Milo would not be any less impressed with his new teammate if he had turned out to be imaginary. Actually, he would have preferred an imaginary teammate.
"Don't do so melodramatic." Flynn said crossly when he shared this opinion. She sat on the edge of her bed, looking at two nail polish colors. "I'm sure he'll be great. Hey, which do you think would intimidate boys more, Enigma Berry or Gyarados Blood?"
Milo sighed, pushing his wire rimmed glasses back up his nose. "You're pretty intimidating yourself, Flynn. But Enigma Berry. Mystery is scarier than straight up gore."
Flynn blew him a kiss. "That actually makes sense, Miles. You're officially the love of my life."
Milo grinned. "Yay, let's have our wedding on a beach."
"Sand? Gross." Flynn made a face. "That's it, wedding off."
Milo shrugged. "You could have at least left me at the altar like a respectable fiance."
Flynn sucked her teeth like a delinquent. "When have I ever been respectable?"
"Good point." Milo said. "But seriously, look at this guy. He's an attention whore." he passed her his phone. Flynn examined the screen with interest.
"First off, we prefer the term 'Humility Impaired'." Flynn said. "Second, wow. This guy practically lives in his underwear. How many slutty selfies can one person take per day? It's oddly inspiring."
Milo chucked a pillow at her. It missed, but hey, it's the thought that counts. "If I see one underwear selfie I will kick your ass."
Talking and teasing came so easy with Flynn. They had only known each other a year, but she was the first person he really connected with. Mostly because she took the time to connect. Most people saw he was antisocial, and that's all they saw. But Flynn saw under that, to his playful side, his silly side, his anxious side, and even his vulnerable side. She truly was his best friend. His problem wasn't with this guy (though his social media personality didn't help), but with the fact that they were getting a new teammate. They had been fine on their own, and Milo was scared that he'd mess up their dynamic.
Flynn, being the perfect and annoying and perfectly annoying friend she was, caught on easily. "Milo, the three of us will get along fine. If not, he has three months to choose whether to team up with us or go off on his own. We'll be fine."
Milo nodded. "I hope so." He muttered
Phillip stood outside the lab and stared at his outfit again in the lens his camera. He had to make a good first impression on these guys, so he wore his best- a pink t-shirt that said #Love and skinny jeans the same color but a shade darker. His new red chucks were clean and tied. His blond hair perfectly coiffed.
"Ready." He said to himself. He then snapped a quick selfie with his phone, because Phillip was nothing if not taking pictures of something, and entered Professor Sylvan's lab.
The inside was about what Phillip expected- a front desk, waiting room, and a hallway leading to various doors. Phillip approached the front desk and flashed the receptionist his thousand Kilowatt smile.
"Hi, I have an appointment with Professor Sylvan." He said. The receptionist looked bored as she checked something on her computer.
"Ah yes, Phillip." She said. "She's waiting for you in the Delta Room. Second door to the right."
Phillip smiled and nodded, then headed toward the Delta Room. He knocked once.
"Come in." Said a soft voice. Phillip opened the door and stepped in.
Sitting in chairs in front of a desk were a boy and a girl. The boy was a fashion disaster. He wore a cargo vest (the kind fishermen wore?) over a reddish brown shirt and khakis. His brown hair was messy and curly, and could use a wash. The girl was much prettier. Her indigo hair was shaved on one side and long on the other, and the shaved side had intricate designs. She wore a black leather jacket over tight jeans and a black and white striped shirt. Her feet were adorned with black boots. Both teens were brown skinned, though the boy's skin was lighter while the girl's dark.
Behind the desk was Professor Sylvan, who Phillip recognized from his interview. She had long, messy blue hair and wore her standard lab coat and jeans.
"Hi, Professor!" Phillip greeted her cheerfully. "And you two must be Milo and Flynn?"
"Nice to see you again, Phillip." she said. "Please, take a seat."
Flynn smirked at him as he sat down. "Nice outfit." She didn't sound sarcastic, though the smirk was still there.
"I like your nails." Phillip responded earnestly. "Enigma Black, right?"
Flynn smirked triumphantly at Milo, who glared back. Phillip looked at him over Flynn.
The Professor cleared her throat, and they all turned to face her.
"Well, first thing's in order," The Professor said, "Welcome, Phillip, to the Delta Defenders. In this program-"
"Professor," Phillip groaned, "I know what this program is. You don't have to explain it."
Professor Sylvan crossed her arms. "Phillip, you're lucky I like you. The last man to interrupt me was thrown out."
"Sorry Auntie." Phillip said.
"She's your aunt?" Flynn asked.
"Not by blood." Phillip explained. "But my mom went to college with her mom. They've been best friends ever since. So I call her auntie."
"Yes, and as your honorary aunt," Professor Sylvan said, "I have the right to call your mother if you misbehave. Now listen, as it's mandatory for me to say this. The Delta Defenders are a group of Pokemon conservationists. By signing up, you pledge that as you go on your journey, you will protect all Delta Pokemon you meet. While travelling, you will get text alerts as to if a Delta Pokemon has been reported in your area. Your job is to catch it and transfer it to me via the PC system. Now, on to what Delta Pokemon are and why they need to be protected.
"Delta Pokemon are mutations of regular Pokemon. As a result of these mutations, they have different typing, move sets, and appearances than their normal counterparts. These Pokemon are not like alternate forms found between regions. They do not develop a new type in order to survive a new environment. They get a new type and that often clashes with the environment they're species are normally suited for. For example, a fire type Glalie in the snowy tundra would not survive well.
"And lastly, Delta Pokemon are also often the victims of religious prejudice and hate crimes. Please be aware that you may encounter a Delta in danger from a human. Alert the proper authorities at once if that happens. Any questions, Phillip?".
Phillip shook his head.
"Good." She said. "You've already signed the paperwork, so I guess that's it. Milo and Flynn will be your team until you get your bearings, and beyond if you choose. You might want to discuss with them your plans. As for me, I have to go. Busy schedule today. But I want you to call me before you leave, understand?" She winked at him as she left the office.
Phillip turned to the other two as soon as she left. "So, selfie?" he said.
Flynn raised an eyebrow. "Now?"
Phillip nodded. "We have to commemorate the moment!"
Milo shook his head. "I don't take pictures." he said hoarsely.
Phillip looked scandalized. His brows shot towards his hair. "What? Why not?"
Milo looked away. "I just don't, okay. Let it go."
Phillip softened, his shoulders sagging. "That's okay. I never take pictures of people who don't want me to. But can we take a picture if I don't share it? I really want to commemorate this moment."
"Why?" Milo asked crossly. "Why is it important to you?"
Phillip smiled, tilting his head. "Because every moment is important."
Milo seemed to soften as well. He fixed his hair self consciously. "Fine. But on one condition."
"And that condition is…? " Phillip asked.
"If you battle me." Milo said.
"I'd love to!" Phillip said, clapping his hands together. "Now smile you guys!"
Phillip snapped the selfie before they could protest, then examined it. Surprisingly, the first one came out well- that was unheard of. Milo was surprised, his eyebrows raised and eyes wide. Flynn had smiled just in time, and it lit up her face. Phillip was laughing.
"That's a keeper." Phillip said happily. "Now, you were saying you wanted a battle?"