Guardian's Journey

[Sunset Drifter]

Legend of the Guardian's Journey​

Centuries ago, Humans and Gijinka lived in separate worlds. War broke out between the races leaving nothing but bloodshed and tears in their wake. Deciding she had enough, a Human woman ventured out to stop the war. Along the way she encountered Gijinka that were drawn in by her courage and kindness. Six Gijinka journeyed with her, becoming her guardians discovering that the aura she held gave them strength and courage. Eventually they stopped the war and connected a bridge of forever peace between the Humans and Gijinka.​

Years after this event the Guardian's Festival has been held at the beginning of each year to celebrate the connection between the two races and the coming of age journey young Gijinka take. Five humans are chosen, a starter binds the first connection, and together they travel the region. The goal is to make it to the summit, to battle it out and become that years champion. To the human who wins the festival he or she is given a cash prize, their names written in a stone for all the world to see, and most importantly, the lifelong friendship of six fully grown Guardians. Not every Human obtains the six like in the legend, nor does every human make it. Some get tired, sometimes Gijinka just give up on their Trainers and abandon them. The journey is one that is filled with happiness but also dangers and is meant to strengthen the will. Or so it used to, now only rich humans enter the Festival. Each year, they're usually given a team to use at the end to entertain the masses watching the competition.

The days of true bonds have begun to fade. Though this year was different, during the five chosen a Dragonite Gijika discovered a Human with an aura she hadn't seen very often. He was a last minute entry in the festival and oddly enough a commoner was allowed to participate among the other rich noble humans. As the Festival begins once more, all eyes are watching and waiting to see who this years champion will be.

 

[Sunset Drifter]

Thomas Wyse
The One with an aura of Kindness and Love
Guardians:
1). Artemis | 2). ??? | 3). ??? | 4). ??? | 5). ??? | 6). ???​

He couldn't believe it! To be chosen as one of the Five in the Guardian's Festival was nothing to sneeze at. Grant it he was late to the ceremony and was sort of put in last minute, Thomas had never ever dreamed he would be a part of history. Finally he had left the boring comforts of his Grandfather's Inn and could follow his dream of seeing the world! Even though he was excited and had all the confidence in the world, he was scared. Some of the people he had met in the Inn back home had told him nightmares of what they had seen or experienced during this journey. Not all the Humans and Gijinka were kind, some of them still held grudges against each other, and the festival that promoted peace. Death and dangers lurked when one wasn't looking, and there could be the chance of his bond breaking. Still Thomas wasn't one to give up. All those years growing up getting up early and spending most of his days doing chores had taught him to be responsible and to never give up or give in to doubt.

Not that he was perfect, he still doubted sometimes. Nor was he really that brave when it came to traveling through large forests like the one he was in now. Glancing at a map upon the screen of a tablet, there would be an Inn coming up. The first rest stop for many who had started this festival's journey. Just a little more, maybe, hopefully less he was getting tired of walking. Glancing over his shoulder he shyly smiled at the Aron who had become his first Guardian.

"Artemis, how are you feeling? If you want to take a break we can, though from what the map is saying we should reach the first Inn within the hour." he politely stated to her with concern. After all she was wearing armor? Didn't it weigh her down? Surly she was tired of walking in it? Still given the odd costume she wore it was kind of adorable seeing her with her weapon and all. Other than Gijinka guests coming to stay in the Inn and everything back home, Artemis was the first Gijinka he would be personally spending a long time with. Stopping he fully turned around and shoved the tablet back into his bag. "We don't have to hurry. I was kind of a late entry in the Festival after all." he stated rubbing the back of his head.

She was probably fine, he still couldn't help but be concerned. The moment their eyes met, and when they both had become partners, he suddenly felt safer around her. Maybe it was her sturdy like appearance or her beautiful eyes that seemed so soft and soothing. So far they hadn't run into any danger, their trip from the festival grounds to the forest had seemed peaceful. He hoped it would stay that way, that maybe all those rumors were told to Thomas just to scare him. Maybe he was being a little forward too. He didn't know much about the festival from what he had seen on the television each year. Mostly it was just the battles, the in between journey parts were left without cameras. As a boy he would often imagine what would happen. He figured the groups got on a bus or plane to the next location.

He was sort of bummed when Thomas found out he would be walking all the way to the summit. While he waited for an answer from Artemis, he reached into the bag and began to take a drink of water himself. Truth be told he wanted a break, to kind of just sit down, but the Inn was almost in reach so he would have time to relax later. She probably could tell he was nervous too, which he was. Part of him was so excited to see the world, while another part of him wished he would have just stayed home. It was kind of too late to turn back now unfortunately.

 

[LittleDragon]

"mhmm?" Artemis rose her head to look at Thomas when he spoke to her. Her head had been drifting in her own little world of fancy as her thoughts ran in circles and a coy little smile curled onto her lips.

She'd finally done it... All those years of training... Of being told it's stupid to be a knight and believing in children stories... they had all come to this and she was a chosen guardian!

She had met various trainers that day. Rich snobs. Those who seeked glory without putting in the hard work as they approached the Aron and just demanded she joined them. Artemis had turned her nose away withiut a second thought. She hadn't trained all this time to bond with someone who would waste her time. That's when she set eyes on Thomas. He wasn't the heroic looking trainer she had pictured, but then again the world hadn't been as kind as she imagined on her journey. Yet she could sense his kind soul and like her, a need to better himself! There was potential, not just for him but for too and a reason to protect.

All these thoughts and more dashed from the Aron's mind as Artemis' smile faultered and she looked around at the woodland setting. They had been trekking for sometime now and a break did seem welcomed. Although her clothes gave the appearance of armour, the only actual armour she wore was her token visor headpiece on her forehead. She was used to long days walking in her sturdy boots, but it was her trainer who was not. A small laugh left her lips as she began to smile again, "This is a marathon, not a sprint Thomas. We can take a break if you wish. But if you say the inn is close it makes sense to make haste there" she noted what he had said about being a late entry and snorted disaprovingly, "What does it matter if you were a late entry?! You have just as much right to compete as I do. If anything - more right!" Her voice trailed off into an inaudible grumble and eventually a sigh as she shook her head.

It wasn't worth a penny on her thoughts to be thinking of the others. She could clearly see the nerves on Thomas' face and needed to focus on him - not the berating of others. Although they had seen no trouble, the forest was a dangerous place. Whilst her steel nature was handy for protecting against such poison types here, she too was cautious. There were many other types lurking in the trees that could have the upper hand on her should they be forced to engage in battle.

 

[SnowyWolf]

Kiara Nuri eyed her prey from the cover of some bushes and watched them travel down the road. A guardian trainer with a single starter guardian made a perfect target. Every last one of them was arrogant and spoiled, and while usually well educated, they tended to lack street-smarts. Most importantly, they were usually loaded. Commoners didn’t get to particate in the Guardian’s Festival after all.

She and her lackeys waited patiently for the right moment. A successful hunt was about extreme patience and perfect timing. A Poochyena boy named Javen and a Growlithe boy named Marcus waited on the other side of the road watching for her signal. A stunky girl named Temira waited just up the road from her. The boys were what she expected for her first mission. They were fairly new recruits but not totally green, and she had no doubt that they would pull their weight. Temira was another story, and it pissed her off that the boss sent her on this mission, or any mission at all, in her condition, as if she hadn’t been punished enough already. She trusted the girl more than she could trust anyone else, but sending her into combat with a broken arm was just too cruel, even for the Nightfire gang. She couldn't imagine that she would ever forgive the boss for it. Kiara may have treated the girl as a playtoy, but she was also the closest thing to a friend she had ever known, and she couldn't stand the thought of putting her in danger.

But she had a job to do. She wanted that leadership position. It would mean better food, a bigger share of the spoils, and maybe even better sleeping quarters. Besides that, she wanted to give Temira a chance to redeem herself in the boss’s eyes. Javen and Marcus deserved a shot at their rewards as well, and all of that was riding on this heist.

