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Posted by: Darck Apr 30 2009, 04:21 PM

"Piece of junk" Darck muttered to himself. He had been sitting in the back of the transport fumbling with the item that Absol stole from the rubber-tire monster. Hours seemed to just roll by as the transport bumped and bounced it's way down the road, soon about 30 miles outside of the cities boarders the driver turned the music down, pulled off to the side of the road and tapped on the glass motioning towards the gauge on the dash of his vehicle..

"A FARE!?" Darck thought to himself as he got infuriated with the driver, it was outrageous, They hadn't gone that far..and it wasn't exactly made clear that this ride wasn't free.

Darck gave a long pause as he looked at Mindy, this was the first time he'd seen her look so stunning, in Lenolia the polluted sky's dimmed her beauty but out here in the clear air she was a pure picture of perfection. He then glanced at Daryn he was staring out the window. If it hadn't been the three of them there pooling poke-dollars they would've never been able to pay the fare. Climbing out of the now known cab, Darck took his first breathe of fresh air and felt alive.

The field seemed to roll on forever, hills in the distance seemed like bumps, the sun shined like places like Lenoilia never existed, this Meadow was filled with flowers the wind rolled over the meadow lifting petals making them dance in the air. It seemed like there was one road, the one they were on.

"Well... lets start walking.." Darck grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder, shoved the item that Absol stole into his pocket and grabbed a poke ball. He hit the button and released it, Absol came rushing out and looked up at his trainer.

"Sol?" The disaster pokemon questioned his methods.

"It's a beautiful day, I thought you might enjoy some of the fresh air" Darck reached down and places his hand on Absol's head.

"Ssssoool!" The Pokemon seemed to agree as it took off running ahead playfully.

"Why don't you let out some pokemon Mindy, Daryn?" He looked them over and started chasing after Absol

"Those Adventures in Arasam aren't going to come to us!" the black clad trainer shouted back to Mindy and Daryn as he took off running down the road after his Absol. They ran along side each other for what seemed like forever till a building appeared in the distance. It looked like a ranch. As they continues running they ended up slowing down, the Ranch came more and more into sight they could see a huge fenced in area, hear many different pokemon cry's.

Absol and Darck both stopped as they came closer to it, Mindy and Daryn were a bit behind them, they finally caught up as they all looked at the Ranch.

Posted by: The Rose Crusader Apr 30 2009, 07:35 PM

As soon as the taxi had crossed the bridge leaving Lenoilia, Melinda felt as if some large weight was taken off her shoulders. The scenery changed very quickly: there were beautiful meadows, flower fields, enormous trees, everything that one should see in the countryside. Mindy's nose was making fog on the window as she plastered herself to the glass, wanting so much to breathe in the fresh air that she was so accustomed to. The car continued to take the group down a long road for a long time. Melinda couldn't wait to get out of the stinky car and be in the fresh real world again.

Eventually the car came to a stop. After a pooling together of the three's money, Melinda was the first to jump out of the van. She didn't really care that the man required a payment; it made sense for his labors anyway. The fields rolled in an infinity of eternal happiness, each hill springing in front of the other with more joy and jubilance than the previous. It was a hot day and a breeze, but there was no humidity at all: the perfect day. It all just made Melinda burst forth with the happiest feeling she had felt since she had stepped foot onto the Furoh region. She was having so much fun just being alive. When Darck mentioned letting all of their pokemon out, Melinda giggled:

"I'm way ahead of you Darck," Mindy sent out all of her pokemon. Swellow cried in rejoice as he sailed up into the sky. Misdreavus followed suit, except she was much slower than the jetting Swellow. Melinda knew better than to send out little Feebas in the green environment, but she was very pleased when Rose appeared from her pokeball. As soon as Rose appeared from the confines of her container, her expression completely changed. From the unsure, confused and daring pokemon in Lenoilia, she, for lack of a better term, bloomed like a rose. Her petals opened up the pure sunlight and clean air. Her expression changed completely, she was happy.

Just like Melinda was when she was freed from her "prison".

Melinda was truly happy at that point; everything was perfect. Well, except for the fact that Jaima wasn't with them to witness the glorious moment. Mindy knew that he'd be back, though. She was so happy, there was nothing in the world that could ruin this moment for her. Just like Roselia, Melinda had blossomed in the new environment as well. Already Rose was looking healthier as the beautiful sun beat down on her, turning her pale hands a more vivid color every minute. "The new environment will do wonders for Rose," Mindy thought.

When Melinda saw Darck take off, the energy-bustling girl took off after him. At first she was surprised at her new friend's level of physical fitness, but it faded as Mindy ran right past Darck. She was definitely the most physically fit out of all the group, so she did have to slow down for the other two to catch up. The pokemon simply followed their trainer's obviously enjoying the change in scenery as much as their trainers. As the gang reached the peak of another hill, they all saw a building in the distance. It had a large silver silo that wasp laced right next to a modest barn. There was also an even-more modest building not to far from those two structures. Surrounding the compound were herds and herds of farming pokemon: Miltanks, Grumpigs, Ponytas, Flaafys, you name it! Melinda could hear all of the pokemon from the ranch howling and cheering, simply enjoying their lives. The scene was that of a picturesque Pokemon Ranch, and Melinda loved it!

"So guys, I'm getting hungry. Who brought the food this time?" When there was a resounding silence among the group, Melinda smacked herself in the head. "Never mind," she sighed. "I feel bad, but i guess we could impose on the people that live over there," Mindy pointed to he compound. Seeing as there were no other options, the others agreed. They walked the rest of the journey to the ranch to enjoy the moment for just a bit longer. Once they had reached it Melinda climbed the porch and knocked hard on the door three times and ask if anyone was there.

Posted by: Living Arrow May 1 2009, 12:43 PM

As grey gave way to green, Darryn couldn't help but leave his thoughts with Jaima. It was difficult not to get the guilt out of his head after leaving his friend behind to search for Ember alone but Darryn had a dream to live up to and staying in Lenoilia did nothing to bring that goal any closer. He watched the scenery flash by, verdant emerald landscapes blurring into the distance as the group's vehicle powered nothwards towards Arasam. Darryn sat in silence the whole way, contemplating his next steps with the Pokemon that held him in such esteem. When the time came to disembark their ride, Darryn exited last and slowly gathered his things (along with all of his stray thouhts) before putting on his most practiced smile and joining Mindy and Darck on the roadside.

"Why don't you let out some pokemon Mindy, Daryn?" Darck asked, taking off after his Absol which had been released for some exercise. Mindy immediately followed suit and sprinted through the grass of the hills south of Arasam, leaving Darryn behind.

*So, my Pokemon will like being out of their balls? Don't they like it inside? I wonder what goes on in there...*

"Let's go, everyone." Darryn said, clicking their balls open and releasing his entire team into the lush grass. They all sat patiently, looking up at him with expectation. Darryn frowned. "Don't you want to go and run around like the other Pokemon?" He asked, pointing to where Mindy's Pokemon flew and ran after their trainer. His team stared at him questioningly, as if wondering why they were getting such a free pass to procrastination.

"Look, guys." Darryn crouched down and looked each of his Pokemon in the eye. "Things are different now. I want you all to be happy and play around like Mindy's Pokemon do. You can fly around and run as much as you like but keep within eyesight of me, OK?"

Pidgeotto was the first to take the hint, springing into the air and jetting off towards Mindy's Swellow calling a hello and an invitation to play. Butterfree followed him quickly, not wanting to leave her flying buddy's side. Jolteon barked with happiness and ran after Mindy while Lady remained at Darryn's side.

"Go on!" He urged her, but those deep brown eyes seemed intent.

