Forum Thread

Letting Wooper out if the pokeball, Kaoru she'd his jacket and gently bundled the pokemon up within the fabric before picking it up. The toxic slime which coated it's body wouldn't kill him, no, but it would hurt and Kaoru still had memories of his younger self making that very mistake. "Now let see..." He murmured checking his new partner pokemon out. The gills on the side of it's neck had less branches on it than most, marking the pokemon as female. The Pokemon was also smaller and chubbier than he remembered, and he supposed that this was the difference between a domesticated Wooper and a wild one.

"How funny would it be if I named you Raindrop?" He said mostly to himself, cradling the bundled up Wooper close to his chest. The thin yet warm long sleeve shirt that he wore underneath did little to smooth out his figure into a more pleasantly masculine one, and Kaoru's eyes darted around to ensure that no one was noticing or making any comment on it. When a few minutes passed without anyone saying a word, he walked up to Professor Hop and smiled. "Thanks man." He grinned lopsidedly, taking a pokedex for himself. "We'll be heading out now~". Tucking away a few stray strands, Kaoru sauntered out of the lab, Raindrop in hand as he prepared himself for the long road ahead

---

There was a short pearl of melodic laughter as Farah slowly swayed back and forth on their feet in the closest attempt to cradle the creature in the Pokeball. They had to stop themselves from hugging it to their chest and not letting go. It felt strange, to be needed again. To have someone rely on them- at least there to be a potential for that. Farah could build something this time around... "Hello there, gentle river creature! I do know that the lab lighting isn't best for everyone's skin but I sure would love to meet you. What do you say?"

They held the Pokeball a little further away from themselves, hoping to give the Pokemon inside it a bit more space but not being able to get themselves to completely put them down. With a press of a button, there was a flash of light and... Oh?

This didn't look like Azurills they remembered. The Pokemons eyes were the color of murky waters and the artificial light gave them almost ethereal, yet such an empty look. Farah swore they felt the temperature drop, the empty look in its eyes the sort they remember seeing on people who stood outside the casino, wondering how they are going to tell their family that they have no more to lose.
Its too-long tail was coiled around it, with enough of it still being free and allowing the bubble-like end to sway in the air like an off-beat metronome. Does it look pale or.. Farah clearly must have forgotten how Azurills look.

Still, they almost wanted to apologize for forcing it out. But they wouldn't end their first meeting like that, were they? Click to the usual, stay with the program. Their acting never failed them before, and when it does it won't be because of an unfounded worry.

"And there you are. Would you look at yourself! I haven't seen such powerful blue in a while, honey. And I can see a Huge Power all the way from here! I am not feeling rather unworthy of being able to travel with you, but if you would h-"
They never got to finish. There was a swish as their tail immediately straightened out to their full length, spinning like a lasso just once before the end and therefore the entire Pokemon propelled themselves forward, frighteningly familiar to an ambushing Seviper- And Farah liked to consider themselves an honest person, so they sure hope no one would later ask about how they felt in that moment, just to spare their dignity.

The impact almost made Farah take a step back, Huge Power for sure, and the Pokemon wasted no time before burrowing itself behind the fur of their lapel, their tail left behind to wrap around Farah's thick neck- Definitely an Azurill running on Sevipers settings. And Huge Power to match with that, oh goodness...

"I have.. clearly misread my target audience. Not enough cushions in the Pokeball? Very well, you have full permission to use me as a heater, but I would appreciate if you let me breathe just an itsy bitsy tiny bit more..."

They felt the measly bit of movement against their chest before the tail truly eased their hold by a minuscule amount, its end left to bobble against their ear. ... Just a really tired Azurill then, they were sure! Nothing they couldn't deal with. The introductions just had to be postponed, they suppose! The feeling of the Azurill against them was a constant cold presence, but a still one. Must have hit the hay quite fast, Farah hopes they will pick that up from them later on.

They raised a hand to hold the two furred lapels a bit closer together, keeping it there to steady the small creature and provide the warmth they seemed to need so desperately. They haven't felt fangs poking at them through the cotton, so the Pokemon must have approved.

The tension in their shoulders that they haven't even noticed before lifted at once. This little one just stands apart from the crowd- and Farah could understand that very well.
They took the Pokedex gently, fumbling just the tiniest bit as their eyes constantly went to check on the bump of a dozing Pokemon, and decided that yes, they will both be alright in each other's company.

