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Neglected Path - Route 14: Past the Eastern Fork
The road turns here, sloping to the north abruptly. The cobblestones of the south turn into pavement, as the city approaches your eyes to the north. A heaven compared to Dark City of the south, and definitely a place to visit on one's way by.
Contents:
Navarone
Obvious exits:
North <N> leads to Stone Town: South Gates.
South <S> leads to Negelected Path - Route 14: Turning Point.
Gusts of wind blow through the air, bringing leaves across the path in flurries of orange, red and gold. The fair weather is welcome today as always, although for some it is just not quite warm enough. The coolness of Greater Pokemon Island is readily apparent to one such as Scorch, who until today has been basking in the warmth of the Cinnabar Volcano. Still, it was his own decision to come with his mentor, for many reasons. The Charmeleon is wisely keeping a safe distance away from the path, just in case. While his abilities are better now than ever, even one such as him will fall to the dangers of a human trainer and their pokeballs, should he become that careless. Hiding is out of the question with his vivid red scales, so the Charmeleon's best defense is a good offense, and for that he needs to see danger coming. The Charizard that has been his best and closest friend for many months now is nowhere to be seen. Her own business has obviously taken her in a different direction from her student. Scorch has enough confidence in himself to wander off on his own.
It's a wonderful autumn morning, with the sun gleaming off the surfaces of dew laden leaves, and giving colour to the many dried leaves that sprinkle the floor, in their many shades of fire. Their liveliness is further augmented by the wind that sends the leaves tossing and turning onto the path, upon which walks a Vulpix, just as brightly coloured at the leaves that fly past him. Already the orange fur that lines most of his body, as well as the maroon headfur and tails are growing thick and fluffy for the coming winter. With his nose held close to the ground, he sniffs every so often, trying to catch a hint of a scent, hopefully that of prey. For the Vulpix is hunting, and he needs to haul in a catch today in order to stock up on his already dwindling reserves. &rWhen one thinks about it, a Rattata every few days would be more than enough for this little firefox, standing just a couple of inches taller than the average Vulpix at 2 feet. What many may not know at first glance is that he's not only hunting for himself, but for another as well. Many know her as the violent, aggresive and all-too-often proud Queen Of The Strays, Streetwind, but the one Navarone cares for and hunts for now is far from any of those expressions. Even as he hunts now, he ponders how the Ninetales must be doing at their new home, when his nose suddenly catches scent of someone else, further down the road according to his sense of direction-- but not that of a Rattata. This is quite different. He lifts his head, and scans the horizon in search of this newcomer, whoever he may be.
Fair weather clouds drift through the blue sky from the west. The wind is gusty.
Scorch's sharp eyes are on the alert, looking not only for danger, but also any challenges that he might come across. After all, his ambition to evolve again has brought him this far, and enduring the relatively cool air is training in itself. Would the Charmeleon even /run/ if he saw a trainer? Probably /towards/ them, in anticipation of a good battle to test himself with. In a sense, the Charmeleon is hunting too. While the lizard's sense of smell isn't quite as sharp as those of a Vulpix, they are good enough to alert him that something else is nearby. Not a human, not a Pidgey (his favorite food), and definitely not one of his own species. While he might once have been cautious of any other creatures around him, Scorch has thrown his caution to the wind. Indeed, he often runs in the direction of any possible challengers, and he again does this, lowering himself down and trotting full pelt in the Vulpix's direction. His tail wavers as he runs, looking like a snake moving across a vast desert, ripples constantly moving from its base to its tip, ending in the flaring and flickering flame that trails behind the red streak. Eyes narrowed and his mouth clamped firmly shut, he charges at the intriguing scent with the corners of his mouth curling into an anticipated smirk. What is making him act this way? Mostly his eagerness to evolve and therefore train, but also the addition of something in the air. The scent of a fire-type pokemon, promising a good battle.
Thanksgiving is coming! Hide the Pidgeys! (Saving) the bird-pokemon!
