1 (edited by SpitefulMurkrow 2012-08-16 07:30:45)

Topic: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

Foreword

In order to help and give this place some use, I have decided to use this forum as a repository for one shots that I can't think of how to slot in to the main RP at the moment. This is hardly a "dumping ground," the following segments are intended to be canonical and will be treated as such on my end.

Dragonspiral Tower - Somewhere Between 24 and 18 Months Ago

-A Druddigon is lurking behind some bushes-

<???: "... I can do this... I can do this... So what if I'm a little older than most of the others seeking trainers? I can still pull my weight like them!">

<???: "Pfft. You can't pull your weight here... Or have you forgotten why we're in this position in the first place?">

<???: "I-It'll be d-different... It w-won't be anything like this...">

<???: "... What is this, the sixth human you've approached?">

<???: "My eighth...">

-Unseen to the lurking Druddigon, a familiar trainer has an Emboar and an Unfezant out-

???: "Hmm... Hard to believe that this place was so important just a few months ago... Shame we couldn't get further into it..."

<Familiar!Unfezant: "Mmm hmm hmm... Being freed from the presence of these fanatic stone-worshipping dimwits is a bad thing?">

<Familiar!Emboar: "Urgh... You should just be glad that humans can't understand you! I doubt you'd have found a trainer if they could hear that big beak of yours! And Reshiram and Zekrom awoke not too long ago!">

<Familiar!Unfezant: "Whatever. It's not like they're readily accessible for important mons...">

<???: "All of the others sure didn't think you were anything special... Why would this one be any different?">

<???: "B-But he's come around s-so much! Surely h-he'd be interested!">

-Crack-

<Familiar!Emboar: "Eh? Tracer! Tracer!">

"Eh? What is it, Lardna?"

<Familiar!Emboar: "Look!">

-And points at the protruding head crest and wings of a Druddigon from some bushes-

<???: "Oh smooth going, you weren't able to appear before them... What are you going to do now?">

<???: "I m-mean, I g-guess I could-">

-And the form of a female Druddigon with a small marking in the form of an inverted chevron on her forehead bursts from the bushes...

And trips-

<???: "Ack!">

"Whoa!"

<Courtney: "Oh great, speaking of stone-worshipping dimwits...">

-Sizing up the large nettle lizard-

<Larnda: "Why were you stalking us like that? You do know that if you want a bite of my teammate here, I have to protect her... (Unfortunately.)">

-Picking herself up and hastily assuming a battle stance-

<???: "Y-You're on our territory! S-So I have the right to ch-challenge you! Uh... (That's how it works, right?)">

-Looking a bit startled at the Druddigon's assumption of a battle stance-

"Uh... Oh crud..."

<Courtney: "Yeah, and we don't want your challenge, so take a hike!">

-Letting a few flames flicker from her nostrils-

<Larnda: "Well... I've never been one to turn down a good battle...">

-Assuming a battle stance of her own-

"... Wait a minute, wh- Oh!"

-To the Druddigon-

"You wanted to spar a bit?"

<???: "Sp-Spar? I was hoping more that you would-">

<Larnda: "En garde!">

-And takes a short moment to curl her body into a proper stance barrels toward the Druddigon with Rollout-

-Hastily sidestepping the attack, but still being glanced, and deals some residual damage to her attacker-

<Larnda: "OW!">

<???: "ACK! I d-didn't e-even get to f-finish!">

<Courtney: "... Get me when this idiocy is over. I'm going to preen my feathers.">

-And recalls herself to her Pokeball-

"Oh no... Why did you pick that move, Larnda?"

-Wheeling around and bearing down on the Druddigon again, faster-

<Larnda: "I'm not sure how you did that, but watch out, because the next time's not going to be any softer!">

<???: "I c-can fight too, you know! You should be warier when challenging a s-servant of the gods!">

-And strikes with Dragon Claw as the Emboar Rollouts into her again-

<Both: "AGH!">

-Which knocks the two of them back in opposing directions, causing them to roll a bit over the ground-

-Aside-

"Wait a minute... You don't suppose...?"

-And fishes out a Pokeball-

"Well... If he doesn't like it, he won't have to go far to return home... (Er... Actually, she won't have to go far to return home...)"

-And tosses it at the Druddigon, which swallows her up in red light-

??? - A Black, Formless Void

<???: "Ah! Wh-Where am I?!">

-And lunges around, trying to discern some sort of exit-

-Wobble-

<???: "How do I get out of here?! Where's the forest?! The shrine?!">

<???: "... You got knocked out again...">

-Wobble-

<???: "What?! B-But I wasn't! I was just on the ground! I was getting up! (I can't be unconscious... Not again...)">

<???: "Just give it a rest. You never had a chance to begin with...">

-Wobble-

<???: "But I do have a chance! I do! I just don't know how to explain it!">

<???: "What makes you so certain of that? And how would you know anyways? How could you hope to know?">

<???: "I... I just do...">

-Click-

-And a chime can be heard as the black void melts away into surroundings much like those that the Druddigon came from-

<???: "... What?">

Dragonspiral Tower - Somewhere Between 24 and 18 Months Ago

-Looking down at a now-still Pokeball, along with a few additional sets of eyes who have been let out, while tending to a certain Emboar's scrapes-

-Sounding a bit worn out-

<Larnda: "Gah... Wasn't expecting her to be so tough!">

<Milo: "I told you that ranged battle was inherently better! You look like you fell on a thornbush!">

<Courtney: "You seriously caught that dweeb? What is wrong with you, Tracer?">

<Milo: "(Trust me, we were saying the same thing about you too...)">

<Vlad (Gligar): "Is she cute? Can I hug her?">

-Scanning the Pokeball-

<Audrey: "Hmm... She feels... Worried...">

-To the ball-

"Well... If you want to stay... We've got a place for you..."

-And releases a female Druddigon from it-

<The Druddigon That Would Become Known As 'Teala': "... Huh? What am I doing back here? And- Who are all of you?">

<Courtney: "Mmm hmm hmm... I didn't know that Druddigon heads were hard and hollow...">

<Larnda: "(Quiet, you!) Anyways, you've kinda just been captured...">

<Unnamed!Teala: "Your... Your human wanted me?">

<Vlad (Gligar): "Why wouldn't he? You're just right to hug!">

-And glides over to latch onto the Druddigon... And quickly releases her-

<Vlad (Gligar): "OW!">

<Unnamed!Teala: "Uh... (Sorry...) My hide's rough like that...">

-To the Druddigon-

"I... I don't know how much of this you can understand... But... Did you want to stay with us? I'm sure that it's more than a little smaller than this tower that you live here... But... We can be like a family for you. (... Or whatever's closest to that here.)"

<Unnamed!Teala: "A 'family'? I mean... I don't really know what it is... But if it's anything like a shift... I... I guess I'd like it.">

-And nods in response-

"... Wait, is she just doing that? Or is that a 'yes'?"

-Via Aura-

<Audrey: "That's a yes, Tracer.">

-Patting the Druddigon... Carefully-

"Welcome to the team... I guess we still need to figure out a few things for you, like a name and all... But I hope that you'll enjoy being with us..."

<Unnamed!Teala: "... I hope so too...">

2 (edited by SpitefulMurkrow 2012-06-06 05:43:20)

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

A Little Under 8 Years Ago - Late Fall / Early Winter - In Front of the Celadon Department Store

-I and a Group of Six Mons are Waiting in a Long Line of Persons Camping Out Overnight... For Something-

<Kat (Cubone): (*yawn*) "What are we doing here again?">

<Vlad (Gligar): "Brr... Why aren't we curled up in front of a heater or something? It's too cold to say hi to anyone!">

<Iggy (Wartortle): "Tracer wanted to finally pick up one of those black boxes... And this is the sort of occasion for it...">

-Bouncing up and down excitedly-

<Audrey (Riolu): "Is it time yet?! Is it time yet?!">

"Not yet, Audrey. It's barely 10 o'clock..."

<Shaun (Flaaffy): "... I can't believe that you got her into this with that paper cutout game with the plumbers, Iggy...">

<Iggy (Wartortle): "Well... She saw me and Tracer play it once... And then she asked for help playing it... And then she started figuring out how to play games on her own... And... Well... One thing led to another... (It kinda helps that Dragonite Quest is one of the few games that I can really play on my own...)">

-A Murkrow with a string tied from around its foot to a certain Flaaffy's wrist is glowering-

<Sonny (Murkrow): "I can't believe this idiotizm, you have me tied to this ovets like a stupid kite!">

<Audrey (Riolu): "Hey! You broke your promise not to steal anything the last time we went to something important!">

<Sonny (Murkrow): "Eto ne 'vorovstvo', eto 'nakhodchivost'!"*>

* It's not 'stealing', it's 'resourcefulness'!

<Shaun (Flaaffy): "Oh relax, it's just a couple more hours...">

-Hearing the Murkrow's squawks of protest-

"Come on Sonny, it's just for a little bit... (Not that this isn't helpful for keeping you behaved...)"

<Kat (Cubone): "... Why are all of these humans here?">

<Iggy (Wartortle): "Well... You see, for humans sitting in a row and trying to get a hold of one of those games is a serious ceremony.">

<Kat (Cubone): "... But that guy over there just stole the girl's tent!">

<Iggy (Wartortle): "Emphasis on the 'trying'...">

-Deciding that he's had enough of the cold-

<Vlad (Gligar): "N-Nngh... If something huggable comes by, tell Tracer to move his bag towards it!">

-And crawls into and curls up within my bag lying on the sidewalk, pedipalps protruding-

-A certain Riolu goes up and prods Iggy's shell-

<Audrey (Riolu): "... Iggy?">

<Iggy (Wartortle): "Hmm?">

<Audrey (Riolu): "Um... When I play the game... Can you read what the people are saying in it to me?">

<Iggy (Wartortle): "Eh? I thought that you could play on your own though...">

<Audrey (Riolu): "I know... It's just that... That's what you did for the first couple games I ever played... And... Well... (It was fun...)">

<Iggy (Wartortle): "Heh... I think that I can arrange for that... It'll be just like old times.">

3 (edited by SpitefulMurkrow 2012-06-07 06:30:41)

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

Somewhere Around 9-10 Years Ago, A Bit Closer to the Latter - In a Dwelling Somewhere in the Celadon Sprawl

-A certain Cubone is sitting by a window at night time, this marking her second or third month in captivity, filled with a rather deep longing for some different surroundings-

-... This was all a huge mistake... I should have never left. Yes, home had fiends... And death... And Yellow Dart was a jerk... But it had my tribe... My clan... My family...-

<Kat (Cubone): "(I wonder what's been going on...)">

-Tracer's been nice, and his mons are too... He's much different than those humans in the black clothes that the lorekeepers talked about... But I wanna go home! I want to see everyone! Why can't he understand that?-

-And looks out the window, and notices a full moon-

-W-What if someone died? M-Mom did before I even hatched... And h-how would I ever know? H-How would I ever be able to s-say goodbye?-

-Starting to tear up-

-I just wanna go home...-

-And starts to cry-

<Kat (Cubone): (*sniffle*)>

-The sound of a couple figures rushing in can be heard-

"Kat? What's wrong? Why does this keep happening?"

-Embracing the tearful bone lizard-

<Vlad (Gligar): "Aww... Are you okay?">

<Kat (Cubone): (*sniffle*) "N-No...">

"We're here for you... Is there something that we can do, Kat?"

<Kat (Cubone): (*sniffle*) "I just w-want to go home again! I t-told you already!">

<Shaun (Flaaffy): "I thought that you said that you had fun being around us though, Kat...">

-Giving a bit of a swat with her club-

"OW! Geez!"

<Kat (Cubone): (*sniffle*) "I d-did, you n-numbskull! B-But I want to s-see my dad! A-And Yellow Dart!">

<Iggy (Wartortle): "(Oh dear...)">

<Shaun (Flaaffy): "(Psst! Iggy! Where does Tracer keep that map of his?)">

<Iggy (Wartortle): "(There should be one in a drawer, but wh- Oh... I see where you're going...)">

"Huh? Did Shaun say something to you, Kat? Wait- Iggy! Where are you going?"

-And shadows after Iggy along with Vlad and Shaun, still cradling an upset Kat-

-Rooting through a drawer-

<Iggy (Wartortle): "I think it's in here...">

"Eh? What are you looking for, Iggy?"

-And pulls out a map of Kanto's routes-

<Iggy (Wartortle): "Here we go...">

-And unfurls it, and points at Route 9-

"Eh? Route 9? Wasn't that where we got-? ... Oh."

-Looking at Kat-

"(... You wanna go home, don't you?)"

-Which elicits a nod from the still sniffling bone lizard-

<Kat (Cubone): (*sniffle*) "Wh-Why was that s-so hard to f-figure out?!">

A Couple Days Later - Route 9

-A certain Cubone is in yellow body paint, in higher spirits than a couple nights ago-

<Kat (Cubone): "You're going to love it! We've got dwellings where we all get together at night, and everyone's got colorful markings, and the elder's nice, and-">

<Vlad (Gligar): "Are they all huggable like you?">

<Kat (Cubone): "Uh huh! Uh huh! I'm sure they'll all like you, Vlad! I mean sure, you're scary-looking, but you're nice!">

-Aside-

"(... She got herself painted... I guess this means that she's not coming back...)"

<Iggy (Wartortle): "What did you say that your tribe was called again? The 'Crop Tribe'?">

<Kat (Cubone): "No, that's my clan! The Crop Clan is a part of several tribes! My tribe is the Umber Tribe!">

<Shaun (Flaaffy): "(... Does it really need to be that complicated? I mean, what's wrong with simple 'herds'?)">

-And reluctantly takes out her Pokeball and toys with it-

"(*sigh*) (I'm sorry that we couldn't make you happy, Kat... I hope home does a better job of that for you...)"

-Catching sight of a marker denoting a trail that members of her line would take off beyond the Route-

<Kat (Cubone): "We're here! We're here! This way!">

-And begins to dart off along the trail-

"... Goodbye, Kat..."

<Iggy (Wartortle): "Eh? What are you doing? Kat wanted us to come along!">

-Backtracking, and jumping up a bit-

<Kat (Cubone): "Tracer! I said it was this way!">

-And notices me just standing there-

-Giving a bit of a swat on my leg-

<Kat (Cubone): "Hey! Don't just ignore me like that!">

"Ow! Kat! I thought that this was what you wanted... That you wanted to go back home... (To leave us...)"

<Vlad (Gligar): "Huh? But she's been talking all about showing you her friends and family ever since we left Cerulean!">

<Shaun (Flaaffy): "(Doesn't this whole 'Tracer not really understanding you' thing get kinda old, Iggy?)">

<Iggy (Wartortle): "(It complicates things sometimes, yes.)">

-Shaking head-

<Kat (Cubone): "Eh? I never said I wanted to leave your team! I like it! I just wanted to go home! And... Well...

... I wanted you to see it too...">

"I... I don't understand what you want, the- Whoa! Iggy!"

-Is shoved from behind by the Wartortle in the group-

<Iggy (Wartortle): "I know this is rude, Tracer. But trust me, you'll thank me for it later.">

-Darting ahead again-

<Kat (Cubone): "This way! This way!">

"Okay! Okay! I'm going! Geez!"

<Kat (Cubone): "Heh, maybe we can get you painted too, Tracer!">

4 (edited by SpitefulMurkrow 2012-06-28 06:39:55)

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

Around a Year Ago - PEFE HQ

-A certain Salamence is crying, rather upset at a rather momentous occasion in her life being missed by her trainer. A certain Marowak is attempting to console her-

-Patting Nadia-

<Kat: "There, there... Let it all out, Nadia...">

<Nadia: "(*sniffle*) Wh-Why would Tr-Tracer do this to me? (*sniffle*)

(I e-even t-told everyone to wait for h-him... I-I d-didn't want h-him to miss it...)">

<Kat: "But... We were there, Nadia... (Or at least some of us were...) ... And you're finally a Salamence... Isn't this what you wanted?">

<Nadia: "(*sniffle*) S-So what? I s-still can't fly... Or at least not m-meaningfully... And- And...

I- (*sniffle*) I didn't w-want it this way... Tr-Tracer s-said he was going to be there for me when I n-needed him! H-He pr-promised!">

<Kat: "I know, Nadia... You told me this...">

-In a deeply upset tone-

<Nadia: "(*sniffle*) H-How co-could he do this to me?! H-How could he j-just l-leave me to be all alone like th-that?!">

<Kat: "... But you're not alone, Nadia...">

Around Four Years Ago - Original PEFE HQ

-A certain Bagon is sitting on a cushion near a now-empty food and water bowl, visibly near tears. A leg in a cast from a recent botched dive from the fire escape-

<Nadia (Bagon): "(Wh-Why me?)">

<Kat: "... Nadia? Are you okay, sweetie?">

<Nadia (Bagon): "(N-No...)">

-Drawing up to a young Nadia-

<Kat: "What's wrong... Does your leg hurt?">

<Nadia (Bagon): "(Not really... At least if no one hits it or anything it's okay...)">

<Kat: "What's the matter then?">

<Nadia (Bagon): "I-I can't d-do anything! I can't dive, I can't play with anyone, I can barely walk!">

-And feebly curls up-

<Kat: "... Can you still hold onto things well?">

<Nadia (Bagon): "I-I think I can do th-that...">

-Lying down on her belly next to Nadia-

<Kat: "Climb on.">

<Nadia (Bagon): "Wh-What?">

<Kat: "You said you wanted to get around, right? Humans call it 'piggybacking'.">

-And complies with Kat's command and clambers onto her, latching onto her shoulders-

<Nadia (Bagon): "What is it that you're going to-?">

<Kat: "Are you holding on tight?">

<Nadia (Bagon): "Yes, but why-? OH!">

-And Kat gets up, Nadia still clinging onto her-

<Kat: "(Oof! What did you eat this morning, cement?) Is there anywhere you'd like to go, Nadia?">

<Nadia (Bagon): "Could... Could you take me someplace high, Kat?">

<Kat: "Sure.">

Around Three Years Ago - Present PEFE HQ

-A certain mon in a bulky, hard to manuver form is lying down facing a corner-

<Nadia (Shelgon): "...">

-Noticing Nadia facing a corner-

<Kat: "... Nadia? Are you awake?">

<Nadia (Shelgon): "Leave me alone!">

<Kat: "... Can't you at least turn towards me?">

<Nadia (Shelgon): "Why? So that you can make fun of me?">

-In a bit of an irked tone-

<Kat: "How long have you known me for, Nadia? And why would I make fun of you?">

<Nadia (Shelgon): "Because I look stupid! I can't move around well, I keep rolling over and getting stuck! I'm not a dragon, I'm j-just some dumb block!">

-Rolling eyes-

<Kat: "Alright, up.">

<Nadia (Shelgon): "Make me.">

-Which elicits a few hard swats from Kat-

<Nadia (Shelgon): "Ack! Geez! Alright!">

<Kat: "Now turn around...">

-And the Shelgon reluctantly turns to face the Marowak, avoiding eye contact-

<Nadia (Shelgon): "There! Are you happy now? You get to see how utterly idiotic I-">

-And is given the best approximation that could be given to an embrace by the Marowak-

<Kat: "If you ask one of the others for that, I'm sure that they'll give it to you too... (Sonny doesn't count.)">

<Nadia (Shelgon): "But... (Why?)">

<Kat: "Because you're our teammate... And nothing's ever going to change that...">

Around a Year Ago - PEFE HQ

<Kat: "You never have been...">

<Nadia: "(*mumble*)">

-And lies down, eyes still damp. And shuts them, clearly wanting to just be left alone at this point-

<Kat: "... Just don't forget that, Nadia... Even if we sometimes slip up with our promises to you...

As long as we can help it, you never will be alone.">

5 (edited by SpitefulMurkrow 2012-06-14 04:17:11)

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

A Bit Over 9 Years Ago - A Street Somewhere In Celadon

-I am walking around with a party of 5 Pokemon, cradling an incubator containing the egg of the mon that would eventually be named Audrey-

"Heh... What do you suppose that this little guy's going to be like?"

<Kat (Cubone): "It could be a girl, you know!">

<Iggy (Wartortle): "Actually, the odds are kinda against you on that one, Kat. Riolu usually hatch male with humans for some reason.">

<Vlad (Gligar): "Whatever it turns out to be, I'm sure it'll be adorable!" ^v-v^>

<Sonny (Murkrow): "Mmph. Who cares?">

<Shaun (Flaaffy): "Because you're going to get a new teammate soon?">

<Sonny (Murkrow): "You're not my teammates. Moya bratki are my teammates. You're just a razdrazhenie that I'm putting up with until I'm tough enough to take the bratva for myself and moya bratev i sester.">

-Leering-

<Shaun (Flaaffy): "... I would suggest you watch your attitude, bird.">

<Sonny (Murkrow): "Or what?">

???: "Hey kid!"

"Huh?"

-And turns to notice a young woman and young man clad in a mostly-black cap, shirt, and skirt and pants respectively with gray boots in an outfit that some of the members of what is now called the 'J-Team' would find familiar. The two appear to be accompanied by two mons each, a Zubat, a Cubone, a Houndour, and a Rhyhorn-

Female Rocket Grunt: "You've run into a surprise toll, pay up!"

-Assuming a battle stance-

<Iggy (Wartortle): "I'd suggest that you tell your trainers to take a hike.">

-Crackling a bit with electricity-

<Shaun (Flaaffy): "Yeah! We're not going with you!">

-Yelping, more than a little startled-

<Rocket!Houndour: "Yipe! W-We're not asking for th-that, h-honest! J-Just have your human give some of those p-paper and m-metal things over!">

<Rocket!Zubat: "You're not top percentage enough to take away from your human anyways.">

<Rocket!Houndour: "(Sh-Shut up, pl-please!)">

<Sonny (Murkrow): "You're seriously worried about these mudaki? Let's just plow them and call it a day!">

-Sizing up our foes and carefully weighing up options-

"... And why should I pay again? I mean, my mons outnumber yours, not vice versa. And I sincerely doubt that most of your mons are going to enjoy fighting with my Wartortle. Or hey, I could take a scenic detour. It'll take me all of what, two extra minutes?"

<Rocket!Houndour: "(Ulp.)">

<Rocket!Rhyhorn: "Oh come on, they don't look so tough... Why I could probably run over any of 'em with my eyes closed!">

<Vlad (Gligar): "Good luck with that, you meanie! I can glide faster than you can run!">

-Leering at the Rocket Cubone, brandishing club-

<Kat (Cubone): "Your tribe must be so proud of you...">

<Rocket!Cubone: "Mmph. I'm just doing what a normal mon is supposed to and respecting the Vow. Or does yours not follow it?">

-Cutting me off from behind-

Male Rocket Grunt: "Oh, I don't doubt that some of your mons can fight... But can that egg of yours fight?"

Female Rocket Grunt: "It would be dreadful if anything say... Happened to it... Don't you think?"

"You wouldn't."

-It is at this point that the four Rocket mons focus their attention on the incubator-

<Rocket!Houndour: "(G-Guys? C-Couldn't we try this on m-mons that c-can't horribly mess us up?)">

<Rocket!Zubat: "Better help your human make a decision fast, you guys. Or we could make it for you...">

-Pawing at the ground-

<Rocket!Rhydon: "Heh... It'll be just like busting a pinata...">

-Easing out of battle stance, with a seemingly paralyzed look-

<Shaun (Flaaffy): "Uh... (Iggy? What do we do now?)">

<Vlad (Gligar): "(... Why couldn't they have been cute and not creepy jerks?)">

-To the four mons-

<Iggy (Wartortle): "Grr... This is low... Even for you!">

-Hastily trying to force the Rocket Cubone to stand down-

<Kat (Cubone): "(Ugh... Oh crud...) Look at you! You're seriously about to throw a club at an egg? Do you think the dead are just going to take that?">

<Rocket!Cubone: "It's just a fiend egg. I sincerely doubt they would care.">

<Sonny (Murkrow): "Oh for the love of-! This idiotizm ends now!">

-And barrels towards the Rhyhorn's flank-

"SONNY, WAIT!"

<Sonny (Murkrow): "CAW!">

-And is quickly Thunder Waved and drops out of the sky onto the sidewalk-

<Sonny (Murkrow): "ARGH! SHAUN! KAKOGO CHERTA ETO VASHA PROBLEMA?!*">

*"What the hell is your problem?!"

-And is hastily recalled-

Female Rocket Grunt: "Smart sheep... So what's it going to be, kid?"

"Ugh... How much?"

Male Rocket Grunt: "Whatever you've got. We run a toll that's progressive by income here!"

"(*grumble*) Yeah, yeah."

-And throws the contents of my wallet, about 4000 Pen or so onto the sidewalk and hastily puts as much distance as possible from that patch of sidewalk with team-

About 30 Minutes Later - In a House In a Back Alley

-I am treating a certain Murkrow for paralysis, who is still rather upset about being attacked by one of his own teammates-

<Sonny (Murkrow): "Eto glupo, ya pomogal!* So why do I suffer because of it?! And we could have taken those gopniki!">

* "This is stupid, I helped!"

"Yes, yes... I know that it hurts, Sonny! Please, calm down!"

<Sonny (Murkrow): "Some team this is!">

"... That could have turned out a lot better, huh...?"

<Sonny (Murkrow): "Gee, vy dumaete?">

"You understand why Shaun did that though, don't you?"

-Irately-

<Sonny (Murkrow): "Because he's a tupitsa, that's why!">

-While applying Paralyz Heal-

"... I'm going to guess that's a 'no'... I'm not sure if you can understand this... But... It was because there was someone that we really didn't want to lose in all of that..."

<Sonny (Murkrow): "And just who was-?!">

-And happens to see the incubator on the counter-

<Sonny (Murkrow): "...">

"... You understand, don't you?"

<Sonny (Murkrow): "... (Maybe I need to put a bit more thought into this whole 'taking over moya bratva' thing than I thought...) ... I think so... But this I'm still not happy about this!">

-And beats his wings to try and restore sensation in them-

-Putting arm out to serve as a perch-

"Come on, I'll take you around a bit... My treat."

