For the first time since Riley could remember, the elevator ride down to the lab didn't terrify him. Normally, the enclosed space and rumbling clanking noises would be enough to push him to the edge of a panic attack. But after the events of the day, the ride seemed incredibly tame.
Riley slunk into his usual seat in the corner of the lab, letting out a weary sigh. As if dealing with the ridiculous, irrational, mob-loving average citizens of Toro wasn't bad enough, there'd also been that... misunderstanding... with Ellie. All in all he'd had a pretty rough day, even if it had some upsides. After the day he'd had, he didn't feel much like working on anything, so instead he figured he might as well start the journal he'd been meaning to start. After letting out the Pixelmon he could trust to behave themselves—which ended up being Jolteon, Zorua, and Riolu, he opened up a blank journal and began to write.
Riley paused for a moment as he felt Snarly jump up onto his lap. He smiled down at the now quite large Jolteon, glad that nothing had changed since he evolved. Using one hand to lightly pet his static-charged fur and one hand to hold a pen, he resumed his writing on a fresh paragraph.Winter 1, 1038,
I have finally begun the task of keeping a journal of my scientific endeavors. After reading a large variety of personal memoirs from great scientists and other influential scholars, I could reach no other conclusion than that it is necessary that I myself keep one, to be edited and published at a later date. The following text is a record of both my actual research and findings, and the personal events which shape my world views as they occur, so that future historians will understand the context of my work and my own perspective and motivations.
Riley let out a yawn as he finished the paragraph. He meant to write a conclusion to the first entry, but the words blurred in front of his eyes and the warm weight of his Pixelmon on his lap pulled him towards sleep. He closed the book with great effort and rested his head on it; it wasn't the first time he'd used a book as a pillow, and unfortunately, it wouldn't be the last. The machines buzzing and water lapping against the glass walls together formed an impromptu lullaby, and he drifted off to sleep.Today I observed a confrontation between the citizens of Toro and a small group of individuals calling themselves "Rhyhorn Riders". As is the norm for Toro citizens, they crowded together in a mob and threatened the leader of the Riders, believing him to be suspicious on sight. I would bemoan this further if it weren't for the fact that they seemed to have judged the Riders correctly.
I would comment further on this confrontation, except I was distracted from it by a rather curious young woman who struck up a conversation with me on the outskirts of the action. She introduced herself to me as Ellie; with striking icy white hair and a similar fashion sense to my own, it's no surprise that I found her more intriguing than the petty trifles of the rest of the population. Not that there was anything untoward in my intrigue of course; it was purely an academic interest, as she soon revealed herself to be a fellow college student.
Still, I'd be lying if I said I had no personal interest at all, just not of the sort you may attempt to accuse me of. While at first she seemed a shy, quiet girl, after a bit of conversation I found that she is actually quite bold, holding many strong convictions and a deep intellect that line up well with my own. She even indulged a great many secrets to me, but alas, as they were told to me in absolute confidence, I can't disclose them here. I can assure you however that they were at once both shocking and and very promising. I hope this fragile friendship we've begun remains intact, but at the very least I must ensure that she remains an ally.