<I. Am. Lady.> She said meaningfully. Darryn rolled his eyes and picked her up.

"I think you can go without being such a lady for a little while!" He laughed, running after Jolteon and the others.

With no food and only a beautiful little ranch in sight, Darryn followed Darck and Mindy down to the nearest buildings that looked inhabited in search of a meal. Darryn inwardly chuckled at the shear foolishness that they had managed to stumble through once more and resigned himself to follow the others' lead, keeping a the rear of the group with Lady still in his arms.

Posted by: The Rose Crusader May 4 2009, 09:11 PM

"Well howdy!" A blond pig-tailed girl warmly welcomed Darck, Darryn and Melinda. "Don't be shy, com ohn' in!" she assured, opening the door fully allowing the three travelers to enter the house. She was a fairly tanned skinny girl. A rather plain face with freckles smiled pleasantly smiled at Melinda as she took in the new girl. Her tall brown cowgirl boots ran right into her denim overall one-piece with a white blouse. Melinda guessed that she was young, perhaps 11 or 12, as she wasn't fully "blossomed" like Melinda.

"Who's there, hun'?" An old rather creaky voice called from another room.

"JUST SOME TRAVLLERS PASSIN BY GRAMS!" the girl responded rather loudly. "That's my grandma. She's nice, but she gets overwhelmed a little sometimes," the innocent cowgirl gigled. "By the way, my name's Nessie, and welcum to the ole’ Loch Ranch and Daycare! And y’are-” she extended her hand out to Mindy.

"Melinda, but you can call me Mindy," she replied back. Melinda was pleased that they had found pleasant company to share their time with. After Nessie introduced herself to Darryn and Darck, she asked what they were doing out in the middle of the "ole Furoh rejin".

"Well, we just got out of that awful place Lenoilia and we are headed on our way towards Arasam," Melinda explained. "We realized that we didn't pack any food, and we were wondering if we could perhaps...uh...”

“We could work off what we eat!” Darryn butted in, saving Melinda from pure humiliation.

“Of course y’all can stay! Grams always makes extra food, and me and Grandad always cud use an’ extra hand evr’y now ‘nd then” Nessie explained. “WE’RE GONNA HAVE SUM COMPANY FER DINNER GRAMS!” Nessie shouted through the house.

“Mmkay!” a cheerful voice responded.

“Heyall, lunch shud be ready in ‘bout an’ hour er so, so we could go get workin’ right away.” Nessie lead the three out to the farm so that they could start earning their keep. The girl’s happiness and pure state of jubilance was contagious, and Melinda soon found herself just as bubbly as her new friend Nessie. “Grams is probably out in the barn righ‘ ‘bout now,” she explained, “Probably milkin’ a Miltank ‘er something. Anyways, let’s get goin’!” It was a bright and beautiful day outside. The sun approached it’s highest pointing the sky as midday hit it’s full force on the balmy ranch. Melinda thoroughly enjoyed the charming little ranch and all of its simple pleasures as the gang, now with Nessie in tow, made their way to the barn.

Posted by: Darck May 4 2009, 09:51 PM

"Hello Nessie, I'm Darck and as Daryn already said we can always work off what we receive, I grew up on a farm much like this one my Uncle taught me a lot, and I will be more than happy to help. Just tell me what you need done, and I'll get too it. But first... May I use your rest room?" Darck got embarrassed but, hell, when you have to go you have to go.

"Sure ya' can'! Jus' go up the stayrs, take uh' left, and walk strayt ahed. We shud be in thuh' barn if ye need us" The young girl was full of energy and responded quickly.

Darck gave a nod, dashed up the stairs and soon found the bathroom. He relieved himself, and stripped down to just his T-shirt and pants, it was going to be very hot outside working on that farm. He tossed his excess clothing in his bag and looked in the mirror. He looked like he had been through a dust bowl of pollution, didn't bug him much till he grabbed a rag and wet it with warm water. He cleaned off his face and raised an eyebrow. "I didn't pack a razor...>.>;" His facial hair was growing back.

Minutes pass and Darck went down stairs he placed his bag by the door and walked into the kitchen, he saw an old woman standing above a huge pan it smelled like Chili. Darck walked in and took a great big smell.

"Mmm that smells amazing ma'am. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Aw, it's alrigh' dearey. Ihm usd'ta doin' all this maself. Go'on n'help ole Francis out thar, don' worreh 'bout lil' ole me"

"Alright then... I'll go see him" Darck walked out into the fresh open air, a breeze picked up he saw flowers for what seemed like forever, just dance in the breeze. Running his hand along his hair he smiled. Pretty soon he heard a familiar cry of a Miltank, it was coming from the barn, as Darck reached the barn he realized that the Miltank was just being milked by what he would assume to be the young woman's Grandfather.

"May I...give you a hand with that?" Darck seemed to sneak up on the old man because he jumped and gave a laugh when he realized that it was just a young man offering his help.

"Aw, It's alright son, I'm used to doing all of this work by myself. Go on and help Nessie out in the field. Don't worry about this old man"

"....okay...." Darck left the barn and went in search of the young girl... he couldn't help but have his eye lay on a beautiful bull. It was a Tauros, his coat was flawless and his horns couldn't be sharper. Three long tails ending in perfect colored black hair. Darck approached the great beast slowly, smoke was forced out of the bulls nose as a hoof dug into the ground he was preparing to charge. Suddenly as if the Bull knew that Darck wasn't there to hurt him, he stopped and slowly walked to Darck.

"Magnificent beast you are..." Darck's hand met with the bulls coat as he began running his hand over him.

Posted by: Living Arrow May 5 2009, 12:47 PM

As they moved across the farm, Lady dropped out of her trainer's arms to sniff around the scattered hay and followed the humans at a distance, straying slowly so that she could evade the attention of the loud abrasive girl. If there was one thing she didn't like it was abrasive girls and a second one around her beautiful master was more than she could bear!

Darryn leaned close to Mindy and lowered his voice so that the bumpkin girl couldn't hear him.

"I have no idea what she is saying..." He whispered, pulling a confused grimace at his friend. "I hear noise but I can't pick the words out of her... rural charm?"

Mindy sniggered and elbowed him in the ribs. Darryn chuckled slightly but nudged her back quickly.
"I'm being serious! I can't understand a word of it! You'll have to show me whatever we have to do first 'cos I don't have the foggiest what she is on about..."

Mindy giggled harder and elbowed Darryn again, this time with a lot more force.

"Wha-?" He began.

"What y'all talkin 'bout?" Nessie asked them as she led them to a grassy field where Ponyta were grazing placidly in the sun. Darryn gawped at her while his mouth worked silently, his brain trying desperately to find something to say.

*Is that even a real language?! If I say 'yes' then it might be bad... But if I say 'no' it might be worse...*

"I've got Pokemon!" He suddenly announced, his face as uncertain as a Dunsparce in sunlight. Nessie frowned at him and raised an eyebrow.

"Y'all city fulk shore are weeyurd!" She giggled, showing them towards their lunchtime task.

Darryn's face reddened deeply and he kept his eyes focused on his toes as he followed Melinda, his friend snorting laughter under her breath as they went.

Posted by: The Rose Crusader May 6 2009, 10:18 PM

Melinda giggled at Darryn's hilarious responses o the girl's accent. Sure, Melinda wasn't really familiar with anyone that talked like she did, but it wasn't exactly rocket science to figure it out. As the gang approached the barn Darryn made a big scene about how he had pokemon. Melinda let out a silent giggle as Nessie busted with laughter at his completely random comment and headed into the barn. Determined not to make a total fool of himself, Darryn reached down for his pokeballs only to discover that they weren't there. One, two, three, four pokeballs had just disappeared. Pidgeotto, Butterfree and Jolteon with them! At least Vulpix was still with him, wandering around, trying to sniff something out. Something was wrong though. Darryn thought he was losing it. Surely he must have placed his balls on the counter in the house. Yes, obviously. He would simply recover them later.