When the moment was right, Kiara waved her arm so that her lackeys could see it, then proceeded to strike nearby clusters of dead leaves with ember attacks. Marcus did the same while Temira and Javen, who didn’t know any fire moves, tossed a few molotovs that Kiara had prepared for them. The leaves were damp and would not burn out of control, and the moisture would create more smoke which was what she wanted. She had two reasons for wanting to make smoke. The first being that she would need to make a quick getaway following the heist, and the smoke would provide cover. The second was to create a spooky atmosphere to hopefully unnerve their prey. She hoped there would be enough of a breeze on the road to keep it clear enough to maintain visibility. As billows of smoke began to cover the immediate area in a thick haze, she cupped her hands to her mouth and let out a howl. It wasn’t a playful pretending to be a feral Lycanroc howl. It was a battlecry. The other three followed suit as the four of them charged their prey. As they closed in and surrounded the guardian and her trainer, she called out, “J, use snarl on the trainer! M, use ember on the Aron! T, stand ready!” The group of four quickly surrounded the pair and Javen and Marcus attacked as ordered. Kiara moved closer to Temira in case she needed help defending herself. Temira approached as well, trying to look menacing, but having her arm in a sling spoiled the effect. Kiara took a step closer to the trainer to address him. “Empty your pockets and hand over your money,” she demanded with a growl in her voice, “then we’ll let you leave in peace.”

 

[Joyful-Fabo]

Little did the Nightfires know, there was one more person on the immediate area and looking in on the situation and had been trailing the fearsome gangsters; a timid Zubat known as 'Fang', who had been lounging around in the upper branches of the trees in the area up until that point. Seeing them and the upcoming trainer he bolted back to the 'hideout', an old mushroom growing shack that Dendra had borrowed from her family and cleaned out. "Boss, Boss, Boss!" he called out screechy voiced as he ran in through the door. Inside the rest of the Half-Pints were loafing around and minding their own business. 'Horn' the Weedle was slouching on a couch reading some comics, opposite him 'Barb' the Nidoran was with a fashion magazine on her lap, holding a mirror on one hand and applying makeup with the other. Laying on the floor was 'Slick' the Grimer, watching a portable tv as she snacked on some junk food. Lastly was, working on a scheme on a corkboard was Dendra, who made everybody call her 'Boss'.

"What in the hell is the ruckus Fang!?" she barks back as she turns to face her underling.​

"Night... night fires... on the road" Said Fang, as he panted. That caught the room's attention.​

"What? isn't this like, our turf?" comments Slick.​

"Yeah last time we said that they laughed in our faces" said Horn dryly, paging through his comic.
"Is not ours if we don't act as we own it... How many?" Declared Dendra.​

"Four, one of 'em is Kiara..." said Fang
"Well fuck that they can take the forest," said Barb.
"...and a trainer, guardian included. Plus they have a gal with a busted arm" he finished. Dendra's eyes light up thinking of possibilities, chiefly money.​

"Jack-stonking-pot!" She declared "We're moving out everyone!" she commands heading out the door. "Walk with me"

Start leitmotif; Sneakman from Jet Set Radio

As the others follow with different degrees of enthusiasm and Fang leads out towards the ambush site. "and what would be the plan, o' fearless leader" asked Horn with slight mockery.​

"shove it Horn... buuuut, if you must know, is the standard plan, get in, stir shit, get some good hits in aaand guilt trip the hell of the poor trainer into rewarding us." She said with gusto, foreseeing the hefty payout.
"Riiight, if we win, of course"
"What do you mean, we always win"
"No we do-"
"Shush, showtime," She said and as the Pints reach the site through the main road "HEY NIGHTFIRES!" She called out [Taunt]ingly "I knew all of you all were dumb as hell but I held out hope that you learned maps! So scram! This turf is under the protection of the Poison Half-Pints" As she grandstanded the other Pints moved to surround the Nightfires.​

 

[Sunset Drifter]

Thomas Wyse
The One with an aura of Kindness and Love
Guardians:
1). Artemis | 2). ??? | 3). ??? | 4). ??? | 5). ??? | 6). ??? ​

He blushed at little at Artemis's response. Still her words were touching. He hadn't met the other trainers but he was told he was the only one who wasn't rich. He placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled. "Thank you Artemis. I'm tired but we're almost to the Inn, I can keep going if you can." he happily replied with a smile. Turning around he began to move again, but stopped when he smelled something burning. Then suddenly his vision was filled with smoke. Howling was heard in the distance and he froze as what appeared to be rough looking Gijinka step out of the small fog. His mind was panicking feeling a sudden pressure from a Snarl, what happened to Artemis!? He had only taken a few steps ahead of her, was she alright!? For the most part Kiara's plan was working, Thomas was afraid. Alone in the fog surrounded by possible danger. Maybe his Guardian had gotten hurt or was easily taken care of!

No! Artemis was tough, she would be fine, he just felt she would. Two females approached him next, one of them wearing what appeared to be a cast. She tried to look fierce but Thomas couldn't help but notice her arm. He was demanded he handed over his money. Well truth be told he had used most of the starting funds to prepare for the trip. He stared into the eyes of Kiara unsure of what to do or say. Was she going out of her way to help her friend? Suddenly the fear of her attack, seemed to just roll off of his back as he found a bit of courage and pushed the fear away. "I-I don't...well...I mean...I've got about 1200 poke left if you want it." he finally spoke up to her. Now wasn't the time to be afraid! Artemis was probably holding her ground, so would he. "That's touching, I mean you don't have to go out of your way to, well uhh...get my attention. If your friend needs help for her broken arm that badly all you had to do was ask." taking a soft breath to calm his nerves he gave the Houndour Gijinka a compassionate smile as he began to rummage through his pockets. Pulling the few bills he had left in his wallet he held it out for her to grab. "I know it's not much but if your friend there needs medicine to help her arm heal then I'll gladly help. I'm sorry I wish I could do more. Oh wait I know! I have a few potions in my bag if you want those too, maybe they'll help?"

He jumped then when a female's voice shouted from within the fog. Nightfires? Blinking he gave Kiara a sort of confused look. The voice declared that the turf was protected by a group called the Poison Half-Pints!? Wait was he and Artemis going to be in trouble too? They were passing through this forest after all, so maybe whomever was shouting would let them pass? Maybe he should be afraid, but Thomas was kind of curious. "Are they friends of yours?" he asked Kiara turning his attention back to the one who had approached him in the fog. Hopefully Artemis would show up soon, he kind of wanted to get out of here.

 

[LittleDragon]

Artemis had stopped a few paces behind Thomas as she caught the whiff of smoke on the air - this had been her first mistake. Her eyes darted about as she tried to locate the centre of the smell but was met by the swirling fog that billowed and quickly seperated from her trainer. Her second mistake. The sound of the snarls and howls pierced through the black fog as it unnerved her and she held her hands to her ears in a bid for defence. "Thomas?!" she called out, where was he?! "Thomas?!" The realisation finally dawned on her. All this time she had learnt to protect herself, but had never actually protected anyone else. In her head she thought she knew how to do it, her books always made it look so easy - but the reality was far from it. She needed to find him!

She dashed through the fog, spear gripped in hand. This would be her third and final mistake. Her thoughts were so wrapped up on finding the trainer, to keep him safe, that she hadn't anticipated the ember attack to part the smoke and hit her side on, nor seen the silohuette of the growlithe boy from behind. The girl let out a pained scream as she crashed to the floor, landing on her good side. She grasped at her arm where she had been hit, feeling the flames as it bit at her bare skin. Her metallic disposition struggling with the weakness. She gritted her teeth, grunting through the pain. Atleast the attack had done one thing, it had blown away the smoke enough so that she could see Thomas being confronted by the houndour and stunky. "Damn dark types..." She muttered, using her spear as a support to lift herself to her feet. Thomas needed her and it was her duty to be there. Quick wasn't her strong suit, but atleast now she was more alert!

"Don't give them anything!" The Aron snarled as she approached the group. Her agressive tone wasn't meant for Thomas but to be a threat towards the gang. Artemis had caught sight of the growlithe this time was able to duck as another ember was thrown her way. "Are you ok?" Artemis asked as she pushed herself to stand protectively infront of her trainer. She didn't expect an answer as her eyes were glued to Kiara and the stunky. Her trusty spear was held across her body in a defensive stance in both hands. "I don't think these people are friends..." With a slow blink she looked towards the croagunk making a ruckus that hadn't gone unnoticed. Her grip on her speak tightened making her knuckles go white. "What's the plan, Thomas?"