<Sonny (Murkrow): "... Fine.">

-And hops onto my arm, still looking at the incubator-

<Sonny (Murkrow): "(You'd better do one heck of a job making them happy, mutt! You owe me!)">

6 (edited by SpitefulMurkrow 2013-01-05 08:34:25)

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

Around the Time of the J-Team’s Stint in Oblivia - In Front of a Computer In An Ambiguous Location of Ambiguousness

-Three mons with a habit of playing video games in their off time are looking at a fansite following 'Capsule Monsters' that is run by a particularly well-known and infamously thin-skinned Big Name Fan-

<Milo: "Seriously? ... Why are we looking at forums on this fansite?">

<Teala: "There's no new events or news! And Tracer's busy right now!">

<Audrey: "Oh come on, it’s not like there's nothing interesting to read here.">

<Milo: "Like what?">

<Audrey: "'Headcanon Thread: How Does The Capuverse Tick In Your Mind?'">

<Milo: "... Eh? I guess it might be good for a laugh to read this... Which one do we start with though?">

<Teala: "Hmm... Do you see any that stand out?">

<Milo: "Boring... Boring... More boring...">

This could take a while, but here's how I see the world of Capsule Monsters working:

Mythical Capsule Monsters:

- Mythics are not deities, if anything, they're closer to more compact Kaiju. As such, they are neither unique, nor immortal. (Hey, if they didn't want multiple superpowered creatures, why have palette swaps that you can't change?) A Mythic is much as any other mon in the sense that it can reproduce (though obviously not allowed thanks to how the game implements breeding mechanics), get hurt, and in some cases, die.

<Milo: "Pfft! Well that's dumb! Alright, we're reading this one.">

<Teala: "I must say... That does seem... Arbitrary... Isn't there a god of music in reality? What's the big jump there?">

<Audrey: "'Stupdendous Man', huh? Why does that sound familiar?">

- Many Mythics are subject to memetic mutation and hyperbole regarding their strength. (This IS a setting that has horribad failures of sanity in the Codex you're provided.) Your timespace ponies won't be ending any worlds any time soon. That said, they're not exactly the sorts of mons that you'd want to make angry in a crowded city. Or within a few miles of one, for that matter.

<Teala: "'Timespace pony'?">

<Audrey: "It's the mon that they made that rips off all those legends of Dialga and Keldeo.">

<Teala: "... Wait... What?">

- Mythics are above your petty little things like gender unless otherwise explicitly stated. They have both male and female characteristics (not wholly unlike some Drag Queen fairies from a certain RPG), some trending more heavily towards one than the other.

<Milo: "Once again, dumb.">

<Teala: "Yeah... Reshiram and Zekrom are supposed to be ladylike and manlike... Why muddle things up when reality doesn't?">

- Battles against Mythics are not a "oh hey, let's catch this thing!" matter as presented in-game. They are ordeals of stamina. And when the Mythic in question is in a particularly nasty mood, fights for survival.

<Audrey: "Er... Yeah. That sounds pretty believable.">

<Milo: "Concurred.">

<Teala: "Yeah... Just an argument between the gods is already really scary...">

Geography & Culture:

- Mythics obviously have a tendency to be venerated in historical culture. (If Bellsprout can gather a following, this shouldn’t be an issue.) However, they don’t necessarily have anywhere near as much of a following in contemporary settings.

<Milo: "... That actually doesn't seem too far removed from reality...">

<Audrey: "I don't understand it though... Why do humans only seem to care about Legendaries when they're right next to them anymore?">

<Teala: *shrug* "Maybe it's that way here, but I didn't think it was like that in Unova. And whoever wrote this is clearly not a mon.">

- Culture in regions follow their RL-analogues unless explicitly divergent. e.g. The newly revealed Unova expy would be culturally Unovan, though with not-so-subtle hints of cultures from other continents showing through underneath.
* Regions vary in size relative to their RL analogues. 'I Can't Believe It's Not Hoenn and Sinnoh' would likely be about the same size as their RL analogues, the obvious stand-ins for Kanjoh and Unova would likely be noticeably larger.

<Milo: "... Lazy. But hard to argue with.">

<Audrey: "Yeah! When are we going to see the region based on Angela! Or whatever shoestring region Silent's from?">

- Culture likely resembles modern culture in the sense that there is an internet, cars, airports, and fast food. At the same time, there are quirks that could only happen in a world filled with extraordinarily powerful creatures, such as more highly developed medicine.

<Teala: "Well the games and the show seem to back that one up...">

- The Centers that you see in games represent merely the most prominent of a broader network of hostels. They can provide basic healing for free subsidized from lodging. More advanced care will obviously put a dent in your pocket.

<Audrey: "Considering how towns aren't five houses and a Pokemart, that seems reasonable.">

- Trainer's licenses are generally obtainable around the age of 10-12 in most areas. It is considered generally acceptable to allow persons under this age to gain experience training as long as you watch them like a Mukuhawk.

<Teala: "Wait, human young are really that old when they start training?">

<Audrey: "They age slowly for some reason.">

- There is a general understanding that when challenging mons for the purpose to capture, one must:
* Let the mon approach YOU. Attempting to force yourself upon a mon is not a winning strategy for anyone.
* Allow the mon that challenges you to regain its bearings and become lucid enough to flee if you defeat it. In the wild, being unconscious is the same as potentially parading around with a sign that says "eat me". Obviously some allowances are made with regard to this rule. (I wouldn't want to hover over a semi-lucid pseudo either!)

<Teala: "... Isn't that how it works in real life anyways?">

- You are not obligated to stick out battles even if you're hopelessly outgunned. That is simply a game mechanic. (Really, am I supposed to believe that a caring trainer is *really* going to leave their 4x weak lizard out to be beaten up by a vastly larger and more powerful opponent?)
* In addition, there is a general tradition of the losing team forking over supplies and money to the winning team to help cover healing items and the like. It is not *strictly* necessary for such transactions to follow battles, though.

<Milo: "No, the tradition is to offer the winner as a blood sacrifice! Of course something like that would happen! It’s just common sense!">

- Human cultures treat mons as being semi-to-fully sapient creatures. Obviously, the societal underpinnings are still made in mind for creatures with thoroughly human mannerisms and mentalities.

<Milo: "Seriously, why didn't the last 5 points just fall under 'Like Reality Unlike Otherwise Noted?' It would have saved us a ton of time!">

- Historical events are likely to be divergent between regions and their RL counterparts. Even moreso as one goes further back. That said, events within the last 25-30 years are more likely to be similar than not.

<Teala: "Hmm... I guess that would make sense... I mean, it's a different world... Would it necessarily have the same history?">

Technology:

- Medical technology is highly advanced. And as such, "minor" injuries in the 'verse include some injuries that would be not-so-minor IRL. Don't count on being able to just magically fix ANYTHING at a center though!

<Milo: "Define 'highly advanced'. I mean, humans take a week to get over a little fracture that can be taken care of by a trip to a Pokecenter and a couple days' rest. I'm pretty sure that that's not too advanced.">

- Transport technology is about on-par with that IRL, though is generally not depicted as such in-game. Historical levels of technological attainment are likely higher, given that mons are more enabling to technological development than their RL counterparts.
* That said, automobiles likely do not see quite as much of a central focus for short-distance commuting. Due to the plethora of non-trivially sized fliers and teleporters. (Though still valid for further distances due to considerations of stamina, plus teleportation becoming more and more of a crapshoot with further range.)

<Audrey: "Huh... Wonder if the writer could see Last Legend-style airships floating around in the past...?">

<Milo: "... Isn't this the series where mecha stomp around with that annoying group of thieves once an episode?">

* Mecha technology may exist. If it does though, it is most certainly not very widespread. (You know, the sort of thing a couple of bumbling thieves and a cat could never hope to get their hands on, let alone make a down payment on.)

<Milo: "Oh, so there's the handwave for that.">

- Capsules operate by "condensing" the matter of a mon into a more compact state. And are tied to mons thanks to some sort of set of biological "beacons". They have both stasis and limited life-support abilities, but are not a viable long-term substitute for actual feedings. (But your mon is still hungry!)
* Transferring mons to boxes operates via a series of short-distance, directed teleportations of mass. Your mon won’t be making it to a box server in one jump unless it’s in the same building as you. For similar reasons, long-range teleportation in general is similarly non-viable (and likely not anywhere near as cost-effective as alternative means of transport).

<Teala: "... I'm pretty sure that's not how Pokeballs work... But I don't know anything about how boxes are supposed to work... That last bit sound right?">

<Audrey: "I don't know. My memory's a bit fuzzy on that...">

- Firearms exist, but are about as common as you'd expect in Pokepan and nations with alike cultures (read: Not very). Being massively outclassed by the abilities of your basic, average, fully mature starter and being of limited effectiveness against a large chunk of local fauna helps with redundancy.

<Audrey: "Agreed. I've actually thrown thugs with guns across hallways before.">

<Milo: "You’re never going to stop yacking about Pokefutures, are you?">

<Audrey: "Hey! That was my finest hour there! Mostly.">

Biology:

- Mon strength and abilities as described in the 'dex are in all likelihood exaggerated or otherwise focusing too much on extreme upper bound examples. (Just because some humans can run 25 miles an hour doesn’t mean EVERY human can!)

<Milo: "Nope, Machamp clearly are going around and derailing trains with their punches on a regular basis.">

<Teala: "I guess that seems reasonable...">

- Wild starter mons are NOT common. And vastly outnumbered by their captive counterparts.
* Wild starter mons are also more likely to more closely resemble the individuals of their species described in 'dex than their captive counterparts. The latter are likely to exhibit vastly divergent behavior, seeing as they are intended for the basic, average, trainer to be able to be cared reasonably easily for at ANY stage.

<Audrey: "...">

<Milo: "... I'm sorry, what?">

<Teala: "That one seems a bit peculiar to me... Why would that be the case?">

- Humans can exhibit paranormal abilities associated with Capsule Monsters in rare circumstances. They are virtually always going to be not remotely comparable to the abilities exhibited by even weak mons with such capabilities, though.

<Audrey: "Well if there's spoonbenders in this universe... It makes sense there'd be some in that one.">

- Mons are at least semi-sapient. As such, there will be elements that will be Not So Different with regard to their mindset and those of humans. That said, there will be some aspects that diverge noticeably from those of humans.
* Mons have a greater tendency towards learned behaviors, similar to humans. (Which is why you can safely train your wild-caught murderbeasts.) Instinctive behavior still has a place among mons, though, and becomes harder to suppress or dislodge with age.

<Milo: "Hey! I've always been a natural at stuff!">

<Audrey: "Explain how you kept having trouble with your first few games?">

<Milo: "They don't make controllers for creatures with three claws!">

- Any mon can lay an egg. Some eggs just have more than one way to hatch.
* Any in-game pairing of mons is theoretically doable. In practice, many such pairings will require artificial insemination to work.
- All megafauna in the Capuverse consists of mons. Some small creatures that are not mons may or may not exist. But given the revelation of creatures with incredibly small first stages, it would appear that most biological niches outside of the microscopic level would be heavily dominated by mons.
* Plant life is by and large the same as that IRL.

<Milo: "Okay, boring. Moving to the next point!">

- Mons have more than one possible iris color, as evidenced by their varying depictions in different media.
* Other more dramatic differences in phenotype such as size, number of spikes, and hide color also occur. With some species exhibiting more diversity than others.

<Milo: "... Are they like 60 shades of one color? Because that doesn't count!">

- "Monese" in the sense of a unified, trans-species language among mons exists. But it is not a global language. Rather, there are differing types of mutually unintelligible "monese" that might not even share common syllables. Depending on whether or not mons REALLY utilize 'Capumon Speak', the specific patterns utilized to communicate ideas and concepts may or may not have influenced local human language dynamics.
* "Monese" terms are likely to vary in meaning among species to species. For instance, the term "pollination" will mean something quite different to a Grass-Type and to a Bug-Type. Some terms would likely have no equivalent for members of two different species.

<Teala: "... A world where mons can't always understand each other easily?">

<Audrey: "Sounds... Different... To say the least. Even if it's hard to understand some of the things that Inka and Maekrite say without Aura... Or Sonny for that matter.">

<Milo: "Seriously, who wrote this crap?">

-A certain trainer walks in-

"Oh! Hey guys? What are you looking a- Er... Why are you looking at a post that I made on a fansite last year?" ._.

<Audrey: "Oh, so that's where it's from...">

"Er... Ehehe... Let's just get you out of there..."

-And does a hasty logout-

[spoiler]Take the quoted bits out of the context of the universe, and you have my Headcanon regarding the Pokeverse.

7 (edited by SpitefulMurkrow 2013-01-05 08:04:08)

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

PEFE HQ - Around the Events of DS' PC Antics in Sinnoh

-A certain Blastoise is approaching a Buizel that appears to be rather startled-

<Iggy: "Oh hey there, little guy...">

-Looking frantically for a way to escape... And realizing that he is cornered-

<Milo (Buizel): "I-I- M-Meep! Tr-Tracer! H-Help me!">

-And curls up and starts to cower-

<Iggy: "Huh? Have you never seen a Blastoise before?">

<Milo (Buizel): "N-Nhuh? N-No...">

<Iggy: "It's alright! It's alright! I don't bite... Even if the jaws don't look the part. We're mostly fish-eaters, by the way...">

<Milo (Buizel): "O... Okay...">

-Uncurling... And receiving a pat from the Blastoise in return-

<Iggy: "See? That wasn't so bad, was it?">

<Milo (Buizel): "B-But you're h-huge! And you've got a mouth full of sharp teeth!">

<Iggy: "Actually... I don't have that many... See?">

-And opens mouth to reveal a mostly-toothless, if still powerful maw-

<Iggy: "It's alright if you're jumpy... Lotsa things seem scary to us when we're small... It'll wear off as you get older and bigger.">

<Milo (Buizel): "Huh? But everyone else seems so big! (Uh... Except maybe Vlad and Gene...) They really were scared of things once too?">

<Iggy: "Heh... Yes... Even they were...">

-Tilting head-

<Milo (Buizel): "Oh? But... Like what?">

<Iggy: "Well... Don't tell anyone that I told you this, but...">

In a House in Greater Celadon - Several Years Ago

-A certain Riolu is curiously poking at a vacuum cleaner-

<Audrey (Riolu): "Huh? What's this?">

-And accidentally turns it on-

<Audrey (Riolu): "EEEEEEEP!">

-Flailing, attempting to silence the whine of the vacuum with some kicks and punches-

<Audrey (Riolu): "Go away go away go away-!" *yelp*>

-And manages to get her tail caught by the hose-

-Coming in from another room-

"Audrey? Are you alright? What's going-?"

<Audrey (Riolu): "Tracer! Tracer! H-Help! It's e-eating me!">

Outside a House in Greater Celadon - Several Years Ago

-A certain Murkrow is attempting to fly into a house-

<Sonny (Murkrow): "Heh heh heh... Glupyye sosedi! If you leave your change out like that, it's just asking for-!">

-And runs into an unseen presence-

<Sonny (Murkrow): CAW!>

-Picking self off of ground-

<Sonny (Murkrow): "Chtoeto-?!">

-And runs into the unseen presence... Again... And Again... And Again-

<Sonny (Murkrow): "Argh! Why can't I get in?!">

"What on earth is that bumping-? Sonny!"

-And attempts to ram the presence head-on, which causes the Murkrow to sprawl out dazed-

<Sonny (Murkrow): "T-Tracer?! M-Meditsina!"> @v@

Train Station in Celadon - Several Years Ago

-A certain Cubone is peeking about nervously at her surroundings-

<Kat (Cubone): "T-Tracer, wh-why would you take me here? Th-Those fiends c-come here! O-One of them a-ate my-!">

"Kat... Calm down... It's just a station... (It's not like I can take you outside of your ball aboard anyways...) The trains won't hurt you, and aren't they fun to look at?"

<Kat (Cubone): "F-Fun?! Y-You're insane! Th-Those things are e-evil!">

-And the horn of an approaching train can be heard-

-Starting to whimper-

<Kat (Cubone): "Tracer! Pl-Please! It's c-coming!">

"I know! I know! We're right here! We're behind the yellow line! Like we're supposed to be!"

-And a train pulls up... And opens its doors beside the platform... Revealing the interior cabins... Which to a Cubone, would perhaps come off as somewhat mawlike-

-Quivering and starting to tear up-

<Kat (Cubone): "D-Don't l-let it-! D-Don't let it e-ea-ea-BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!">

-And runs off for the stairs, crying-

"Kat! Wait! Where are you going?!"

PEFE - Back in the Same Time as the Beginning

<Iggy: "See? Those things were all tough and scary to them back then, but they've gotten over it!">

<Milo (Buizel): "But... How do they see them now?">

<Iggy: "... Uh...">

The Same House in Greater Celadon - A Few Years Later

-A certain bird, now a Honchkrow is flying towards a certain house with an ill-gotten bread loaf-

<Sonny: "Convenience stores, what would I ever do witho-" CAW!>

-And runs into a familiar nemesis-

<Sonny: "Ubiraysya s moyego puti, mudak!">

-And uses Night Slash-

*SMASH* *Twinkle*

The Same Train Station - A Few Years Later

"Kat... Please don't get me in trouble here..."

<Kat: "If those fiends come, I'm not letting one of them escape, Tr-!">

-And the horn of a passing train sounds-

<Kat: "Ack!">

-And a train rolls to a stop... And opens its doors-

-Assuming a battle position, in a proud, if somewhat unhinged tone-

<Kat: "You- You killed my father! I, Chain of Spades of the Umber Tribe have waited years for this day that I could avenge him!">

-Fumbling for Kat's Pokeball-

"Uh? K-Kat?!"

-And attempts to recall her... And misses-

<Kat: "DIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE!">

-As a certain Marowak rushes the side of the stopped commuter train-

PEFE HQ - Back in the Time of the First Part

<Iggy: "Well...">

-The voice of a certain Lucario can be heard calling out from the distance-

<Audrey: "(Ack! What is THIS doing here?! Get out! Get out! Get OUT!)">

-And a still-running robotic vacuum cleaner can be seen ejected from a module in the distance... Effectively disintegrating upon contact with the ground-

<Iggy: "Er... Ideally, you'll come to deal with them in a way that isn't as destructive... (For my sake, anyways.)"> ._.;

8 (edited by SpitefulMurkrow 2013-11-09 08:34:04)

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

[spoiler]There is a rather nerdy overarcing method to this madness, see if you can spot it.

Around Last Spring - Part of Tracer's Short Stint as a Guest Lecturer in Johto

"Hello! So I'll be talking a bit about training today! Do you have any questions?" ^_^

Student #1: "Yeah! Why are the starters always Fire, Water, and Grass Pokemon? Why not something like Psychic, Dark, and Fighting Pokemon?"

"Uh... Well, a starter isn't really chosen to be distributed on a basis of battle viability. There's a lot of Pokemon that can become much stronger that could be given out if that were the case...

No, the starters you get are there primarily because they've more or less been bred for you to be able to understand and get along with a bit easier than normal."

Student #2: "Why do I even need a stupid plastic card to train a mon anyways? I was getting along just fine with my family's Pokemon before I had one!"

"... Well..."

-Getting mind taken back to an incident some time ago-

At a Pokemon Center Somewhere in Kanto - Shortly After The Collapse of Pokefutures in Angela

"Eh?! What do you mean I can't send my mons over onto my friend's PC server! I've been able to do that for forever!"

Pokecenter Receptionist: "I'm afraid that would technically involve trading, sir..."

"... And what's wrong with that?"

Pokecenter Receptionist: "... Tell me, you do still remember when you were quizzed for your Trainer's license, yes?"

"... And?"

Pokecenter Receptionist: "... Maybe you should brush up."

-And hands over an opened booklet-

"

Pokemon are incredibly diverse creatures, as are the demands for having to care for them. In response, the Kanto Regional Training Board has developed the following classification scheme in conjunction with interregional observers, which provides an overbroad view of the various classifications and legal responsibilities of caring for different Pokemon.

Publicly Available Classifications:

The following three classifications apply to Pokemon that are recognized as being within the necessary legal and public safety abilities to accommodate in general training settings. Species are categorized into subclasses based upon their physiological build as elaborated upon in the appendix to this manual unless otherwise noted.

"

<Audrey: "... Huh?">

<Kat: "... This... Is the first time I've ever heard of this..."> ._.

<Iggy: "It's a letter and some numbers they put on you based on what your body is like and how tough you are. Like... I think that yours used to be 'B6'...">

<Kat:  "... What the heck does that even mean?">

Pokecenter Clerk: "Please keep reading, sir."

"

Class A:

Pokemon in this class are considered as being of sufficiently low safety concern to merit recommended "starter" or "first catch" status. Class A Pokemon (and ONLY Class A Pokemon) may also be allowed to travel in the company of an unlicensed trainer supervised by a license carrier.

It should be noted that many Class A group mons have evolved forms that are classified outside of this group. Accordingly, such forms are illegal to be left in the tutelage of an unlicensed trainer.

Example Class A Pokemon:

Buizel, Eevee, Pikachu.

Notable Subclassifications:

- A15: Base form Pokemon distributed through accredited "Starter" program.

Okay, so my mons probably don't fit into that category anymore. So what's the iss-?"

Pokecenter Receptionist: "Keep reading..."

"

Class B:

Pokemon in this class are considered as being within the normal capabilities to care for of most trainers exhibiting basic competency of training standards and Pokemon handling. Creatures from this classification are NOT "harmless" from a safety standpoint, and can still present a significant personal health risk under some circumstances.

Some Class B Pokemon have later forms that are subject to Class C restrictions, which should be kept in mind by any would-be trainers.

Example Class B Pokemon:

Most wild counterparts of Pokemon under Classification A15, Dratini, Gloom

Notable Subclassifications:

- B15: Intermediate form Pokemon distributed through accredited "Starter" program.
- B16: Final form Pokemon distributed through accredited "Starter" program.

I don't get where this is goi-"

Pokecenter Receptionist: "You'll see when you get there..."

-Rolling eyes-

"

Class C:

Pokemon under this classification are recognized as being theoretically safe to feasibly care for in human settings, but are known to be generally beyond the means of most trainers to so in practice. Any trainer of a Class C Pokemon MUST be licensed, and MUST demonstrate an ability to control and safely socialize such creatures with other trainers and their Pokemon. Some subclassifications in this group have more extensive regulations regarding trading and legal release of such creatures.

Example Class C Pokemon:

Wild counterparts of Pokemon under classification B16, Scyther, Aggron

Notable Subclassifications:

- C15: 'Superapex' predator Pokemon raised in captivity or evolved from captured earlier form. Includes creatures colloquially referred to as 'pseudolegendaries'.
- C16: Probationary classification for Pokemon having record of physical injury of trainers. This classification is generally easy to appeal, and most trainers will train a Pokemon that winds up attaining this classification at some point.
- C17: Probationary classification for Pokemon having record of involvement in misdemeanor-level criminal activities under current or prior trainer.

Yes. That's what most of my mons are classified under. And ditto with my friend's!"

Pokecenter Receptionist: "Um... Yeah... You might want to read the last two sections..."

Restricted Classifications:

Pokemon under these Classifications are deemed beyond the ability to safely or otherwise legally accommodate in a regular training environment, and are subjected to restrictions regarding training.

Class D:

Pokemon under this classification are recognized as being theoretically capable of functioning in broader society under a trainer, but are recognized as having demonstrated documented behavior posing significant hazards to public safety. On top of all Class C restrictions, any Pokemon trained from this classification are deemed beyond the normal abilities to accommodate for purposes of release into the wild or trading to and from other trainers, and requires approval from appropriate jurisdictions to do so legally.

Example Class D Pokemon:

Most wild counterparts of Class C15 Pokemon.

Notable Subclassifications:

- D3: Classification used for "Fossil" Pokemon.
- D6: Probationary classification for Pokemon having record of aggravated or severe physical injury of trainers. This classification is typically difficult to appeal, and successful appealing typically result in prolonged C16 status.
- D7: Probationary classification for Pokemon having record of involvement in felony-level criminal activities under current or prior trainer. Most appeals to lift this status from a Pokemon generally fail.

Class Z:

Pokemon under this classification are ILLEGAL to keep in captivity, either for reasons of fundamentally irreconcilable safety hazards, or for purposes related to the health and stability of wild populations. Any Pokemon under this classification MUST be specifically cleared for ANY prolonged interaction under a trainer by an appropriate jurisdiction.

Example Class Z Pokemon:

Cryptid Pokemon often referred to as 'Legendaries' often have ceremonial Z Classifications (not that most trainers who attempted to capture such an entity would live to tell the tale).

Notable Subclassifications:

- Z0: Waiver status allowing for temporary and highly monitored training of a creature from this classification.
- Z1: Wild Pokemon that are endangered, and thus ineligible for capture.
- Z3: Pokemon that have been deemed incapable of safely being trained or otherwise released into the wild. Occasionally referred to as 'manslayer' status.

<Kat: "Meep.">

<Audrey: "Oh... So those are the numbers for all those creeps.">

<Iggy: "Yeesh. I don't know if I want to spend time around mons with some of those designations..."> ._.

<Shaun: "... Hey... Iggy... You don't think...?">

Pokecenter Receptionist: "Now... Can you tell me what the training classification you see on those mons you were attempting to transfer were?"

-And turns the monitor to reveal a wall of 'D' classifications-

<Iggy: "What?!">

<Audrey: "Oh come on, that was self-defense!">

<Sonny: "I can't believe this idiotizm!">

"... I knew that there was a catch with how we were let go in Angela..." >.<

Around Last Spring - Part of Tracer's Short Stint as a Guest Lecturer in Johto

"... Trust me, just follow the rules you know exist and stay out of trouble. Even if they seem unreasonable. If Johto's rules work anything like the ones at home do, there's a lot of other annoying ones out there. And about a hundred hours of appeals to get around them..." >.<

[spoiler]Still haven't figured it out? Look a few pictures of the spines of some Japanese video games sometime. ^^;

9

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

[spoiler]Spaghetti post with Tracer. Takes place in the AU.

RtAU - Near a Notable Landmark in Unova…

The setting is a partly frozen forested area with a large structure in the background. A sacred place where two highly annoyed deities rest, with the wildlands around patrolled by various mons taking charge of the migration of mons and humons goin' around.

A slightly tired [Nidoran♂] walks out of behind some bushes and takes a look around the perimeter of Dragonspiral Tower. He smirks, he has finally found some guards. A Druddigon, two Mienfoo and a Vanilluxe.

Silentran♂: <Hey! You!> -- swings paws -- <Uhm... are you tower guards?>

Mienfoo #1 -turns around: <Eh?>

Mienfoo Guard #2: <Wait, who the heck are you?">

Mienfoo Guard #1: <And what are you doing lurking in the bushes?> >:|

The Nidoran walks up to them.

Silentran♂: <Uhm, I'm looking to get into the tower.> -- points at self -- <It's cold in there and I has no much fur...>

As he is explaining himself, a Nidorino with some deity paint job emerges from the bushes and just sits there, observing.