"'Ey Grandad, I got sum young' un willin' to help uz out fer tuhday er so. Whaddya think?"

"I think that would be a splendid idea Nessarose!" hr grandfather exclaimed. Mindy was thoroughly surprised when Nessie's granddad started speaking in a perfectly unaccented tone, with her more perfection diction an punctuation.

"I do suppose you are all just some hungry, and rather lost, travelers who needed a bite to eat. Too humbled to simply ask for food, you wish to help us with our chores, correct?" Melinda simply nodded in amazement and the old man sighed for the exact opposite reason.

"Just wonderful. Now, I hope you three kids don not mind getting your hands dirty. Bessie’s ripe for milking now, as is Tessie, and Artichoke,” the elderly man continued, motioning towards the three Miltanks standing above large silver buckets.

“Normally, I would not accept your help, as I don’t usually trust urban people, but I’m in a desperate state right now. The Ponytas need extra exercise right now, or they would be in top shape for the derby in a couple of day. Nessie, you watch over these kids and make sure they do everything perfectly. I’ll see you kids at lunch time!” the man waved as he walked back out into the plains of the ranch.

Melinda didn’t know what to think of the old man. He seemed like he didn’t trust Darryn, Darck or Melinda and he didn’t even know them. The cows all looked the same, and had a generic look of contentment on their faces; well, all except for Atrichoke. She didn’t really seem happy at all. Seeing as Nessie took a seat on a small stool next to a cow, Melinda followed suit and sat down next to Tessa. Darryn gave a frown of disgust at the animals as Melinda got settled near Tessa. Artichoke grunted menacingly towards him.

“Alrigh’ y’all, itsa ‘bout tiem we sturted milkin’, so let’s milk!”

Posted by: Living Arrow May 8 2009, 02:41 PM

"Artichoke, is it?" Darryn frowned as he sat on the tiny stool in front of the displeased bovine. Her face sagged with a melancholy that Darryn couldn't describe other than "horrific" and her udders were drooping like tired bluebells rather than perking up like Jason's nipples on a Saturday morn-....

"Well, then! Shall we get started?" He grimmaced, reaching out towards Artichoke's pink swollen balloon but stopping short as the Miltank squirmed with displeasure and mooed sadly at him. He looked her over and sighed. "What seems to be the problem, hmm? We can't be haivng you complain the whole time if I'm meant to be earning my lunch, can we?"

Artichoke pulled and face and lolled to the side, reluctantly giving up her milk sac for Darryn to take hold of. He looked at it once more and gulped. There were a lot of things he would do when it came to grooming Pokemon but squeezing fluids out of one wasn't something he had planned on ever doing. It was all too close to that bent hetero stuff that his sister talked about with the girls at the Celadon Gym... If there was another way to do it without *touching* the Pokemon, Darryn would be more than happy to try... Pokedex!

[Miltank - the Milk Cow Pokemon. Miltank's milk is said to make whoever drink it grow into hearty healthy adults. This milk is produced especially quickly when Miltank are positively emotionally stimulated.]

"Make over!" He announced, snapping his fingers and jumping up to grab the Miltank by the shoulders. "You need a brighter outlook and a brighter you will do just the trick!" He swept his bag up and began selecting out a menagerie of potions, lotions, oils and tinctures along with bright accessories and berries for the ultimate work-over of a bummed out bovine.

He began by soothing Artichoke with a deep rose-scented scalp massage which made her grumpy visage perken with interest and pleasure that bespoke Darryn's beautification skills. He talked to her about how glossy her coat was, how full her udders and how shiny her trotters gleamed to brighten her mood and proceeded to offer her several dried berries to chew on why he worked. He filed her hooves and trimmed her fur, offering her a glance in his small handmirror every now and again to make her that little bit more happy after each little treatment. Before he knew it, Darryn had made Artichoke so cheery and keen that she was wiggling her stumpy legs at the milk pail, giving squeal of "Miru miru!"

"Time to milk?!" Darryn grinned, pushing the pail towards Artichoke's feet. She stood up and squatted over the bucket, squeezing her sotmach muscles hard until milk began to shoot from the tips of her udders. Darryn stood back and watched his efforst come to fruition without having to even tug a teat. "See? I just knew you'd be fit to burst if I could cheer you up!" He patted Artichoke merrily on the shoulder and watched Mindy and Darck finish off their own work, secretly annoyed that he had used up so many of his products to get a meal when they had just squeezed some tubes for a while.

Posted by: The Rose Crusader May 8 2009, 09:54 PM

The group finished milking the Miltank for all their worth after a good few minutes of labor. The continuous spurts of milk on the aluminum bucket had created a rhythm that made the task more bearable. Melinda was amused at Darryn's troubles with the Miltank named Artichoke; she laughed that he would be the one that got the stubborn pokemon. The Miltanks seemed livelier after they had been drained of their nutritious liquids, and mooed and cooed in gratitude. Even the balky Artichoke gave a nod to Darryn in approval. Nessie explained that it was time to go back to the ranch house for some hard-earned lunch. Darryn, Nessie and Melinda all picked up the buckets of they had filled and carried them to the house. On the way their Mindy had spilled about half of her bucket's contents; it was quite heavy and Melinda was having a hard time holding it up. She had no idea how Nessie, a girl about half her size, was managing this heavy labor.

Once they finally reached the house, Mindy saw Darck talking to Nessie's grandfather about some pokemon they had encountered while ending cattle. They dropped the milk off at the back of the house from where Nessie told them that lunch would be ready in about five minutes. Exhausted from their work, Darryn and Melinda both went into a nearby half bathroom to was off a bit. By now Melinda had sweated through all of her green tank tops, and was sure she would have to do some purchasing when she reached Arasam. They both threw water on their faces as Melinda tried to put her hair into some kind of acceptable form. All she could manage was a ponytail with a hair tie at this point, but she knew that it would be fine with the nice Loch family. She didn't think they were expecting suits and dresses for this seemingly casual lunch.

As the clock struck one a miniature rooster emerged from a cuckoo clock to signal the passage of midday. Darryn, Melinda and Darck all sat on one side of the table while Mrs. Loch, Mr. Loch and Nessie respectively across from one another. Mrs. Loch had served, in Melinda's standards, a banquet fit for all the kings and queens of the land. A rather large chicken had been cut into many large slices. Fresh bread rested in a basket towards the center of the table next to the chicken. A vast array of mashed potatoes, green salad and tomatoes was also available. Freshly pumped water from the spring was in everyone’s glasses, with three ice cubes of course. There was even a dish of gravy to compliment the main course! The table was wrapped in a tight fitting white-and-blue checkered tablecloth—it was your quintessential farm meal. Melinda’s stomach began growling as the company simply sat there, staring at the food. It had turned into quite the sweltering day as beads of sweat fell form Melinda’s face and onto her lap. She just didn’t understand why they were all sitting their, staring at each other! Then, Mr. Loch inhaled:

“Let’s have Nessie say the blessing.” He spoke reverently. The Loch family all outstretched their hands and clasped them together, intertwining each member of their side of the table’s with their own. Mindy had never been a religious person, but she knew the old saying: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” and did the obvious. Melinda outstretched her own hands to those of Darck and Darryn, who were seated on either side of her, and closed her eyes. Darryn’s hands were as soft as baby’s skin, but Darck’s were much more coarse and hard. They were like rocks or anything, but Mindy did definitely notice a difference between them. She became caught up in the peace of the moment, closing her eyes and letting the spirituality of the moment take her in:

“Dear lord,” began a sweet, innocent and childish voice, “bless our food, our family, and out wonderful new friends. We thank you for blessing us with their presence and companionship on this blessed day. Amen.”

