Obvious exits:
Northeast <NE> leads to Commerce Road - Route 7: Gilded Path.
Southwest <SW> leads to Commerce Road - Route 7: Caravan Pass.

A Katerwaul slinks closer, bright eyes all ablaze ... so whisper a prayer and start that save! (Saving)

Cold rain pours from thick grey clouds, driven by a howling northeast wind.

Kutsu has connected.

Ember arrives from Commerce Road - Route 7: Caravan Pass.
Ember has arrived.

Cold rain pours from thick grey clouds, driven by a howling northeast wind. In the forest, gusts of wind tear through the tree limbs and howl around rocks, turning the leaves over so that you can see their silvery undersides. While at the coast, the cold blue ocean pounds the coastline under the swirling grey spring sky.

Day two. One would've thought that, having been just trapped on Cinnabar Island for two weeks, that Peppy, Patch's lovable Growlithe, would want to lock himself tight in his Pokeball and not come out until the Tauros come home. Then why in the world is he fast asleep in the mud, during a cold rainstorm? Yech! Whatever the case, at least he's under a tree - its protection isn't comparable to, say, a house or a Pokeball, but it's better than nothing. "Gr... rowl... grr... rrowl..." he mumbles quietly in his sleep, his tongue lazily lapping the side of his mouth. He must be dreaming about burgers or something.

And who's that on Peppy's tummy? Why, it's Kutsu, her fur all wet and soggy from sleeping in the rain, though the tree's been a bit of help. She's sleeping perpendicular to puppy Peppy, her head lain on top of his stomach as it rises and falls. She herself is sleeping quite quietly, her tail wagging once or twice every few minutes.

Ember, soaking wet from nose to tail-tip, trudges down the trail. It's pouring out. It's pouring on Ember, which is worse. Water drips down her face, into her eyes, down her muzzle, and everywhere else. She lets out a little whine despite herself, then digs her teeth into the young (and dead) Nidoran a little harder to cut back on the sound. It's been raining for a couple days now, and she knows that the pups probably haven't been out to find food... if the male can even hunt. She does her best to sniff out their scents in the storm, heading for their tree.

Hunt? Why hunt when you can... sleep? Peppy's been snoozing along for the better half of the day, and it doesn't look like he'll be waking up in the next hour. Who would want to wake up into a dreary, rainy world when they can dream about all-you-can-eat-burger buffets? Burgers sound nice, especially when compared to mud - and Kutsu should certainly agree. The dog's tail swishes once, twice, a tell-tale sign that Peppy's still without nightmares. Mm.

After last night, Kutsu probably couldn't care less if the whole world was made out of water. At least it tastes better than mud. "grrowll lithe.." the female growlie sleep-woofs, pawing a bit, and most likely catching a bit of Peppy's muzzle in the process.

Ember finds the two sleeping, and drops the Nidoran nearby. She shakes before stepping under the scant cover of the tree, lowering her head to grasp the dead pokemon by his hindleg and drag him to the two. She chuffs, a low sound of canine greeting... hopefully loud enough to wake them up. <Dinner's here.>

It was a double effort between Ember's greeting and Kutsu's pawing of his muzzle that jars Peppy awake. He blinks, facing up at the leaves of the tree. Huh? Did Patch just let him out of his Pokeball? Yeah, that must be it. With a little yawn, Peppy barks, <What's for br...> And then it hits him. Why is he lying in the *mud*, instead of him Patch's house or something? And why is there a fuzzy head on his stomach? A look of confusion crosses Peppy's face, until he kind of realizes where he is. Oh, yeah. Figuring out where you went to sleep is generally a good way to figure out where you woke up. He hasn't noticed Ember yet, which is kind of surprising, since she's got food.

