|
|
|
|
|
|
|
thunderbolts_and_sunshine
|
 Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2010 9:48 pm
Riza felt a bit of a pang in her stomach, as for a moment she almost regretted being so confident. She adjusted the bow on the front of her shirt and smiled at the younger girl. "I'm sure you'll do fine," she said, trying to sound reassuring. "Everyone's gotta start somewhere, right?" Of course, there was also the part where Riza was also making her debut, but there was no way she would admit that out loud.
"Sneasel," Akima nodded, giving a little flourish. The Chikorita had spunk, and she liked that. She took a few steps towards Flora and sniffed the air a bit. She smelled good, too! Kinda like spices.
"My shopping is mostly done for the day," Riza replied. "A little bit of last minute preparations and practice and we should be good to go. Oh, and a hair appointment later this afternoon, too." She wasn't sure what else she should be saying to Amy now. She cleared her throat, and looked down at the three Pokemon, glad that Akima was behaving herself for once. "What other Pokemon do you have?"
* * * * *
Katie squeaked and quickly hid beneath the umbrella provided by Suki. "Thanks," she said, quite grateful for the shelter. With her hair being so long and thick, it literally took hours and hours for it to dry completely. She glanced up to see how well Noa was faring, which was quite well despite the pouring rain. It didn't seem to bother or hamper her all that much, as the Staravia loosed an shrill, intimidating cry that echoed eerily through the rain-soaked forest.
'Genki will not like the rain,' Katie thought, already imagining the sour look on the Monferno's face if she were to let him out right now. 'So either we'll wait it out, or Noa will just have to take down that Roserade herself.' A plan had come to mind not long after the rains had started to fall, and the orange haired girl nodded to herself. "Noa, it's time for Double Team," she called. The bird gave a chirp in reply and her body phased out for a moment before five Staravia were suddenly swooping and spiraling and splashing about in the rain, each trilling loudly to make each clone seem even more real. Katie marveled inwardly at the Staravia's efforts, as she'd never seen a Pokemon execute that move more perfectly. 'Now let's see what they do,' Katie thought, her expression calm.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2010 10:14 pm
Amy opened her mouth to say something, but swiftly closed it. Finally, she smoothed out her dress and spoke. "These are my only two," she admitted, looking down slightly. "But I'm going to catch some more before the next contest..."
Flora smiled at the Sneasel, gently patting the Pokemon on the head with her leaf. This was the Chikorita's obvious sign of friendship, and she let out another happy "Chiko!"
"What about you?" Amy asked, after checking on her Pokemon. Marshall still remained at her side, staring blankly around. "You must have a lot of beautiful Pokemon..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
thunderbolts_and_sunshine
|
Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 8:26 am
Riza nodded, knowing just how Amy felt. For the longest time, her only two Pokemon had been Akima and Yula, but in time her Pokemon family had grown. She couldn't help but wonder what Pokemon Amy would add to her team in the future. "I only added my sixth member last night," she answered. "It took a long time for me to get a full team, though a few of my Pokemon aren't really suited for contests." Of course she was talking about Diemia and Plua, though she was sure with training both of them could change that. She looked around, realizing they were still pretty close to the shop Riza had purchased her new outfit at. "So, what about you? Are you all set for tonight?" she asked, once again smiling down at the bespectacled girl.
Akima's feather twitched a bit and she grinned broadly at Flora's gesture. She really liked this little plant-like Pokemon. She looked over at the quiet Wooper and waved at him. "Snee-sell?" she called, asking him if he wanted to come over and play.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 8:29 am
“Huooo!” Clarie yawned as she stretched out her arms and sat up in her bed. She rubbed her face a few times and glanced over to see Kokoro curled up on a pillow on the floor. Near the door was a folder, apparently it had been slid under the crack during the night. Claire stood up and picked the folder off the ground. With another yawn she began to read the report before her, after half an hour she had rifled through the entirety of the mission debriefing.
After taking a glance at the clock, they had an hour or so before their chopper would take the team off to Kanto. Meanwhile, the young Quilava had finally awoken and moved next to her trainer. ’What’s up?
“We’ve got a mission today. I guess we’re going off to some memory research facility to trade information so they can help me recover. We’d better get ready.” After taking care of the basics like showering and breakfast, it was time to go. Claire made her way to the underground hangar. Apparently there was a small underground river that they would be taking a boat along to get to the helipad where supplies and such items were brought in secretly. Claire took a look over at the dock, which had room for three boats, and saw the third person on their team standing beside the only dock with a boat currently moored.