On the final word ”Amen,” Melinda opened her eyes and let go of her friend’s hands. Melinda was thrust back into the world of the light as the family began to pleasantly pass around and serve each other food. It was certainly turning out to be grand meal, and everyone truly enjoyed themselves. ”If only every day were as peaceful and tranquil like this...” she wondered as she gorged herself on the delicious food.

Posted by: Living Arrow May 10 2009, 01:10 PM

Darryn dug into the food, not realising he had built up such a voracious appetite, and polished off his plate and the second helpings that followed in record time. The old lady made some sort of comment that Darryn couldn't interpret but he took whatever it was as a compliment as the bumpkin girl grinned, made another comment and patted her stomach happily. Lady seemed to appreciate her little meal to, nuzzling Darryn's calves under the table when he was finished.

"What a splendid lunch!" Mr Loch announced, kissing his wife sweetly on the cheek and pushing himself away from the table. "But once we've had a few minutes to let our food go down, I'd like for you youngsters to meet me in the yard at the back of the barn, if that's alright?" Darryn inwardly smiled, thankful that at least one of their hosts could speak plain english.

Darryn passed a questioning look to Darck and Mindy but neither seemed to know what the old timer wanted with them after they had gotten what they came for. Even so, it seemed rude not to say yes and in a short amount of time, Darryn and the others found themselves walking around the side of the massive red and white barn where they had milked the miltank earlier.

The girl - Nessie - carried on talking to Mindy and Darck but Darryn had no clue what she was on about until they rounded the last corner of the barn to find the old man stood at the other end of a yard marked out with white lines into the shape of a Pokemon Battlefield.

"Welcome to my little playground, everyone." Mr Loch gestured at the gravel yard and grinned. "It's been such a long time since my own training days but you three have really brought all the excitement back to me and I was wondering if you would mind having a double battle with me?"

Darryn's eyes widened. The old geezer looked ready to be put in a home - not have a battle - but those little eyes twinkled with mischief and expectation.

"I, er-" Darryn began.

"Of course we will." Mindy smiled to their host and elbowed Darryn in the ribs. "Is it OK if Darryn and I battle against you and Darck?"

"It's more than OK!" Mr Loch clapped his hands together. "You don't know how happy this will make me!"

Nessie said something again, this time mirroring the supreme excitement that Mr Loch had and running over to hug the old man's waist.

Darryn lowered his voice. "Are you guys sure about this? I don't want him to have a hernia or anything."

"Just because he's old it doesn't make him any less capable than you." Darck quipped, moving towards his battle partner. "I suggest you both prepare yourselves before you battle me."

Darryn glared after the black-clad youth even as Mindy was leading him to their own side of the field.

"Ignore Darck," she said quietly, "he doesn't mean to be rude - it's just the way he is. Now, are you going to show me how your newly evolved Pokemon battle or what?" Darryn sighed and let himself be put into position next to his friend.

"OK, but I couldn't find my Pokeballs ear-" He stopped as he looked down to find his balls back on his belt. When had he put them back on? He didn't remember finding them again.

"Everything OK?" Mindy urged Darryn, a Pokeball was already in her hand.

"Er, sure." Darryn said, still frowning down at his belt. "I think I know who to choose. Ready?"

Mindy grinned. "Always am!"

As one they span on the spot and hurled their Pokeballs into the makeshift arena and in unison cried:

"We call Rose and Butterfree to the field!!!"

Posted by: Darck May 12 2009, 10:00 PM

"A battle...heh. Bring. It. ON!" Darck launched a ball into the air and a very energetic Totodile emerged shoots spouts. Darck gave a nod to the old man and grinned to Mindy.

"I'll go easy on you sweetheart" He gave her a wink then smiled at Daryn. The old man raised his hand and put it to his lips, he whistled loudly and smirked.

"I may be old young pup, but I remember how to battle" He put his hand down and a loud stampeding could be heard from all along the field. A brilliant flame of a mane became more and more visible behind the man, till it leapt from the ground and few over Darck and the old man's head.

"A Rapidash?" Darck smirked as he saw the exotic beast.
"I've never seen one up close" Darck tilted his head and looked at Darryn and Mindy.

"Lady's first" He smirked to the two of them and looked at Totodile.

"Be ready to evade anything that flower throws at you"

Darck looked at the faces of his opponents and judged them but couldn't quite make out between worry and confidence. He mouthed the words 'good luck' to them and took a battle stance, one hand in his pocket, his body positioned to the side with his shoulder facing Mindy.

Posted by: The Rose Crusader May 13 2009, 05:56 AM

"Alright Rose, it's time to show your stuff!" Melinda cheered. Roselia, jittery with excitement, spun around and make a pose. "What a little brat..." Mindy thought jokingly. With Swellow's speed and Vespiquen's intelligence already being major strengths to Melinda's team, she only could hope that Roselia would bring something else to the table. The sky was beginning to darken as the sun began to fall from its highest point. The beautiful shades of light blue and purple enveloped the horizon. The temperature had reached its breaking point and begun to drop. It was the perfect conditions for a pokemon battle.

"Let's start off wit Growth, Roselia!" Melinda commanded. Roselia's petal hands begin to glow as she raises them up to eye level. With careful concentration, as she wasn't being attacked by her opponents, Rose unleashed a barrage of glowing rainbow-colored leafs straight at her opponents. Rapidash and Totodile had been separated far from each other, to Rose could only aim at one at a time. But for a little bit, it seemed as though her attack would completely missed them. The steam of leaves traveled steadily directly in between Melinda's two opponents, seemingly missing them. But suddenly the attacked made a sharp ninety degree turn, surprising an unsuspecting Totodile with its accuracy.

Melinda was very pleased. Her Roselia had known one of her favorite attacks: magical Leaf. And how very magical it was. The user scatters curious leaves that chase the foe that cannot miss. Unlike it's lesser counterpart, Razor Leaf, once the attack is thrown Roselia has complete control over its course of movement. Melinda smiled; this was going to be an interesting battle.

"Alright Darck, try to counter that maneuver!" Melinda challenged.

Posted by: Darck May 13 2009, 01:25 PM

The Magical leaves were flying very quickly towards Totodile. He smirked and kept his cool. The way the atmosphere was changing was helping him quite a bit if the sun had been out, his brain would be baking, if the moon was out, his skin would be shivering. This limbo of temperature and sunlight was perfect for a battle.

"You.. asked for it" Totodile looked at Darck and Darck gave him a nod

"Dragon Dance" Darck knew from the start that his companions had never seen Totodile use that move before. The blue big jaw Pokemon was engulfed in a shroud of mystical light and mist it flew into the air dodging the majority of the leaves. Still sadly a few of them hit. As Totodile landed on the ground, you could see the wound on his tail from the leaf.

"Totodile! Ice Fang!" The Small crocodile shot forward with speed that was previously unobtainable his fangs turned pale blue and the air around then began to freeze.

"Hey old man, that Rapidash is faster than either of them, why don't you use it" Darck cockily added to the mix as the old man barked an order for a Firespin on the Butterfree.