And then there was that feeling again- If Farah had to compare it, it was like a Rarata pulling at the strand of your hair. Unkindly so, sure, but when Ratatas tell you something, you listen, Cindarella rules and all that. And why weren't they surprised that it was the lithe man again? They must have done something right in this morning's routine then.
It wasn't like them to get uncomfortable under attention- and this man might as well be a poster boy for gender-flipped The Sound of Music production, they could see them right there on the hills alongside Maria. Farah would have to be clinically paranoid to be scared of a person whose face could be put onto a picture and used as an instrument of world peace.

Learning how to distinguish good attention from looks that should warn you to walk as if your heels were on fire came naturally to them- quite unfortunately too. They and their mother had to learn too soon in their lives. She did always joke about how it took the suspense from her shopping trips. Farah could vouch for it- Sometimes, entering a new street immediately made them feel like they just entered a minefield instead.
 
But Farah's approach to people who were looking for an excuse to bite (If they were polite enough to do so) was always just an innocent wave and strutting a bit louder on their way out. They knew they were playing a dangerous game and their Baba especially would just prefer if they kept their head down but well... That was his talent, wasn't it? One that overtook him while Farah upped their dicey roulette.. And oh, despite it never doing anything to get him to look up, Farah still wasn't going to surrounder and cave into themselves as he did, what would that leave them of themselves?

But entertaining this line of thoughts wasn't a good look, especially with their hand of long nails still curled around their new trusting friend and hopefully a second one soo helpfully giving them a boost of self-esteem. What a kindly person they were for staring so obviously.
They might have also had a bit of ulterior motive... Farah didn't have a good track record of actually keeping permanent bonds and they didn't hoped for one here. But traveling, the constant leaving of everything they didn't even begin to know just to jump somewhere else, it was... isolating- Not lonely, mind you. Farah doesn't *get* lonely. Would it make it this far if they did?
And a new fellow trainer? Now that was an opportunity. Who wouldn't want someone equally as new to help each other and learn out until they got strong enough to move on alone? Farah will take a chance on that, just so their heart could stop gnawing on them every night.

And once again, he *was* looking for them first, so there's that.

Shaking their head in what might eventually cross into bounds of exasperated affection, they carefully moved their own Pokedex to the hand that was still pressed against the Azumarill and took one more Pokedex before making their way toward the man with their usual sashay, gesturing animatedly with the second Pokedex at the In-Another-World-Farahs Pokeball.
"I was made aware that the quiz wasn't a competition... But judging by the sunshine poured directly into your eyes, I do think my answers were a winner. Consider this brand new, ethically not sentient device as a little thank you for proving my point to the little angel... And maybe just the tiniest bribe to stick around for a bit longer? Considering you chose a Pokemon that was tailored to my personality, I think we'll make good travel buddies."  

Cyrus Hawthorn/Camilla Hawthorn/Jaden Hawthorn Locations: Laboratory / Mount Quetmel / Mount Quetmel
Right now / Flashback /Flashback



Cyrus took the Pokedex “Thanks” he smiled a little and watched if the dex would register Ryuu… then he noticed it... he had to catch him first. Ryuu had decided to just run away again, wanting to explore the area around him and have some fun… maybe cause trouble to. The young Dragon did not know yet. “No no wait-! “Cyrus was able to pick the small dragon up, who sat down on his shoulder almost immediately after. He seemed to like the position he was in right now. Although he still felt his wish to go explore, yet Cyrus heard the pokedex read out Jangmo.o´s entry.
“It expresses its feelings by smacking its scales. Metallic sounds echo through the tall mountains where Jangmo-o lives.” He seemed a bit amazed as Ryuu made a few metallic sounds to show his amazement and happiness. Cyrus smiled a bit yet hearing the Dex entry made him think back a little.
"There are only a few that are strong enough to have my trust".
Flashback