“Hey there Claire.” The boy, about the same age, with short brown hair called. “I’m Rajasi. It looks like we’ll be working together today.” He took a firm handshake. “Now where’s that screwball boss of ours, Moti?” He said with a chuckle.
”He’s right here!” Moti exclaimed as he came from the lower deck of the small, white speedboat. “Now if you two will come this way, we’ve got to get going.” He motioned for the other two to get on board the ship as he took the steering wheel. After getting on, the boat was off down the waterway.
“Once we’ve boarded the chopper, we’ll be off to Cerulean City. We’re going to parachute in, it’s a pretty common tourist thing to do near the coast there, and then proceed on foot to the institute.” The other two nodded. Soon the crew was at the helicopter pad and boarded the chopper. After a few moments, they were off into the bright blue sky.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 9:06 am
The Sinnoh Surfer for all his laidback attitude wasn’t about to play softball. “Kali, use bubble, my little Sheila.”
The corsola did its best to shake off her embarrassment, and bounced forward to face off with the geodude. She unleashed a wave of bubbles from her mouth to pummel the geodude, a much faster way to polish a rock. “COR!”
“That’s it.” Crush nodded with approval.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 10:00 am
"Oh!" Ryka exclaimed upon hearing Fantina's explaination. Although it was pepered with French phrases that Ryka didn't quite pick up, the whole idea of a contest suddenly made sense to her. "Yes, I understand now! Thank you, Miss Fantina! Thank you for everything." Ryka said with a small bow towards the coordinator.
As the two were just about to open the door to the Contest Hall, a familiar couple rushed out. It seemed that they didn't notice the purple-clad pair, but it was understandable. The look on their faces gave it away - they were just happy to be together. Ryka gave a small giggle and turned to Fantina, saying "I guess when you're in love, the only thing you can see is each other. How sweet!"
Upon entering the Hall, the pair was greeted to a lonely receptionist who seemed to staring at the computer screen in a trance. Ryka was half expecting anyone in the Hall to be in shock at seeing Fantina, but it seems this wasn't so. Even when they approached the counter and began to speak, the lady still didn't turn her head once. She looked utterly bored.
"Uhmm..excuse me." Ryka's voice seemed to take on a tone of shyness. "Am I still able to register for the contest tomorrow?"
Preceding with a small sigh, the lady replied, "Yeah, you can. Do you need to register for a pass?"
"Oh, no actually...hold on please." Ryka dug through her bag for a good minute before grabbing a credit card-sized pass. "Here you go!"
The receptionist read over the card and quickly typed all the information into the computer. It took a lot less time than Ryka figured, but maybe that was because she already had her Contest Pass. "There, you're all registered. Good luck." Her intentions seemed genuine, but her monotoned voice cancelled out that effect.
"Yes..thank you. Have a good night." Ryka shot a smile towards the receptionist, but was sure that she didn't even see it. Oh well. Spinning around just as Fantina taught her, Ryka gave a pose. "I'm registered! Miss Fantina, what else do you have to do now?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 10:10 am
In a whirl of flames, some his own and some attributed to the fire, Daemyn made his grand entrance, entirely incensed because he had been lost the last thirty minutes. The Houndoom hated snoot up his nose! Fire was nice and all -- he found it rather cozy, being his element and all -- but like a nasty mother-in-law, soot was such a terrible part of the package. Plus, who did this house think it was, falling all over the place like a sloppy drunk? Sweet mother of Celebi!
But these irritations were to him just minor horseflies when he saw the state of affairs within that little black room. 1) How in the hell did M.A. get herself into this mess, this time? Goddamn, this girl was a magnet for trouble! For Ho'oh's sake, that stench of blood! 2) Diego never mentioned his master being a nut case, although the Smeargle was kinda loopy so he might as well have guessed! 3) NO ONE, absolutely NO ONE, was allowed to put a single finger on M.A., and from the looks of it -- from the smell of her blood, from her distraught, stupid expression, and from that nasty guy about to strangle M.A. or stab her, whatever -- that Milton guy was practically pleading for Daemyn to tear his jugular straight out. That stupid girl was under his protection, how dare someone harm her, or even threaten her smile, that dumb, dumb smile of hers! All of these thoughts flashed through Daemyn's head within three seconds, as he launched himself at Milton and pinned the thin man down on the floor. He probably would have killed Milton but for the realization that M.A. was as fireproof as the house was, and she was still sitting there, dazed, with no intent to move even though flames were licking at her ankles. Daemyn growled, left Milton to his own needs, and stomped on him vindictively as he pounced off to half-throw M.A. on his back and leave the house as quickly as possible. He threw one last glare at Diego before leaving; he'd never considered the Smeargle a part of M.A.'s team since Diego was bound to a different master, and that different master had caused M.A. all this -- why, the girl was positively whimpering like a pup, half-delirious -- so Diego could rot in hell for all Daemyn cared.
