Case File 001 [Video | Action]

[bokukotantei]

Video

[Residents currently on the Warp Band network would be greeted by the face of a sharply dressed young person over the feed. With the quirky hat and the short hair style, the person had an equal chance of being male or female-- the clean lines of the dress shirt and tie didn't help matters either. The sun was bright that morning, and it took the stranger a moment to adjust their angle to account for the glare flashing off the lens.]

Good morning, Union.

[The stranger nodded briskly in greeting, offering a smile that was equal parts friendly and professional to the people tuning in.]

I imagine that we're all busy getting started with the day, so I'll keep this brief: I'm Naoto Shirogane, a detective from Caldera. I've just arrived, so does anyone else from the north mind filling me in on what's been happening?

Also-- I'm still in business if anyone wishes for my services. Just contact me on the network.

[And, promptly, the young detective closes the signal out.]

Action

[That afternoon would greet people in Union with one of two sights: the first is that of a young Ralts who had gotten separated from his trainer, staring longingly at the freshly baked buns that were cooling off within sight of the bakery window. He knew that humans like that green, papery stuff to trade for food and goods-- and he didn't have any-- but that didn't dampen the longing for the buns any less.

The second is that of Naoto herself, walking briskly down the streets in her platform boots, ignoring the smack of leather on concrete as she searched the streets. Some of the noise was intentional-- she wanted her target to know where she was, if they were to find her first.

On occasion she might peer at an unfurled map to get an idea of her general location. Other times she could be found staring down the street with a crisp, analytic look in her eyes. Anyone wandering close by might here her murmur something under her breath:]

Where could he have run off to this time?

Comments

[bokukotantei]

[Naoto held her hands out for the Absol to sniff, already formulating an idea of what the plan was going to end up being.]

Caldera, [She replied simply.] My name is Naoto Shirogane-- a detective from there. [Pausing briefly, a look of embarrassment and discomfort flickered through her eyes.] It's troubling that I'm having such difficulty finding him myself, but we haven't been here for more than a few days. Is it always so easy to get lost here?

[frozenflame]

[Yukiko smiles at the name, and briefly wonders the speakers gender before settling on female. There was something in her voice that said woman, but the clothes...]

My name is Yukiko Amagi. I'm...well...I'm local. And a Seeker. This is Cassandra. [And then to the Venusaur.] And this lump is Jiraiya.

As for that, I couldn't say, Naoto. Frankly? I've never figured that out. I am from here after all.

[bokukotantei]

[Naoto nodded in understanding; it was a reasonable enough explanation. Locals never really did understand what it meant to be lost in their own city.]

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Yukiko, Cassandra, and Jiraiya. I may ask you about the Seekers some other time, as I've heard a lot about them-- but, finding Ichiro is more of a priority right now.

[frozenflame]

Yes, I'd be happy to.

[Yukiko pats Cass on the head and the cat-dog creature takes off at a trot, snuffling the ground and sniffing and just in general attempting to locate the lost Ralts.]

Are you with the military, Naoto?

[Small talk at least!]

[bokukotantei]

[The aid is much appreciated-- as is the small talk. Naoto was just as curious about Yukiko as Yukiko seemed to be of her.

Besides, she intended on staying in Union for a while. Making contact and starting friendly relations with the locals was prudent in all aspects.]

No-- I work largely work in the private sector, although I have worked on contract with the Rock Legion on occasion. Although, my private contracts have been dwindling in recent months, which is why I thought that transitioning to Union would be a good idea.

What about yourself? Have you worked with pokemon for long?

[frozenflame]

[That's interesting for Yukiko, and she makes note of it, of course but declines further comment on it for now. Why was crime going down? Where's it going?]

Me? Oh...um. I started really training Pokemon about eight months ago. I've been partnered with Jiraiya for a lot longer, but I wasn't working in the field then. Just helping out my parents in their spa.

[bokukotantei]

[Crime was probably going elsewhere in the wilds, with the Warp Band network becoming increasingly popular and adding a safety net across a much wider region than before. It was either that, with people finding new ways to vent because of the advancement, or people grew tired of 'child geniuses'.

It wasn't a mystery Naoto cared to fathom, hence the move.]

Is that so? You carry yourself like you've been doing this for much longer.

[Although perhaps the spa experience was a contributor? After all, what were the applications of a Bulbasaur's abilities in a spa?]

[frozenflame]

Well, I've been working with Pokemon for a long time, but Jiraiya's just my first partner.

[Yukiko shrugs amiably, still watching Cassandra as she sniffs out the renegade, following with shoes clicking on the cobblestones.]

