shockerella

[shockerella]

[shockerella]

ROUTINE CHECK ❣ | Charlotte & Gideon

The copper stain that had fell over the mountain range swayed in the afternoon breeze, gently lifting what golden leaves had fallen from the branches onto the ground below. They swirled together in a dance, pulling at some of the twigs and flower petals, passing by those who moved quickly through the brisk autumn air. In the distance, one could hear the sound of the crunching from newly broken boots, an echo of wind chimes from the porches and the creaking sound from the cars on the Battle Lift above. 

The entire picturesque scenery of Syrma Town was something to be admired and the natives to the residence nestled between the large peaks were proud of their heritage. It was too often that winter came quickly, throwing the reddish-brown colors to the wind so that a blanket of pure white could lay over the town.

"Would you please all gather around here for an announcement?"

In the middle of the sleepy town, a sing-song voice rang out through the heart of the Gym, echoing off of the walls and speakers to the trainers stationed in different sections. 

"We're going to be having a visitor this afternoon, so please be on your best behavior," Charlotte spoke up, stationed on a platform nearing the back of the establishment. She was dressed up for the occasion, neatly curled hair falling over her right shoulder as she gestured to her surroundings. "Please resume your normal training activities and welcome any challenger that may come along."

A stir of excited chatter sounded throughout the trainers, but it faded the moment that the electric-type Leader had dismissed them. Her amber hues followed them back to their appointed places before it landed on the piece of paper folded under her arm. Written in neat calligraphy with a smooth signature at the bottom, it was a letter indicating that her Gym was going to be having one of the Elites visit for routine inspection.

She'd managed to evade the last one due to unforeseen circumstances, but she wasn't the least bit nervous that she was technically at a disadvantage. The only thing she had to wonder was who was going to be sent to the mountain range in order to score her on her performance. As winter usually dominated a good majority of the months, it was difficult to leave this place to join up with other Leaders and Elites. She hadn't meant many other colleagues, so she couldn't help but be a bit anxious.

"Lux!"

As if sensing her slight uneasiness, something nudged at her shoulder and Charlotte turned her attention to her Luxray, Xavier, who had been glued to her side for most of the morning. He tilted his head before gently pushing against her again, doing his best to calm and encourage his loving trainer.

"Don't worry, Xavier," she cooed gently, patting him on the head, "It's not us that I'm worried about.. it's who that is going to come through the doors."

[shockerella]

With the autumn days finally coming into full view, it meant that there was a decrease in challengers overall across the region -- especially in places where the cold mostly reigned over. It was a welcome change to the bustling atmosphere that had recently plagued such places, so many people had decided to take advantage of the tranquility and travel to different parts of the region.

Charlotte, the Syrma Town Gym Leader, had also come to the conclusion that a small break away from her daily duties would be a nice change of pace for both herself and for her Pokemon.

"Would you two please be on your best behavior for me today? If you cause any sort of trouble, you'll be right back into your Pokeballs," the blonde looked down into her bag, the gentle warning addressed to the two brothers who sulked inside. "After we're done with our errands, you'll be free to play as much as you like."

From within the bag, an excited chatter began to stir as Marcel and Lucas, a Plusle and Minun pair of brothers, were given their instructions for the day. With the hottest of seasons finally fading to the distance, places such as Cygnus Town and Syrma Town were finally able to relax from the influx of trainers whom had flocked there. As a result of this, Charlotte had decided that she would spend her free time exploring the beautiful marble-encased destination that was Naos Town. 

"I do believe it will be quicker if we cut through the park here," the blonde muttered, glancing up at the scenery before pressing forward onto the cobblestone path. "I'd just like to check out the Pageant Hall."

Charlotte moved carefully through the busy park, admiring the blossoming flowers and coloring trees along the way. As a fan of such things, it was nice to be able to see the plant life in all of it's glory. Coming from a mountain range, it was difficult to see plants last more then a month or so before being chilled to the steam by the we--

CRASH! Before she even had time to register what was happening, Charlotte suddenly felt someone plow into her and knocked her right to the ground. A shrill squeak came from her bag as Marcel and Lucas went tumbling with her, only to exit their compartment moments later to rush up to their trainer.

