Rei
As the gate came into view and the guards acknowledged the three of us, I couldn't help but shrink at their gaze.
"Thank you for your tireless work keeping us safe, my good guardsmen," professor Laventon said. "This young man was of great assistance to me and my pokemon, so I hope you'll forgive my bringing him into the village."
The guards nodded at him. "If you feel he's trustworthy, then he's good to go. Good to see you as well, Akari."
She nodded back, and we all walked into the village.
"This way, if you please," professor said, guiding us towards the large building in the middle of the village. "Jubilife village! it's come a long way thanks to the fine people of the Galaxy Expedition Team!"
As we walked along, people began to gossip towards me.
"Never seen that child before."
"A new recruit for the survey corps?"
"That's quite the outfit right there…"
I reflexively shrank in the face of this. There was just too much…
"Alright, thats enough, everyone," Akari said. "Don't crowd the newbie, alright?"
The crowd mostly dispersed after her announcement. I gave her a vigorous nod of appreciation.
"It was no trouble. The galaxy expedition team is here to help everyone."
"Hah," Professor Laventon let out a hearty chuckle. "She gets quite enthusiastic about these kinds of things doesn't she."
"Oh c'mon, professor. Let me have this."
"Of course my dear. Now Rei, this road we're on now is known as the Canala Avenue. The village was built scarcely 2 years ago, and since we know so little of the local pokemon, people hesitate to set foot outside the village. It hinders the progress we could make."
"That's where the galaxy team comes in. Even if our progress is slow, we're expanding little by little. And see there, we've just about arrived at the Galaxy hall, headquarters of this whole thing."
As we walked towards the bridge to the galaxy hall, professor Laventon stopped dead in his tracks.
"Oh dear, I forgot to report on the pokemon that were missing! No time for a stroll I'm afraid. Akari, be a dear and show him to the canteen alright?" Before either of us could react, he had already dashed off.
"Professor…" She said, exasperated. "Well, there's nothing for it. The canteen he's talking about is right over the little bridge. I just need to put down some things and I'll be right with you, is that okay?"
"Uh… yeah sure," I said.
"Perfect. I'll see you in a bit."
"See you…" I said, trailing off as she dashed towards a different building. I approached the canteen cautiously. There, an old man waited at the door. As I approached, his gaze sharpened towards me.
"Hmm," he pondered. "Well now, aren't you awfully suspicious."
"Uh, what?"
"The Wallflower's for Galaxy team folk only. We don't have seats for outsiders. Move along!"
"Huh?!" Before I could react, he had already slammed the door in my face. What did I do now… Should I just wait until further instructions? I don't seem to be very welcome here… Maybe I should try again? But I really didn't want to have that happen again. Well, I can just wait around, Akari won't take too long. I hope...
"Rei, what are you doing out here," Akari called, jogging her way towards me.
"I got turned away," I replied, relieved that it didn't take too long.
"Oh, it must be your clothes. They don't look like they're from around here. He must have assumed you were just trying to get free food."
"Oh…"
"The professor should have introduced you to Beni before dashing away like that. Sometimes, I wonder how long he'll last."
"She's right, I'm afraid. I'm a clumsy sort of fellow, to put it mildly!"
"Professor," she exclaimed. "Well, I mean no offense…"
"None taken. But everything will be quite alright now. Rei can be part of the Survey Corps and I've delivered my report."
"You can't just do that without the captain's permission–"
"I'll allow it," a new voice said.
"Captain Cyllene," Akari exclaimed.
"Assuming the individual can contribute. I am the captain of the Galaxy Team Survey Corp. You may call me Cyllene."
Her voice and posture were stern and intimidating. I felt myself fidgeting under her gaze.
"Hmmm, you appear to be about 15 or so. Quite old enough to work for your keep." I wasn't sure if that was quite old enough but I kept that to myself.
"But we can't simply take on a stranger who wanders in among us, without any idea of their skills or origins. Tomorrow we shall see if you are worthy."
"A fine decision," professor Laventon said. "Would you care to join us for a meal? I'm sure you have questions for our new friend."
"Thats quite alright. I prefer to eat alone so that I might appreciate my meals without distraction." After saying this, she went off to eat by herself.
"Aloof as ever, I see."
"Captain's got alot on her mind."
"Well, no matter! The rest of us can share a good meal and pleasant conversation. Beni, old chum!" he shouted at the canteen. "The usual potato mochi, if you please, but make it for three today!"
The man, Beni, poked his head out of the door. "So you weren't tryin to mooch off my mochi."
I shook my head.
"Speak up next time then." he said gruffly, before disappearing into the building, presumably to make the potato mochi.
"Don't worry about him, Rei dear. Old chum's just a bit cranky around new people."
"And you can be rest assured, he makes the best potato mochi around!"
"Okay," I said quietly. How much more of this was left? Surely I met and discussed everything I needed already. That said, I would be remiss not to accept the charity Laventon and Akari offered, so I readied myself for a full meal of conversation, and looked forward to whatever I would be sleeping on after this.