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Ai blinked in surprise, staring at the ralts upon hearing her 'voice' for the first time. She'd heard that some pokemon could talk, especially psychic types, but even Kumiko never had... It was a bit of a shock to her system, but she decided to shake it off before it allowed her to lose the remnants of her composure.

She returned her attention to Magnolia and replied in exasperation, "I wish he was." She gestured with one hand as she added, "He isn't afraid of anything! He thinks this is a game. And it isn't funny!" The last she shot at the mew, who drifted back up to Asphodel and booped one of her horns with his nose. He giggled in a fit of soft, cat-like sounds.

"I hope that he isn't bothering you," Ai said to the young trainer. "I'd put him back in his pokeball, but he'll run off before I can try it. He is impossible when he gets like this... but I prefer that he stays in one spot rather than forcing me to chase him all over this crowd. Do you mind if he stays with you until he calms down a little? Once he gets used to all these people, he'll behave himself again. He's still a baby, I guess. He forgets his training..." Her emerald eyes shot daggers at her pokemon. She was embarrassed to be apologizing for his behavior.

Rheiannon Bennet-Fairchild walked through the long grass, glad that she had worn leggings under her shorts. It wouldn't do to arrive at whatever this was with tiny cuts all over her legs, along with no idea what was going on. She had heard the rumors in the cafeteria at the Pokemon Center, whispers of a pokemon that could grant immortality and all the trainers who were going to find it. Sure enough, as she approached the place where everything was supposed to be happening, there were people there - and it looked like there were dozens of them. Her eyes went wide as she saw pokemon, too, out of their pokeballs everywhere. Her eyes landed on an enormous, unmistakable Tropius with a young man on its back, a Growlithe, a Houndoom, a -

Sweet Arceus.

That was a Ralts clinging to that girl's hat, and a Mew hiding behind her shoulder. The presence of the Ralts threw Rhei - she had almost been hoping not to meet one in this land, not after watching everything her mother's Kirlia had gone through with their family. But now that she saw one, she was struck by a pang of nostalgia and some kind of longing as she walked over to the lavender-haired girl and the red-headed trainer before them. She didn't want to interrupt their conversation, which would be rude, but she couldn't just stand there and stare, either. Bracing herself as she got a bit closer, Rhei gave the pair a little wave before holding her hands clasped in front of her. "Hello," she said, trying to sound a bit more cheerful than she was nervous. "I'm Rhei Bennet." Biting the bullet, she asked, "Could I... Could I meet your pokemon? I haven't met many here."

Jorge fiddled with her red wig as she approached the grasslands, Layla at her side. The Team Aqua trainee had heard whispers of a great and powerful pokemon that could grant immortality - so of course she had to come see for herself! She had reasoned that this could also be a big gain for her organization, and so she had donned her wig from her last pokemon contest with Layla and slipped into a floral sundress and clunky sandals.

The clearing was crowded, and Jorge tried not to look as nervous as she felt. Crowds were a reason she disliked cities and tended to stick to more rural areas. But, instead of dwelling on the number of people, she decided to observe all of the pokemon hanging around the various trainers. There were many different kinds, some Jorge had never encountered before and - was that a Mew? Jorge hummed as her nerves started fading away and excitement began to creep up on her. She rocked back and forth on her heels as her Vaporeon paced circles around her feet. Now... to approach a stranger, or wait for someone to come to her?

What a weird legend... Charlotte thought to herself as she walked towards the other trainers. Surely a Pokemon can't do that, can it? Would... I even want it?
She looked over towards her drifloon, Mara, who was following mostly out of obligation. "Heh, I guess you might not be the adventuring type..." she said to her pokemon. "But that's okay, I'm sure we'll have some fun!" She gave Mara a friendly pat on the head. Is Mara even mortal in the first place? She is a ghost... Charlotte wondered out of curiosity.

Jem was surprised that there were so many people on the Grasslands lately. Were they going to start building a town out here? That'd be nice, she supposed. She wouldn't have to travel all the way to Motterosa to resupply while she was up north if there was an outpost or something here.

After catching bits of conversation she realized it wasn't anything practical that brought these people here, but some sort of Legendary pokemon.

"'Immortality Granter' huh? Not really my style but we could always stick around and see what happens, eh Sammy?"

"Chuuuu..." the pikachu grumbled, watching the people with narrowed eyes from her place across Jem's shoulders, damaged cheek fitzing occasionally.

Jem took that as a 'Sure lets do it!' and strode toward the gathering group.

Juno Leoni grimaced as she saw the crowd of people already milling around at the edge of the grasslands. Of course she hadn't expected to be without competition for the rumoured "immortality granter", but this was ridiculous. If the rest of them were going to hang about here and socialise, however, perhaps Juno would at least have a head start at the prize.

She'd arrived riding the docile Tauros her cousin had lent her, but after a perfunctory pat on the nose he was returned to his Pokéball. "Your turn, darling," Juno called as she released her own Chandelure.

Desdemona burst forth in a dramatic rush of purple flames, careening in wild circles around her mistress. "Deluuuuuure!" She was still reveling in the freedom of her final evolution -- as a Litwick, she'd had to be carried, and even as a Lampent her sturdy frame had felt confining. But the delicate ironwork and prolific flames of a Chandelure suited her perfectly.

Hatch arrived to the grounds with a rather bemused expression. An immortality granter? That was surely a ruse of some sort. With so many people gathered though... well, at least it should be interesting. He kept himself around the outside of the group of people, feeling like he might get swallowed up if he tried to explore the crowd. Being one who preferred open spaces, he was feeling a little less than comfortable, but was determined to see this through. Maybe something good would come of participating in this~?

Hanging along Hatch's shoulders like a scarf, the meowth Zhira was contently lounging. His ears would twitch from time to time as the chatter rose and fell from the crowd, nose twitching to catch the different scents, but was otherwise quite still.

Watching the youngling make its way down from the bed that'd been the girl's head, Mako pressed his lips with worry. But he only clicked his tongue lightly, and shook his head again, "Putting your trust in others isn't such a good idea. Should always be prepared to handle your own." he chided lightly, like a parent reprimanding. Giving pause, he sighed and shifted his weight, the arm wielding his Poke Ball lowering to touch the button and allow it to enlarge to its full form. "If something does happen, you can find safety with Flua and me." seconds later, the bright red light burst and zig zagged out of the ball, giving shape to the large form that was his Miltoic.

The Water native emerged, fins and long tendrils fluttering lightly as he came to, large dark eyes blinking a few times to adjust to the sunlight. Towering over the trio around him, he peered down at them, tilting his head curiously as he noted Urthemiel and the small passenger she had. Cheeks bunching, as if he were smiling, the beauty gave a sweet little song in greeting to the pair, as he slowly curled his way around Mako.
"Next time you do one of these, make sure you come better prepared, alright? You never know what can happen." he continued to lecture, giving a sage like nod.


His attention was caught as someone new came into the field, making his eyes flicker over to Hatch. He stared at the other boy for a good long while, eyes slowly narrowing as if trying to better decipher him. But there was no mistaking it, once he got a good look at the Meowth that was curled around his neck. It was that one guy... he'd only briefly met him, but he wouldn't forget that lively cat of his. So he was here too, huh...?
Flua seemed to pick up on Mako's shift of attention too, looking towards Hatch and Zhira, singing sweetly to them as well.