She narrowed her eyes, if they were going to fight, she was going to need to put as much trust in Thomas as he would be in her. This would be their first proper battle as trainer and guardian. A pit of nerves swirled in the Aron's stomach making her mouth go dry. She could feel adrenaline course through her body making her want to jump in and fight, but she knew she needed to wait for the signal.

Just because she couldn't attack, didn't mean she couldn't threaten them though, which in hindsight... probably was her 4th mistake. "I suggest you back off. You scared the boy and made him fall for your little sob story, but this ends here... go find types your own size to bully!"

 

[SnowyWolf]

The heist seemed to be going well at first. Kiara’s team had caught the trainer off guard and gave him a good scare. Even better, they had somehow managed to separate the trainer from his guardian. She would have no choice but to trust Marcus to handle the aron. Her eyes were locked onto his as she glared at him, but to her surprise, he quickly recovered from his fright, even without the discernable presence of his guardian. Even more surprising to her was that after he recovered, he still proceeded to empty his pockets, seeming to be willing to give her everything he had out of pity for Temira. She found his attitude sickening sweet and insulting, but in the end, if they got they money she guessed it wouldn't really matter.

For a few seconds, she lost herself in thought, pondering his actions, his apparent generosity. She suspected he was toying with her, pretending to cooperate while hiding most of his funds, but one look at his aura convinced her otherwise. There was a kind of gentleness about him, a purity that she almost envied. At first she thought his kindness was rooted in fear, but he seemed to have recovered so quickly that she had a hard time holding on to that notion. Was it possible that he could be strong and still be kind and gentle to complete strangers, even ones who threatened him?

She was about to take the money that the trainer offered her, until she heard the voice of the leader of those pesky Poison Half-pints. Rage flared up inside of her, threatening to boil over, as Dendra’s obnoxious voice grated in her ears. “Nightfire staked its claim here years before you pesky wanna-be punks showed up. You’re outta your league here.” She quickly cast inferno at the source of Dendra’s voice, her dark-type senses allowing her to pinpoint the location even through the thick smoke.

Temira also lost her composure, and with a growl she cast poison gas, spraying toxins in Dendra’s direction. Only Javen, the pure dark-type Poochyena, managed to keep his composure. “Yo, K!” he hollared, “Chill! Don’t lose your head, girl! You know there’s more of them, and they probably got us surrounded.”

“Shit!” Kiara exclaimed. The boy was right. She was aware of three others besides Dendra, and no doubt they had her group surrounded. She hoped Marcus wasn’t having to deal with all three of them and the Aron at the same time.

She was about to say more when the Aron showed up out of the smoke and Marcus’s ember attack fell harmlessly to the ground beside her. Kiara heard the comments and threats she made, but her mind was focused on Dendra and her group. At least Marcus was with them again, and her group was still intact.

Kiara was finally able to suppress her anger and regain her composure to bark out new orders. “T, watch for Dendra and attack if needed. J and M, keep your guard up, if you see, hear, or smell any punks, attack immediately.” She turned to face the Aron herself. She didn’t have time for another attack, but she glared at her and stood her ground. She could see that she had underestimated her opponent, as the girl stood strong, protecting her trainer, in spite of having taken a hit. Between the stubborn Aron and the punks surrounding her, the heist would likely end up being foiled, but at least with her team together, she could formulate an exit strategy. “My own size?” she said to the Aron with a growl, “You might be my strongest opponent yet.” While her words were directed at the aron, she made sure she was loud enough for Dendra to hear them.

 

[Joyful-Fabo]

Dendra prepared a retort before her everything was engulfed in flames. "Shiiit" She hissed as she winced and the fires burned at her clothes and body before she pushed through, only to get a mouthful of Toxic. This allows her to find her bearings "Poison? Bitch are you for real!?" She calls out tauntingly again, spitting out the toxic shot at her as she rushed in, cheeks inflated and churning, producing an unnerving sound as she approached Kiara, looking for an opening before striking with a [Poison Sting], her own venom coating her knuckles as she did. "We're gonna fuck you up!" She calls out that the others take as commands.

The Half-Pints move in and attack. Barb looks for her mark, Javen, who has his name written on the soles of the Nidoran. She launches a [Double Kick] barrage, as Horn aims to immobilize him with a thick spray of [String Shot]. Fang dives into the mids of the group and shrieks out in [Supersonic] aiming to daze and add to the chaos. Slick finally gets in position and begin breathing out a blanket of [Poison Gas] to cut into the haze by the Nightfire's smoke piles.

 

[Sunset Drifter]

Thomas Wyse
The One with an aura of Kindness and Love
Guardians:
1). Artemis | 2). ??? | 3). ??? | 4). ??? | 5). ??? | 6). ???
​

"Artemis! Oh no you're hurt!" he gasped turning away from the Houndour and the Croagunk's group. He could notice the burnt patches at her side. Oh he had been careless, what a fool he was. Quickly putting the money back into his pockets Thomas pulled a potion out of his bag. While she protected him he sprayed the odd healing spray upon her. "I'm such an idiot! I-I'm so sorry!" he stated with concern, he was fine but she had been attacked, right now Artemis was his only guardian. If she fell then he would be all by himself against people who had magical powers! The outcome of that wouldn't be very pretty. The mist was starting to clear and he took notice of the two gangs that had appeared. His guardian exchanged words as he softly touched her shoulder. He stood behind her but looked on with concern. Both of the groups seemed to suddenly attack each other! Artemis asked what they should do. Right now they were kind of caught up in a small gang war.

This had to stop, one of them had a cast on! What if she got hurt, what if all of them got hurt. He and Artemis could just leave but if he could maybe stop them or knock out the leaders maybe that would break up the battle? What if the woods caught fire after all? Plus all of that poison gas and stuff wouldn't be good to breathe in. The thought of attacking them like this was bad, but it would also give him a clear path to run away with his Aron. "Artemis, what move could you use that might at least scare them off? Rocks would be too painful to watch, would one of your quakes hurt them or the ground!? We just need to make a path for us to escape." he replied to her kind of caught up in the moment.

No, they had to attack. Thomas got a feeling that if he did nothing Artemis would still attack regardless. Hopefully and earthquake wouldn't hurt them all but now wasn't the time. If he remembered the moves she had a couple of them were shield like. An area of effect move, would be more effective in this situation. Standing behind Artemis he took in a soft breath and calmed himself. Forgive me..I hope none of you get really hurt...but you gave us no choice.... he thought clenching a fist. Opening his eyes he pointed to a spot where both of the leaders would maybe meet. "Artemis! Hurry use Earthquake! Aim for that spot between the trees! Hurry!" he commanded like he had seen other trainers do during fighting events in the past.

 

[LittleDragon]

The funny spray seeped into Artemis' skin, setting on a cooling agent that tingled against her burns, making her squirm and hiss. "Ngnn..." she whimpered but was soon soothed by the touch of Thomas' hand to her shoulder. "No need to apologise! We need to get out of this turf war and fast" She twisted her neck to look at him and a flash smile grew on her face, he had given her the reassurance she needed as she faced Kiara again. Turned out the houndour girl had problems off her own to be dealing with which worked in the aron's favour.

She took a moment to assess to the scene before her as the half pints all flew in in a flurry of fury. Artemis wasn't worried about the poison attacks, they would be harmless to her, but she was certain that wouldn't be the case for Thomas. Her eyes darted on the Zubat as it's launched it's supersonic attack. It's high pitched squealing cutting right through her as she was forced to drop her spear and cling her hands to her ears as a means of defense. Luckily, Thomas was still stood beside with his hand on her shoulder. She felt a reassuring squeeze and could hear his voice as it called to her.

"Earthquake! Got it..." The aron spoke with determination as she released her ears and knelt to pick up her spear. She looked around in the direction Thomas had pointed and nodded as she understood his instructions. "Find somewhere safe and keep close to the ground! I don't want you hurt!" Artemis nuzzled against his hand softly feeling his warm, if not clammy from the stress, skin against her cheek. She released herself from his hold and dashed forward through the chaos! A great choice! she told herself, her eyes narrowing as she approached and leapt, slamming her spear head into the ground. He knows his stuff! Super effective against fire AND poison.

