Post by Banette on Apr 19, 2009 11:24:19 GMT -5
{Created by Zamphy of Deviantart. LIKE A BOSS.}
[Yes! You've finally hacked into the system! Now you can clear those damn criminal records that you've been building up!.. Before you do, however, a link to one of the cameras has caught your eye.
Accessing it, you find a rather attractive man in a well-tailored suit sitting alone in front of a desk. He twiddles his thumbs and nervously glances at the clock on the wall, a lack of ease etched into his features.
His gaze shoots back to the wooden desk in front of him. Clearly it is not his own; the cushy chair meant for the office's owner stands untouched across from his own metal chair.
A woman in uniform enters; her posture rather stiff as she strolls past the man and sits behind the desk. The man's expression softens for a moment with relief, though before he can say anything, a harsh look from the woman quickly halts this however, slamming a file folder on the table. The man shifts uncomfortably in his seat. Noticing your audio is muted, you hastily turn up the volume.]
....innocent!... Hm? [Pauses; the woman speaks quietly- while you can't hear a word, you notice the man seems to have trouble hearing her as well] ...You have a few questions for me?... [He frowns, laying his hands on his lap] I shall answer to the best of my ability.
My Parents call me...
Mm... I haven't seen my parents in the longest time... Perhaps I should stop by for a visit sometime soon. Anyway. According to the papers, at birth, I was given the name Riley... But upon my adoption date, which was fairly early in years, I was renamed Gen Mizushima by my foster parents. So, they call me Gen.
However, I rather dislike the name, as people never seem to be capable of pronouncing it correctly...
[He chuckles nervously, scratching the back of his neck]
Instead, I've sort of renamed myself once more Riley the day I found out. I suppose all that may seem a bit complicated, but... Yes, call me Riley.
My Friends call me...
[He appears pensive for a moment] Well, I suppose Gen is sort of a nickname. Nobody knows (or calls me, on that note) my given name aside from my parents these days, so I suppose it's a bit of a dead alias.. Fine by me, I prefer that to the weird things they used to call me. I can't even pronounce some of their mispronunciations myself.. [He appears rather amused, eyes distant as if reminiscing. However, he remembers he's still being interrogated, and returns to a slightly more grounded manner]
Ah, yes. I've also been referred to as "Lucario Man", "Aura Ass", along with a few other slightly rude titles from a few impolite fellows. Those are just recently, too. As a kid they used to call me "Little Orphan Riley" instead. [He folds his arms, shaking his head in a solemn manner] Well, it never really bothered me too much... Kids are cruel though, aren't they?
I'm not an it! I'm a...
Man. [He raises an eyebrow, puzzled as to how one would think otherwise] I don't really believe I look that feminine to be mistaken otherwise... I'm perfectly aware I don't exactly have bulging muscles or whatnot, but I'm quite sure of my gender regardless. [He frowns slightly, clearly displeased as he mulls over the topic] Maybe I should build some muscle... Or grow a beard... or something... [He shakes his head] No, I'm fine the way I am. [Grin]
Er, next question, please.
I am a...
Aura Guardian. [Here he stands from the chair with a flourish, hands glowing brightly with a bright blue, almost whitish energy for a moment as he strikes a superhero-type pose] I'm still in training, really, but I could be considered an advanced user by most.
[He notices he's making a spectacle of himself and returns to his seat, a look of pride still playing lightly on his features] I'm also a part time trainer and breeder on the side- the Lucario line seems to be dwindling in numbers, so I figure, why not save an endangered species? [He leans back in his chair] As for being a trainer, I tend to fancy the steel type, but I enjoy the company of all my Pokemon.
I don't need wrinkle cream! I'm...
[Here he counts on his fingers, muttering under his breath for a moment before coming to a sort of conclusion] ....Twenty-Three and four months. [He nods, satisfied] I'd like to think I'm still fairly successful for my age... Sir Aaron, a famous Aura Guardian, was already quite established at my age, however, so I suppose I have quite a bit of catching up to do. Ahaha.
Though on that note, I doubt I'll be needing the cream for another few years yet.
Do you think I need a diet?
[It would seem you struck some sort of weak point with this, as he instantly becomes rather flustered.]
I-I-I don't think I need a diet!... Do I? [Tilting his head down, you catch no further glimpse of his face from under the shadow of his fedora].. No! I don't!
[He pauses a long moment to recollect himself, before he looks up, chuckling in a good natured manner as if nothing had happened]
Erm... My apologies. What I meant to say is that, since I do a significant amount of training my body as well as my mind, I feel I don't need one.
... Oh, physical appearance? Well, why didn't you say so? You got me all rilled up for nothing. Ahaha...Oh. Mug shot?... [Frown] Well... Look as you need to, I suppose. [Riley shifts his gaze towards the floor, appearing rather flustered.]
