Tick Tock [MOD]

[Jasper Stone]

January 4th, Year 1, Afternoon

Imperial purple eyes flicked to and fro examining the immediate surroundings in some estranged effort to ward off possible approaching interest as the owner of said eyes did not realize in that moment he was looking more suspicious than usual and probably asking for it more than fending it off. The slate hired man shifted from one foot to the other, and the back of his white coat slid against the metal wall of the Emissary probably picking up debris in the process. He was not nervous, mind all who thought so. He was just waiting and standing straight for long periods made his back hurt, especially with the boots he chose to wear that day- or so he told himself, anyways.

Jasper fished the silver pocket watch and chain, an old heirloom that was five minutes too fast and four minutes too slow, from his jacket pocket to glance down at the time on its face. Ah still a minute too early… the doctor noted before slipping the watch back into his pocket and closing his eyes to wait patiently as the sixty seconds counted down in the back of his mind. Some part of him was sure there was little difference between twelve fifty-nine and one o’clock, yet any seconds to spare were seconds to be used in mental preparation for the moment.

Jasper was not a man that enjoyed being pushed and prodded to do things. Since he was but a teenager, the now adult man had never liked being ordered to do anything save for maybe study in hopes of earning someone-who-shall-remain-nameless’ attention, yet when he was honest with himself, Jasper had to say he did have a few … issues that could be addressed by the suggestions given to him by yet-another-person-who-shalt-be-named along with his younger siblings. Of course, the doctor was not simply blindly following those suggestions, but after nearly six months of persuasion, he had come to the conclusion that it indeed was a good idea to go through with.

Who am I kidding? the doctor questioned briefly to himself as a twitching smile came to thin lips in self-ridicule. He was scared and knew it. Him, Jasper Stone, a thirty-eight year old man with doctoral experience, was scared of the very contents of the building whose face he was resting his shoulders on. It was utterly ridiculous, yet it didn’t stop the compiling evidence piling in the back of his mind that it would probably be better to come back another day- maybe when one of his siblings was free or something. Oh that sounded absurd! Jasper mentally groaned displeased with his own rationale trying to defeat him at a time like this. If it had been Arceus’s gift to bestow the man with an intelligent mind, why did the god not also bestow him with a solid will? Why could he not step through the doors, meet whatever secretary was there- or the Emissary herself, even- and say that he was there to receive a new pokemon.

Because it was silly his mind argued. Because you’re thirty-eight and have doctoral business to attend to, not pokemon business it argued back at him. Yes, that was the case, but he was also supposed to be a traveling doctor- and paying the Mercenaries to take him places was cutting out of what money he could spend investing in better equipment and the like. If he had a pokemon at his side- even if it was not Nova, Arceus rest his soul- it would be safer to travel. He knew that. He knew that, yet the very thought of replacing Nova was somehow ripping stitches off a wound he wasn’t quite sure had healed. Realizing his pulse had quickened to somewhere over one hundred fifteen, Jasper bit the inside of his mouth, inhaled slowly and exhaled even slower. Stress was the enemy of man. Adrenaline might still have proved useful in situations where the fight or flight mechanism was appropriate, but this was certainly not one of those times.

Resisting the urge to crack his knuckles, a habit he mused humorously about considering his knuckles had not inflated like his mother had once swore they were going to, Jasper turned out of his standing inlet, stepped around the grove, and stepped forwards taking hold of the door with one hand and fishing the pocket watch again out with his other. One o’clock on the dot. Good. Pushing the door open thereafter, Jasper stepped inwards, a pleasant smile upon his features. “Good afternoon,” he started.

The attendant was a rather welcoming creature, thankfully enough, and easily directed him to the office of Ms. Nguyen after some paperwork he briskly filled out. Almost ironically for a doctor, his handwriting was notably legible. Not wishing to waste even a second least some part of himself back down again, Jasper finished quickly before heading to the office in question, knocking on the door briefly before attempting to open it. “Ms. Nguyen?” was the forcibly calm, professional question that reached the air. “Good afternoon.”

[EssGee]

At his greeting, the heavyset woman turned away from the board of posted notes she'd been looking over and smiled at the face she saw. "Ah, hello doctor!" Teenagers and young adults, many of whom she'd never met before and many of whom she'd rarely if ever see in person again, frequented her office often, especially since the new trainer program had been officially reinstated in Mi-aro. But it was always noteworthy when an older citizen stopped by for the same reason- (for just a brief moment she found her mind wandering to such a citizen who'd come by just yesterday, but she quickly forced her thoughts back to the present)- and this one in particular she actually knew better than she knew most of the new world.