Well, I hope you weren’t hurt too bad. Although you probably weren’t because that felt like a brick fucking wall, ouch.”

She'd been ready to apologize for running into someone, perhaps too distracted by the pleasant music wafting around to pay attention, but the diva remark that had followed the initial impact suddenly drowned out the instruments. How dare they just refer to her as something like that? Who did they think they were?

Sparing the other an annoyed glanced as she collected herself and got to her feet, Charlotte matched Alistair's tone and brushed a shock of blonde hair off of her shoulders. Marcel and Lucas stood on either side of her, matching her stance and pretending to push away their own hair.

"Charlotte. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Alistair," she narrowed her eyes, voice dripping with sarcasm as she crossed her arms as neatly manicured fingernails strummed against her cardigan. "If you'd just apologize for running into me like a barbarian, we'll gladly be on our way."

All That Jazz | Alistair & Charlotte

"Holy shit that hurt! I’m sorry, I didn’t see where I was going!” he said, a bit miffed that he didn’t get to jazz up the place, “Well, I hope you weren’t hurt too bad. Although you probably weren’t because that felt like a brick fucking wall, ouch.”

He crossed his arms and pouted, sighing, “Who even are you, brick wall? The name’s Alistair if you’d need me to introduce myself. I’m… charmed, I think.”

[shockerella]

There were many different competitors whom found themselves approaching the famous BATTLE LIFT of Syrma Town during the cooler seasons. It was a prime time to keep their skills sharp before the aching cold of winter set in where training was difficult and battles were few and far between. Of course, it wasn't as busy as it might of been during the summer, but the occasional flood of tourists didn't even have others batting an eyelash. The rickety sound of the cars swaying in the autumn breeze was an accustomed notion to the natives on the ground below, all of them occasionally sparing a glance overhead as smoke pillowed out of one of the windows.

Charlotte was no exception to the statistic of trainers who entered the competition, but she was not someone who joined in very often if at all.

To be completely honest, she found her time wasted on such a trivial pursuit of challenges -- she was the Gym Leader after all, battling was her profession and to seek fights outside was something she didn't particularly have an interest for. Honing your skills was always something she appreciated, but to actually take the time to travel up the lift was sometimes too tedious for her tastes.

"Please feel free to challenge me in a rematch at the Syrma Town Gym," the blonde offered politely to the last contestant who'd been no threat to her thunderous force. "We look forward to seeing you soon."

With a sluggish walk, the competitor exited the car and proceeded to make their way down back to the ground. Charlotte sighed gently, tossing a shock of hair over her shoulder. She really didn't want to be wasting her time here... but the owner of the lift had all but begged her to make an appearance. Apparently, another region had recently constructed something called a Battle Subway, and it was stealing most of the attraction away from one of the only things to do in the mountain town. How could she of possible denied such an offer when they'd basically thrown themselves at her?

Another sigh escaped her lips as the car began to move again, cautiously making it's way up to the next station where another trainer was most likely eagerly awaiting the next battle. The ride was short, the car creaking until it was settled in and the doors opened wide to allow the other to enter. Charlotte pushed another bundle of hair over her shoulder, readying herself with one Pokeball in hand and an almost devilish smile on her lips. 

"I'm sorry to say, but it looks like your winning streak is about to end here. I'm really not a fan of anyone trying to steal my thunder."

High and Mighty || Charlotte & Hestia

Syrma had a lift. She knew that she knew that from somewhere. She’d read it in a travel pamphlet or something. But what was so special about a lift? And just as she asked herself that question, what looked like an explosion when off in that car. The familiar flare up of flames made her heart hammer with anticipation. A trainer opened up the window, breathing the fresh mountain air deeply as smoke billowed out.

She knew what she was going to do today. Nothing beats taking a break from accepting all the challenges to becoming the challenger. So with a grin on her face, she made her way into the lift station and rode her way to the top.

She’d made it pretty far in, she thought, when the lift slowly rocked into the next station where her next battler awaited.

