The flight had been a turbulent one, boxed in closely with other people because Vivienne had chosen to fly coach. It had been all she'd been able to afford, seeing that the rest of her money would need to be saved for once she arrived in Hoenn. The difference in Poke` was absurd when it came between the difference in 1st class and coach. Pinching her pennies where she could, Vivienne had been stuck in a middle seat with two folks who'd rather sleep and grumble to themselves than enjoy a pleasant conversation. On top of not having Magnar with her, the long flight from Kanto had made her restless.

If only she had gotten a window seat, then she could have stared out it, watching for passing pokemon and Slateport approaching. In front of her, she could hear some of the children ogling as the sub-tropical sight. Viv had been to Alola, but not Hoenn. A woman with tastes for the cold, she hoped that Hoenn wasn't too sticky and mild.

"Please buckle your seat belts, we will be landing shortly," the flight attendant directed.

Vivienne was already cozily buckled into place, the seat belt cinched tight due to how nervous she had grown over the earlier turbulence.

Just think! Once you get off this plane and into baggage claim, you'll be able to release Magnar, she reminded herself as she checked the buckle once more.

The ride down wasn't much better, the wheels bouncing against the pavement, waking even the heaviest sleepers. Groans, gasps, and moans emitted from everyone as they unbuckled themselves, plane careening to the gate they would be unloading at. Viv managed to glance out the window, clear blue skies gleaming down at them, wingulls flying just outside.

Her stomach twisted in excitement, giddy like a child as she waited impatiently.

"The weather in Slateport is sunny with a temperature of 80 degrees fahrenheit. It is 1300, a bit earlier than when we left Kanto, so be certain to catch up on your sleep where needed. Please make sure to secure your overhead luggage and thank you for flying with Charizard Airlines," the attendant bid as people began standing, prematurely waiting to unload from the plane before it had even been hooked up to the gate.

In the middle of the plane, it took a while before everyone in front of them had unloaded and slowly ushered out. Vivienne had packed as lightly as she dared, but had only taken her satchel with her on the plane. Her packs had been deemed too heavy, which made sense, seeing that Magnar always carried them for her.

Stopping by the bathroom, Vivienne changed from her coat and trousers, to a pale blue flowered romper, grey walking boots, and a wide brimmed tan sun hat. Once at baggage claim, she released Magnar from the bonds of his poke'ball. Many other people had released their own pokemon, but balked at his size when they spotted him. Most of the other customers had small pokemon that were easy to carry or flitted around their feet. For a moment, it appeared as if one of the workers might tell her that Magnar was too big, but when she found her bags and began attaching them to him, no one approached her.

"Sorry to keep you cooped up that whole time, but you wouldn't have fit in a seat even if I'd bought you a ticket," Vivienne told him apologetically.

Magnar gave her a disdainful look and huffed as they left the airport. They passed by a few shuttles and taxi stations before trundling far enough away that they could really see Slateport down below. The airport had been fixed in the north western part of the city.

"I could use a bite to eat, I heard there's a few pokemon friendly shacks on their beaches…" Viv drawled, glancing up at her partner.

Magnar cocked his head, contemplating it, before giving a lazy nod. He bowed his head low enough that Vivenne would be able to climb onto him. Once secured, the pokemon headed off, running for the southern reaches of Slateport. He only slowed himself down once they reached the sand and began kicking it up.

Today was certainly a beach day. Tourists and trainers alike were scattered among the crowd, taking roost on the soft sands to enjoy the heat, water, and events. Toward the back of the beach some trainers were committed to battles, whereas those who were looking for a more lax day were closer to the water.

Vivienne directed Magnar to the closest restaurant that had a big sign stating "Pokemon Friendly". A bell twinkled behind them as they entered, the bar half full of customers. It was a bit warm inside, a fan acting as the only circulation in the room.

Viv chose one of the bar spots that had an empty space beside it for a pokemon to sit. Magnar was so large that he was able to sit beside her and still meet the eye of the bartender.

"Oh my, haven't seen one of those before," the bartender said, looking over Magnar, as he smiled uncertainly at her.

"He's a Pyroar," she told him politely.

"And very well mannered, I can see," he observed as he slid a menu over toward her. "Give me a shout whenever you're ready to order."

