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Post by Lucas on May 2, 2009 1:59:22 GMT -5
Despite the fact that Gold's response was rather startling, it did make Lucas feel as if he could be of some help. That was what he enjoyed, anyway--helping people. So, Gold could fish, Lucas could help catch, and they would make a great team. Before he could verbally elaborate on that much, movement in the corner of his eye sent Lucas looking towards the end of the rod in alarm. It had actually caught something, and this quickly? Whether Lucas was ready to believe it or not, it had, and he leaned forward in his excitement, climbing onto his hands and knees and watching as the pokemon was revealed.
Out of a torrent of water, a small, similarly-colored pokemon jumped. Its specific features told Lucas immediately what it was--"It's a horsea!" Lucas pounced to his feet, digging his hand into his pocket and bringing out his pokedex, snapping it open quickly with his other hand clenched into an eager fist.
Horsea: the Dragon Pokemon. It makes its nest in the shade of corals. If it senses danger, it spits murky ink and flees.
Well, now they knew what they needed to keep horsea from doing if they really wanted to capture it.
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Post by Dragon on May 2, 2009 22:35:47 GMT -5
Eyes focused and sparkled with excitement at the tiny blue creature now swinging from his line, every little twitch of liveliness given by Horsea causing Gold to smile ever wider. Turning towards Lucas, the boy sat up tall and even puffed out his chest a little in pride, grinning like a cheshire cat and giving all the tell-tale signs of an 'I told you so' expression.
As the pokédex read off its monotone description, however, Gold's entire personality changed once again to encompass the moment. Biting his lip in concentration, the boy closed his eyes in thought before nodding slightly, giving a little grin. "No sweat. I think I've got a way to keep that ink from becoming a real issue." One hand keeping the fishing rod steady in his lap, Gold was suddenly reaching into a pocket with the other and, within seconds, producing and enlarging a poké ball within his palm.
"Heh." A flash of bright light erupted from the ball, striking next to Gold before ebbing away into the figure of a small, mole-like creature. Its back suddenly flaring, the pokémon raised its head and gave a shrill cry. "Cyndaquil!" Giving an arch of direction with his hand, Gold smiled and put his plan into motion. "Cyndaquil, smokescreen!"
"Quiiiil!" Flames were sucked inside the pokémon's body, back expanding and compressing to create a cloud of dark smoke in the direction of Gold's suggested positioning, covering Horsea and a good portion of land and water combined. Quickly, smoothly moving the rod over towards land with a grin, Gold was focused on keeping Horsea attached to his line, giving an anxious little shout as the pokémon finally hit ground.
"Great! Now accuracy, Cyndaquil! Watch the line and tackle!" Cyndaquil seemed to understand the logic, his long nose poking up high to watch the string on Gold's rod in order to gain a good enough bearing on Horsea through the haze. "Quil!" And the pokémon was off like a flash, bounding into the smokescreen with every thought and hope of connecting.
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Post by Lucas on May 2, 2009 22:52:04 GMT -5
There was so much noise. It was much louder out here than it was in the water. Horsea flailed, her thoughts too muddled to even think about releasing the hold she had with her curled tail.
"Seeea! Seeea!" her shrill voice vibrated, the short hose on her face stretching and contracting in her panic. Her crying was not the only reason for this: she was rustling up the black defense mechanism that came naturally with her body, and soon Horsea was squirting ink in any direction her nose could point. The smoke had already consumed her, but she kept her eyes tightly shut regardless. The musty heat of the attack hardly affected her besides her sense of smell; a clear coating of slick liquid kept her body defended against fire-oriented attacks. Still, the smokescreen did its job, and if Horsea were to open her eyes, she would be even more lost than she was now.
Something hard came up beneath her, cradling her tiny body with sharp pinpricks. "Seeea..." she squealed, cautiously peeking through slitted eyelids at her surroundings. Through the gray smog, she could just barely make out what might be there. Greens, blurry reds...
"SEEEEA!" Horsea screamed when suddenly, a creature came and collided with her. The pain forced her body limp, and her tail unraveled. She bounced across the grass, wincing and shuddering. Ink dripped out of her nose, small bits squirting forward occasionally.