With a little smirk, she commented, "If you're here about my blood pressure, I assure you it's entirely under control." That comment might have sent Jasper into a bit of a rage if he'd actually checked it right now, what with the recent Anorith situation having her rather stressed the past few days. The trainers in town were making progress, but it wasn't over yet, and it was worrisome such a large group would come into town in the first place...

Fortunately, though, she was well aware that was not the reason for the doctor's visit, and she did not keep up the charade for long. "A joke, of course." About it being under control, too, technically, but she left that part ambiguous. "I'm sorry again about-.. your Pokemon." In truth the fact that she couldn't remember Nova's name was as simple as the fact that their relationship did not extend far beyond that of a doctor and patient, with the fact that Anita might call Jasper something of a friend serving as testament to how little social life she could afford while running an entire civilization. This didn't stop her from feeling a little bit like Quercus for the lapse.

"But I do hope you'll take a liking to one of these that I've picked out for you." Without further introduction, she retrieved five PokeBalls that had been neatly laid out on a shelf next to her and released them en masse.

"First up is Audino. It's a pretty well-balanced Pokemon that will become a valuable healing asset with a little effort.

"Next is Happiny, who will require a little more effort but has the same healing potential. While Audino is already pretty strong, it doesn't have as much room for growth. Meanwhile, Happiny is statistically much weaker at the moment, but has potential to become much more impressive through evolution later.

"Now, hear me out on Absol. It's tendency toward vague precognition seems like an ability that could come in very handy both in your work and keeping you safe on the road. But aside from that, it's historically been seen as a nuisance at best for trying to warn people of disasters, which I think would make an interesting pair with your tendency to get on people's nerves for similar reasons." You know. Not that she was saying anything by that. Cough.

Moving on. "As a fire-type, Growlithe can be a valuable survival asset especially on winter nights, and while it might not be fond of some of the stronger ground-types, it can help keep away the Durant on the Winding Path, since that's the route you usually travel most, and they're one of the biggest worries on the route when they swarm. Also, I know how much you value loyalty, and you won't find much more loyal a species.

"Last up is probably the one least-offered to trainers both due to its rarity and power. Just out of these, I mean, and Absol ranks pretty highly too, but you get what I'm saying. At any rate, I feel a man of your age and experience should be able to handle a Riolu properly. In addition, I believe its interesting attributes as a species compliment you well. It's got some muscle to back up your intellect, but that doesn't mean it's not a very intellectual Pokemon in its own right. I know you're not really a researcher by trade, but if you find some time, you might even be able to figure out how to put its Aura-sensing abilities to medical use."

When her explanations were done, she picked up a pamphlet off the same shelf. "If none of these catch your eye, or you'd just like a wider variety, this shows all of the more traditional starters Quercus currently has on hand." She considered pointing out that there was a Torchic available, but had no way of knowing whether he'd find the species a familiar comfort or too harsh a reminder of his fallen friend, so she decided against it.

[Jasper Stone]

As Jasper stepped into the room, purple eyes scaled over the board of posted notes briefly before his vision slid to Ms. Nguyen shortly after her greeting. With his smile not faltering for even a moment, Jasper took another step into the room, closing the door behind him as he went. Her comment on blood pressure earned a brief ‘heh’ from the doctor though in the back of his mind Jasper wished he had at least brought his stethoscope with him to check on that matter for certain. He hadn’t been thinking about that, however. Pressed with anxiety he didn’t want to admit to, Jasper found thoughts slipping his mind. “Of course,” he replied. “I hope you have been managing it, though- should I fetch my medical bag and be back in an hour?” There was an amused expression upon less than subtle features, but there was honest question on the matter.

The transition to Nova brought a lump to Jasper’s throat, and briefly lips pressed together uncomfortably. He fought the urge to drop his gaze, but as she transitioned to other matters, Jasper physically relaxed again a breath escaping him that was a bit too audible in his opinion. Jasper’s jaw nearly dropped as the pokemon were released before him. While he had ambiguously considered a pokemon, the man hadn’t stepped beyond that ground to possibly know what he wanted. However he was not unaware of the variety of pokemon set expectantly in front of him. Having grown up in his mother’s pokemon center at home in Hoenn and having since been exposed to a number of pokemon in one form or fashion, he was not ignorant to what was before him. That made the choice that much harder.

He paid special attention to each note Ms. Nguyen gave on each pokemon, his eyes only shifting from one pokemon to the next when she transitioned. Audino was a decent pokemon. He knew that they had once accompanied many nurses- though his mother had preferred Chansey for reasons he was still unclear of. They were also remarkably cute rabbits – and didn’t the fibrous appendages extending off their ears work like stethoscopes? It was certainly one to consider- oh speaking of Chansey. Jasper’s attention shifted to the Happiny, and a more tender sort of smile graced his lips. He adored baby pokemon- and children, and small, adorable, innocent things in general. Some part of him ached at not having married and had a family of his own, but he diluted this feeling with thoughts of baby pokemon, yes.