Vanilluxe: <Oh, boo hoo for you. Some of us don't HAVE any fur->

Mienfoo #2 -pats: <Easy there...> -- to the Nidoran -- <Why are you not in the town south of here with the other [evacuees]? It's got a lot of warm places you could stay in. And we can't take in travellers for very long here.">

Druddigon Guard -nods: <Yeah, it's policy.>

Maekrite the Nidorino -flickers ears, steps ahead: <What do you mean policy? Who mandated this?>

Silent meanwhile runs a circle around the guards and stands before one of them.

Silentran♂: <Look, we came from the towns out there. It's just this place is [important]!>

Mienfoo #2: <Standard practice. We take in pilgrims. Not immigrants.> -- scoffs.

Druddigon Guard: <That's like saying the sky is blue. Look. This is a place to come and visit, pay your respects to our lords, and then leave. Not some sort of free-for-all den!>

The larger Nido steps ahead in response.

Maekrite: <Well, I would really like to pay my respects to the lords of this land... and educate the kit a little bit.>

To strengthen his point Maekrite then pats the Nidoran on the head, who responds by trying to swat the paw away.

Mienfoo #1 -examines them for a moment. <... Mmph. Fine.>

Mienfoo #2: <Go on ahead, then. But remember that you will be treading sacred ground.>

Silent looks happy at the response and strolls away, while Maekrite buffs and walks ahead somewhat timidly. He looks around not too content at what he sees.

Maekrite: <...What's with all this snow anyway? It's cold, and it gets on my nerves...>

Suddenly a couple of metres ahead, the smaller Nidoran sneezes loudly, his fur standing on end.

Maekrite: <…Like that.> -- chuckles.

Seeing the predicament of the smaller morph, the guards talk for a moment, then one of the Mienfoo comes around with the Druddigon.

Mienfoo #2: <…Do you need us to WALK you in?>

Druddigon Guard: <Might as well. Weather's terrible, and I'd have to head in soon myself to not freeze.>

The Mienfoo sighs at this.

Mienfoo #2: <Allright then... you, follow us.>

Silent nods and follows the guards around. Maekrite takes a swift moment to glare at a snowbank then heads off after the three.

Maekrite -nonchalantly: <So, when do you get rid of all this snow?>

Mienfoo #2: <Whenever it melts.> -- shrugs -- <If needed, we try to burn off what's left by the end of the second moon of the year.>

Maekrite: <I see… hmph.> -- looks around -- <Hope this won't last for long.>

Druddigon Guard: <You better get used to it, actually…>

Silent hops ahead, frowns: <…The snow hides all the grass!>

Maekrite -snorts: <R-right. I haven't taught you yet how to get your flay out of all this yerao.>

Without much of a thought, Maekrite goes to the nearest patch of snow and swipes at it with a paw… but what comes from under is not grass but rather a round, decorated [pebble] that is kicked off-place and goes roll around in the direction of the Mienfoo guards.

Both Guards: <…Er....>

They blink and look down at the pebble, as if to check.

Mienfoo #2 -to Maekrite: <…WHAT do you think are you doing?>

Silent pursues the random pebble and proudly sits besides it, though looks back at the Mienfoo a bit confused.

Maekrite: <Uhm… getting grass for breakfast?> °.°

Mienfoo #2: <I thought we TOLD you that you were treading on [sacred] ground! You're disturbing ornaments!> >:(

Maekrite: <Wh-…> -- ears flatten -- <Wouldn't the ornament bee inside the tower! I-I mean… this place is...> -- looks around for excuse.

Silentran♂: <Are we in trouble? :3>

Druddigon Guard: <YES!>

Mienfoo #2 -gets in offensive stance: <Get OUT of our territory!> >:(

Silentran♂: <B-b-b-but the dragon gods...>

Maekrite -sighs, stands up to the two: <Look, I really need to get a word from them!>

Mienfoo #2: <Oh yeah? And we really, really DON'T need pilgrims that can't behave themselves!>

Maekrite: <But it is important that I->

Mienfoo #2: <You don't come around here and give orders!>

Maekrite takes stance as well, Leers at the first Mienfoo while holding his ground. Seeeing this, Silent moves to a safer position.

Silentran♂: <We can't really return to the towns though…>

Mienfoo #2 -crosses arms: <You came FROM it, you can go BACK. Now get lost!>

The Nidoran sighs theen walks up to Maekrite.

Silentran♂: <It'd help if you stop aggraviating them.>

Maekrite in response mutters something and turns his head down.

Maekrite: <I just didn't know… Couldn't see it with the snow.> -- looks aside -- <What, I expected those to be better than judging a mom for a single mistake.>

Listening to this the two guards get more stern.

Druddigon Guard: <Mphm... A single action can very much define a mon. Why should we not act upon it?>

Mienfoo #2: <If you want your meeting this badly, fine, the little one can come in, but not you.> -- looks at the Nidoran -- <At least he doesn't go around causing trouble…>

Druddigon Guard -waves a paw: <Yeah, just have him inform you afterwards.>

Maekrite growls blatantly in response.

Maekrite: <Hey! I'm the one marked by light here!>

He is about to kick a pebble in exasperation, but manages to refrain from it. Silent, on the other paw, looks pretty happy.

Silentran♂: <Eeeee~ I get to meet two Legendaries! :3>

Mienfoo #2 -scoffs: <"Marked by light"? That's the trend in excuses for hide markings now?>

Druddigon Guard: <Mon civilization has gone down a good notch…>

The two then approach the Nidorino and surround him.

Mienfoo #2: <Look. We're not letting YOU in. Plain and simple. We already told you why. Now accept it.>

Silentran♂ -walks up to one of the Mienfoo: <And could you carry me for a while? This snow is cold to the feet…>

The two guards look down at the Nido and then at each otheer, all whilee Maekrite growls more and walks in circles, giving the Mienfoo challenging looks every once in a while.

Druddigon Guard: <You taking him? You're the one without the sandpaper hide~>

Mienfoo #2 -neighs: <Can't. Third shift gathering at the other side of the moat. Just be kind to him.>

Druddigon Guard -sighs: <Fine. But only because he's little.> -- notices Maekrite's attitude. <And YOU, can the attitude!>

At this the Druddigon and Silent prepare for the trip, while Maekrite makes some not very veiled motions walking back and forth, clearly expressing in body language that he expects the Mienfoo to put his berries where his muzzle is.

Silentran♂: <So I really get to meet them? Last time I heard of them they were inside some stones for a while....>

Druddigon: <Um... Well... Probably not right away, but if you really want to, we can make sure that you get to see them before you leave... And they're very much moving in the flesh right now.">

Mienfoo #2 -sees Maekrite's geesturing, gets a bit annoyed: <Just ignore him... Just ignore him...> -- turns to his partner -- <You know what I should call a replacement...>

Silent meanwhile notices the sparks flying around and addresses Maekrite.

Silentran♂: <Can you behave while I'm gone?>

Maekrite -buffs: <Hey! Who's the adult here?>

Mienfoo #2: <Not YOU from the way you're acting. An adult would be LEAVING now instead of fighting what he's told like a petulant brat!>

Druddigon -frowns: <Dude. Just let it go. We'll tell a patrol to guide him out if he insists on being a jerk, and he'll be someone else's problem.>

Maekrite glares at the Druddigon and sighs his frustrations.

Maekrite: <I should be the one to go up there. With Them. You are just a kit.>

Silentran♂: <I'm waaaaay older than you.> -- sits proudly.

Maekrite -tilts head: <You are still unbred.>

Silentran♂ -stands on hind legs, bashful: <So says Mr. "disregard girlfriend, roam the earth".> -- blushes and turns away -- <Better do what they say.>

Druddigon -looks away shiftly: <Y-yeah, we'll get you that meeting.> -- turns to the Mienfoo -- <So that leaves you to lead him out.>

Mienfoo #2: <H-Hey! It's been five minutes and I'm hating him already!>

Druddigon Guard -raises arms: <Come on, it'll just be until you hand him over to somemon else. Can't be that much, right?>

The Mienfoo looks down at the Nidorino, who doesn't change his face.

Mienfoo: <...Fine.> -- defeated grumble.

With this the Druddigon backtracks to where Silent is and starts talking to him, giving him some indications. So does the Mienfoo with Maekrite, the Nidorino giving him a "oh great I'm stuck with you" look and decides to walk the way he is pointed to.

Silentran♂ -runs circles around the Druddigon: <So? Do we need a voucher or something? Do we have to line up? What should I bring as a [offering]? Do you have shiny Druddigon living in there? How many stairs are in there? :3>

Mienfoo #2 -glares at Maekrite: <Yeah, yeah, I don't like YOU either. Can it.>

Druddigon Guard -timidly: <Uhm... please, one question at a time...> ._.;

And thus the two Nidos are lead their opposite ways…

Thou hast forgotten the face of thy Lord. Remember, mortal, and fear pet me.

10

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

[spoiler]Part of the usual "let's use some shared schedule with Tracer and spag some interesting stuff series!

At the entrance of DST

A poor Druddigon stuck on guard duty curses his luck as a Nidoran♂ rushes past him towards the entrance and steps every once in a while to call him ahead.

Silentran♂ hops around trying to get the Druddigon guard to move faster. <Well, do we need a voucher or something? I've never been summoned to meet a Legendary.>

The Druddigon tries to keep pace and is getting a bit dizzy from having to track the bouncing Nido. <!Voucher? Huh? No! And… Just stay still for a second! @_@>

Silentran♂ stops and sits sits with an expression that reads somewhere between disheartenment (sp?) and embarrassment. And because Nidoran look cutely pathetic when they do that, the Druddigon feels uneasy about what to do next.


Not far from there, but more [outside]

Maekrite is being led towards the outer areas of the tower perimeter. He flares his ears in the DST's general direction and keeps being walked out by the Mienfoo leading him.

Mienfoo #2: <Hrmph. Being surly about this isn't getting you invited back any SOONER, ya know!> >:(

Maekrite: <Well excuuuuuse me princess, I didn't choose to walk all the way here for nothing.> -- looks around -- <Any place where you can let me rest?>

[Mienfoo #2: <Well, if you're gonna be such a prima donna, you can crash in that snowbank over–> -- blinks, turns to the Nidorino -- <Hey WAIT JUST A MINUTE... No. You're resting OUTSIDE!>

Maekrite looks at the general OUTSIDE! direction dejectedly then goes lie around there, while mentally smirking to himself that it should be easier to get past the Mienfoo if he his irked that way. The Mienfoo stays on his spot and glares at him.

<And STAY out!> -- he adds.

Just a second later the Mienfoo stomps off… a bit hastily in order to try and rush back to the warmth of the tower.

Maekrite: <...Sure!> -- gives an obviously faked yawn.

A couple of minutes pass with nothing going on except for the noises of some random Pokémon moving around. Maekrite scans his surroundings every once in a while; once he notices a dull in the guards's activities, he decides to stand up, goes to check a nearby half-thawed thicket that VERY CONVENIENTLY lies in the direction of the tower…

Maekrite: <Oooh, these plants are [interesting]. I had never seen them...> -- sniffs while circling the thicket in the direction of the tower.

As there is an apparent silence from the rest of the world, the Nidorino tentatively takes a couple of steps towards the tower, ears to the ground.

???: <Don't even think about it, bub.>

Maekrite -freezes: <…I am not thinking about evading the guards and entering the tower!>

The form of a [Sniper]] Mienfoo shows up lying in wait, perhaps borrowing a few techniques refined by a more notorious individual among the guard base leers at the Nidorino from a snowdrift.

Sniper!Mienfoo: <Oh really? If you can't even decieve yourself, how could you possibly hope to decieve someone who can read you like a book!> >:|

The Nidorino straightens himself up and looks at the Mienfoo up down.

Maekrite: <I'm not that transparent. But whatever...> -- buffs and turns around -- <be not seeing you.>

He walks away several steps then stops and leers back.

Sniper!Mienfoo: <…Keep MOVING!>

Maekrite growls loudly and walks away. He thinks to himself, «Okay, not that path. Perhaps I can stumble upon the tower accidentally?»

With Silentran - Inside the Tower

A certain Druddigon is starting to believe it was a mistake of Nature that their species can not take their head crest off and bang their heads against the rocks. Following a curious Nidoran around a space so closed is hard sometimes.

Druddigon: <Okay- Just... Stop bouncing around, please!>

Silentran -suddenly stays put: <...Oh... then, what do I do now?> -- looks around feeling uneasy.

Druddigon -sighs: <Well... You need to prepare an [offering]... And present it before our lords' bearers...>

Silentran♂: <...Oh.> -- makes a searching-one's-pockets gesture, but stops flat -- <Uhm... I didn't really plan for this...> -- drops ears- <What do they like for an offering?>

Druddigon: <Just something that shows that you're earnest, little one... Oh... And pizza.> -- starts feeling a bit more comfortable.

Listening to that response the Nidoran shakes his whiskers. He mutters something about should have been informed of that before everymon was forcibly transformed, then walks up to the Druddigon.

Silentran♂: <I am sure I and my Nidorino can get something.>

Druddigon -give off a guttural sound: <... Uh... Is there anything that you can get that DOESN'T involve him?> >_> -- raises his head when he sees Silentran♂ stare at him -- <Besides, I'm sure he's probably halfway back to the [southern] settlement by now...">

…But no! Cue scene change!

Outside and not very far from the Tower, a certain Nidorino is trying to burrow under a snowbank, in an area with some trees that are not very tall but clear from leaves, which allows the Pokémon to make sure he can notice somemon noticing him. Holding heat-draining snow, he attempts to dig himself a place where he can remain hidden until the dusk.

Maekrite -smiles: <I think this should be long enough...>

Trying to make sure he hasn't been detected, he decides to peek out from his makeshift burrow and sniffs in a random direction...

???: <Ack! Who's there?!>

Maekrite: <....Eeeep!> -- looks up feigning ignorance -- <Who's disturbing MY privacy!> >_>

A voice speaks, sounding half confused, half indignant.

???: <You there, in the snowdrift! Come out slowly!>

Maekrite -scratches around and makes some noises: <I'm in the bathroom! Go away!>

???: <Oh come on, who do you think you're fooling?> -- a thud follows -- <Get OUT!>

Maekrite: <....rrrrrr> -- climbs out, looking angered, and kicks a random pebble on the way.

???: <…! YOU!>

Maekrite looks confused for a moment, then sits in front of the other mon, looking exasperated. He flatly responds with a single "what?".

Upset!???: <You're disturbing [relics]! What do you think you're DOING, you godless barbarian?!>

Maekrite -barks: <Who you're calling godless!> -- swings horn -- <That was just a rock. It was deep under snow until two minutes ago!>

The other Pokémon, a Druddigon, is jabbed by Maekrite's horn. Somewhat surprisingly she immediately starts bleeding a bit.

Pained!SheerForce!Druddigon♀: <-AUGH!!> -- crumples up.

Maekrite -blinks and looks somewhat confused: <…Huh->

The Pokémon starts oozing some blood and stares back at Maekrite somewhat shaken, but not fully set out of her indignant attitude.

Just as the Druddigon seems to be about to respond with a swipe though, she coughs and starts feeling somewhat numbed (as in, more than with the already inclement cold).

The wild Druddigon is
[poisoned]!



Poisoned!Druddigon♀ -grumbles: <Y-You! How dare you treat a g-1HP-guard of Lords Reshiram and Zekrom as your p-1HP-personal pincushion?!>

Maekrite recoils (probably reminded of somemon) and stares at the guard.

Maekrite: <I-it is you who are getting on my nerves!> -- stomps on the ground -- <I came here for an audience with your Lords!>

Poisoned!Druddigon -pounds on the ground: <Urgh... G-1HP-guys! Come in and take care of this joker!>

The call prompts a mixed crew of four Pokémon to pop out of nowhere, they arrange in two columns and start leering at the Nidorino. Added to that is the Druddigon, who while a bit numbed still looks irate enough to go rough on the "intruder".

Maekrite -shivers: <...Darn.>

Maekrite decides to pick one of the opossing mons by scent and leers (not Leers) at him, trying to figure out if they will toss him out forcefully...

Irate!Mienfoo: <Well, well…> -- assumes battle stance -- <you HAD your chance to leave peacefully... And now you've drawn blood.>

Displeased!Vanillish: <Glad you made this so much easier for us!>

Shitstirrer!Dragonite -cracks paws: <This will at least fill for my dummy training regime today!>

The Druddigon steps back but assumes battle position as well, while the Dragonite hops and hovers up, swinging his antennæ. The Vanillish floats ahead a short distance and…

Displeased!Vanillish: <EAT SPIKES, DEVIL!>

A skirmish against a [local horde] takes place!


Thou hast forgotten the face of thy Lord. Remember, mortal, and fear pet me.

11

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

[spoiler]More spaghetti == More good

AU, Dragonspiral Tower outskirts

A barrage of flechette-like icicles fly through the air attempting to dig themselves on the Nidorino's hide; the Pokémon yelps and is hit by several of the icicles, has blood drawn as well not to mention one of them manages to cut near his eye. Before he manages to react he is hit by a Dragon Rage as well.

Maekrite -drops to the ground: <...Gah! Th-this is unfair!> -- tries to stay in defensive position.

Irate!Mienfoo: <You shoulda left peacefully when you had the CHANCE!>

The Mienfoo then makes some swift motions and unleashes a Force Palm on Maekrite's flank; the Nidorino is shoved a fair distance and growls in pain, but remains mostly motionless.

Vanillish -hovers around: <A persistent one isn't he?>

Suddenly a voice resounds behind Maekrite.

Poisoned!Druddigon♀: <Let's fix that by giving him a nice trip!>

And before the Nidorino can turn, one of his legs is grabbed; the Nidorino is then flung and tossed to the air in the direction of the Dragonite, who proceeds to unceremoniously Aqua Tail him and heft him into a tree not a long distance away, shaking snow from the branches into a small snowbank on the Nidorino.

Shitstirrer!Dragonite -thumps on the ground: <Now you, t-take the damn hint!>

Poisoned!Druddigon♀: <Urgh…> -- looks at the snowbank -- <Now that we are done, ca we head back? I feel kinda dizzy here...> @_@

NoLongerIrate!Mienfoo -approaches and brushes the wound: <Yup. That should probably get treated...>

And the group heads off, helping the weakened member of their number to approach the Tower, leaving behind a silent snowbank and a slightly shattered tree...

…Several minutes later…

The snowbank [shakes]!

A moment after, Maekrite emerges from under the snow carefully, a bit dazed and shaking because of the cold. He listens around…

Maekrite: <With some luck they'll be bored now...> -- shakes more -- <Or else.>

The Nidorino then straightens himself up and goes explore around, trying to pretend he is just another peasant wandering aimlessly. He does keep an eye on the paths that he finds that lead to the Tower though, and mentally counts some of the guards's numbers (up to four).

By the northern side of the moat, he manages to find a narrow passage with the surrounding area clear. After listening around for a while, Maekrite smirks.

Maekrite: <Enough of loafing around. How come Silent can get into the Tower but not me?> -- paws the ground and looks ahead -- <I should be able to just walk in there.>

He flares his ears; thinks about it for a moment then makes a run towards the entrance, horn up, very proud that–

????: <[size=larger]...Hey! LISTEN! >

…And Maekrite stops on his tracks, eyes wide!

Maekrite -blinks: <...Not her…> -- shakes himself -- <Doesn't sound like her...>

He looks around to see a large shadowed figure up the wall of the passage.

????: <Stop right there, you criminal scum! You're not supposed to be here! You got kicked out earlier!>

Maekrite - looks back: <Well I didn't like that! I'm supposed to go inside!>

???? -leers: <No... You're NOT...>

Maekrite turns around and looks up, clearly distinguishing the lavender fur of what can only be a Mienshao's waving arms, the Pokémon clung to the wall of the passage. At this Maekrite looks displeased, as he was sure there was nomon in there before.

Maekrite -frowns: <Well what are you waiting for? I'm not going to just turn around…>

EliteMook!Mienshao: <Grrrr, fine then, I'll turn you around!>

With a swift move, the Mienshao then swirls, an arm still clung to the side of the wall, and using a free leg and arm deals a strong hit on it, lobbing some rocks at the aggressively-stanced Nidorino - a Rock Slide! Maekrite tries to move away, but in the narrow passage there is not much he can do and he is swept and knocked down.

Maekrite flinches!


The Mienshao then takes his time to leap to the other side of the passage and slide down. He observes as the Nidorino barely manages to pull himself up, then assumes a ready battle stance.

EliteMook!Mienshao: <At least you can take a hit.> -- thinks for a moment back to his training -- <But you should learn a thing or two about what we [study] here in the service of our lords!>

The Pokémon then swiftly moves towards the Nidorino leaps up in the air and Acrobatics him, being careful of the point bits. Maekrite only haves the time to turn to a more defensive stance before being swept again, this time a good distance along the passage; however, he notices he has not taken much damage from this particular attack.

Maekrite -stands up: <Good thing you mention it.> -- grumbles -- <I studied in the service of my lord as well!>

The Nidorino then steps back towards a more open area of the passage, and as soon as the Mienshao tries to follow, raises his horn and fires a Thunderbolt at him while stepping aside and rushing towards a snowbank for cover.

Mienshao -is surprised: <WH-AUGH!!!>

He crumbles down to his feet, the well-aimed attack having sapped most of his health. He rubs his arms and legs for a moment, grumbling at the loss of sight of his opponent.

Then he stands up and climbs up the wall of the passage again to get a better look. He scans for the Nidorino but finds nothing; instead of getting down to the ground though he leaps to the other side, stands up and focuses his Aura.

Mienshao: <…What ARE you? Nidorino don't hit this hard...>

Maekrite -voice comes from a distance: <I'm THE!> -- roars that last word -- <top percentage of Nidorino.>

Mienshao: <Alas, we are guards of sacred Pokémon. We have [ways] of dealing with invaders like you.>

Both Pokémon then remain in their places, only moving slowly, trying to scan for each other's location with their senses. However the Mienshao is quick to switch to his field advantage - he uses his Aura to call upon reinforcements, as well as transmit a feeling of the movement of the Nidorino as a warning to the others coming to the area.

Maekrite starts listening to the pawsteps and sounds of more Pokémon coming, and decides he has to make a move for the Tower soon, or else. Making sure the snowbanks around still cover him, he readies a Sludge Bomb to fire it once he is forced to move out of hiding.

The Mienshao meanwhile smirks as he feels the energy of the other mons in the area approaching, this time about eight of them. In a somewhat fatigued tone, he sends them a warning.

EliteMook!Mienshao: <Sacred Guard, here! And be careful, this opponent has some sort of evil [sorcery] strengthening him!>

And that's all Maekrite needs to pinpoint the Mienshao's exact location; he shakes his ears to cnofirm, leaps up and before the Mienshao can turn or move to a safer spot, fires the Sludge Bomb at him.

Mienshao -hears something: <Huh?->

He is then struck by the flying orb of concentrated poison and is flung off the wall of the passage, falling to the snow nearly unconscious. This is observed by the other mons who are rushing in.

Maekrite: <No calling more reinforcements! I didn't like it before!>

But it is too late. Maekrite sees several Pokémon entering the ample space he is in, and the one leading them, a Sawsbuck in winter coat, rushes into the passage fast enough to see Maekrite and point to his location with his antlers.

Karus the Sawsbuck -in an angry tone: <That's him! Rip him apart!>

The other mons, which include a Dragonair, a Mienfoo and a Beartic, rush in all charging attacks.

Indistinctint mons: <The rabbit's there! Fire at will!>

Maekrite -assumes defensive position: <Oh hraka... not again...> ¬¬

…And the general area is blasted by electric bolts, ice flechettes and razor-like leaves.

A skirmish against a
[local horde] begins!


Maekrite -assumes defensive position:

Thou hast forgotten the face of thy Lord. Remember, mortal, and fear pet me.

12

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

[spoiler]Spaghetti with Tracer. The tomato sauce is provided by [REDACTED].

AU, Just outside the Dragonspiral Tower

…Previously on…

Karus the Sawsbuck: <That's him! Rip him apart!>

Maekrite the Nidorino: <Oh hraka, not again...>

…And a barrage of attacks zips through the passage in the forest...


A Nidorino tries to run for cover outside of a passageway near the Tower, after the snowbank he was hiding in is all but blown into snowdust by a barrage of moves. However, as he makes his run, he is chased by several Pokémon who launch several attacks at him, and despite his efforts the Nidorino is hit by the fastest set of them.

After being hit by an Ice Beam squarely to the face, Maekrite shakes himself and responds with a Sludge Bomb, but the Dratini it was aimed at is covered by a Beartic who manages to take the hit, though starts having some difficulty to breathe afterwards.

An accurate barrage of sharp white leaves flies at the Nidorino, who moves carefully to avoid the move. The Sawsbuck who fired them then leaps ahead to try and aim a Leech Seed, but has to retract and move away to shield himself against an Ice Beam. He moves aside and instructs his troops to handle the intruder from two flanks.

A short distance behind, a Beartic is trying to assist the guard Mienshao to get back on his feet, but the Pokémon resents the effects the Beartic's cold touch and the snow have on his weakened body. He requests assistance from a nearby Unfezant and watches the battle for a moment waiting for the Pokémon to fly in.

Avoiding a barrage of attacks headed his way, Maekrite manages to make his way towards the larger opening out of the passage, but is still cornered. He scans his surroundings and fires some Poison stings at a Sneasel who was trying to get too close; however this prevents him to notice a Water Pulse another Pokémon fires his way and that shoves him against the rock wall.

As the local Pokémon start organizing themselves to assault the Nidorino with long-range attacks again, Maekrite suddenly hops and blasts one of them with a Thunderbolt. Then he advances a short distance to Leer at he nearest Pokémon, hoping to slow them long enough for him to build ramming momentum. When a Dragonair tries to take advantage of the moment to cast a Hail, she is shot down by a Sludge Bomb.

At the distance the Mienshao notices what is going on, and he yells at his troops to be careful and to switch to mid-range attacks and have the Beartic move forward, as the Nidorino obviously can hit very hard at a distance. Then hee gets up and rides on the Unfezant, who takes him back to action.

A small portion of the afternoon goes this way, with sentences beginning with 'A' for no particular reason and Maekrite trying to hold out against the attacks, having taken a Dratini and two Vanillish out, now facing the Sawsbuck's rams with his own and trying to strafe the Beartic to fight them better, and avoiding the insistent attacks of the Unfezant who is now taking the Mienshao's place as the tired Pokémon falls back to examine the situation and give orders.

