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"Hooph," Akari let out a big breath once she was safe inside Galaxy Hall. Rei, right behind Akari, took a moment to brush the snow off his uniform.
Hisui was deep in winter. The snow and ice, normally reserved to patrolling the icelands, had come south and blanketed the rest of the island. Many pokemon had retreated to their dens to hibernate, but others were content to brave the cold and short days. These pokemon needed study, so Rei and Akari ventured into the wilderness to observe. Despite how beautiful it was in the fieldlands, it was nice to warm up in the sturdy walls of Galaxy Hall.
With her own scarf shaken out and returned to its proper place on her head, the pair of surveyors made their way to Professor Laventon's office, making sure to wave 'hi' to Bagin on their way.
Professor Laventon was a kind soul. When he found her on the beach alone and afraid, he offered her a place in the Galaxy Team. She couldn't think of anyone who was more kind and generous. She couldn't remember-
A fire was burning low in Cyndaquil's fireplace. The fire-type was curled up on the edge of the coals, right next to the cast iron kettle that the professor kept warm. He knew the cold wasn't Akari's element. Warm tea was always warranted after these expeditions. A pair of empty teacups were waiting on the central table, thoughtfully placed, ready for two explorers to find.
Akari, the closest to the table, grabbed the two ceramic cups, while Rei walked to the fireplace, ready to pour. It was a routine they were well-practiced in. Lifting the kettle from its stand woke Cyndaquil, who jumped up and squeaked at the intrusion.
"I'm sorry Cyndaquil, I didn't mean to startle you," Rei said, and gave the fire mouse pokemon some pets on the head after returning the kettle.
While Rei was busy with the tea, Akari dug through her bag until she found her pokedex and Oshawott's pokeball, setting them on the table. Akari sat down on the rug, cross-legged, and let Oshawott out of the ball. He appeared in a ball of blue light and chirped happily, looking around. Akari giggled at the cute sight. Siezing the opportunity, Oshawott climbed up and snuggled into Akari's vacant lap.
One teacup per hand, Rei carried the drinks carefully and set them on the table.
"Hoo?" called Rowlet from his tree. "Hoo!" A ruffling of feathers and Rowlet was in the air, making a beeline for Rei.
"Hello Rowlet," Rei chuckled, leaning forward as Rowlet landed on his head. The bird had a soft spot for Rei, especially now that he was spending more time in the office thanks to the cold.
Not to be left behind, Cyndaquil stretched and hopped down from his fireplace and made a lazy pace toward the congregation of people and pokemon. The fire type had an affinity toward Akari, who knew exactly where he needed scritchess.
With pokedex in her right hand, Akari reached out her left hand and made scritching motions. Like clockwork, she felt a tiny furry body snuggle up against her.
"This is just what I needed!" Rei said, warming his hands with the tea.
Here in Laventon's office, warmed by the oil lamps and the fire, insulated from the frost on the windows and the falling snow, surrounded by her friends...
This was nice.