His father, a bulky and big man who had a tall and muscular appearance and a stern look in his face, his eyes seemed like the ones of a hawk. He could spot things from far away in mere seconds. Usually he´d train his team. Always the same six. He just knew that they were no disappointment. After he had divorced his wife Camilla, he had started training to become champion… He was sure that his Pokémon would not be able to be defeated in ages, and he proved that to everyone he ever challenged.
His Pokémon would either Defeat their enemies by buffing up and using non-Special attack moves or just use their Thunderbolts and Flamethrowers. He also had one Pokémon that would constantly go for either spikes or toxic. Yes, he was one of these types of trainers. Some hated him for being too strong, his wife hated him for a different reason.
He had always despised his children for being too clingy or too soft. His wife had noticed how cold he would be towards both, often yelling at them when they visited him. He hated living with his family, so he moved away a few years after his second son was born, it made him feel more alive to be away from them. His wife hated his lifestyle… she hated the idea of making their sons more like… him. She didn’t really like him.

Cyrus could remember very well

One day while visiting his father, he remembered that he was playing outside, near a lake. At that time the area his father lived in was close to a lake… well pond would fit its size much better. He could remember his Mother and Father talking. His brother had already left to go on home, he had been bored and not feeling well on that day. Their houses also were close together so his mother had allowed him to return home alone. The young Cyrus was playing with his mothers Milotic, a beautiful shiny Milotic with a unique pattern of scales, and his Fathers Metagross. Yet while he was playing so peacefully, he could hear his parents yell. They had gone into the home to not make him notice, yet the young boy could still hear most of their words. He decided to just ignore it though, being amazed by Leafeon´s petals and Milotic´s snowflakes, which she made by using Icebeam.

After a while his mother stormed out of the house, the look on her face seemed angered, usually she´d be level headed and calm. This time, she only recalled Milotic and told the young Cyrus to hurry up a little and come home with her. Leafeon just walked back to his fathers house and entered without facing them again.
That was the last time he was able to see his father… Well almost
A few years later while watching the championship he saw his father being executed live on tv. Although he did understand what had happened, he wasn’t happy… who would be…?? He had seen this as sick. Of course he was disgusted… maybe traumatized too. His mother had quickly turned off the Tv, tears were in her eyes…-

Flashback end

Cyrus put the pokedex away and walked a bit away. Ryuu noticed that Cyrus´s mood seemed to change to a kinda sad look, yet he tried to hide it. The small dragon softly put his head onto the one of his trainer, making him clear his heads from the old memories he was thinking about to focus on his partner.

Caddie excepted the Pokedex from Professor Hop with a smile. "Thanks, this will be helpful." She looked down at it, running her fingers over the cold metal. Immeadiently, she remembered when she had first seen a Pokedex.

She couldn't have been any more than 4 or 5 years old. She had been playing in their front yard with two of her father's pokemon. Which ones were they? Oh yeah, Ursaring, who was more of a gentle giant, and Vespiqueen, who acted as the "mother hen." She recalled Vespiqueen had been floating above her head, making a rain of pollen. Caddie had never had a problem with pollen, probably because she grew up near a Combee Honey farm. Ursaring was chasing her around the yard in a playful way. Her father had come out of the house, leaning against the doorway and watching her play with a small smile on her face. She had noticed a small red egg in a nest in the trees above the yard. Caddie recalled running up to her father and tugging on the edge of his shirt while pointing at the egg. "Daddy, what's that?" she had asked, eyes wide with curiosity. Her father had followed her until they were underneath the tree.

He pulled a Pokedex from his pocket and tapped the screen. To young Caddie, this was a wondrous and strange new thing, and that elevated her father's status even higher in her eyes as a, as Caddie would say, "super cool trainer!" He pointed it at the egg, and Caddie nearly jumped when the robotic voice said, "Fletchling, the Tiny Robin Pokemon. A normal and flying type. Despite the beauty of its lilting voice, it’s merciless to intruders that enter its territory." Caddie watched with awe. "What's that, Daddy?" Her father had smiled and bent down to show her the screen. "Why, it's my old friend! A Pokedex. It tells me about Pokemon and gives me lots of information. It's very special, but I'll let you hold it, okay?" Caddie had nodded and carefully took the device. Even as a 5-year-old, she could understand that this needed to be handled with precision. Her father put an arm around her and tapped the screen so it showed all the Pokemon he had caught. "One day, you'll have one of your own, I'm sure of it. Treat it carefully now."