As his attention was redirected yet again, Jasper found himself staring unblinkingly at the Absol. The reasoning behind the Absol caused Jasper’s head to jut back to Ms. Nguyen, a questioning sort of expression written on his face but recognition of her reasoning reflected in his purple stare. “I see,” he mused after a moment. He felt no guilt for telling people when they had bad habits. As a doctor, it was his job to warn others, after all, even if they chose not to listen. As she continued on, his gaze shifted again to the fire dog before him- a loyal pokemon as well as one who could protect him from the feral species in the area. That was indeed useful. As if on some unknown cue, memories flooded the back of Jasper’s mind all of them pertaining to Nova. He knew the burns a fire pokemon could inflict- especially since his temperamental Torchic once had nasty habit of burning things, namely Jasper himself. It was almost humor to some that whenever Nova was particularly upset, he’d set off an Ember in every which direction- humor up until one realized he was setting fire to things- and oh yeah that fire could spread. Looking back now, Jasper found it funny somehow- and almost painful- physically and mentally.

The man bit back what would have been a weirdly conflicted laugh and instead found his attention on the last pokemon, Riolu, but as if on cue, a different memory came to Jasper that nearly made him laugh yet again. When Nova had evolved into Combusken taking on a Fighting typing as well, the fire chicken had been so pleased to have arms and hands instead of feet and fluff! He could finally hold things without using his beak and went through and odd phase of lifting things simply because he was able to do so and getting people to hug him because now he could hug back. A pang went through Jasper, yet overall, it was a good memory. Maybe there was something to the words of that totally-not-a-therapist whose advice he was taking.

“A Fighting type and a baby pokemon,” Jasper mumbled to himself as reason slowly began directing him. Unlike with the Fire typed Growlithe, it wasn’t as close to Nova at least in Jasper’s mind, yet its Fighting typing was something he had experience with. Then there was the matter of possibly using aura in medicine. Jasper himself had read a book or two on the nature of more spiritualized medicine, and though he found no evidence that it actually worked, aura was also not just spiritual- it was….uhm……Jasper paused in thought. Now that he thought about it, the doctor realized just how little he actually knew of aura and its properties. Certainly he had heard and read the word here and there, yet in that moment he realized how little he actually knew. I need to see if I can find a few books on the matter…

As he realized the pamphlet had been produced- because of course he hadn’t been more or less staring blankly at the Riolu these last too many seconds to count- Jasper blinked, his head shaking a little before he took it. “Ah, thank you,” he replied pleasantly enough before glancing down at the sheet knowing somewhere that he had already made up his mind whether he liked it or not. Staring at it for a moment or two allowing his eyes to scan over the list as though he were even remotely interested now that his brain was ticking with ideas on where to acquire information on aura--- ticking probably wasn’t the best word. Brain ticking had been noted as a sign of epilepsy, and he certainly didn’t have that, but still, his mind was rummaging through the files, yes that was better.

Glancing up after a moment and offering what he hoped was a kind enough look to the woman that was fashioning him with a pokemon, Jasper met Ms. Nguyen’s gaze before allowing it to fall to the Riolu. “I believe I will choose the Riolu,” he smiled. “If you wouldn’t mind being my partner, of course,” he noted rather quickly to said Riolu.

[EssGee]

Anita, of course, had not replied to his medical question, having turned her full attention to the task at hand.

When the man made his choice, the Riolu's eyes lit. "Ro-OH~!" she squeaked in delight, actually bouncing a little and clapping her 'hands' together. She didn't wait for the ambassador, retrieving her own PokeBall and handing it up to the man. She'd long wanted to get out and see the world, and had been especially excited when she'd been told the trainer coming today was a really smart doctor.

In the meantime, Anita withdrew the other four. "Excellent. On to items then. We like to offer a few things that will be useful on your journey." With that, she pulled out an X-Gear, a Dex Chip (separate from the X-Gear rather than pre-installed), Tool Bag, Canteen, First Aid Kit, and Fishing Pole. "See anything you like?"

-----

[OOC note: Technically, you can choose three. If you'd like to do so for mechanics purposes, but pretend Jasper already had one or more of those things for story purposes, that would be fine. For example, he could have totally-always-had a First Aid Kit and IC-'take' two other items, or have always had two things and IC-'take' one, or just say 'no thanks' IC and have 'always had' all three of the things you choose; please just make some note either IC or OOC of what you're taking if you do this. :3 Of course you could also be conveniently-fresh-out of medical supplies or have whatever 'but it's not the latest/as nice of a model so yes free upgrade thanks' or what-have-you. Just letting you know you have a bit of liberty with this.]