EliteMook!Mienshao -to one of the Beartic: <No, not with Low Kick! His body is highly poisonous to touch!> -- covers eyes as a Thunderbolt passes near him.

Shitstirrer!Dragonite: <Should have known a rude mon like you would bring troubles again!> -- fires a Thunderbolt of his own.

Tense!Vanilluxe: <Take this yo- …Eeeeep!> -- is taken down by some Poison Stings he doesn't manage to notice in time.

Assistant!Unfezant -attampts to slash Maekrite: <You darn pest, ruining the good will we guests try to build!>

Spearhead!Sawsbuck: <Gah!> -- clashes against Maekrite with a ram, both Pokémon pushing against each other -- <You are as much as a jerk as my brother is...>

The skirmish goes on, Maekrite is thrown to the ground by a Superpower, but manages to poison the Beartic who used it in retaliation. His ears flicker, he rolls on the ground just in time to evade a stomp from the Dragonite, then circles around to try and slash the dragon's legs, but the Dragonite swiftl flies back.

EliteMook!Mienshao: <All dragons fall back to a circle! You two,> -- to the Beartic -- <enclose him with a Hail!>

Poisoned!Beartic -falls to the ground: <U-ugh... can't! MEDIC! MEDIC!!!! @.@>

Unfezant -flies around annoyed: <Why is he taking this many hits? >.< >

Maekrite fires a salvo of Poison Stings to the leading Mienshao at a moment the Unfezant was struck down, prompting one of the Dragonair to cast a Twist on the area to block thee attack and push the Nidorino around. Maekrite then takes his chance to make a run alongside the wall towards a line of trees; he turns and taunts his attackers after he is struck by an Ice Beam.

Maekrite: <…Gah! That's mean!> -- shakes -- <What? Shouldn't you be trying to take me prisoner inside the Tower?>

Local!Dragonair: <No way! We're gonna drag you outside followed by a trail of your own damn blood!>

Maekrite then fires some Poison Stings aimlessly at the nearest mons who are following him, several of them cry out as they are struck by the attack.

<AUGH!!!>

<Take coooover~>

<Eeep!>

<This sucks! "Join the Guard, be awesome, they said" >.< >

EliteMook!Mienshao -climbs up some rocks: <Ugh... you!> -- in a most aggravated tone -- <Stand down NOW, otherwise you won't LIVE to be a prisoner in our lords' Tower!>

Maekrite -from behind the first trees: <I'll stand down when I can get inside to rest!>

Maekrite then decides to open himself for attack going towards the group at ramming speed. The Sawsbuck is the first to respond by assuming ramming stance himself, with a smile, and runs ahead, prompting the Dratini and Dragonair to stop the attacks they were charging

Karus the Sawsbuck: <You want to get in so badly, eh?>

…And both Pokémon meet with a thud, with Maekrite being thrown aside by the Sawsbuck's force.

<We'll get you in there then! You'll get to meet the pit in the catacombs!>

The Sawsbuck hears a whistle and clears out just in time for the other Pokémon around to mass their attacks on the form of the Nidorino. Maekrite is hit by some of them and evades the others, then circles around and Thunderbolts the Dragonite, before being felled by an Aura Sphere and an Hyper Beam aimed at him by the leading Pokémon in the group.

As the Dratini group and the Sawsbuck circle on him, Maekrite struggles to get back on his feet, now feeling the tiredness and the wounds in his body.

Maekrite: <I have to… see… your Lords. We have to... to know!>

Dragonite -growls still in pain: <ARGH! WE SAID NO!> -- twitches on the ground.

The Mienshao then steps forward carefully, using his Aura to examine the Nidorino.

EliteMook!Mienshao: <Hmmm… your resilience does say something...> -- prepares an attack while the other guards stand back -- <Then you'll see them – as they decide your judgement, devil!>

And unleashes a couple of attacks on the Nidorino, who is just barely getting back up.

Maekrite tries to attempt an Endure, which works and surprises the Mienshao, but the local Pokémon is quick to follow his Aeria Ace with another attack, this time a retaliate with the added rage from his troops who have been felled; the strength of the attack sends Maekrite spiraling across the snow until he crashes against some trees, but he was quite unconscious from the hit by then.

Karus -approaches carefully: <Is he felled yet?>

EliteMook!Mienshao -senses for a moment: <Yes. He is.>

Then he turns around and gives a sour look at his battered troops, the ones who were supposed to protect the outside of the tower against invader armies. Gave a stern examination to his own wounds. How could this happen?

Mienshao: <…Fortunately.>


Some minutes after, another troop comprised mostly of medical mons, arrives to take care of the injured. While Karus flirts with the female Deerlings in the healing troop, the Mienshao lays on the ground, tired, but still giving instructions to some flying mons who rely them to the nearby squads, advised to keep an eye open and a supply of Power Herbs ready in case of another intrusion like this.

A Golurk is called in to transport the prisoner, who is picked up and taken inside, followed by some Dratini and one of the Beartic, who are sent inside to present report and evidence of the events.

Maekrite would be happy if he was any awake. He was finally making it inside.

Thou hast forgotten the face of thy Lord. Remember, mortal, and fear pet me.

13

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

Dragonspiral Tower Catacombs. Not long after the previous post

The mons who comprise the guard inside the Tower are busy with their lives, making their rounds, meeting every once in a while at a corner to "'sup?" and comment on stuff like the weather, the food rations, or the tense mood their Lords have had the last days.

The group of guards at the lowest points of the Tower are charged with taking care of "The Pit". That's where mons are sometimes held prisoner for various reasons, such as DESECRATING ORNAMENTS. Thus, a certain [Nidorino] is walking in circles in the pit, ocassionally flaring his ears up to listen to the mons above. What he listens is the mons up there about to make their shift.

Guard!Druddigon -arrives through a tunnel: <S'up, Thickarms?>

Guard!Golett: <Greetings, dragon.>

Guard!Druddigon -looks at the pit: <I heard there was quite some racket outside yesterday. What happened?>

Guard!Golett: <The usual...> -- makes a sort of sigh -- <Our Lords getting a bit annoyed with the complaints about serving in this weather…>

Thhe Druddigon shifts on his legs uneasily - it is his species that takes part of those complains the more.

Guard!Golett -continues: <Then there is the usual whimpering apologies. No need for impromptu janitorial crew this time though, not that I would have heard.>

Guard!Druddigon: <Good thing if there wasn't... that makes patrolling outside hard on the apetite... >.< >

The Golett is about to comment on something related to their shift, when the two mons listen to something down the pit.

Guard!Golett: <...Huh. SOMEONE'S up...> -- calls the Druddigon to the border.

Maekrite: <So... morning... do you think I could be introduced to those nifty [Lords] you speak about so highly?> :3

Guard!Druddigon: <Oh it's you...> -- waves a paw dismissively -- <Nope. You can await for your trial.>

Guard!Golett: <Yeah, not exactly sure what possessed you to beat up 4 guards->

Guard!Druddigon: <…I thought it was 6?>

Guard!Golett: <more like 10, but let's not give him the pleasure…> -- scoffs -- <but you are in QUITE some major hot water here.>

Guard!Druddigon: <Mph...> -- glares down -- <Consider yourself thankful that our Lords are not keeping us on a shorter-than-normal leash, we've EATEN devils that have done less to disturb this shrine than you have!>

Down the pit, Maekrite shudders at the thought of being somemon's prey, something he didn't have to think too hard about ever since he had evolved. It takes him a moment to recompose himself, enough that he misses most of the conversation continuing far up.

The Druddigon then circles the pit. The Golett is quick to follow, looking a bit confused.

Guard!Golett: <Aren't Nidoran supposed to be full of poison? I'm pretty sure that thing would be the last thing you ever ate.>

Guard!Druddigon -nervously: <Shhhh! Didn't you just speak of not giving him the pleasure?>

Guard!Golett -a bit puzzled: <Uhm.... fine, I guess. So, what's the point of eating other mons anyway? I never got any of that.>

Guard!Druddigon -lowers head: <It's… ah, hard to explain.> -- thinks for a moment -- <Look, there is such a thing as not letting anything to rot, and...> -- the conversation continues.

After a moment, Maekrite sits in his position and watches the two mons circle above. He decides to call them.

Maekrite: <Look, you were the ones getting on my way. I was plenty respectful until you decided to keep me out while letting my charge in.> -- tilts head -- <Speaking of which, can I at least know if the Nidoran is doing any fine?>

Guard!Druddigon -peeks over, angrily: <You VANDALIZED A RELIC!>

Guard!Golett: <He's fine... If rambunctious. I'm surprised that your kid has more tact than you do, actually. I thought organics taught their offspring like that?>

Maekrite: <…I kicked a pebble,> -- looks abaten, with ears fallen -- <I do it all the time... Heck, the kit taught me...>

Guard!Druddigon -practically roaring: <IT WAS A SACRED PEBBLE, OKAY?!>

And the three Pokémon have to stop the conversation for a moment as the entire cave shakes a little, just for long enough that the Druddigon decides to sta nervously still. It takes some six seconds for the vibration to subside.

Guard!Golett: <Funny, HE didn't kick any pebbles while he was here.>

Maekrite glares at the Golett, then decides to turn away from the Druddigon.

Maekrite: <This is so wrong. I am the one who comes as herald from the [gods]! Silent should be somewhere else... safe...>

He reacts to his own line of thought by kicking an imaginary pebble (obviously!), though fortunately for him the gesture looks from above as if he was merely pawing at the ground.

The Druddigon calls for the Golett to ignore their guest and then the two of them go to a wall to talk about the neext shifts. Maekrite dedicates the next two hours to walking in circles inside his little prison, taking every once in a while a short moment to try and dig at the walls, searching for an exit (as if he wasn't in enough trouble already).

Not long after that though, a much younger Druddigon guard comes notify the two others that there is a group of mons coming to see the prisoner. In effect, certain voices can already be heard approaching the opening of the pit, and Maekrite decides to go to the center of the pit and sit idly just in case.

????: <My Arceus, how on earth did Maekrite manage this?>

????: <I-I'm sure this is a big misunderstanding! I-I mean, I'm sure Maekrite didn't TRY to cause trouble…>

???? -in a snarky tone: <With guards this snappy, I'd be more worried about THEM causing the trouble!> >_>

Maekrite listens to and turns his head up, thinking that he recognizes some of the voices.

Maekrite: <What do you mean how did I manage this? I was trying to get in here.> -- looks aside shiftly -- <Though not in this terms.>

The form of a Buizel and a Marowak then peek into the opening of the pit, and the two receive from the Nidorino a greeting in the form of a fairly embarrassed "oh hai ô/" gesture.

Milo: <This is gonna be a long story, isn't it?>

Kat: <How on earth did you put up with the weather long enough to get out here? It's HORRIBLE!>

Teala -peeks in: <Um… How did this happen? Maekrite? And... You look kinda... Terrible.> ._.

Maekrite: <Uhm... hi there. It's not much of a story really...>

Milo: <Good, because we don't wan-oooof!> -- is promptly elbowed by Kat.

Maekrite seems to blush and become more embarrassed at Teala's comment, circles around nervously.

Maekrite: <Something happened. Everyone is now mons, I guess you might have [noticed]. Silent and I kinda… got cut in our path and I thought of coming here.>

At this his temper seems to flare out a little, he turns his head to growl up at the wall where the guards are.

<But for some reason I'm not well-received in here.>

Guard!Golett: <YOU DAMAGED A RELIC AND VIOLENTLY RESISTED EXPULSION!> -- stomps on the ground.

Kat meanwhile ponders for a moment, then turns to the guards.

Kat: <A relic? Uh... Is it something that's easily replaced?>

Guard!Druddigon -in a "teacher exposition" posture: <It was a decorative [pebble].>

Kat + Milo: <WHAT.>

Teala -tilts head: <Oh... Oh dear... Uh... To be fair, they're fairly easy to mistake in the cold seasons...> ._.

Maekrite -points to Teala: <See? Somemon here makes sense. What was I supposed to know? It's snowy out there.>

He then looks up a bit annoyed.

<And I wasn't resisting expulsion violently. Not much…>

Guard!Druddigon: <You MAULED FIVE GUARDS!>

Guard!Golett: <I thought it was fift-....!!!!!> -- and is promptly glared back into compliance by the dragon.

Kat: <Mauled? Erm... What's going to happen to him?>

Teala: <Uh... Well... Given what happened... I think you're gonna have a trial, Maekrite...> ._.

Milo: <Hey, if it is like those Cubone trials, it can't be that bad...>

Maekrite -addresses Teala sheepishly: <I didn't maul them... they were just so… well…> -- mumbles for a moment -- <...weak! I didn't even charge my Thunderbolts!>

A facebone can be heard from Kat, a strong enough one. Milo also reacts accordingly, and turns around with a gesture that could easily be read as "I don't know who that guy is, he is not with me". The two guards, meanwhile, are growling menacingly, not very flattered with the comment.

Milo: <Yeah, yeah... this is sooooo not going to help your case...>

Teala steps in and attempts to assuage the guards.

Teala: <Uhm... I'm pretty sure that he's just in a bit of a sour mood... You won't hold this against him, will you?> ._.;

Maerite mentally facepaws, then sighs loudly.

Maekrite: <So... I'm getting a... a... trial?>

Guard!Druddigon: <Mmph. We'll let him explain himself before our lords...>

Guard!Golett -with a hint of interest: <Indeed you are, rabbit... And it would appear that it's actually set to happen right about now...>

Kat: <Why do you say-?>

And at that precise moment, a number of gruff-looking guards march into the catacombs and surround the pit. Two of them shove Kat and Milo to the nearest wall, with Teala only getting a just a bit better treatment.


Escort!Druddigon -to the Golett: <Heard there was someone who's supposed to stand trial for vandalism and assaulting on-duty guards?>

Guard!Golett: <Not too hard to find. Only prisoner this week.> -- points to the pit.

Maekrite -blinks: <Wait, I do get to see the lords after all?> -- he then remembers something and addresses Kat- <Uhm, Silent is also here. He needs to be with me.>

Kat: <We'll do our best to get him along... Just... PLEASE think before you say anything out there, Maekrite.>

The first Druddigon then goes grab a long slab, long enough to bound up the side of the pit with. He lets it slide down and addresses the Nidorino.

Guard!Druddigon: <It's time, Nido.>

Maekrite nods at the guard, hiding the sensation of eagerness, then gets out of the pit with some difficulty. He is shoved a couple of times for him to get in line, then after a short dialogue between the dragons he is allowed to go talk to Kat for a moment.

Maekrite -to Kat- <I guess I'll try to be quiet then. Except for the important things.>

Maekrite then decides to follow the guard around; thoug before they depart he gives a glance back to Teala and lowers his head.

Teala: Huh?>

Maekrite mutters a 'I'm sorry' in a very very low voice and returns his attention to the escort leading him up the corridors.

Teala stands in her place as she watches the group disappear. It takes her a moment to notice Kat is proding her.

Kat: <...to Teala, are you even listening? Kat to Teala.>

Teala turns to her and mutters an apology. Kat explains that it is time to leave and watches, with a hint of curiosity, as the Druddigon walks ahead. Then she goes drag an annoyed Milo with her.

Thou hast forgotten the face of thy Lord. Remember, mortal, and fear pet me.

14

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

[spoiler]Guess what? Even moar spaghetti setup for Guardianshipping!

Inside Dragonspiral Tower, AU!Unova

Maekrite is led by a squad of guards towards the highest floors of the Tower and from there to the summit. Not a long distance behind, Milo, Kat and Teala are following.

Guard!Druddigon #2: <Mmph. Hope you've got your testimony ready, pincushion.>

Kat: <Okay... Maekrite... Look... Just... Don't say anything stupid, okay?>

Maekrite: <…I'll try. ¬¬>

Milo: <I don't see that wor-oooof!> -- is club'd by Kat, who then gives a brief look at Teala.

Maekrite looks around for Teala, as if asking for advice.

Maekrite: <So, uhm... I kinda missed the dragons's visit to Johto... are they, uhm, nice?>

Teala: <Uh... Well... They SEEMED like they were... And they ARE our gods... It's just that they can be... Kinda...>

...and shifts uneasily.

<…Rash... I mean, you HAVE heard of their legends, right?"> ._.

Maekrite -drops ears: <…Silent was talking about them but I was too busy getting food for the two of us.> -- gulps.

Suddenly the group stops; the leading Mienfoo, leering, points the Nidorino to an opening towards a vry large and darkened room, where two pairs of eyes are glaring towards the entrance, in waiting.

Guard!Mienfoo: <You're up.>

Maekrite nods and is shoved by the Mienfoo, walks slowly ahead to meet the two Legendaries. As he does, his ears pick something up in the surroundings. All around them, all along the walls of the chamber, there is the presence of many mons pushed against the walls, as if waiting, fearing, for something.

Background Baby Trapinch: <Mom that doesn't look like a Lairon...>

Background Dratini Guard: <Hope they make him breakfast. Would serve as a lesson.>

Milo -walks in: <Uhm... Did they just talk about making Maekrite into a MEAL? Isn't that kinda... Harsh?> ._.

Kat: <Well, it certainly wouldn't end well for anyone...>

The two mons and Teala are pointed to a position near the entrance, where they go wait disappearing into the shadows as well. Everthing falls into silence, broken only by the sound of two large creatures breathing roughly and steadily, and that of feathers bristling.

Maekrite awaits near the center of the chamber. Suddenly the two pairs of eyes move forwards, the bodies of the two godly dragons taken with powerful steps, revealing more of their features as they inspect the Nidorino.

Zekrom: <Hrm? Who is this?>

A Mienshao captain of the outside guard steps in and kneels to Zekrom and Reshiram, not without some difficulty, still healing from his paralysis...

Chief Mienshao: <Lords, we captured this Nidorino who attempted to breach this sanctum several times.>

He punctuates with shoving Maekrite and muttering to him to step forward and bow, which Maekrite does.

Zekrom: <Hrm? Breach? Do explain.>

Reshiram: <…What did he do to merit this? Zekrom and I aren't averse to visitors if they come peacefully...>

There's some muttering across the audience.

Maekrite: <Uhm...> -- looks around warily.

Chief Mienshao: <That's the point Our Lords. He didn't listen to orders to leave, insisted on trespassing, VANDALIZED SACRED ORNAMENTS and then attacked our staff violently.> -- points to a group of still-somewhat-battered mons in the background -- <Some of our guard are still recovering.>

Background!Druddigon: <Yeah, and he's painted loco.>

Background!Mienfoo: <I still see the world spin when I turn around a corner...>

The two dragons take a look at the pointed to members of the audience, then tower over the Nidorino and the guard Mienshao.

Zekrom: <Those are some serious allegations.>

Reshiram: <Indeed, if you've been picking fights with our servants, we WILL have to do something abou- Wait...">

At that the dragon inches just a bit closer, inspecting the Nidorino. After a moment, noticing the particular "paint" on his quill coat, the dragon kinda-sorta elbows his partner.

Reshiram: <Zekrom... Do you see that?>

Inching closer and appearing skeptical:

Zekrom: <An EX-mon...?> -- spreads his arms, claws clenched -- <…What brings one of you here? You WERE better behaved to the one who blessed you so, yes?> -- prompts Maekrite with a roar.

Elite Mienshao -hunches over: <…Ewhat?>

Maekrite leers back at the chief Mienshao, somewhat hesitantly, then sits before Reshiram and Zekrom.

Maekrite: <I've been brought by all that is happening outside. My name is Maekrite and I was bathed by our Lord Frith– [Ho-Oh], you might know Him as.>

There is more of a muttering among the audience, in particular some visiting Pokémon invited to the audience.

Maekrite: <…And I'm much well behaved and respectful. I just NEE-...> -- gulps -- <needed to come see you.>

Reshiram: <That doesn't seem to match up with what we've been hearing, not al all...>

Aside among the group, Kat climbs to a nearly rock and pokes Teala softly.

Kat: <Psst! Teala! I think that he could probably use a defender!>

Teala: <E-Eh?! M-Me?!> -- shies down -- <B-But–>

Kat: <You're familiar with all of this, right? I think you'd be able to make more of an argument than I or weasel boy could!>

Teala: <I... I'll try...>

She has to collect some moral strength before stepping forwards and issuing a call.

Teala: <M-My lords, this is all a big misunderstanding!>

…And attracts the attention of everyone present, in particular the two dragons.

Teala -o.o: <Er... U-Um... I...I meant to ask and not interrupt like that?>

Maekrite looks back worried as Teala steps in, and seems to blush a little.

Elite Mienshao -crosses arms: <Ah, and what do you know to speak like this, without being summoned?>

Teala: <I-I... Uh...>

Reshiram -notices and relaxes: <Oh! You came back!>

Zekrom: <The Nidorino is with you? How have we not seen him with you in the past?>

Kat and Milo step forwards a little as well. A bit smugly, the otter Pokémon turns to the Mienshao.

Milo: <You should probably work on your memory span there. WE'VE got a history here!> >:)

…And is promptly smacked-
Milo: <OW!>

Kat: <Don't derail this, weasel boy!>

The Mienshao chief glares at Milo and is about to instruct a couple of background guards to pull him back, but decides against it with a chuckle when Kat takes care of that matter. Maekrite looks a bit confused at what is going on, then returns his attention to Reshiram and Zekrom.

Maekrite: <Lords, I've been on errand on my faraway land, taking care of my Trainer.>

Chief Mienshao: <My, somemon here has some sense of respect to authority.> -- glares at Maekrite.

Reshiram: <And where does this ruckus fit into all of this?>

Teala: <Uh... If I heard things right, I THINK it was a series of overreactions?> ._.

Zekrom -spread wings somewhat menacingly: <…I am a bit dubious, but fine... let's see where this goes.>

Zekrom -to Maekrite: <Can you tell us in your words why you are here and why our servants are so upset with you?>

Maekrite bliks, looks hesitant and peeks back to Kat, struggling to get the words right.

Maekrite: <I've been taking care of my Trainer in our travel to Angela. But one day… everyone turned into Pokémon.>

-looks around, noticing the mutter has now turned into full fledged conversations, if brief and inquisitive tone.

<Things outside became a mess. Trainer needed to be safe… and we both needed [answers]. Some dragons were talking about gods, I thought... this was the place to ask.>

At that moment, a Druddigon guard comes into the chamber and stands somewhere in the background, near Kat and Milo's place. Milo berudgingly looks up to greet the Druddigon, then notices that the Pokémon already looks fairly annoyed… at the small Nidoran clung to the top of his crest,

Milo: <…Speak of the devil!>

Silentran♂: <…Finally made it here.> -- recognizes Kat -- <Oh hai!>

Vehicle!Druddigon -leers up: <You should be more respectful... told you like six times already.>

Kat: <... Wait, I didn't remember him being this much of a handful when he was human...> ._.

Maekrite -ears flicker, in a low tone of voice: <Kittens tend to be like that. And he has much of an exploring personality.> --sighs- <Unfortunately...>

Reshiram -ignores what is going on: <Go on...>

Maekrite: <Uhm, sorry, yes…> -- scratches an ear -- <I recalled from… uh, a friend, that this Tower was a place where gods were worshiped and mons lived in order.>

-Sighs.

<So I tried to get an audience with you. Things kinda... got derailed from there.>

Silentran♂ -waves a paw at Kat: <Hey! What is going on?>

Kat: <Maekrite... Kinda got into an altercation...> >_>

Zekrom: <"Derailed" how?>

Silentran♂ -thumps: <...An altercation? That's bad, he's not supposed toeeeeeeee~>

Vehicle!Druddigon -shakes: <Hey you, shut up! You are in presence of our Lords!>

The chief Mienshao presents himself and points to the Nidorino

Chief Mienshao: <He was told that he would not be granted access. Instead of obeying, he looked for every way of sidestepping our command.>

-grunts.

<He eventually resorted to violence, not to mention other... unspeakable acts.>

Maekrite -raises a paw: <In my defense, I was only faking having a bathroom call so that I would be left alone and could infil–… er, access the Tower.>

Reshiram -crosses arms: <... And this all stemmed from?>

Teala: <Well... Er... Uh... Did you want to tell them, Maekrite?>

Chief Mienshao: <He desecrated SACRED RELICS my Lords!>

Maekrite -shies a bit: <It was just a pebble...>

Meanwhile, Silentran♂ jumps repeatedly waves his paw in the direction of the two dragons, trying to get their attention, all this despite not very faint growls from the Druddigon below him telling him to stay quiet.

Reshiram: <... WHAT.>

Zekrom: <Are you SERIOUS?>

The entire cave resonates with the roars of the two dragons; with their posture suddenly having assumed an unfriendly tone, all the conversation that was going down in the cave quickly and summarily dies down. Maekrite and the leader Mienshao can't help but shiver.

Chief Mienshao -looks more than a bit frightened: <E-e-eeh.... well, it was a de-de-decorative stone… that was hidden by the… snow, and, uhm... w-we, well, kinda don't have… uh, signs.>

For a response he only gets the somewhat hardened breath of the two dragons. With some courage he straightens himself up.

<But still! He attacked an entire troop of guards and mauled them horribly! What kind of Pokémon fights like that!>

Zekrom: <Rrgh... All of you, GROW UP!>

Reshiram -arms and wings extended: <Okay, YOU and the other guards need to [label] the relics better if you want to be this defensive about them!>

Zekrom: <Look, we have tourists and refugees here!> >:(

-To Maekrite-

Reshiram: <And YOU need to find more diplomatic solutions to your problems! Fighting over a pebble! What nonsense!>

Silentran♂ starts leaping harder and growling to try and  get the attention of the dragons, while the Druddigon, now getting irked, starts trying to shove him off his crest.

Meanwhile, still facepalming...

Zekrom -groans: <There IS something that would make this not a COMPLETE waste of our time... YES?>

Maekrite shies and pushes himself to the ground, ears flattened. The Mienshao chief, meanwhile, backs away a couple of steps and looks at his battered troop asking for some sort of morale boost.

Of course, all the residents start backing out.

Random Golett: <Uhm... I have an Oran Berry tree to grow...>

Visiting Dragonite: <I have to finish my hax returns...>

Student Mienfoo: <I'm exent of this, right? I have to practice Aura Sphere...>

Random Dratini -looks around nervously: <A window! A window! My evolution for a window!>

At Zekrom's question, a certani Nidoran starts clawing and thumping on the crest of his perch harder, which finally gets on the Druddigon's nerves.

Vehicle!Druddigon -irked: <…Would you CAN IT FOR ONCE DAMN IT!>

There are many gasps as the attention of many mons, and that of two angered pairs of eyes, turn to the poor Druddigon. The poor Pokémon then realizes he has spoken loudly before the two Taos, and shivers.

