bookmarking | leaf 009 | [video; action for the Goldenrod hotel]

leaf 009 | [video; action for the Goldenrod hotel]

[Clover is in her room at the Goldenrod hotel. She's sitting on her bed with an Eevee beside her, looking somewhat...confused. The Delcatty (yup, we now know where much of the money Clover earns from the Center went to) at her feet is staring at the Eevee, as if wanting to ask, "WHY ARE YOU HERE." Her tail swishes and her attention returns to Clover, who just sighs and starts talking.]

I found Scoville waiting in my PC. [She pats the Eevee on the head.] And there's one other thing.

... [Clover the Delcatty cocks her head to one side. Her next unspoken question is, "WHAT OTHER THING."]

His previous trainer was Ace, and he's gone. I have no idea why he'd give me his Eevee, but...I'll keep him.

[Scoville beams and wags his tail, bracing his paws onto Clover's lap. Delcatty will just fold her paws regally and just sit Sphinx-style.]

I better start thinking of what he'll evolve into, huh? And his new name, probably. [She frowns in thought. Names are serious business.]

[Filtered to the 999 cast]

By the way, I checked Scoville to make sure he didn't have any tricks up his furry sleeves, and got nothin'. Twice. So I'm pretty sure he's safe.

But I really dunno why he'd leave him with me. Or maybe Scoville escaped and then found his way into my PC? Geez, I'll never understand that guy. At least he's out of our hair.

[Clover rolls her eyes, and sighs in relief. And at least he hadn't tried anything out of line.]

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[She doesn't mind, in any case, and she shuts the door behind him. And Clover will brighten up at the sight of presents.

The Eevee, on the other hand, will shoot off the bed and run up to him.]

...You didn't have to bring anything, though.

I thought you might like it. [ And it's what gentlemen do. o9

He smiles at the Eevee and crouches, holding up his fingers for it to sniff. ]

Thanks, Miles. [She beams even more, if that's possible.] You're a real gentleman.

[Eevee sniffs, and grins, peering up at the presents presents PRESENTS. Ion whips around, tosses Clover's gear unceremoniously onto the desk and leaps off the chair to join Scoville. Light is still a bit shy as always, but will follow slowly.

HEY IT'S THAT NICE BOY OUR TRAINER IS FRIENDS WITH.]

...and I think they think so too.

B-besides. [ He looks a little sheepish. ] I thought you might like it.

[ And if Clover is okay with it, he will give the Pokémon their treats now. He really likes Pokémon, and Clover's are so cheerful and fun. ]

[A nod.] Well, you thought right.

[And she looks at her gaggle of excited Pokémon. Okay, Light is actually still hanging back, really hesitant to come forward and be all excited like his buds. Clover the Delcatty is asleep and totes minding her own business. Clover (the human) isn't scowling, but her voice is firm.] Be nice. Or else no one's getting anything.

[ Miles will patiently wait for them to calm down. ] How are you?

I'm fine. I got Clover a Moon Stone, and I'm still working at the Center.

[They should be calm right now and just looking up with BIG EAGER SMILES OMG OMG OMG TREATS. Except Light. Who'll just stand there and wait patiently. The Eevee's tail is switching back and forth.]

[ Miles will hold out a treat to them, making sure they all get equal amounts and don't fight over them. ]

I've worked at that Pokémon Center before. How is it?

[This is a Pikachu holding his paws out quietly with a very expectant look on his face. Clearly he intends to be first, but nobody's complaining.]

It was more interesting than I thought. [She smiles.]

[ He blinks, glances at the others for a moment, then rubs the Pikachu's head before handing him a treat. Then he'll hold out treats for the others. ]

I guess it is. It's gotten quieter since the time I worked there, so it must be less hectic.

[Ion grins, bowing his head slightly at the rubbing and then accepting the treat. Light is still just waiting, and will only take his when Scoville's already gotten his share.]

Yeah. It's also a great way to make cash - I finally got a Moon Stone for Clover. [Clover the human jerks a thumb over at the snoozing Delcatty.]

Are those expensive?

[ He hands the last remaining treat to Clover so she can give it to the Delcatty later. ]

They cost ten thousand bucks apiece and I still need one for Ham. Not to mention a Fire Stone for Ares, and a Thunder Stone for Ion.

[She takes the treat and nods her thanks.]

You're quite ambitious about it.

... I have an extra Fire Stone, actually. [ Leftovers from Christmas... ten months ago. ]

[A proud smile. And - wait.]

Really?

I have it in my bag right now. I can bring it to you later, if you'd like.

Wait, you're just giving it to me?

[He blinks at her.] If you don't mind it. I don't have a use for it, anyway...

I don't, it's just that...are you sure you won't need it?

I'm sure. I've had it for months, and my only Pokémon that can evolve with a Fire Stone is Pip. I don't think I need another Arcanine.

Okay, if you're sure...then thanks. I probably won't turn Ares into a Ninetales just yet, though. I'll ask him first if he's ready.

I'll bring it if you decide to take it.

[A nod.

Then Clover plops onto her bed, close to where the Delcatty is snoozing. Then she lies on her back, staring up at the ceiling while letting her arm dangle down to idly scratch behind the Delcatty's ears.]

Guess it's time for me to explain, huh?

If you feel like it. I'm in no rush. [He'll find himself a chair to sit in.]

[While lying down, she begins her story. Well, another part of it.]

Ace's real name is Gentarou Hongou, and he was the CEO of a pharmaceutical company. The Nonary Game was his brainchild.

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