The note from the cryptic friend said for them to meet at the local cafe after she was done so that they could catch up. "This isn't Izzy's handwriting," Ambre commented to Absol as they headed in the direction. While it had been some time since the two had seen each other, the handwriting was too perfect and full of loops for Izzy's doctor like writing. And given how her other friends' writings could be best described as chicken scratch else not in cursive, it was probably something she could not nor should ignore.
Behind the gym was the cafe, in a small corner that would normally be hard to find. It was much like the rest of the buildings around: looking poorly maintained though a well kept flower bed up front, though this one differ with white, metal seats up front with a chalk board sign up front with a drawing of a coffee. Also quite different from the other buildings were all the people in front of it, eating. It was only a bit past ten.
Inside, it was just as busy as it looked. While there was plenty of room for both Ambre and Absol to continue walking side-by-side, it appeared that every seat was taken.
"Ambre?" a waiter noticed her entering.
"Yes, that's me," she jumped a bit, surprised that the man knew who she was.
"Oh good, a table is ready for you. Right this way," he led through the crowd. Ambre followed behind, wondering why they brought her here. They weaved through the crowd to the back room, a long hall with windows curving over and providing natural light in. About in the middle of the room, the waiter presented the only table with a seat left. "Here you go, do you need a moment to look over the menu?"
"Yes, please," Ambre replied as she took her seat.
"I'll be back in a minute then.
With the waiter well out of earshot, Ambre's "friend" introduced herself, "Ambre, it is good to meet you in person." Across the table was a woman much older than her, roughly in her mid thirties. She was rather pale with a short, kept brown hair and wearing a nice blouse and a light coat over it. "Allow me to introduce myself," she extended her manicured hand with a silver ring, "My name is Virginie, and I was a good friend of Rebecca. But please, figure out what you want to order before the waiter comes back. It will be on me."
"I already know what I want," Ambre replied with only a brief look. Hot chocolate. Always the odd choice at a coffee shop, but she didn't need something to keep her wired while beginning her search, not until that night at least. "But you were saying?"
"Oh good. But yes, as I was saying, I was good friends with Rebecca before she, well, you know I'm sure." Virginie had paused a moment, pulling her hand back. "That's why I asked you here. I heard you were the one that Umbreon asked to help and I knew you would need help."
"So you are a part of them?"
"Yes, you could say I am."
The waiter returned and took their orders, Ambre's simple drink seemed like nothing compared to the woman ordering a full breakfast. Once the waiter was gone again, Ambre asked, "So, who exactly is Rebecca to the Umbreon?"
"His mother in just about every way you could imagine." That only confirmed Ambre's worst fears.
"And what is he exactly?"
Virginie didn't answer at first. She instead briefly looked outside, nothing in particular was out there. "I think it is best you just concentrate on finding Rebecca for now. All will be revealed eventually."
"Then I guess the question is, do you know anything of Rebecca's whereabouts?"
"Most likely."
"Then why are we here?"
"Because you are the only one who can reach it without drawing any suspicions. There is some belief that she is being held captive in Lumiose City in the old Team Flare headquarters."
"There? I thought that place was torn down."
"Sold and then abandoned. It is still functional as a place to hide. Sure, the front door is sealed off, but no one found the other entrance to it."
"No one?"
"I am afraid that I don't know myself."
"Then how do you know she is there?"
"We've been watching the group we believe who would kidnap her for their own gain. They have been active in the Lumiose City, specifically where the old base was. Ah, here's our food."
The waiter served them their food. Ambre had her small drink, still steaming and with a simple picture of an Absol on the front, and Virginie got her croissant and coffee. Just the smell of it was starting to make her hungry despite a large breakfast earlier.
Once the waiter was again out of earshot, Virginie continued, "I know it seems like much, but this is the best hunch we have to Rebecca's whereabouts. I won't blame you if you don't want to do it."
"And there is a group down there, correct?"
"Most likely."
"And you expect me to single handling defeat them? With no help? Are you going to be coming in to help me?"
"I'm afraid I can't. If a large group approach the entrance, they would surely notice and run off again, or worse. But you can take them out, you and your Pokemon together. You don't think your Absol is a mere pushover, do you?"
Ambre thought about it. Depending on how big the group, she might be able to send a few packing, but not a large group. Eventually her Pokemon would tire out of the battling so much, then she would be in trouble. And what if Rebecca wasn't there? What if it was a trap?
Absol placed his paws on her lap and then rested his head on them. Ambre immediately started to scratch his head out of habit. She looked down to see Absol looking back up at her, not with a begging look on his face but the same, calm look he always carried.
"I guess I can look around there. What should I be looking for?"
"Thank you," Virginie said with a smile growing.