|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 11:03 pm
((RP Post.))
"Noooooo, Scyther!"
The dismayed wail hung in the early morning air, suspended by its trainer's grief. A deep, bass roar swallowed up the sound in an instant--the Gyarados had extended its long body and was bellowing its triumph at the heavens. Gaping maw extended, the beast shot a blast of molten flame high into the sky, powerful muscles rippling as it swayed back and forth. Two pairs of eyes would be the only ones to witness this scene. One, a soft, honey brown, was filled with pride and joy, watching the Pokemon celebrate its hard-earned victory. The other, the losing trainer, held a mixture of fear and revulsion. Despite the lacerations that had been carved into its thick body, the Gyarados hadn't let up. It continued to fight, using those brutal fangs to maul her precious Scyther until the poor Pokemon had fainted from exhaustion.
"I hate you!" The teenaged girl screamed, stomping her foot before racing off through the woods, away from the tiny house, away from the screaming Gyarados and its triumphant trainer. She had been a young, arrogant thing, sneering at the older man who had asked her if she had been lost. His house was out in the middle of nowhere, after all--As a renouned Pokemon trainer, he grew tired of both trainers and the media constantly tracking him down for interviews or other silly things. Though, the brunette thought quietly to himself, tiredly tucking his hands in the pockets of his winter coat, Icarus had needed a good battle. He had caught the Gyarados only a few months ago, and the progress that had been made was astounding. No longer did the Pokemon refuse to obey him, nor did Icarus seem so...well, angry all the time.
Mark turned his warm gaze towards the little cottage behind them, smiling faintly. His family would be inside--he could see his daughter's shining face pressed up against the window, awed at the power that Icarus was displaying. Pokemon weren't evil, he had told her. Some might seem mean and scary, but deep down, if you were kind to them, they would love you.
"Icarus."
The single word made the Gyarados stop in mid-howl, sinking to the ground so he could stare silently at his trainer. He trusted this man now, the man who had made him powerful.
"Good job. We've got another tournament soon, so let's get those wounds patched up."
Mark smiled when the sea serpent snorted in agreement, pumping its massive tail so that it was now floating above the ground. Icarus couldn't really fly, or at least Mark didn't think so. "Good boy. Let's see if we can get you to swim today, huh?" It was a perfect morning, if a bit cold...Nothing could go wrong.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 7:01 am
A great, crushing sigh forced itself out of the long coils of the exhausted Icarus. Silently, the Gyarados curled up in the blissful, cool water of the massive tank that had been specially designed for him, quite tired from the long, voracious tournament. He had done well--he had won every battle that he had participated in. Icarus exhaled loudly, the sensitive whiskers on either side of his gaping maw twitching occasionally as his body maintained perfect homeostasis. His human would be back soon, this he knew.
Without any reason to fear, those fearsome indigo eyes closed, and the beast began to breathe in a deep, peaceful rhythm. Ear flaps fanning out, Icarus rested his chin upon the edge of the large healing tank, his body curling into tight ringlets as he prepared for slumber. He was pleased with how long and hard he had fought today, and had no regrets. After all--he hadn't been the one that had passed out.
Whistling happily to himself, Mark strode back towards his Pokemon, having settled his winnings and such. He had been planning on leaving immediately, but upon seeing the normally ferocious Gyarados dreaming almost happily, he found himself unable to wake the normally temperamental Pokemon. Chuckling to himself, Mark settled himself on a nearby bench, fondly eying the battle-scarred body of Icarus. "You're far too much trouble sometimes, my friend."
Sleepily, the beast opened one eye, snorting dismissively at the sight of his trainer. A deep rumble coursed within his sinuous body, and, satisfied, Icarus allowed himself to completely submerge into the water. The man was back; this was good. Before long, those silly humans with their flashing cameras would come by, and Icarus was in no mood to be blinded repeatedly until he was forced to scare them away.
Dragging a hand through his brown locks, Mark drummed an idle hand against his thigh. The woman at the receptionist counter had told him that someone had been looking for him--she had told them the location of Icarus's cage and, apparently, they were quite eager to take a look. A light frown creased his weathered face. Reporters, perhaps? He certainly didn't mind giving out interviews, but, as of yet, it seemed as though no one was nearby...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spliced - Cronus Vice Captain
|
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 5:53 pm
It wasn't long before a man with slicked-back hair wearing a business suit walked up to the older trainer. His gait was sure and there was no sign of a camera or news crew, so he didn't seem to be a reporter of any kind. A pair of reflective sunglasses hid his eyes from view and he wore a confident smile as he offered his hand in greeting.
"You are Icarus' trainer, Mark, correct? That was a very impressive battle today, sir." His voice was smooth and deep, like the voice of one who would do well on radio or in narration. He seemed to radiate confident charm and his smile could disarm the most hostile Tauros.
"I represent a privately-owned company by the name of CRONUS. I'm here on their behalf today to present you with a little proposition..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 1:52 am
Mark instinctively straightened, his shoulders pushed back proudly as he gripped the man's hand with a smile. "Thank you--Icarus worked hard today." Though his smile never wavered, the man immediately assessed this newcomer. Who was he, exactly? He certainly didn't look like the reporter that he had been expecting...Shrugging it off, the older man swept one hand through his hair, brows lifting in surprise.