Reshiram -leers clearly: <I presume that that was not directed to US, yes?>

Vehicle!Druddigon -gulps: <U-uh, no… no..> -- swallows hard -- <t-this Nidoran that came along with the Nidorino...> -- sighs -- <has been getting on my nerves, sorry!> ._.

Silentran♂ -stands up atop the Druddigon: <May I request a favor from the Taos?>

The two dragons exchange looks, turning from being irked to surprised; then Reshiram steps forward.

Reshiram: <And that would be?">

Silentran♂: <We came here looking for information about why everymon has been turned into mons. He> -- points to Maekrite -- <can actually explain where do our concerns come from.>

Zekrom: <Fine. Go on...>

Maekrite looks aside for a moment then sits again and bows to the Taos.

Maekrite: <Some weeks ago... well, all humans we found were turned into Pokémon somehow. In various places.> -- points to the "outside" -- <Some [dragons] came around, telling stories about themselves and gods.>

Silentran♂: <We tried, but in the chaos we couldn't get any better word.>

Knowing where the conversation goes, the dragons exchange solemn looks. Maekrite sweats and looks very hesitant at what he is about to ask.

Maekrite: <I was fearing when they said that they were the Gods and, uhm… wondered, if…> -- shakes defensively -- <If you have done this.>

The mood in the room turns rather sour, with some mons bickering around divine rights and other stuff. The dragons spend a time of silence before responding.

Reshiram: <No... We haven't. We know what you speak of, though...>

Maekrite -blinks: <You know…?> -- stares up -- <You know who did this?>

Zekrom: <... Yes... A group of thug dragons, we are sorry to say…> -- shakes head -- <that have managed to get their claws on technology that abandoned this world before we even came to it.>

Maekrite and Silentran♂ listen to the Taos, the apparent younger Nido stands on his hindlegs in an instinctive fighting stance.

Silentran♂: <Ancient technology? B-but...>

The Nidorino lets out what can be more or less interpreted as a half-respectful roar.

Maekrite: <B-b-but... How did they turn everymon?>

Silentran♂: <Do you know what dragons did this? Are they a group? Do they have a name?>

Zekrom: <…We don't know all of them... Just that the leader of a group that some of our guards belong to is one of their number.>

At this response, several mons in the chamber share uneasily and guilty looks. Zekrom is quick to shut down the muttering with a half-reasurring growl.

Reshiram: <In retrospect, perhaps I should have pressed that messenger for more information before banishing him.>

Background!Druddigon: <That would be Quostiid, our clan's leader.>

Teala: <... Wait... Since when did we ever keep in touch with our clan?> ._.

Background!Druddigon: -shrugs: <Beats me. They got kinda active a few months ago.>

Maekrite turns around and leers at the guard Druddigons in the background, assuming a battle position.

Maekrite: <So you're saying you host those elil here?>

Silentran♂ -paws on the vehicle Druddigon: <...Language!>

Teala: <Uh... Maekrite... That's not how it works...>

The chief Mienshao meanwhile shoves Maekrite for his behaviour.

Milo: <... Eh?>

Teala: <All of the dragons here are part of a clan called the “Opal Roar”. It's not unlike Kat's 'tribe' or your 'colony'.> -- shits around -- <Just spread out more... and, we don't usually do much with them. They think we're weird...">

Maekrite: <…Weird? -Oh.> -- sighs.

Silentran♂: <Clans you say?> -- thinks for a moment -- <What, would they have something like that back in Johto?>

Maekrite picks that, looks nervous and turns back to Zekrom and Reshiram, who look at each other.

Maekrite: <Lords, where are the dragons attacking?>

Zekrom: <If what our servants tell us is true... Then they are there too, yes.>

The dragons move around slowly.

Reshiram: <We know not what the full scope of the activities of these ruffians... But if their language is anything to go by, it appears that they have their designs on the entirety of this world.>

At that Silent looks very worried, and starts the (somewhat arduous) task of climbing down the Druddigon, who looks barely a bit more relaxed at seeing that.

Maekrite -shakes head down: <…I should head back, be helping my warren.>

After a moment Silent hops his way down and towards the two Tao dragons and introduces himself with the usual paw-waving salutation, which, admittedly, manages to catch the attention of the two towering Pokémon.

Silentran♂: <Okay, here's what I don't understand. You two did roar your discontent with what happened a year ago...>

Zekrom -shies away: <Blugh... I was dreading that you were going to ask that...>

Reshiram -stares the Nidoran down: <…It's an unsatisfying answer... Even for us…>

Seeing this, Silentran♂ sits obediently; so does Maekrite after some hesitation. However the guard from before steps ahead and inquires to the Taos if he should remove the Nidoran (as the scene is specifically a trial). Kat and Milo look ahead worriedly.

Reshiram: <It's OK… for the moment.> -- steps back to give Zekrom some ground.

Zekrom: <Apparently, the Vow that protects humans and the mons that travel with them from each other's actions... does nothing to protect MONS from each other's actions...>

Reshiram: <…We attempted to take matters into our own hands... But a simple attempt to scare off these ruffians didn't... Pan out.>

The two dragons look around at their audience, themselves representatives of the world outside.

<An attempt to be more forceful would likely be disastrous… Zekrom and I have had a history of underestimating our own strength... You may remember an example of that from a year or two before this...>

Maekrite -concerned: <...I do. Though to be honest I wouldn't mind if some dragons burned to ashes…>

Silentran♂: <Hey... you had to be capable... they did specifically attack humans, yes?>

Maekrite turns to Teala's group somewhat puzzled- <...How many human-mons do you think there are around here?>

Kat: <The police haven't been able to find any beyond a couple people that happened to be deep underground when that... Thing went off.>

Teala -shakes head: <My guess is, this probably is going on wherever those devices have been activated..."> ._.

At that moment the Mienshao chief steps in, standing besides the Nidorino.

Mienshao Chief: <Uhm, my Lords, this is news only for the Nidorino I realize.> -- looks down at Maekrite -- <Now that he is informed, I think his punishment shall be discussed as was the purpose of this interview...> -- crosses arms.

Zekrom: <Hmm... Very well, then...>

Maekrite: <…Oh dear...>

The two dragons exchange looks and gestures for a moment.

Reshiram: <These charges are not trivial... But given the... Complicating circumstances... I believe there is grounds for SOME leniency...>

Background!Druddigon: <I still think he should be nomed.>

Zekrom: <There's a human term for what this punishment is called...> -- shuffles around, thinking -- <When the punished completes tasks for the people as a misaggraviation.>

Reshiram -ruffles feathers: <Ah, commu-something.>

Teala -sweats: <Er... Community Service, my Lord.>

Silentran♂ -sweats more: <....> ._.

The Nidoran flashbacks at the terms 'community service'... Maekrite meanwhile lowers his head and rolls his eyes, remembering his personal history with the term as well.

Zekrom: <"Ah! Right! That will be your punishment!">

Maekrite: <Not this hr-....> -- bits his figurative lips.

Reshiram: <To repay our servants for the trouble you've caused them, you shall assist them with their endeavors... Uh...> -- to Zekrom -- <What's a reasonable amount of time, Zekrom?>

Zekrom: <72? That's 3 full days, is it not? And he won't be serving all of the hours in a day...>

Maekrite is about to complain but he is shoved by the smaller Nido, though the Mienshao notices.

Mienshao -crosses arms: <By all means, complain.>

There is some uproar in the background.

Background!Druddigon: <No fair! He made quite a mess.>

Background!Mienfoo: <He two-shot my father!>

Background!Golett -absentmindedly: <I wasn't there for the battle, I'd just like to have somemon else do all my work.> -- waits for a moment, processes -- <Maybe I shouldnt have said that out loud.>

In effect, he gets quite some stares from the other mons, in particular the subset of the most bruised ones.

Zekrom -sighs loudly: <What would YOU suggest for a length of service, then?>

All the various mons there shrink visibly Silentran♂ turns to Kats group asking for advice.

At least one mon makes himself useful though - a Golurk that goes take a look at one of the exits of the cave.

Guard!Golurk: <...No more than a week. Thaw should be done by then.>

Kat: <I don't think that we should try and fight this one too much. I mean, he DID get into a fight with the local guards. So it was kinda inevitable there'd be trouble.>

The two dragons exchange a quick conversation, then turn to the audience.

Reshiram: <A week is fine for us.>

-To Maekrite-

Reshiram: <You will be reporting to the mons that hold grievance with you. After all, THEY are the ones in particular you have wronged... It is fitting that they should instruct you as to how you should assist them.>

Maekrite thinks about it for a moment, but decides to swallow his pride. He's done that before.

Maekrite: <I'll accept this. May I… request accomodations for the Nidoran in the meantime?>

Vehicle!Druddigon -grumbles: <Not with me, or I'll quit this job.>

Reshiram seems to notice the hesitation in the Druddigon -not to mention in other mons around - and allows hismelf a chuckle. Zekrom remains more focused on the matter at hand.

Zekrom: <If he needs caretakers, you're welcome to have acquaintances watch over him. I see that you already have a few that have come to support you...>

The Mienshao chief stands aside and points to Teala's group.

Mienshao: <Yeah, we can see you know them. You,> -- points to no one in the group in particular -- <will take care of the Nidoran in the meanwhile.>

Vehicle!Druddigon -sighs relaxed: <Good! He's YOUR problem now!> -- points at Milo and then scurries away as fast as his body lets him.

Milo: <…> -- ._.

-Crosses his arms-

<... Great... Some reward for being supportive, here...> >.<

Silent bows to the Taos then hugs Maekrite, the Nidorino hugs and licks him back. That's the part where Teala's heart would be melting or something. In fact...

Teala -thinks: <Aww... He's really not taking this that well... Is he...? Maybe... I could help him? I mean... I'm terrible at being a guard... But... But!>

She itches to move forward.

<It can't HURT, can it?>

And she does, in fact, decide to move forwards.

Teala: <Um... My lords...? Is it permissable for the defendant to have someone work alongside him?>

Zekrom: <Well yes.> -- stops cold, blinks -- <I mean, I see no harm in it... But... The weather isn't exactly COMFORTABLE for mons like–>

Teala -eagerly: <I... I know that... But... I feel as if he could use a little help.>

Kat raises an eyebrow at Teala's tone. The two dragons exchange some quick gestures.

Reshiram: <Provided that he serves his sentence, I think that that is acceptable.>

Maekrite looks surprised and worried at Teala.

Maekrite: <Uhm... y-you should not be doing this. It's not that cold outside, but…> -- finds himself at loss of how to continue the sentence-

Meanwhile, the Mienshao leader addresses the Taos.

Mienshao: <Lords, it is fine then that we close this trial? I would, uhm...> -- shifts uncomfortably -- <like to ask something private.>

Zekrom: <Very well, the defendant is sentenced and dismissed.>

A gesture from Zekrom summons some guard Golett who surround the Nidorino and, after a moment of brief conevrsation of him with Silentran♂, lead him out of the chamber. Meanwhile, Kat's group is called to another part of the chamber where they are addressed by one of the instructors in the tower.

Instructor!Druddigon -growls to Teala: <You better start getting ready. Move to the lower floors tonight and you'll begin your assistance tomorrow.>

Teala: <Understood...">

And Teala obediently heads off, prompting Kat and Milo to look at her quizically before following.

Kat: <... Did we do the right thing letting her do that?> ._.

Milo: <Hey, stop feeling so sorry for HER. WE'LL have our paws full here, too!> >_<

Silent meanwhile runs to reach besides Milo and Kat and starts assaulting them with questions, ears raised.

Silentran♂: <Guys! Kat! Haven't seen you in a while! How are things going? Where is Tracer? Have you been here for long? Where do I get food? What about PEFE?> -- turns to Kat -- <Are you finally married yet?> -- and continues asking questions.

Kat: <... What?"> O///O

Milo >_<: <See what I mean now?>

And the quartet heads off...

Thou hast forgotten the face of thy Lord. Remember, mortal, and fear pet me.

15 (edited by VeniaSilente 2013-09-06 14:36:32)

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

(More spagpost with Tracer. Slowly approaching the cute part~)

AU!DST; Immediately after the previous post

Having just been hit with community service, Maekrite is led outside of the chamber by one of the Golurk guards who hands him over (ie.: shoves on) to Kat and her group.

Milo -gets the wrong end of the spikes: <...Ouch! What was that for? He's not our friend!>

Golurk Guard: <He's with you, you handle him.> -- and turns away.

Milo: <So… He's out of that community service stuff or some-?>

The Golurk stops and glares at Milo.

Golurk: <Of course not, he's just beginning it.> -- points at the group -- <And you're going to make sure he stays healthy enough to complete his punishment.>

Maekrite -offhandedly: <…I *can* hunt my own food...>

Just a couple of steps from there, Silentran♂ observes the scene on top of the very exasperated Druddigon.

Kat: <…I see.>

Milo -frowns: <So he just said we have to babysit him too?!> >_>

Kat: <And out OTHER friend? We DID come up here as a group of THREE...>

Maekrite blinks and looks back at the guard. Milo puts up a very discontent face.

Guard Golurk: <Actually, let me ask about that one. A Druddigon should hold a better place here…>

The Golurk calls a Whatever mon for advice; in the meanwhile Silent has managed to somehow steer the Druddigon serving as his mount into approaching Kat and the rest of the group. Milo, seeing that the Druddigon is in a murderous mood already, decides to not press the issue.

Kat -sighs: <Is Tracer also going to be this much of a handful when we run into him again?>

Silentran♂ -raises ears: <Oh, Tracer? Have you known of him?> -- waves down.

Maekrite -lowers head: <…He's not THAT bad. Just annoying in the mornings.> -- scratches his ears -- <And asks all sorts of… uhm, uncomfortable questions.>

Milo: <We only know what you know. His phone went dead right before everything happened...>

Maekrite -tilts head: <Doesn't Tracer's phone _always_ go dead?>

Kat: <The timing was kinda... Unsettling. But anyhow... Let's get you rested up, Maekrite... You've got a bit of an ordeal ahead of you tomorrow...>

Maekrite takes a moment to think and nods.

Silentran♂ -happily: <My phone died too when everything happened~> ^.^

The Golurk from before comes back, with a high-ranking mon who arrives to send Kat, Maekrite and the rest of the group off. As soon as the Druddigon in question explains that they're taking Silentran♂ to their place as well, a sound breathe of relief can be heard coming from the "vehicle" Druddigon from before.

Vehicle!Druddigon: <…YES!!!! THANKFULLY!>

Before anymon can do anything, the Druddigon manages to shake Silentran♂ off his crest; then he picks him up with his claws, in a not very gentle gesture, and punts him off to Kat's group.

Milo: <...Ouch!> -- gets the barbs, rubs his arm.

Vehicle!Druddigon -points at Milo: <There. He's YOUR problem now!>

…And he turns tail and runs away from the cave as fast as his legs and the cold will alow him to.

Maekrite: <....Grrrr...>

Milo: <...> ¬¬

Manager!Druddigon: <....?> -- rubs crest.

Kat: <....> -- breathes soundly.

Silentran♂: <...> o.o

Guard Druddigon: <...Huh.> -- still tries to process what just happened. -- <So, uhm... we're ready then.>

Maekrite is promptly led outside by the Golurk guard, Kat and the others, with Silentran♂ following shortly, and they take a corridor that goes down the tower's structure. Shortly after they reach a fork on the road.

Milo: <... Left or right?>

Silentran♂ -practices his hearing: <…I say right. At least I can hear peoplemons talking that way.>

Guard Golurk: <Yeah, the storage area is the other way. Now, don't get into trouble. And you...> -- points to Maekrite -- <report tomorrow sunrise at the nursery area.>

Maekrite shrugs, not having much of an opinion on the matter so long as he stays inside the Tower. The Golurk walks away to the left.

Kat: <… I suppose it's worth a shot.>

This way they go away, to their accomodations.


Next Morning

The group of four is marching across the corridors and they have just taken the same turn to the right for the third time after Silentran♂ has managed to get them lost. This time however they show confidence to be on the right track.

However as the group progresses on, they can hear some words carry down the hallway.

Teala: <B-But I->

???: <Hrmph. Coming crawling back to this place is already a dampener on your right to pick assignments! And how on earth are you going to be helpful outside in this weather?>

Teala: <I s-said I would help Maekrite, though!>

???: <So be useful and help him from your PROPER post!>

Maekrite and the others listen to the conversation; the Nidorino's mood changes notoriously.

Silentran♂ -to Kat: <…W-what is going on?>

Not minding much more, Maekrite walks towards the source of the noise, Honing his claws in the meantime. Milo crosses his arms as Maekrite walks ahead.

Kat: <Grr... Someone being unreasonable with their authority, it sounds...>

The sound of a stammering, and disappointed voice grows louder as the group approaches rounds a corner…

Teala: <But... I... And- Aww...>

Maekrite: <[!]>

Maekrite rushes to the corner and issues a warning growl. Silentran♂, meanwhile, sighs and starts scratching his ears to fight the cold.

???: <Eh?! Who's there?>

Milo -groans: <Oh delightful... More trouble. Just what we needed.>

And the form of a leering Druddigon followed by another one looking a bit downcast can be seen.

Fairly Unreasonable Guard!Druddigon: <Yeah? What do you want?>

Silentran♂: <He always does this. This is why we wouldn't get to Angela.> -- starts wiping his claws in annoyance.

Maekrite stands firm in his place and leers back at the other Druddigon.

Maekrite -snorts: <What do you want? Chewing her out, what, you don't have anything better to do?>

Fairly Unreasonable Guard!Druddigon: <Hrmph. I'M keeping her useful. Worry about your public service, devil!>

Maekrite seems to falter a bit at the reminding of his punishment, but scoffs after a moment.

Milo -to Kat: <I told you we should've left when we had the chance...>

Maekrite: <Doesn't sound like you're doing any a good job of it. All I hear is grunts and nagging.>

Silentran♂ facepaws, as does Milo, mentally. Kat meanwhile approaches the scene.

Fairly Unreasonable Guard!Druddigon -shooting a harsh leer:* <Come... Again?>

Maekrite: <Well, she's a fairly good Pokémon. And you don't sound like you treat your comrades with much respect.>

Kat walks in, looking exasperated at the day starting the wrong way already.

Kat: <Maekrite! Calm DOWN!>

Milo: <Yeah! You're already in ENOUGH trouble as it is today!>

Maekrite flares his ears in the direction of the two and lowers his head; gives them a half-leer.

Silentran♂ -blinks: <Uh, I'd rather not be added to the community service, thanks.> >_>

Fairly Unreasonable Guard!Druddigon -looks down at the group: <Mmph. Thought so. But let's make this CLEAR for your thick head.>

…And turns to Teala.

Fairly Unreasonable Guard!Druddigon: <You, restrain this devil!>

-Stammering-

Teala: <I- I->

-Lowering head-

Teala: <… I can't do that...>

Maekrite: <W-what?> ._. -- looks a bit puzzled, turns to the Druddigon- <Uhm, in case you haven't noticed! Here I'm busy tring to... defend her…>

Teala: <…He's my friend... My ally... It would be like- H-Huh?!>

-Growling and leering Teala down-

Fairly Unreasonable Guard!Druddigon: <Mmrph. Clumsy AND lazy! Fine, someone ELSE can handle this!>

…And gives a signaling roar, making Silentran♂ flinch.

Maekrite -growls: <You damn…> -- turns to Teala -- <Y-you have to do this, right?>

A Golurk accompanied by an assortment of Dratini and other mons arrive quickly through the opossite corridor Kat and Silentran♂ came in.

Guard Golurk: <Sector 7G Guard present!>

Milo, Kat and Silentran♂ are swiftly surrounded.

Milo: <Gih! What the-?!>

Silentran♂ -to Milo: <Just great. He got in trouble BECAUSE beating a group of mons outside!>

After inspecting Kat and the others for a moment, the Dratini shift around and move to surround the Nidorino.

Seeing all this, and torn between the sting of the guard's words and sticking up for her friends... Teala tries to at least look him up.

Teala: <I-I- I'm not lazy! I can be useful!>

She then (somewhat) decidedly rakes Maekrite with a claw, causing him to yelp. Before being hit by a realization-

Teala: <AAH! I- Sorry! I didn't- I didn't mean to-!>

And continues stammering…

Maekrite yelps at the sudden attack and steps back, surprised.

Guard Golurk -looks at Teala then at the other Druddigon: <…Is this the misbehaving one?> -- points to Maekrite.

Fairly Unreasonable Guard!Druddigon: <Yeah.> -- grumbles, more at Teala than at Maekrite.

Seeing this Kat swings her bone and steps in.

Kat: <Now HOLD on, you clubbed a mon that was down!>

Milo -arms still crossed: <Yeah, THAT totally needed 4 other mons to do… And keep your stories straight!>

The Guard Golurk listens to Milo and looks puzzled for a moment, then turns to Teala.

Golurk: <Uhm, they're right, this is just a Nidorino. Do your job and restrain him.>

Maekrite, meanwhile, is looking up at Teala somewhat confused...

Golurk -to the Druddigon leader: <Uhm, what is going on? We're not usually called in for retraining, or to deal with the guests…>

-Starting to look a bit flustered-

Fairly Unreasonable Guard!Druddigon -*spluttering*: <I- Look, the devil just needed a lesson beat into his head, okay?!>

Kat: <Mmph. So do your OWN work...>

Random Dratini #1 -in a low tone: <…Uhm... they're calling out the boss to deal with this?>

Random Dratini #2: <What do you mean "our" work? Wasn't this Pokémon designated your charge?>

Meanwhile, the Golurk just stares at Teala as if expecting something; namely, for her to mon up and attack the Nidorino.

Teala: <I- Uh- He... He was?> ._.

Fairly Unreasonable Guard!Druddigon -shakes head: <Wait a minute, what? I thought he was the problem of that Meinshao!>

Maekrite -to Teala: <…Uhm, I was, kinda... >

Silentran♂ -raises a paw: <Well, he's supposed to be staying *somewhere* while he works outside...>

Meanwhile, the Dratini in the surrounding group start whispering more or less indistinctely...

<…is she here for anyway?>

<Wasn't that the Nidorino who..>

<I'll fully evolve before she manages to apprehend a Rattata.>

<And I'm missing a training session on Twister for this?>

Hearing this, Teala is visibly upset, near tears…

Teala: <I... I'll take him to his quarters…>

-sniffs-

<I can be useful that way, can't I?>

Guard Golurk -does a sort of shrug: <So long as you do what you are told to…>

-then he turns to the group of Dratini-

<And shut up all of you! Show some discipline!>

Maekrite meanwhile rights himself up and stands showing off his flank to Teala.

Teala: <Huh?">

Maekrite -timidly: <…I'm sorry.>

Teala -glumly: <... It's okay… This was my fault... It always is...>

The Dratinis circle Maekrite silently while the lead Golurk talks to Teala.

Golurk: <Look at you… Do we need to teach you how to deal with intruders, again?>

Maekrite feels a bit irated at seeing Teala saddened away; while he is being walked away he turns his head and speaks in voice high enough to make sure that the Druddigon guard behind will listen:

Maekrite -to Teala: <You are a good Pokémon. For all that he complained about you at least you landed me a hit. Those guards stationed outside were pathetic.> -- growls.

Silentran♂, who is walking shortly behind, rolls his eyes.

Teala: <H-Huh?!>

Fairly Unreasonable Guard!Druddigon -snaps his tail against the ground: <Hey! You! Shut your snout, devil-!>

Milo -raises arms: <Relax! We don't want to see your mug either! Come on, let's hurry up and get out of->

-And he turns around only to see Kat leaping at Maekrite...

Kat: <Maekrite, you NUMBSKULL!>

And gives a hard swat with her club to Maekrite's head.

Maekrite: <-Wha-> -- is smacked on the head and falls to the ground -- <@.@>

Silentran♂ -sits, ears flattened: <....eeep!>

Fairly Unreasonable Guard!Druddigon: <Mmph. I see SOMEONE'S being useful...> -- glares at Teala.

Guard Golurk -crosses arms, assumes a somewhat sardonic tone: <Well yes, I make an effort. Even if we're called in for such trivialities.>

Silentran♂ -starts poking Maekrite back on his feet: <…What's wrong with you anyway? You're always getting us into trouble lately.>

Milo -scowling, at Kat: <...What did you do that for? Now we'll have to carry him around.> >_<

Silentran♂ -pats Milo: <I'll wake him...> -- starts kicking Maekrite's face.

It takes a moment but Maekrite finally wakes back up, looks around at the group fairly flustered. Teala looks fairly flustered as well.

Silentran♂ -throws paws up: <You stop picking fights! It's like you're going into breeding season again!> -- stops to think for a moment -- <Am *I* going into breeding season?>

Doing the equivalent of a brow raise, a bit wierded out by the Nidos' statements (and maybe, only maybe enjoying a microsecond of a fantasy in her head)…

Teala: <Eh...? Uh... Let's... Let's just get you to your quarters...>

Silentran♂ sighs, then hops around and climbs up to Teala's arm.

Maekrite -shakes head: <Y-yes... No... August... ouch...>

And walks with the rest of the group as they are led away by the guards.


(lastlog=20130622)

Thou hast forgotten the face of thy Lord. Remember, mortal, and fear pet me.

16

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

[spoiler]This thanks in part to spagging with Tracer, as per usual.

Dragonspiral Tower

A certain Mienshao is running across one of the corridors to the summit of the Tower, gasping as he mutters something.

<…Damn it damn it- *gasp* where do I get an offering from at this hour? >_> >

The Mienshao then turns around a corner and notices guards carrying some [pizza] up the tower and smirks.

Courier!Mienfoo #1: <Oh!>

Courier!Meinfoo #A: <Captain!>

-And the two hastily salute the Meinshao-

Courier!Mienfoo #1: <Are Lords Reshiram and Zekrom receiving guests already?>

Leader!Mienshao -salutes back: <Uhm… I'm afraid they are, yes, and we are delayed.> -- looks at the cargo -- <Still, I should be careful to inspect that!>

-And grabs one of the pizza boxes hastily-

<…I will inspect this...> -- sniffs the box -- <just in case. Come on, let's walk into the chamber!>

Courier!Meinfoo #A: <Um... Okay.> -- shugs to his partner once the leader walks ahead.

-The two set off following their leader, who quickly accompanies himself with a Druddigon and a Golurk representative, besides the pizza couriers;
not long after they reach the main chamber and they kneel before the two Dragons.-

Leader!Mienshao: <Greetings, Lords. We're here for our report.> -- leaves the pizza box aside.