As the shaft of the spear became lodged in the ground, Artemis dug her heels in to brace herself. She growled loudly, her usually caring blue eyes now portraying anger as she pulled her weapon sharply. There was a sudden rumble, like thunder in the distance, that dislodged the ground beneath her. Shockwaves rippling under the earth in the immiediate area. It may not have had the strength of a full grown Aggron behind it, but there was still enough power behind her attack to topple those who felt it.

 

[SnowyWolf]

Kiara remained focused on the Aron as she heard Dendra’s voice shouting behind her. She trusted Temira to handle the Croagunk, and for the most part, Temira came through with a snarl that drowned out her taunt. If any of the taunting did reach her ears, she was a dark-type and resisted the dark-type move.

“J, look out,” she called out as Javen took the brunt of the attacks. Javen stood ready and could have easily dodged either one of the attacks thrown at him, but not both. He dodged the string shot but took the double kick, first to the upper leg, then to his gut. That second kick knocked the wind out of him and caused him to stagger backwards and fall to the ground. It left him so dazed that he couldn't even hear Fang’s supersonic. Marcus did hear it, and although it rung in his ears and made it difficult for him to concentrate, he could deal with the normal move. He cast ember at the Zubat. Temira suddenly cringed, unable to cover both of her ears due to her injured arm. She could only watch helplessly as both the Croagunk and the Aron charged in Kiara’s direction.

Kiara had been ready to dodge Dendra’s attack while watching the Aron, but Fang’s supersonic suddenly rang in her ears, disrupting her balance. She had already steeled herself against Dendra’s taunting, leaving her wanting for will-power to deal with the noises. She yelled out in pain as she took the poison sting in her side. At the same time, she saw the Aron thrust her spear into the ground right in front of her. She was already dazed by the poison, and the earthquake on top of that was too much for her. She fell to the ground, unable to keep her balance, yelping in pain each time the ground violently struck her.

The earthquake subsided after what seemed like an eternity, and she mustered what little strength she had left to call out, “Nightfire! Retreat! T, take the boys and get the hell outta here! Return to base. M, help J! Leave me! Don’t you dare try to rescue me! That’s an order!” Tears showed in Temira’s eyes as she followed the order without protest. She called to the boys and they all fled into the woods, disappearing into the smoke on the side of the road opposite the grimer, seeing that the smoke was already clearing from that side. Kiara remained where she was, having had the wind knocked out of her by the earthquake, and with the poison starting to take effect. She had failed to plan for the Half-pints’ interference, and she had underestimated the guardian and her trainer, and she failed in her first mission as a result. She hoped she could be lucky enough to get off with some jail time. “Well played, Guardian, Trainer,” she said with her last ounce of strength before laying down in the rubble that used to be a road and closing her eyes.

 

[Joyful-Fabo]

Dendra's smirk turned into a wide grin as she felt her jab connect yes! this would be that uppity flame bitch's downfall! She had a brief question before the shockwaves of the [Earthquake] struck her; 'why does the ground feel like water.' The Croagunk has bounced around with ease and went out like a light, her constitution weaker than the battle-hardened Houndour. The rest of the Half Pints looked incredulous as the Nightfires absconded, Fang's screech ceasing as he looked out.

"Wait... we won?" Said Slick.
"Holy shit we actually won" said Horn dryly.
"Hahah! Yeah! now we're going to be taken seriously!" said Fang, his voice a tad hoarse as he embraced Horn.
"Yeah got that respect now!" Cheered Slick, highfiving Barb.
"We're true gangsters... now..." trailed off Barb as she realized Aron was still there, and Dendra was out cold. She then turned up the bravado, mimicking her leader "I mean, of course we won, we're the Poison Half-Pints, We fight dirty, we work dirty and we play dirty!" As she did Horn went over to tend to his fallen leader, and rummaging in her pockets.

"Bingo" he said pulling out a zipper bag with a handful of green leaves in there. He pulled out a bundle of the more commonly known [Revival Herb] and force fed it to Dendra.
"mmmm bitter," said Dendra groaning as she came back to and looked around from her lying place "Fuck dammit. I got knocked out didn't I?" she asked irately at Horn "did I look cool at least?"
"Nope you went down like a chump" said Horn
"Least I took flame bitch with me"
"Wrong again Boss" said Horn helping her up "She did look cool, though"
"Oh, fucking shit!" She calls out irritated then looked at the trainer, his guardian and put back on her toothy smirk "Ehem... well you're welcome. I'll let that... shakey thing slide because you guys helped us defend our territory... but now the road is fucked and we'll need to fix it soooo, we would really appreciate it if you would contribute to repair it" She asks, thinking it as a plausible excuse, people like roads, right?

 

[Sunset Drifter]

Thomas Wyse
The One with an aura of Kindness and Love
Guardians:
1). Artemis | 2). ??? | 3). ??? | 4). ??? | 5). ??? | 6). ???
​

He blushed a little, feeling her nuzzle his hand. The screeching sound of the Zubat seemed to only effect him a little, maybe Gijinka had more sensitive hearing? Artemis's softness seemed to reassure him as well and he nodded when she told him to step back. He did, gripping onto a tree he watched his Guardian leap into action, his eyes sparkling at how cool and powerful she looked. Watching Gijinka battles on the television was way different than seeing it in person! Of course he suddenly saw the parts that must have been cut out of the battles that aired. Both gang leaders went down fast, but his heart broke a little watching the Houndour. She was crying in pain, it was kind of terrible. Maybe it was a bit cruel...still. This was the Gijinka way. His grandfather had told him when he was a younger that Gijinka had their own way of solving problems.

They might have looked like they were dying but they were tougher than Humans. Closing his eyes he nodded, trying to keep his composure. After all there would be more battles to come. If he faltered now then he wouldn't be much support to Artemis, and any other future guardians that joined him! Still what tore at him the most and what he had sort of noticed is how much the Nightfire's leader sacrificed herself so her allies could escape. Maybe she wasn't all that bad? It was obvious she cared about them, a heartless leader would have abandoned their allies and tried to save themselves. "Artemis, don't bother following after them. I don't think the Nightfire people will cause us any more trouble." he stated once the quaking stopped and the fog settled. Following after them would be foolish and risky. No it was probably best to just head for the Inn and forget all of this happened. Thomas walked up to Artemis and gently pulled her into a soft and warm hug. "Good job for your first official battle. You were awesome!" he praised giving her a smile. There was just the matter of the Poison Half-Pints to deal with.

Giving his Guardian a nod Thomas moved closer to the poison gang. Why was every situation tonight about money? Did they mistake him for one of the richer trainers? It was flattering but kind of frustrating. Knowing that Artemis would be by his side he gave Dendra a sort of sad look. " I hate to break it to you but I don't have the riches to repair your roads. What little I have left will probably go to supplies. I'm not going to sugar coat it actually. I'd gladly shower you all in dollars if I had it. I hope you're not too hurt though. I have some potions if you need one." Thomas had to bend down a little but he stared into Dendra's eyes. They were pretty for a poison type. She didn't seem all that bad, kind of goofy but maybe that's how she was. "I hope you all don't think we Trainers are loaded, most of the money we make goes to our supplies and Guardian's well fare. Still I'm sorry that we messed up your turf, and that we actually were trespassing ourselves. My Guardian and I just want to make it to the Inn in this forest and this was the quickest path on the map." he stated to the Croagunk and her crew with respect in his words.