Daemyn cantered past Ulani, who had retrieved Rebecca now and was struggling to pick up the child once more. The bird was visibly tired; she was a small thing, barely weighed anything at all, and she had been running around all this time, from getting Daemyn un-lost and taking care of this little brat. Well, one last stretch to the race. Meanwhile, M.A. was kinda conscious, though her whimpering had turned into half-coherent mumblings. "Daemyn, Deeee, don't forget Becca, she wanted to come down with us to see the town. It's a little hot in here, tell her to stop playing with candles, I burnt half my fingers the other night, do you know that? No, no, I didn't tell you because you'd scold me. Remember, Daemyn, fire's not for everbody," she mumbled, as if lecturing. Who was forgetting that? Daemyn continued his low growl. "There's me, and Ulani, and Becca, and Diego... Where's Diego?" The Houndoom didn't answer, focusing solely on getting the girl out with the fewest amount of burns possible. She didn't seem to feel anything, neither his jerks or the flames he jumped through from time to time. "Oh, he's probably alright, he's really resourceful," M.A. continued to mumble to herself.
Meanwhile, Ulani had fallen somewhat behind. Daemyn, distracted by his owner's condition as well as finding paths where he wouldn't have to engulf him and M.A. in fire, hadn't noticed. But the Swablu was tired. It was getting impossible to carry this Rebecca girl anywhere, but she couldn't just leave her behind in this wretched fire, it was sooooo bad for one's complexion! One quick break, she told herself, setting the child down. Of course, a burning siding decided to crash down on them then, and Ulani, responding quickly, blocked the sleeping child lying on the ground from the thing. If she had been at full strength, she might have been able to push that burning piece of wood away entirely, but she could not, to her dismay. As the fire licked painfully at her once beautifully cottony wings, Ulani gave one last vain attempt to push away the block before near collapsing on top of Rebecca's small back. The girl was safe from the fire from now, so long as Ulani endured it, but what could she do? She was stuck! And so, the bird began to cry, too weak to move, too furious at her weakness.
Back in that little black room, Milton had somewhat recovered himself from his position on the floor. He half-crawled, half-dragged himself to where Diego sat, up against the wall, where the fire was encroaching. The demonic energy in Milton's eyes had faded, giving way to woeful acceptance. "Will you come with me now, dear friend?" he asked, his voice returning to the voice of the master Diego knew and loved. This was Milton, again -- Milton, weary of life, weary of his own wickedness, weary of existing as an unwanted fly in the masses of thousands on this world. Diego looked into his old friend's eyes. The depths of sadness there had no end; with such great pain, what else was there to want except a mere release? But Diego could see Milton's fear, too. The artist had always been remarkably honest with emotions, did not lie or put up a false front, even when it came to something murderous as it did tonight; as much as Miltonwanted to rest, he was afraid of dying. He needed someone there to hold his hand through the last trial, the last pains of life. Diego clasped his hand warmly, though he was half-dead from that earlier jab. He would be there for his master, the man who had given him everything; he would in return, give his everything to him. He would follow him to the ends of the world, and even beyond --
But then he heard Ulani's cry. That cry, that beautiful soprano, that Diego had never caught on paper. A voice so beautiful against Diego's muteness. And she was in trouble. It sounded bad from the sound of her unusual wail.
Diego looked at his master, torn, then looked at the door. The emotional strain of his decision, I cannot imagine. To stay was to kill; to leave was to kill, the ultimate betrayal.