Posted by: Living Arrow May 13 2009, 01:38 PM

Once he saw the fine figure of a Pokemon that Mr Loch confirmed as a Rapidash, Darryn's fashionhead went off and his battlehead come on. Quite obviously the magnificent creature was a fire type and that immediately put himself and Mindy at a disadvantage. Not only that, but Darryn had'nt worked out any combinations for his Butterfree ssince she had evolved and that worried him a lot. THe way he had always battled was not with power but with timing and strategy along with peculiar combos that threw his opponent off guard - just like his battles with Jaima and Tyron.

Darryn grit his teeth at Darck suggestion of "Lady's first" but realised that such an offer was actually a blessing. He was practically giving them a free shot when two Pokemon were on the field - any counters could be stopped by the partner - and gauging defenses was what Darryn always did on the first move...

He tensed as Mindy made the initial command and watched her her new Roselia's Magical Leaf was under perfect control and grinned as it homed in on Totodile.

OK! Totodile's going to have to dodge or get some support... We can't let that Rapidash interfere!

"Butterfree, Ominous Wind back at the Rapidash!" He commanded, watching his Pokemon burst into the sky and beat her wings ferociously down towards the flaming horse. Black sparks swirled into her manifested wind and rained down at the burning unicorn even as the fire shot upwards from its whinnying, burning mouth. Heat licked at Butterfree she she powered the attack, putting more stress on her chitinous body than Darryn had thought would get through. Even so, some of those dark bolts managed to fall home upon Mr Loch's Rapidash.

"Butterfree, get out of there!" Darryn called for a retreat, watching with some relief as his bug Pokemon got to a safe distance from the horse. "Now pick up Rose!"

Butterfree plummeted like a rock, zooming along the ground with the impressive speed that she had trained for while in the Caterpie stage. Her tiny hands hooked around Rose's waist, yanking her from the groun and blastingout of the path of the incoming Totodile.

"Go for it, Min." Darryn grinned at his teammate.

Posted by: The Rose Crusader May 15 2009, 04:22 PM

Melinda watched as her precious little Rose was lifted off the ground by her teammate Butterfree. The pokemon lifted the grass type with immense strength and carried her facing down at the ground. The look on Totodile's face was priceless! The poor gator had no idea what to do in the situation, especially as it had happened so quickly. "Return fire, Rose! One more Magical Leaf!" Mindy commanded. Once again, Roselia's hands glowed a magnificent rainbow blend and began shooting off a furious barrage of sharp leaves. Each individual attack homed in on their target, Totodile, as Roselia controlled their path with her hands. Melinda and Darryn both cheered when their a shocked Totodile was hit badly with Rose's attack. In their jubilation, however, they did not notice that Farmer Loch was going unnoticed.

"Fire Spin again, Rapidash!" he commanded. The unicorn pokemon cried loudly before unleashing its wrath upon Butterfree and Rose. A streaming tower of flames approached the flying couple as Rapidash focused its energy into its attack. The joyous and not caring team of Butterfree and Roselia were very surprised when they were hit by the unseen attack. When the fire spin hit directly, Butterfree immediately dropped Roselia from her grasp. Rose had a relatively safe fall, but was not a happy camper when she saw how much Butterfree was suffering. Without Melinda even telling her, Roselia unleashed a fusillade of Poison Stings at the stationary unicorn, which disrupted its fiery onslaught.

This wasn't going to be an easy battle for either side.

Posted by: Darck May 15 2009, 10:16 PM

"Damn..." Darck was grinding his teeth as Totodile was hit with yet another Magical leaf, but he wasn't out yet. The small Gator had recovered from his fierce blow. His teeth still frosty with an Ice fang as he noticed his prey focused fully on the Flame coated horse. 'we aren't knocked out of this battle yet...just keep them at bay old man.. ' Darck was focusing on just that Roselia he wasn't too worried about Butterfree, in his past experience's Butterfree's weren't a very big threat, and trapped in the Vortex of flame it wasn't going to be a threat much longer.

"Hit that Roselia with your Ice Fang, NOW while she's preoccupied!" Darck shouted to his blue Gator. With the enhanced speed agility and power from his mystical dance, the gator shot towards Roselia like a blur of blue's and red's. This chill from his fangs caused a temperature drop in the immediate atmosphere. Lucky for them the heat of Rapidash's Fire spin solved the atmospheric problem. The blur of Totodile stopped as his large jaw opened wide to clamp down onto the Rose bud pokemon.

"Give her a toss if you get the chance Totodile!"

Posted by: The Rose Crusader May 15 2009, 10:40 PM

"ROOOOSSSSEEEE!!!!" The Pokemon cried out in pain. The Totodile had successfully chomped down on Roselia's body with a lot of force with its Dragon Dance'd Ice Fang. It took a few moments for Roselia to stop crying, the pain was immense. The gator had actually succeeded in consuming the lower part of her body, leaving poor Rose to squeal and squirm while trying in vain to push herself out. When Melinda had heard Darck mention to throw Roselia, Melinda snapped out of her horrified daze. To see her poor pokemon hurt that badly was never good for a trainer, and Melinda certainly wasn't very happy. Not one bit.

"Oh no you don't!" she called out. "Roselia, use Leech Seed!"

Roselia gathered enough of her quickly depleting energy to calm down. As she was being twirled around by Totodile Melinda's rose buds began to glow with a faint white color. Suddenly, she thrust her hands into the body of her captor that she was being consumed by. The seeds that Roselia had planted opened up immediately, spreading small green vines all over Totodile's body. The gator pokemon did manage to throw Rose quite a bit, even with the distraction of her flailing her arms, and Roselia found herself flying out of control through the air. It was very lucky that Darryn had raised Butterfree to be such a fast pokemon. Once freed from her fire spin cell by distracting Rapidash, Butterfree didn't exactly know what to make of the situation of Totodile eating Roselia. But when Roselia was hurdled through the air, she knew exactly what to do. Butterfree caught a flying Rose in no time, saving her from a fall that would have probably ended the battle. Butterfree carefully returned Roselia to the ground to recover from the vicious attack by Totodile. Luckily, the leech seed attack had landed directly, and Roselia was gaining some energy back from Totodile.

It was a moment of rest in the hard-fought battle, one might say, but it would surely not last very long.

Posted by: Living Arrow May 16 2009, 02:40 AM

"No..." Darryn whispered, watching in horrified shock as his Pokemon was caught up in the Fire Spin, unable to escape from the vortex. Luckily for the winged bug, however, it seemed that the Rapidash could not use any other ranged attacks else it would have fired one into the air already and finished her off. The flames slowly died and a scorched Butterfree zipped towards the ground, plucking Mindy's Roselia out of the air on the way.

*When did Min's Roselia learn to fly?* Darryn wondered, not having seen the side-battle that had been takning place.

"Hey, Min." Darryn moved towards his teammate and frowned at their Pokemon. "We've got to do something fast or we'll completely lose..."

"I know, Darryn but what else is there to do?" Mindy muttered. "That Rapidash is too much to handle even if we did manage to put the Totodile away."

"Hmm..." Darryn's strategies were all over the place! He needed to think! Pre-planning was what normally got him out of situation like this but he'd had Butterfree such a short time that he wasn't capable of seeing what she could really do. But speed was on her side for the time being... He snapped his fingers. "Min, distract the Rapidash!" He urged her, then called out to Butterfree.

"Pick up Roselia and fly over the Rapidash, Butterfree!" He yelled, watching his Pokemon grab a hold of the plant once more and whisk her into the air before Totodile could chomp her with another Ice Fang. Butterfree's wings were dry from the Fire Spin... and a Butterfree's spore sacks relied on dessication to work...

"Right!" Mindy saw Darryn's plan.

"Rapidash, Fire Spin!" Mr Loch commanded, his Pokemon searching the sky for a target before opening its mouth.