[shockerella]

[shockerella]

The roar of applause that followed the routine brought a slight smile to her face, a wash of relief coming over her as she her the crowd continue to cheer on. It carried on for about a minute before she felt another grasp take hold of her and gingerly pull her in the opposite direction. 

"Huh? Oh -- yes, thank you," the blonde blinked, the whirlwind of events still spinning around in her mind as the pinkette giggled and introduced herself. "It's a pleasure, Mira -- I'm Charlotte."

Charlotte took hold of the hand outstretched towards her and gave it a gentle shake. It'd been a while since she'd done something so adventurous -- it was fun, she had to admit, but she still felt a bit dizzy from the entire thing. She was never the type to refuse some sort of challenge, but breaking out into dance in the middle of the public square wasn't exactly on her top list of things to do.

"Oh, that's alright," she replied as the other spoke again, jarring the Leader out of her own thoughts. "I can agree that it is nice to recall -- !!"

In the midst of her conversation, Charlotte was suddenly cut off by the reappearance of the two troublemakers from earlier. Perched on each of her shoulders, Lucas and Marcel waved cutely to the pinkette before them.

".. Sorry about that -- this is Lucas," she gestured to the Minun and then to the Plusle, "And this is Marcel. They've seemed to really enjoy themselves this afternoon even though I specifically told them to stay in their bag..."

Dance under Street Lights || Mira and Charlotte

Mira clapped her hands together, letting out another laugh, drowned by the noise of the crowd.

Running over to the girl, she lightly, and as gently as she could, took her by the hand and pulled her over to where the troupe was all crowded, before nearly all minus the pair left to do the finale. 

Letting go and stepping away daintily, the pinkette clapped her hands together, and giggled. "That was great, mon chéri!” Mira reached out a hand for the other to shake. “My name’s Mirabelle, but you can call me Mira, if you like.”

Turning her gaze to the dancers doing the finale, she couldn’t help but smile as the group was dancing and singing along.  She had to admit, her troupe was certainly something to awe. She had been in it since it was formerly a Circus, and stayed when it transferred into a travelling dance troupe. She, unlike many of the former performers, had stayed behind as even if it switched to dance, she was still well rounded in that area and wouldn’t have lost her job. Sometimes, in late night performances, she and some of the other senior members would bring out circus skills into dance, like fire. Mira soon realised she’d been daydreaming about the past. "Ah, sorry for drifting there!" She laughed into her hand before sighing. "I was just thinking about the past. It’s a lovely thing to get caught on, no?"

[shockerella]

Charlotte felt herself freezing despite the roaring excitement of the crowd and the gentle encouragement the dancer provided. It wasn't as if she'd never danced before -- she'd been caught red-handed by Xavier and Alphonse many times when they were at home and had even been known to scout the Stella City club scene on rare occasions -- but this was completely out of her character to be strung along for side-street show. Had she been clad in her pajamas in the comfort of her own bedroom with the radio blaring, her demeanor may of been drastically changed.

".. Alright," she replied quietly, nodding at the words of the pinkette as she swayed them to and fro at the sound of the music. Her eyes searched the ground for the two Cheering Pokemon who were twirling in between her feet. Her eyes narrowed slightly -- ohh, they were so grounded after this!

A few more moments passed before she was passed along to the center of the clearing, in the midst of all the dancers and crowd who were radiating with cheer. Charlotte felt the latter let go of her hand and on instinct, trying to ignore the embarrassment creeping up on her, pirouetted moved gracefully around the space.

"Plu!"  

On her right, Plusle suddenly appeared and mimicked his trainers action, as if trying to encourage her like the crowd. Minun slid to the left and repeated the same steps, chirping happily at all the attention. On cue, the three of them spun and broke out into a pose, eliciting laughter and screams from the crowd.

Hopefully, her routine had bought the pinkette enough time to finish up whatever the finale preparations were.

Dance under Street Lights || Mira and Charlotte

Mira let out a laugh as the blonde woman she’d taken hold of gasped with surprise, and a pair of, ridiculously cute, Pokemon escaped her bag. Switching up the way she danced so her feet moved more so the Pokemon could dance along, she began to make sure her victim had been keeping up.