The Vulpix keeps a firm eye on his surroundings, watching the trees, leaves-- nearly anything that moves. It's about the only thing he can see, anyway. His vision is poor, and not very useful at detecting things farther away-- his nose or ears do that. But when a bright red Charmeleon suddenly pops out of the bushes, head and tail lowered, the Vulpix blinks somewhat. He's never seen a Charmeleon before, despite having been in captivity at one point in his life, and even then, he's probably forgotten what one looks like. He takes a moment or two to simply take in the Charmeleon, and familiarize himself with it. He lumbers along the path, tail and head aligned so well it's almost like a straight line, just simply walking towards him. Much attention is paid to his lofty crest that starts from the front of his head, and extends all the way back, giving the creature a sleek look. Even more attention is paid to his claws, which more likely than not, are probably capable of doing more than just trim bushes. The Vulpix teeters back and forth on his legs nervously-- he's not sure what to expect out of this creature, whether or not the creature sees him as prey, or friend, or whatnot. As such, he stands there, rooted to the ground, watching the Charmeleon intently. When he gets closer, he barks out a greeting. Sorta. <W-who are you? Whaddaya want?>
The fiery lizard definitely isn't being as aggressive as he could be, but he is getting close. The screen of bushes proves a minor obstacle, only serving to dramatize his entrance even more. The owner of the fiery scent proves to be (only) a Vulpix, and Scorch quickly skids to a halt, digging his claws into the ground to slow his movement. This would be an incredible entrance to make, apart from the fact that his speed and the abruptness of his halt causes him to lose his balance, even with his tail. As a consequence, the Charmeleon flops backwards onto his rump, looking very comical instead of fearsome. <Gah!> he utters, snorting slightly as he gets to his feet, hoping that the Vulpix didn't notice. As he stands, Scorch's eyes narrow, glaring at the firefox as if the Charmeleon's mistake was /his/ fault. <What do I want? I want/ed/ a battle, but you're only...> he grunts, leaving the sentence unfinished. Apparently he has already assessed Navarone as being unable to put up a decent fight. <Unless you're tougher than you look, fighting you would be a waste of time.> The tone of the Charmeleon is clear enough to indicate that he is talking down to the Vulpix, both literally and figuratively. Although Scorch and his species are predators, Vulpix aren't among the creatures on his menu. Battle is all he wants, and it is also all he is thinking of right now, unfortunately for Navarone. Scorch stands exactly where he fell, his tail twitching slightly as his breaths finally become shallower.
Navarone watches as the Charmeleon approaches. His tails swing apprehensively behind him, swishing through the air not unlike that of a Arbok swaying from side to side, pondering it's next attack. That sense of aggresiveness is lost quickly enough, as he watches the Charmeleon flop quite clumsily onto his rear, and the Vulpix reacts first with a couple of disbelieving blinks, then a quiet chortle under his breath. Looking back at the Charmeleon, he returns his narrowed gaze with that of his own, except with only one eye. Whatever he is, he means business, as his replies ring over the forest, probably scaring any potential prey away with his rambunctious boasting. The Vulpix frowns somewhat as Scorch continues, already picking up on his idea of him-- a weak little Vulpix. And to think that the many scars he sports would be more than enough to convince him otherwise. Oh well. <You haven't answered my other question. Who are you?>, he asks firmly. <And battles are for the humans. I have no business in that anymore. Go pick your fights somewhere else, tamed one.> From that, it is obvious that Navarone perceives the war-loving Charmeleon as a trained pokemon-- an untrue statement, but Navarone has his reasons for saying so. He sits on his haunches, his tails still waving about, just as agitated as before.
