Music
Saturday 18th January, 2003.
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A trio of Clefairy sings * * * *
Christmas carols for * * * *
you on: * * * *
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\ / `' '' \ / \ / `'_ '' \ / \` `^_ ^' '// *
* /_| O | _\ /_| |_\_\ /\ - /_\ *
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| _ // _ \ | |/ / /<>\ | |\\ //| | | | | | \\ | _ |
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Pokemon Evolutions
http://www.byte-me.org/pokemush
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"connect guest guest" connects you as a guest.
"connect " connects you to an existing character.
"QUIT" exits the game and saves your character.
"news" lists files on theme issues.
"help" and "+help" give help on the commands.
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Rustic Path - Route 13: Picnic Spots
Just outside the main city entrance sits a picnic ground that is used by all. A wonderful place for families and decent folk all around, the pristine nature of Maiden's Peak shows true. A vendor sits in the middle of all the tables--a very happy and jolly man indeed. He provides food and sometimes free candy to small children that may visit the area. Hot dog vendors or ice cream men push carts around the area, and all seems as it should be. Many pokemon trainers come here searching for more interesting pokemon or just to see what's around. This area is used most heavily during the annual 'Maiden's Peak' festival.
Contents:
Streetwind
Obvious exits:
North <N> leads to Maiden's Peak: Southern Entrance.
West <W> leads to Rustic Path - Route 13: Beaten Path.
Somewhere, a blue haired boy selects the right shade of lipstick. (Eee! Saving!)
Dull day. Dull mood. Grey is the sky, the grass, the trees. And grey are thoughts and emotions. It's noon, but nearly nothing stirs. The often-visited picnic place is deserted, the shops closed, and no one sits at the tables. No Pidgeys and Rattatas scuttle around the area, searching for leftovers... there aren't any. Winter kills business, and no one wants to sit outside in a snowstorm. Or ice rain and sleet. Or chilling fog. Or whatever else winter comes up with. And with no one being there, there are no sounds either; not even wind to stir the trees and bushes. Snow covers ground, plants and tables, further dampening anything that might become audible. It's always like that. Where she comes, the world seems to freeze in time.
Streetwind's breath is flat; the air is just jucky. Cold and damp, tasting like wet snow. Slowly, she paces along between the benches and tables, occasionally taking a sniff here and there. She's hungry, much more than she likes; Winter kills business not only for human vendors, but also for hunters in the wild. Winter came to early, and now, halfway through it, nearly nothing is left. For a moment, the Ninetales stops, a critical gaze wandering over the closed and locked food shop... it's not even a real building. She could probably break it open in no time. But would anything be inside? And, wouldn't that get her into even more trouble? Then again, as if it would matter by now... Her sigh only increases the feeling of emptiness that the place radiates.
The weather sure isn't perfect for a picnic, but that doesn't seem to bother Rick. It's cold, sure, but that's what his favorite jacket is for. It is lonely in the picnic spot today, as it probably is all winter long. Rick is the only person in the area, and he is sitting on a bench with his green backpack on his lap, fishing potato chips from a packet. Next to him, also sitting on the bench, is Zack, Rick's companion Machop, who is almost always present wherever the trainer goes. The pokemon doesn't seem to be eating anything at the moment, looking deep in thought, staring at his feet. Suddenly, the Machop drops to the ground, walks a few steps away, then begins practicing his moves. "Chop! Maaa... Chop!" The fighting pokemon begins Karate Chopping into thin air, occasionally shifting his feet in order to find the best positions. Rick just continues to eat his chips, watching his pokemon perform without any instructions. The Machop doesn't seem to mind the cold either, but he's probably the only one of Rick's team that would like being out. Neither pokemon nor trainer notice the presence of a hungry Ninetales in the area.
Oh, but she does notice. The Machop is shouting loud enough to wake up a Snorlax - or, at least that is Streetwind's impression. Furry ears perk up and rotate, pinpointing the location of the sound and identifying it as the calls of a Machop before the head even starts to follow the movement of the ears. The are doesn't seem to be so empty as she thought in the first place. Probably the Machop just arrived, too. The Ninetales waits a moment, pondering her options. She usually hunts everything below her own size, and a Machop easily falls into that category; but unfortunately, Machops also fall into the category of prey that hits back harder than others. But, taking a look won't cause any harm, she figures. Turning around, she makes her way past some benches and tables to where she heard the fighting-type. At the same time she sees the Machop, though, the human also falls into her eye. It stops her dead in her tracks. Humans are never good. Then again, he's alone. Single trainers are no problem for her. And besides, she just doesn't feel like running away and hiding. While thinking this, Streetwind just stands there, easily visible as a seven feet long, nine-tailed fox with dirty, sand-white fur... though her approach made no sound, despite her size.