And with Peppy's waking comes Kutsu's, her eyes opening a bit and a small yawn coming from the female 'lithe's maw. She's not as confused as Peppy, since she's quite used to waking up when it's raining. Mm? Is it still dark out? The growlithe's tiny brain concludes - dark=sleep. Thus, Kutsu closes her eyes again, shifting a bit to get a more comfortable position on Peppy's tummy. Her own tummy is feeling so good this 'morning' that she doesn't even notice it!

Ember licks the Nidoran's blood from her muzzle (what hasn't been washed away by the rain, that is). She shakes her head, trying to clear more of the wetness from it. Her ears prick forward, the fur on them damp, but at least not plastered down now. <Hungry?> she asks the awakening Peppy. Lowering her head, she gives Kutsu a sniff and a quick lick, but does not wake her up if she wishes to sleep through the meal.

Looking "down" at the Growlithe sleeping on his stomach, Peppy just kind of scruches up his face a tad. If Kutsu's mouth isn't moving, how in the world is she *talking*? And why is she asking if he's hun... oh. His ear flickers a bit as he realizes that... uh... Kutsu's not talking. The other Growlithe is. With a little weary glance, Peppy sees Ember and the dead Nidoran - mm, that looks yummy - and just kind of blinks. Oh, yeah, she asked a quesiton. <A... little bit.> He replies, though he doesn't know if he has much of an appetite.

A Katerwaul slinks closer, bright eyes all ablaze ... so whisper a prayer and start that save! (Saving)

Wait, another voice? "Lithe..?" Kutsu asks, eyes opening again and looking 'up' at Peppy before over towards Ember, who looks remarkably like that certain other growlithe she met before.. <A little bit what?> Kutsu asks, looking back towards Peppy, having obviously missed the question.

Ember settles down next to the dead Nidoran, turning her head so that she can rip into his purple underside. <Get it while it's hot,> she says, licking her muzzle. And indeed it must be warm still, for steam is produced in the cold evening air. Helping herself to a mouthful, she looks back towards Peppy, waiting for him to join her for his share.

Huh. Ember does look kind of familiar, but, well, Peppy's too hungry, tired, and... um... hungry... to realize who she is. The Growlithe he scared off (well, the *first* one, at least). <You heard her!> Peppy woofs down at Kutsu. <Get some food.> Obviously, he can't get up until she does. Which is a real pain, because the more he thinks about it, the tastier the Nidoran sounds. Mm-mm!

Kutsu yawns, and makes a sort of half-groan as she turns over and up onto her feet, <Food..?>She asks sleepily, stretching a bit. And then the word penetrates into her brain - Food! A blink, a pause, and suddenly Kutsu's nudging Peppy, <There's food! Why don't you get up?>

Ember helps herself to another chunk of the Nidoran, then clears the way for the younger Growlithes. She settles back down, meat held down with one forepaw as if it might otherwise run off. <I'm Ember,> she tells Peppy. <Don't think I caught your name the other night.> She inclines her head to Kutsu as she awakens. <Morning, sleepy Bigmouth.>

Other night? But there *was* no other ni-... oh, right. A look of light depression seems to cross Peppy's face a little bit as he lazily works his way to all four paws, turning over onto his stomach slowly. He's a little weak, a little sore, a little tired, but he can manager. 'Ember'? Good, now he won't have to think of her as 'That Growlithe in the Bush'. <I... um... you're... er...> Hesitate. Stumble. Mutter. <Peppy.> He simply decides upon. He quickly adds, <That's my name, I mean.> What else could it have been? Peppy's brain must not be working right this morning. Not like that's different from usual. The canine takes a couple steps forward, before pausing. Oh, right. Manners. He glances at Kutsu quietly for a moment, and then gestures towards the Nidoran. "Grrrowlithe." He invites her to take the first bite. Of course, if she declines the first taste, he's going to jump on that Nidoran like it was still alive. He's starved!

Kutsu scratches an itch with the typical doggy fashion, making a little snort and licking her lips as she bends down to chew on the nidoran, not even waiting for Peppy to tell her he's sharing, or it's his or something, <Come eat!> She encourages, and takes a bite, munching on the nido.