[Jasper Stone]

…Oh gosh, the excitement in that tone of voice and those gestures were endearing. Taking the pokeball that was presented to him, Jasper bent down on one knee and pat his new friend between the ears briefly noting the softness of her fur before removing his hand only for him to pause upon finding his hand clasped between two paws. Meeting the gaze of the Riolu, Jasper smiled calmly back. “Hm what to call you…” he mumbled a little eyeing the pokemon before him. Nova’s name had come easy to him- though as a ten year old he hadn’t thought that deeply on the subject either. Arguably it was Jasper trying to be unique in the moment and accidentally naming a masculine pokemon a somewhat feminine name- oh. He supposed that was something to consider with this one too, huh?

Jasper had been about to list off a few names to see which one resonated well with the Riolu when Ms. Nguyen spoke up about items causing the doctor to stand up again, his hand sliding up and slipping from the pair of paws that had grasped them previously. Watching as the items were presented, Jasper fought the urge to smirk at the First Aid Kit that was presented. He had a better looking one at home, along with his other medical supplies, though the Tool Bag caught his eye as he briefly considered whether it would be more efficient in carrying his heavier supplies- well of course it would considering it would make things less bulky certainly if not reduce the mass. The only other thing that stood out was the X-Gear. Considering he had never been a trainer in the academic sense of the word, he’d never considered attaining one. However, with it set before him and with no price tag in sight, the frugal man considered it. Ah, who was he kidding, he’d take it.

“I believe I’ll take the Tool Bag and the X-Gear,” the doctor replied before raising his free hand to shoulder the bag and slide on the watch-looking-thing. “Much obliged.”

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[Items: First Aid Kit, Tool Bag, X-Gear]

[EssGee]

"Ah, good~ You'll find a Holo Chip installed in that X-Gear with my number- or the office's at any rate- pre-registered, and inside the Bag you'll find a sturdy hammer. You might notice that the bag is feather light despite that. That's the genius of the Tool Bag." She gave a pleased nod.

With one last gesture, she brought out a plain sack full of more common items. "My final gift for your journey. Inside you'll find four PokéBalls and four Potions. I do hope you'll find them useful." Once he'd taken the bag, she straightened her blazer jacket and did a quick survey of the area to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything. Satisfied she hadn't, she moved to open the door for him. "I believe that's it then," she said as she did. "Best of luck with your new partner, Doctor Stone. And do let the good Professor know if you discover anything aura-related." She gave a slight smile at the thought of her esteemed colleague drooling over trainer findings. Come to think, maybe knowing he was one of the most powerful people in the world was part of the reason her blood pressure was so high..

[Jasper Stone]

A…hammer? Jasper blinked glancing at the bag and then up at Ms. Nguyen wondering what anyone would do with a – … well build things, obviously- or maybe …hit things but…. but what was he expected to do with…? Stop questioning the gifts. Jasper stopped. “Wonderful,” was the surprisingly simple reply thereafter. The last round of gifts which included PokéBalls and potions were much appreciated as Jasper found his fingers closing around the bag before briefly shifting a little to set the items within the Tool bag.

With the door opened, Jasper turned and started out followed rather quickly by his Riolu. “Thank you again,” he spoke glancing sideways to Ms. Nguyen and offering his general professional smile before exiting into the hallway again. As he continued to walk, Jasper’s purple spheres settled sideways to the Riolu again. Hm, he still had to think of a name, didn’t he? “How about the name Alex?” he asked trying to find a gender neutral name off the top of his head. The Riolu just gave him a look and frowned. Oh, alright then, he'd have to think of another.

[EssGee]

As he walked out, however, the Tool Bag suddenly began to shake. Potions and PokeBalls were not tools! As if angry at the mere thought, it spit them out, and they scattered everywhere. Fortunately none seemed damaged. Apparently the Tool Bag had very strict requirements on what could be put in it. Damn technology.

[Jasper Stone]

"Elian?" A head shake. "Christopher?" Yet another. Jasper bit his lip racking his brain for more names, but just as he was about to state another, the temperamental bag spilled out everything onto the floor. Halting his step, Jasper glanced from the bag to the dropped items before frowning and bending down to pick them up. A pokeball had rolled just outside of his reach, though the rather quick thinking Riolu went bounding after it snatching it up to hold it front of Jasper staring at him expectantly. "Thank you...  Agnes?" The Riolu paused. Jasper froze, and for a moment both man and pokemon stared questioningly at the other- right before the small dog-like pokemon face/pawed and tossed the unused pokeball rather hard directly at Jasper's face. Beaned in the forehead, Jasper flinched scrambling to catch hold of the pokeball shortly thereafter. "Alright, alright... we'll think of something..." Jasper sighed carefully putting the items elsewhere on his person rather than in the bag before starting out again. 

".....How about Marc?" A sigh.