Caddie came back to herself and realized she had been hugging the device and crying. Now that was embarrassing. But she missed her father so, so much. When he had vanished, it was like a piece of her had vanished as well. She quickly wiped her eyes, hoping that nobody had noticed that moment.

---

Cyrus noticed that Caddie seemed upset... or sad. He wasnt sure about that. Reading emotions wasnt that much of a strenght to him, yet he was always up to try his best if he had to. He kinda sat down besides her "Are you okay..? Wanna talk about it?" He wondered. "well only if you want to you know-. I´m not forcing you to do anything you dont want to do." He quickly added, keeping an eye on Ryuu who was looking around playfully

Caddie smiled. "No, it's fine. I just miss my dad. He disappeared not too long after, well, the whole thing with the trainers and I haven't seen him since. He was my hero and my role model, especially since I'm an only child. This Pokedex..it reminded me of him." She didn't know why she was telling him, but she did want to talk about it, and he was the first person to actually ask about how she was feeling. Caddie's mother..she spent most of her time just staring off into space, not talking or doing anything. "He was a big part of my life."

---

Twyla and Paige were already long gone by the time the Pokedexes had been handed out last minute. The shadow girl had hardly bothered herself to think about the small devices that told you about Pokémon, even though she'd heard about them briefly once, they'd always seemed like a small, easily forgettable detail for her. Not to mention they probably wouldn't affect her journey until she reached the first route. Meanwhile, she was on her way to the nearest Pokemart for some pokeballs to get the Pokémon from said route, before she supposed she should head for Eastcliff.

Paige was quiet on Twyla's shoulder, the only sound the small creature was making was its soft breathing as it relaxed rather comfortably on her trainer's hoodie. her trainer could tell that the Morpeko was observing its new surroundings as much as Twyla was. She supposed neither of them had ventured far from Mount Quetmel most of their lives as part of the resistance, which must be something they had in common.

---

“Thanks professor!” Maria said, taking the Pokédex “Now then... how do I work this?” She said, fiddling around with various buttons “According to local rumors, Cleffa are often seen in places where shooting stars have fallen. Because of its unusual, starlike silhouette, people believe that it came here on a meteor.” The Pokédex read aloud in it’s pre-made voice “Huh... neat” Maria said as she closed her Pokédex

---

"I see." Cyrus nodded a little, Ryuu came back to him and went into his pokeball by himself, having explored the whole area he was able to access it. "Well if you feel good enough we could start heading to Route 1 I guess. Ryuu seems quite restless. What do you think?" He asked as he looked at her, wondering if she would want to leave yet.

“Yeah, let’s head for route 1” Maria nodded as Cleffa leapt out of her arms, Maria made a little ‘oh!’ noise in response to her pokemon jumping out her arms.

---

Faint whispers of conversation floated from within the laboratory and Kaoru's grip on Raindrop tightened as snippets of words registered to him. He wasn't the only person who lost a loved one to the tragedy, he was acutely aware of that fact, yet to have physical living proof of the fact that he wasn't the only one who had someone taken away from him did comfort him, however slight it was. Raindrop chittered in his arms and Kaoru smiled, gently rubbing the pokemon's head despite the slight stinging sensation that shot up his arm.

"You're right, girl." He agreed, despite not knowing what Raindrop had just said. "I shouldn't be standing around here, it's time for an adventure. Whatever that means." Grumbling the last part under his breath, Kaoru hiked the bundle of cloth in his arms into a more comfortable position before he started heading down the mountain. It felt weird, hiking back down a mountain that he had just himself claimed up. Kaoru didn't grow up or live on Mount Quetmel and thus was unfamiliar with many of the residents and landscape, yet his father as influential as ever had forced him to undertake the journey. Something about getting Kaoru out of his old man's hair. It didn't matter, Kaoru was just happy to have a pokemon of his own and freedom under his wings.

Picking his way down the mountain, Kaoru didn't bother to take in the sights, already having done so on the way up.

---

Caddie nodded. "Yeah, we should probably get going now. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable, just getting a little emotional." She hadn't meant to get so emotional. Hopefully, they could just continue on and forget about it. She didn't want things to be awkward. Racer gave a small whimper of concern, and Caddie reached up to pat her loving pokemon. "I'm fine Racer. Just me being reminiscent and all that."