And I've been through a lot, the last few months. Every active Pokemon trainer has, if they've left the cities. The earthquakes, the gods returning, Gigas and Sanctuary? I was around for a lot of that, and I guess maybe that's why?

[bokukotantei]

[The easy question earned a smile in return from the petite young detective.]

They do say that experience makes for the best teacher. And, following the recent headlines, it's easy to see how those words are more valid now than they ever were.

[Naoto tipped up the brim of her hat while she spoke, and kept her eyes trained on the movements of the Absol and on the surrounding area for a flash of white and green.]

All of these dealings with the gods...my grandfather would hardly believe it if not for all of the data that's been gathered since they started making their moves. These really are strange times.

[frozenflame]

Your grandfather's smart to think that.

[Yukiko keeps going, fiddling with her glasses as she walks along.]

It's...extremely strange. But I think that's why it's all the more important to train along side our partners. Especially Enlightened. What you call Earthkin, I think. It's something of a responsibility.

[bokukotantei]

Hm. Perhaps it is.

[There was a thoughtful note in her tone.]

I never actually considered it like that-- but, I'm sure you're aware of Calderan traditions regarding partnering with pokemon. Working alongside and coexisting is one thing I think we all can agree on, but seeing it as a responsibility is something new.

[frozenflame]

I am. And out of curiosity, are you Earthkin?

[Absol's slowing now, snuffling in a circle...]

[bokukotantei]

I am, which is another reason for my transfer. Although I've been aware of my skills for a long time, Union's methods of training seem to have more subtlety than Caldera's.

How about yourself, Yukiko? Are you one of the Enlightened from here?

[frozenflame]

I'd say they are, yes.

[At that question, Yukiko smiles, and her eyes flash from black to a sunny gold. The tips of her hair too, change as she brushes back a stray lock, and there's a flash of green at the end. Almost like a vine.]

And yes. I am. I'm a Fire and Grass type.

[bokukotantei]

[Such showing off. Much impressive.

...Naoto didn't particularly care about a person's looks, but there was no denying that Yukiko was lovely in that moment.]

....So I can see, [She said finally, readjusting her hat while she recollected her cool.] I'm a Steel and Dark type, although I can't do anything quite so impressive yet.

[frozenflame]

[Yukiko would probably have turned pink if she knew that, but thankfully? No.]

That'll come with time. I've evolved twice, so I have a bit of a leg up on you, especially if you're new at training.

[bokukotantei]

Honestly? I've never given it much of a thought before recently. My skill with problem solving was enough, you understand.

But, training might very well become a part of things while I'm here. Change and adaptation are equally necessary for growth and learning to happen.

[frozenflame]

Well, I recommend it. I'm happy to help you if you need it.

[It's a sincere offer at least.]

Especially in the beginning.

[Cass picks up her pace! And starts towards an alley!]

[bokukotantei]

[A sincere offer that was most welcome.]

Thank you. I'll be certain to keep it in mind when the time comes.

...Until then, it looks like your Cassandra may have found something.

[And, thus, the game was afoot!]

[frozenflame]

It does...

[Yukiko trots after Cass, peering into the alley. And what do they find...?]

[bokukotantei]

[A little Ralts, trying to politely dispose of the wrappings of something frozen and sweet-- a topsicle, perhaps?

A kind Cubchoo had helped him get it. Nothing bad happened!

Hearing the approaching footsteps, Ichiro stopped and looked over at them, breaking into a grin when his gaze lighted on his trainer.

With a squeak he dashed forward, sticky hands and all. Boss, where have you been!?]

I-Ichiro?! [Naoto stammered, reacting quickly to catch the little psychic-type and avoid the sticky mess.] Where have you been? I've been looking for you all afternoon!

[frozenflame]

[Yukiko leans against the alleyway wall and watches. she's not about to interrupt the reunion, it's not really her place...]

[bokukotantei]

We're going to need to get you washed off when we get home...

[Naoto trailed, offering an embarrassed but grateful smile at Yukiko.]

This is Ichiro, as you probably figured out. Thank you-- all of you-- for helping me find him.

[frozenflame]

Well. If you need to wash him up now...I think Sobek can help.

[Yukiko offers a genial, warm smile right back while Cassandra chirps. Jiraiya? Just...sits there like the toad monster he was born to be.]

And don't you worry about it.

[bokukotantei]

[Naoto certainly wouldn't worry about it-- but she wouldn't forget it either.]

I won't say 'no' to help with this sticky mess, [she said, setting Ichiro back down on his feet while she surveyed the mess. There was sugary stuff in his hair, all up his arms...]

...Who is Sobek?