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Post by Lucas on May 2, 2009 23:16:04 GMT -5
Looking at Gold, Lucas gave an open-mouthed smile; to see that they both shared the same ecstasy for such an event was comforting. When Gold returned his attention to the rod and the pokemon attached, Lucas did the same. Still holding his pokedex, he watched as a pokemon appeared in compliance with Gold's plan.
"Whoa..." Lucas muttered, soaking up the image of Cyndaquil. It was tiny, but the fire that roared along its back was intimidating either way. And the fact that Cyndaquil could control it at will... Lucas found it easy to appreciate the unique abilities of pokemon. He recalled the weight of the pokedex in his hand, and he quickly held it so its censors could detect Cyndaquil and make its analysis.
Cyndaquil: The Fire Mouse Pokemon. It has a timid nature. if it is startled, the flames on its back burn more vigorously.[/b]
The pokedex's computerized announcement was vastly overshadowed by Cyndaquil's attack. Lucas took a step back as the gray clouds poured from the pokemon, easily traveling the air towards Horsea. Cyndaquil didn't look too impressive, and probably didn't have a lot of skills at its disposal--Gold's tactics were limited to whatever he could use, and Cyndaquil's smokescreen seemed as effective an attack as any to deter what was expected of Horsea. Gold's following orders kept Lucas at the edge of his seat (metaphorically speaking of course), and he watched in suspense to see if Cyndaquil had met his target. The smoke gently moved away, tendrils seeking bits of grass to cling to then slowly fading away.
Finally, Lucas could see Horsea on its side, scratched up and looking successfully immobilized. "Throw a pokeball!" Lucas offered eagerly, glancing at Gold with excitement.
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Post by Dragon on May 3, 2009 0:02:47 GMT -5
Linked together in one mindset, Gold found himself watching just as eagerly as Lucas, gazing intently into the smokescreen before-thump. The tug on his fishing line was enough to let the boy know his partner had made a clear connection, Gold shouting in approval before smoothly climbing to his feet, setting the old rod against the trunk of the tree.
As the haze cleared, Cyndaquil stood standing a few feet away from Horsea, turning back to look at his human partner with an expression of attentive curiosity. "Cyndaquil, that was great! You're really getting better at pinpointing your targets!" Gold wasted no time in commending the tiny mole, the pokémon's back flaring up in approval as Cyndaquil turned his back completely towards Horsea. "Cynda!" There was true appreciation in the tone for those kind words of encouragement, and it brought a real glow to Gold's face before Lucas suddenly gave his opinion concerning--
Horsea, right! Leaning down to pull an empty poké ball out of his backpack, Gold gave a snicker to himself before looking over his shoulder at Lucas. There was something different about the grin he currently wore, a glimmer in his eye that spoke of mischief and all-around mystery. "Throw it? Heh. No way -- not my style."
In a flash of motion, Gold's free hand was pulling at something concealed beneath a fold in the back of his shirt. A long, wooden shape suddenly extended and snapped into being, the boy tossing his poké ball casually into the air before expertly navigating what was now recognizable as a...billiards cue (!) into position. Eyes flicked from the ball to Horsea several times before wrists gave a sharp flick, Gold's cue sending the ball directly towards his intended target. End dug quickly into the ground, the boy was suddenly propping himself against the cue, giving a soft chuckle and watching the results of his shot with a rather cocky expression.
If he could position his own pokémon using such equipment with pinpoint accuracy, why couldn't he use the same skill to catch new ones as well?