"Not so fast! Poison Sting, Rose!" The violet needles poured out of Rose's flowers, thundering into the Rapidash's head. The Pokemon faltered, unable to execute its attack while under the stress from the needles.

"Great!" Darryn punched the air. Everything was in place. Butterfree's attacks might not be as powerful as the other Pokemon on the field but he doubted very much that any one of them knew how to induce status changes like she could. "Now toss Roselia and give that Rapidash a healthy dose of Sleep Powder!"

"Darryn!" Mindy gasped, shocked that he would sacrifice his partner's Pokemon so quickly. Buttrefree launched Rose into the wind and fluttered into the Rapidash's face, a thick cloud of bright blue spores emitting from her wings. The Rapidash whinned much to the displeasure of its trainer and its movements slowed and halted as the Sleep Powder took effect. With a forced push, Butterfree soared close to the ground, catching Rose lightly and placing her delicately back on terra firma.

"Rose?"
"Free!!!"
"Rose!"

"Yes!" Darryn jumped on the spot but his celebration was short lived. Darck's Totodile had managed to get in close and pounced on Butterfree, his teeth tearing into her exposed back. She cried wildly, falling to the ground and laying limp under the water Pokemon's feet. "No! Butterfree, return!" Darryn held out the Net Ball, its green energy sucking his Pokemon safely back inside. "Soory, Mindy. It's up to you now, I guess."

"Rapidash, return." Mr Loch said rather sadly. He had somehow managed to get a Pokeball for the horse before coming to the field, it seemed. "I can't argue with a technical knockout! Besides, it's more fun to see one-on-one, isn't it? You young folk finish off here." He patted Darck faithfully on the back. "You're doing really well! Who would've thought a Totodile would be able to learn Dragon Dance?"

Posted by: Darck May 16 2009, 02:59 AM

"My uncle was an amazing breeder old man. Nice Rapidash.." Darck was grinding his teeth as he looked at the ongoing battle. It was down to the wire, enhanced Totodile versus the grace Roselia. [i]'another Magical leaf and we're dead... it's too risky to go in for a close up battle.. I need to think of something quick. Roselia is really weak right now, but so is Totodile.. "

"Alright Mindy, its down to the final count... you ready?" Darck gave her a wink and with rebuilt confidence extended his right arm and index finger at the beautiful woman.

"Totodile, Just like in the forest! Launch yourself with a high powered water gun and Ice Fang that weed!" Darcks Totodile did as his trainer instructed him, the powerful jet of water erupted from the gator's mouth sending him flying into the air, little rainbows formed from the sunlight and water as the pokemon can roaring down on top of the Roselia.

"Roselia Magical Leaf" The beautiful Mindy came back quickly, it appeared she was too late just as glowing leaves circled around Totodile the Big Icy Jaw of the pokemon clenched onto the Rose, Roselia was finally down for the count, but in a last minute turn of events the Magical leaf landed on its mark, the battle was over, the winner...no one. A Double Knock out. Darck smirked and recalled his Pokemon

"Good job Mindy.. never thought you had it in you. You too Darryn" when he turned to Darryn he gave the boy a sly grin.

Posted by: Living Arrow May 16 2009, 04:27 AM

*Why is he smiling at me like that?* Darryn frowned and ignored the disgustingly hot guy across the yard. Instead, he gave Mindy a congratulatory hug and let her fuss over the fainted Roselia in the middle of the field. Darryn was pleased that her most recent capture had been one that successfully brought some power into her team. He wondered about her Feebas and how it had rarely seen the outside of its Pokeball in the time he had known her but felt relieved that whenever it did come out, it had received some of his best beauty treatments ever.

"Well done, well done!" Mr Loch's face beamed with happiness as he led Darck and the others to the side of the yard where his wife had appeared with a tray laden with a pitcher of lemonade and several glasses. "Now drink up to get back some energy and I'll show you all something wonderful!"

Darryn held in the sigh that had been building up and moved to take a glass of lemonade. He was a little upset over the fact that he had been the first to recall his Pokemon and couldn't help but think that choosing Jolteon, Pidgeotto or Lady would have resulted in a proper win for himself. His fingers just about touched a glass before it was snagged by Darck who gave him another one of those odd looks.

*What is his deal?!*. Darryn rolled his eyes and took a different glass, drinking the delicious homemade brew and gasping lightly at its refreshing tangy taste. Mr Loch kept offering his extremely positive opinion on all of their battle styles and techniques and how he had been just as good in 'his day' when he still had youth in his bones.

*Just as good? He's better than me!*

"Now now! The best part is still to come!" Mr Loch shooed his wife away with the empty glassware - she didn't seem to mind at all - and led them to a lush green paddock at the side of the house. There were a few Pokemon inside the pen (mostly Mareep and a couple of Psyduck) but littered around the lawn were large multicoloured eggs that shone in the sunlight. Darryn saw a Mareep brush past one, polishing it with its golden fleece before walking on the the next egg and doing the same.

"What is this?" Darryn asked Mr Loch as he opened the door to the pen and let the three trainers in.

"This is my pride and joy!" Mr Loch announced, spreadin ghis arms wide. "Welcome to the Loch Daycare Center! Now, since you all have rekindled my battling spirit I want to thank you by giving you each a prize from this field! All of the eggs in here have been left behind by trainers or I've helped come into the world with my own Pokemon so it's no problem at all. Please gon on and choose one each!"

Darryn's jaw downright dropped. This guy couldn't be serious? Could he be serious? With a grin, Darryn set about examining eggs looking for one in the best condition, hoping that good eggs meant beautiful Pokemon.

Posted by: The Rose Crusader May 16 2009, 07:27 AM

Melinda was proud when she recalled her faithful Roselia to her pokeball. While a little disappointed that she didn't win the battle, Mindy saw the potential that Roselia had with her attacks. Her Magical Leaf attack was superb, as was her Poison Sting and Leech Seed. Melinda was finally beginning to see a pattern among her team that she had not seen before: Speed (Swellow), Tricky (Misdreavus), Technique (Vespiquen) and Power (Roselia). The individual strengths and weaknesses that each pokemon brought to Mindy's team made them all the more special, and Mindy thought it was good to see her team really flush out and bloom at such a beginning part of her pokemon journey.

One thing she wasn't happy about, however, was Darryn's last battle tactic. In choosing to drop Roselia from twenty feet to send off his Sleep Powder move, he destroyed Roselia's chance of being able to fight back against Totodile. It was good for Darryn though that Butterfree caught Rose from her deathly fall, or wise Darryn would have received the biggest beating of his life. Melinda decided not to confront Darryn about this dangerous choice he made, endangering Mindy's pokemon without her consent, because she really didn't think any good could come out of a situation like that.

Melinda followed Old Man Loch down to his prized possession: the Loch Daycare Center. It was here that Mr. and Mrs. Loch and Nessie bred all sorts of pokemon that could be found somewhere on their ranch. It was a truly splendid place: many pokemon fathers and mothers wee dutifully waiting by their newborn eggs, waiting anxiously for their spark of joy to hatch from it's egg shell. Melinda was thrilled to head that Mr. Loch was going to let them all pick an egg of their own! Melinda and Nessie ran through the daycare happily, looking out for any pokemon eggs that Mindy could pick. There were all sorts of eggs everywhere, so many I couldn't even begin to describe them to you! Beautifully meadows upon meadows of countryside filled with carefully placed eggs! It was a little slice of paradise, one might say. Melinda searched for a good ten minutes, far away from everyone else in another part of the daycare. The pokemon eggs were different here, simpler for the most part. "There must be some kind of organization system, right?" she thought. "Maybe it's by type...". Mindy really couldn't decided on either of two eggs when suddenly Nessie burst in with one she thought Melinda might like. It was a white egg with blue and orange shapes scattered all over it. It was rather plain, but somehow Mindy was drawn toward it, like they had been predestined for each other. With her new egg in tow, Melinda and Nessie traveled back across the meadows, anxiously wanting to find out what eggs Darryn and Darck has picked.