[While you can't exactly get the camera to zoom, it's easy to tell from a distance that he's the type to stand out. His body, while lithe and fairly thin for a man his age, appears to have some lean muscle showing underneath the black turtleneck and classy dress pants he has taken to wearing. He seems to have naturally pale skin, causing his rather expressive navy blue eyes to stand out all the more.
Under the brim of a fedora a similar color to the man's eyes, something you'd expect to see on a pimp, you find his hair to be a similar color, maybe a few tones darker. He obviously seems to wear hats a lot, or this one in particular- his hair is in a disarray, spiking out in all directions, a few strands defying gravity a bit. A rather thick array of hair that seems to come down in the center of his forehead, sweeping towards his right eye. Overall, it seems to be the perfect mess. A well-worn jacket of similar color to the fedora, still kept in good condition, is draped over the headrest of the chair he sits in.
His cheeks slightly pink in color now, Riley appearing slightly uncomfortable with how intensely the women in staring at him as she scribbles furiously upon a piece of paper]
People tell me that overall, this makes me look like the spitting image Sir Aaron. I find that rather honorable, though just as many people say I resemble a pimp, though I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not. I think it makes me look rather dapper regardless of the time and place, wouldn't you say? [He chuckles nervously, gaze shifting downwards as the woman points to an ordinate, rather expensive gold necklace standing out against the black. The design appears similar to that of the back of the legendary Groundon's hand.]
Oh, this? [He fingers it briefly] It's apparently been in my family for a while. The foster care facilitators told me that they had found it on my person as a baby, and had held onto it until the day I left. It's interesting, isn't it? Supposedly, it has the ability to amplify the power of one's aura. I've been looking into it as of late. [Smile]
My emotional disposition?
My... emotional disposition?... [Pause] My, that's priss language. You sound like a friend of mine. [He chuckles in a good natured manner, his expression freed from any previous nervousness, instead gaining a rather warm smile] Anyway...
I suppose I come off as a rather calm individual. I don't permit myself to let myself be affected by stressors often, so I suppose I could say I'm calm and collected overall. I do have my moments, like now for instance, I suppose... [He chuckles] I can adapt to any situation fairly easily with time, however, as you can see. [Smile]
While I tend keep to myself most of the time, I quite enjoy the company of my Pokemon and others, whether it be while training or anywhere in public. I'm a rather open person- don't be shy about giving me a holler and a wave if you'd like to partake in a bit of sophisticated, idle conversation. I'm energetic and quite affectionate around my friends- I suppose it depends on how long I've known you, however....
Ah, yes, right, my apologies. I suppose this is merely how I view myself however. [He scratches his chin, closing his eyes] Most others... have their own opinions.
Like, for example, something people tell me quite frequently is that I succumb to peer pressure and media too easily. [He huffs] Well, that's not my fault! The television should stop making things sound so appealing!..
[His eyes widen and he flushes a bit as he notices something, scratching the back of his neck with a chuckle]
... Well, I suppose that just proved their point right there. But you can't tell me that after watching a commercial, you've never had a craving for fast food or to buy some new shoes. The media is the only thing culpable in this situation!
However, the most popular opinion of others is that I am rather materialistic. I consider that a false accusation, as managing aura is a very spiritualistic process. [He nods knowingly]
..... However, I won't deny that I enjoy things. [He grins sheepishly] I do have my careless moments once in a blue moon- like that one day I bought an entirely new (and rather sexy, if I do say so myself) summer wardrobe on credit...
[Cough]
Well... I was thankful that Byron permitted me to step back and reside on Iron Island while that little mess was being cleared up. So, really, I'm not materialistic- I'm impulsive. I know what I want out of life, and when it crosses my path, I'll naturally go after it. [Smile]
... However, being impulsive does, in no way, mean I'm foolish! Training and battling are all business to me. [Fistclench] I specialize in the Steel type, though I train all types of Pokemon. So, I suppose you can say I'm a trainer of all types. [Grin] My battle style is completely unpredictable- I assure you, you're not going to be aware of any of my thoughts on how I shall command my Pokemon against you until it's too late.
As I train alongside my Pokemon, we share a common trait of being mostly physical-based attackers. I like to think of us as a force to be reckoned with- any challenge to this notion is welcome! In normal circumstances, we'd be happy to give a shot at proving you wrong.
[He sticks his tongue out playfully, much to the annoyance of the interrogatress]
Things that are Groovy-
Friends;
Where would any of us be without them?
Aura;
One can use it for everything from telepathy to blowing shit up. I'm fortunate to be capable of using such a mystical force of life.
Pokemon;
I've always wondered if mankind could exist without them. They're so vital to our daily lives, yet we take them for granted...
Training;
Practice and the determination to perform the necessary steps over and over to learn are the signs of direction on the road to self improvement.
Iron Island;
Byron's son, Roark, and I grew up playing around here, so it holds a lot of sentimental value to me. Actually, my typically unused house is here. Byron breaks and enters on occasion- he has permission to, however. Any family of a good friend is welcome in my home at any time.