Standing up he glanced around and then spotted the unconscious Houndour. "What a rush, I've never been so terrified in my life. I've watched so many battles on the Inn's television at home, but experiencing it in person was unbelievable! You all were pretty cool actually, I'm not from this area of the region but do you fight with these Fire Gijinka often? It seems like you both have a history." he spoke kind of rambling, letting his heart kind of speak a little. It was good to be honest, maybe this gang would just let him go on his merry way. He didn't want Artemis fighting anymore tonight. Sure she had the upper advantage when it came to typing but he needed to let the battle sink in a little before seeing another. He placed his fingers against Kiara's neck and felt a faint pulse, then he felt her forehead. It was sweaty and hot, did she get poisoned too? They needed to get her to the Inn. Setting his bag down on the ground he unzipped it and began to search his medical pouch. Pulling out an Antidote he sprayed it upon the Houndour's skin like the directions on the bottle had stated. The potions and things created were all natural made from crushed berries and such so no odd chemicals would harm the Gijinka sprayed with them. After using the antidote Thomas shouldered his bag and carefully scooped the fire type into his arms, positioning her so her head rested against his chest.

Standing he turned to face Dendra, Artemis, and the others and smiled. Once they were done talking to the Poison Half Pints, he would continue his journey to the Inn. As for the Houndour he wasn't sure, probably he'd just let her go after she was healed. Thomas couldn't help but feel like at least helping her was the right thing to do, no matter if it made his Guardian mad or not.

 

[Joyful-Fabo]

Dendra's poison pouches were swolen a bit in irritation. She'd know if she was being counter conned, but no, this guy was the regular, salt of the earth, honest and pure type. It made her want to puke. The guy even stayed in the thick of it when shit hit the fan, who even does that? "No money!? Fucking shit! I busted my ass here!" She said exasperated "No gain, at all!"
As her leader was having one of her usual tantrums, punching a nearby tree Horn sighed "She'll calm down... I seriously hope you're not lying about the money." He looked back at her as she cussed and jabbed "Yeah, you're trespassing but we're way cooler about that than the Nightfires... and we do have a history"
"FUCK THOSE ASSHATS" said Dendra with a right hook.
"ever since we came together they pushed us around," said Fang "we were kinda their lackeys until the Boss showed up"
Dendra turned around "hell yeah I showed up, and I whipped these losers into the crack team you see here!" she declared with an inflated ego, letting the anger flow into boasting.
"Except we still kinda suck" said Barb "we got lucky to-" Dendra was giving her the stink eye
"We won! we showed them and we beat Kiara!" said Dendra. "we need to let everybody know that we roll harder than those fucks"
"Is that really a good idea?" asked Slick, "Lets just head back to the hideout"
"You guys can go on ahead, I'll escort Mr.Trainer here and deposit the flame bitch, make sure the story gets told right" Declared Dendra, and after a few minutes of the team trying to persuade her out of it they gave up and went back to their hideout. That left Dendra to go along with him back to the inn, all the while chewing on a bitter dried [Energy Root] she pulled from a homemade packet she carried in her pocket to restore her own strength. Truth be told, she'd met some trainers, but none quite like Thomas, and that had the Croagunk girl intrigued.
​

 

[LittleDragon]

As the dust settled from her attack, Artemis was still standing. She panted hard, regaining her bresth as she clung to her spear for support. That was the first time she had used that attack in such a capacity and was bewildered to see both the Nightfires leader and the Half-Pints leader out cold on the floor. A bashful smile spread across her face as she looked to the trainer who was approaching her, "I did it!! Did you see?!" The anger in her blue eyes had subsided to be replaced by glee, I really did it!

Her voice rang out with laughter as he pulled her into a warm embrace and she cuddled against him. She heard his praising words and her smile only grew with recognition. "It wasn't just me! You were great too!" Their cuddle soon ended and Artemis could see Thomas' attention was drifting towards the remainder of the poision gang. Her happiness swiftly left her face to be replaced with a snarl. She knew her trainer wanted to help them but she wasn't sure if it was a wise idea... None the less she would be there to back him up should he get into difficulty as she followed close behind.

Clearly the Croagunk girl was upset as she tantrumed. Artemis folded her arms and raised an eyebrow, it was clear Dendra was all bark and no bite making the steel type's eyes roll. "Arceus' sake..." she mumbled, side stepping to avoid the angry swings. She found it hard to be sympathetic too her with the display she was showing and simply turned away. Another snarl leaving her lips as she saw her trainer crouched by the Houndour.

"What are you doing?!" She cried as she dashed by his side and placed a firm hand on his shoulder, wanting to pull him away. "She attacked us!! What's to say she won't again?!" Surely healing this girl was a recipe for disaster. She let go of Thomas as he continued to work on helping her and gave a frustrated sigh. His aura was too kind for his own good. This was going to be hisndownfall, she knew it. He may have seen something in Kiara, but she wasn't as so easily swayed. Artemis sighed in frustration again and pinched the bridge of her nose, "I've got a bad feeling about this..." but it was clear her trainer had made up his mind as he lifted the injured girl into her arms. It was her duty to support him... even if she didn't agree with him.

 

[SnowyWolf]

Kiara woke up in a daze as the antidote started working, neutralizing the poison that had weakened her. She found herself being cradled in a man’s arms with her head against his chest. “Daddy?” she whimpered softly. Perhaps she had died and was now with her long lost father, which meant her mother should be here too. She heard female voices in the background as her mind began to clear, but none of the voices came from her mother. She soon realized that the man holding her so gently and so lovingly was not her father, but the human trainer she had attacked. She smelled the extracts from the berries that were used in the antidote on her skin. She was coherent enough to hear Dendrra announce that she was staying with the trainer and to see her lackeys leave her behind. She quickly noticed the Aron looking upset. She guessed that the Aron would’ve had the sense to either leave her to die or turn her over to the cops. Of course, she had to assume that would be her fate, and it was the best she could hope for considering the crime she committed against them.

With her mind clear and her strength returning to her, she pushed back the memory of her father into the recesses of her mind to return to the situation before her, which was indeed grim. Speaking softly, she said, “I’m okay now, I can stand on my own…” It was a lie. Her feet were sore and ankles in pain, having taken the brunt of the earthquake. “But you can still hold me if you want to. I’m not complaining,” she added, although she wasn’t sure why she said that. She briefly looked to the Aron with admiration but didn’t say anything.

She looked to the Croagunk and said in a soft voice bordering on compassionate, “Your teammates are in danger. I’ve never reported the location of your hideout or any of your homes, but if they keep pestering the Nightfires…” She paused to gather her thoughts and continued. “You saw the stunky girl with the broken arm? She’s not very bright, and she’s a little too sweet, but she’s tough as nails, tougher than I could ever hope to be. See, the boss don’t like to share his main girl, and T got caught makin’ out with her. The boss punished her by raping her and beating her half to death. He broke her arm. He even demanded that she still go into battle with her injury. That’s why she was here. After all that, she’s still kickin’. But that’s the kind of people they are. Nightfire’s more than just a band of misfits, it’s an organized crime circle, and the people they send here after me will most likely be heartless, ruthless, and cruel. I only stay with ‘em ‘cause they’re the only family I got. I hope those kids have the sense to steer clear of them.” She didn’t know why she cared. Maybe this strange man was having some effect on her mind.

She looked back to the trainer and said, “I really don’t know why you showed me such kindness after what I did to you, but I’ll do my best to repay it. Sorry to say I can’t offer much, but honor demands I do what I can. You should try to get to the inn by sundown, before Nightfire comes looking for revenge. I assume you’ll turn me over to the cops.”

 

[Sunset Drifter]

Thomas Wyse
The One with an aura of Kindness and Love
Guardians:
1). Artemis | 2). ??? | 3). ??? | 4). ??? | 5). ??? | 6). ???
​

Thomas watched the Croagunk throw a temper tantrum casually nodding as Horn, and the other's explained the situation. To his surprise their leader wanted to tag along with him to the Inn, she had only won due to Artemis's earthquake. Thomas was just going to keep his mouth shut, he didn't need her cussing up a storm all the way to the Inn after all! He winced a little as he felt the grip from Artemis, he knew she'd protest a little. After all this Houndour had attacked them, and almost caused the Aron to pass out due to type advantage. He was asked why, did she just want to leave the woman in the dirt. Thomas glanced back at the Aron with slight surprise in his eyes. Is that how she would see her future opponents? Weaklings that needed to just be left in the dirt to die? Maybe he was over assuming things but that was a grim thought.

