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Post by Mya "Rainbow" Saller on Oct 9, 2022 22:50:14 GMT
"If you trust in yourself. . .and believe in your dreams. . .and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy." -Terry Pratchett, The Wee Free Men Mama said it was okay, that it was quite alright
Arris Yule -- "FLAMETHROWER!" The order echoed off of the cave walls as Atlas charged forward, claws scraping against the dirt and stone as he dodged out of the way of the incoming Thunderbolt and let loose a powerful surge of flame at the enemy Dedenne. The orange mouse rocketed backwards, struggling to remain standing, but the burn across its body was too much for it to take. The mouse fainted. The young trainer withdrew their pokemon, sighing deeply at the rough defeat. It only took one of Mya's team to defeat his. Knowing this, Atlas let loose another flame towards the air, claiming the battlefield as his own. "Chin up, kid," Mya said as she walked across the battlefield, putting her hands on her hips and watching the fellow pack his things. he was drenched with sweat from the heat of the cavern. It was hot, but nothing Mya wasn't used to. There was hardly a break of sweat on her brow despite her heavy jacket draped over her shoulders. "Come back any time. But maybe get a water-type, hm? Three electrics won't get you shit here." She walked the young man out and ensured he got to the new Pokemon Center set up in the main chamber of the old cave. It was hard to believe that over 80 years ago, this place was Famine's most popular mall. It wasn't anything for a while, but at least it was getting set back up with a healthier respect for the mountain's movements. Mya sat down on one of the lounge benches and leaned back, staring up at the ceiling, filled with various raw metal and gem deposits. It wouldn't be mined out, given the danger it would pose to the structural integrity of the chambers, but they didn't need it. The gym was bringing in more than Mya had hoped. After years of nothing but shit, Famine was finally getting some much needed traffic and tourism. Atlas sat down next to her, letting out a sigh of his own. He had grown pretty big over the past several months, even to the point of evolution. Incredible, really. Mya hadn't expected it, but she didn't mind Atlas being a bit bigger and stronger. Thankfully, he seemed to be proving the pokedex wrong except in battle. He was still a sweet thing that was more gentle and polite than she could have imagined for a Charmeleon. It made her wonder about his final evolution... She closed her eyes and breathed in a deep breath. The steam fro the indoor hot springs kept the air warm and moist. Not great, but they'd work on it eventually... figure out some better ventilation, but for now? It was what it was. The town came first. The gym second. |
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Arris Yule
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Posts: 272
Gender: Male
Linked accounts: @artificiary, @farrah
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Post by Arris Yule on Sept 28, 2024 7:39:40 GMT
Arris finds himself shocked as he walks through the town streets, looking around for the location of the new gym. It’s been a while since he’s been back to Famine – but it has changed. There’s more people – more happy people. More people talking out in the streets, loitering, chatting. Less furtive glances and keeping out of sight, out of mind. He feels pride welling up in his chest. Mya has really done everyone proud. Herself most of all. Gym Leader for Famine – the first in so long. First in… he pauses. Ever? He isn’t sure.
Well! He’ll just have to ask, then. Arris glances down at the Pokemon with him today; Belle, as ever, happily bounces from side to side by his feet. She’s massive for a Bounsweet now. One would have thought she’d simply pop with evolution ages ago by this point, but… Arris just supposes she isn’t ready. She’ll know when she knows. He won’t rush her. Right beside her, ever marching in line, is Skipper the Piplup, with his fins folded prim behind his back like some sort of captain at-ease. He’s still so boisterous… with plenty of room left to grow, really. Arris believes in Skipper. The lil guy just… needs some more experience, and a steady hand. And last but definitely not least in his companions, the big lumbering man himself, Gains. The Heracross was given to him by Professor Yew, too boisterous and full of energy for the lab. They got along like a barn on fire, though he was yet to be truly challenged.
He’d wanted to bring everybody, really, but – well. It was probably for the best not to have an unmitigated horde roaming the streets or overwhelming Mya and her team or the gym. Arris does have manners, afterall. Plus, someone needed to stay home and watch that egg. “Hey Belle – you ready to see Eon and everybody again?”
The Bounsweet makes a delighted squeak of joy, doing a big twirl. Her dearest most wonderful-est friend! Oh, but it had been too long! The mega-berry’s joy is contagious, and Arris finds himself grinning right alongside her. “Yeah, I think so too. About time, right? And the rest of you get to meet her! I know she’s seen a billion pictures of you, Skip, but y’know.”
Famine’s Gym is… well, it’s incredible, really. Arris has to admit that while things were being constructed, and Gym Leaders put into place, really cementing the beginning of Deprin’s League – he… still hadn’t ever been into one. The location really is one to be awed by. Giant natural ceilings in such a massive natural cave, the way that the buildings have been revitalized and filled with life and commerce and busy trainers… The Pokemon Center stands proud, but prouder still is the gym. It’s there that Arris makes his way over with his team, until a familiar face – the target face, is spotted on a nearby bench.
The man can barely hold in his grin, but he tries his best anyway. A low whistle of approval crosses his lips, casual as he looks around at the architecture. His hands are in his pockets, nonchalant. “Quite the place you’ve built up here, eh? The dragon’s lair. The castle keep. It’s quite impressive, how everything – Belle, wait a minute!”
Arris might be trying to be a cool, fun, spontaneous surprise, but Belle has no such qualms. Detaching herself from the party, she ricochets in leaps and bounds across the way towards Mya and Atlas, squealing with the happiest noise a Pokemon could possibly make, and coming in hot for a berry-blast-hugathon!
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Post by Mya "Rainbow" Saller on Sept 28, 2024 17:18:41 GMT
"If you trust in yourself. . .and believe in your dreams. . .and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy." -Terry Pratchett, The Wee Free Men Mama said it was okay, that it was quite alright
The moment of peace was nice. Mya didn't get much time these days to leave Famine, being constantly busy with the flood of challengers and the town's repairs... but it was worth the trouble! One day Famine would rise to the top of the ladder again like her grandparents talked about. A city famous for its hot springs and gemstones, a destination for all people! But there was so much to do. The city needed to tear down and rebuild a lot of the homes so they were more structurally sound, the roads needed to be repaved this time, more businesses wanted to come to Famine now so they had to clear some space in the cliffs surrounding the town and that meant destruction crews and-
Mya looked up at the familiar and sudden voice. A huge smile broke across her face as she chuckled at Arris' attempt to be suave get immediately interrupted by Belle. Mya scooped the big ol' berry up and gave her a hug as Atlas clapped his claws together, a huge smile spreading across his reptilian face.
"Hiya, Belle! Hey, Arris!" Mya patted Belle's head as she smiled up at her friend. "It's been forever! How you are doing? And who are these fine fellows marching with you? Friends of yours, Belle?" The gym leader held Belle in her arms and stood up, moved her to the side to give Arris a side hug.