...Mines in general interest me, though. It's always an adventure- you never know what you could find!.. Oh, my apologies, that sounded a tad childish. Ahaha.
Shopping;
It's the best and probably most enjoyable form of therapy known to human kind. Depends who you are, really, though, I saw the most FLATTERING jacket the other day...
Drinking;
The base of all the best games! I have a high tolerance to alcohol, so that may explain my taste for it. Ahaha.
The Lucario Evolution Line;
They're fascinating creatures, and one of the few breeds capable of using aura. Plus, they're of the steel type. I love them!
Things that aren't so Groovy-
All Criminal "Teams";
They make senseless decisions out of power lust and cause harm to Pokemon. Simply unacceptable.
Bad Credit Ratings;
If you've ever had one, you'd understand my pain.
Loneliness;
Solitude and being lonely are different feelings entirely. While every being requires some alone time, feeling completely alone is a form of abandonment in itself.
Laziness;
I have no tolerance for those who cannot stand and work for themselves.
But... I'm afraid!
Hmmm... Well, I suppose I have a touch of eremiphobia, though I'm not subjected to this often, fortunately, as I always have someone with me, be it my Pokemon or other people.
Heh... I have one more. It may seem a tad childish, but... I'm afraid of water types. I'm not afraid of water in general or anything, and not even ALL water types for that matter- just the oversized ones with their fins and flippers and such. Bleeh... I simply just don't do well with them at all. [He looks down at his feet, face quickly reddening in color]
I... tend to overreact when I encounter such Pokemon.
I like to...
Well... When I'm not training, breeding, and such, I, as I've stated, enjoy shopping. I don't like carrying a lot of money on me, however, so I go about my business and hope they accept PKMN Master Cards. [His eyes seem to light up just saying this]I feel a tremendous sensation of freedom swiping that little card and taking something off as my own- it's
[He stops, noticing the woman is giving him a baffled expression]
.... Er.... Ahem.
[He clears his throat]
I also drink a lot with friends during a free moment- I have yet to find someone who can beat me in a drink off. [Grin] I've heard rumors that the Champion, Cynthia, is also skilled in this field, but I have yet to issue a challenge. Feel free to try me if you think you have it in you
My reason?
[Riley gives a pensive expression]
Welll... I never thought much of it myself. My old coot told me that it was fate that was to lead me into becoming an Aura Guardian. I suppose I do it, though, because I get to become stronger mentally and physically with my Pokemon, establishing stronger bonds with them. Being together with Pokemon rejuvenates me- it gives me new resolve to protect them with any power I can should a threat appear in the future. [He smiles fondly down at his jacket pocket, which bulges with the familiar spherical shapes of Pokeballs]
Mandatory angst;
Welll... I suppose my life isn't really very an interesting story to tell. According to the records, I was born on November 23rd as under the name of Riley Aaron, last name unknown. Cliche, you're thinking, I know.
I never met my real parents, as you may have guessed. I was adopted out by the Mizushimas at an early age and renamed by them, Gen. The news wasn't much of a shock when they told me anyway- I figured as much when I looked nothing like them. [Chuckles] The Mizushimas are, kind, accepting folk- I wouldn't rather have been adopted by another family. [He smiles, leaning back in the chair a bit]
I spent my early years in Canalave. I suppose that's why I can't really fear the ocean along with... [he frowns] Fish. I grew up around it. Actually, I find myself feeling a tad homesick whenever I'm away from the sea. Ahaha.
I met Roark around the time I was six. [He immediately lightens up, smiling.] Byron and Roark moved in, due to the fact that Byron had wanted to do a bit of work in the mines on Iron Island. Hence, my mother, being the good semaritan she was, took in little Roark in and took care of him while he was at work. I was a bit disappointed, really. I was hoping he'd be a bit older, being a gym leader's kid and all. [chuckle] Though as he grew up, I began to see him as a younger brother of sorts. Hence, I sort of made it my duty to defend him from whatever dared to mess with him. [chuckle]
I think I did okay, don't you? But... he also used to get picked on a lot for wearing glasses and a sheet cape in public, so I think that might have added more work for me to do. Ahaha~ [He returns to sitting with all four legs of the chair on the floor, appearing pensive]
It was actually Roark that brought my abilities with aura into light...
[He pauses, a sort of telepathic image suddenly making it's way into your head. While a bit blurry at first, it slowly clears to reveal a public schoolyard. A frightened young boy in a cape is surrounded by three arrogant older children. Bullies, maybe?
From the side of the apparent schoolyard building, you can see the back of another with messy blue hair, seeming to be around the same age as the older boys, watching. He glances about, a mix of determination and caution playing on his features. Wait a minute....
These are... His memories?... How...?
Shrugging it off, you close your eyes and watch.]