Vivienne observed the menu, putting her order in once she had decided. While they were waiting, her eyes slid across the room. Everything seemed so pleasant here, but that was probably due to the daylight. What she was truly searching for would be found at night, in clubs, or in the alleys posing as someone she was not. Slateport was also a hotspot for tourists and grunts were more likely to be cautious due to the constantly shifting faces. Lilycove and Mauville were going to prove to have those night lifes she was looking to infiltrate.

"You new around here?" someone asked her as her food was placed down in front of her.

Vivienne glanced to her right, noticing that a man had taken the seat beside her, an Arcanine beside him, tongue lolling. He was handsome, maybe a little bit older than herself, and very clean cut. His style sort of reminded her as being militaristic.

"Yes, just visiting," she replied, pleased that someone had finally decided on speaking to her. The plane ride had been so boring and as much as she enjoyed talking to Magnar, nothing beat having an actual conversation.

"As a tourist, trainer?..." he drawled, cerulean eyes smiling at her.

"Oh no, I'm not a trainer. I'm a doctor. I came to Hoenn to do a bit of research on the berries here and effects on pokemon and humans alike. After all, an Oran berry heals pokemon a small bit, but can act as a mild hallucinogen for humans. I thought I'd enjoy the scenery as well while I was here," she replied, producing the story she had created before making her trip to Hoenn. A doctor under the guise of research was not very suspicious.

"A doctor? Really? You don't look old enough to be a doctor," the man said, perhaps teasing her.

Vivienne chuckled in spite of herself. "I've heard that so many times that I've stopped trying to convince people. What about you, mysterious stranger? Are you from around here?"

"Liam Greyson," he replied. "Local through and through, just doing a bit of soul searching. Been a pokemon trainer most of my life and decided to hit the road again and travel throughout the countryside to see how it's changed."

"I'm Vivienne and this is Magnar. How about your friend over there?" she gestured to the Arcanine.

"Oh, this dope? His name is Bjorn," Liam hooked an arm around the beast's neck and drew him in. Bjorn's tongue lolled as he did, saliva dripping down his jowls.

Vivienne nearly pet him, but stopped herself before she did, uncertain if she would be viewed as rude. "Aren't you a bit old to be a trainer?" she retorted.

"I deserve that," he said, sitting back in his seat. "I see you've got your partner there, who certainly is intimidating, but I hope you're not traveling alone."

Vivienne snorted at him, covering her mouth when she did. "No, I thought I could handle myself," she replied, giving him a look over again. Liam didn't appear to be a vagrant type or like conmen she'd met in her father's service. There had been a portion of her youth where her father had spent introducing her to all those sorts so she wouldn't make the mistake of being swindled by them.

"The road is dangerous, just a friendly tip."

"Are you trying to pick me up?"

"That depends, would you be willing to entertain a travel companion and their pokemon?"

"Hm," Vivienne picked up her iced tea and took a sip. "Can I see your Trainer ID? After all, the country is dangerous and I only just met you."

Liam reached into his pocket and produced a wallet, sliding out his ID. Vivienne took it, retrieving her Poke'Nav, using it to scan his ID. The screen pulled up Liam Greyson, multiple pictures from various social medias, most of which was from when he was younger. She noted badges and paused when she found that part of his trainer profile was locked. Her Poke'Nav had clearance to read not just trainer data but any other pertinent information regarding an individual. Liam's was locked after his Hall of Fame years, which led her to believe he was certainly associated with the government, military, or police force. Perhaps not a bad match at all.

"You were a Hall of Famer?" she handed him back his ID. Despite her curiosity about him and why she couldn't see the records of his adulthood, she was also impressed that she was sitting across from someone who had defeated the Elite Four. Once, it had been her own wish to fight the gyms in Kanto and Johto, later to attempt Victory Road and the Elite Four.

"Hush, keep it down, I don't need any of my fans finding out I'm still around."

"Well, if you had opened with that I might have been more eager to accept. It's not everyday you run into a Hall of Famer," Vivienne informed him. Magnar gave a small grunt, as if he weren't impressed by the news. "If you keep the other trainers away, I'll be certain to keep the health of your pokemon in check in exchange."

"That's fair enough, means less trips to the Pokemon Center and specialized assistance. Not to mention I'll be the envy of any town we pass through with a pretty doctor by my side."