She put Belle down, letting Atlas approach and give her a--careful--hug as well. He was much bigger now, but he was still the same sweet Atlas Arris as before! Mya smiled as she watched the two and knelt down to the other two pokemon. "Heracross and Piplup, huh? Pretty fitting for you! You didn't come here to try and win a gym badge by any chance, have ya?" She stood back up, sharing some berries from her pocket with the new pokemon.
Mya put her hands on her hips and smiled wide. She still had that same heavy coat, the cargo pants, the combat boots, the tank top... but her skin was littered with new scars. The burns from when she caught Wormy deeper in the mountains, some burns from Atlas' training after his evolution, some claw marks across her biceps and shoulders. Dragons were dangerous things! They often started out weak and small, but as they grew stronger they got much bigger and eventually their power was explosive. Yet that didn't seem to bother her at all. Mya had an affinity for things that were a little dangerous. And she needed the strength to further her goals with Famine.
"So.. what do you think?" She spread her arms out. "Famine's really changed since you last visited! We're not just eating lichens and mushrooms now. We have actual farms at the tops of the cliffs!" The pride was evident in her voice. The League coming back had to be the best thing to ever happen to the region and she had Farrah to thank for all that and for giving her a chance at running a gym on her own. All she could hope is when the League came to inspect the gym that they were proud of the progress too.
"But enough about the town! Its so nice to see you! You just passing through? Or are you here for a gym challenge?" |
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Arris Yule
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Posts: 272
Gender: Male
Linked accounts: @artificiary, @farrah
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Post by Arris Yule on Sept 29, 2024 10:52:42 GMT
Oh, whatever. Arris could be cool another time – seeing the sheer joy on Belle’s face as she nuzzles first into Mya, and then into Atlas, is more than a little contagious. “Hey you,” he says, beaming and hugging his dearest friend back, “Missed seeing your face.”
Belle squeaks happily in her not-so-little way, twirling her leaves and bouncing enthusiastically. She might not have arms yet, but she can show love anyway! And yes yes – friends! So many wonderful, beautiful, incredible friends! Skipper puffs out his little chest with a chirp as he is inspected, prideful as always. And Gains – well. Arris had expected the athletic Pokemon to put on a show, or show off, perhaps, as he often did while playing with the others. But instead, he seems rather relaxed, and simply waves a hello with a friendly little expression. The large stag beetle accepts the berry with a thankful little warble; Skipper seems to hesitate, almost as if he’d refuse the berry, refusing to stoop down to the level of – a nudge from Gains and he takes it with a little mumbly thank you peep. …He does like treats.
“They’re pretty great, yeah. Pep’s at home with this Egg we found, lookin’ out for both it and the rest of the team, but he wanted me to say hi. He’s got a new scarf! But the Heracross is Gains, and little sassypants down there is Skipper. Came by to see you, actually – it’s been way too long, wanted to stop by, see how you’re doin’. Taking the challenge hadn’t even crossed my mind until right this second, really.”
Arris grins right back. Mya’s changed – but not in a bad way. In a mature way. It’s not just the scars, though Arris is desperately curious to know what she’s been up to, but it’s also just in the way that she holds herself. More solid. Experienced. He doesn’t feel like he’s changed at all, really. His hair’s a little longer, little more unruly and in need of a trim. His jacket’s a little more worn, shoes a little dustier. But he’s seen a lot more of the world, learned a lot. He’d like to think they’ve both matured.
“It’s incredible,” he says, the awe open and audible in his tone. Arris’ gaze scans across the ceiling, glancing up to where he imagines the farms must be. “Honestly, Mya, it’s like – it’s almost an entirely different town. Look at this, it’s incredible! There were so many tourists out there, and trainers, and damn, this entire thing is all gym? That’s wild. You’ve done so much, all of you.”
He shakes his head in absolute amazement. Belle does a little twirl, trilling at Atlas in agreement, bouncing lightly up and down. “It’s great to see you too. Like I said, I’ve missed you – thought I’d come by to see how things are going, catch up, see what you’ve been up to. I hadn’t really thought of the gym challenge in being here, but heck – I’ll be in town for a few days. I certainly wouldn’t say no to giving it a go while we’re here if the team’s willing! How busy’s the gym been?”
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Post by Mya "Rainbow" Saller on Sept 30, 2024 2:07:05 GMT
"If you trust in yourself. . .and believe in your dreams. . .and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy." -Terry Pratchett, The Wee Free Men Mama said it was okay, that it was quite alright
A huge grin broke across her face. "An egg! So you found one, too! Mine's back at the office. I asked Anikan to look after it while I did challenges today." She looked back at the pokemon. "Gains. Skipper. Pleasure. I'm Famine's Gym Leader Mya 'Rainbow' Saller. I hope to see you both challenge the gym one day. And you, too, Belle." She winked at the large little berry. "Tell Pep I said hi and that I'd love to see his scarf. It's really been too long!" She was overcome with joy. One of her first friends on her pokemon journey--and friend in general. The first person she felt she could actually relax around and be honest with. Seeing him was always such a treat, especially after how busy everything had been.
"Been good! Busy, but good. Whipped my gym trainers into shape, got the place up and running, finally." Gosh, the gym had seen so much traction. It seemed like every kid in Famine that got their first pokemon came here to get a taste of the battles. Thankfully, her trusty gym trainers took care of most of them and turned it into a learning opportunity. But some made it past them. Then it was Mya's turn. Nothing made her more proud that to hand a badge over to a beaming trainer who had bested her mighty dragons.
A huge grin spread across her face as she grabbed Arris' shoulder and gave it a gentle shake. "I know right!? It took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears but the city's alive again, Arris! Alive!" She opened her arms to the place. "We have food! An economy! Fresh water that we don't have to pre-boil! People are flooding to the gym, businesses are demanding space to put up their stores! Even Salve Co. has expressed an interest which I'm not too happy about, but they bring in a lot of jobs! Jobs mean money for the people, means change! We're about to bulldoze some old homes and rebuild them, too. Everyone will stay in this area for the time-being... in the temperate-controlled rooms of course."
The sheer joy she shows is genuine. All 100% Mya. Such a sheer display of emotion was not common for her, usually keeping everything controlled and carefully let out. Can't let your enemy know how you really think, after all. A lot of that had to do with her friend here. He looked different, hair a bit longer, unkempt. It suited him! The look of a true adventurer. Someone who was out there in the wilds learning about all that pokemon had to offer. That was something Mya loved about Arris. He was so... open? Real? It was strange to her, having grown up around here. Finding that was so difficult, but then there was Arris. He was never afraid to be himself. She hoped one day she could be like that, too.