Still their bond was new so maybe once they had fought together in a few battles and had gotten closer he'd understand Artemis's true nature. Still she did bring up a good point, this woman could just attack them again, though he doubted it. If this Houndour was smart she'd steer clear unless she wanted another earthquake in her face. Speaking of the Houndour, or well Kiara as the Croagunk's posse had stated, called him daddy? Looking into her adjusting eyes he gave her a concerned look. He was about to reply to his Guardian when Kiara began to speak. Thomas shifted her gently in his arms so she could relax a bit more letting her rest in them. While she explained the true nature of her gang Thomas was already on his way to the Inn walking in slow paced steps so he accidentally wouldn't drop or hurt her.

"How awful, those poor Gijinka." he quietly stated as he listened. Mostly the words were for Dendra but Thomas couldn't help but feel like Kiara was talking to him and Artemis as well. Raped and broken, as well as sent out to battle? The leader of Nightfire must have been a powerful man. Still if there was a crime circle running about doing stuff like that why hadn't the police force taken control? Gijinka police were fierce and powerful, or well the ones in his town were. The chief was the husband of the Stoutland maid who worked at his Inn. The force kept his small town safe and Thomas respected them greatly. Maybe the police force was different in this part of the region?

When she turned to speak to him again, he thought a moment. Thomas had no true intention or reason why he was helping her. "I couldn't just leave you to die here. Also I could tell you're not a bad Gijinka. You sacrificed yourself so the group you were with could escape, they're your family so you care about them. If you were evil you would have just abandoned them. I know you tried to rob me and possibly had plans on beating the snot out of me and my Guardian, but I don't think you're all that bad." he softly replied to both Kiara and Artemis. "If I end up in hot water well so be it. You're safer in my arms at the moment anyway, from the way you described your boss who knows what he would have done to you. When I was chosen to become a Trainer, I spent that very night thinking. Yet I decided to roll with whatever was thrown at me. I know this journey will be filled with dangers, so I can't just turn around and hide under the covers. If your boss chases after me and wants to beat me black and blue then Artemis and I will have to fight back. Plain and simple, besides I'm finally living my dream! Nothing is going to stop me from enjoying it!" it was a decision he had to harshly accept. Many people had told him of the dangers many Trainers faced on their journey. Sure he was scared, but Thomas couldn't just back down. It was his chance to fulfill his dreams.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
​

The Inn was a medium sized building that seemed to just stick out like a mountain among the forests trees. The glow of the lights seemed to be warm, welcoming, and inviting. Thomas entered the Inn first, feeling the much more comfortable air touch his face. Still holding onto Kiara he smiled down at her. "You're pretty warm actually. I guess that's because you're part fire type huh!" he happily stated. It was amazing how the touch of various Gijinka felt. Artemis had a more solid frame when he had hugged her, her skin was a bit more rough too. Kiara's warmth was sort of making him sweat a little, though if the temperature was chilly she'd keep you toasty. A Kricketune man sat behind the main desk, as various other bug and forest type gijinka dashed around.

"Oh ho what's this? More guests? No...you're the last Trainer." the man stated running a hand through his thick moustache. "Sad to say you missed the welcoming party. Though I'm glad you made it here safely. Are these three your Guardians?" he asked pulling out a small book. Thomas blushed a little, he hadn't thought of that. Kiara and Dendra would be seen as his guardians also. The man chuckled a bit. "Nevermind, nevermind! I'll need to see your card oh and you're stamp that you got as well. Though it looks like your arms are full."

"Yes, she was hurt in battle. I hate to be a pest but could you heal her up? I know you've got a healing station here." Thomas replied with a smile. All Inns had them, even his. The healing station was a medium sized bed looking chamber that was fused with medicines and healing magic to fully restore a Gijinka to their full potential.

The Kriketune man gave him a nod. "Oh that's right, you're the boy who grew up in an Inn! The uhh...'commoner' among the nobles. Not that it matters!" Thomas frowned a little his cheeks caught in a pink hue. Guess the meowth was out of the trubbish now. There had been rumors of a commoner trainer among the nobles this year. It seemed to be a big spectacle, since he was chosen by Wryn, the Dragonite judge of the festival. If the rumor had spread this far, it was possible that Dendra's and Kiara's groups might have heard of it. "You're the one everyone's eyes are on actually." the man stated leaning against the counter with a smile.

A beautiful, and well endowed, Chansey nurse swayed into the room and Kiara was passed into her arms. She would be taken to the healing station, so that was one less worry off of his mind. Pulling out his stamp and card the man nodded and stamped his book, swiped his card, and handed Thomas another card. "Now then enjoy your stay! All the food and rent is free, so relax and enjoy your stay. The doors will close and lock in a few hours, due to safety reasons. There are scary gangs lurking about in the first half of these woods." the man explained as Thomas placed the stamp and the cards back into his bag. With a sigh he nodded to the man and turned to face the Aron and Croagunk.

"Well then how about we take a load off. I could use a shower and something to eat. What are you two going to do?" he happily asked. Both Dendra and Kiara would also be able to indulge on the free food and bedding as well. Might as well pretend they were with him for the time being. He walked over and touched Artemis's shoulder. "I know you're worried, sorry to drag you into everything. I'm very proud of you, I was afraid I'd lost you when you screamed like that." he stated with concern pulling her into another hug and cuddling her a bit. It was probably mushy but he was told to love and care for his Guardians, so that's what he was doing. After a bit of that he walked over and placed one of his hands on Dendra's shoulder. Her skin felt a little clammy. "Once again I'm sorry, how's about a free meal as payment for tonight? Unless you want to head back to your gang? I understand, still you're welcome to stay the night if you'd like. Or sneak a little food back to your friends if you wanted. Sorry for messing up your turf like that though. I hope we're cool now eh?" sure she was kind of weak, but there was something in her eyes he could see, a hidden strength that lay sleeping. Thomas felt the same with Artemis, maybe that was the Trainer's eyes he had been told about. Though that would have meant he had bonded a little with the Croagunk and possibly her crew. Human auras effected all those around them, it was sort of their secret power to counter all the big and strong Gijinka they came across. Thomas could feel a small bond with the Aron though, he already felt safe around her, and oddly he felt safe around Dendra as well. Removing his hand from her shoulder he blushed a little. "Sorry..." he stated quietly to Dendra, Thomas shouldn't just reach up and touch the shoulder of everyone he met.

Artemis seemed to like it so he was slowly developing the habit. If she stayed he'd ask about her type. He had noticed her cheeks puffed up before she attacked, so maybe she spit out her moves? Kind of strange but each Gijinka was different after all. His eyes were sparkling, there was so much to learn Thomas couldn't wait!

 

[LittleDragon]

Artemis followed Thomas quietly as they made their way through the woods. She may have been quiet, but she was on high alert. After one attack had caught them off guard she was wary there would be others. They already had one injured burden in their party and another who would have a tantrum if a fight didn't go their way.

The aron sighed, feeling tense. Her gaze would ocaisionally dart to croagunk who walked near her. Just why had she shirked all responsibilty of her gang to join them? It made no sense, not to her anyway. She had never been more thankful to see the Inn appear before them. Artemis dashed ahead to open the door for Thomas as his arms were full, but let the door go just in time to hit Dendra in the face if she wasn't quick enough. Sure it was petty, but it gave the Aron some amusement.

She caught up to Thomas who had made his way to the table and was speaking to the Kricketune. She listened silently as she watched the various other bugs dart about to doing their duties. There was always something charming about bug pokemon and the way they scurried about. Artemis had to admire the dedication to their work and strived for that commitment herself. She tuned back into the Kricketune's conversation as he spoke of the others trainers all arriving. A low grumble rumbled in her throat as she slammed her fist down on the counter suddenly. "Thomas is more noble than half these trainers!" She bursted out, defending him. "You speak as though you expect him to be last because of who he is!" It angered her that he was always reffered to by status rather than who he was. She snorted and turned away before she found herself getting angrier and took a seat at an empty nearby table.