Vivienne chuckled, even if the flattery had done little. "Keep coming at me like that and I might just leave you in this bar, Hall of Famer or not. This is an alliance, two people with similar interests in traveling linking up as long as it suits either of them. I will warn you, Magnar does have a temper."

"Alright, alright, I'll lay off Sunshine. Is there anything you wanted to see in Slateport?"

"I only just got here so I did plan to enjoy the beach some, check out the marketplace, and then the nightlife tonight? I've got reservations tonight to stay at the Pelipper Hotel. I figure having you at any clubs I go to will help keep away any… less than desirable people. You've got a clean, no-nonsense look about you."

"Ah, so I can't flirt with you, but you can use me as a man shield?"

"As a weak woman in a scary, foreign country, that's why I agreed to keep you around; to be a man shield."

"Speaking of the Pelipper Hotel, was than an invitation to stay with you?"

"No, I was just stating where I would be staying if you wanted to try and reserve a room there… Or stay at the Pokemon Center in the communal quarters, the choice is yours," Vivienne took some Poke` from her satchel and placed it on the counter. "Now, I'm going to enjoy the beach for a bit. I'll catch you later?"

Liam was about to gesture to his Poke'Nav, but she nodded. "Yeah, I got it when I scanned your ID."

Liam hadn't expected it to be so easy to get the doctor to agree to travel with him. The moment she'd mentioned that he had a clean look, he'd wondered if he cover was blown. He didn't know what he Trainer ID would dredge up, but it seemed as if the department had taken care to be certain no one would be able to reveal his true identity through it.

Watching her leave, he leaned back in his seat, Bjorn breathing heavily in his ear. "I know, I know boy," he mused, wondering why the target had to be so attractive. Detective Greyson had always had a soft spot for women, but not in a well intending manner. Was he a womanizer? Certainly, and all of the seasoned female officers knew not to get wrapped up with him. However, once in a while went a new recruit became an officer, he'd have his fun. Most often, he'd gotten his kicks from women at clubs and one night stands. Miss Vivienne had already shot him down, but saw his experience worth value.

And it's always the ones who provide the chase that are more fun… But she's a target, not someone the department would like me sleeping with, he thought before placing his coin on the table and standing. Pelipper Hotel was expensive and had an exceptional bar, but it wasn't a crime spot. It was where those with money stayed when the visited Slateport.

"Just like the good old days," he muttered, running his fingers through Bjorn's fur. He recalled when this place had been a pop shack filled with trainers. Everything had changed so much, became more commercialized, and people were less willing to talk to each other. Was it because of the crime? Or was it just development in technology? Aside from pokemon battles, people had their social media to keep up their personas, whatever lives they were or were pretending to live.

However, when he searched for Vivienne, no social media pages came up for her. He had been kind of hoping to find some selfies or candids. Even her sister, Priscilla, had her own social media pages filled with pictures. Just who was she? You could glean so much from what people chose to post and yet all they had were pictures snapped as she passed by and her graduation photos.

Liam made his way outside where he paroused the beaches for his new companions. He found Vivienne applying sunblock beneath one of the umbrellas, Magnar stretched out in the sand beside her. He was taken aback to see that the slender, long legged woman was more athletic than he had originally believed. In a white bikini, her stomach was flat with the slight outline of abs.

"You're an athlete too, doctor?"

Vivienne lowered her sunglasses at him, arching a dark brow. "Health isn't only in the mind and the best way to remain healthy is to exercise. Did you come here just to ogle me?" she laid down on her towel.

"If I don't, I'm certain someone else will approach you."

She might have been ignoring him, but Liam continued to stare, noticing a few scars on her body. Bullet marks? He could see the frayed entrance wounds, they were silvery and barely visible, her feet were also calloused from hiking excessively, boots most likely. He hadn't expected a doctor who had an elevated and lofty position to be rucking it hard. Maybe she was more associated with that line of work than they had assumed. Where else would she have gotten bullet wounds?

"I'll leave you to enjoy your peace then-"

"H-Help! My brother! The tide pulled him out and he's not a strong swimmer!" a young lady was running out from the water, an inner tube around her.

People were stunned, when it came to fast reaction in time of need, most people were momentarily shocked before their brain kicked into gear. Liam already had a poke'ball in his hands, kicking off his shoes as he started sprinting for the water. He had his shirt off by the time he hit the water, releasing his Kingdra in before him. There was no need for speaking, hooking his arm around his pokemon, as panic rocked the shore, the lifeguards finally seemed to be reacting to the girl's sobbing.