"CRONUS? Never heard of it." Mark said cheerfully, relaxing underneath te man's mellow tone. It was pleasant to listen too, really. Brows lifted high in surprise, disappearing into his hair, and the man looked thoughtful. "A proposition?" Little warning flags were going off now, but, foolishly, he chose to ignore them. What was there to be worried of? It was just a proposition, after all.
Still, the man couldn't help but glance at the slumbering Gyarados behind him. "It doesn't have to do with Iccy, does it?" He attempted to laugh, yet started to feel a tinge of worry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spliced - Cronus Vice Captain
|
Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 2:13 am
Nodding, the man poured on the charm as he began to elaborate. "Yes, sir; in fact, it does. Icarus has not escaped the notice of my employers. His strength is impressive, as are his skills in battle. Quite a fantastic fighter."
He smiled disarmingly, hands clasped behind his back. "Such Pokemon are not easily found. I shouldn't have to tell you that they are quite rare, and they tend to be very valuable as well. My employers would like to offer you a sizeable amount of money for Icarus here."
He removed his sunglasses, folding them carefully and placing them in his jacket pocket as he met Mark's gaze. "Now, before you say anything, let me assure you that Icarus would receive the best of care and attention. He would also receive training from some of the top Pokemon trainers in the world as well as gourmet meals from top Pokemon breeders." He smiled again charmingly. "I suppose I can tell you that one of my employers is a bit of a Pokemon enthusiast. He spends an extraordinary amount of money on collecting and pampering what he deems the best of the best in the Pokemon world. In fact, I'm sure he would do anything necessary to acquire what he wants."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 2:45 am
Even before the man could finish, Mark was shaking his head, an expression of disbelief on his face. "No--I'm sorry, but no. I won't sell him. He isn't an object, nor is he some sort of trophy. Icarus is well-cared for, and I'll tell you now, he's not so easy to deal with. Please, don't bother me again with such a request." The nerve of these people! The older man shoved his hands in his pockets to keep them out of sight; they were trembling with rage.
Enormous indigo eyes lazily peeled themselves open, assessing the situation at once. With a deep hum, Icarus opened his jaws aggressively, rising up, up out of the water, towering above both men now. What had happened? What had he missed? His man was upset--and it was this newcomer's fault. The hum grew into a bass growl, and the water dragon flared his nostrils, whiskers quivering.
"Icarus." Mark spoke softly, able to feel the air itself quivering as the Gyarados began to work itself into a temper. The Pokemon ignored his trainer, extending his long neck down, water pooling from his open maw as he dangerously held himself above the other man, threatening to bite down with a few agitated twists of his massive body. "Icarus." Mark's tone went deadly quiet, and, after a hesitating flap of his ears, the beast reluctantly pulled away, hissing gutturally.
"I suggest you leave before he gets out of control." The trainer clipped, turning his back promptly to stride over to the tank in hopes to soothe the snarled Gyarados.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spliced - Cronus Vice Captain
|
Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 3:10 am
Eyes narrowed, the man seemed unaffected by the display of irritation from the Pokemon, though his hand had slipped unnoticed to a Pokeball hidden beneath his jacket. He had been armed for just such an incident. Although he couldn't hope to subdue such a fighter on his own, the Jolteon at his belt could provide a suitable distraction to allow him to escape if need be. Fortunately for them both, Icarus seemed to withdraw for now.
"I see. That is your final decision then?" He relaxed slightly, pulling his sunglasses from his pocket and placing them once more on his face, shielding his eyes. "Very well."
This simple statement held a note of ominous finality. It was as if all pretenses of charm and goodwill had been dropped. The man glared icily over the top of his shades, practically growling his final words. "I'm sorry it had to come to this then. You could have been rich, but you chose to refuse my employer's generous offer. I trust you will grow to regret that decision very soon. One way or another, my employer WILL have that Pokemon. You may stake my word on that."
Pushing the sunglasses back up on his nose, his eyes hidden once more, the man whirled on his heel, stalking away and disappearing into the crowd that milled about after the Pokemon battle.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 3:36 am
He did his best to ignore the barbed threat, one palm pressing against the cool glass in a feeble attempt to calm Icarus, who proceeded to writhe angrily within his tank. "Try all you want." Mark muttered, closing his eyes wearily. They couldn't do anything, and they would never wrest Icarus from him. Not while he was alive and breathing, anyway.
Wordlessly, Icarus was beginning to settle, finally seizing the seriousness of the situation. Someone had tried to BUY him? Jaws extended as far as they could, and the Pokemon screamed its rage, the sound only slightly muffled by the water, and the thick sheet of glass that separated him from his trainer. Mark had refused though--this was good...not that Icarus would have expected any less. Ohh, he was seething now, furious that he hadn't bitten the man in half when he had the chance.
A rumble from the Gyarados made him glance up, and Mark chuckled at the enraged expression on the Pokemon's face. "It wouldn't have done any good if you had bit him, you know. Then you would have gotten taken away for attacking a human..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spliced - Cronus Vice Captain
|
Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 3:56 am
Ring! Ring!