She slapped his back and motioned for him and his team to follow her. Atlas gave a trill and walked after her. "Busy, busy, busy! Had about a hundred challenges a week recently, kids going nuts! The Salve Co. power controllers come in handy to keep my team in check against the little ones. Just sent one packing out of here before I came up from the depths. I actually don't have another challenge for another three hours. You're welcome to stick around and watch if you want. Some fresh trainer's managed to get themselves an ice-type pokemon and whipped poor Adrian's tail." She chuckled darkly. "But we'll show them what happens to ice in this place, won't we, Atlas?"
The Charmeleon gave a spit of embers and a nod. He was her ace in the hole. Most prepared for Eon and Wormy but Atlas as hard to prep for. A water type? Eon. Ground type? Wormy. Rock type? Eon. Fairy-type? Ice-type? Atlas. There was a method to the madness. A trainer had to play their cards right here. One slip up and-
"Hey! You want to meet the gym trainers? If you want to take us on, you'd have to fight one of them first. You can also preview the gym!"
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Arris Yule
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Posts: 272
Gender: Male
Linked accounts: @artificiary, @farrah
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Post by Arris Yule on Oct 4, 2024 7:41:57 GMT
“Yeah! I uh – well. I swear we didn’t steal it. Belle, don’t look at me like that, we didn’t!” Arris sticks his tongue out at Belle, putting his hands on his hips. “I was doing some odd jobs for the rangers over by the Safari Zone on my way out here. Someone’d reported a storm had knocked a few trees out over one of the routes in the Zone itself, and we were helping move them off the road while checking for damage… a nest had gotten overturned in the storm, and it was the only survivor. The others had cracked…” Arris frowns, shaking his head. It’d been quite heartbreaking – seeing the spattered yolk in the weeds and grass that made up the destroyed nest. And then there was that lil’ guy – miraculously uncracked and whole and alone in the storm. He shakes off the frown and grins again. “So! I took it in. Sure, I could’ve handed it off to the rangers for safekeeping, but… anyway. Pep’s lookin’ after it for now. I’ll be sure to drag him up to say hi soon!” Belle does a happy twirl, her petals waving happily as she trills at Mya, winking back. A challenge sounds fun, and oh but she’s so happy to do one around friends! Especially ones she’s missed! Skipper puffs his chest up, nodding in agreement, and Gains does a little flex, as if to say he’s ready anytime, anywhere!
“Yeah, damn – it looks incredible down here. I’ve no doubt that you’ve got things running like a well oiled machine.” He chuckles as he’s shaken, the raw joy absolutely infectious and visible in every pore of Arris’ person. Looking up to where she gestures – so everywhere, really – he nods. “It’s awesome. Seeing the town come back to life like this… really gives you hope, y’know? Like – this is insane. Rebuilding homes, and new jobs, and a working economy, quality of life… the difference a couple years can make is so wild!” Arris tilts his head to the side as he considers, thinking for a moment – no less joyful, though he’s just simply mulling over her words. “But yeah, Salve… huh. Like, they do a lot, but… feel like it says something that now that there’s life in the town that now they’re interested… but jobs are jobs, and that does a lot of good even so.”
Arris makes a little oof as Mya whacks him across the back – Groudon’s bottom fang, she’s gotten a lot stronger – but follows dutifully, gesturing his team to come along behind him; the command is entirely unnecessary, of course, especially for Belle who ignores Arris entirely to be right at Mya’s side instead. “A hundred a week? Holy shit.” Even growing up on stories of champion trainers, wild gym battles, and legendary rival matches, Arris is boggled by the idea of that many Pokemon battles a week. It’s both overwhelming in the same breath that it’s awe inspiring how popular the gym has been. “I’d be more than happy to watch the match. Seeing Atlas in charge? Hoooo boy – and I know Belle will be happiness incarnate to see Eon. But uh…” he pauses, looking from Atlas and back to Mya. “Hell yeah I’d love to meet everyone! See who’s gonna go toe to toe with my lil’ crew’s majesty. See the gym, the folks, watch the match… hey – what’s a power controller?”
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Post by Mya "Rainbow" Saller on Oct 5, 2024 20:50:13 GMT
"If you trust in yourself. . .and believe in your dreams. . .and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy." -Terry Pratchett, The Wee Free Men Mama said it was okay, that it was quite alright
She clicked her tongue. Not even pokemon could protect themselves against the wrath of mother nature sometimes. The world was a harsh place and while they had some special abilities to stay alive that didn't mean their eggs could... "That egg's lucky you found it! Besides, I don't really trust rangers so I say you made the right call... I don't trust any cops, actually." She shrugged, gave a smile and a shrug, then said, "I stole my egg."
As they walked, she gave a hum. "Yeah, I don't much like Salve Co. Just an inch away from a cop to me. Some weird guy came by, introduced himself something stupid, and said they wanted to build some road through the mountains--help connect Famine to other places again--and help build some places for more shops and shit. On one hand, I realize why it's taken so long to get assistance--we are pretty remote and other places are easier to reach first--but still... they had all that money all this time they could have helped everyone years ago." She snorted. "Still, help is help so I had to approve it. Town voted in an overwhelming majority." She shook her head, choosing to drop it and calm down before she got really mad. Rich people. They made everything worse. But at least there was some progress being made now.
Mya glanced down at Belle, smiling at the little berry... she looked just days away from an evolution by now... "Hmm... yeah its a lot," she said, taking a turn and pushing open a heavy 'staff only' door and holding it open for their pokemon. "Up at the crack of dawn to feed the team, in the gym to wrap up some paperwork or town concerns, battles from opening to close with a few breaks in between, then back to helping the town. In bed by midnight." She chuckled. "I plan to take a vacation soon, though. Rest up and all."
A huge grin broke across her face as she made another turn. "You'll love it! They're something Salve Co. made--it keeps gym pokemon in line for their challengers. So like, Atlas here won't kill someone's pokemon if they're weaker than him. Since most of the challenges I end up getting are newbies. While the gym trainers field most of them, I take on some of them to scare em straight. Kids who literally just got back from getting their starters who rush in here not even knowing their own pokemon's limitations. I set the controller down to the lowest level and still whip their tails and send them packing." Mya rubbed the back of her neck. "I don't like doing it but... my pokemon--this gym--its dangerous. We have open pools of boiling spring water down below and a literal lava waterfall. I can't be having kids running around with a fresh-off-the-boat starter pokemon expecting to beat up my team, can I? Had to grab some 11 year old last week before they fell into one of the pools. Got a little pecked by their Pidgey in the process."
She winked. "I'll give you an introduction later when I meet that challenger, for now..." she opened the next door and walked in, Atlas holding it open this time. The room was fairly sized, like a mix between an office and a break room. There were three desks against one side and the other had a couch, a low coffee table, and some comfortable looking chairs. Everything was well-worn and gave the distinct impression of being second hand or rescued from the garbage. Bookshelves and filing cabinets covered the walls, some well-overstuffed with papers and books, and the break room side had a fridge on its last legs, a stove that no one in their right mind would be using, a microwave that looked like it could go nuclear if you put popcorn in it, and some broken cabinets whose doors were off center or missing entirely. Wherever the League funding was going was not this room--that much was obvious.