Ember bites off a mouthful of meat as she listens to Peppy stumble. Once it is swallowed she maneuvers the rest of the chunk with her forepaws, lining it up for another bite. <I'm surprised to see you still here,> she comments to the male Growlithe. <Your ...> she pauses, and though her tone has been politely conversational so far, she can't keep it from going bitter on the next word, <human hasn't come for you?> The three Growlithes are under a tree, a dead Nidoran with them.

First food, then talk. Upon Kutsu's invitation, Peppy bounds over to the Nidoran, and wastes no time in tearing off a rather large chunk off the poor animal. Gross. Setting it down in the mud, he holds part of it down with his paws, and rips off a smaller portion with his teeth. He chews upon it as he listens to Ember speaks, and the moment his mouth clears, he replies, <She's... busy, I guess.> Pawing the meat a little bit, the Growlithe adds a quiet little, <I can take care of myself for a while.> Of course, that's not really the point. He tears off another piece of the meat, though this he munches on with a lot less vigor.

After the first bite, the hunger in the growlithe emerges, which is no doubt caused by the lack of substance in her stomach (after losing it all last night). <Yum!> She comments, eating quite voraciously, though one nido is probably not enough for the two (or three!)

Ember gives Peppy an encouraging thumping of her tail against the wet ground. <You sound like ... you want to go back,> she says, not appearing to believe that could possibly be correct. Indeed one Nidoran is not enough for three, and though the chunk Ember had can't have possibly filled the older dog, she allows the two younger ones to eat the rest. She finishes off her chunk, and does not go back for more. <You wouldn't rather be free?>

Cold rain pours from thick grey clouds, driven by a howling northeast wind.

Can it be? Can Kutsu actually be eating more than Peppy? Amazing. Unfortunately, Peppy's too busy talking to Ember to take note of this instance. The rain, the mud, the Nidoran - all are ignored. The half-chewed piece of meat lingers in his mouth. Gross. Eventually, it starts up again, with a couple half-hearted chews and a swallow, Peppy announces, <Of course I want to go back. She's my trainer.> As if that's that. He ignores the comment about being free, or at least, simply chooses not to reply to it.

Her meat finished, Ember lowers her head to lick the fur of her paws, removing both the traces of meat and some of the wetness from the fur. She glances at Kutsu, including her in her next question, <Have you heard the tale of why it rains?> She settles her weight to one side, both hindlegs pointed in the same direction. Her eyes shift from them out to the stormy weather beyond the tree. Is she dropping the conversation with Peppy? Maybe. Maybe not.

Well, good. Apparently, Ember has changed the topic, and, in Peppy's opinion, for the better. Dinner and a story - reminds him of when he was really little! <I haven't.> The pup woofs, ripping off a section of the meat and gnaws upon it. Mm. Almost as good as a nice large burger.

Ember makes a thoughtful noise low in her throat. <The story is called Squirtle's Revenge,> she starts, then settles in to tell it. <Long, long ago when the forests were new and the world was empty, Mama Growlithe (who was the only one in the world at the time) set about to making some company for herself. First she made the other pokemon: They were like herself, more powerful than pokemon are today, but of course they weren't as wise or as strong as her. Once she had made one of each of the other pokemon, she set about to making more of her favorites: Growlithes.>

Squirtle's Revenge? Peppy finds it hard to imagine someone like Zenny possibly wanting to seek revenge, but he says nothing about it. Heck, it's Ember's story, isn't it? Chewing thoughtfully to himself, Peppy woofs a gentle little, <That makes sense.> After all, what other reason would there be for the creation of all Pokemon? Having a 'Mama Growlithe' seems to work. Peppy swallows the meat, slowly flopping down onto his belly. It's easier to eat it lying down. Still, he's making sure to try and concentrate more on Ember than the food - it's no easy task. For him, at least.