Why was she so angry? Was it the adrenaline still rushing through her from her first battle? Was it because she could still feel the burns from the growlithe on her skin or was it because part of her was jealous of the houndour? She closed her eyes shut and pushed back some tears. She knew itnwas the last option but didn't want to admit it to herself. Steel pokemon are tough! They don't cry! She drew a staggered deep breath, almost flinching as Thomas put his hand on her shoulder and pulled her into a hug. He was warm and his arms felt comforting as he embraced her. "I was scared... I'd let you down..." she finally admited as she trembled in his hold, reliving the growlithe's attack in her mind amd feeling his phantom burns on his skin, sending a pain through her. "I couldn't lose you! It's my job to protect you and I didn't do it very well" She looked up to Thomas sniffling, before pushing him away. If Dendra wasn't there she would of loved to carry on the cuddle, but she felt awkward and embarrased infront of her.

"I'm... going to find some food..." The aron finally said as she turned away, hiding her embarrasment. It was clear the gijinka was kicking herself for the knock she took in battle and it was affecting her more than she tried to let on.

 

[Joyful-Fabo]

Dendra began smirking as Kiara woke up and was about to open her caustic mouth before the houndour started talking. Somehow this was worse than angry words meant to intimidate, this was more like a cautionary tale by one of her sisters. It chilled her to the bone, the concept of her underlings... her friends being hunted down. But she still would puff her chest, put on a cheeky smirk and say "We're tougher than we look, and smarter too, we have more than one hideout, we have traps, we have plans within plans... nothing to worry about" She left a 'but thank you' unsaid, giving Kiara perhaps the first look of respect she'd ever shown her. Dendra's demeanor was a tad... grimmer the rest of the way to the Inn. She was not out of it as hs managed to stop the door with her hand before she got hit. "Nice try shiny-face" she taunted, with her usual smirk​

​

Once there she raised a brow at being called a Guardian. Yeah her really, she couldn't help but chuckle as they went deeper into the building, as well as a small point of pride where they were described as a 'scary gang'... she had to get in contact with the others. She pulled her hood up as she went along with the others. She couldn't think of a good quip for when flame bitch got carted away so she kept quiet. She slumped down on a seat near the table and sighed. She looked, a bit uncomfortable and yet a bit voyeuristically too comfortable as the Trainer and his Guardian embraced, it seemed warm and caring and, oh spirits was she jealous!? Her poison sacks swole a tad bit in irritation, just before the Trainer came up himself and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, looking at her in the eyes. She felt herself resonating with his aura and that was... odd, a bit too intimate, exciting and yet scary as well. The seed of an idea of someone as weak as her becoming Guardian was planted in the back of her mind, risible as it may be. Him having puppy eyes may have helped, who knows. "Well" Dendra found her voice again "I would really need to speak with the guys... buuut who the hell turns down free food huh?" she gave him a toothy smile "Yeah we're cool, so long I can bring out some food, got it?" she said. After agreeing on the logistics of such a task she walked off without excusing herself to make a call, pulling out her flip phone and calling Horn.​

"Hey boss, How's it going?"​

"Getting a free dinner off this sucker, so fantastic!... er and you guys?"​

"Yeah, we're good, probs getting home soon. its late y'know?"​

"Yeah, of course. Listen, be careful, go to the other, other hideout, don't come back to the shroomshack"​

"Why, the Nightfires are gonna come push our shit in?"​

"..."​

"Oh fuck you're not kidding... I'll tell the guys."​

"stay safe, check my yard for supplies, I don't want you guys to get too hurt 'cuz I ran my mouth"​

"...Ok, ok can do Boss"​

"Bye Horn" she closed her phone and after finding a charger near a Pokedex charging station she came back to the table and took a seat again. She lifted her glasses up to the top of her head and pinched her bridge. This got... out of hand, and this time it wasn't funny. She thought of the trainer, and how he said he'd fight if he needed to because it was his dream. She'd get creamed if she tried that... She wished she was strong enough to declare that, back it up and mean it.​

 

[SnowyWolf]

In spite of her wounded pride, Kiara relaxed in her former opponent’s embrace as he carried her, as he reminded her of how her father used to carry her around when she was a little girl, with her stubby tail hanging over his one of his arms, her own little arms clasped around his neck, and her fat little cheek pressed against the Houndoom’s beard. The human’s touch was cool and comforting, and she wanted so much to wrap her arms around his neck and embrace him like she did with her father. Her hot and passionate fire-type nature made the urge even stronger. Only the Aron’s presence kept her from doing so. With her dark-type nature, she had learned to read people’s emotions (not empathically like a psychic-type, but through subtle hints like body language, tone of voice, and even even specific word choices when they spoke). More importantly, she had learned to exploit those emotions, and she could pick up on the Aron’s attitude towards her. In different circumstances, she might have done it just to piss her off, but the Aron had just knocked her out with a single hit, and she had enough sense to not provoke her any further.

When they reached the inn and she heard some of the words exchanged, she finally understood the situation. The man was described as a ‘commoner among the nobles’. That explained why he didn’t have much money as well as why he and the Aron were so different from other festival trainer and guardian pairs she had so easily defeated in past years. Clearly he was the real deal and not some pretentious rich snob. She had to assume the Aron sensed that as well and chose him as her trainer for that reason. She wasn’t surprised when the Aron spoke up to defend him. That was also the first time she heard the man’s name.

What did surprise her was that Thomas didn’t hand her over to the police. Instead, he requested she be healed. He even pretended she was his guardian so the healing wouldn't cost anything. She was glad to know he was at least capable of guile. She didn’t want Thomas to leave her, but she didn’t protest when he passed her over to the Chansey who took her to the healing station. The first thing she noticed was that it was more modern than the ones Nightfire had, not to mention cleaner, or more like uncomfortably cold and sterile. But she couldn’t complain as it quickly restored her strength and energy, straightened out her twisted ankles, and relieved some of the soreness in her feet and legs. She would be able to walk again when the treatment was finished.

It was then that she noticed that her phone was completely smashed, most likely from the earthquake. That was probably a good thing as it was provided by Nightfire, and she had no doubt that they had been using it to track her. If she had thought of it, she would have dropped it at the scene, but it was too late for that. Still, if she left it somewhere for Nightfire to find it, she might be able to throw them off of her trail. She returned it to her pocket and made a mental note to run her thoughts by Thomas when her treatment was finished, as she assumed she was staying with him since he didn’t turn her in to the cops. Of course, that meant she would have to make peace with the Aron, and she suspected winning her over would be difficult. And if Dendra stayed with him as well? She would have to cross that bridge when she got there.

 

[Sunset Drifter]

Thomas Wyse
The One with an aura of Kindness and Love
Guardians:
1). Artemis | 2). ??? | 3). ??? | 4). ??? | 5). ??? | 6). ???
​

Thomas blinked, suddenly he was alone. With all three Gijinka off on their own the fatigue of the journey and the day had finally hit him. Letting out a tired sigh he gripped his bag and headed for the showers. The cool water ran down his body as his mind was lost on the events of that evening. So much had happened since he left on this journey, closing his eyes Thomas began to wash his hair. This wasn't the kind of journey he was expecting, to get loosely tangled up with gangs. Still even if he had left Kiara she would have been probably beaten to death by her boss. She was strong, but the way she made the leader of her gang sound he was stronger. Right now he wanted to avoid all contact with that group and push ahead. That would be the best strategy for now, then maybe take the group's leader out later with a few powerful, fully evolved Guardians.

He had seen a side of Artemis he hadn't seen. She was tough and chivalrous but it seemed that she was very attached to him as well. It was flattering, how she clung to him like that. How she defended his honor. Thomas frowned he hated being treated like some kind of spectacle though. Look it's the boy with the loving aura! Watch him laugh and dance for your amusement! He'll give you lots of hugs and kisses too! He's the poor boy from poor town ready to make you smile! That was stupid all humans, no anyone with two arms could be loving. Why were all the eyes on him? What the Innkeeper had said bothered him a little. Thomas was just like the other trainers! He was just on this journey to live out his dreams! Maybe win the money at the end, though that wasn't his focus. Drying himself off he'd leave those thoughts in the showers.