"Heeeelloooooo, slackers!" Mya chuckled as she shook a man's shoulders who sat at the desk. He had been dutifully staring at an egg in a care case. The man leaned back and gave her a face. He had wild dark, brown hair and bright blue eyes. He had a long scar from his chin down his neck.
"Aw, shut it, Mya." He looked over at Arris, sizing him up. "A new challenger? In the office? Rule breaker~"
Mya leaned against the back wall. "This is Arris. A maybe-challenger in the future."
"Whoa, Arris!?" A dark-skinned woman who had been laying on the couch reading a cooking magazine shot up and smiled, putting her weight on her hands as she leaned against the back of the couch. It groaned in protest. "THE Arris? Arris Yule? Dude, Mya will not shut up about you!" She leaped across the back of the couch and stuck her hand out. "I'm Susan! That jerk over there is Anikan. And that," she said, pointing to a spot on the floor in between two desks where some feet were sticking out, "is Adrian."
Mya gave a swift--but gentle kick to Adrian's side as he startled awake, jumping up and holding out a pen menacingly. He looked frazzled, dirty blond hair sticking up on one side of his head from the pillow, his hands and forearms covered in small scares from old scrapes on the streets. "I'M ARMED!" He shouted before rubbing the sleep away from his eyes. "Oh... ew... was I drooling?"
"Yeah," said Mya as she motioned with her head over to Arris.
"Oh... yo! Hey, a Bounsweet? Arris, right?" He said as he gave a wave. "Aw, shit, I need to sit down. Don't go kicking people awake, Rainbow!" He sat down and rubbed his face. "Can someone else please take the night shift?"
"Not it!" Said Susan, putting her hands on her hips. "Anyway! Arris, oh my Rayquaza! Are you gonna challenge the gym? You're gonna battle me, right? I can't wait!"
Mya smiled as she watched this, giving an eyebrow raise to Arris. All these people were locals, having survived the same way she did for a while. Each unique but damn good trainers in their own right. The gym had finally given a lot of them a lucky break and now they were fierce competitors. Trained by Mya herself.
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Arris Yule
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Posts: 272
Gender: Male
Linked accounts: @artificiary, @farrah
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Post by Arris Yule on Oct 6, 2024 7:42:50 GMT
"I at least know for certain whether it'll be okay or not if it's with me," Arris nods. In Hickory Town — well. There wasn't necessarily a police force per se… but the caliber of trainer that called the sleepy vale home were nothing to scoff at by any standard. If they were considered cops, he supposes he trusts them implicitly… but something had told him to go behind the rangers anyway, even if there was nothing wrong. And he can understand, having been to Famine multiple times now, why Mya wouldn't trust one as far as she could see them. It was logical at that point, really.
"We don't really have major corps in Hickory," he notes idly. "It's all local. Mom and pop places, everyone's got gardens… it's always been you look out for your neighbors, and they look out for their neighbors, and everyone weathers the storm together. Always been lucky that way — but when I moved to Mistveil…" Arris shakes his head. Culture shock would be a severe understatement. "Never sat right, but what's anyone meant to do otherwise? And if it helps…" Then simply put — that's what has to be done. Even if it means extra vigilance.
He listens intently to the description of the day-to-day at the gym, nodding along even as he keeps an eye on where Skipper is. Gains he can trust to follow at his side; Belle of course is happily chatting away with Atlas and beaming at Mya. But Skipper is… stubborn. Stubborn like a Mudbray. The little penguin is exploring around eagerly as they walk, checking out every little thing and only coming running to heel (and pretending he isn't fretting about it) when he realizes he's being left behind. He isn't, of course, with Arris watching, but Skipper doesn't seem to notice. "Thank you — Skipper, move it or the door's shuttin' — Come down to Hickory, when you take that vacation, eh? All the old champs would love spoiling the team rotten, and it's definitely a lot slower paced out there as is." He pauses, keeping an eye on the surroundings before humming in quiet disbelief. "That often? You'd think kids would hear 'dragon' and think — you know? Maybe not a beginner's gym?" …Of course, when he takes up this challenge it'll be his first gym too, but… Arris at least wasn't a beginner anymore. He'd had his team for a few years now, compared to a ten year old fresh off the lab steps. It's different. "Sounds like it's extremely hot in there. Man — I really don't understand kids, but if you're that first wake-up call they need, more power to you I suppose. Sets them on the right path hopefully… and that's without flattening them. Those power controllers sound fascinating. Guess not all Salve stuff is too bad."
Belle lets out a little grumble at having to wait for Eon, but the feeling is extremely fleeting as the door opens. A new area! New friends! New excitement! Arris gives a gentle little scritch to Atlas' jaw in thanks as he passes through, eyes wide with awe as he takes in the space. The second-hand quality of the furniture and the appliances doesn't even phase him. All he can think with a slowly widening grin is this place feels like belonging. It just has that vibe. That je ne sais quoi. A real trainers' den.
Arris eyes the first man with quiet curiosity, but not before his gaze first reaches the egg sitting snug in it's case. This must be the one Mya mentioned, being watched by… Anikan, was it? He'll have to remember to ask about the theft of it. Arris smiles and nods back as he himself is sized up, but doesn't shy away in the slightest. At his feet, Skipper looks Anikan up and down too, puffing up his chest — Gains waves cheerfully, clicking his mandibles and wriggling his antennae. Belle gets up close to the gym trainer immediately, inspecting before immediately doing a happy twirl. Hello, friend!
Before Arris can think to say hello or react in the slightest, the very mention of his name seems to detonate a chain reaction in the break room. He startles a little, Belle more so, as the woman shoots up like an excited child. "Yep," he says and chuckles, rubbing his hand against his neck. "Arris, that's me! Oh, goodness." He… certainly didn't expect any of this. Of course, he talks about Mya every chance he gets too, how badass and cool she is, how proud he is of her… but seeing the script flipped is something else entirely. It's almost a little flustering. He grins bright as the sun though, the delight at being so cared for warm in his eyes, and reaches out to clasp Susan's hand enthusiastically in greeting. "A pleasure, Susan! And Anikan, and…" He blinks, as Adrian shoots up from a dead sleep, and then huffs in amusement a moment later as the poor guy wakes up a little. "The one and only — pleasure to meet you too, Adrian. Careful, easy."
He grins and leans back on a leg, looking between all the trainers with unabashed delight oozing out of every pore. It's so easy for Arris to feel at home immediately, even if the hero's welcome is a little overwhelming. "Mya mentioned it, so I'm absolutely considering the challenge now, yeah. How could I not? And shit — I'm happy to battle whether it's for a challenge or not! Ain't that right, team?"