<While Mama Growlithe was busy making more of her kind, the other first pokemon that she made were doing the same thing. Of course she knew about this (she knew everything, after all), but she didn't mind. She knew Growlithes were the best pokemon of them all. And her children knew it, too.> Ember looks from the storm towards the feeding Peppy. <Even since that beginning time, Growlithes had kept to themselves. We still do today... unless we are given no choice. Some of the other pokemon noticed this, and went to complain. One of the Pidgeys went to the first Pidgey and cried out 'Father Pidgey! Father Pidgey! Growlithe won't share his flames with us to keep the night bright and warm!'. But Father Pidgey had no say over the matter, so the Growlithes did not listen to him. Next it was a Meowth who went to complain. 'Grandma Meowth! Growlithes chase us all the time and tries to bite our tails!'. But the first Meowth could not tell the Growlithes what to do, so the fire puppy pokemon continued to chase Meowths.>

A Katerwaul slinks closer, bright eyes all ablaze ... so whisper a prayer and start that save! (Saving)

Peppy smiles inwardly as Ember mentions that the Mama Growlithe knew Growlithes were the best Pokemon. Since Peppy is *positive* this is a true fact, he's all but assured himself that there is no possible way that this can be false information. Tugging off a part of the meat (this chunk is almost exausted), he munches on it quietly, listening to the story. <They probably should've helped the other Pokemon.> He woofs quietly to himself, though Ember may or may not hear it.

Ember seems not to have heard. <Last Squirtle went to complain. 'Mother Squirtle! Mother Squirtle! Growlithes are faster than us and take the best places to sleep!'. But like the others, the first Squirtle had no right to tell the Growlithes what to do. However, Mother Squirtle was a sly and underhanded pokemon, like most water-types are. She decided that she would take matters into her own hands. Looking down from the sky above, she waited till she saw some Growlithes playing in the sun. At the exact moment they were having the most fun she used her Water Gun to send rain down onto them, making them run for cover.> Ember nods to herself as she concludes the story. <And so that's what rain is: It's a sign that Mother Squirtle is jealous of Mama Growlithe's favorite pokemon. Water pokemon can't be trusted, that's why Growlithe stick together with their own kinds, forming families and packs.>

Peppy's jaws stop grinding the meat for a moment as Ember finishes up her story. Huh. <I always wondered...> He mumbles slowly, resuming his chomping on the food. <... what good rain was for.> He glances out at the storm, then back at Ember. Hmmm. Okay. On another note, Peppy will make *sure* to get mad at the next Squirtle he sees, and scold that turtle. Anyway, something else is also churning in his mind. He's actually *thinking*! Amazing. <Does that... me... but...> His jaw snaps shut. Hmm. How to say this right. The last piece of the now-muddy meat disappears into his jaw.

Kutsu blinks, ears twitching a bit. She'd fallen silent while Ember had started up her story, because it was such a good story, and so true too! Those lousy stinking wa.. um.. <Where is Mama Growlithe now?> The femme asks, piping up. She's not full yet, but her tummy's sufficiently full for her not to worry about it.

Ember's ears prick forward at Peppy's half-question. She waits for him to get the whole thing out. Her attention shifts to Kutsu at the question, and she thumps her tail against the ground. <She's still up there,> Ember looks up at the clouds. <Way, way, way above the Squirtle and her clouds, which are the Squirtle's attempt to hide that she's the one who is using the Water Gun. But we know it's true, Mama Growlithe wouldn't let Mother Squirtle get away with keeping it a secret.>

Peppy now regrets having said *anything*, but, unfortunately, he feels he'd better just try and force his little question out. <Is... that... what...> Okay. Deep breath. One... two... three! <What about those that *aren't* in packs? How are they supposed to... to... deal with water types?> 'Deal with' isn't exactly a good term, but hopefully his point will get across to Ember. Of course, amidst all the stutters and mumblings, it might be a little difficult to parse it all. Idly, Peppy glances out at the storm. Man, that must be one big Squirtle, to be able to use such a large Water Gun.