The lone trainer puts his half empty packet back into his bag to save for later. He continues to watch his Machop practicing, pleased that Zack is putting some effort into his goal of evolving. Rick continues to watch, giving some encouragement in appropriate places, such as "Nice one, Zack," or "Keep it up." Eventually, he decides to bring in another element, that will at least make a challenge for Zack. The trainer's hand moves to his belt and he plucks the second ball of the five free. Zack doesn't notice the movement of the trainer, or he would probably protest. Rick throws the ball behind the Machop, its captive pokemon being released. The Abra emerges behind the Machop before he has a chance to turn around and gives him a push, calling <Lie down!> Zack is caught unawares and he falls flat on his face. Yuri, the Abra, chuckles, fully expecting retaliation. Since Zack hasn't turned round yet and Rick is watching the drama with a mischeivous grin, none of the small group has noticed the approaching Ninetales.
The air is damp and cold, the sky a translucent grey, brighter to the south. Nothing casts a shadow.
Streetwind's orange eyes can get quite intense, and they are now. The human has food. The human has fun. The Abra has fun. Chances are that Abra and Machop are quite well-fed, too, even if it's the cheap, mass-produced pokemon food humans give their pokemon. Why, *of course* Streetwind is jealous. A little in the past, and she wouldn't have acknowledged that feeling; but now, she accepts it as it is. What else she can do, than to stare in envy at the human's back, at the pack where the food is in. It annoys her. Why, of all creatures in the world, always those that deserve it the least have it best? A little in the past, she'd have probably attacked and robbed the human, and it sure is difficult to decide against that option now. So she keeps staring, with eyes that could burn holes into a steel wall, if reality would allow it. The boy is so small. His head is barely above her own. It would be so easy...
Somewhere, a blue haired boy selects the right shade of lipstick. (Eee! Saving!)
Zack gets up quickly, knowing exactly who it was that pushed him. Yuri has a rather twisted sense of humor, and he seems to enjoy bossing people and pokemon around. Zack has grown used to this, and turns to face his attacker, a grin forming on his face. 'This is going to be fun!'... is what the Machop would have said, if he hadn't noticed Streetwind sitting behind Rick. As it is, he just looks over the Abra's shoulder at the evolved pokemon. Yuri would have sensed the presence of the Ninetales if he had been paying attention. As it is, he is unnerved by the slightly worried look of the Machop, and he Teleports behind Zack for protection against the unknown being. As soon as he catches sight of Streetwind, the psychic pokemon smirks, clearly viewing himself as better than the new arrival. Then again, it's hard to imagine what would scare the Abra. Rick is clueless as always, and just looks at his pokemon, also slightly unnerved by the conflicting faces of his pokemon. "What?" he just asks, not yet getting up and turning around as he probably should.
It takes Streetwind a while until she realizes that she has been noticed; it's the teleport's little flash that breaks her line of vision and diverts her attention away from the human's back, to what just appeared there. Ah, the Abra. Figures. Her stare centers on Yuri now, even though it's not aggressive anymore, but surprised instead; she tilts her head at the Abra's smirk. For a completely unevolved pokemon that faces an adversary that has reached their evolution line's peak, he seems more than just a little overconfident. He must have little to no idea what exactly he is facing... that would explain it. Then, probably her reputation hasn't reached that trainer and his pokemon yet. In the last weeks, she's been avoided by others even more than usual. They're afraid of her... who can blame them. Streetwind does have a reputation for trying to kill without reason. She promised herself not to do that anymore... but the others wouldn't listen. Right now, the Ninetales is slightly unsure on what to do. The Abra seems ready to pick a fight. She'd have to hurt him if he does. But, after all, it would be them who started it. And they're a human and /owned/ pokemon, too. They'd certainly deserve what they'd get if they tried. She settles on giving Yuri an unimpressed glance, then proceeds to shake herself, from nose to tailtips.