All three Pokemon agree in a bright and excited chorus. Belle pauses in her bouncing around to wave her leaves in greeting to do a very delighted twirling dance, and Skipper nods with a very decisive pllllup! Gains of course, given a challenge, puts aside the friendly sweet disposition to do a grand flex. Nevermind that he was a bug type — he was strong! And not to be underestimated! Arris winks at Mya, his grin just absolutely shining bright. "Yeah, that's the spirit! This is Gains the Heracross, Skipper the Piplup, and of course, the always beautiful and sweet Belle the Bounsweet. Some of the rest of the team are at home right now, but hey, given the challenge…"
He nods to Mya. "I think the gang's all fired up on both sides. I'm in no rush — I feel like a sparring match would be fun anyway between the Pokepals, Dialga knows they've got endless energy, but may as well make it official, yeah? Why not? This is a hell of a crew you've got going though. I'm chuffed as a Cherrim to meet all of you guys. And if Mya's the one training you all… well, shoot, we'll just have to see if the team's up to snuff. But it'll be fun no matter what. My team, and myself, are just real happy to see beloved friends again — and to make new ones, too!"
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Post by Mya "Rainbow" Saller on Oct 8, 2024 0:03:02 GMT
"If you trust in yourself. . .and believe in your dreams. . .and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy." -Terry Pratchett, The Wee Free Men Mama said it was okay, that it was quite alright
Mya smiled to herself as she imagined what Hickory Town would be like. Probably a lot different than here. Sure, she had traveled a bit, but she didn't get too far away from home. The mountains helped her feel comfortable. Open spaces were... different. And from what she could see from the top of the dragon's horn here was open fields with the foothills.
Her eyes narrowed as she clicked a tongue. "Mistveil..." she grumbled, deciding not to go further with it. That place felt wrong to her. The people didn't seem to have any sense of real community. Sure, it was a big city which was different to what she was used to, and maybe it was just cultural differences, but Mya couldn't get used to it. There was just an attitude that made her... Mya shook her head and took in a breath. "That sounds... very nice, actually! I'd love to visit and stay a while. Maybe the old champs can give me some pointers?"
Mya smiled as she watched all the trainers greeted Belle in their own way. Anikan with a nod, Adrian with a little hand wave before his head hit the desk, and Susan with a little 'aaaww!' as she bent down to give a proper greeting and a little pat on Belle's head. Susan stood back up and gave a lopsided grin. "Sounds great! We're booked for today, but you're welcome to watch a match. We have an observer's room that's air conditioned."
"Only Mya gets to wear the cooler packs," Adrian said sleepily, waving a hand around. "Trainers have to suffer the heat..."
Mya scoffed. "It's part of the test," she said. "If there's a health concern we do the battle outside on cooler days, but otherwise I make people sweat in the arena. I have some cooling packs I keep on my person during the fight so I don't sweat--especially since I'm in there all day. Adds to the 'badass' atmosphere, according to Anikan."
He clicked his tongue and winked. She watched as Susan gave a full hello to Gains and Skipper as well, giving a salute to the Piplup and a friendly arm flex to gains. Mya pushed off of the wall and glanced at the egg. It moved every now and then, but wasn't close to hatching... she wondered what was inside.
"If it's a Magikarp, I'm eating it," Anikan said. Mya flicked him between the eyes and he gave a startled shout. She walked back over to Arris with a fond smile, then looked at his team.
"I usually battle with my starter, Eon, somewhere in the line-up," she said this while looking at each of them, but pausing at Belle, "and then I have Wormy, of course. My other current favorite for gym challenges. Wanna meet them?" Usually introducing your team to your potential challengers was not a good idea, but this was Arris! And she had a feeling Belle would want to see Eon... of course, the orb-like dragon would want to meet his oldest friend, too!
Mya was already thinking about her plan of attack. Start with Atlas? Maybe... if Arris led with Belle he or Eon would be the best bet, but would Eon really want to attack anyone on Arris' team? Atlas and Wormy would--they understood the assignment. But Eon was a sweetheart through and through and more gentle than pokedex entries would have one believe. Most dragons were nicer than they seemed, in Mya's opinion. You just had to get used to them.
She looked back at Arris. "While these losers stay here and finish their paperwork," she said, hissing the last part through bared teeth, "I'll give you a tour of the gym, hm?" Susan raised her hand in defense and slowly moved to her desk, shuffling papers in an attempt to look busy before she took out another magazine and a wink. Adrian was passed out, drooling all over his work and Anikan dutifully took out a pen and got to work, glancing at the egg every now and then.
"Unless you want to stay here and grill them for their battle tactics. I won't mind! You'll have to beat it out of Anikan though." The man looked up and narrowed his eyes at both Mya and Arris before looking back at the papers.
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Arris Yule
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Character
Posts: 272
Gender: Male
Linked accounts: @artificiary, @farrah
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Post by Arris Yule on Oct 9, 2024 10:01:09 GMT
Arris is all grins all around, nodding to Mya in agreement as they all become acquainted. He's certain the old champions would adore her. Plus, Solomon would likely adore getting to show off the Hickory Gym… and chat someone new's ear off about that odd… competitive… gardening thing, that the veterans had been speaking about breaking ground on. Something about a tree; he couldn't remember.
"Mya mentioned! I'd love to see you all in action and watch. Enjoy that moment of coolness before being melted in the heat ourselves, eh?" Not that Arris would remember a damn thing anyway if he tried watching for strategy. His Pokemon might… but seeing a proper gym battle, he knows himself — Arris will get too lost in the excitement of a good match to pay attention to anything he probably should.
He chuckles, looking between the trainers. "Well. You're badass sweat or not already. But I think that's fair. You're in there all day compared to the short time a challenger like myself is. Plus, the challenge tests the bond between trainer and Pokemon, right? I can back that — if my team's out there giving it their all, I should be right in it with them. That means taking the heat, too." The team seems absolutely delighted with the trainers — especially Susan — and it puts him entirely at ease seeing his Pokemon so happy. Arris watches as Mya pushes off the wall, and finds himself raising his brows at Anikan's comment. He's certain it's a joke. Definitely. …But even if it wasn't, a Magikarp didn't have much edible on it anyway…
He shakes his head of his errant thought and attempts to pay better attention. "Makes sense, he's your first," he nods. Arris wouldn't expect it any other way — just as Belle is his own ace. He grins, delighted, and Belle seems to share the excitement with an extremely pleased twirl even as she soaks up the attention she's given. "'Course I'd love to meet 'em! I only wish I had my full team with me in return, egg-sitting for Pepper aside — but we'll amend that soon, eh?"