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Post by Gary on May 3, 2009 0:17:30 GMT -5
Horsea barely had the chance to make one last squeal before a red and white capsule tapped against her, unleashing a consuming red light. The next moment was a somehow comforting darkness. Horsea's stats: femaleSniper: Power of critical-hit moves is tripled instead of doubled. o Bubble o Leer o SmokeScreen o Water Gun ooc; Gary said I could modify this because she's lazy, so back off. I'm no cheater. ;D
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Post by Lucas on May 3, 2009 0:39:42 GMT -5
Gold's work with Cyndaquil was inspiring. As Lucas beheld Gold's encouraging feedback and Cyndaquil's fired-up appreciation, he felt as if he were only an audience to what was a dream partnership. He thought back to his own relationship with his turtwig: while they had hardly interacted, whenever they did, Turtwig didn't seem to pay too much attention to him. Lucas had just taken for granted that perhaps she was just a little young, ignorant and scatterbrained; after seeing Gold and Cyndaquil, however, he felt he might be wrong. Maybe he just needed to spend more time with her.
Lucas jumped out of his thoughts, eyes on Gold's as the boy turned to acknowledge him. Only to confuse him. Whoever heard of someone who didn't throw a pokeball? Lucas remained silent, albeit quizzical, and looked on as Gold pulled a stick that had apparently been hiding beneath his clothes. It unfolded into something that only confused Lucas further--a billiards cue was what Gold expected to capture this pokemon with? Hadn't he heard what Lucas had said? Just before Lucas had the chance to step in and inform Gold of the correct way to go about capturing a pokemon (the way Professor Rowan had taught him), Gold had sent a flash of a ball spinning towards Horsea with the help of the billiards cue. It was certainly surprising, but then again, it was nothing inconsistent with what Lucas had learned of Gold so far.
"You said you've never caught a pokemon before?" Lucas asked, eyes widening as the designated pokeball rested easily on the ground, Horsea securely inside. Had Gold just spontaneously decided to aim a pokeball at Horsea with a billiards cue? What else did this kid have up his sleeve? Lucas couldn't help but smile a little.
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Post by Dragon on May 3, 2009 1:17:25 GMT -5
The ball making little motion before resting perfectly calm on the ground, Gold felt a wave of absolute relish rush over his entire body. He...he had actually caught something! It made everything seem brighter and more exciting than usual, the boy giving a little shout of triumph before his ears caught on Lucas' comment. Turning around lazily, Gold seemed to react more than sheepishly in return, a wide grin spreading across his face as eyes closed, pool cue brought overhead to rest lengthwise across his shoulders.
"It's true. I've never caught a pokémon, but I didn't say that I've never used a poké ball. heh heh heh." The almost teasing laughter seemed to bring out that trickster appearance in Gold once more, his thumb brought up to press against the lip of his hat in approval. Opening his eyes to meet Lucas' smile, his lips finally pursed back together in a warm smile of his own. "That's not a problem, right? I mean, it's good that you were here to help." Fishing is always more enjoyable when you have someone to share the catch with.
Turning around to face the poké ball now containing Horsea, Gold walked over all while giving Cyndaquil one final nod, the mole disappearing back into his own ball. Bending over, he picked up the ball and gave it a quick look over, tossing it up and catching it with a quick snicker before putting it away in his pocket with the others. A new face -- a new partner. They were going to be strong together. Gold focused back on Lucas...maybe they were going to be strong together, too.
"So I guess the rod works!" The comment was simple, but it had Gold smiling nonetheless as he re-approached his companion, collapsing his cue and putting it carefully away. Namesake eyes blinked in further consideration. "Wouldn't have found anything like Horsea fishing inside Vermilion -- too noisy and crowded. It's like the whole city is excited!" The adrenaline from before his collision was beginning to return, Gold looking rather refreshed from all the recent happenings.
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Post by Lucas on May 3, 2009 1:52:53 GMT -5
Lucas furrowed his brow slightly in thought. It seemed unlikely to him that Gold had attempted to catch a pokemon before, just because of the pure confidence and carefree attitude Gold had held about the whole thing. Then again, perhaps that was just one more admirable quality about him, and Lucas wouldn't doubt it.
He nodded happily when Gold claimed his presence was a good thing. "No, it's just... different from how I was taught." Lucas mentioned, shutting his pokedex and slipping it back into his pocket. He had gained the information of quite a bit of pokemon already, and the weight of the machine felt good and reassuring. "You've helped me, too," he said in a timidly quiet voice, watching as Gold retrieved the pokeball and Cyndaquil. He was still in awe with how Gold had handled the situation--the battle, the way he directed his pokemon, even the way he had 'thrown' his pokeball was amazing and different for Lucas, and it only fueled his desire more so to fulfill his quest the right way.