---

Brook huffed, standing by the entrance to Route 1. Did they even come this way? Shaking her head she tread into the route. Her feet brushed past the patches of grass that had slowly started to grow. Brook supposed she would meet up with the trainers who passed through, giving them a pokedex. If they were already ahead she supposed she would have to run. However she would start her research while she waited. She kept Snom on her shoulder as sh pulled out a notepad.

---

Anthony held himself as a man of great potential. It only made sense, he did after all successfully take hold of not just the Kanto region, but nearly all of them. He adds the nearly due to a simple problem, one he was close to solving. There seeme to he a group of trainers hiding out somewhere. They wouldn't stay hidden for much longer. Just yesterday a patrol of grunts came back, announcing their discovery of a strange tunnel system. There were signs of human life. Walking over to a window, Anthony couldn't help the small grin that crossed his face. He had sent out a team the moment he ha been told of the caves. It would be investigated and any found in the caves would inevitably be properly 'take care of.'

Team Rocket has entered the chat.

To any Team Rocket member who wishes for their character to be part of the first attack, you may place them down on Route 1.

---

“I don’t remember my Mom... I only grew up with my dad.... I’ve been living on my own after dad died...” Maria said, reminiscing about the past with a sigh while Wish was tugging on her dress, feeling concerned for her trainer “Oh, I’m alright Wish, just thinking about the past is all” Maria said, petting her pokemon with a soft but sad smile “Now then, let’s get going everyone” she said

---

Using her pocket change, Twyla quickly purchased some Pokeballs and a few potions. She was quick to head off, speedwalking down the mountain and to Eastcliff. Route 1 supposedly was just past there, so she was off on a rush to get there at once. Now she was armed with Pokeballs and a Pokémon by her side! Even though she didn't know what moves Paige had. Minor detail. At least for now.

After quite a while of twisting and turning though pathways, Twyla made it to the edge of Eastcliff, huffing. Looking into the distance, she spotted the start of the first route, revealed by tall grass...

"Here we go, Paige!" She cried to excite her partner, before sprinting down to the grass, her energy seemingly returning.

---

Regan, graceful as always, sauntered into the caves, a gorgeous, golden furred vulpine beast padded by her side. Regan had heard the orders to meet in the caves, and as one of Anthony's chosen, loyal admins, she made an effort to be among the first to oblige. Frankly, she was quite interested in using her partner again...all these battles were refreshing, reminding her of when she'd first received Vulpix as a young girl back in Kanto...

So, there had been suspicious signs of human life in the strange tunnel system, eh? Seemed...off, considering how it hadn't been long since their leader had...switched up the system with his new methods. She wondered if some of those peasants were getting bold all of a sudden...some kind of resistance? Retaliation? She half hoped so...the fear of the challengers was causing her dear creatures not to experience the thrill of battle as much as Regan felt they should.

"I hope you're excited for our mission, Riko." She addressed her partner, who responded with a slight bark and a flick of her magnificent tails. The elegant creature matched her trainer's strides perfectly. The most suited match, those two.

---

~ || McQueen Mejiro || ~

Current Team

Show hidden content

---

Togepi | Angel | Female
Lvl 5 | Serene Grace | Timid
Growl | Pound | Sweet Kiss | ???
"Very finicky"

---

Scooping the baby Pokemon up into her arm earns McQueen a content chirp. It seemed common sense to carry Angel as McQueen doubted that she'd be able to keep up with her and she didn't want to return her to her Pokeball just yet. Cradling the Pokemon in one arm felt natural whilst she used her free hand to pick up a Pokedex, quickly scanning the Pokemon before she forgot to do so later on.

"The shell seems to be filled with joy. It is said that it will share good luck when treated kindly."

'Luck..? Perhaps it's meant to be after all..'

She leaves the lab, only to halt upon hearing her own nickname being shouted. From afar, she could see two familiar-looking figures running towards her. It didn't take her long to recognise the two brunettes as her older siblings. Ryan, her older brother, being only a year older than her sister, Doe, and two years older than herself. But with her light hair, it would be difficult to convince strangers that McQueen was related to the taller brunettes.

"Ha... We... finally caught up to you," Ryan pants in a rather dramatic manner, falling to his knees before the youngest of the trio causing her to roll her eyes.

"What is it? Did I forget something?"