Most of the other dancers were now crowding to the back and where the troupe’s boss was, as discreetly as possible, preparing them for the finale, so it was the pinkette’s job to distract and make a good performance with her victim, and the pair of cuties that had escaped her bag. "Just have fun and dance, okay?" She’d spoken quietly, trying to make sure the crowd didn’t hear it over the music. "I’ll lead, you follow."

Pulling the blonde a bit further into the clearing, she pulled away from her wrist and spun on the spot, before taking the girl by her hand and letting her improvise.

[shockerella]

Being able to take advantage of your time off was a feat that many, if not all, Leaders and Elites had trouble accomplishing. It wasn't that they wouldn't want to spend the last few days of summer soaking up the sun or dive into a neatly complied pile of leaves when autumn finally appeared, but just being able to set a date and go off was what most found difficult. With the warmest months came hot-headed challengers and when fall cooled off the region, children would approach seeking a battle -- figuring that with their weeks worth of knowledge, they'd be able to take home badges and a new title as champion.

The Syrma Town Leader, Charlotte, was no exception to this and felt that she even had it tougher then some of the others. After all, she was the Leader in the town of the famous Battle Lift, where many trainers gathered from around the region to come and challenge each other. She couldn't count the number of times competitors had stomped to her Gym, demanding a battle in order to pick up the pieces of their broken pride as a result of loosing at the Lift a few days prior.

It was a tedious, annoying task -- but she was trying not to think about that right now. After all, amazing as it was, she had managed to sneak away from her duties to enjoy the golden scenery that was Naos Town. 

"Lucas, don't push your brother," Charlotte frowned, head turning downward into her large purse where a pair of blue-tipped ears poked out. A moment later, another pair of red-tipped ones joined them. "Can't you two just -- ah, Marcel! Don't bite Lucas!"

The commotion stirring in her handbag went mostly unnoticed by the people surrounding them, the blonde noticed, as Charlotte stumbled upon a large crowd in the middle of the street. She blinked rapidly, unable to see the source of the excitement before carefully maneuvering her way to the front of the line.

Ah, a dancing troupe -- how lovely! She'd heard that groups such as this traveled from town to town during the peak of seasons, but she'd never thought she'd see one up close! Living in the midst of the mountain range, one did not see many things such as this. It was truly a wo--

Before Charlotte even had time to finish the rest of her thought, she felt someone grab a hold of her wrist and quickly pull her into the clearing where the dancers were. She squeaked at the sudden contact, unsure how to react.. but it didn't take long for the two troublemakers in her bag to realize what was happening.

"W-Wait a second..!"

Without so much as sparing a glance at their trainer, Marcel and Lucas, a young Plusle and Minun, sprung into action and began to dance alongside the female with bubblegum pink hair.

Dance under Street Lights || Mira and Charlotte

She walked up to the front, her pace almost like skipping, light, airy and bouncy. Pointing her sandal clad feet forward, she began to look around the crowd.

She had to choose. But she simply couldn’t. There was such a big crowd! Mira reached out, and grabbed a random person by the wrist and pulled them forward. "Lucky you~!" She called out, not looking up at her victim.

[shockerella]

After a few moments of coughing violently, enough to alarm Alexander and have him spring into action at her side, the blonde finally managed to regain her composure. She quickly reached up and swatted at her face with her fingers, brushing the leftover sand away from her lips. Once she was sure the leftover debris was gone, the Leader turned her attention back to the female before her and frowned.

"There doesn't seem to be any --"

Charlotte had equipped herself with a stern scolding, but her mouth quickly shut as the other smiled sweetly and apologized for being visually impaired and kicking up the sand at her. For nothing short of a split second, her own eyes softened at the information.. but her features quickly resumed their almost annoyed look.

".. Just be more aware of your surroundings and don't go running off like that in a place like this. If a wave crashed onto shore, you'd be dragged out to sea," she huffed, tossing her curls over her shoulder. "I'm Charlotte... it's a pleasure."

Hurriedly, the Syrma Leader reached out and took the other girls hand, giving it a gentle shake before returning to her own respective sides. To her right, Alexander had moved away from his trainer and had focused on the larger beast before him. He leaned in, sniffing at the Arcanine's leg before returning his bark with one of his own.