Gold's next comment reminded Lucas of the reason he had come directly to Vermillion instead of traveling through Pewter and Cerulean City. A soft breeze tickled the tips of Lucas's cheeks and nose, disturbing the calm red scarf against his front. He turned his view over the ocean, looking towards the Vermillion dock. It was where a ship dubbed the S.S. Anne rested, water lapping comfortably at its sides. There appeared to be sailors working on the ship, presumably refining it for the upcoming event.
"Probably because of the cruise that's been advertised," Lucas mentioned offhandedly, having assumed Gold already knew about it. Who didn't? The fliers were posted everywhere, least of all on every Pokemon Center--and what sort of trainer didn't visit those whenever they had the chance? He turned back to Gold, feeling shade brush over his pale features. "That's why I'm here. I know that seeing a Legendary Pokemon is pretty rare, but if they're holding an entire cruise to go see it, there has to be a chance." Lucas stated this without a trace of doubt, having not spared a thought that such a public event might be some sort of hoax or something of the like.
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Post by Dragon on May 3, 2009 22:47:58 GMT -5
The observation was an immediate buzz kill.
The moment Lucas mentioned his intentions and the cruise, Gold seemed to become a completely different person. Turning his head off to the side, every muscle in his body seemed to slack as if shrugging off the conversation being given. Gold's attentions were suddenly on his pack and retrieving his old rod at a consciously slow pace, mouth closed firmly in thought as eyes reeled.
The cruise. Of course he knew that was the reason behind all this excitement. Gold had been trying for days before cast-off to pile up enough savings for a ticket, pulling every trick in the book in every 'upstanding establishment' in the city. Still, profits had been earned too little, too slowly and now, however satisfying the money was bulging in his pack, it was useless as the last tickets had been sold. And Lucas...
Well, the thought that his new friend was going to be on board that ship and he was not was enough to tie a knot in his stomach. "Yeah. I can see what you mean." The response held little enthusiasm if at all, Gold too engrossed in his own thoughts to realize he was merely answering for answer's sake.
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Post by Lucas on May 4, 2009 13:30:17 GMT -5
Lucas watched Gold as he picked up his things, patiently standing off to the side. An ocean breeze swept through and curled what was exposed of Lucas's black hair, the grass singing softly beneath him. When Gold spoke, there was something off about it, and Lucas became slightly concerned. This was something he hadn't seen of Gold--the boy had been all fun and games, not introverted and monotone. Lucas immediately jumped to a fair conclusion, stepping forward and observing the back of Gold's head.
"Hay, are you not here for the cruise?" Lucas inquired, pondering why someone like Gold wouldn't want to go. He had assumed Gold was just passing through on his Journey, but why not check out Faraway Island? He then took a slightly selfish route; after all, Lucas had no one to go with and would be traveling alone. He figured he might as well invite Gold, the only friend he had made in Kanto. "I do have a ticket for two, but I have no one to go with me..." he hinted slightly, looking around as if to hide the fact that this was an invitation. Gold might have a perfectly suitable reason for not going on the cruise, so Lucas didn't want to get his hopes up.
(( so'z for the craptastic ))
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Post by Dragon on May 4, 2009 21:34:48 GMT -5
As Lucas continued to speak about the cruise, there was very little Gold could do to keep from blocking the conversation out of his mind. The breeze rustling through the shady limbs of their tree above mimicked its playful dance through his long dark hair, but the boy seemed unable to share in such a coy display of return affection. Every word was twisting that painful sensation in his stomach deeper, one hand actually resting on the exact spot to see if a handle, a hilt, anything could be removed to make it all just fade away.
It had almost been strong enough to have Gold skip over the sudden invitation to join Lucas. Almost.
