[Intro] A Kalosian Professor Appears!

[megabond]

[Drifted into Route 1]

[Being drifted into the Ultern Region seems to be a confusing phenomenon. One moment, Professor Sycamore was in his lab. Then the next thing he knew, he was at the beach standing in front of the sea just as he left to get some coffee at a nearby café. And that's after he noticed that he still has his lab coat on. Well, this isn't the weirdest thing he ever encounters in his life. If anything, finding out where he was transported is the least of his worries.]

[Turnbloom City]

[For some dumb luck reason, Professor Sycamore manages to find his way in Turnbloom City. While he was still wandering around to check out the sites of the city, it doesn't mean he doesn't have time to introduce himself to the locals and other Drifters.]

Why hello! I mean, Ulsai! I was hoping you might recommend me some cafes available here in Turnbloom.

[Otherwise, if you like, you can approach him while he looks around the city.]

Comments

[megabond]

[And he got his answer. So it's way before the Kalos League. He originally guessed it might be that time, but since Chespie was up and about with Mairin, that means she must be way before that happened.]

Well, I don't know everything else that happened between you and Alain, but I'm guessing he left you because he doesn't want to see you hurt again.

[lavieenmarron]

[She frowned, but nodded.]

I was scared... I didn't want him to get hurt either. I snuck on that ship when I wasn't supposed to, to follow him... I wanted to save him and make sure he'd be safe. It just... kind of went the other way around right after I saved him.

[She clutched at fistfuls of cloth, worrying her lip.]

... doesn't he get I feel the same way too? Why won't he let anyone help?

[megabond]

[He has an inkling of an idea about it, but he has to be careful with his words. Sycamore doesn't know how time travel really works in this world and he doesn't want to give Mairin a forewarning from the future since it might fuel her more worries.]

I think he only did so because he didn't want to give you more burden than he wanted you to.

Unlike you, he felt that he had an obligation to carry the responsibilities since he has the Mega Ring and Mega Stone and despite what he said to you and leaving, he did so because he cared about you.

[Sycamore sighs, still feeling a bit guilty after everything Alain went through back home.]

But right now, he's been working with the wrong people. I can't say who or why, but all I can say is that no matter what happens, you have to respect his wishes. That's all he ever wanted for you.

1/2; age difference CW even if it’s a canon line

[lavieenmarron]

[So, that was it…
He was protecting her out of love, not hate. Was it the same reason he didn’t ask the Professor for help?]

It’s that director, isn’t it? That’s the bad guy? That tall man with the red hair and beard, like a Pyroar…

[Who else would it be, right?]

He seemed kinda weird, when we first met. He’d bend down when talking to me, like I was a little kid, then call me Alain’s girlfriend. But he didn’t really talk to me as much as he did about me. Like I wasn’t there. Like what he’d do and say just didn’t add up.

2/2

[lavieenmarron]

Yeah… I didn’t think Alain was tricking me, just. Confused. I didn’t really get why he’d leave me, right after that, but I understand now.

I’ll keep believing in him, Professor. Don’t worry! I know he’ll find the light again, he isn’t a bad guy. His heart’s solid gold, he’s just a little lost right now…

[With a soft voice and tender smile, although tears were brimming in her eyes. She shook them off with a grin, though, and her voice took on a playful mock-angry tone.] I’ll still make sure to give him an earful when I find him again, though, for the both of us!

[Hesitating a moment, she then reached for the Professor, to try and give him a comforting hug, as best as she can manage, for one so small, with the warmth of the hug she shared with Alain just before he left her side.]

[megabond]

Sycamore responds to Mairin's guess with a nod.

Again, I can't say anymore. However, I guess Lysandre will do everything to get on Alain's grace.

[He can't say too much about Lysandre, but he wants to make sure that she has to stay away from him and convince Alain to do the same. Seeing her cry about Chespie is too much for him to bear.]

That is glad to hear. Don't give up on Alain and I'm sure he will listen to reason to the right people once more.

[At least his words were enough to see Mairin smile again. He even accept her hug for an added touch. He is confident that she will help Alain out of the darkness and into the light.]

Now then, I'm guessing you just arrive here in Ultren, correct? I also arrived here recently and some good folks gave me a tour around the city.

[lavieenmarron]

[Mairin listened carefully to his words, nodding along, then, when he suggested a tour, she smiled.]
Alright, Professor! Show us around.

[Chespie also brightened up when Mairin did and looked up hopefully.]

If you’re not too busy, that is.

[megabond]

[Sycamore offers his hand to Mairin.]

Not to worry. I have the time of the world today to see the sights of the city. In fact, I was about to head to Stardust Beach if you like.

[lavieenmarron]

... a beach sounds nice.

[It'd clear her head, maybe, even if it could also be a little sad. She really missed Alain, but Professor Sycamore's words put her a little more at ease. She will find him and he will find his way... someday. It's just hard to shake off the sorrow and worry in the meantime. Still, she could still enjoy the moment—she's good at that. There's bound to be beautiful things to explore; there always is, if you know where to look.]