Reshiram: <Oh? What is the news that you bring?>

-Sniffing, catching the scent of the Pizza-

Zekrom: <Ooh... I think I smell anchovies...>

-One of the Golurk guards looks around-

Leader!Golurk: <…Smell?>

Leader!Druddigon: -in a low voice: <Hush. It's the scent from the boxes. Food.>

-The Mienshao looks a bit hesitant but moves onwards-

-Tilting head a bit-

Zekrom: <... Yes?>

Reshiram: <You seem... Troubled...>

Leader!Mienshao: <Uhm... well> -- gulps -- <We have done our b-best and o-our defenses are recovering… Uhm... would you two like a pizza? :3>

-At that the leader Druddigon is about to facepalm but contains himself; the Golurk makes some mechanical sound but shows no response beyond that.-

Reshiram -giving a brow raise: <... Okay, what's wrong?>

Zekrom: <Defenses are "recovering"? Is there something that we don't know about that?>

-The Mienshao gulps and hurries to fetch two pizza boxes, the Druddigon looking with some amusement.-

Leader!Mienshao: <W-well... nothing really new, it's just some of the troops who were hit by the intruder a couple of weeks ago are still recovering.>

Leader!Golurk: <I've placed twelve more units on the outside paths to help cover for that.>

-The Druddigon, meanwhile, merely hisses.-

Leader!Druddigon:: <According to my fellow mon, this kind of thing didn't happen back in grand-grandpa's time.>

Zekrom -not really paying much attention: <Well... It's not as if much could have been done about the matter... They DID pick a fight with an EX-mon…>

Reshiram: <Really, we're just relieved that the injuries reported weren't much worse than they were.>

Leader!Mienshao: <….An EX-mon?> -- blinks -- <I, er, don't think I've heard that one before.>

Leader!Druddigon: -in a boastful tone: <Dad used to tell stories about that.>

Leader!Mienshao -hunches, grunts: <…Thank you, for making it look like I don't do my work. <_< >

Reshiram: <You shouldn't feel too bad. We did not plan for this place having more than one such mon in its ranks at a time.>

-Zekrom meanwhile takes his chance to get just a biiiiit closer to the pizza boxes, without Reshiram apparently noticing-

Leader!Druddigon: -tilts head: <…W-wait what? They were supposed to be around?>

-The Mienshao meanwhile looks around for a moment then steps in.-

Leader!Mienshao: <Uhm... w-what is an EX-mon anyway? The Nidorino felt barely a bit… different. Didn't think it'd make a difference> -- crosses arms -- <until I saw him take the Dragonite down.>

Reshiram: <Such a mon that is blessed by gods such as us... Typically for having rendered a great service to them.>

Zekrom: <As their reward, they are visually distinguished from their peers… And given a slight amount of strength beyond their normal potential.>

Leader!Mienshao -grumbles: <..."Slight"? >_> >

-Reshiram meanwhile notices Zekrom shifted a bit away, Zekrom notices Reshiram has notices, and the two dragons eye each other for a couple of seconds-

Leader!Golurk: <Hmmm... We do provide great service here.> -- is elbowed by the Druddigon slightly -- <I mean, we are dutiful, uhm..., very dutiful guards. And nice to be around...>

Leader!Druddigon: <I don't think they mean merely "great" service.> -- assumes a teacher-y posture-- <Our stories tell about mons who have done really incredible things, like the Volcarona who gave us [Sun] for a long time.>

Leader!Golurk: <...Oh that, yes. Your people> -- chin-points to the Druddigon -- <didn't really like things right before that.>

Zekrom: <I understand that... But it really isn't something that is intended to be common.>

-and attempts to slither just a biiiit closer to the boxes, but stops cols when Reshiram gives a low growl-

Ahem.... It is meant for mons that have done incredible things, yes... but who also can be trusted with such a blessing.>

Reshiram -grumbles: <Obviously… We will have to inquire a bit as to the background of the Nidorino.> -- ruffles feathers -- <He is a bit more... impetuous than we'd have hoped for a mon with such a blessing. >_> >

Leader!Golurk: <Hmmm... we c->

Leader!Druddigon -steps ahead: <Oh, if you wish my Lords we can bring him back in for questioning!>

-The Golurk and the Mienshao stare at the Druddigon for a moment; Resihram and Zekrom eye each other and then the Druddigon, causing the mon to recoil-

Leader!Druddigon: <...Or we can let him continue his duties, I understand...> -- shies away.

Zekrom: <Where is he at the moment, anyway? It would be interesting to hear about his god.>

At the question the three leader mons look at each other nervously, and after a moment the Mienshao and the Golurk carefully step behind-

Leader!Druddigon -sweatdrops: <...Uh, w-we... sent him to clear the trenches this morning...?>

Zekrom: <...> -- thinks for a moment -- <Good idea. That should keep him occupied and far from other mons to scuffle with.>

Leader!Druddigon: <...phew~>

Reshiram -turns to the Mienshao: <...So, the blessings?>

-At that point the Druddigon rolls his eyes and interrupts-

Leader!Druddigon: <I gather from the conversations he held with the Nidoran humon that they come from Johto.>

-the other two mons have adjusted themselves to hear the report-

<...the Nidorino was called in to [Ho-Oh]'s presence after some creature had kidnapped many of their youth.>

Leader!Golurk -thinks for a moment: <I've heard something somewhere about a Nidoran and a Dragon... don't know if this is related but I could ask around.>

Zekrom -looking eager: <Yeah yeah we can arrange for that later... Now, uhm...> -- points to the boxes.

-The Druddigon blinks, then he and the Mienshao go pick some of the pizza boxes and offer them to Reshiram and Zekrom, though commenting that this kind of food has become increasingly harder to get grips on-

Leader!Mienshao: <This one has... p-e-p-p-e-r-o-n-ni?> -- sniffs, looks a bit disgusted -- <Uhm... wouldn't know what that is.>

Zekrom -fiddling with claws: <A bit plain, but still good!>

-And takes some of the Pepperoni pizza-

Reshiram: <Then I get the anc->

Zekrom: <No way!> -- growls.

Reshiram: <....> -- growls back.

-The two Pokémon meanwhile continue to serve to their gods-

Leader!Druddigon: <It is a shame we can't get more of this kind of food for the humons.> -- shrugs -- <Would pacify them a little.>

Zekrom: <Wait, what? ._.>

Reshiram: -hunches over: <B-b-b-but we love pizza! What would we ever do without it? ._.

-The white figure ruffles her feathers, already in a grumpy mood-

Reshiram: <It's all because of this foolish war... How on earth can mons be so shortsighted? >_> >

-The Mienshao looks a bit confused as he stares at one of the boxes and at Zekrom. The Druddigon leader, meanwhile, stops half-gasp and looks at the gods with eyes open wide.-

Reshiram -idly: <This war is something terrible. We can no longer get pizza!>

Local mons: <..... ._.>

Reshiram -notices the stares: <.…Uh, I mean... "oh heavens, the humanity!"?>

-turns to Zekrom, who gives him a quick thumbs-up gesture-

Leader!Mienshao -rubs head: <I, er... well, it has bitten all of us badly.>

Zekrom: <Yeah... but... Pizza's important!>

-The Golurk tilts head while the other two Pokémon stare again-

Reshiram: <Yeah, it's... you know...> -- thinks for a moment -- <human culture! And food! Food boosts morale!>

Zekrom -getting a bit irked: <Yeah and as I said- we LIKE it!>

Leader!Druddigon: <...Eeeeep!> -- kneels -- <Yes, lords! O-of course it is!>

-The Golurk and Druddigon leave the two dragons to nom for a moment; mhe Mienshao walks around the chamber-

Leader!Mienshao: <Well, there are humons here who know how to make them. They just *can't*.> -notices Zekrom eyeing with interest- <They say they don't have the [thumbs] or the implements.>

Leader!Druddigon: <Honestly I look at the little things and think it can't be that hard...>

Zekrom: <There has to be a way! If they want to make us->

-Reshiram gives Zekrom a soft growl again, points to the smaller mons-

Reshiram: <…Ahem...<_< If they want to cook pizza, then they should be able to!>

Leader!Golurk -looking out of the chamber absentmindedly: <Why don't you just put up a [bounty]?>

Zekrom -crosses arms: <Because it'd-...> -- tilts head -- <Well, because...>

Reshiram: <... Huh...>

-And the two Tao dragons eye each other with a glimpse of hope-

Zekrom: <Now that you mention it… That WOULD be a good way to incentivize this…>

Reshiram: <Oh yes, I can already see it...>


Reshiram's and Zekrom's fantasy mindscape

[spoiler]Blame Tracer for this silly idea :p

Various mons march in and out of the Dragonspiral Tower in large caravans. Deep inside, Reshiram and Zekrom
sit in their chambers, surrounded by empty Pizza boxes.

A random mon dressed in a Pizzeria worker attire walks in carrying some boxes.

<Oh? Where are these from?> -- ask the two Dragons.

Random Mon: <From the [spoiler]stores of Laverre, lords!> -- presents the pizza box to the dragons.

Zekrom: <I smell anchoves...> -- mutters, nearly purring like a kitten.

-The two dragons turn to the random mon-

<You are a good mon yes you are! Here take a gift!>

<BAAAAM!>

-And a pillar of light fills the room; as it subsides, it reveals the random mon has been turned into a EX-mon.-

EX!Pizzeria Worker: <WOOO HOOOO!> -- and flies up up and away~

Zekrom -roars to the caravans below: <Bring in the pizzas!>

Reshiram+Zekrom: <Blessings for all!!! BAAAAMMM!>

Back to reality

-Reshiram and Zekrom come out of their rèverie to notice the Druddigon still explaining something-

Leader!Druddigon: <…could send news and a bounty out...> -- grumbles -- <I'm just worried this might attract the wrong kind of attention.>

Leader!Mienshao -sternly: <That is right! The [Jerks] could try sneak in food to poison our lords!>

-Giving some sweatdrops-

Zekrom: <Um... We're gods here. I think it'll take a little more than a little poison to do us in. -_-; >

Reshiram: -licks paws in anticipation <...Is there a reason for these reservations? I thought that a bounty sounded like a splendid idea!>

-The Druddigon and the Mienshao look at each other for a moment.-

Leader!Mienshao: <Well… now that you comment about it, not really. Though we should be focusing on more important things…>

Leader!Golurk -absentmindedly: <Ah, poisoned food is no problem.> -- points to the other two -- <You are organics, can try it before the Lords do, yes?>

-…And the Druddigon and Mienshao give strong glares at the Golurk, that last for a good while.-

-Meanwhile Reshiram fantasizes about sendings FLOCKS AND FLOCKS of Pidgeys and Pidoves to spread the bounty news-

-Zekrom is fantasizing about mass-EX-ing the guard force of the Tower and then send them outside in raids to get pizza-

-The two dragons blinks, turn to each other remembering their recent history with displays of power and sigh in common understanding-

Thou hast forgotten the face of thy Lord. Remember, mortal, and fear pet me.

17

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

[spoiler]Special thanks to Silent for making this with me. Note that this post is subject to potential later revision.

In the Forests Around Dragonspiral Tower - AU - Likely a Good Time Into the Past

-A certain Meinshao is progressing into the forest, non-plussed about his present arrangements-

<Teala: "Uhm... What... What is it that you do out here at this time of year?"> ._.;

-Oh, and accompanied by a Druddigon and a Nidorino that the mustelid and its companions would probably wish weren't there-

-The Mienshao gives a glare back to the duo.-

<Leader!Mienshao: "This time of the year we are getting ready for the spring, of course. Like, sorting out the mess certain mons make!">

<Maekrite: *looks up to Teala* "I don't think he likes us.">

-Opening her mouth. And then stopping. Shying away from answering the Nidorino on account of still feeling awkward over coming to blows with the Nidorino the day before-

<Teala: "Um... We can help! Wh- What is it that needs to happen?"> ._.;

-The Mienshao stops and points to a section of the forest ahead.-

<Mienshao: "For starters, we need the snow off the trees. Otherwise they won't get much sunlight.

*Staring at Teala*

That is, if a little ice is not bad for your claws.>

-Answering a bit overhastily to the Meinshao-

<Teala: "Nnh! I can h-handle that!">

-The Mienshao nods, though not without expressing some hesitation-

<Mienshao: "Well, just in case, take that pincushion with you, he likes snowbanks so much, then he can help collecting the snow to move them.">

<Maekrite: "Uh, in case you haven't noticed, I lack-">

-The Mienshao waves a paw, looking obviously annoyed, and departs.-

-Quietly, lowering head-

<Teala: "Okay...">

-And goes over to a nearby tree to shake it-

-Maekrite walks behind Teala and then looks up as she starts shaking the tree-

<Maekrite: "…I don't think you shou-">

-And the two are promptly buried in a pile of snow.-

-The Druddigon digs herself out of the snow, moving a bit sluggishly from the cold-

<Teala: *cough cough* "M-Maekrite! I'm so sorry! I just-">

-And droops a bit-

<Teala: "I was just trying to be helpful..."> :(

-Maekrite digs himself out of the snow as well, looking a bit weird with all the snow piled on top of him. He shakes it off slowly, then mutters a "I'm fine" and looks around.-

<Maekrite: "Uhm...

*notices Teala's mood*

perhaps we should do this another way. Surely you don't want to get buried in snow with ''every'' tree you shake.">

-A bit surprised at the Nidorino's amicable tone, or at least far more amicable than she expected-

<Teala: "H-Huh? You're not...

Angry?"> ._.;

<Maekrite: *blinks* "N-no... And if I were, I guess the snow would cool it down, if you pardon the pun.">

-Glaring at the pile of snow.-

<Maekrite: *shakes a paw* "Anyway... I think it might be easier to tackle the trees instead of shaking them.">

<Teala: "Huh? Oh... Uh... Okay...">

-And takes the Nidorino's advice in mind, picks out the nearest tree-

<Teala: "Hup!">

-And rams it-

-Maekrite observes as the tree shakes and pretty much all of the snow falls on to the opposite side, if not as neatly as when she was shaking one.-

<Maekrite: *moves around and looks at Teala* "That works better... you've only got some snow on your crest, see...">

-And motions for her to mimic his shaking his own head-

-In a bit of a cheerful mood-

<Teala: "Er... Uh... I guess it does..."> ^_^

-And shakes the bit of snow off of her, before shyly putting forth a question-

<Teala: "Um.. Maekrite...? One of the reasons why I was worried about you being mad at me earlier, was... Well... [-Are you okay from yesterday?-]">

-Maekrite finishes shaking his head and sits looking a bit confused.-

<Maekrite: "U-uhm... well... I... I am fine, it's just...">

-He drags a paw on the snow for a moment-

<Maekrite: "I... Felt hurt...">

-Looking away-

<Teala: "... That's what I was afraid of... I...

I've always had trouble making others happy in this place... It was just a stupid thing that I did without thinking...">

<Maekrite: *uneasily* "I didn't mean to… I was angry at... well... all that...">

-He finds himself unable to continue, flattens his ears, and then circles for a moment in place, then stares at the trees around-

<Maekrite: "…I-I guess it is better if we focus on the work...">

-And begins to turn back to ramming trees-

<Teala: "Yeah... Um... If it's any consolation... Er...

You seem to know a thing or two about keeping a home tidy...">

-Maekrite rams a tree and steps back as the snow falls, he listens to Teala's comment and stays still for a moment, not looking at her.-

<Maekrite: "I wouldn't... know. I think.

*shakes head *

No foot on the colony for… long.">

<Teala: "Huh? What did you mean by that?">

-Maekrite turns at her, looking a bit irked, but relaxes himself afterwards.-

<Maekrite: "S-sorry… it's just that all of this,

*swings horn at everything*

it gets on my nerves. I should be at home... We were to be at home...">

<Teala: "Oh... Um...

What is your home like, Maekrite?">

-Maekrite sits on the snow and looks up at the trees, sighs after a moment.-

<Maekrite: "Not really unlike this. We are born and raised in a family, mostly. Then we make our way through the earth to the outside, and once there, each one of us has a place.">

-Maekrite idles for a moment and mentions some random things about the mothers always keeping their kittens under watch, or how at a certain age the males are taken to be taught to fight in large groups.-

<Teala: "... That sounds nice actually... We don't really have families here...

Maybe... If I had one... And... I mean, if it was okay with the mons there...

Maybe I'd move to a place like that...">

<Maekrite: *ears drooping* "I… think you had mentioned it before. That you... Your type, have no families.

I couldn't imagine what is that like... my mom and dad always tried to be around when I was little.>

<Teala: "Um... I don't know... I mean, most of the guards seem to be happy but...

And what is it like to have them always near you, anyways?">

-At the question Maekrite blushes.-

<Maekrite: "I was always giving them trouble, now that you mention it. It is harder for royal couples to raise kittens than for adult Nidoran... I guess it is the size.">

-After that Maekrite goes on a very brief recap of the time he got lost in a creek, the time he almost got eaten by a Scyther and the time he almost got eaten by a flock of bird Pokémon with his troop.-

<Teala: "Er... Eep... I'm not sure if I'd be able to think of anything like that we've gone through beyond the seige... And... That wasn't exactly normal...">

<Maekrite: "....Yeah, I can figure..." *stays in place, looking around idly, and still blushing*>

<Teala: "Huh? Is something wrong?">

<Maekrite: "…? Er...n-no!"

*shakes head*

Um... Let's go back to work? It's getting colder in here...">

-And walks to a nearby tree to circle it before ramming it-

<Teala: "Unh! Right!">

-And returns to her routine of helping to ram trees, though not able to help but feel a bit of pity for the Nidorino... And curious of what his world must be like such that it would sound so much like her own... And yet be so longed for-

-A couple of minutes later a certain Mienshao returns to find a sizeable portion of the treetops cleared of snow; he walks around for a moment and goes address the two Pokémon-

<Mienshao: "Hmph... At least you did your work. Now, it is time to move all this snow.">

<Teala: "Er... Where should it all go?">

-The Mienshao blinks, looks as if taken by surprise.-

<Mienshao: "W-well... Where do we toss it every year? That's...

*Scoffs*

That's something that a guard like you should know!"> *Points to Teala.*

<Maekrite: *raising an ear* "I'm not the only mon new here, I guess.">

<Teala: "U-Um... Normally I'd be resting in the tow- Er... Uh... I guess... I could find a place for it?"> ._.;

<Mienshao: *waving an arm* "No no no no.

*sighs*

You are a Druddigon, go do... Druddigon work, inside the tower. Prisoners and convicts like the rabbit can do the dirty work."> -- points at Maekrite.

<Maekrite: *growling* "What, afraid that I could have some spare time to fight? Rrrrrr...."> >_>

<Mienshao: "Mmrph. If you have the time to think about fighting, you have time to figure something out. Just keep that snow from cluttering the path!"> >:(

-And darts off, grumbling about the insolence of the Nidorino and how its strange markings seem to be going to its head-

<Maekrite: "Rrr... That was helpful. It's like everyone's deliberately trying to heap more work onto me here!"> >.<

-Looking a bit flustered from the encounter with the Mienshao-

<Teala: "Um... Well... I mean, there's only a few trees left... And most of the snow isn't on the path anyways.">

-Gesturing at a mostly passable path-

<Teala: "... Maybe we could just shove the rest of it off? I mean, the melt would take care of it first... Right?"> ._.

-Pondering for a moment-

<Maekrite: "Well, the elil just said to come up with something.">

-And rams a tree, shaking the snow off its branches-

<Maekrite: *snorting, flaring ears* "And that something will probably at least get me something specific to do next time.">

-Ramming loose the snow from the last tree along the path-

<Teala: "Oh. Er... I mean, if there's something that I can do to help with that- Maybe... I could-">

-And starts to trail off, losing color from a mixture of the cold and not quite knowing what to say next, which catches the attention of the Nidorino-

<Maekrite: "E-Eh? What is with that look?">

<Teala: "N-Nothing! I'm just a bit-">

<Maekrite: "... I think you should follow the little loudmouth's suggestion and go in, you aren't looking so good... And it won't be so tough to kick up this snow, anyways.">

-Expression visibly sinking-

<Teala: "But- I- Aww...">

<Maekrite: "After all, there's not much that I can do to keep you warm out here beyond pressing up against you and telling you stories of the burrows at home."> -_-;

-Flushing a deep crimson, which is a bit more visible than normal thanks to the draining of color elsewhere on her body-

<Teala: "Oh... Er... Well. I mean if you're not uncomfortable with it, I guess it's wor-"> O///O

<Maekrite: "No, really, head back. I'll tell you about it when you're not visibly freezing.">

<Teala: "Erm... I mean... If you're sure... But... You will tell me...

Right?">

<Maekrite: "Yeah, yeah. Hurry up before you slump over here!">

-And the Druddigon heads off, looking back and shivering a bit... But seemingly kept somewhat warm by something that can't quite be placed by the Nidorino-

<Maekrite: *shaking head* "... That's odd... I'd have thought she'd be eager to head back...

Wonder if it was something I said...?">

18

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

[spoiler]Lately-formatted spag is late.

PEFE Ballroom Module, On a Certain Holiday Two And A Half Months Ago

-A certain Emboar in a Miss Piggy costume grabs a small creme puff-esque treat off of a tray-

Lardna: <... Isn't it a bit late for Halloween, Audrey?>

-And is met with a response from a certain metal wolf cosplaying as a White Mage-

Audrey: <Hey, if Halloween could continue on two weeks after the date in Hat Simulator 2, it can continue on as long as we need it to! :P>

Rosary: -enters, wearing a red beret and green smock, not unlike a certain Kirby 64 character-

Rosary: <sorry I'm late, I had a hard time deciding what costume to make!> ^_^/)

Zoltan: -Dressed up as a flying-brick style superhero- <Aww, it's cute!> :3

Cecil: -Illusioned as a very GERMAN and MANLY Renamon-equivalent- <Yeah, where's it from?> ^^

Rosary: <She's an artist from this very cute video game I found!>

Teala: -Dressed as a Castle Crasher- <Hmm? Which o-?>

Audrey: <Ah... Kirby 64... Not bad!> ^_^

Audrey: <Yeah. That one!>

Rosary: <Hmm... might want to do another costume after all, though. I had a lot of ideas. Like...>

-she takes a bolt of red cloth she brought with her and idly starts cutting-

Rosary: <Like, that one master thief... Carmen, was it?>

Iggy: -Going as Bowser, tilting head- <Oh? What are ya up to?>

Rosary: -changes into a Carmen Sandevoiriego costume-

<what do you think?>

Teala: *blink* <... Did you seriously just make that right now?> ._.

Rosary: <Well, I'm good at cutting things!> ^_^;

Crochet: <So am I!>

Rosary: <Oh? Do you make many costumes?>

Crochet: <I make costumes and scarves and a whole bunch of other things!>

Teala: <But in 30 seconds?> O_o;

Rosary: <We could race!> ^_^

Teala: @_@

Crochet: <Yes!>

Rosary: <OK! Who wants us to make them a second costume?!>

Tangent's Module, In A Nook Appropriated By Rufus For A Closet

Rufus: <And here's my hat collection!>

Milo: <...>

Milo - Internally

Milo: -tearing at pelt out of frustration- <AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!>

Back to Reality

Milo: <Uh... Huh... And... What's... In it?>

Rufus: <Well... I have a lot of them. Some of the more boring ones...>

-he pulls out a metal cap- <Ye Oiled Baker Boy...>

-and a fez- < Fez. Fezes are cool, but plain.>

-and a fedora- <There's class here, but all of these...>

-and a aviator's cap with goggles- <...do nothing.>

<A bit more fun...>

-he pulls out a Bonk Helm and places some fresh cans of soda into it-

<Handsfree soda!>

Milo: <Do you have something that'll magically get us into that party?> >_>;

Rufus: <Hmm...>

<let me see..>

<(Hold these...)>

-he passes Milo a hat with built-in toaster, a hat that squirms, and-

Hat That Makes You Feel Stupid: Pardon me, can you make change for 5 dollars, 83 cents in Peso coins of Fibonacci denominations? I need it in the next five seconds.

Milo: <... What...?> ._.

Rufus: <I think Riana ran across that one somehow? AHA!>

-he pulls out a hat with a helicopter rotor-

Milo: <Excellent... Now... I believe we have a party to crash?> >:3

Rufus: >:]

At the Party

-By a certain Salamence, who in turn is carrying around a certain Deino-

Baigan: <Faster! Faster!> |D

Nadia: <Um... Nudi... We need to *talk* about this...> >.<

Rosary: <Hmm... oh! Miss Nadia! Try this!> ^_^

-and offers Nadia a dress resembling Jasmine's from Aladdin. In a Salamence cut, obviously.-

Nadia: <Eh... I guess it can't hurt... Alright. Nudi. Off.> >:|

Nudi: -Slides off-

Baigan: -following- <Awww...> |(

Nadia: <Alright... I guess I can humor this...>

Rosary: -watches- ^_^

-Nadia begins to poke at dress with muzzle, slipping her head into it as...-

CRASH!

-a Krokorok and Floatzel fall down from the ceiling panels-

-Nadia whirls around, the outfit still obscuring her vision-

Nadia: <Wuzzat? Who's there?!>

Rufus: -restarting the hat's rotor before hitting the ground- <Haha! We're crashing!>

<The party! Not the hat!>

-he sees Nadia-

<...pfft. Looking pretty!>

Milo: *snerk* <Um... Wow, Nadia. I didn't know you were into prin->

Audrey: [evil]...[/evil]

Milo: <... [small]Oh boy.[/small] RUFUS! Get that hat working! Fast!> O.O;

Rufus: <Eh?>

-sees Rosary glaring at him-

Rosary: <Don't make fun of my art!>

Rufus: O_O

-he slaps the side of the hat, sputtering the rotor to life-

Milo: -gets airborne, just in time to miss a telekinetically hurled table-

<Nyeh! Learn to aim!> >:P

Rufus: <See you later! And I'll be asking you for a hat later Rosary!>

-they exit through the ceiling tile-

...back to business...

Rosary: -conflicted by the complement- <...oh.>

Audrey: [evil]...[/evil] <Excuse me for a moment. I have a weasel to track down and [evil]ki-[/evil]>

Shaun: *sigh* <Look, let's deal with that later... I mean, it didn't disrupt the party that much, did it?>

Teala: <Yeah! We're all still here... [small]Having fun...[/small]>

-And looks somewhat downcast-

Rosary: <...sorry Nadia...> :(

Nadia: <Eh, it's fine- Eh? What's with you, Teala?>

Teala: <It's just that... We're all having fun together and...>

-Shifts uncomfortably-

Teala: <I wish Maekrite were here...> :(

Abigail: :( :(

Garchomp: <Those Cipher jerks stole him from us.>

Teala: <W-Wait, W-WHAT?!> O_O

Shaun: <... Maekrite... But- How did that even ''happen''?> ._.

