did omit him from the resulting fame she was sure to receive after the discovery. Add that she would possible throw in a perfect specimen among her Eevee group or something else within her ability...He'd have to be a fool to turn her down.

Will raised a brow at her and her Eevee. How could he refuse? The pros outweighed the cons in almost every way he could see. Even if she was a cutthroat, he was far from a easy target with or without his pokemon team. He ran a hand through his air, revealing his emeralds to peer into her eyes from the curtain of red hair. His hair took on a windswept look to leave his face uncovered and he gave her a small, polite smile. "After you, then," he said bowing slightly and gesturing an arm in the direction of the small bar or whatever it was. Even after the years in the wild, he slipped in the gentleman persona easily.

For a moment, Elena was mesmerized by the young man's sparkling emerald eyes. “Pretty...” she whispered to herself. Her face flushed. How silly of her to voice her thoughts aloud like that! She immediately turned around, to hide her red face and to lead them towards the liquor store. “Alrighty then!” she exclaimed as she stepped forward. “What do you prefer? I'm more of a wine person, myself. Pick out whatever you'd like and we can discuss this trip at my research center.” She paused and pointed out the dusty, old home. “It's not much, I know. But it's home.”

The jingling of bells against the glass door as they entered the store somehow made her feel very welcome there. It had been the first time she had felt that way since moving to Lyeant. The researcher could not believe how wonderful of a day it had been so far. It would be so much better if Ryan would agree to accompany her to Angel Heights. Angel Heights... Hadn't she heard something about that place...? It was popular with young lovers because of how beautiful and secluded a place it was! A blush painted her face again. She really hoped he could not see. She was being ridiculous. Her research came first. That was the only reason she had chosen Angel Heights, her research. And besides, he hadn't agreed to accompanying her anyway.

Composing herself, she chose a red wine for her choice and returned to Ryan with a smile. “Figured out what you wanted? Oh! Good choice! Here, I'll pay for it, don't worry about a thing!” Elena quickly purchased their drinks and lead the way back to her home. “I agree with what you said earlier, you know,” she said. “It's nice to have someone to talk to every once in a while, if only to throw ideas back and forth. I live alone. Well, I have a bunch of Eevee and my own personal team of Eeveelutions, but otherwise I am alone. Have been for most of my life, now that I think about it. I traveled a lot. Get it from my folks, you see. But I wouldn't trade all that traveling for anything in the world. I saw and learned so much... But I gotta see more! That's why I want to discover the other Eeveelutions, or at least try. I want to see all there is to see, even a miracle if I can!” She paused for a moment, staring at the ground sadly. “It's a big world with lots of people. Time makes each one of them fade away... It may be selfish, but I want there to be proof that I lived in this big world...”

Realizing how sad she sounded, Elena raised a hand to her cheek and smiled at Ryan. “Goodness, listen to me! We barely know each other and here I am talking about myself way too much! I apologize! Well, shall we?” she asked, pointing to her home. She fumbled with her keys at the door while trying not to drop the liquor. The pitter-patter of many feet could be heard behind the door. Obviously her Pokemon knew she was home. She threw open the door revealing all of the known Eeveelutions, with the exception of Espeon and Umbreon, and a plethora of Eevee. “Here we are! Home sweet home!” she exclaimed, setting the liquor on the kitchen table before bending down to pet the Flareon. “Don't be shy, take a seat! I'm really sorry about the mess, but again, we only just moved in.”

After searching the kitchen for a wine bottle opener, Elena took a seat across from Ryan at the table. “So yes, Angel Heights. I'd really love to have someone accompany me and you seem to be the perfect candidate! I would hate to be a bother though and I would reward you for your help. Trainers who agree to help me with my research, and who I deem trustworthy enough, receive an Eevee from me. The trainers are supposed to try to evolve the Eevee into a new Eeveelution or just collect info that might help in the evolutionary process. So I'd be happy to give you one of your own if you'd like. And any discoveries that are made along the way, you would be given credit for as well, no problem. I don't really know the way there and who knows what we'll run into? But will you help me, Ryan? Please?”

The breeder somehow missed the woman's comment over his eyes. No, his focus had suddenly turned to the cigarette that was no longer occupying his mouth. He barely managed to hold back the heavy sigh when he spotted it on the ground in front of him. The little tobacco stick must have fell from his lips when he had been rambling about the evolution possibility. Will hadn't even noticed until now. Damn his passion, for all its strengths even had drawbacks. Still, no reason to mourn it. The thing was practically finished. So he simply stamped it out absently before moving to follow the fellow breeder.