"Actually, no," Doe says with a sigh, barely affected by the run, "Idiot here just wanted to see what you picked for your starter. So, I figured I'd come along to stop him getting you into any trouble."

Ryan chuckles nervously, although his grin remains as cheeky as ever, "Sooo, show us who's going to be protecting my baby sister."

Hesitantly, McQueen places Angel down on the ground. She stays quiet, waiting for a lecture on how a Togepi isn't a strong Pokemon etc etc. Instead, an excited 'awe' is squealed as Doe crouches down to pet the Pokemon.

"It's so cute~! But do you know what would make it even cuter? Seals! Here, take this," Doe fishes around in her bag, pulling out a small case of sorts and a clear, spherical object which looked as if it could fit a Pokeball inside, "I won't be needing this any more so you can have it. You put the Pokeball in this bit, then you stick a seal on it. I'll leave it to you see what happens."

"T-thank you..?"

"Forget about cuteness, how is this thing going to protect our Mickey-"

The upcoming question became rhetorical with a single pound attack.

Cyrus nodded and adjusted his backpack, which was heavier than before. Ryuu had decided to sit in the backpack for the duration of the hike they´d have to do in order to reach the first route. He didnt mind hiking, but Cyrus knew that once they left, they´d be out there on their own. Again he seemed to have a few worries but continued walking anyways. He quickly reached route 1, still lost in thoughts

(I´ll just throw him onto r 1)
Adrian was just doing the usual grunt work with the others, he was told to assist during the attack. Of course he would Obey his orders, yet being close to this mountain wasnt very nice either. He just didnt like Mountains. But why would he complain. Once the attack/ the work was over he´d hopefully be able to return to the base.

Caddie quickly followed after Cyrus. She loved being in the outdoors since it reminded her of the outings her father would take her on. Racer hopped down from on top of her head to walk alongside her. Caddie looked down at the faithful pokemon and smiled. "Wanna stretch your legs now, huh?" Racer made a small noise of consent and nodded his head. "Then don't go too far ahead!" Racer prefered to stay near her, but several times Caddie almost tripped over the tiny bundle of energy. He did calm down after a bit and simply jogged to keep up with her since although Caddie's short stature did not allow her to cover much ground, she still was much taller than the 2 foot tall Pokemon so he had to work furiously to match pace with her. Caddie observed the area around her. She liked it, it was pretty and gave her a happy feeling. Caddie realized she was starting to slow down and quickly adjusted to a faster pace.

---

Within Team Rocket's headquarters lay a locked room. That in itself wasn't anything new, there were many locked rooms within the building. Yet this one held significance, marked with an engraved insignia upon the door. Behind the doors, one would find a dimly-lit laboratory, papers stacked in its proper places and neatly organized. Towers of filing cabinets and shelves lined the walls, stuffed with various papers and folders, each one struggling to be contained within the sorting system. The curtains were drawn tightly shut and the only light came from the dull strobing blue monitor screen. In the middle of such a tidy mess sat Valentine, hunched over their work desk as they squinted at the low light.

"How interesting... Ms. Hiromi's findings certainly have worth despite unconventional research methods." They murmured, flipping through a few documents. "Her daughter... she seems to have picked up her mother's research as well... perhaps a visit is in order... Umi was it. How intriguing, written with the characters for both water and wings..." Rubbing their eyes, they leaned back against their chair. Glancing at the time, Valentine stretched out wary muscles and reached for their coffee only to find it empty. Again. Sighing as they rubbed the exhaustion from their face they reluctantly grabbed a mug and trudged over to the dying coffee machine pugged into the edge of the desk. Popping in a few brew, Valentine flicked over a few new reports as they waited for their coffee to brew. Human activity within suspicious tunnels, the report read and an eyebrow was raised. Interesting, perhaps there was a human settlement unknown to them lurking within the depths. However, the paper spoke of a team already being dispatched thus an opportunity had slipped through their fingers. Unfortunate, but no matter. Valentine didn't mind. They still had a backlog of research to sift through

---

Ashia was sitting in her room bored and was petting her zubat who was happy and saying “ Zubat “ happily. Zap soon got up having enough and flew out of the room to Val’s room and Ashia went after zap and relized she was a there door. Why not ? She knocked on there door.

---