The crested lizard doesn't seem as aggressive anymore, now he has seen his opponent. His burst of accelerated movement only left him short of breath, and with no reward. <Oh, I'm sorry, I'm Scorch... Not that you'd know me. I'm not from around here,> he explains, as if that may redeem him from his earlier blunder. However, Scorch's apologetic attitude is quickly dropped as the Vulpix makes the mistake of associating him with the humans. <Hey! You take that back! Humans are good for nothing but making you forget stuff!> he almost shouts back, although how he knew this is anyone's guess. His experiences with humans have not been good ones, and his resentful attitude should make that clear. <But without battles, how am I meant to evolve? You tell me that, Mr. Know-It-All! I evolved in battle and I'll evolve again in battle!> he says, his grin becoming a very prominant frown. Apparently the Charmeleon doesn't know any better, since it is how he has been raised. Even Dakshi taught him how to fight properly, and she can't be wrong, can she?
Thanksgiving is coming! Hide the Pidgeys! (Saving) the bird-pokemon!
Navarone doesn't make any action indicating that he wants a fight with the Charmeleon. In fact, he seems rather stoic, and seems to regard the Charmeleon as far less of a threat than he had perceived it to be when he first saw him approaching. Scorch is his name, is it now? <Navarone>, he states quickly in reply. When Scorch retorts to his referring of him as a trained pokemon, he smirks somewhat, though that is guised by his surprise. <You're not a trained pokemon? Well, this is certainly new.> The Charmeleon's taunts are frowned upon once more. <I have no use for battling, other than to protect the ones I care for. What do I care for it? More importantly, what use do /you/ have for it? To become stronger and stronger until one day, you are treasured and prized by humans, running out of their homes, flinging pokeballs at you day and night, hoping to catch you? So what if you're bigger and stronger than anyone else.> He turns about, raising himself to all fours, and mutters under his breath. <It never did anyone any good>, he whispers, a solemn tone to it, unlikely to be heard by anyone. He raises his head, and turns it enough to regard the fire-lizard with his one working eye. <If you don't mind, I have some hunting to do. I've a friend who's probably hungry by now, and I need to bring back something.>
Scorch's youth is also prominent, as his lack of knowledge, tact, and experience prove. Doubtlessly this Charmeleon is younger than the smaller fire-type, despite the size difference. Still, this hot-headed pokemon isn't going to back down from the Vulpix that insulted him. <Okay, I was wrong! Fighting you might be fun!> he grins, showing his teeth that are definitely sharper than before. Lowering his head slightly and putting one clawed foot forward, the Charmeleon goes into a battle position, brandishing his claws. However his eagerness is cut short once again, by the words of the Vulpix. <It's different. You'll just get bigger, but I will be finally able to reach the sky...> he says, his words becoming mere whispers as he raises his eyes towards the clouds. <I'm not just doing it for myself, either. I'm gonna make someone /proud/ of me! Do you know what that feels like?> he questions Navarone, his aggressiveness vanishing in the light of the reasons behind it. The subject of hunting is ignored for the moment. Scorch has a full stomach and a searing inferno, so there is no need for any more fuel.
Insulted? Navarone hasn't even begun to scratch the surface. And besides, if he insulted the younger pokemon's feelings, he certainly didn't mean it. At the mention of fighting him, the Vulpix rolls his eyes. <Look. I don't want to fight you, even if you like fighting and all. I could get injured, and I don't want that. It was fine when I had only myself to take care of, but I've got another mouth to feed. I'd rather not risk myself being injured just to satisfy your appetite for battle.> He turns to walk away, but he's interrupted by the other fire-type's words-- his reasons for evolution. The Vulpix pauses, listening to his words, explaining his ever-present need to battle others. To touch the heavens, to please someone? They sound like grand ambitions. Admirable, surely. He turns back to the fire-lizard, and speaks once more, though this time, he's far more respectful to the Charmeleon. <To have someone be proud of you, is something that everyone wants. It means that what you're doing is respected.> He turns back to the front again. <And sometimes, that makes it all worthwhile. Sadly, I don't have the liberty to battle with you, so I doubt I'll be staying around here long. I need to find some more food-- otherwise I have to go back to that Assisi place to find some.> He sits there, still with thought and ponderment.