Arris claps his hands together, and like a siren call, Belle bounces from foot to foot before leaping into her trainer's arms to be carried. "That's my girl, hey sweetie — she's gotten real jealous of me carrying the egg instead of her, but oh my little love you're getting too big for me to carry anyway." The Bounsweet pouts… but she's being carried now, so there's not much to complain about. He chuckles and shakes his head before nodding to Mya, eyeing Anikan out of the corner of his eye. "I wouldn't dream of getting in the way of paperwork. Quicker it's done, quicker it's gone. But grillin' for tactics wouldn't do any good anyway — you know my team! Forged in the fire, learn things the hard way on the spot. That's half the fun of it. But we'd be more than glad of the tour before that next match."
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Post by Mya "Rainbow" Saller on Oct 11, 2024 19:59:10 GMT
"If you trust in yourself. . .and believe in your dreams. . .and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy." -Terry Pratchett, The Wee Free Men Mama said it was okay, that it was quite alright
The blush at how she had always been badass was covered up with a snort and another firm hit to Arris' back. Yeah... it was good to have him back in town. She hadn't realized how much she missed her friend. Mya made a mental note to try to make more time for him, to find it in her schedule to visit and maybe go on more hikes. She smiled at Belle and gave a wink as she moved to check the egg case once more and then moving to the door.
"Come on! The gym's a pretty big place!" She moved out into the hallway, away from where they had come in. "The main section is what people enter into. We hope one day its back to the glory of the old Famine Mall but also making it a community center. The first floor is reserved for all free services provided by the gym or city and the second will be for stores. This place is like an access road to everywhere in the gym. Need to be able to respond quickly if the mountain starts to move on us. Pokemon made it easier, but we've built some strong support systems in so we don't have to depend on them too much."
She pushed open another door and held it open as Atlas trotted on in. "This is the cool down room. It's a place for challengers to get ready for a battle and also to cool down after one. Equipped with a full healing center on loan from the Pokemon Center. Temperature controlled, too."
The room was cool with a breeze from the powerful air conditioner coming through. Bathrooms set off to the side. The tones of the room ranged from cool to dark blues and greys. It was meant to be calming, but some trainers couldn't help but feel the nerves right before a match, some quitting before they even walked down the stairs. It had a few lockers for people to store their things, a PC to exchange their pokemon--courtesy of the League--several benches, and a fridge stocked with cool drinks for both people and pokemon. The freezer was marked "Do not open".
Mya would give as much time as needed before continuing the tour, walking into the room and then out another door. She took the stairs down and then made a sudden left before getting to the door at the bottom, going down another hallway. This one was outfitted with strong steel support beams that held the rock apart. "No danger of it collapsing or flooding with water or lava," she explained. "This area is secure, but the beams act as earthquake protection and the doors will clobber in to act as a shield. If the gym comes down, anyone in the cool down room and observer's chambers can get into here and wait for rescue. Holds one hundred people and one on the opposite end that leads to the main area also holds the same. There's more secure spots we made, too! But these are the main two. We run rescue drills every week with a volunteer team. Rock and ground types."
She pushed the heavy metal door open and entered the observer chambers. There were many stadium-like seats here with a thick glass acting as a shield. There was a second observer's chamber on the other side as well. From any seat in the chamber, there was a perfect view down to the battlefield. The white chalk stood out among the rocks, dirt, and pools of spring water that had ominous bubbles and steam rising up. Amazingly the windows didn't fog despite the room being very comfortable.
"We don't allow food or drink in these chambers in case of an emergency, of course. Don't need anyone slipping." Mya looked down at the gym grounds below. "These windows are made from reinforced enamel glass. I tried to get Eon to break it by literally hurtling him towards them. Not even a scratch."
Mya took in a breath and looked at Arris and Belle, then to the rest of the team. "Let's head up top--its where I do most of my training. I'll introduce you to the team there." She led the way out to the main area and onto public-access steps up to the top of the mountain. It was a long walk--the elevator was also right there but... Mya preferred the stairs. Got the blood flowing.
"Hey, Arris," she asked, "what have you been up to all this time? I mean... I know you've been traveling, but what's been going on with ya?" It was an earnest question, from one friend to another.
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Arris Yule
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Character
Posts: 272
Gender: Male
Linked accounts: @artificiary, @farrah
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Post by Arris Yule on Oct 17, 2024 18:03:15 GMT
"C'mon team, scoot along!"
Arris and the others follow behind dutifully, Belle chirping happily all the while. He nods, attention rapt and golden eyes sharp as he both listens and takes in the entirety of their surroundings. "I feel like big is an understatement," he chuckles, "But it's nothing short of absolutely incredible. Taking an old mall and making it into the centerpiece of the town? Nothing short of wickedly intelligent. Culture, history… and it brings so much to the economy as the living, breathing heart of Famine."
As hot, he thinks, as the spirit of the people who refused to lay down and die. And of the awakening mountain too, evidently. He raises a brow, before glancing back over his shoulder towards the break room, and back again. Skipper bumps into his leg with a little grumble as he pauses a beat. "Is that why they mentioned shifts?" He follows through the door, turning to hold it open in turn for Mya as well. "The mountain is… becoming active again? It's moving?" For all his travelling, sometimes Arris could know so little. Was the mountain simply always this active? Was this new, with all of the construction work done on the gym and the new housing?
He keeps this in mind as he takes a deep breath of the cooled air. Skipper seems delighted immediately, flopping over on his back in the room with a long pllluuuuuuuup... Arris snorts. "You're from a tropical island and you can't handle a lil' heat? C'mon Skip, you're killin' me. Belle and Gains are just fine, see?" Belle does seem to be more than fine, basking in both the cool of the room and the humid warmth of the rest of the area. Gains... well. Arris honestly wasn't entirely certain anything could bother the indomitable Pokémon's spirit. He really was just that sturdy and eager to thrive in any environment.
Needless to say, the Piplup gave him a look that clearly said if he had fingers, Arris would be getting the middle one right now. The trainer snorts, but follows Mya along anyway. He'll catch up. "That's really nice that there's the space to be able to cool down. Kind of like the warm up to an workout, right? And how you slow down after, instead of just stopping." True to form, Skipper does make it out the door... but mostly because on his way through, Gains picks the little penguin up and carries him like he ways nothing more than paper. Arris takes the time to help Gains down the stairs with his shorter insectoid legs, pausing to make sure he's stable before catching up, Belle still tucked like a happy little beach ball under his arm. "Shit, there's really some trouble with the mountains then, huh? How long has this been going on? I mean -- having the infrastructure to live right alongside it is nothing short of incredible, but... y'know. I knew there was a lot of steam and some old flows down in the Maw itself, but I had no idea the range was that active."