Thomas felt refreshed as he entered the lounge. No doubt the others would show up, for the time being it was best to leave them be. Artemis, Kiara, and Dendra, had their own thoughts to attend to. Still he would be there if they needed him. Relaxing on one of the couches he stared up at the ceiling. He had a hunch Kiara was going to become his next Guardian, he would ask her tonight. Sure she had tried to rob him, wounded Artemis, and probably make him a target, but there was something about the Houndour that drew him to her, something about her aura. While he watched Artemis fight he had noticed how powerful the fire type was. He could use someone like her on his team because, like it or not, Artemis couldn't do everything. Plus he felt like Kiara had no where to go, but that could have just been him feeling guilty for getting in her way. Dendra was different, she had a gang, friends.

She was about as strong as a paper bag, but to be fair she was weak to ground too. What he had noticed about the Croagunk was that she was fast, but seemed kind of distant? He wasn't a psychic but he had noticed her pull up her hoodie when they walked to the Inn. Thomas felt there was more to her though, heck if she wanted to become his Guardian too he wouldn't complain but she was tied down. When she pulled away from him earlier and began talking on her phone he figured she'd probably just stay for a meal then return to her gang. It was a shame, but he wasn't going to force anyone to join his group. Hopefully Artemis was alright, he was a little worried about her when she had just walked off somewhat embarrassed. Closing his eyes he also pinched his nose. There were supplies he needed to buy as well as getting food and planning routes. While his Guardians would battle it was the Trainer's job to make sure there were enough provisions and supplies to last most of the trip between Inns and towns. He'd worry about that later, maybe a small nap would be best for now? After all he was more tired than hungry.

 

[LittleDragon]

Artemis moved her way to the food hall. She took a plate and queued up behind a male Larvitar gijinka and a female bagon gijinka. She kept to herself but could overhear the pair of them as they spoke.

"Did you see the common trainer? I'm suprised he even made it here" the larvitar laughed as he mocked the newcomer.
"I know! I feel sorry for his guardian... she got the short straw there! She's just a weak as he is" The bagon replied as she looked to the larvitar.

The Aron looked up as she heard their conversation and pouted. "Hey!!" she shouted, calling them out on their conversation. "Find someone else to talk about"

The Larvitar turned to look at her as he puffed out his chest, appearing much bigger than her. "Awww look at the small little guardian" he pinched her cheek patronisingly. Artemis batted his hand away and growled. "She's quite cute when she's angry! Least the common boy has someone looking out for him" although his words were kind, his tone was sarcastic.

Artemis felt her fist clench into a ball. She could of easily struck him - but what good would that do? Start a fight in the tavern and draw more attention to them. Thomas didn't need that and he certainly didn't deserve that. "Just... leave us alone..." she muttered as she took her plate of food and sat down at a small empty table.

"Coward!" The bagon shouted after her, but Artemis paid it no heed as she tucked herself away.

She stared down at the plate of food infront of her. Although she was hungry, she couldn't find the appetite to actually eat anything. Instead, she opened the pouch on her hip and pulled out a scrap of paper and a pen. She stared blankly at the wingull printed paper as she collected her thoughts then began to scribble them down. It might seem old fashioned to send a letter in this day and age, but the girl found it more personal than using a phone. Although right now, she was tempted to call her mother, she missed her voice and could do with a reassuring tone.

'Dear Ma,
It's been a long time since I wrote to you and so much has happened!
I did it!
I finally made it to the guardian's festival and what's more Infound myself a trainer. It's odd though... All the years of training and bettering myself came to this... and truth be told it's a lot more different than I imagined. Not all trainers are as nice as they make out, neither are other pokemon. Don't fret though - I'm doing just fine and my trainer is very kind of heart. I really did find a good one. I'm well looked after.
I promise.
I won my first battle too!
Pa would be so proud to see, I know he would be. I hope you are too.
I know you always said I found it difficult to make friends and I believe it... but I'm doing my best.
Keep smiling Ma, I miss you lots (even your nagging) and look after yourself. I'll come home soon...
Lots of love,
Arti x'

Artemis looked down at her letter and smiled. Sometimes she found it easier to convey her feelings on paper rather than speak them. She folded the paper up and tucked it inside her pouch. At first chance she got she would get it posted. Surely there would be a postbox here at the tavern.

oo9oWhilst writing her letter she had spied Thomas coming in out of the corner of her eye and lie down. Leaving her food where it was, she slowly made her way over to him and gave a small smile. "Room for one more?" She asked quietly as sat on the floor beside him and leant her back on the cushions. She felt a comfort from just being near Thomas and could feel as the aura of their hearts synced stronger since their battle against the Nightfires and Half-pint poisons. "Thank you... for today... we really need to trust each other and it pulled off." Her voice trailed off for a moment as she was hesitant before carrying on, "Forgive me for speaking out of turn... I know we're both new to this. You're a good person... but maybe you're too good. What if this whole mess had got worse... or more Nightfires came?? We couldn't of held more off and befriending them may have done us more damage than harm..." She shuddered as she remembered Kiara's gruesome stories. "I will always protect you to the best of my ability... just... don't push those limits too often"

 

[SnowyWolf]

As much as Kiara liked being carried in Thomas’s arms, she was equally happy to be able to walk on her own two feet as she left the treatment room after the Chansey released her. It didn’t take her long to find Thomas and the Aron, and she immediately returned to them. She approached just in time to hear her spiel about him being too good of a person, and she had to agree with her. She was genuinely surprised by his kindness towards her, and she knew she didn’t deserve it. “She’s right,” Kiara said softly as she sat down and folded her legs and leaned slightly forward. “Don’t get me wrong. I can’t thank you enough for your kindness, but I don’t deserve it. I expected to be in the slammer by now, or on the side of the road being scavenged by feral rarrata. Helping me was a risky move, and you may have put not only yourself, but your guardian as well, in serious danger.”

She twiddled her thumbs and looked at the floor in front of her for a few seconds gathering her thoughts, then looked back to them and continued, with an amused smirk on her face. “You two are amazing though,” and she meant it. “Every year, I’ve mugged festival trainer and guardian pairs. Besides getting a lot of money from them, it was always fun to drive a wedge between them and send trainer and guardian fleeing in opposite directions. And it gets better, ‘cause I’d see them on the television at the end of the festival, fighting with completely different gijinkas, and I knew it was all fake. Those pretentious, rich bastards are all the same. You two are different from them though. You’re the first to beat me, and instead of being driven apart, it looks like you two have actually strengthened your bond.”

She stopped and drew in a deep breath, feeling like feral butterfree were flying in circles in her gut, as she went on to the hardest part of what she wanted to say. “I… I find it hard to admit it, but I’m… jealous of the bond you two have. It’s something I could only dream of, and if I could be a part of it…” She took another deep breath and added, “I owe you my life, and if the two of you will have me, I’d like to help protect you, espeically if Nightfire shows up for revenge.”

 

[Joyful-Fabo]

Dendra shook her head, no sense in worrying too much tonight. They were smart, they would make it through the night. She noticed as the trainer, his Aron, and even Kiara began moving around. She pulled down her glasses, letting them obscure her eyes and headed off to find some grub. She made a stop by the vending machine, buying some snacks and packed sandwiches for her crew. She stuffed them in her vest pockets before moving on and lining up at the food hall, giving the stinkeye to anybody who even half looked at her funny.

She carried a tray with foodstuffs piled up precariously high, like a greedy and indulgent garbage plate. She spotted the other three and came to join them as they talked about the Nightfires ad Kiara was... again being uncomfortably warm, in more than one way. She sat down with them setting the loaded tray in front of her and began eating off of it as she heard them speak. Then came Kiara's confession... and that was too much to bear. She echoed her own feeling and thoughts... so of course, she had to talk, steal the spotlight and one-up as she often did. "Excuses, excuses... Yeah, trainers are a sweet deal, you'd get taken care of, get some loving and you get stronger... what's not to like?" she said bluntly "As if you needed a life debt or swear on you honor or some lame ass shit like" she looked at the trainer in the eyes "You just have to have the balls to take it, no matter how much of a piece of scum you are, or weak, or dumb or ugly. You gotta just look at them square in the eyes and say 'I want some of that'... fuck it" she chuckled, with inflated bravado "You gotta say 'I want it all and more, because I deserve it'" It was at that moment she knew what she just said... and she realized she hadn't completely bullshitted it. She blushed and immediately hunched over a bit, and began eating to bury her shame.