Posted by: Living Arrow May 16 2009, 01:16 PM

There were so many eggs and so little time for Darryn to choose that he was on the verge of pulling out his everso glossy hair from the roots!

"And this one?" He nagged Mr Loch, holding up another egg.

"Why, that one would hatch into a Sentret!" Mr Loch informed him, puffing out his chest with pride each time he identified an egg. Truth be told, Darryn thought the man had taken them to the egg paddock to show off his identification skills more than just be generous but Darryn quickly put that to the side of his thoughts.

Darryn was just about to reach for another egg when a movement on the other side of the pen caught his eye. Sitting all on its own, looking particularly forlorn, was a small flmaing horse. Unlike Mr Loch's Rapidash this Pokemon had no horn so Darryn guessed it had to be its pre-evolution form. He fished for his Pokedex and pointed it over the fence.

[Ponyta - the Flame Horse Pokemon. About an hour after birth, its fiery mane and tail grow out, giving it an impressive appearance.]

"It doesn't look very impressive." Darryn muttered to himself.

"Ah, yes. That young one has fallen somewhat behind her brothers and sisters." Mr Loch sighed, seemingly having overheard Darryn's statement. "She was the last of her clutch - the runt if you will. Her flame never did burn as bright as the others so she didn't get bought at the Arasam market."

"That's so sad." Darryn felt a melancholy wave come over him. "Wasn't she as strong as the others?"

"Oh no no no!" Mr Loch scratch his chin. "That's what I could never work out. She's a fine young mare but its just her inner flame - its hasn't grown. She's just as strong as any Ponyta her age but that mane and tail are so weak that no-one wanted to pick her from the market stall. A shame really - she has an ever so lovely temperament."

Darryn's eyes locked with the motionless horse who had turned her head to watch them. Those brown chestnut eyes reminded him of Lady but they carried sadness rather than pride. Her self pity almost reminded him of the way Pipdgey and Caterpie had been when he had started out... she just needed help from the right person.

"I'll take her." Darryn said, standing slowly while keeping his eyes on hers. "Whatever the price, I'll take her." He immediately regretted that bold statement as his wallet was hardly overflowing with cash but the sentiment was there. He had to help her. He had to show her that her inner fire was just as large as any other Ponyta and that he could help it to grow.

"Oh, well that's sorted then!" Mr Loch clapped Darryn suddenly on the back. "She's yours! I was going to give you an egg anyway but she's ready to be taken. But... you should probably know..." Mr Loch's eyes grew pensive. "She's not a pure-breed. We didn't have any male Rapidash stocked with her mother so it's likely she has a father of a different species. I don't know if that will make much of a difference to the way she is raised, but at least she has a trainer now!"

Darryn barely heard the man talking as he crossed the egg paddock to the fence. The Ponyta stood and walked towards him, those sad eyes regarding him with... could it be hope? Darryn reached out to stroke her smoth nose that she offered him with a light nuzzle.

"The flames aren't hot..." Darryn whispered to himself. Mr Loch was at his side in a flash.

"Shows she trusts you, that does. Ponyta and Rapidash are always burning but they control the heat within the flames themselves. I'm sure you'll get along just nicely!"

"Yeah..." Darryn said, regarding the Ponyta's flickering fire. Its colours rose and fell in intensity from pale yellow to fierce orange and to a sober deep crimson. "Like leaves in November..." He whispered. "You're my November..."

Posted by: Darck May 20 2009, 04:23 PM

Darck wandered through the nursery, his hand gently caressed the eggs as he searched for one that called to him. His companions had already been far ahead of him browsing the eggs. He listened on and on about the old man telling Darryn about different eggs. Watched Mindy rush in and pick an egg and rush out, she barley gave any thought about it. Darryn was off touching a Ponyta when Darck stumbled across a golden brown egg. Out of no where the old man came up behind Darck and gave him a scare.

"That's one of my prized bull's off spring" Darck almost dropped the egg as he turned around.

"That huge Tauros you met earlier. That's gonna be just like him" Darck was staring off out of the nursery at a herd of Tauros stampeding through the fields they were all lead by one Tauros, who happened to be much larger and who's horns seemed longer.

"With a bull that size on my side, nothing could stand in my way..." Darck's ulterior motives were kicking in he wanted more power.

"With your permission sir, I'd like this egg" He held up the Tauros egg to the old man

"Well sure son I told you you could pick any one you wanted" That same smile of the old man came across his face as he patted Darck on the back and lead him outside. Soon Darck caught up to Nessy and Mindy

"Nice egg." He said to Mindy

Posted by: Living Arrow May 21 2009, 01:18 PM

"Nice egg."

Mindy grinned. It was a nice egg and she had a really good feeling about it. Somehow she was just sure that it would hatch into something spectacular and...

[Bzzzzt bzzzzt.]

"Wha-?" Mindy fumbled for her PokeGear that was vibrating violently in her pocket. The display flared to life in her hands, illuminating an image of her Uncle Soney and the word 'CALLING' underneath. She flicked the answer button and rolled her eyes to Darck, making the silently apology that it was a call she had to take.



Darryn accepted November's Repeat Ball from Mr Loch with utmost gratitude and clicked the button, calling the fiery horse back inside. The creature was very pretty, really. She just needed the right encouragement to put a sparkle in her eyes and a little more zest to her flames. He couldn't wait to work with her - a true diamond in the rough.

As he minimised the ball and moved to join the others, Darryn couldn't help but feel something was wrong. The words were too quiet to hear but it seemed Mindy was speaking to someone on her PokeGear with an upset ring to her words. Her eyes were widening, showing all of their whites as she gasped into the mouth piece, saying over and over again: "No... no... no!"

Darryn passed Darck a questioning look but was rewarded with a shrug and a frown. The conversation was relatively short but when it was over, Melinda Rose was in floods of tears. Darryn rushed to her side immeidately, his arms around her in a flash as he rocked her in soothing motions and shushed her as she wept. He passed another look to Darck, this time a 'What-the-hell-is-going-on?' glare which was answered with an identical shrug.

"Min? Mindy?" Darryn held her back and tried to get eye contact from her, searching her face for answers. "What's wrong?"

"It's... it's Queen?" She managed to get through the tears, sniffing heavily. "Uncle Soney says she's really sick and her maggots are all dying. He thinks she'll be gone within the week..."

"Oh no..." Darryn whispered, hugging her again more tightly. "Isn't there anything anyone can do?" Mindy shook her head as she pressed her face in Darryn's chest.

"Uncle Soney's asked the Joy in Floaroma to take a look and she said there wasn't anything left to do... SHe's gonna die, Darryn! My Queen! She was my very first, y'know?"

"Yeah, Min - I remember." Darryn whispered, stroking his friend's head and trying not to be caught up in the sorrow and start crying himself. "What do you want to do?" He asked quietly, already realising what was coming next.

"I've got to go home and see her..." Mindy sniffed, wiping at her eyes but only reddening them. "I can't carry on... not like this."

"It's alright, Mindy." Darryn smiled at her, holding her hands tightly. "I get it. If you have to go then get going - we'll be fine." He nodded towards Darck and gave her a reassuring squeeze. "But if you go, will you do me a favour?"