The stadium itself is nothing short of incredible. It really felt like looking into a great dragon's lair... but not any typical dragon, but an ancient wyrm. The kind from old legends that could lay waste to an entire city with a mere flick of a claw. Legendary dragons. The battlefield of heroes. "Do you often get a lot of observers? Like public matches, things like that? The security is incredible but I can't imagine anything less than people wanting to see the legendary Dragon Tamer in action, yeah?" Arris beams. He couldn't begin to say just how proud he is of Mya, of the progress she's made, the work she's done. So many tonnes she's put upon her shoulders, but it's all been worth it the entire way through, and it hasn't been done alone, either. He reaches up with his free hand not holding onto Belle and squeezes her shoulder with a fond grin, before nodding and following. He himself was someone who preferred the work of stairs. Made you feel alive. Reminded you that you were human, if there was a lot. And a few stairs never killed anyone, anyway. He wasn't too worried about Gains, either -- it was going down stairs that was the problem, not up.
"Hm?" He looks over as he climbs, and then hums, looking up ahead, gaze a little lost in thought. "I wish I could say a lot. Moved to part time on the Belleview docks so I could travel more. Camp a lot. I love it though, being out under the stars... grandpa was the one to teach me how to rough it like that. I'm sure he'd be happy to know how much I still love it." His smile falters for a moment, but he clears his throat and continues. "But, yeah. I do a lot of contract work now. Pretty much anything I can get my hands on is a learning experience, and the more I know the more that I can help anyone I come across, yeah? It's pretty stable."
He gestures vaguely with a hand, but hums. "But that's just work. I know. I uh... Been spending some time with the rangers, with the gym in Port Belleview... But I haven't really been home in a hot minute. Don't really know why. Solomon's been pestering me but I've always got one reason or another. It's not like I've done anything wrong, I just... y'know. What have I been doing, right? Perpetually training, wandering, working, but have I really done anything in that time? And then there was that whole Exhibition disaster..."
Arris sighs. "So I've been kind of I guess, keeping around with my ear on the ground. The team's nothing short of amazing, all of them, but, y'know. I guess I really have been off the grid?"
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Post by Mya "Rainbow" Saller on Oct 18, 2024 2:01:37 GMT
"If you trust in yourself. . .and believe in your dreams. . .and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy." -Terry Pratchett, The Wee Free Men Mama said it was okay, that it was quite alright
Mya nodded. "Yeah," she said. "We take shifts for a whole month. Morning, evening, and nights. Someone has to be present to summon the rescue team if anything goes wrong or turns dangerous. Ya know, having a lava waterfall in the gym wasn't my idea--but the mountain's." She thought about how to best answer the question in full. It was complicated. The mountain had been sleeping for years--ever since pokemon vanished--but it was a volcano. The whole mountain could blow any day, but they had started to release that pressure build up before it could become dangerous. But still...
She smiled at Skipper's antics and gave Gains a wink as they continued on, appreciating how helpful Arris was with his team. It was nice to see such a kind trainer. Mya had come across a few jerks in her time, but she had nothing to fear from her friend. Good heart on that one. She let out a breath. "Yeah. She was asleep for years," said Mya as the tour pressed on. "But when pokemon came back, the mountain woke up. They're burrowing, fighting, living inside of it and that creates pathways, causes things to press together and snap. Its... a lot. Now that the pokemon are just being pokemon, the mountain's once again awake. I found some old papers from back before the Rapture, too. There used to be teams that'd go down into the Maw and release pressure points to keep her calm. I've started doing that. Planning an expedition soon given the tremors are getting worse."
A barking laugh ripped from her chest. "I don't know about legendary," she laughed, smiling at Arris and reaching up to squeeze his hand in turn. She felt a pulsing ache cross her chest at just the thought of how long it had been since she had seen him. He'd grown so much. And she was eager to see his talents in battle. "But thank you... really." She looked out the window. "We get quite the crowd for announced matches. Especially mine. You can't see or hear them really from inside the chamber--unless you really look and listen for it--but people love to flock in and watch. I encourage challengers to study my tactics up here as well, develop a plan."
Mya listened carefully as they walked up those stairs, though, but Arris had caught her eye. The falter in his smile, the clearing of his throat. Her eyes narrowed, but she quickly looked ahead. Something was... wrong. The past-tense for his grandfather was one. If it was the pain she thought then she understood, at least in her own way. That horrible grief that always hit you when you were down. She'd sometimes find herself waking up at night with tears flowing from her eyes, sobs wracking her chest. It hurt. Every day the pain came less and less frequently, but sometimes it just...
"The Exhibition, yeah... we were worried we were going to lose Farrah for a while -- the head of the League? And with Yew..." Mya didn't have a strong attachment to Professor Yew outside of her having been the professor, but Mya did have Yew to thank for her first phone and also giving her some information on Eon.
They reached the top of the stairs and came out into an open-air training ground. There were several battlefields planned out, some drink machines under large canopy, and a fence at the edges to keep people from falling off. The main heart of the mountain rose far above them. It was empty except for them -- not many folks this time of day.
When they reached the top, Mya pulled Arris into a tight hug, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and giving him a solid squeeze and a firm pat on the back. She held him for a moment, trying to think of what to say. This was never her strong suit. "You've done plenty. You're a good man, Arris. I'm here for you if you ever need me, okay?" She'd hold him as long as he needed, and when he was ready to pull back she would let go and pat his shoulders with the softest smile she could offer.
She then turned on her heels and walked further out onto the field, taking two more pokeballs off of her wrist and tossed them out. Atlas gave a happy trill as Eon and Wormy were both released. Distraction time!
Eon slammed against the ground, short legs bending as the earth cracked under his sheer weight. Sharp, bright red eyes opened up from the darkness of the shell as the Shelgon shook himself off, the sheer weight able to be seen from every movement. The dragon gave a happy growl as he slowly walked over to Arris and the others, stomping his feet at the sight of his oldest friend Belle. Hello, hello!
Wormy landed far more gracefully, wrapping himself up in a coil as he gave a look at Arris and the others. He stuck his nose up in the air, knowing he was far more regal than this riffraff, though a firm glare from Mya had him offering his welcome to these new pokemon before he slithered over to Mya, draping his long snake-like body over her shoulders like a scarf. She did not bend or flinch at the sudden addition.
"Eon and Wormy, respectively," she said with a chuckle. "Ignore Wormy's attitude, we're still working on it. He's nice!" She looked over at Eon. "He's been getting bigger every day. Each week he weighs about five or ten pounds more."
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Arris Yule
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Character
Posts: 272
Gender: Male
Linked accounts: @artificiary, @farrah
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Post by Arris Yule on Oct 28, 2024 23:28:57 GMT
Shit. That was really a hell of a thing. For the volcano to be awakening, after so many decades… that was a lot to deal with, for anybody — but it was especially, Arris had to imagine, a massive weight on Mya's shoulders in particular. He looked over at her as they continued to walk, listening quietly and nodding. To have to go through so many things, all of this… all these responsibilities were one thing — it was something Mya had talked about for ages. But the volcano? Who would expect an extinct mountain to just wake up one day like it was nothing? Mya really was legendary — even if she didn't believe it herself.