Turning hot on his heels, eyes widened for a moment in outright surprise before a tingling sensation began to play down the boy's spine. "Lucas...y-you mean it?" That smile which had played itself to never return again was curling back with a flourish, cheeks flushing in excitement and exhilaration before the words even came bursting forth. "Yes! Yes! Of course I'll go with you! I never thought...oh Lucas, thank you!"
Rushing forward, Gold was suddenly embracing the boy, half bouncing with joy as he nuzzled against Lucas' shoulder. It was like a miracle, being asked to attend what he had worked so hard to achieve just days ago. "This means so much to me..."
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Post by Lucas on May 6, 2009 12:33:11 GMT -5
He wasn't sure what to expect--Lucas watched Gold with a calm curiosity in wait for a response. He supposed if Gold didn't take the offer, he might just decide... No, Lucas couldn't not go; it was his job to seek out pokemon, especially rare specimen and legendaries.
When Gold spun around, Lucas was still to wary to catch the excitement playing in the boy's face. "Well, yeah, I..." he said, gradually realizing Gold's delighted expression. Lucas felt his own features lighting up; his blue eyes widened gleefully, and his previously vacant lips curled into a hopeful grin. He was still taken slightly off guard as Gold expressed just how pleased he was by the gesture.
"Ah!" Lucas gasped, finding himself in Gold's arms. He hadn't expected Gold to be this enthused about being invited to go on the cruise. He supposed it was a big deal, however--it was the thing to do, when he really thought about it. This must've been why Gold had changed so much when the cruise was brought up--he felt left out.
Within Gold's sudden embrace, Lucas felt a timid, embarrassed blush trace over his cheeks. He certainly wasn't accustomed to such physical contact. When was the last time he had hugged Professor Rowan? ...Never. He laughed nervously, uncertain of what to do with Gold's head on his shoulder. "Eh-heh..." he reached an arm up, delicately patting Gold's back. "It's nothing..." He glanced around, waiting for the hug to end and wondering what to do in between.
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Post by Dragon on May 6, 2009 13:29:46 GMT -5
Even through his newly rekindled excitement, Gold could actually feel the sense of apprehension Lucas was giving off in droves. Pulling away slightly, he flashed the boy a friendly smile, cheeks blushing through completely unapologetic for the situation in every sense of the word. Whether he would openly admit it or not, Gold was a very physical person and hugs were nothing to be ashamed of. Lucas was different from several of the people he had met so far traveling through the region -- that was reason enough to him to dote a little extra attention.
Especially after everything that had just happened.
"It's not nothing to me. The cruise was all booked up before I had a chance to buy a ticket." The explanation was so matter of fact that it might have caught anyone who knew the boy off guard. Giving a reassuring grin, Gold squeezed Lucas' shoulder before breaking off the contact altogether. "Everything's better now that you came along, Lucas."
And he wholeheartedly believed that. Pulling his silver pack back up onto his shoulders, Gold gave his companion an eager little smile. "So you ready to go?"
ooc; fail fail fail
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Post by Lucas on May 6, 2009 13:49:05 GMT -5
Despite his discomfort in the situation, Lucas managed a small upward curve of his lips in response to Gold's smile. Their close proximity was throwing Lucas off quite a bit, and there was no hiding his awkward flush. This felt like the sort of thing only boyfriends and girlfriends did or something, not people who just met. Lucas couldn't help but feel a special sort of feeling crawl up from inside him, and it eased his apprehension.
Lucas nodded faintly, now coming to an understanding of why Gold had reacted the way he did. The cruise was an awesome event, and to find that tickets were sold out must not have been easy. Still, this didn't merit the squeeze Gold gave Lucas, which only caused Lucas's face to redden and his arm to tingle in a way that made him want to rub the spot Gold had touched. He wasn't quite sure what to say; he was too caught up in his discomfited nerves to consider that Gold had done the same thing for him--Lucas did feel better with Gold around. It beat being alone.
As Gold mounted his backpack, Lucas adjusted his, still finding that moving his newly released limbs felt a little odd. "Go..?" Stupid. Lucas quickly brought himself back to his right mind. "Oh, yeah. You've got to heal Horsea now," Lucas informed, turning towards the city and beginning the trek.
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