"Aaagh, it's the troll! It's come out of the cave!"
"What's with the pink cape, gaywad? Going to a pride parade?"
"Ew, he's covered with dirt! Go back to your cave, troll!"
The taunting increased in volume as he approached, the scene playing out as it did every other day- Roark stood waiting faithfully at the gate, tears in his eyes. He was waiting for HIM as three older children, probably about his age, perhaps a few years older, went about taunting the poor six year old.
Typically, he was too late- he'd hear of the aftermath of their insults from the poor boy as they walked home together... The boy never told his father about the bullies, to his knowing- otherwise, Byron would probably be here brandishing his shovel or something equally ridiculous.
But he hadn't excused himself to go to the bathroom for nothing.
"Y-you guys better leave me alone! M-My friend is going to come, a-and..."
"And what, nerd? I bet you don't even have friends except your damn dead leaves and rocks."
"What about that blue haired kid?"
He felt his teeth clench as he was references, the oldest boy of the three scoffing and waving his cronie off. "Riley? THAT ragamuffin? You got to be kidding." He laughed. "He doesn't even count. Now come on, let's make swift work of four-eyes here."
Oh, it was ON. These assholes were going to pay. Fists clenching and practically screaming at him to sock someone, the nine year old stormed towards the scene, breaking into a full blown sprint the moment he saw one of the boys push Roark off his feet. Pulling his arm back, he gave a yell, tackling the leader down as he thrusted his fist into the boy's cheek.
"LEAVE HIM THE HELL ALONE!"
The details were fuzzy to him after that moment.
Time seemed to spin by at an impossible rate... Roark was crying.... They laughed, they jeered, they mocked, they tried to gang him... There was a harsh metallic taste overtaking the spit in his mouth, and the pain wouldn't leave...
"RI-RILEY!"
"Roark... Go home! NOW!"
"B-But Riley... No! I'm not going to abandon you to th-these jerks!"
"Stupid brat, get over here!"
...Neither would Roark. Why did he stay by him?... He knew he'd get hurt. His frustration with the entire situation bubbled up inside him, though every fiber of his being cried out in pain, causing him to feel increasingly useless. Not to mention the blood loss was beginning to make him feel a bit wobbly on his feet.
A sudden jolt to the stomach caused him to double over in pain, the jeering laughs invading his mind again. The metallic taste was back. It hurt. It hurt like a bitch. Winded, he could do nothing but muse.
The leader stepped up to him and began kicking at his side. The older boy was sporting a rather nice black eye, he and his companions with a few bruises to show for his own handiwork. His was nothing to their's, however- the eight year old was on the ground bleeding in several places and having trouble regaining his breath. Roark was untouched, mostly due to the fact that he'd shield the child whenever they tried. He seemed absolutely mortified... But he was safe.
But.. Roark was crying.
They made him cry.
HE made him cry.
"Just give up already Little Orphan Riley. You know you can't win- leave and let us have our fun while you can still stand.. Oh wait, you can't any more, can you?" The leader sneered, his friends chuckling obnoxiously behind him. Shutting his eyes tightly, a few tears slipping away to escape down his cheeks, he to roll out of the way as he was kicked. It was then he found something of a spark in his mind. A light. A way out? He wasn't sure. He'd follow it, for Roark, for his own bloody self...
"FUCK OFF!"
He couldn't quite explain it.... It seemed like a mass of energy had leaked through his palms along with the blood from the several shallow cuts. There was a flash of light... A dull blue...
....
He opened his eyes weakly to see all three of the ruffians on the ground with him, chests rising and falling at a snail's pace. Fainted? But how? His gaze slipped to meet Roark, who was staring at him with absolute shock.
... What had just taken place?... How?... Why?...
"R-Riley....!"
The questions faded with Roark's voice as the little boy ran off, eyes slipping shut as his mind fell into a blackened state. Roark was safe, that was all that mattered- he could rest now.
[Riley takes a breath in before heaving a sigh, a soft smile playing on his features]
Mm... It may not sound like one of my more pleasant experiences, though those particular goons stopped picking on Roark. [Chuckle] However, questions were raised about how I managed to knock them all out cold in my state of being at the time. Some of the kids started avoiding me, saying I was a witch or something. However, Roark was always there... [He smiles fondly, seeming to be reminiscing to himself] That's all I needed. It contented me to know he wasn't afraid of me after that.
Ah, yes. Continuing on, a few days after that little scrap, my mother suggested I come with her to visit my grandfather. She told me that he was wise and knowledgeable on several subjects, including Pokemon, and if I was polite, I could come along ask him about anything I wanted to know.
Now, at this time, I'd never met my grandfather, so meeting him seemed like the most facinating thing on the planet at the time. [Chuckle] I really shouldn't have thought that way- that old man got a fat head so easily, bless his soul.