Teala: -appearing ready to dissolve into tears- <I- I don't->

-Shaking head-

Iggy: <... Let's... Prod into that later.>

-Looking up at annoyance at a module off in the distance where figures can be seen moving-

Iggy: <It's not as if there's much we can do about it right now...>

Vanilluxe: <I know, I'll make an ice sculpture of Maekrite! That'll cheer Teala up!>

Ana: <I said we ought to give them all to the Scytherman, but no one would take me on.>

Teala: <H-Huh?>

Pankaja: <Aren't a bunch of those J-Team people in Orre? They fought a giant tortilla, right? Cipher's not nearly that tall!>

Gaia: -Chuckles a little- <And certainly not as dangerous as that delusional Reuniclus Muddy told me about.>

Teala: <Are- Are you sure everything will be alright, though...?>

[spoiler]Let's all be glad that this is a flashback and Maekrite is safe and sound as of New Year's, yes?

Musashi: <There's no 'M to deal with at least. Can't get worse than that.>

Helios: <But what about when Cyrus-Gets shut up immediately-

Audrey: <...>

<I had kinda been hoping to tell this cool spooky story for the holiday, but I'm worried it'll bring down the mood now...>

Andre: <Huh...? Spooky... Story?>

Audrey: <Well.. OK...>

Spoooooooky Story~

<So it's said that a number of years ago... On a dark night not entirely unlike tonight... There was a couple that went out onto a route not completely unlike the ones around this city…>

<The couple was biking, because driving's a pain, you know! When... As rounded the bend... One of their bike headlights ran across a set of glowing red eyes.>

<The couple, thinking that it was just another Pokemon, sent out two of their own to challenge it... When all of a sudden... A massive glowing winged creature with red eyes... Bigger than a human lunged out at them.>

<The couple's Pokemon did as they would with a normal Pokemon that is in a bad mood and attacked... But were cast aside like dolls. And the glowing creature advanced on the two, frozen out of fear by the unnatural appearance of the strange fiend…>

<The glowing figure was abruptly stopped by the two Pokemon, mustering up the last of their strength to draw the figure's attention away from their trainers. Who promptly fled.>

You may scream now.

<The following morning, a search was organized... But no trace of the Pokemon or their attacker could be found... Not even a single hair.>

Basket: <Why does that ring a bell..?>

Iggy: <I remember that story… We heard it at a truck stop at Unova!>

Lardna: <Isn’t this basically a version of those Mothim-man stories?> :|

Zoltan: <... When does it get scary?> :?

Francis: <No offense, but your story is kinda lame, Audrey.> -_-;

Audrey: <... Killjoys. Let’s see *you* come up with a better story!> >.<

Crochet: <...I think I’ve got one.>

Doc: <Which one would that be?>

Baigan: <Oh?> |?

Crochet: <Well, back in Hoenn in that other universe we heard that…>

-And proceeds to start telling a rather creepy story for several hours-

Sanity is precious; use it sparingly.

19 (edited by SpitefulMurkrow 2014-01-25 22:37:53)

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

[spoiler]Written in conjunction with Silent.

Dragonspiral Tower - A Couple Days After The Episode Clearing Snow Off of the Trees

-Three Mienfoo are leading small groups of mons, a certain Nidorino and Druddigon among them, along the edge of the moat-

Teala: <"Huh? What are we doing here?">

Mienfoo #1: -sighs- <Good thing you ask. As a service to your community you all are going to help in clearing the moat.>

-And points to the moat itself, where some mons, among them a couple of very obviously annoyed Dratini, are trying to help in cleaning it up-

Mienfoo #2: -instructs the group to halt- <You'll be organized in groups each in charge of a part of the moat.>

Teala: <"Um... Okay... What part do you want us to handle?"> ._.

Mienfoo #2: -crosses arms- <Well, you're going to handle ALL of it.> -- scans the group -- <I mean, we have enough variety of mons today!>

Random Oshawott: -glares- <Well, this is just wonderful...>

Random Pidove: <Uhm... could I go to peck wood? ._.>

Not-So Random Nidorino: <I'm... Not even sure if I can swim in there>

Teala: <"Um... How does this happen again?"> ._.;

-One of the Mienfoo climbs up Teala, seeing as she is among the largest mons around, and shows the others the moat from there-

Mienfoo: <Well, see what those mons are doing? They seek for trash and stuff that is sunk or buried and then,> -- points to a couple of Garbodor and Poochyena in the shore -- <once you drag them to the shore those mons will move it outside to collect and dispose.>

-One of the Dratini from the moat meanwhile notices what is going on and starts whispering with the others-

Teala: <"Um... I guess... That's... Doable?"> ._.;

Mienfoo #1: - points to three random mons from the group not called Teala and Maekrite- <You three, go. The rest, with me.>

-And the three mons sigh and start making their way to the moat, while the Dratini start swimming to the shore-

Moat Dratini #1: -looks at the group with interest- <...Recruits! :3>

Moat Dratini #2: -snickers- <Finally somemon to do the dirty job instead of us.>

Teala: <"... Dirty... Work? Just what do you clean up?"> ._.;

Dratini #1: -blinks- <Mostly leaves and stuff. Some plastic, some random coins and sometimes... things that we'd rather not mention onscreen~> -- slithers away.

Maekrite: -flattening ears- <Well that's hopeful.>

Teala: <"Erm... I guess we could start near the shore? And I'm starting to feel glad that I don't need to eat daily meals..."> ._.

Mienfoo #2: -poking Teala carefully- <Don't fall back, keep walking!> -- and leads the rest of the mons further ahead.

Mienfoo #3: -noticing a part of the moat with greater actiivity ahead- <Okay, what do we have here...?>

-Several mons can be seen circling the waters, assisting themselves with help from some bug mons to mark specific places across the moat. The mood of the mons there seems to be very serious, and as the group approaches they can see two Garbodor at the shore besides a pile of what can be identified as some rubbish and pieces of varied weaponry-

-The Druddigon with the not-so-random Nidorino takes in the sight of the dredged debris... Unwanted reminders of dangerous days-

Teala: -grumble- <"I thought that those... Things were all gone...">

-A Golurk approaches from the other side and stands besides the Mienfoo-

Golurk: <We wish. It has been… fairly slow to get rid of those things.>

Random Minccino: <...Wha-what do they have in there?>

Mienfoo #2: <Those are... the remnants of the various battles that have been held around here.> -- turns to the group -- <Any volunteers?>

-No mons step ahead, there's only some murmurs from the group, so the Mienfoo decide to teach the others a lesson-

Mienfoo #3: <Hmmm... no mon then. Well, all the same, I had already thought of somemon.>

-The Mienfoo points to a guard, who brings ahead a Flygon and a Pignite who were at the back of the group; unlike most grunt mons however these two are chained and look somewhat more battered than Maekrite-

Prisoner!Flygon: <Ungh... I-I've tried to be nice...>

Mienfoo #3: -snorts- <Well this is the golden chance to prove it. Don't you fancy yourself sooooo superior? Then this task should be nothing for you!>

-The second Mienfoo addresses the others-

Mienfoo #2: <Let you not forget, we do take prisoners. These two, jerks allied with the jerk dragons who tried to attack us.>

Maekrite: <...I'm almost feeling bad for the Pignite. Almost.>

Teala: <"Um... What... Happened?"> ._.;

Maekrite: <"Mrph. Looks like they came along about a month late for a warm wel-">

Meinfoo #2: <"Don't push your luck, rabbit."> >:(

Golurk: -to Teala- <Let's just say that the moods are still a bit sour after the... various shifts in allegiance here.>

Mienfoo #1: -listens to Teala, turns- <Oh, and then there's you.> -- leaps in and scoffs -- <I was wondering where you and the jerk pincushion were!>

Maekrite: <Rrrrr....>

Mienfoo #1: <I think I'm going to send you two to the bridge section of the moat.>

-The Druddigon sizes up the two captures, not helping but to feel that their state to be somewhat unfair. But ultimately deciding not to press the issue. After all, there were surely many, many others who were in similarly unfair situations because of their cohorts-

Teala: <"Meep. A little harsh, but... Um... Okay... What's there?">

Mienfoo #1: <Oh it's not what but who. Let's get moving!>

-And the rest of the group is lead away, but not before they can take a last look at that section of the moat. The Pignite is struggling to keep his head above water while a Garbodor watches from the shore without concern, reprimanding him for taking too long; meanwhile, the prisoner Flygon and a Venomoth are pulling something from the water, a large object that at first glance appears to be the carcass of some sort of vehicle-

Prisoner!Pignite: <Don't I.... glurb... get some con...glurb...sideration????> -- struggles more.

Ashore!Deerling: <Yeah, about the same you gave my Trainer and his family!> -- kicks some water towards the Pignite.

-A certain Druddigon is somewhat taken aback at the particular venom being exhibited while carrying on... But somehow... It strikes her as rather unsurprising. And prods her to attempt to explain the matter to a Nidorino-

Teala: <"Um... Sorry if that made you uncomfortable... We... Don't really have much of a tradition of letting things go here.">

-Maekrite walks by the Druddigon looking somewhat distraught, looks up at her-

Maekrite: <I can imagine. Dragons live for so long that if someone causes you harm like that, it can last for an entire life.>

-The Mienfoo leads the group to a section of the moat where there is a small bridge. Right before the bridge there are some trees and thickets, and some voices can be heard coming from there-

???? #1: <...and I can give you three Star Pieces for it.>

???? #2: <...was minding my own business when we sensed a call. I was among the first to respond, of course~>

???? #3: <I'm telling you, I was inside! And the secret ingredient of Croagunk Cola is-> -- the voice fades amidst the rest of the conversations.

Mienfoo #1: -to Maekrite- <You'll find yourself working here. As well as you,> -- turns to Teala -- <though I don't like the idea.>

-Flustered-

Teala: <"H-Huh? ''Why?'' What's wrong?"> ._.;

Mienfoo #1: <Well, your instructor did not agree to have you this far from the Tower.>

-The group arrives to the opening of the bridge and meet various mons there, most of them carrying out various sorts of trades with items collected from the moat or the nearby cities.

By the trees, a Sawsbuck male is trying to sweettalk a female-

Karus: <…so I told him, if he wanted to go inside so much, we'd lead him to the Pit.> -- attempts to showcase his antlers to the female -- <I sent him flying so hard with my ram, we had to send a Dragonite to go fetch him.>

Random Sawsbuck♀: -leers- <Yeah, whatever you say...> -- and turns away.

Maekrite: <…Rrrrr... He did NOT send me flying.> >_>

-Hastily interjecting-

Teala: <"B-But I can help! I'm here, let me do something!">

Mienfoo #1: -crosses arms- <…It seems you don't get it, don't you?>

-Meanwhile one of the other Mienfoo leads the Oshawott away, then comes back to fetch the Minccino who was trying to trade a small stone-

Mienfoo #1: -to Teala- <I'm told you volunteered to help. And that's nice and all, really,> -- adds in a friendly tone -- <but your instructor says you should be learning how to be a guard instead.>

-The last Mienfoo meanwhile pokes Maekrite-

Mienfoo #3: <Time to go swim, pincushion.>

Teala: <"But... I didn't volunteer to be a guard... I've already ''been'' a guard once... And... I think I hurt things more than I helped...

I...

I volunteered to help my friend...">

-The Mienfoo glares at Teala and sighs-

Mienfoo #1: <Whatever you want.>

-Meanwhile Maekrite is getting to the shore of the moat with the third Mienfoo, who then goes call some not-very-random mons who are standing by the bridge-

Mienfoo #3: <Guys! Look who has a janitor shift at the moat today!>

-And a Dragonite peeks from above the bridge-

Guard!Dragonite: <...my my,> -- laughs -- <isn't it the troublemaker? I was wondering what had been of you. Hey, Karus!> -- turns away and waves a paw -- <come see who's here!>

-the sound of a conversation being interrupted and the hoofsteps of a Sawsbuck leaping away can be heard-
Karus's voice from beyond the bridge:
<...You f!$·%!$%&&%·&!ing... idiot! I was busy there! Almost had it!>

-Observing the side of the bridge-

Teala: <"Erm... Do we... Climb down there, or...? I mean ''I'' could probably make it, but... Those aren't exactly good footings...">

-The third Mienfoo can be seen facepalming at the Dragonite, then he starts instructing Maekrite on how to wade towards a specific part of the moat-

Mienfoo #1: <Uhm... s-since you are so concerned... I guess...> -- looks around -- <Okay, follow me.>

-And guides Teala past the bridge, towards an embankment covered by fern and mold-

Mienfoo #1: <You should get an easier footing if you descend by the edge of the fill. I'll follow you.>

Teala: <"Okay...">

-And carefully descends down the embankment, into the water, and promptly stops dead in her tracks-

Teala: <"ARGH!">

-Which coming right at the end of the thaw... And heading INTO it...-

Teala: <"The Dratini live in this at this time of year?! It's freezing!"> @_@

-The Mienfoo sweatdrops-

Mienfoo #1: <...I guess I forgot to mention that there is a small platform to the left... it is about knee-depth, or even less...> -- looks around -- <But I guess it can't help you dragons much.>

-Meanwhile, Maekrite is already getting to work, dragging some floating pieces of rubbish closer to the shore for other mons to handle. Above, the Dragonite looks with an ample smile-

-Sighing, deeply embarrassed by her outburst-

Teala: <"Uh... Thanks..."> >[[red:///]]<

-And gets out to attempt to slowly wade into the water and acclimate from the platform-

Teala: <"Gih!">

-Which goes somewhat slowly-

Mienfoo #1: -in a somewhat ashamed tone- <…Maybe he was right about you. You are a weakling.>

-And descends down the embankment, one foot into the water… and stops-

<...Or maybe not.> >_>

-Meanwhile further ahead in the moat-

Mienfoo #3: <....No, I guess that's not the one. Come and pull from this side.>

Maekrite: -wades ahead, stares- <...Just how long is this thing?>

-The Meinfoo's offhand words prompt Teala to freeze for a moment, and then shake her head-

Teala: <"No... I can't be a weakling! I was there! Helping everyone fight!

... Am I?

N-No! Of course not! Weaklings couldn't... Couldn't do... This!">

-And against her better judgement, slips completely under the frigid waters to try and speed up the process of acclimating with the water-

Bubbles Over Teala's Position: <"...">

-Which are quickly replaced by the form of a Druddigon struggling to the surface, driven out by the shock of the cold-

Teala: -cough cough gasp- <"Urgh...">

-Thinking-

Teala: <"Aww... I couldn't even do that? But... And... Oh...">

-Maekrite's ears pick the bubbles and the Nidorino turns around to see Teala, a puzzled look in his face-

Mienfoo #3: <…Hey! What is going on in there? You, the dragon, are you okay?>

-Somewhat sluggishly, the cold starting to get to her-

Teala: <"I'm- I'm okay... Just let me get some of these... What are those again?">

-And grabs some clutter pinned up against one of the bridge's supports, struggling to move her limbs-

Maekrite: <…You don't look okay.>

Mienfoo #1: -shivering- <Mon, guys, is the water here usually this cold?> -- and goes shake himself a short distance from Teala.

-Meanwhile, a certain Dragonite from above seems to have noticed and looks down-

Dragonite: -to Teala- <…Hey you! What are you doing down there, fellow drake?>

-Avoiding the Dragonite's gaze and continuing to struggle to continue moving clutter-

Teala: <"I- I'm trying to help... The... Someone... Wanted me to help clean this- And I-">

-And trails off, looking rather unwell and increasingly non-lucid-

-The Dragonite looks fairly concerned about Teala's well-being-

Dragonite: <...Ugh... poor drake, looking at her gives me shivers...>

-Maekrite meanwhile manages to swim back to the shore-

Dragonite: - turns to the Mienfoo, roaring -- <Dare to treat a fellow drake like that? You have the prisoner there to freeze on the job!> -- points to Maekrite.

Maekrite: <Care to come down here and force me to do it?> -- shakes off some poisonous quills.

Mienfoo #3: <Oh dear heeeere we go again.> -- swims back to the shore.

Mienfoo #1: -follows Teala- <....H-hey! You're not looking any well... hey! Can you hear me?>

-Somewhat dazed, but able to pick out a voice nonetheless-

Teala: <"H-Huh?">

-Maekrite tries to make his way towards the Druddigon, as does one of the Mienfoo-

Mienfoo #3: -to the Dragonite- <Can you not do this now? Don't you have somemon else to pester? Like, Karus?>

-And something is heard a small distance away-

Karus's Voice: <…What? No way, I'm outta here!>

-Hoofsteps can be heard running away-

Dragonite: -smirks- <…Nope. Your turn today. So, stupid furpiece,> -- looks down to where Maekrite is -- <why do you have a drake doing a prisoner's work?>

-And Maekrite reaches to where Teala is and nuzzles her.-

-The Druddigon climbs out of the frigid water and shivers a bit, ready to attempt to shake some of the water off when...-

Teala: <"Hnn?">

-She notices a Nidorino's snout slowly caressing her frigid body-

Teala: <"Maekrite? Is that you? I'm not...

I'm not getting you into trouble, am I?">

-Maekrite checks Teala's hide and frowns-

Maekrite: <I'm going to get into trouble myself if that Dragonite keeps speaking...>

-Meanwhile the Dragonite is arguing with one of the Mienfoo; the other one goes for some herbs and comes back some moments later, gives them to Teala-

Mienfoo #1: <Eat this, Druddigon. It'll keep your blood from freezing until we can get you somewhere warm.> -- looks back to the moat -- <And enough work for you today.>

-Looking at the ground with rather defeated body language while accepting the herbs and consuming them-

Teala: <"Okay...">

Maekrite: <...What happened, Teala? Did you get hurt or something?>

Mienfoo #1: -nervously- <...They're going to have my head if they find out about this...> >_>

Teala: <"I don't know... I mean... I wanted to help you and all but...

I... I wound up being a burden on everyone else, didn't I...?">

-Maekrite frowns and is about to answer but is distracted by a Zebstrika and a Charmeleon who have just arrived-

Mienfoo #1: -sighs- <You two, take the Druddigon to the opening of the caves. And keep her warm.>

Maekrite: <Okay, here we go...>

-And helps the Charmeleon pull Teala out of the moat, but is held back by the Mienfoo after a moment-

Mienfoo: <...Where do you think you're going? You still have work to do.>

-Maekrite and the Mienfoo glare at each other-

-Hearing the Mienfoo-

Teala: <"Huh? But... Oh...">

-Maekrite tries to argue with the Mienfoo to be let go with Teala, to no avail-

Mienfoo: <...caused enough trouble to her already. And to me.>

Maekrite: -ears down- <B-but I haven't done anything yet! We just arrived!>

Mienfoo: -snorts- <...Precisely my point! Get back to work, please, I'll let you know how is she by the end of the day.>

-Maekrite rubs a paw against Teala's hide-

Maekrite: <…I guess... I'll be seeing you another day.>

-Stammering, recalling why it was that she put herself through that frigid hell and trying desperately not to be sent off-

Teala: <"W-Wait! But! S-Surely there's something that I could do! I'm supposed to be helping him!">

-And stopping... And perhaps noticine some stares directed at her and continuing in a small voice-

Teala: <"I'm supposed to be... Helping him...">

Mienfoo: <I don't really get it. You don't have any commitment to this.>

-The Charmeleon sighs-

Charmeleon: <Well, at least she's brave... My dad tried to slurp some of the water for drink and he's crying like a hatchling...> -- pats Teala.

Maekrite: <You have helped me, really. It's just....> -- takes a look at the moat -- <today is not the day for it, I guess.>

-The Dragonite meanwhile is spewing some diatribe about how Maekrite should be given extra punishment as yet another guard has been hurt because of him-

Teala: <"I... I have? But...

When?">

Maekrite: <In the trial, and with the trees... and that little scene with the sulking Dratini that we'd rather not talk about.> -- scratches an ear.

Mienfoo: -crosses arms- <Come on, enough reminiscing! What, you want the Druddigon to freeze?>

Maekrite: -steps back- <...No...>

Teala: <"I... I guess I should go...">

-And turns to head off... Before pausing for a moment-

Teala: <"Maekrite, wait!">

-Maekrite was already being led away by the Mienfoo; the Nidorino shoves the Mienfoo aside (causing the poor Pokémon to dangerously lose balance and almost fall to the freezing-cold moat) and approaches Teala again-

Maekrite: <Y-yes?> -- and raises his ears.

Teala: <"U-Um... Maybe I don't have a right to... But... Can...

Can I ask you a favor?">

-Maekrite thinks for a moment then sits on the ground, signaling approval-

-Meanwhile the Charmeleon, a bit oblivious to the scene, is swinging his flaming tail at Teala's legs, trying to keep them warm-

Teala: <"If... If you see anyone else out here having trouble like I was...

Can you... Help them for me?">

-And shakes head a bit-

Teala: <"I'm really sorry... I shouldn't be asking you to do work for me... I should be doing this by my-">

-Maekrite is quick to pat Teala.-

Maekrite: <Sure... I'm going to help. Perhaps I can teach some of these dragons some manners.> -- and leers back at the Dragonite briefly.

-Maekrite listens to the part about the work- <...And don't worry about that... perhaps you could help me by taking care of Silent.> -- shrugs -- <I'd bet Kat and Milo are tired of him already.>

Teala: <"I... I'll try... I mean... I guess I'm okay with young mons...">

-And plods off reluctantly, leaving a certain Nidorino behind-

A Couple Hours Later - Within Dragonspiral Tower's Depths

-A certain Druddigon is curled around a small fire consisting of lit kindling for warmth... Staring into its faint embers-

Teala: -sigh- <"... I really messed that up, didn't I?">

-When she suddenly feels a sensation on her crest-

Teala: <"Huh-?">

-And sees the face of a Nidoran poking into hers-

Silentran♂ <"O hai~ Are you feeling any warmer yet?"> :3

Teala: <"Uh... I mean... I guess I a-">

Silentran♂ <"So... You can take me around the tower then? There just so much that I haven't seen yet! Why, with that number of places I can go now that I'm small and cute, I could probably spend an eternity in here!"> :3

Teala: <"I... Guess I can help... I mean, I said I was going to...">

-And progresses down a hallway slowly, carrying the mantle of one of her more reluctant peers-

Silentran♂ <"You make a really good perch. You move smoothly and don't jolt up and down too much."> :3

Teala: <"Uh... I mean, I can walk faster if that's what you-"> ._.;

Silentran♂ <"Oh, no worries! If you walked faster, I wouldn't be able to see the ceiling frescoes!"> ^_^

Teala: <"Huh?">

-And looks up, and sees that indeed, this portion of the tower has the remains of some once-proud frescoes on its ceiling. Much of their detail since lost to history, but apparently depicting a scene involving Reshiram and Zekrom-

Teala: <"Oh. I didn't know we walked into this part...">

Silentran♂ <"Oh~? Is it used for something special?"> :3

-Grunting a bit, and looking back down at the floor-

Teala: <"... I don't know... And if it was, I probably wouldn't be able to give a decent explanation of it.">

-Hopping off of Teala's head and darting in front of her-

Silentran♂ <"Hmm? Somehow I thought that you'd be more excited about your home. You always seemed to have a lot to talk about it to your friends..."> :?

Teala: <"I do... And I... I guess I should feel lucky to be able to come from here... But...">

-And droops a bit-

Teala: <"I don't know... I just feel like dead weight...">

Silentran♂ <"Hmm? Did helping Maekrite not go so well? I know you had to come in earlier than normal..."> :?

Teala: <"It's just-

Whenever I try and help him... I sometimes can't help if I'm making things worse."> :(

Silentran♂ <"Nonsense! Maekrite may be a big kit, but he can take care of himself! And honestly... I think he really does appreciate your help. His mood's improved a bit during community service with you around.">

Teala: <"Huh? I'm... I'm not sure if I follow-">

Silentran♂ <"Come on, if you hurry up, you might be able to see him get off his work for the day! Who knows, maybe he'd be able to wave back at you!"> ^_^

-And scampers towards the periphery of the tower, and onto a gap that was perhaps once a proper windowsill-

Silentran♂ <"Ta-dah!"> ^_^

Teala: <"... You've been watching him all this time?"> ._.;

Silentran♂ <"When I can, of course. After all, I'm not the only kit that needs to be looked out for. See, there he is right there!">

-And points out the tired form of a Nidorino walking down a bridge. When some noise can be heard carrying from further aside, which causes the Nidorino to pause for a moment-

???: <"Oh for crying out loud, you two lazy clods! How on earth did you get it stuck deeper in the mud?!">

-Which also catches the attention of the observing Nidoran, and directs it towards two forms struggling in some frigid water-

Silentran♂ <"Ah yes... I think there was some sort of salvage excavation or something over there?">

Prisoner!Tepig: <"Urgh... We've been moving it towards shore! Like you wanted!">

Guard!Golett: <"Well, move it differently!">

Prisoner!Flygon: <"B-But we can't reach under it!">

Silentran♂ <"Not fully sure why they wouldn't put better mons on the job for digging it out. Those two seem to have been struggling with whatever's under there all day!">

Teala: -sigh- <"... Don't worry about it... It wouldn't be our position to do anything anyw-">

-And her thoughts are cut off by the sound of a splash from the bridge, as the form of a Nidorino vanishes-

Teala: <"Maekrite!"> D8

Silent: <"E-Eh?! Why on earth would you leap back into the water? Your job's over!">

-And their eyes attempt to scan for any sign of the Nidorino, as a certain Druddigon prepares to hop the gap and glide down to the bridge-

Teala: <"Pl-Please hang in there! We're c-!">

-When there is the sight of movement at the wreck not too far away-

Ashore!Deerling: <"Eh? What the-?">

-As the sight of a large tangled mass of mud-caked metal, perhaps once a jeep, is thrown from the moat and onto the shore-

Guard!Golett: <"What on earth was-?!">

-And is answered by the form of a Nidorino emerging from the moat, and shaking off some water from his fur-

Maekrite: <"Is that moving it differently enough for you?">

Teala: <"Huh?!">

-Unimpressed-

Silentran♂ <"Oh... Of course."> -_-;

Guard!Golett: <"What do you think you're doing? That's not your j-!">

Maekrite: <"I didn't know it was also a tradition for you mons to complain about extra work! My obligation for the day is done already!">

-Spluttering incoherently-

Guard!Golett: <"But- That's- And! Rrgh! Go back and rest! When we want you to work again, we'll tell you!">

-Shooting a leer at the golem-

Maekrite: <"Gladly.">

-As the Nidorino departs, a certain two wade out of the water-

Prisoner!Tepig: <"Um... Thanks?">

Prisoner!Flygon: <"Yeah, we thought we were going to be stuck with that thing all night! How come you stopped to help us out though?">

Maekrite: <"Mrph. Don't worry about it. And use your heads a bit better the next time you get put to work!">

-And carries off along the moat leaving the two staring at each other as some mons come to observe the excised wreckage, which prompts an observing Nidoran to sigh-

Silentran♂ <"Sorry... Maekrite can be a bit stubborn sometimes... Though I can't understand why he would show off like that."> >_>;

-Blinking. Suddenly remembering her parting words to the Nidorino a few hours ago-

Teala: <"... Maybe he thought someone would appreciate it.">

20

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

[spoiler]Special thanks to Silent for helping to write this with me.