Summer Nights (open)

[shockerella]

Charlotte's first initial thought was that she might of mistakenly stumbled upon someone trying to break into her home away from home. Her eyes grew wide in surprise before quickly narrowing at the male who pressed his face into the glass doors. She hadn't been able to see so clearly when she'd been about a yard or so away, but now that her line of vision was no longer obscured.. well, the person before her appeared a little suspicious. 

"What are you--"

Her amber hues darted from his profile, drinking in the slightly rugged appearance before then moving to the two companions at his side -- a Houndoom and.. was that an Eevee? It seemed like an odd combination considering that the male before her was dressed in what she assumed was traditional biker ware. And then, as if to confirm her assumption, he suddenly turned to face her and reveal himself.. but she found not a scowl on his features, but a smile instead.

"Anyways, I’m lookin for a possible garage! Well, not a parking garage. Like, a mechanics garage! Got anythin like that?"

".. What? You're looking for a mechanic..?" she repeated, still a bit taken back by the 360 from his appearance to his personality. It wasn't often you were faced with a more abrasive class that actually seemed.. friendly. 

Charlotte watched as he removed himself from his motorcycle, making his way over to greet her with another smile plastered on his face. His speech was obviously a bit crude, but she felt herself offer him a small, wry smile at his reaction to try and cover up the initial offenses. He seemed relatively harmless despite his outward appearance, so the Leader offered him an introduction in response to his own.

"Charlotte. It's a pleasure," she replied politely, offering a hand to shake as a greeting. "My apologies for assuming you were a challenger.. it's been a bit busy lately for Alphonse and I. We've had quite the engaging summer."

She shared another cheeky grin with the Ampharos at her side before turning her attention back to Dallas and his companions. There wasn't exactly a shop open up in town that he was describing, but she did know someone that she could bring him too. The blonde gestured down the road and towards the right where a collection of small houses gathered together.

"I'm sure I know someone who might be able to help you," she noted, turning on her heel and taking a step forward, signaling for the other to follow her. "If he can fix the Battle Lift, he should be able to assist you. I'm not so sure about work, but the Pokemon Center here offers free rooms as well as a few other places."

☆ WELCOME TO SYRMA ❣ | Open

And then someone was shouting at them. The biker straightened quickly and smiled widely. Maybe she could help him. “Oh! Cool! But I don’t need a challenge. I ain’t a trainer. Well, I mean I am, but I ain’t competin in the league challenge. Anyways, I’m lookin for a possible garage! Well, not a parking garage. Like, a mechanics garage! Got anythin like that? And possibly know of a place I could spend the night and work to earn my keep? Possibly earn a few extra bucks before I hit the road?” 

He strode over to the girl, friendly as could be. “Ah shit! I’m sorry! I should introduce myself first huh? Fuck! I ain’t supposed to curse in front of ladies! CRAP! I did it again! F-…I mean..dang it.” He blushed wildly and waved it off. “I’m Dallas….”

[shockerella]

[shockerella]

Charlotte had decided months ago that the perfect vacation spot for her would be under the infamous Meria City sunlight. The crystal-clear water and sandy beaches were all the rage, often featured in many different magazines and television highlight reels. It was a stark comparison to the earthy tones of the mountain range she grew up in, but she couldn't say that she minded it in the least. 

"Ahh~! This feels sooo good," she squealed, stretching her limbs out in different directions, obviously delighted by the warm beams shinning down on her. It'd been forever since she'd been able to leave Syrma, so the change was one she'd really been looking forward to. "Don't you think so too, Alexander?"

The blonde turned her head to the side, lowering her sunglasses onto the bridge of her nose as her companion shook himself of some sand. Out of her entire team, the Jolteon had seemed the most excited about being beach bound. It was no wonder he'd been making himself at home on the small stretch they'd found themselves at.

"That's what I th-- ?!"

Before the Leader even had time to finish her sentence, she felt something snag on her side and then tumble to the ground beside her. The impact of body to sand caused a flurry to lift up from the ground and Charlotte found herself coughing, a polished fingernail pointing to the offender.