Kutsu blinks, looking towards Peppy. She never thought of that.. and suddenly she realizes - she's not in a pack either! Her attention is directed towards Ember, and she nods, concerned, <What -about- those that aren't in packs?>

Ember considers Peppy's question. <Mama Growlithe gave us many gifts: Our teeth, our flames, our speed, but our minds are one of the best ones. Sometimes it is right to fight, but if a Growlithe stands without his or her pack, sometimes it is right to run. Only the Growlithe standing alone will know which is the path to take. ...Or do you mean not in battle?> While waiting for Peppy's reply, she says to Kutsu, <Growlithes are meant to be in packs. Mama Growlithe wants us to be happy, she wants us to be with our friends and family. A Growlithe is strongest when standing together with his or her own.>

Lower... lower... lower... paff. Peppy's chin hit his paws as his whole body sinks further into the mud. <That's... I guess.> He woofs, mostly to himself. Okay. This would have to be the biggest decision of his life. Eff. Why it all can't be easy, he doesn't know. What's the right choice? He doesn't know. Bah. Unfortunately, there's one major thing to consider; most, if not all, trained Growlithes do have a pretty good amount of loyalty to their trainers. And Peppy is, of course, no exception to the rule. <I... didn't... really mean in battle, although that could be possible, too...> That didn't make much sense. <I just meant... with... water-types just being there.> How confusing.

Ember rises to her paws and stretches, forequarters lowering towards the ground while her tail flags high. Toes extend and blunt claws dig into the mud as she yawns, then she steps over towards Peppy and lowers herself back down. Closer means more warmth, if nothing else. <When you encounter a water-type outside of battle, you have to still be wary of them.> She glances at Peppy then looks up at the clouds. <See Mother Squirtle up there?> Of course there is no Squirtle-god in sight.

Peppy himself doesn't make any motions as Ember comes close to him, except, of course, for his eyes watching her move. <I... suppose.> He barks quietly, sinking his muzzle deeper into his paws. It's going to be a little harder to talk now. Despite being in such an odd position, he is still able to glance up at the sky. After a moment or two of peering, he admits quietly, <I... can't see her.> It's muffled, of course, since he's talking into the ground.

Kutsu looks up at the clouds too, and is greeted by a big wet raindrop atwixt her eyes. Shaking the rain off her body she shakes her head at Ember, <I don't see Mother Squirtle either.> She says, crawling closer so she can hear Ember better.

Ember gestures at her head for Kutsu to come as close as she likes. All the better for the three of them to stay warm. <Right. Mother Squirtle hides herself. She's dishonest and so you have to be wary of her. Like we inherited our flames from Mama Growlithe, Mother Squirtle's children got her sneakiness. You cannot trust them. They say one thing and mean another. They lie.>

Heck, he's scared of Katerwauls, Bulbasaurs, Jigglypuffs, Jynxes, and Scarewulves - why not throw Squirtles onto the list? However, Ember's comment grows another small question in Peppy's mind. <What about other water-types? Like...> Uh, what others water types are known by him? ... um... oh, Patch has a Staryu. <Like a Staryu. Can you trust them?> What if Victory's been plotting behind his back all along? Gulp...

Kutsu was also about to ask the same question, but of course, geniuses think alike, right? "Growlithe!" Kutsu says, just implying that she wants to hear the answer to Peppy's question as well, tail swishing back and forth behind her and getting quite messy besides.

Ember lets her breath out slowly, relaxing as she dries off a little. <All water pokemon are the same, they all have the same traits that Squirtles have.> She looks up again. <If Mother Squirtle wasn't there, I'm sure any of the other water types would take her place.>

Peppy grins slightly at Kutsu, opening his mouth to say something to her. Ember, however, distracts him, and he snaps his jaw shut to listen to her reply. It's not exactly a pleasing response, but the truth hurts. <Oh.> Okay. So this obviously means that Patch's Staryu, Victory, is evil. Is Patch aware of this? What if she *is*?! Peppy's eyes widen at the thought, and his tail slashes once or twice before going limp. "Grrrowl." he grumbles to himself, muzzle sinking even deeper into the mud. Yum.