Later in the Day After the Last Post in this Plot Strand

-A group of mons is in the lower floors of the DST, finagling with some maps and pieces of equipment that have been retrieved from travelers or from nearby towns. A couple of electric mons help by powering small lamps and heaters as well as other products.
Among the various mons, a Nidoran♂ can be found with a group of Minccino and Aron trying to fiddle with a satellite TV.-

Silentran♂ -to an Aron: <No, we're not going to hear about Hoenn with this, but at least we can know more about what's going on around.>

Random Aron -hesitates: <B-but if everyone is mons, who is talking to the radio?>

Silentran♂: <....> -- sweatdrops.

-It is at this point that a certain Druddigon happens to enter the chamber-

Teala: <"Wait... Silent? Are you there? You really shouldn't be wandering off like-! Eh?

... Erm... What's that noise?"> ._.;

-Silentran♂ raises his ears and notices Teala, nudges the Aron to keep working on the machinery-

Silentran♂: <Hey!> -- hops to Teala -- <I was here trying to get these things to work to entertain the peoplemons...>

-Meanwhile the Aron and the Minccino argue about how to set things up-

Teala: <"Oh... Erm... Is it something that you needed help with? It looks... Complex."> ._.;

Silentran♂: <Oh, we can handle it.> -- shakes some dirt off his paws -- <Though we could use Kat's help sometime.>

-A small explosion in the background, some smoke and a yelling Minccino-

Silentran♂: <...Sometime soon.>

Teala: <"... Um... Come on, let's go get her..."> ._.;

-Silentran♂ hoppingly follows-

Teala: <"Um... Have you been doing alright recently, Silent?">

-Silentran♂ looks flustered at the question and drops ears, managing to look miserably cute.-

Silentran♂: <Well... n-no.> -- shows up his paw -- <I'm too small, I'm too weak and I can't type. Do you know what that's like? I can't type! Not to mention the grass is frozen...>

Teala: <"Aww... But you always do so much! Don't feel useless!">

-With a bit of a downcast look-

Teala: <"... At least you can do something right...">

Silentran♂: -leers back at the group of humons: <And we can't get to coordinate on anything. There's no direction among them, unlike your tower clans...>

-Then he stops and turns an ear to Teala, looking a bit puzzled-

Silentran♂: <Well, I haven't been able to do much, but... uhm, what's wrong? Did you... screw something up?>

Teala: <"I tried to help Maekrite with his work again today, and... Well...">

-Appearing rather small for a 5 foot tall carnivorous lizard-

Teala: <"It was all such a gigantic failure...">

-Silentran♂ frowns at Teala and thinks back for a moment-

Silentran♂: <Huh? But when I saw you outside, you were- ... Wait, why DID they let you go outside? With this cold?> -- and shudders. -- <I-it can't have been that bad? I mean, there’s nothing wrong with having to turn in a little early!> ._.

-Staring at the floor-

Teala: <"They had to fish me out of the moat...">

-Silentran♂'s jaw drops for a moment then quickly goes nuzzle Teala-

Silentran♂: <Awww, poor thi-ouch!>

-And steps back, his arms scratched-

Teala: <"... Sorry."> :(

-Pausing, seeming ready to ask a question, but faltering-

-Silentran♂ doesn't seem to notice, he merely spouts a 'don't worry' while he checks his scratches. Then he turns to Teala, though staying a short distance away from her-

Silentran♂: <Well, it was not nice of them to let you out. And they leave us without supervision for the most part...> -- looks around, calling attention to the lack of any Druddigon (other than Teala) in the area.

Teala: <"Um... Well... Erm.. They actually warned me not to...

I went out because I honestly thought that I could help Maekrite...">

-Silentran♂ can be visibly mentally facepawing, then he stands up to Teala-

Silentran♂: <Okay. Please tell me this is not bad. Maekrite did not make a fuss out of this... right?> -- sighs in advance.

Teala: <"Um... Well... He seemed upset lately and... Well... I thought I could help cheer him up...">

Silentran♂: <Eh, don't take it the wrong way.>

-He walks back to where the others are, then produces a small potion from his bag-

Silentran♂: <He's been upset ever since it turned out we can't go back to Johto... and that I can't do much in this form.> -- looks somewhat disappointed.

Teala: <"... Huh? But... Why?">

Silentran♂ -leers: <Because I. can't. type.> -- shifts his sight away -- <Not to mention his family is there… who knows how are things going so close to a big city.>

-He thinks for a moment-

Silentran♂: <And frankly we haven't had the proper time for him to give me training. I'm only up to Double Kick, perhaps Poison Sting.> ¬¬

Teala: <"Huh...? Is... His family... Nice?">

-Silentran♂ is about to answer but cuts himself short, then paces for a moment.-

Silentran♂: <Well, here it's just his parents and him. Inka... my former starter, is probably annoyed at what is going on, and is going to drag her mate around for the ride. But past that... and us not returning... and the abandoned kittens she wanted to adopt... and her moving closer to the mountains... then yeah, she's probably nice. Somewhere deep...>

Teala: <"Huh? But... He always seems so happy to be with you...">

Silentran♂ :3-faces: <Well that's because we're fun to play with~ But!> -- walks closer and stands on two legs in front of Teala -- <Maekrite has led a hard life. Ever since Scolemis he's my only partner, and he's lately been busy on survival mode, mind…> -- looks downcast -- <He misses the forest life... I guess he will end up gruff like his mother.>

Teala: <"Huh? But... He seemed like he liked to talk with others... Or... At least...

He didn't make me feel like I was being a bother to him when I talked with him...">

-Silentran♂ sits down and thinks for a moment-

Silentran♂: <Well, I guess he has somemon to talk with… that's good. Sorry for being blunt but with all that's happening you've been pretty much the only dragon friendly to him as of late.>

Teala: <"Oh! Um... Well...

He's a nice mon to be around... And...

I don't know, it just doesn't make me feel good to see him like-">

Silentran♂ -gruffly: <...You'll get used to it. Now, how do I open this...?> -- starts fiddling with the Potion.

Teala: <"Here, let me try to-">

Kat: <"Hmm? What are you two doing out here? Don't you have a radio that you should be working on, Silent?">

-And the Druddigon turns to see a watching Marowak gawking from a small pedestal appropriated as a resting place-

Silentran♂ -flustered: <Well, we were working on that, but...> -- and points to the group of humons dealing with the smoking equipment.

Kat: <"... Well... That's certainly... Something. Is there anything I can do to help?">

Silentran♂ -a bit embarrassed: <...You could help me open this? :3> -- and shows the potion bottle. -- <Uh, by the way, where are the guards?>

Kat: <"... Lemme try that...">

-And attempts to twist the bottle open-

Teala: <"Oh... They're...">

-And points at some Druddigon in deep sleep huddled around a small fire, a more lethargic one of their number periodically throwing some wood onto it while occasionally scanning the hallway for disturbances-

Teala: <"Erm... Well... The winter is kinda hard to be really active in and all... So the shifts are a little shorter...">

-At this Silentran♂ patently frowns, then leers at nomon in particular-

Silentran♂: <We just had an explosion in here! [size]6pt]Rather a small one, but![/size]> -- walks around -- <Well, I can't blame them but I guess I can see why Maekrite considers the guards here so... weak...>

-In a somewhat flustered tone-

Teala: <"E-Eh?! B-But we're not weak! I mean, w-we try our hardest and all! It's just...

... I don't know...

Maybe it just isn't enough...">

Silentran♂ -notices Teala getting flustered, raises his paws: <...Hey, don't blame me, Maekrite said that...> ._.

????: -from a nearby corridor: <What do you mean weak? Want to say that to MY FACE?>

-And a shadow emerges from the corridor revealing itself to be a young male Druddigon, not in a very good mood. What's worse, a couple of grumbling Dratini and Mienfoo soon follow-

Kat -finally twisting potion bottle head open: <"Aha! I got-

... What did you do, Silent?"> ._.;

Silentran♂: <...I, uh,> -- drops ears as he takes the potion bottle -- <I think I'm gonna be needing this.>

-Some of the guards approach-

Guard!Dratini: <What, showing your true colors? You're a poison rabbit like the other one after all...>

-To Teala-

Guard!Druddigon: <And what are you doing here? Weren't you outside doing menial work?>

Teala: <"I- I mean- I tried to, but-">

Kat -grumbling: "Silent..."> >:(

Guard!Dratini: <...Well?>

Silentran♂: <I did not mean to offend, I was only describing!>

Guard!Dratini: <....> ¬¬

-To Teala-

Guard!Druddigon -sighs: <... Let me guess, too cold outside? I can't believe you'd degrade yourself to that point.>

-Rather visibly sinking-

Teala: <"I...I... I was just trying to be loyal to my friends, though...">

Guard!Druddigon -coughs: <Leave your "loyalty" for when the thaw ends. Go be at a fire, lest you become actually useless...>

-Silentran♂ takes notices of the Druddigon's tone and leers, but this is caught by the Dratini and Mienshao as a sign of hostility-

Guard!Mienshao: <Oooh you want to misbehave?>

-Shoves Kat aside and stands in front of Silentran♂-

Guard!Mienshao:  <Come on, take a hit... and we'll tell Zekrom to give the pincushion more community service.>

-The Dratinis laugh-

-Not being terribly amused with the handling of the matter given getting shoved by a lavender weasel-

Kat: <"Oof! Hey! Alright, that is it!">

-And draws up club-

Kat: <"Silent, as your friend...">

-And brings it down against the back of the Nidoran's head-

Kat: <"Sit down and SHUT UP, you numbskull!"> >:(

-Silentran♂ yelps and drops to the ground, unconscious.-

Dratini #1: <....._.>

Dratini #2: <...That was mean.>

-The Mienshao pokes the lying Nidoran, then turns to Kat, mumbling-

Guard!Mienshao: <That was MY fight... Insolent-> -- and attempts to grab Kat's bone.

-Moving bone out of the grasp of the Mienshao, giving a stern glare back-

Kat: <"Aren't you supposed to be on-duty? Keeping my friends in line is my job. I'm sure you have your own to worry about.

And for the record, when Marowak lose their clubs, they replace them."> >:|

-And gives a hard rap against the floor's tiles-

Kat: <"Get my drift?"> >:|

Guard!Mienshao: <You and the Nidorino... all foreign, all so... disrespectful...>

-The Mienshao hisses as the Dratini look for a fight eagerly; at that moment though the Druddigon guard breathes heavily-

Guard!Druddigon: <Okay peoplemons, show's over. You-> -- pokes the Mienshao -- <don't want to call the attention of the Nidorino. Remember what he did to your boss...>

-The Mienshao buffs and crosses his arms, still not letting Kat out of his sight-

-The Druddigon then turns to Teala-

Guard!Druddigon: <And you, please go somewhere safe and if you want to be useful then be it tomorrow, when it's warmer. Stop wasting our times.>

-Staring at the floor, appearing to feel rather worthless-

Teala: <"... I guess... Maybe I should...">

-To the Meinshao-

Kat: <"Mrph... If you're so bitter over that 'cheated fight', I'll give you the credit for it if you're so upset! After all, I'm sure that Maekrite would be understanding if he thought it was you who conked his trainer upside the head... Right?"> >:|

Guard!Mienshao -blinks: <That's... you're... it's...> -- growls in exasperation.

Guard!Dratini #1: <....Oh I won't want to be here for it...> -- hurriedly slithers away.

-The Guard Druddigon then calls the others and they walk away-

-As they leave through the corridor, the Mienshao gives Kat some angry looks-

Kat: <"Mrph... Well that shut him up...">

-Turning to the still downcast Druddigon-

Kat: <"But what was going on earlier? I mean, as blunt as he was... It really ''is'' a terrible time to be out right now for mons like us...">

Teala: <"... I wanted to help him... And... They're making him work outside... And...">

-Giving the Marowak equivalent of a brow raise-

Kat: <"Hrm? But I mean, sometimes you need to let numbskulls suffer the penalty for their own decisions...

Maekrite is a grown mon... I'm sure he'll be fine...">

-Interjecting-

Teala: <"B-But he always seems so alone and upset!">

Kat: <"... Eh?">

Teala: <"I... I don't know... He always seems like he needs someone to cheer him up... And he never gets anyone...

And... I keep on trying to cheer him up when no-one else seems to...">

-Hanging head-

Teala: <"It's... It's just that I've been doing a terrible job at it so far...">

-Pausing for a moment-

Kat: <"... Interesting... Are you hoping to get anything out of this?">

-Startled by what seems to be a questioning of ulterior motives-

Teala: <"Huh?!">

Kat: <"Oh come now, I'm not judging you... And it will be just between the two of us... My snout is sealed outside of here. Is there a reason why this matters so much to you?">

Teala: <"I... I mean... I know it's going to sound stupid, but...

Ever since we came back here...

Maekrite's always tried to cheer me up...

And... It always feels nice to be around him when he's happy... But...">

Kat: <"... Teala?">

Teala: <"Huh?">

Kat: <"... Based off of what you've told me... Can you answer a simple question for me?">

Teala: <"Um... Sure...?">

Kat: <"... Do you love Maekrite?">

-Stammering at the Marowak's question-

Teala: <"L-Love? Li-Like a mate? B-But I couldn't im-impose myself like!">

Kat: <"... I was thinking something more subtle... Based off of what you've described... Would you want to spend the rest of your life cheering him up while he does the same for you? I mean, you'll have crabby patches and all, but...">

Teala: <"Um... I mean... Well... Yeah...">

Kat: <"... Not fully sure what 'love' means to you, but...

That's how I'm aware of it working... And... Well, the rest is really up to you...

Do you love Maekrite?">

-Thinking, before answering in a bit of a more confident tone-

Teala: <"U-Um... Yes.

If that's what love means, then I do.">

Kat: <"... Why don't you tell him that?">

Teala: <"H-Huh?!">

Kat: <"I mean, it would help him to understand why you've been so stubborn about helping him...

Just go up to him... And explain to him... 'I love you'. You can go more in-depth afterward.">

Teala: <"I... I mean, if you're sure it'll work...">

-Some rumbling and yelps from some mons can be heard coming from the corridor-

-If Teala and Kat have good ear enough, they can recognize a certain Mienshao's voice mumbling something like "please don't tell him"-

-Just a couple of seconds after, a certain Nidorino charges into the room, a Sludge Bomb ball already building at his muzzle-

Kat: <"Eh?!">

Teala: <"Maekrite!">

Kat: <"Oh great... What trouble did you get into now, Maekrite?"> >_>

-The Nidorino is quick to scan the room and notices Silentran♂ lying at Kat and Teala's feet; he approaches and lets the Sludge Bomb dissipate -though he still looks agitated-

Maekrite  -growls: <Oh I'm not the one looking for trouble. I heard a Call for Family!> -- leers at Kat -- <What happened? Who did this?>

-Nonchalantly, gesturing towards the direction of the remains of a "radio"-

Kat: <"A radio did it.">

-Maekrite blinks then looks to the other end of the room where the attempt-of-a-radio still smokes a little-

Maekrite: <...O-oh...> -- sighs, looking embarrassed.

-He decides to not look at Teala or Kat and instead curls on the ground besides the unconscious Nidoran♂-

Teala: <"U-Um... M-Maekrite...?">

-Maekrite raises an ear in Teala's general direction, indicating he is listening, but he does not move from his curling besides Silentran♂-

Unconscious!Silentran♂: <....ngh....> -- twitches.

-Falteringly-

Teala: <"I-">

-And is cut off by a bone pinning up under her chin-

Teala: <"H-Huh?! K-Kat! Why are you-?!">

Kat: <"... Now's probably not a good time... Leave him alone with Silent for now...">

-Looking at the scene, and pausing for a moment-

Teala: <"... I... I guess it could wait until tomorrow...">

Kat: <"Yeah... Try it out when you're both having a bit of a better day... Come on, let's get going...">

-And the Marowak leads the Druddigon off, who casts a glance back at the Nidorino before lowering her head and given a low, deflated growl-

21

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

[spoiler]Special thanks to Silent for helping with this.

Later That Week - Dragonspiral Tower - AU

-For a number of days, a certain Druddigon had been struggling with a matter that had been on her mind... And continued to gnaw at her even as she peers at the form of a resting Nidorino from some shrubs beyond the rock he is resting on.-

-... 'If you want someone to know how you feel...

Just tell them...'-

-The Nidorino, having just gotten through a session of trying to teach a certain Nidoran♂ Fury Attack. He lies alone and frowns as Silent talks and plays with some other Pokémon, taking advantage of the thaw swallowing up the snow and longer days accompanying the onset of spring to graze at its first and still-tender shoots from the ground.-

-Shaking head-

Teala: <"U-Um... I mean... I guess it's worth a shot...">

-And emerges from the shrubbery towards the rocks-

-Maekrite's ears flicker and he turns his attention to Teala, blinks and growls a welcome-

Maekrite: <…H-hey. How are things going inside the Tower?>

Teala: <"U-Um...">

-Just tell him...-

Teala: <"I... I mean, it's warmer... So th-that's good?">

-... Not that!-

Maekrite -ears lower: <I guess... with the winter mostly over.>

-He stands up and stretches his legs-

Maekrite: <I, for one, enjoy staying outside. Soon the days will be warmer enough that your kind will be able to spend all day outside, yes?>

Teala: <"U-Um... Yeah... Spring's a lot nicer...">

-Come on, just tell him already!

B-But how do I even start?!

... I know! Talk about his home! Silent said he missed it, maybe he'd want to talk about that!-

Teala: <"Are- Erm... Is Spring at your home like this at all?">

-Maekrite blinks and thinks back to home for some moments-

Maekrite: <Uhm... not quite. I mean we don't have to get rid of all that snooooow...>

-And waves a paw idly, then scratches the dirt-

Maekrite: <And things would be kinda frenzier. The guys and I...>

-And he cuts himself short there-

-Internally panicking a bit-

-Wh-What?! He w-wasn't supposed to feel awkward like that!-

Teala: <"... Huh? What's- What's wrong?">

Maekrite -sighs: <N-nothing. I just… never got to actually spend a spring back at home as an adult...> -- and blushes a bit at the comment.

-He looks away for a moment then circles over his spot-

Maekrite: <The other me… But, uhm...> -- sighs again -- <I guess it'd feel different. Back then it was all play.>

Teala: <"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you feel-!">

Maekrite: <…Homesick? Don't worry.> -- looks down to the ground -- <I'm getting used to it.>

-Then he turns back to Teala and stares at her for a moment-

Maekrite: <Uhm... you just… don't feel worried about it?>

Teala: <"U-Um... I mean... This ''is'' my home and all, and-">

-Maekrite examines Teala's reaction for a moment, paying ear to her-

Maekrite: <…Y-you okay?>

Teala: <"Aah! Th-This was all just a terrible idea! I'm sorry! I thought that you'd want to-! To talk about-!">

-Maekrite looks a bit nervous as he sees Teala hesitate-

Maekrite: <…Idea? Did I say something wrong?> ·_·

-And tries to approach and pat her-

Maekrite: <We can talk, right? It's just I'm a bit… moody, I guess.>

Teala: <"I... I didn't want things to turn out like this... I- I just wanted to-">

-And struggles to form her next words in her maw-

Teala: <"Wanted to-">

Maekrite -sits and looks up to Teala: <What's wrong?>

Teala: <"I- I li- Think I lo-">

-And continues stammering-

-Maekrite doesn't get what is obviously going on and just looks at her with an expression that slowly progresses towards a minute, but recognizable, level of annoyance-

-Beginning to look downcast-

Teala: <"... M-Maybe I should just leave you alone...">

-Maekrite just looks at Teala then lowers his head, thinks for a moment-

Maekrite: <If you're feeling ill or something… I guess you could take a rest…>

-And looks away to where Silent is discussing with some other humon-

Maekrite: <…I should, as well.>

-Looking utterly crushed-

Teala: <"Okay... I... I can do that...">

-And trudges off slowly and in low spirits-

22

Re: Tracer's One-Shots And Things He Wrote While Bored

[spoiler]Thanks to Tracer for spagging this with me.

Pueltown, July

-Crow is flying around, doing little of consquence-

Murcrow: <Hm... Hope the investigation starts up soon. If me being Jacob's assistant gets me in in the first place.>

-If the Murkrow listened carefully, he would perhaps notice a curious noise emanating from a back alley-

Tracerops: <Darn it Gene, you're not supposed to leave me *behind* as you wander off! I have no idea where I am now!> >v>;

-Namely of an Archeops loudly fuming-

-Crow does indeed hear and heads over to the source of the curious noise-

Murcrow : <Uh, hey, what's going on?>

Tracerops: -ruffling feathers- <You could say that I lost track of a kinda important guide.> >v<

Murcrow: -seeming to gain interest- <Oh? Who would that be?>

Tracerops: <A sand rat that keeps wandering off to heaven knows where.> >v<

-sighs- <So… What about you? Are you from around here? Trained? Or are these rooftops home for you?>

Murcrow: <Uh, you could say I'm trained, but my trainer isn't nearby. I'm from Kanto at any rate.>

Tracerops: <… Huh. Small world… So how'd *you* get stuck here?>

Murcrow: <Well, I'm more here by choice, but there was a robbery at Cain Enterprises around here which I want to investigate, but can't partially because it's paused for whatever reason and partially because I accidentally insulted one of the people involved.

Tracerops: <… Say what now?>

Murcrow: <That I'm investigating a robbery or that my position in doing it's thin because I accidentaly insulted the president of the company that was robbed?>

Tracerops: <… Did you just say that you got turned into a bird because you *insulted* someone?> ovÓ;

Murcrow: <...Oh, no. I'm a Murkrow because I talked with a Tropius about it, but I didn't insult her. And as far as I know, she's not the president of anything, let alone Cain Enterprises.>
(
-Tracerobs blinks visibly-

Tracerops: <… Basket?>

Murcrow: <I didn't get her name, oddly, but Tagg asked the same question. You know him?>

Tracerops: <"… You know Tagg, too?"> Ovo;

-He begins to scan the Murkrow for anything looking remotely band-like-

-He possibly finds the red band on Crow's tail that all Murkrow have, but otherwise finds nothing, given this was the work of a Tropius not named Basket-

Murcrow: <Yeah.>

<...Actually, now that I think about it, your voice sounds kinda familiar. Are you one of the Phone People?>

Tracerops: <Well, if *you* know Tagg, then you must be one of the others, but… *Who* are-

<… This might be the dumbest guess ever or one heck of a visual pun… But you wouldn't happen to be Crow, would you?>

Murcrow: <Yeah, I am Crow.>

<Who are you, though?>

Tracerops: <… Would you believe that I'm a former Emperor?>

-Beat-

<Nah, I'm just pulling your leg. I'm Tracer.> ^v^

Murcrow: <Oh, hey, Tracer. It's been a while. Didn't know you were a former emperor, though.>

Tracerops: <… Eh… It's technically only a half-truth, but that's kind of a long story.>

-Still scanning the Murkrow-

<… That *is* not permanent, right? And non-infectious, I hope?>

Murcrow: <Uh, barring something like Silver Wind cancelling it out, it is permanent, actually. But only infectious if I'm drawing blood or you try and eat me or something.>

Tracerops: <… That sounds more than a little concerning, just saying.>

Murcrow: <...Maybe, but it works for me.>

<Anyway, why are you an Archeops?>

Tracerops: <Oh…>

-And points at a small band around leg-

Tracerops: <You could say it's a small off-the-record experiment.>

Murcrow: <Oh, huh.>

<What kind of exxperiment, though?>

Tracerops: <… Er… Behavioral analysis?> ^v^;

Murcrow: <How you behave when you're left in a strange city on your own?>

Tracerops: <Actually, it was more seeing the effect of- Actually yes. Yes, that's right.> ^v^;

Murcrow: <Ooh. And how's it been going so far?>

Tracerops: <Er… Well, I'm not in the place I was *supposed* to be running this experiment, so…> >v>;

Murcrow: <Oh? Where would that be, then?>

Tracerops: <"Oh, it was in-">

???: <"Oh hey there!">

-Which prompts the Archeops to whirl around and see a Sandslash behind him-

Gene: <"Not like you to get lost so easy, Tracer.">

Tracerops: -Huffing- <"Oh, so *I'm* getting lost now?">

Murcrow: <Oh, hey. You're the one he called a->

Tracerops?: <Sand rat that keeps wandering off to heaven knows where?>

-The Archeops goes agape at the sound of himself and whirls around-

Murcrow: <Oh, yeah. Do you find that creepy? A lot of peoplemons seem to.>

Tracerops: <Er…> -v-;

Gene: <Heh, not a bad impression!>

Murcrow: -to Gene- <Thanks. It's proven quite handy.>

Tracerops: <I never recalled you having this kind of skill when you were *human*…>

<Anyhow, it looks like my guide's back. Stay safe during your infiltration?>

Murcrow: <Yeah, I learned it because of being a Murkrow, but I did learn it back when I was a human. When we were in the Unova League.>

-He goes nervous for a bit before remembering he's a part of PEFE and PEFE would know about his infiltration-

<...Yeah, sure, thanks.>

Tracerops: <Good luck, Crow.>

Gene: <Yeah, and maybe you can show *me* how to mimi->

Tracerops: <Gene!> >v<

Murcrow: <If you want, I could try, sure.>

Tracerops: <… Please reconsider. He already gets into *enough* trouble…> >v>;

Gene: <Whelp, that's probably my cue to skeedadle. Nice seeing ya!>

-And leads the Archeops into the wide abyss that is offscreen-

-Crow waves goodbye to the two-

"Welcome. Do you have some... b u s i n e s s?"

"Halt dein Höllesobst mir fern, Versucher." ~ jedesdummisel