"Uh, um, sure?" Mindy sniffed, the tears slowing.

"I want you to take my Butterfree with you. She needs to take some time out and really get used to her wings. Back in Lenoilia, Joy told me that she had some issues with the pollution there and I think it might still be affecting her. When I saw the images of Floaroma back in Gigarte, I knew it would be the perfect place for my Metapod to grow up in one day and now she needs those sorts of conditions... So, will you take her?"

Mindy blinked, the tears completely stopped now. Her wide eyes stared up at Darryn with some confusion and shock, but they faded to a faint sort of understanding and she finally nodded.

"Sure, Darryn." She tried to smile. "I'll take good care of her."

Darryn smiled back and passed her the Net Ball that had hung at the second slot on his belt. He caressed it for a moment and held it up to his lips where he quietly whispered: "This isn't the end but I know you'll understand...". Mindy took the ball carefully and clipped it alongside her other four before selecting her primary ball and releasing Swellow. The larger-than-average bird appeared in a flash, a sombre expression on his beak - clearly he had heard everything.

Mindy stepped over to Darck and gave him a private goodbye which, Darryn turned his back on so that he did not intrude, before hugging Darryn one last time. She reached up on tiptoes and kissed her friend sweetly on the cheek to wish him farewell. That was when it happened.
The earth tilted under Darryn's feet and everything blurred, colours twisting and edges flickering madly. He gasped with shock of something settling on his skin and contracting like some sort of death grip that threatened to tigheten until he popped. Heat and cold flash along his entire body in disgutingly erratic waves for what felt like a year but by the time it was over, Mindy had only just dropped back to her heels.

"What was-?"

"Don't ask." Mindy interrupted him. "I know you'll figure it out." She smiled, her red eyes actually crinkling with proper happiness. "Just don't give up, 'kay?"

Darryn nodded, not really knowing what she meant. Maybe don't give up trying to get to the Furoh League? Who knew? Melinda moved to her Swellow and stroked his head fondly, moving to his back where he spread his wings for her to climb aboard. She positioned herself comfortably and tapped her Pokemon's wing to let her know she was ready. With a mighty surge, Swellow took off, leaving the little farm and everyone in it behind. Mindy looked back once, fresh tears beginning to fall and waved to her new friends.

"Bye, guys! I won't forget you - I promise!"

Darryn waved, still clutching that ball of emotion and forcing it down his throat - he would not cry! - and once Mindy was gone from view he did. A heavy, silent tear leaked free from his glittering eye as he wished his friend, he very best friend, well on her journey and prayed that she would somehow return in all her glory - strong, brave and true with the smile that always said 'Let's do this!' and the helping hands that offered their assistance each step along the way.



In took some time for everything to sink in but once it had, Darryn and Darck finally managed to give Mr Loch a final thanks before moving onwards towards Lenoilia. Mrs Loch had been kind enough to give them plenty of food for the trip and Nessie had said something which seemed incredibly positive but Darryn still could not understand the girl.

With a hopeful spring in his stride, Darryn marched northwards towards the towering Mount Arasam and began to cmpose his message to Jaima.

Posted by: Darck May 21 2009, 10:07 PM

Mindy slowly came over to Darck for their private moment together, her eyes were watering and Darck looked down on the delicate woman and caressed her cheek.

"Our time as travelers has come to an end my dear.. But I will cherish these memories for a life time." Darck wiped a tear from her eye, he stood there almost emotionless his human attachment to this girl was getting in the way, it pained him greatly to watch her depart from the group but he knew the sooner she left the sooner his attachment would fade, and the quicker he would climb to power.

"You know, I will be back Darck... " Mindy smiled up at him and embraced him in a hug, she softly kissed him on the cheek Darck returned with a delicate kiss to her cheek, her lips were soft and moist against his tougher skin.

As Mindy flew away on her Swellow, Darck remained emotionless, while Darryn cried his eyes out he stood there, staring at the sky.

"I'm heading to Arasam Darryn..." His voice was mono-tone, no hint of sorrow or depression. Darck turned back to the house and grabbed his bag, he held onto his egg and let Absol walk along side of him.

Darck grabbed a ball from his belt and tossed it to the old man who caught it with ease.

"I'd like you to watch after my Charmander.. she's strong but where I'm heading I don't have time to raise her, so please look after her till I return" Darck turned around not wanting to wait for a response.

"Sure thing son...just. Come back for her."

His dark figure walked along the setting sun as he reached the road towards the next city.

"Sol?" His Absol looked up at him as Darck stared straight ahead. He wasn't going to look back.

"No Absol...we have a goal, and we aren't going to look back.. No regrets."

Posted by: Living Arrow May 22 2009, 04:45 PM

<You are different.> Lady spoke for the first time since they left the farm, her thought-speak accusing and stern. Those everdeep brown eyes stared up at Darryn meaningfully.

<I don't know what you mean.> Darryn sent back, tugging his hoodie closer around his shoulders. THe air was getting cooler as he and Darck began their ascent of Mount Carello. According to Darck, the city called Arasam lay in a large crater on the western side of the mountain - still a long walk and one which they probably would not be able to complete that night. They were only in the foothills and the peak still soared into the far distance - as unreachable as the stars.

<You have never linked with me before.> Lady explained. She sounded almost angry, as though Darryn had broken some rule or something like that. Darryn frowned and played his memory back. Lady was right. He had never spoken back to Lady in the way she communicated with him. <She changed you.>

Darryn inwardly gulped. What was going on? What was Lady accusing Mindy of? Darck flashed Darryn a look out of the corner of his eye again - that was the third in the last five minutes - and went back to hiking ahead, his Absol leading them all to the northwest.

<The Black One has realised.> Lady continued, prancing over a large boulder and turning back to glare at Darryn. <You are not the same.>

"Hey, Darck." Darryn chose to ignore Lady and strode past her to catch up with his latest traveling partner. "How long do you reckon it will be until we reach Arasam?"

Posted by: Darck Jun 5 2009, 10:19 PM

"About three days depending on how long it takes us to walk.." Darck could sense the pressure between the two of them. Seemed like Mindy was the glue that bonded the group..

"First Jaima..now Mindy..who's next" Darck mumbled to himself as he continued his walk following his Absol, it almost seemed like Absol knew where he was heading.

"Hey now you demon don't get too far ahead.." Darck called to his Absol who was leading him and Darryn up the road

"Think that Absol is from Arasam? nah... couldn't be.." Darryn and Darck continues walking into the setting sun

Posted by: Living Arrow Jun 6 2009, 03:44 AM

Darryn slowed down, allowing Absol to pull ahead and Darck to move far enough away before turned off the path. He never really knew the exact reason why he silently deserted his traveling partner but several excuses began to seed themselves as the gap between the two increased.

Darck hypothetical of 'who's next?' was a little too casual for Darryn's taste. Obviously, the balck-clad trainer had not had time to get to know Jaima or Mindy in the same way that he did but a little regret went a long way to help others feel that they weren't alone. SO, by Darryn's reckoning, if he felt alone with Darck around, why not just be alone?

*At least I can get away from those dodgey looks he's been giving me...*

Making sure that he was heading as far from the road as possible, just in case Darck decided to go looking for him, Darryn began to climb the looming mountain above them. Green gave way to browns and ocres of gravel, rocks and dead trees and as night drew in, Darryn found a nestling place between three large boulders and settled down for the night.

His decision to go solo might have been triggered by weak stimuli but his resolve to see through his decision was as strong as the rocks around him. With all thoughts on Arasam and the gym badge that waited for him there, Darryn Kellor fell asleep, vowing that tomorrow would be the real start of his championship journey.