For Kutsu, this is all logic, so she's suprised when Peppy starts sinking into the mud. Blinking, she bends down and sticks her muzzle in the mud too, <What's wrong?>

Ember turns her head towards Peppy at his unhappy noises, lowering it down to nuzzle his ear. <I am sorry that you're just hearing this for the first time now. Most Growlithes... wild ones, we hear the stories of our kind even before our eyes open.>

Sink. Sink. Peppy doesn't bother replying to Kutsu, until a little bit of that mud seeps into his mouth. Yech. A disgusting memory from the night before is all Peppy needs to separate his nose from the mud. Well, he kind of needed to breathe, anyway. <Nothing's wrong.> He quietly says to Kutsu, though he doesn't look at her. Something's obviously wrong. Lying is not exactly Peppy's strong point. <I never heard it...> he mumbles to himself, not taking into account that Ember probably thinks he was born a trained Pokemon. <Unless I forgot it.>

Kutsu looks at Peppy a moment, <Are you sure?> And then a look towards Ember as well, <I never heard it either.. Maybe my mom forgot to tell me.> Or, maybe she was just too busy clinging onto her father's tail - don't ask.

Ember probably does think Peppy was born into slavery, yes. She lays her head onto his back, a gesture used by canines to try to comfort each other. <But remember, Squirtles aren't that strong. Their Water Guns don't last forever. The rain will stop,> she assures him. She turns her eyes to Kutsu, but doesn't take her head from Peppy. <They should have told you. Our stories are important to know.>

A Katerwaul slinks closer, bright eyes all ablaze ... so whisper a prayer and start that save! (Saving)

Slavery. That's an interesting way of putting it. Seeing as how she's descended her head onto his back, Peppy can no longer look at Ember when she speaks, but chances are he wouldn't be doing so even if she was in sight. That's not what he's worried about, obviously. <Of course it'll stop. Usually does.> Eff. He wishes he still had a piece of that Nidoran to gnaw on now. Not that he has much appetite, anyway (wow. Peppy's not only been thinking tonight, but he's not been hungry. Amazing.).

Kutsu watches Peppy quietly, not really happy that her only friend is almost to the point of eating the mud (which tastes yucky!). Ember's comment brings the growlithe's attention to the elder, and she blinks. Her parents tell.. what.. <..> The growlithe falls silent too, ears beginning to droop a bit. Her parents were supposed to.. Erf.

Ember yawns. <Once it didn't, long, long, long ago. But that's a story for another time... why it didn't stop and why it'll never not stop again.> The oldest of the three snuggles in, drifting off to sleep. Hunting in the pouring rain seems to have taken a lot out of her. Maybe tomorrow it will be nicer. Her breathing slows and she drifts off to sleep.

Cold rain pours from thick grey clouds, driven by a howling northeast wind.

A pause. A nervous little grin. <I think she's asleep.> Peppy says quietly to Kutsu, of course, talking about Ember, fast asleep on his back. His paws sinking deeper in the ground, Peppy is silent for a moment, before he finally asks, <Do you... what do you think about humans? Do you think a pack is better than a human?> Hmm. Serious question.

The clouds darken further, rain drenching the landscape as evening approaches.

Kutsu doesn't answer though, not hearing Peppy's question because she's thinking too. After a moment, she falls to the ground, thinking to herself quietly, and probably not even noticing that she's lying in the mud.

No reply. It takes a little effort, but Peppy is able to crawl out from under Ember, shaking a bit as he gets up to all four paws. He doesn't look to see whether Kutsu is asleep or not, too busy glancing west. Looks like... looks like he'll have to head home now. <What do I do?> He quietly mumbles to himself, a small drop of water hitting the tip of his muzzles. So many choices...