Ulani gave one more cry, weaker this time, and Diego's feet spurred to action. He gave his master's hand one last squeeze, embraced his savior, his friend, his care-taker, his senior, his role model for too short a time, then ran without looking back. He couldn't look back at that broken man, who now seemed even more like a crumpled pile now that his one support had gone. He couldn't bring him to see the expression on Milton's face, would have died to see the vengeance there --
But in truth there was no anger in Milton's face, as he sat against the wall to die; the flames were coming closer, but he no longer felt fear. He had smiled softly, maybe somewhat reproachfully as a parent does to an erring child, at Diego's back as he ran away. "You've found someone, eh, Diego? I suppose I should be happy for you... She's a cute one, huh? Dear friend, I hope... I fervently hope... that your lifetime yields more happiness than mine. Keep awe in your eyes for mysteries; once you have entertained each and every one, once you know all the dry, dry truth, the darkness lies there in wait, and it'll swallow you whole, there's just no way back... Ah, death, you great equalizer. I suppose we'll meet again, Diego. Under better conditions, I hope. I've done wrong -- I wonder if it's too late to reform? Ah, the one last mystery, I suppose. The beyond sounds intriguing already; oh, but it's here, is it not? You're a timely master, Death. Ah, what was that line? 'Because I could not stop for death / He kindly stopped for me.' Kind indeed."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 11:00 am
Both Karrigan and Ikouma wore identical grins as the Beedrill moved in for the attack. Karrigan recognized the Twineedle at once, knowing it could be quite painful for her Sneasel if it were to hit, but she was sure her partner wouldn't allow that, and for a fleeting moment she missed the many training sessions they'd had with Candice back in Snowpoint. She also considered giving the Dark and Ice-type a command, but decided against it. Ikouma had always been very good at taking a battle into his own claws and using his intellect to guide him.
Sure enough, the sly Sneasel watched intently as the Beedrill dove out of the sky towards him, her stingers extended. A slight smirk appeared on his face and he deftly tumbled forward in a tight roll so that he came up facing the opposite way he'd started from, a clear view of Callistra in front of him. All at once he opened his mouth and unleashed a deafening, piercing Screech that could undoubtedly be heard for miles around them.
=-=-=-=-=
"Actually, no. I don't remember," Jake started, but it was apparent that the girl hadn't heard him because now she was saying something about a man in an orange suit. He gave an exasperated sigh, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Now she was talking about gyms again. He looked down at his arms and legs, wondering if she thought he was out of shape or in need of bulking up a little. "Challenge Roark?" he asked, not entirely sure what she meant, and it was then that he still didn't know her name. He wasn't sure how to go about asking it without looking like a great big dork, either.
"So, Oreburgh, huh?" he asked. "I suppose I could go with you. I mean, I'm not doing anything important." He smiled at her, suddenly realizing that she was probably his only link to his other life. She'd spoken of him having won several things called badges, and of him having other, stronger Pokemon. It was all very intriguing, yet very terrifying at the same time. What was he like before? Was he a good person? Did he have any friends, any family? Perhaps once he felt a little more comfortable around this girl, he'd gather up enough nerve to ask her, and tell her what was really going on, but for now he was content to pretend that he belonged in this world.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 11:15 am
"I know the feeling," Amy said, somewhat quietly, once Riza had mentioned Pokemon not suited for contests. "Marshall doesn't really seem too interested in them..." Then she returned the smile, nodding some. "I've got my outfit, so I guess I just have to train a bit more..." The mention of a salon was lost upon her, and she realized that it would be helpful to have a quick visit.
"Though maybe I should try the salon, too," she admitted, a sort of admiration in her blue eyes for the girl that had thought of some things. "Is this your first contest?"
Flora glanced over to Marshall with her newfound friend and offered the little one a smile. The Wooper merely blinked and smiled again. He padded over, let out yet another "Woop!", and sat, grinning up at the Dark/Ice-type. This most likely meant he liked her, but Flora was never sure of how her new companion functioned socially.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 12:01 pm
Of course, since they were both heading to the Pokémon Center, Jett just couldn't stop himself from talking to Leon some more. It didn't so much bother the Ghost-type trainer as he didn't really feel like talking, but this was what trainers did, so he supposed that he'd just have to get used to it.
"Yeah," He responded to Jett's question, though he barely got the word out before the kid was talking again, so chances were had hadn't even heard him. He walked past the younger boy and delicately placed his own two PokéBalls on the counter, having returned Muuma to her's before entering the Center. "How would we make 'one hell of a team'?" Leon asked honestly, really not seeing it. He moved out of the way in case anybody else came into the Center to heal their Pokémon, though he expected that it wouldn't take long for their Pokémon to be healed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 12:09 pm
Jett paid no attention to the obvious reluctance/annoyance that the other trainer had about talking to him. Then he stood there, unsure of how to respond. The boy opened his mouth, blinked, and closed it again.
"B-because... any two trainers would make a hell of a team eventually..." he finally said, slightly put-down. "But... we're both pretty good battlers... and if we stopped fighting, we could team up and travel and catch cool Pokemon and beat the gym leaders and stuff..." Though inwardly, Jett did promise to fight Leon at least once more, just so he could finally win. He held up one finger as he was called, quickly striding to the counter to retrieve his Pokeballs. "Thank you!"