He toyed around a bit more with the possible consequence of joining her on the tip to Angel Heights, but it was a distant distraction at best. The only way he would consider backing out was if she went back on her word. Given that she was already buying the drinks, he was practically bound to repay her a little anyway. Even if it was as little as just guiding her there for the drinks. Will would have to. He hated being in dept to someone.

Breaking away from her, he moved to scan through the variety. Mechanically, he pulled a couple of bottles from the shelf. A whiskey that was strong, cheap, and didn't taste utterly horrible. Well within her price range if she was struggling for money. If she was struggling for money. Eevee sold for a absurd amount in the right market. Added to the fact that she also had the evolutions, which meant she had to acquire stones, she couldn't be that bad off. He nodded silently, throat aching a bit too much to give a verbal answer when she popped up beside him. Like a specter, he followed her to her humble abode. She filled the silence easily by herself.

He could understand that wanderlust she had. Will couldn't remain in one place for too long. He had not found a place where he felt he belonged. Hell, the man doubted that he would ever find it. The thoughts of settling never crossed his mind. Too much of a waste in his opinion. There was still too much he didn't know. The urge she held to leave a mark though. That was a new concept. When Will died would he have anything to leave behind? The thought struck him and made him wonder how his remaining days might unfold. A battle against the wild, against people, or maybe a peaceful passing in a bed after his body could no longer hand the rigors of traveling? So many different endings, but each remaining similar in the fact that it would be a quiet and lonely death.

As insignificant as any worthless pokemon he'd ever crushed during his journey.

A mixture of jingling keys and pitter patter of paws drew him back into reality. As the door opened, only one thought crossed his mind. "Eevee lover indeed." Will never would have believed before that moment that so many could exist in one area. All of them of various shades that most people wouldn't have the experience to pick out. And that was just the eevee alone. The evolutions were all there as well aside from two, each and ever one well kept. Will's respect for this woman went up. The hassle to keep up with each and every individual need required a level of skill that most would be hard pressed to keep up with. Will doubted that he could even take care of this many at once for an extended period.

The creatures brushed against him as they headed to the table. Some were scared others friendly, but all curious about him as much as he was of them if not more so. Seating himself, he placed a few bottles of his own preference on the table as Elena played her hand. And what a hand it was. There was no outcome where he lost. Literally, there wasn't. And she radiated pure honesty as far as his senses could pick up on. His answer was undoubtedly "yes", but he had to wonder why she put so much trust in him. So much that he couldn't help, but voice it.

"I'll agree if you answer a question." He said calmly. Just one. "How can you place so much trust in me so soon?" He could be an inexperienced little cretin. A cutthroat killer that would pluck her out of the equation and claim everything for himself. The fact that she could place such faith in him made him angry. Him a monster! He murdered members of Imum without mercy when they came after him. Crushed pokemon that attacked him in the wilds. Though his anger didn't show, it was there. But it was soon traded for weariness and the slightest bit of fear, still hidden.

Worst of all, what if he was what she believed him to be? What if he was and he failed? Just like with a few before her, she saw something in him that he wasn't even sure was there. Good. Will didn't know if he wanted to try and live up to those expectations. Two friends from childhood saw it. A girl he met on his journey saw it. And his pokemon saw it. His force crumbled in front of them. Even today, his team would fight tooth and nail for him. Despite himself he relished in that feeling. Was it a guilty pleasure? He wasn't sure. He just knew that he couldn't lose it. If he failed, the breeder just might lose a part of himself that would leave him...empty. And unleash something he didn't want to fathom.

The question surprised her. Why did she trust him so soon? Elena poured herself a glass of wine as she mulled over the question. It was a habit of hers. Trusting people before really getting to know them. Had it caused her pain in the past? Absolutely. But she wouldn't change that about herself for anything. Maybe because it felt better to trust than to distrust. Maybe because she liked to pretend she lived in a candy-coated world where everything is rainbows. Or maybe because... “I think everyone has good in them. Some just need an opportunity to show their good side. And when someone needs help, everyone has a hard time walking away from that person without thinking 'Maybe I should help...'. I trust you because even if it did turn out you were a bad person, maybe you'd do something good instead.” She took a sip of her wine. “And besides, you're the first friend I've made since I moved here... so of course I'd trust you!”

To him, they were probably only acquaintances. But to her, they were friends. Few people could put up with her constant rambling, but Ryan had gone above and beyond that. He seemed interested in going on this trip with her. Maybe it was only for the rewards he would receive, but the researcher could at least pretend for a little while that they were friends. She noticed one Eevee in particular staring intently at Ryan and picked it up.