The boy had been no match for the riptide which tore him away from playing with his sibling. A form was floating nearby, facedown, nearly two football fields length from the shore.

"There!" he directed Neptune, his pokemon pushing harder.

Fuck! I hope this doctor is as good as the department seems to believe she is, he thought, grabbing the young boy. He had hoped he'd be in an inner tube like his sister, but he only had floaties on his arms and the effort from trying to swim back, combined with the waves had caused him to inhale water until he could no longer struggle against it.

Taking the child back to the beach, he carried him to the crowd that was waiting. Lifeguards were rushing toward him, but it was a shrill voice that pierced through the worry.

"Get out of my way! I'm a doctor! Let me through!"

Vivienne pushed her way through, Magnar snarling at those who weren't moving. She had her bag with her as Liam brought the blue lipped boy before her. She collapsed in the sand, placing her ear to his mouth before she began CPR. Magnar bowed low and opened his mouth, warmth pouring out of it as he attempted to bring heat to the child's skin.

When the CPR wasn't enough, Vivienne pulled a poke'ball out and released a Magnezone. The lifeguards were about to offer her an AED kit, but the doctor instead instructed her pokemon to place its magnet hands on the child's chest in the directed spots. "Once," she directed, giving an exact voltage before the Magnezone pulsed the child. The boy was charged 3 times before he coughed and sputtered up water.

Vivienne leaned the boy up as he regurgitated a good portion of the water and began crying hoarsely. Magnar closed in to provide more heat, someone offered a clean towel to wrap the child in, his terrified sister closing in to grab him and join in his sobbing.

"This child will still need to go to the hospital," Vivienne told the lifeguards as she cradled him. "He'll need to be monitored and given proper fluids."

"An ambulance is already on the way, doctor," one of them told her. "Thank you both for your fast actions."

Vivienne seemed not to hear him after he stated the ambulance was on the way. "How are you feeling, darling? Are your parents nearby?"

"They're at the resort," the girl sniffed.

"Do you know their phone number? Why don't you give them a call on my Poke'Nav? That way they can meet you two at the hospital," Vivienne offered, pulling her device out for the girl to make the call on.

Once the ambulance arrived and took the children away, Vivienne laid into the lifeguards and police who had arrived on site.

"I know this is a vacation spot, but the lifeguards should be more diligent. My friend was able to run halfway down the beach and get into the water before them! On top of that, they should have noticed the poor thing was being swept out. Do they not have eyes? That's what they're paid to do! Watch the water for children like that, not chat it up with the tourists," she told the police, arms crossed as she pinned the nearby lifeguards with glares.

"Ma'am, thank you for your service today, the report is going to be handed down. We'll be certain that this is followed up on, but from what we've heard, the both of you reacted before the lifeguards even had a chance to," the officer stated.

He was just doing his job, Liam knew it, but he could see the exasperated expression on the woman's face, her cheeks flushed. Her point was that they should have noticed the boy was being pulled out while it was happening instead of after. But to this officer, the child was alive and safe, and that was all that mattered. Not that some doctor was getting red faced over the whole ordeal.

"Viv, why don't we turn in for now? The boy is safe," Liam interjected, trying to put an end. She was talking to a wall.

She whirled on him, her icy eyes filled with fury. But, after a moment of regarding him, she touched her temple and nodded slowly. "Just make sure this gets reported," she told the officer before retreating, shifting her satchel on her shoulder.

Greyson let a little silence pass between them as they walked back to where she had originally been lounging. "I didn't take you for such a… passionate person."

Vivienne breathed a laugh as she kicked the sand with her bare toes. "If people just did their jobs, especially first responders, so many things could be prevented. I'm sorry if I came off a little crazy, but I don't regret trying to drive my point. They won't report it though, I could see it written on their faces. I'm just some ranting doctor, probably a little stressed out and hyped on adrenaline from resuscitating a little boy. But they're wrong, it's moments like those that I'm in total clarity."

"You're not crazy, you are right. Lifeguards should have been on that before the little girl got back," he snuck a glance at her. "You know, we made quite a good team."

"I suppose we did," she said, looking over at him.

Greyson could have sworn he saw her check him out.