The Abra is certainly sure of his judgement of the Ninetales, even if it is vastly wrong. If it came to a fight, Yuri would probably have to rely on the protection of another. Probably Zack, knowing his luck. As it is, he doesn't make any hostile moves yet. He just continues to smirk, then plants his three-fingered right hand on the Machop's left shoulder. <Here's another playmate for you, doggy!> he says to Zack. The fighting type pokemon is obviously used to being called that, as he just ignores the comment and continues to look warily at the Ninetales. At least he's got good judgement and doesn't underestimate Streetwind, like Yuri has. Rick meanwhile gets up from his seat and turns around to face whatever his two pokemon are looking at. At first sight, he looks shocked. How could something that big have got so close without him hearing her? He quickly gets over his shock however, and begins fumbling around in his backpack for his pokedex. He may not get another chance like this.
The Ninetales is still not impressed. Once, she beat three of a trainer's pokemon at once, with at least one of them being stronger than a Machop or an Abra. She has confidence in her abilities to fight, and to outsmart her opponents. However, the doggy comment - not aimed at her, but how can she know? - does tick her off. Who does the Abra think he is? <Hey human>, the firefox calls, <I suggest you keep an eye on your little slaves. They seem to enjoy getting themselves hurt.> A glare at Yuri accompanies this obvious insult, and just as obvious threat. By herself, Streetwind mentally sighs. Humans are never good, she repeats to herself. She half-turns away, intending to leave this senseless encounter, but she does keep an eye on what the human might produce from his little pack.
Zack hastily translates the words of the Ninetales for Rick's benefit, not taking his eyes off the Ninetales. "Slaves? They're my -friends-. Well, the Machop is at least." Rick's face forms a grin as he says this, and Yuri's smirk simultaneously disappears. Rick notices this and adds "Just kidding, Yuri." Yuri doesn't seem satisfied however, and he begins to scowl. Zack picks up on the other side of Streetwind's statement however. <Getting hurt is bad. You'd better stay away.> While not a threat as such, Zack's tone may suggest otherwise. His intention is to avoid any needless fighting, as he isn't certain he would be aided by Yuri. Plus he isn't the sort to go around hitting things just for the sake of it. Rick pulls the red electronic book out of his bag and opens it. Hoping it won't provoke the Ninetales, he aims the lense of the device at the firefox.
'Ninetales' scanned and added into your Pokedex. Type '+pokedex/pokemon Ninetales' for information on this pokemon.
Somewhere, a blue haired boy selects the right shade of lipstick. (Eee! Saving!)
The Ninetales laughs out loud at the reply she gets from Zack. <Of course it's bad. But because you asked so nicely, I will stay away, and not hurt you.> However, her voice is no longer joking when she adds, <I have no business with you anyway. It's not my style to beg a human for food, or make conversation with their fighting tools. Go back to pretending to be happy under his command.> This already includes an answer to Rick's words, and Streetwind doesn't add a reply to him directly. Friends, of course, that's what they always claim. She's sick of this discussion, and sick of the naiveness those human children have. They don't have to wander around for days with a rumbling stomach like she has one, and they don't have to sleep out in the open, covered in snow, while the temperature is -10 degrees or less... Argh. She'd doing it again. She could rant on for a long time like this, in her head or spoken out loud, and find a thousand more ways to prove to Rick that he's talking nonsense. But it's not like he'd understand, nor like it would change anything. Annoyance, resignation, disgust and other such emotions cross through the Ninetales' eyes as she watches the human fiddle with the harmless device that she still doesn't know of what it does, and those eyes seem almost human in what they show, much unlike the limited self-awareness that the common wild pokemon shows. Creepy.
The air is damp and cold, the sky a translucent grey, brighter to the south. Nothing casts a shadow.
Rick would bring out someone who Streetwind might possibly listen to; one of her own kind, or the prevolution more specifically. The only reasons he doesn't is that Locke probably wouldn't like the weather, and he probably wouldn't have anything helpful to add anyway. At the translation from Zack, it becomes apparent that no amount of arguing will change this Ninetales' mind, so it is pointless to try. He -does- pick up on the food comment though. Talk about subliminal messaging... "If you want food, I've got some spare. It's only popcorn, but these two seem to like it." The trainer gestures towards the two pokemon still standing where they were when Streetwind first appeared. Okay, so Rick has a soft heart... who can blame him? He was picked on at school until everyone learned what they get for picking on this tike...