“I'm also the kind of person who never forgets to repay someone who has helped me. And since I answered your question, I suppose that means you'll go with me! So here you go! One Eevee for your trouble!” She held up the Eevee to the young man's face. “This little guy is quite the fighter! And it seems like he's taken a liking to you! You seem like a rough and tough kind of person, so I think you two will get along splendidly!” She pulled the Pokemon back to her and scratched it behind its ears. “I'm not much of a fighter, but this little guy is so brave and always ready to go. I know he'll be in good hands. Breeders are so good to their Pokemon, you know?”

She set the Eevee down and watched it pad over to Ryan and jump in his lap. “See? What did I tell you? You should give him a nickname! Something super tough sounding, like... Gideon! Or maybe Lucian? Hmmm...” Elena continued contemplating nicknames, their trip to Angel Heights momentarily in the back of her thoughts.

Will resisted the urge to pull a smoke from his jacket as he awaited her answer. He wasn't nervous, but his own question sent his mind whirling. As if by habit, his mind tried to anticipate the outcome. Similar to a chess game, the breeders mind made to connect dot and anticipate moves and reasoning without even knowing the woman that well. He didn't even know why he was doing it. This wasn't a battle to the death and even if it could escalate into one, he had already planned accordingly. The seat was relax, but ready. He had enough distance from her and her pokemon to see an attack and react accordingly. The breeder could also lash out with ease and had spotted the multitude of items that could be used as weapons.

Sure he would most likely get injured, but he'd survive. Still, this wasn't a battle! It was a question and he was fretting over it. Will was no longer the lost teenage that had set out years ago, yet he still felt the similar things he did back then. Only now, he was in a situation where he could crush it and lash out with the welcoming anger that sought to rise up from his very existence. One thought shifted into another and now he was curious if this was just a reaction the male species held when presented with weaker females. After all, it was always with a member of the opposite gender he found himself confused. It made his head throb and the bottles look even more welcoming than they already were. Yet he didn't partake as Elena finally started to speak.

Good in everyone? He wanted to growl, but only a hum escaped. She was like Lyra! He could show her the pain and evil in the world right now. Break her body and destroy every pokemon in her room while she watched unable to do anything. Then just walk out without any remorse or concern if she was able to pick up the pieces afterward. He squashed the notion, that would belittle him. The action was that of a child's temper tantrum. The emerald eyed breeder knew this now as well as he did in the past. Still, it was easier when people hated him. He didn't know how to trust people. It was difficult. Anger was easy. Physical pain faded, emotional turmoil lingered.

He sighed. It was all he could do. She answered him and he was bound to help her cause as was his contract. Will unscrewed the lid to his bottle and took a grateful and generous swig. The drink burned a bit on the way down and left his throat tingling and his stomach warm. With the beverage and her answer he would be content. Will took a moment to really look at the woman before him. His eyes scanned her for something that he was sure he was looking for. The breeder even brushed back his hair once more for a better look. However, before the search could reach the window to her soul his gaze was blocked by a Eevee.

The creature's brown eyes met his and Will could see the slightest bit of defiance in them. Her comment was on point. This one was a fighter. Their eyes remained locked even as she pulled the pokemon closer for an embrace. The contest lasted even after she set it on the ground and it marched up to him. Finally, the creature jump into his lap before breaking eye contact and conceding the battle of wills to him. That didn't stop it from pawing at his lap and settling in comfortably. Will gave a small grin at it. So long as it knew he was in control. That was lesson number one if it would be his pokemon.

"A nickname?" He parroted. Generally, he waited to name pokemon. After they proved they were worth time and effort to mold. Will would take a lump of coal and turn it into a diamond if the potential was there. Those were the ones that earned names. A piece of trash would remain nameless. However, this one did seemed to have a spark of something. His hand moved to stroke through soft fur. "I'll call him Mithra." The real question was now, how should he develop him to complement his team, but those where calculations for another time.

"So how are we going to go about this experiment?" This is your area of expertise. He could help guide her, but in the end the decisions were hers to make.

Happy with Ryan's nickname choice, Elena clapped her hands excitedly. “Mithra, what a perfect name! I'm so excited to see what he becomes! Maybe he'll become a new Eeveelution! So exciting~!” She had to admit, she was a little disappointed that he hadn't agreed that they were now friends. But what did she expect? Not everyone instantly befriended others like she did, so naturally Ryan would not have called them friends yet. But she was determined to change that. They would be friends someday, she swore to herself. But now it was time to be serious. They had to have a game plan.

Putting her game face on, Elena thought aloud, “You said that a higher altitude and the right kind of mindset would probably help the evolution. I'll bring the Sharp Beak just in case that helps at all. 'The urge to fly, the willingness to take a plunge that would normally result in death'...? I would hate to scare Eden, but what if we dropped her from a height? Somewhere we could catch her? Maybe the fall would trigger something in her that would make her fly?” Her elbow on the table, the researcher rested her face in her hand. “But I don't know the area well enough to find a ledge to have her fall from. And how to make her fall? Unless we had a flying Pokemon drop her down to us, but I don't have any...”