So, we took the boat to Iron Island. I'd never been on a ship before either, despite living in Canalave, so that further fueled my excitement. My grandfather lived alone in the house there, nestled almost directly in front of the ore mines. Back then, they were still in operation... [Chuckle] As you could imagine, with all these things combined, I wanted to stay on this island and never leave again. When I stated this to my mother, she simply laughed at me and told me that perhaps my grandfather would let me stay over on occasion.
So, I met my grandfather. A stubborn old coot that was under the impression that he was the boss. He lived alone with his Lucario on the island, unless you count the miners that would work on the island and sail back to Canalave in the evenings. [He smiles at the memory]From that day, we never really did get off on the right foot. As far as relations were concerned, I was his feeble overzealous brat and he my senile old nag. Ahaha.
However, when he had asked about the multitude of bandages covering my person, and I explained the events of the fight, he seemed quite surprised. He gave me this look that occurred to my mind as creepy at the time, I remember... Then he asked if I'd like to train under him and learn more about the light, which he called "aura".
I didn't quite know what I was getting myself into, but I loved the island, and I was rather curious about how the "aura" bit worked, so I agreed to stay. [He looks briefly at his hand, allowing a small blue flame to dance about his fingers, before squeezing his palm closed, extinguishing it.] Probably the best and worst decision of my life.
From that day on, every day after school, I was that old nag's chore Mankey. [He sighs, frowning, though there still seems to be amusement playing on his tone] Payment of training, he said. It ranged from practical, like buying groceries on the mainland and the like, to flat out ridiculous, such as fetching an old sandwich from the top of the mountain. [Scratches the back of his neck]
I think that's why I started taking enjoyment in shopping. It was during one of those outings that I bought this from an outdoor market. [Tips his fedora] It's sort of become my trademark now. [Chuckle]
I learned later that all that running around and fleeing from wild Pokemon snapping at my heels in the cave WAS my training, though at the time, I didn't understand it at all. Apparently, I was building up my physical endurance so I wouldn't simply collapse again upon trying to harness the energy again.
So, life went on, Roark occasionally visiting the island. I still didn't get a break from training, but I'd always shirk my work and go off exploring the mines with him. [Chuckle] I'd get lectured afterwards, but it was worth it for a few hours of spending time with him.
It was on my tenth birthday that I received Lulu. While it puzzled me to extremes why my grandfather gave me an egg, he just told me to look after the egg, and keep it safe. Because it contained the Pokemon that would one day become my most invaluable partner. [Small smile] He was right. From the day she hatched to the moment, Lulu has always been my pride and joy.
It was also that year that I first met Steven. [he looks down for a moment, the shadow from his fedora hiding his eyes, but you can see his lips are curved into a small smile] ..... Aah, such a priss. Despite that, he, Roark, and I were the best of friends. Together through thick and thin. [He gives a quiet sigh] I wonder how he's doing now?...
[Returns his head back up to face the woman after a few minutes, slightly flushed] Erm... Ahem. I apologize- I got a bit distracted by my own thoughts there. Steven did a very kind thing for me when we were younger... [He scratches the back of his head, appearing somewhat uneasy about something. He seems to have paled a bit with the exception of his cheeks- what could have possibly done that?...
You feel another image take to your mind. Another memory?.. Well, that could explain it.
You see a familiar blue-haired boy of about twelve crouched over a bed of weeds, looking rather annoyed as he works to pull them out, one by one. The small Riolu beside him seems perfectly content to perform the task, however, and looks eager to please.
He seems to have been at it for a while- about half of the field is cleaned, a pile of weeds sitting off to the side behind him. Two other boys stand watching him- an older Roark, only dressed in summer wear, and another rather cool looking boy the same age as the blue haired one that seems have to already gone gray. The blue haired boy sits up, wiping his forehead with the back of his dirt-caked hand as he tosses another weed into the pile.]
"This sucks! Damn old man... What's the point of this?"
"Riley, do respect your elder- your grandfather most likely had a valid reason for asking this of you," Gray-hair states calmly, not appearing particularly affected by the situation, or the heat for that matter, though he seems irritated by something more. "and please refrain from using such language."
Riley stood to his full, somewhat lanky height with a frown, attempting to clap the dirt from his hands. "Pft. Steevie, the only thing "valid" about that coot is that he's a jerk. All he has me do are all his ridiculous chores." Facing the ocean shining in the sunlight, an expression of longing took his expression. Well, his grandfather was busy with something in the mine, and he needed a break anyway. Might as well...
Beckoning for the Riolu to follow, the boy stepped away from the half-weeded garden, pulling off his mud-covered shirt and tossing it on a nearby boulder as he did so. "Steevie" gawked, Roark simply looking puzzled. "We're going swimming." The boy announced, kicking off his boots and grinning. "You in?"
"O-Okay!" Roark smiled, seemingly happy to do something except stand around and wait. Removing his cape, footwear and helmet, he scrambled over to join the older boy in the water shortly. Steven frowned.