The firefox ponders that offer. Popcorn? No idea. Humans produce so much weird food, even though meat and fruit would do just as well. But it's probably better than sleeping hungry again today. Still, she can't resist to answer somewhat snappy. <I don't really need your charity, human. But it would be stupid not to accept such an offer at this time of the year. So if you want to get rid of it, put it down and move away.> Some trainers seem to have that image in their head of wild pokemon willingly and peacefully eating out of their hands, but Streetwind would rather stay well away. Not only would she regard that behavior as degrading, but it also takes her too close to the trainer in question. She knows very well that she is considered a rare and valuable pokemon to humans, and that she's absolutely unique in the wild. Close range dodges pokeballs badly.
Zack translates again for Rick. <She wants you to put it down and then back off. I don't think she trusts you.> No ****, Sherlock... "Alright." The trainer again rummages in the bag, producing another packet, this one half-full with popcorn kernels. He steps forward two paces, puts the bag down on the cold ground, and stands back up again. As a sort of afterthought, he kneels back down and rips the bag open even more, realizing that a pokemon with no thumbs will have trouble with packets. The trainer then stands back up and backs up to what he thinks is a safe distance. At least he can follow instructions. He makes no move towards his pokeballs in his bag. In fact, he doesn't really -want- to capture this thing, as she would probably drive him insane. Or kill him.
Somewhere, a blue haired boy selects the right shade of lipstick. (Eee! Saving!)
Streetwind waits anxiously until Rick finishes, watching his every move... or better, every move of the popcorn bag. The prospect of food gnaws on her limited patience like a hamster on a power cord. As soon as she deems it safe, she jumps forward, snatches the bag, and jumps back a good distance. A quick glance at Rick's group, to check if they move after her; after her safety is confirmed, she stuffs her muzzle into the bag, taking a deep sniff of sugar-laden air. Ooof! She pulls out again reflexively, and sneezes in a kind of cute display. But it did smell good... back goes her head into the bag, and she munches away.
Rick watches as the Ninetales munches, until he remembers that staring is rude. He glances down at the unlikely pair of allies near his feet, and sees they are still in almost the exact same positions they were in the last time he looked. "Hey, you two! Don't you know it's rude to stare? Get to training if you're at a loose end!" Rick barks commands, and Zack immediately stops staring and moves back to battle position. Yuri looks up reluctantly, then Teleports once more, facing the Machop. It looks like the Machop actually -wants- to fight the psychic type. He must really want to evolve badly. Rick risks a look back to the Ninetales as he half watches his pokemon. No, it's definitely a bad idea to try and capture her.
Wah. That stuff is sticky! Once Streetwind pulls her head out of the bag again, her fur is full of popcorn, all over her head. Along her muzzle, between her eyes, on her cheeks, even on her ear in one case. It sticks everywhere! With paws and tongue, the firefox tries to get all of the popcorn out of her fur, looking even cuter. Almost like a cat cleaning itself. Weird stuff, this popcorn. Really weird. Streetwind shakes herself again after removing the annoying little things, then grabs the half-empty bag with her teeth, and jumps away, gracefully and without a sound. She needs to get to someplace where she can safely rip apart the whole bag to have better access at its contents. The vincinity of a human never qualifies as a safe place in Streetwind's mind, even though Rick just gave her food for free. It doesn't take too long until she's out of sight, and the picnic place is empty again, except for a single trainer and his two pokemon.
Rick wouldn't notice the Ninetales leave, except he is looking over at her every so often. She didn't look half bad when she was content, although she would probably never agree to teaming up with a human. The trainer smiles to himself, and turns back to his two pokemon. Strike, miss, parry, dodge, hit... and so it continues. Zack can't catch the Abra; he's too fast and can teleport, but at least he's trying. The two pokemon are too engrossed to notice the departure of Streetwind. She seems happier in the wild anyway...
Who would've believed it? Streetwind didn't attack, or act agressive or anything! Plus, she actually likes popcorn, even if it does get stuck everywhere! This is one scene I've had that deserves a follow-up. In retrospect, I think she was hoping the little trickster would play a prank on her, but he's not foolish. Playing tricks on wild animals isn't the wisest thing to do. There is only one condition Rick has to play a prank, and that's to be sure the subject will take it well. Rick isn't sure Streetwind will take anything well, so he doesn't try.
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