Eden stared at her owner, head cocked to the side. “I hate to do this to you, but I'm not quite sure what will work, and we have to try something...” Elena said to her. “I promise I'll be there to catch you, sweetie. I hate putting you at risk like this but...” She reached down to pet the Eevee. “It's all I can come up with... I'm sorry it's a bad plan, but it's the only one I've got...”

Tears threatened to spill over. Her big chance, gone. All because she was not much of a planner. But she could not cry in front of Ryan. She refused. Fighting back tears, Elena gave him a fierce look of determination. “Even so, you will come with me, right? I need your help. We work together as a team from this point forward, all right?” She offered him her hand to shake to seal the deal. Quitting was no longer an option. She had goals to meet, Eevee to evolve, and a dream to fulfill. Throwing in the towel and hiding out to cry was not going to do any good. She had to be tough and see it through, so she stood there, waiting for Ryan to take her hand and not let her give up.

Her demeanor changed from what he had grown accustomed to. The way she held herself, the spark to her eye, and even the tone of voice was affected. Will had little doubt that the woman that now held his gaze was 'the scientist' as oppose to 'the woman'. The shift interested him and seeing the transfer from one state to another proved to be quite the sight. The content purr-like sound that came from his lap caused him to split his attention. Could he turn it into something new? Should he? There was no telling how a new discovery would find a place on his team when there was no previous information on it.

He nodded absently as she recounted his theories. They were hasty ramblings, but they were something for her to go off of. Still, Will doubted that she should be taking the thoughts so seriously. And what good would mentally disabling the subject be. The flight mindset could be introduced and compounded gradually. Walking up the tallest mountain and tossing the eevee off would probably be counterproductive in the long run. Not that Will would be completely against it. The fact that it could force the evolution was apparent, but if the forced transition stunted growth then the creature would be labeled a failure.

Silently, Will watched as emotions started to dance across the other breeder's face. So she wasn't without her own inner turmoil it seemed. Sadness surely, perhaps anger and despair intertwined. However, there was that strong sense of determination that forced everything down. Carefully neutral he cut in. "Drastic measures need not be taken so soon." A failed experiment was one of the things that Will could not tolerate. Such a thing would cut him to the core. Already, the way she acted reminded him of a similar situation in his childhood. He was not that child and neither was she.

He took her hand in his and gave a firm shake. "Yes, and I will help out with anything within my ability." How to influence her without tainting her though? He supposed that he could take over, but suggestions would probably be the better alternative. He grinned and held his bottle a bit high before taking another swig. "To your success." he said casually, excitement getting the best of him. Already, the alcohol seemed to be making itself apparent. Creeping into his body like the poison it was and numbing him ever so slightly to the world around. And no wonder, he realized. Glancing at the bottle, he noted that it was already close to empty. He drained it and set out another, but didn't open it.

He rested back in his chair, brushing his hair back once more. Emerald eyes intentionally stared into her brown depths. "So now that I'm an asset, what will you do? And how far are you willing to go?"

As Ryan took her hand, Elena felt a few tears escape her eyes. “Th-Thank you!” she cried, wiping the tears from her eyes. “My dream... it will finally come true!” She felt silly letting herself cry in front of him. But she was so happy, having a new friend and someone to help her with her research. It was all she had wanted since she had moved to the Lyeant Region. Letting go of his hand, the researcher picked up her glass of wine. “To our success,” she corrected with a smile before taking a drink herself.

Ryan sat back and showed her his gorgeous green eyes. Fighting off the blush threatening to paint her face, Elena answered, “This research is everything that I've lived for. All I want is to discover all the Eeveelutions, and I'm willing to do most anything to meet my goal. With you, and other trainers, helping me, I'm sure we can do it!”

She looked at her team who had all sat on the floor beside her. She knew they were cheering her on in their own way. 'Thanks, you guys...' she thought to herself. Looking back at Ryan, she smiled. “We head off to Angel Heights tomorrow, kay? Onward to scientific breakthroughs!” Elena got up from the table and walked over to a box, not opened yet since the move. She pulled out a bundle of blankets. “If you have nowhere to stay, you are more than welcome to stay here with me. My Pokemon will let you sleep, don't worry about them. And I apologize for the mess... But again, you are more than welcome to stay! We need to get as much sleep as possible! Tomorrow's a big day!”

(OOC: I'm gonna start the next thread over at Angel Heights, but you can reply here once more if you want or not, whatever. :3)