"You really shouldn't shirk work, Riley."
"[color=]Pfft, that wasn't work! That was just a useless task. Besides, the coot's always telling me to "feel the wave" anyway." With a chuckle at his own pun, Riley lept from the rock he was previously standing on, curling his limbs closer to his person as he landed with a rather loud splash. He then promptly floated to the surface, paddling out to the shallow waters by the dock to join Roark and his Riolu. "You wanna come in too, Steven? It might wash some of that priss out of your system.."
"I'll pass, thank you." With that, the "priss" sat back on a rock a safe distance away from the water to avoid being splashed.
Riley shrugged. "Suit yourself." With that, he and Roark went about amusing themselves. Steven removed a small book from his bag and took to reading, occasionally glancing up to watch two like a parent surveying his children.
...
"Aah! W-wha?" Riley flinched, feeling something cold and rather slimy brush past his leg. Twitching as he felt it again, he looked down to find the water was tinted a slight water.
"M-Magikarp!" Roark squeaked, features curled into a slight frown. Apparently they had similar opinions on the fish touching them. Several more came after that, Riley grabbed Roark in one hand and and his Riolu in the other. Standing his ground to keep them from being carried along with the school, he gave a small sigh of relief when they finally scattered.
"GYAAAAAAAARRRRRRAAAH!"
The boys, including Steven, stared wide-eyed as a gigantic, dragon-like sea creature rose from the depths, waves pushing the pair back as it reared it's ugly head to tower at least eight feet above them. It's gaze then cast down to view the small group huddled together in the water, fangs bared and eyes narrowing as it emitted a low snarl from the back of it's throat. Nobody moved.
"..... Lulu, get yourself and Roark to somewhere safe. Now." Riley hissed, the Riolu frowning. While the young fighting type was reluctant to leave her trainer at the mercy of the giant angry sea monster in front of them, she obeyed none the less, gently grabbing Roark's arm and leading him away to shore. The Gyarados roared in the direction of the escapees, inhaling deeply.
"GYAAAAAAAARHHH! DOSS!"
From the Pokemon's mouth came a swirling cyclone directed towards Roark and Lulu, which could have been identified as Dragon Rage. However, it didn't get very far- instead, it collided with a translucent wall of blue-white energy.
"Heh. Oh no you don't, bastard." Riley grinned, standing closer to the feeble-looking aura shield to save energy as he pressed on to keep the attack back until it died down. Panting a bit from the effort, the twelve year old grinned triumphantly, before catching some movement in the corner of his eye. Before he could react properly to this, however, he was slammed hard in the side by the Gyarados's tail.
With a small cry of pain, he was sent flying, making contact with the face of a nearby cliff with a sickening crack. Glancing down, he was horrified to see the angle his left arm had been forced into as it lied rather limp at his side. He had to get away... but it hurt so much...
Riley lied there, eyes still stricken with fear as he watched his opponent approach to finish the job.
Well... at least Roark and Lulu hopefully escaped... Did Steven follow them? He should have... Closing his eyes tightly, he prepared for the worst as the Gyarados took in another sharp breath...
"Beldum, Confusion."
....Hm?
"Doooooss?"
There was then a loud splashing noise, small droplets from the spray licking his cheeks before the sound began getting farther from his person. Puzzled, Riley opened one eye cautiously to see the Gyarados swimming off into the horizon. It was then he noticed the small metal blue.. thing floating above the waves, watching it go.
"Are you well, Riley?"
Turning his head, the boy turned to face Steven, who was crouched beside him on a nearby rock, a look of genuine concern on his face.
"Well... My arm hurts like a bitch and it's at a bit of an awkward angle, but... I'm in one piece." Riley gave his friend a weak grin to reassure him that there was nothing to be too concerned about, and tried to stand. However, his legs seemed to give way from under him, Steven having to catch him on his good shoulder before he could collapse in the shallow water spanning out before them.
The blue haired boy stared down, watching the water lap against his toes. He was weak. What if Steven wasn't there?.. Expression darkening, he looked over the ocean, paranoia that the water types would return flashing through his mind. "Are Roark and Lulu okay?"
He was taken from his thoughts by a gentle tug on his arm, glancing over as Steven seemed intent in leading them away from the shoreline. "They're perfectly fine. I sent them to find your grandfather. Come. You need medical attention..." He stated rather stiffly, gaze shifting about as he muttered a bit under his breath.
Riley sighed and kept his head down, cheeks tinged with color. He kept his gaze back to the water, speaking quietly for fear his tone would give away the strange mix of embarrassment, relief, and weakness he currently felt. "Steven, thank you..."
[Riley sighs, his own eyes to the floor]
I'm still in debt to Steven for that. So, when Steven and I were sixteen and Roark was thirteen, when he announced he was leaving... Well, it was a bitter moment. I'd never gotten to repay him for what he did. I really should have followed him back to Hoenn... But I couldn't simply leave Roark. So I let him go.