Finally, he returned to the older teen, beaming up at him. "So, what do you say, Leon?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 12:24 pm
Riza gave a quick nod. "Yes, it is my first contest," she admitted somewhat scornfully. "But I've been training for it for a long time now. I almost can't believe that it's actually tonight." She paused and looked towards Akima, who was now eagerly showing off her dexterity and agility to the two younger Pokemon. "I could have been in my first contest a while ago, but I soon learned that I couldn't just jump into being a coordinator. I had to learn all the basics of being a trainer first." She frowned, as those memories of her first few days away from home were not pleasant ones.
"Oh well, now isn't the time to dwell on the past," she said, mostly to herself. Akima looked up at her trainer and grinned. They'd been working at this for a while now, and she was confident that they would do quite well, especially after all their preparations.
* * * * *
"Dodge, Geodude," Roxanne commanded at once. "And spin yourself into a Sandstorm!"
"Duuude!" cried the Rock Pokemon in affirmation, quickly curling her arms around her once again and bounding out of the way of the oncoming bubbles, the scene quite humorous as all she could really do was bounce and roll around. Once she'd made it a safe distance from the bubbles both arms were quickly spread out from her sides and she began to spin like a helicopter on the spot, kicking up a vicious whirlwind of sands that covered the entire arena. Roxanne knew that both Pokemon on the field would be immune to the Sandstorm's damaging effects, but that hadn't been what she was going for. What she'd been aiming for was the fact that a raging Sandstorm greatly increased a rock-type Pokemon's special defense and would make the Corsola's Bubble attack a lot harder to use.
* * * * *
Fantina had hung back a bit once they'd entered the Contest Hall, watching with a bright smile as the couple had passed right by them. "Mais oui," she said, tapping her chin with a slender finger. "Young love, c'est très magnifique." She paid little attention to the bored receptionist at the desk, keeping her distance while Ryka went through the process of registration.
"Very good, you are all ready for tomorrow then?" she said, glad to see the girl was enthusiastic about her contest debut. "As for moi, I do not have to do any'ting but show up tomorrow evening. Though I am glad you have an understanding of how z'ese contests work, you should probably get some practice in before hand, n'est-ce pas?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
thunderbolts_and_sunshine
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 12:36 pm
"Learn the basics..." Amy repeated softly, brows furrowing slightly. Then, she looked back up, smile back in place. "Well, it's nice to know that I'm not alone in being the first!"
Marshall merey sat, watching with a blank grin as Akima showed off her skills. His grin broadened and he let out a bright "Woop! Woopah!" as a show of appreciation.
Flora sat beside her partner, smiling happily all the while. She felt especially pleased with herself for bringing Amy to such a nice person and such a cool Pokemon!
"Well, I wouldn't want to waste your time," Amy said after a few moments of silence on her part. She, almost reluctantly, took a step back. "I hope we'll see each other before the appeals!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 1:14 pm
Riza's thoughts turned to Crenu and Ryka. 'Nope, definitely not alone,' she thought, though she didn't say it out loud. Her thoughts had also drifted back to her newest party member, and she was very excited to see what kinds of attacks and abilities he had. She'd always thought a gorgeous Dratini or Dragonair would be a perfect contest Pokemon, so perhaps she'd get some training in with Faustus later.
Akima stepped back, arms folded across her chest. She looked up at Riza, wondering what her trainer was thinking about. She wanted nothing more than to be the Pokemon Riza relied upon for this contest, but she knew that the others would need chances to prove themselves as well. "Snee?" she asked, tugging at the hem of Riza's skirt curiously.
Riza smiled and patted the Sneasel on the head. "Don't worry, you're still my ace," she said, knowing there would be few Pokemon out there that could compete with the Sneasel's grace, speed and overall agility. She looked back to Amy, and nodded again. "Yeah, I should probably get some more training in. And I'm sure we'll meet again before the contest," she added. "But if not, good luck. I'm sure we'll both be great."
|
|
|
|
|
|
thunderbolts_and_sunshine
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 1:25 pm
"Yeah," Amy agreed, smiling. "It was really nice meeting you!" She slowly turned, unsure of where to go, but then inspiration seemed to strike her and she began to stroll away.
Flora let out one last "Chikorita!" to both Riza and Akima, nodded, and began to follow her trainer. Marshall stared for a moment, let out a soft "Woop," and grinned. He followed his team, happily repeating his name with every other step.
Amy continued along her way, somewhat lost in her thoughts. She finally decided on checking out the salon like Riza would do. But that would be for later. She had something specific in mind.
"Learn the basics of being a trainer..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