Scorch's lofty goal of becoming a Charizard is a long way off yet, if todays encounter is anything to go by. Hoping for battles hasn't got the Charmeleon anywhere, and it has even prevented what might have been a friendship. His tail waves hypnotically, as if it has a mind of its own. <I'm gonna make my mother proud of me, I'm gonna make Cinders proud of me, and I'm gonna make Dakshi proud of me. At least I'll have /done/ something,> he states with a nod, his words indicating his regret of nearly three wasted years of his life. <I don't care if the humans will want to capture me, I just want her to be proud of me...> The Charmeleon's words drift off once again, and he looks once more at the floor. <Listen, I'm sorry about... wanting to battle you and everything. If you want some help, I can hunt too...> he suggests, offering a sort of peace offering. His words are true; hunting is one of his best skills. Perhaps the lesson for today is to find and challenge opponents that actually /want/ to battle.
Fair weather clouds drift through the blue sky from the west. The wind is gusty.
Thanksgiving is coming! Hide the Pidgeys! (Saving) the bird-pokemon!
The Vulpix just sits there, thinking, occasionally perking up his ears to listen to Scorch speak. His words strike a chord within the firefox, a tone that rings in his head like a tuning fork. Why are those words so familiar; to have someone be proud of him. Perhaps it's because he could have easily swapped them out for the ones he had cared for in his life, before he had knew how to protect them. His mother, Spook, even Streetwind. Why is it that this Charmeleon in front of him seems to strike a nerve, where it hurts most, with his every word? Why is it that the tone of regret in his voice seems to mirror that of his own? Even as he begins to apologize, the Vulpix feels a wave of sadness wash over him, much like the way the waves beat upon the shore tirelessly. As soon as the Charmeleon is done apologizing, offering his assistance, he turns about, and shakes his head, small grin on his face. <Nah, that's okay. I'm fine as it is. Besides, I gotta make Streetwind proud of me as well.> What Scorch makes of the mention of her name, only he can decide.
The Charmeleon isn't very good at reading people's emotions through their expressions and demeanor, so he can't tell how great an impact he is making on the Vulpix. Also, while he might possibly remember Streetwind by face, he doesn't know her name, nor did he have occasion to learn it. When Navarone declines his offer of assistance, Scorch smiles, showing his teeth once again, although his manner isn't fierce anymore. <Okay, you make them proud,> he says, not wanting to make assumptions with Streetwind's gender. He pauses, once more diverting his eyes towards the ground. <I've got to be getting back. I've got to get to my lift before she comes looking for me. I think I did things wrong this time. Maybe, if we meet again, we might be friends,> he grins, looking towards the vulpine pokemon with friendlier eyes. <But if you ever want to... be angry at anything, save it until you see me again, okay?> The suggestion is made in a joking manner, but he is of course being serious. With a wave of a claw, Scorch turns to head back in the direction he came from. As he does so, he grants Navarone a clear view of the markings that might make him even more prized one day. The daylight doesn't allow the full 'dancing flames' effect, but they are still unique, flecks of orange and black dotted about his back. Even if he isn't remembered by name, Scorch is usually recognized by color.
How unique this pokemon is, thinks the Vulpix. To be able to come along as a total stranger but be able to touch him in such a way, without even knowing it. Why, that's a whole lot like Ping, who had happened to read him like an open book, all through ways he had never imagined to be possible. Of course, Scorch is blissfully oblivious to the fact that he had touched the Vulpix's emotions this much, but the Vulpix doesn't mind. Perhaps he'll tell him the next time they meet. As the Charmeleon mentions going back to his friend, he nods, and replies, <Yeah, me too. Gotta find food and all.> The Vulpix nods knowingly at the Charmeleon's offer of friendship, but smirks condescendingly at his remark about being angry. He lifts one eyebrow a notch. <You don't give up, do you?>, he jokes back. <Maybe when I have time, and I don't have to hunt anymore. Anyway. I should be heading home too.> With that, he turns around, tails waving about, and gives one last bark to the Charmeleon. <Seeya, Scorch.> And with that, he's off again, just as he started-- sniffing the ground intently, in search of prey. While he may not have a meal in his paws right now, finding a new friend in Scorch more than makes up for it.
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