[He looks up again, appearing pained] I... had to leave Roark soon after. While I was staying and continuing my training with my grandfather, he stated a few weeks before my seventeenth birthday that he had no more to teach me, and that I'd have to seek the answers myself. I wanted to take Roark along with me, but Byron didn't quite want to part with his son at his young age.
So, Lulu, who was a Lucario by now, and I left alone that night to travel Sinnoh. While I had no interest in badges, my intentions were more along the lines of self improvement.
... Of course, I had forgotten to pack food. [Chuckles] We were living off the bare minimal that we could scavenge on the rare occasion, and nearing the point of collapse eighteen days into the trip when I met Cheryl. [His eyes seem to light up a bit as he says her name] Lovely woman she was, she happened to have some extra to share. I was very fortunate in that one moment. Over lunch, we become fast friends- apparently, she was off to improve herself too. In a different manner than myself, mind you, but improvement nevertheless. I respect that.
So, we started traveling together. We complimented each other well, as she often told me. Her Pokemon weren't much for offense, where Lulu and I more than made up for that. She apparently made up for my lack of common sense. [He laughs] Or so she told me. I learned a lot from her.
Not to mention she was absolutely gorgeous- I don't think we normally had to pay for anything at any point in time, as long as I was introduced as her body guard. [He smiles, a tinge of color on his cheeks] Her only flaw in my eyes was that she nagged and worried over my well being too much. I suppose that was just a natural thing for her, though I started a running joke that she was my wife for doing that before long. So, she's my Wifey. [He chuckles, reminiscing a bit in his mind with a grin] We had... fun traveling together. [He grins, though it fades as he continues speaking.]
Our trip was cut short, though- around the time we were both nineteen, about a week to the end of June, we were both in Pastoria when I caught word from my mother during a call at the Pokemon Center. It would seem that my grandfather had passed on. So, I left her to return to Canalave. I do wish we can pick up where we left off someday.
Apparently I had inherited his house on Iron Island, as that old coot believed that I would have wanted it more than anyone. [The smile returns slightly, gaze appearing distant] He knew me well.
The steel ore was played out on Iron Island though, and the mine had been closed down. There were a few individuals who came to my door while I was staying there with intentions of demolishing the mines and turning the island into a theme park, though I perished the idea.
A few dozen papers and a whole lot of money and legal shit later, I re-opened the mines as a place of training. Actually, most of my Pokemon I had captured during my travels stay there now and assist visiting trainers and their companions with their own self-improvement. They also guard the island against those with ill intentions towards it on my behalf. [He seems positively aglow with pride while stating this]
It was about that time after that Byron had called me to his new gym in Canalave. Once there, he challenged me to a battle. I complied, we fought, and I emerged victorious.
... It was then he proposed that I become the new leader of Oreburgh City's gym. As he had to leave it to take care of this one, he needed someone for the position, and I was the first he considered. I was flattered, however, I respectfully declined. Roark was the one who wished to be a gym leader, and was, not to mention his son. He should have been the first one considered.
After doing this, I returned to Iron Island. I later found that he had slipped the badge to Canalave's gym into my pocket with a note saying that I at least should keep this, as it was the reward for defeating him. Returning the badge seemed a bit odd, so I pinned it to my backpack. It's been sitting there ever since.
So, after that, I went back into training on Iron Island myself. Aside from my occasional visits to the Survival Area on that island off the coast of Snowpoint, I didn't do much traveling after that.
... and that takes us to the present date. Now you can say you know my life's story. [Chuckle]
Oh, and by the way...
Have you seen the first gym leader of Sinnoh, Roark, or Steven, the former champion of Hoenn on any recent date?
They're good friends of mine- I'd like it if we could go on another fossil/stone/gem excursion again soon.
I'm just a proxy for..
Proxy? Whatever do you mean?... And why did you ask me all of these strange questions, anyway? They had nothing to do with the matter I was accused of....
[Interrogator suddenly pulls off mask, revealing a rather familiar face]
Banette: HA! Riley, you just got Punk'd! [Laughter/Applause]
[He merely raises an eyebrow, stating nothing, though folds his hands and rests his chin upon them, propped up by his elbows on the table, a distant look taking his face for a moment. Banette blinks, staring back at him blankly, puzzled as to the lack of desired reaction.]
Banette: ...... Er, Riley?
[He coughs]
.... Er, yes. I thought as much.
[Glances around the room in a rather uneasy manner; an awkward silence overtakes]
Here's some of their writing!
Erm... Well, I'm not an amazing writer... But if you insist... [Riley digs a rather blunt pencil out of his pocket, rips out a piece of paper from a nearby notebook, and scribbles. This lasts for several minutes before he brings himself away from the chicken scratch covered scrap paper and pushes it towards the center of the table] Here you are. Is this acceptable?