"Y-You..! W-Watch where.. cough, cough.. you're going..!"

Summer Nights (open)

Tova stretched out on the white sands, soaking in the warmth from the golden Meria sun. The sounds of the waves lapping at the shore, the gentle tropical breeze, and the warm blanket of sunlight was enough to make anyone doze off, and thats just what the little gym leader had done. It had been a little over a year since she had really gotten away from Cygnus for a vacation, and she felt she deserved it. In that time, Tova had gotten so used to the freezing temperatures, constant snow storms, and howling winds, that she’d forgotten about how great the reverse could be.

However, she couldn’t doze for too long! She didn’t have much vacation time left, and she planned to soak up every second of fun! (That and she didn’t want to burn like a ham in the oven.) The girl slowly sat up and reached for the sky, enjoying the little cracks and pops her joints made. “Alright sleepy head! Lets go!” Tova jumped to her feet and flopped right back down onto her Arcanine, resting next to her. The large dog made a soft grunt of acceptance and stretched out, letting out a growling yawn. “Come on! Lets go play!”

Before the dog could respond, Tova was running as fast as she could down the stretch of beach. It felt wonderful! The salty sea air on her face and through her hair, the warm sand under her feet, the sting of her lungs as she pushed herself faster and faster. She hadn’t felt so alive in forever! And then she was tripping over someone and tumbled to the ground. “Oh! I’m really sorry! I didn’t know you were there. Are you alright?”

[shockerella]

☆ WELCOME TO SYRMA ❣ | Open

A series of leaves fell from the trees posted on either side of the trail leading up towards the entrance to the mountain path. Small twigs and broken branches collected together with the copper, yellow-toned colors and began littering the rugged cement below. A chilly breeze lifted what was left on the towering plants, swaying the in tact branches, causing a faint whistling to travel through the now lulled town.

Like many of the other residents in Syrma Town, Charlotte found herself feeling relieved that many of the tourists were beginning to return back to their own homes in the region. It was always exciting to meet new people and hear far off stories of different places, but the Battle Lift was normally very popular during the summer months, so it was difficult to find any free time to spare a listen to them.

This particular season had been rather busy. Many new trainers embarking on their new journeys had heard of the Battle Lift and the spectacular prizes that it gave, so they had all flocked here in order to obtain them. Though, like every year, their new aspirations had been devastatingly crushed by the overwhelming power of veterans who also came to face the lift... which normally resulted in many newcomers leaving shortly after they'd arrived.

She'd been lucky enough to have a few decent challengers at the Gym, though most of them were halfhearted battles; egos were still bruised from the losses they suffered days prior.

Charlotte shivered slightly, tightening the scarf around her neck as she kicked up some leaves. It was barley mid-September, but the mountain air had already made autumn seem cold, a sign that winter would soon be approaching. She didn't mind, of course, as the scenery was pretty while it lasted and she'd have time to spare once it began to snow -- who traveled up in the mountains around that time anyway?

"I don't know about you, Alphonse, but I think it's so lovely this time of year," the blonde spoke cheerfully to her companion, a slightly larger then normal Ampharos, who walked at her side down the familiar path. The Pokemon nodded in response, also seeming a little tired from the influx of battles the two had faced. "Now we can finally -- !!"

Just as the pair rounded the corner towards the Syrma Gym, amber hues caught sight of a figure standing near the entrance to the building. They seemed to linger by the neon sign that had the words CLOSED flashing on them, appearing to have no intention of leaving. Not any that Charlotte could see from where she was at least.

"So much for the idea of taking a break," she muttered, glancing to her Pokemon before picking up pace and heading towards the person. Alphonse trailed closely behind, nearly stumbling to keep the same stride as the blonde.

Charlotte heaved a heavy sigh, running neatly manicured fingers through her curls. Couldn't they see that the Gym was closed for the day? She'd been longing for this time off since the hotter months had begun. Here she thought she'd have an easy day of just hanging around and enjoying the fall scenery, but then all these people just show up.

"Excuse me! I'm sorry to say, but the Gym is closed for today.. please come back tomorrow and we'll be more then happy to accept your challenge."

[shockerella]

[shockerella]

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