Kutsu stares at the ground quietly, though if Peppy started leaving she'd notice. After a moment, the femme looks up at Peppy, <Do you have a family?> She asks softly.

Yikes! Who... oh, of course. Glancing back at Kutsu none-too-quickly, Peppy grins his doggy-smile. It faded slightly upon realizing her question. Family? <I... haven't seen them in a while.> A long while - over a year. Patch is his family now... though that seems kind of silly now. She's not even a Growlithe. <Listen...> He says quietly, giving one last look west. <I... um, I've got get back to Patch. I... she...> He just stops right there, and looks up at Kutsu, awaiting her reply.

Kutsu rises, blinking at Peppy, tilting her head, <You have to go back?> She asks, brows lowering a bit as she becomes a bit sad, the thought of -her- family gone now with the new problem that's arisen.

A glance to the side. <I... yeah. I do.> The boy dog quietly avoids looking into Kutsu's eyes - does she feel he's deserting her? <Patch... she'll be... worried about me.> Supposing, of course, that she's not plotting with the Staryu and all. <I'll stop by later, though... okay?> He woofs nervously, now looking up into Kutsu's face.

The last light in the west begins to fail, heralding a stormy night.

The femme growlie goes thoughtful a moment, looking down at the ground. After a minute, she looks back up at Peppy, <I'll come too.> She says simply, her eyes determined. She's not about to let Peppy go. After all, growlithes do better in packs.

A little flash of curiousity passes Peppy's face, but it soon passes. <Kutsu... you...> He pauses for a moment, and shakes his head. <There are trainers there. You... I...> He pauses for a moment, then gestures towards the sleeping Ember. <You should... keep her company. I'll come back!> He makes no motions to leave just yet, however.

Kutsu steps forwards towards Peppy, looking quite determined, <You'll protect me though, right? Just like you were protecting me last night.> She says, and looks down at Ember too, <She can take care of herself.. She's older and smarter than us.>

A pause. As much as he enjoys Kutsu's company, Peppy knows that she can't come along - he's going to have to talk to Patch. *Alone*. <She is,> The pup agrees. <But... I...> A small glance at the ground. <I'll be back. I just need... I...> He sighs a little bit. Ugh.

Kutsu nods agreeably at Peppy, <She is. That's why I can go with you, right?> She asks. Maybe if Kutsu had enough experience as Ember she wouldn't even think of going to the city.. But then again, maybe she'd run away from Peppy too.

He needs an excuse. Peppy just slowly shakes his head, glancing at Kutsu with a small look of depression in his eyes. <Kutsu, I... need to talk to my trainer. I... don't... think she knows about the Mother Squirtle, and... she...> He pauses for a moment. For a longer moment this time, at least - he's been pausing quite a bit. <And I think... that... it might get personal.> Personal! A rather big word for Peppy's vocabulary.

Kutsu nods a bit at Peppy, and smiles, <So you agree?> She asks, tail wagging just a bit. <You -will- take me to the city? I want to see Patch too!> She says. Unfortunately for Peppy, 'personal' has no meaning in Kutsu's vocabulary.

Maybe he isn't sure of what 'personal' means, either, because the wrong point seems to have gotten across. <I can't.> He says quietly. <I... can't take you there. I need to talk to Patch...> His eyes twinkle a little bit. <And I need to talk to her alone.> An eyebrow raises slightly. <Do you understand?> He's so serious. It's obvious that he really believes that he needs to go without her... and frankly, he's kind of being a jerk about it!

A Katerwaul slinks closer, bright eyes all ablaze ... so whisper a prayer and start that save! (Saving)

Kutsu steps forwards again, smiling broadly, and nuzzling Peppy a bit in thanks, <Mmhmm!> She says, <You'll take me, and then talk to Patch alone.> She really doesn't get it, does she? Her tail wags happily, because Peppy's agreeing with her.