Click. "Yes?"
"We have a problem."
"So, the target refuses to cooperate?"
"Correct. Drastic measures will have to be taken."
"Very well then. A team will be on the way immediately to take the subject into custody. By force if need be."
"Understood. Team should report to the subject's normal habitat. The target may need further...convincing."
A chuckle. "Yes, I imagine that will be the case. Report back to headquarters as soon as possible."
"Yes, sir. Agent 293 signing off."
Click.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 4:08 am
Oblivious to the phone call that had just been made, Mark chatted idly to Icarus for a while more, even coaxing the great beast to lift his head out of the water so he could stroke one side of that gaping, fish jaw. The Gyarados sighed deeply, contentedly, his eyes slipping shut as a sound not unlike a purr vibrated deeply within his long, sinuous body. The tension from the day's stress was slowly easing away, and Icarus seemed on the verge of nodding off once more. Mark grinned fondly, patting the Pokemon's jaw once more. "Atta boy."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spliced - Cronus Vice Captain
|
Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 8:52 pm
Silent figures circled the tank, taking their positions just out of sight and sense of either trainer or Pokemon. Each was armed with a number of Pokeballs as well as a certain device reserved for only the worst case scenario.
A military-issue pistol, each fitted with a custom silencer.
Touching one finger to a combination earpiece/microphone, the squad leader spoke in hushed tones to his subordinates. "Subject has been sighted. Hold positions and keep out of sight while subject calms. Wait for my signal to move. You have been briefed on the mission and you all know what to do." Then, silence fell once more as the leader's eyes narrowed, his hawk-like vision locked on the giant water dragon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 7:30 pm
Mark was oblivious to the danger, and Icarus as well. The massive sea-serpent hissed with pleasure, his great jaws closing as his chin rested on the side of the tank. The trainer affectionately offered a tug to one of the cat-like whiskers on the side of Iccy's face--laughing a little as the Gyarados snapped his jaws with disapproval. "All right, all right, settle down." Pulling over the plastic chair he'd brought along, Mark took a seat, leaning back to try and get comfortable as he shifted. He had to wait here for a few hours until Icarus was good and ready to come along with him before returning home.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spliced - Cronus Vice Captain
|
Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 7:42 pm
"3...2...1! GO GO GO!"
Red flashes of light formed a ring around the tank as a number of well-trained Electric-type Pokemon leapt from their Pokeballs, ready for action. The squad leader's Jolteon led the attack with a powerful Thunderbolt, striking the water dragon's back and spreading through the water. While an Electabuzz and Manectric started hitting the tank with Thunder Waves, trying to paralyze Icarus and minimize damage to their own forces, the other Pokemon launched attacks, trying to knock him out. While vastly outnumbered, the squad leader was taking no chances in underestimating this particular Pokemon's abilities. Afterall...CRONUS didn't send its special forces after weak Pokemon.
Icarus' trainer was not forgotten, however. Unsheathing his pistol, the leader shot Mark an icy look. "You were warned. Now, no thoughts of playing hero or this could get a lot messier than it has to be."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 7:51 pm
Both trainer and Pokemon were completely caught off guard, and only when fat bolts of electricity began to rip through the water did Mark knock over his chair in a frantic stramble to get to his feet. Icarus screamed with pain, immediately pumping his massive tail twice and surging out of the water. His eyes were dilated with fury and pain, and from his gaping maw, a massive, crackling build of energy began to hum with life. He'd been taught the Thunderbolt move, and was using that as a means to try and help stave off the overwhelming damage that was being dealt to him. Another hoarse, bellowing scream of rage shook the Gyarados' body, and without hesitation, he let the Hyper Beam fly. He was oblivious to the damage it might cause to anyone else, still screaming behind the roar of the attack, twisting his massive head this way and that in a futile attempt to destroy everyone.
Icarus had surrendered himself to the very rage that had caused entire cities to be destroyed.
Mark could only gape in horror, having never seen such violence rolling off in waves from Icarus. He'd always been surly, aggressive even--but the way he was lashing out now, it was as though he wanted nothing more than to rend flesh from bone. The leader was stared at with blind, dumb horror, unable to comprehend what had just happened. "Why? Why are you doing this?!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spliced - Cronus Vice Captain
|
Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 8:02 pm
"My employer wants that Pokemon. I'm afraid there's no stopping him once he's made his decision either. You were offered a choice to begin with, which is much more than anyone else has ever been given. You could have been a VERY wealthy man, but you refused." The leader's pinpoint glare never left Mark's face, nor did his pistol waver, even with the chaos in the background. "We could have been spared all this drama, but...so be it."
Meanwhile, Icarus' Hyper Beam wiped out a complete section of the surrounding forest and the Pokemon in front of it. At a safe distance from the battlefield, the squad members recalled their fainted charges, immediately sending out back-ups. If nothing else, CRONUS made sure that its special forces were well-prepared. Lightning continued arching through the air, the constant wave of attacks never letting up. Oh, the boss would be quite pleased with this one...if they could ever manage to bring him in, that is...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