[The camera zooms in to view what sort of torture took place exactly on the innocent sheet]
Why Fish Suck
Fish totally suck ass because, if you ever looked at a fish, you would notice exactly how frightening they are. With bulging eyes STARING INTO YOUR SOUL, full lips TO GIVE YOU THE KISS OF DEATH, and flippers TO BITCH SLAP ALL HUMANS AND LAND DWELLING POKEMON ALIKE, they could totally take over the world.
Should they ever so happen to find the key to harnessing aura under the sea, they would grow brains magically and come kick our asses with their ENERGY legs. It would devastate mankind, and would be more unexpected than a pimp slap at breakfast. And that is why fish suck.
[....]
Well? [Pride-filled smile at his efforts]
Banette: Erm... Hate to break it to you, but I'M the one who's supposed to write the sample. Sorry bub. You're free to go, by the way. [Riley leaves sulking while Banette takes another innocent sheet of paper and goes about doing her duty]
----
He only came once or twice a week, however, his time at "The Battleground" Cafe had already become all too routine for his liking.
Walk in at about 8 AM sharp, speak with Roark or Byron if they were present, then take his seat, alone, the end seat by the bar closest to the wall, and order his usual spirit.
Drinking that, he'd typically converse with the man behind the counter who owned the bar, or simply keep to himself, watching whatever was on the TV beside him. On the rare occasion would a trainer challenge him, typically falling to his fierce five when they did.
Quite frankly, he was bored out of mind. He had anything he could possibly want in Sinnoh- family, friends, both human and Pokemon alike, his own island... The man sighed, propping his elbows upon the table, resting his head and one hand and fingering the rim of the glass with the other. He didn't leave the region often- once to visit Hoenn, however, that was a short trip. Not to mention, it was far too close.
He needed a change of scenery. Somewhere new; a foreign land of sorts. Somewhere that was too far away to go home. Gazing absently at the television, it would so happen that his sign would appear. His beckon for change. His beacon for a new adventure.
... His lack of ability to resist something in flashing neon colors.
Visit Kanto- Take a trip back in history!
Riley eyed the flashing screen, alert. Kanto.... It rung a bell. Didn't Sir Aaron originally come from Kanto?... Tearing his eyes from the TV screen, the man turned to face his nearly untouched glass of wine, eyes glazed over as he retired into his thoughts.
"Something the matter, son?"
He was, of course, interrupted by this voice, head jolting up to face the man at the counter. Smiling, he shook his head.
"It's nothing, really. Correct me if this is false, but Rota is in Kanto, yes?..."
The old man returned the smile and nodded. "Indeed, Riley. I'd expect you'd know that- though, the area has become nearly completely commercial nowadays. Have you ever gone yourself?" When the aura user shook his head, the old man set down the glass he was polishing, bald head disappearing briefly behind the counter. Riley stared at the wall quizzically, clasping his fingers together under his chin and watching.
"Ah! Here it is! It's a bit old..."
A bony hand reached up from behind the bar, placing a large, but neatly folded piece of paper upon it. "Old" was probably an understatement- the paper was yellowed, ragged around the edges, and caused dust motes to fly up upon impact with any surface, causing Riley to give a small sneeze. The old barkeeper's head poked up to Riley's level, smiling proudly.
"This map took me through Kanto when I was your age. Buck had no interest in it, so I figured you might like to have it. It may not have information at a push of a button like the high-tech maps nowadays seem to have... But a traveling companion and I marked a lot of things them "modern" maps won't tell you."
Riley blinked, though carefully accepted the map with a smile and a nod of gratitude, handling it as if fearing it would turn to dust in his hands at any moment. Carefully, he slipped it into his coat pocket. "I'm sure it'll prove twice as useful as the "modern" models then."
This seemed to be the best and the worst thing to say at the moment, as the elderly man's kindly smile widened. "Well! I'm glad you agree! Because you see, when I was a sprightly young guy like yourself, I...."
It was then the droning started. Riley raised an eyebrow ever so slightly and blinked, hiding the fact that he honestly didn't really want to listen. In fact, his own mind was so full of thoughts of something new and exciting that it took all he had to maintain a somewhat respectful smile on his face.
He lasted ten minutes before his speech became a bit too long for the "sprightly young guy"'s liking. "Erm... Yes, that's very interesting. If you see Byron any time tonight, ask him to keep an eye on Iron Island on my behalf, would you? And inform my folks I'm not coming home tonight. Thank you for the map and drink."
After leaving the payment for his drink along with a nice tip on the counter, he was out the door. A loud roar and the beating of wings could be heard outside as the Battleground's owner blinked, looking out towards the door, where the bell could be still heard ringing a bit in the aftermath.
".... But I never finished my tale!.. Ah, kids these days, so impatient." He chuckled, before returning to cleaning glasses, glancing out the window as a blue and red blur flew off into the horizon.