Cue facefault. <No...> Peppy woofs nervously. His point is not getting across. <A town is not a place for you to be. They... have... humans.> Ding! Idea! <And some of those humans have water types. And you heard what she said.> The dog gestures towards Ember. Suddenly, Peppy is kind of hit with a bit of worry... now that he knows about water types, he'll have to be really careful about staying away from humans with water type Pokemon! ... eff.

Wailing wind blows rain through the darkness.

Kutsu tilts her head at Peppy again. No? But what he says after doesn't make sense, <That's why we have to go together, so that we can be safer from the water pokemon.> She says, though she's getting a tad confused from him saying 'no' and then 'yes'.

Eff. <Yeah, that's true...> Peppy admits quietly, his head lowering a little bit. His tail swishes once or twice. <Why do you want to come..? I... can't... I need you to stay here. Oth...> Hey, he thinks of something! <What if a water type comes along and steals this tree, and then it starts raining? Where will we g...oh.> And then he realizes that they can always go to a *different* tree. Eff.

Kutsu watches as Peppy lowers his head, listening to his mumblings. A sudden shock comes to the growlithe. Why -does- she want to go with him..? With a slow breath, the growlithe says softly, <I.. well.. .. Why can't I come?> Brilliant. Answer a question with a question.

Didn't he just get through telling her? Peppy cocks his head very slightly, but replies anyway. <I don't want you getting in trouble.> He grins slightly, unknowingly, and his tail involuntarily swishes back and forth. <Wild Pokemon in a city is... it's not a good thing.> Of course, nobody would be able to tell that *he* was caught... but, as of yet, the Growlithe hasn't been able to realize it. <Staying out here is a lot safer.>

Kutsu watches Peppy quietly, thinking softly. That human told her that going to cities was a bad thing, right? And now Peppy's telling her. <I'm still going.> She says softly, <What if -you- get in trouble? Because staying out here is a lot safer, right?>

A little sly grin that compliments Peppy's furry face well emerges. <Don't worry about me - I've done it before.> Like that's that. He takes a couple of steps backward, gesturing toward the Nidoran. <I... I liked sleeping out here with you, though.> He adds. <I'll... see if I can't do so again.> What's that mean? Anyway, he doesn't head off quite yet, but he's standing in the rain. Ech.

Kutsu follows Peppy forwards, <If you can do it, I can do it too.> She says, persisting. Even though the rain splashes even more against her out from under the shade of the tree, she still persists.

A few rain drops trick down the side of Peppy's face. He looks... almost hurt. Uh oh. What did she do? <Don't you trust me?> He asks quietly, trying to ignore Mother Squirtle's Water Gun for right now. <I know what I'm doing. I promise, I'll be back.> He takes a couple steps backwards, kicking up a loose rock as he does. <I'll be back before you know it!>

Cold driving rain pours down upon you in the dark from black clouds, propelled by a howling northeast wind.

Kutsu steps back as Peppy asks his question, looking hurt, <What do you mean..?> She asks quietly, <Why can't I go with you?> If she heard his reasons before, she doesn't remember them now.

Peppy's mouth opens slightly, wondering what to say next. Eventually, he simply arrives at, <I've done this before. I need you to stay here. Don't... don't ask why, I... just...> He turns himself around, head lowered, glancing at the ground. The rain stings, but he ignores it. <For me?> Duh duh duh. For him.

Kutsu looks down at the ground, hurt, <Okay. I see..> She says softly, shuffling back and lying down quietly, <Go back to Patch then.>

Glancing back at Kutsu, Peppy sighs a little bit, shaking his head slightly. <I'll be back. Tommorow.> And with that, he propels himself off the ground, bursting into a quick sprint home.

Kutsu nods, lying down and watching Peppy leave, her eyes following him until his form disappears in the distance.