"Yeah, I heard — glad Farrah survived, even if Yew…" He clicked his tongue. "Gains used to be hers, y'know? I had this little Yungoos I caught way back — she never really thrived with my team; being beaten by Belle really depressed her, I think. And Gains wasn't really flourishing with the professor's. So we arranged a trade after I brought the Yungoos in. I… hope that she survived. That she's okay." He felt responsible, in a way. He loved Gains — he and the Heracross had bonded instantly, and he'd fit right in as if it was where he'd always been. But sometimes, he wondered about Sass the Yungoos — and all of Yew's Pokemon. He was the one to put Sass in that position to begin with.
Reaching the top was like a breath of fresh air, and Arris took in a deep lungful of it. It was incredible — like a sanctum up the mountain, with the heart and peak far above like an observant guardian. Training in the shadow of giants. How badass was that?
Before he could really get a thought out though, he found himself in a tight bear-hug that he immediately returned before he could even realize what was happening. "Ah — hell, that's sweet of you to say," he said after a moment, squeezing back with the strength he had. "I appreciate you so much, y'know that? I love you to bits, Mya. I'm here for you too, okay? No more of the whole, nobody hearin' from nobody — y'all are gonna get sick of seeing me around here. So if you need an extra body for those expeditions…" Skipper, who'd finally made it up the stairs, wheezing, flopped onto the ground next to them. With a winded little chirp, he raised a flipper in a salute before just resting to catch his breath. Belle twirled around him, and Gains was behind them as he looked out across the arena, unaffected by the hike at all. "You good, Skip? Yeah? Okay — well. You need extra bodies, this lil' guy's got the water pressure."
He stayed in the hug for a few moments before finally backing up with a big grin. All things aside, and honest promises meant, affection given, there were old friends to be reacquainted with! Big friends, at that — good lord! Belle was bounced off the ground a few inches by the force of Eon's entry alone.
And oh, was Belle delighted for it. No sooner than could Eon growl a hello than was Belle practically tackling the giant shelled dragon with the happiest cry she'd made in a long while. At first she bounced effortlessly off his side, but she was back barely a moment later, nuzzling with all the delighted, happiest noises in the world. Eon!!! Oh, she was so happy to see him, she'd missed him so much!!!!
Skipper waved a hello to Eon, and then looked up at Wormy as he pulled himself to his feet. Oh, it was like that, huh? The Piplup offered a hello back, but he offered Wormy the same regal snootiness that he decided he was perceiving. He was tough, too! A nudge from Gains deflated him a little, though, as the Heracross waved a hello good-naturedly to both of the newly released friends. Pleasure to meet'cha!
"My good Groudon, Eon," Arris whistled as he crouched down, giving scritches along the dragon's massive shell. "And I thought you were massive the day you evolved, buddy! The you of today makes that Shelgon look tiny in comparison. Good on you, that's incredible. Has he been growing this fast the entire time? And look at you, Wormy! I don't think I got the chance to meet you when you were a Dratini, but I've definitely heard about you. All three of you are just… glowing — and I don't just mean your tail, Atlas! It's a miracle anybody gets a gym badge out of you all. We've all got our work cut out for us. All three of you — and the rest of the team, too, you've all just been workin' your butts off to look this good!" Arris rocks back on his heels and grins up at Mya. Whatever sadness had been clouding his mind has clearly been scattered when met with the joy of seeing old and new friends — Pokemon friends, at that! "I know she's not with ya today, but how's Járn doin', too?"
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Post by Mya "Rainbow" Saller on Oct 30, 2024 22:31:25 GMT
"If you trust in yourself. . .and believe in your dreams. . .and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy." -Terry Pratchett, The Wee Free Men Mama said it was okay, that it was quite alright
She looked at Gains again, storing that bit of information in her memory. That was... interesting. But in her opinion, Gains sure did fit Arris much better than the late professor. The pokemon had so much energy and had a real chance to be a true champion in battle with the air of confidence he had. He'd struggle against Atlas, of course, given their typing, but Mya was sure the bug type could pack a real punch. "The rest of her pokemon are still at the lab," Mya said. "They all survived, thankfully, but in honor of her memory they are now dedicated lab pokemon for helping out the starters and battle demonstrations." How did Mya know that? Well, now that she's found herself involved in the League there was a lot more information to sift through and then the attack happened as a League Expo to start its formation it was... a lot.
She smiled as she finally let go of Arris. "Get sick of you? Impossible." She looked to Skipper. "Eon, a gentle Hydro Pump, please." The Shelgon turned his attention away from Belle and gave a nod, gathering gather in what looked like would be a powerful force before it came out as a small little blast of a hose on Skipper. Not enough to cause any harm, but enough to rejuvenate the water type. Once that was done, the Shelgon went back to Belle with a smile. The little berry had gotten so big now! She looked radiant as well with such bright colors. That was good for grass types, right? Either way, Eon quickly settled himself down, eager to listen to all of their adventures! He had missed their chats so much and... well, they hadn't seen each other since his evolution had they? There was so much to catch up on! He of course gave a proper hello to the other two, but he had his favorite for sure.
A grumble of pleasure came from Eon at the scritches, some of the bone-like shell flaking off. "Yeah, he won't stop! Apparently he was supposed to evolve about 80 pounds ago according to the pokedex, but he's taking his sweet time. Little worried, though. When Shelgon evolve their shells kinda... explode? So we're making a chamber to prepare for that. To be on the safe side."
Wormy preened at the attention, giving the other two pokemon a look. A sharp glare from Mya had him acting a little more welcomingly as he gave a proper head bow this time. Mya reached up and rubbed her knuckles against his jaw. Atlas also gave a happy little 'char~' at the compliment, his expression seeming like anything but a gym pokemon. Mya smiled though. "They don't take one easily. My gym trainers stop well over half of the people that come to challenge us, but when it comes to my team, we don't hold any punches." Wormy gave a nod. Of course they didn't! They were gym pokemon--their job was to propose a challenge to challengers! Those that made it past them had to actually earn their badges. What as this? A charity?
Mya gave a whistle and pointed to a mountain overhanging town. "She's eating half that mountain. We're building some more apartments for folks inside the mountains since those are just rock and not volcanoes--but before we can do that, we gotta clear out the inside and make sure its actually--you know--stable. She's a Pupitar now! So she needs to eat and eat so she'll evolve. She has to eat a whole mountain so... yeah." Mya sighed. Jarn... she was a tough pokemon with a shell made out of solid iron, and she could travel through blasts of energy coming out of its vents, but that used up the energy her body needed for her evolution! It was best to let her focus on that right now.
"Oh! The gym match is in about an hour. Wanna see an example of a power controller? And if so, which of your team wants to volunteer as an example?" Mya gave them all a sharp grin. Her team was polite--except Wormy--and knew how to control their strength normally, but in a real battle? The power controllers were desperately needed for a proper match. Just made things more fair.
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