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                        Pokemon Evolutions
                  http://www.byte-me.org/pokemush

Some roads that are less travelled, and for good reason. This neglected path seems to have been unmaintained for quite some time. The once pristine road is now crumbling, and it doesn't seem that anyone is going to repair it any time soon. Weeds and other undesireable plants grow through the cracks. The grass at the side has grown tall and full of bugs--and sometimes even pokemon. However, the out-of-the-way location tends to deter most trainers, and sight of another traveler along these roads is rare indeed.


Contents:
Dakshi
Obvious exits:
East <E> leads to Forgotten Road - Route 15: Shattered Pavement.
West <W> leads to Fuchsia City: Eastern Entrance.

+weather
A light rain falls from a grey sky. It's warm and there's a slight wind from the southeast. In the forest, raindrops patter against the leaves, and glisten like silver beads on their deep green surfaces. The wet tree trunks have darkened from grey to brown. While at the coast, the rain dances on the surface of the playful blue ocean gently.

With unusual persistance for summer, the weather has decided to turn bad for the first time in a long while. Searing heat and dryness has been broken by the steady patter of warm rain. Warm or not, rain is bad for any fire type pokemon, especially one who has to protect the tip of his tail from the water. Scorch is just such a pokemon, holding his tail protectively in both paws and huddling underneath one of the few trees by the roadside. he mutters to himself, shivering slightly. It is not because he is cold, since he isn't, but it seems he doesn't relish the thought of leaving his temporary shelter anytime soon. he exclaims as he cautiously thrusts one paw out into the open, only to withdraw it again sharply at the touch of the wet liquid splashing on his skin.

As the warm rain continues to fall from the cloud filled sky, fat droplets of water pitter patter against the cracked and neglected pavement. The moisture collects into small puddles of muddy water, that slip into the cracks that line the beaten and battered asphalt. On the sides of the road, the tall grass has been scorched by the relentless heat of the summer sun, and it's almost as if the dying strands of burnt plant matter welcome the change in the weather. Crystalline specks cling tenaciously to the blades of grass, until the pull of gravity draws them from their temporary home back onto the ground and into the earthy spaces underneath the road. Traveling on said stretch of road is a rather disgruntled fire-type, who doesn't appear too thrilled with the wet weather outside. Raising an arm to shield her face from the moisture that pelts her from above, the Charizard grumbles under her breath, cursing the rain and chilly wind. <How am I supposed to get anything done in this weather?>

Watt? July already? You must be 'lion! Bingo! (Saving!)

A light rain falls from a grey sky. It's warm and there's a slight wind from the southeast.
Walking along this stretch of road isn't likely to be much more fun than sheltering under a tree, and Scorch doesn't have any trouble noticing the larger version of himself, wondering what she is doing out in the rain. <Oooh! Hey!> he calls out from his shelter, waving to attract the larger fire type's attention. He isn't exactly hidden from view, as most hiding places are out in the open, which would leave him vulnerable to the wet. <Over here! It's dry under here!> Scorch calls, beckoning to Dakshi, wanting her to join him under the tree. It is a fairly large oak, its broad leaves only allowing scant few raindrops through the dense canopy. The only problem the Charizard might have is that it is fairly low. There should be enough room for her under the tree, but she will most likely have to hunch her back over to fit. Still, anything to get out of the rain, right? The little lizard momentarily shows signs of recognition, but they quickly fade again. After all, there are only two like her he has seen before now, and for all he knows, it could be an entirely different pokemon.

Blast! Grunting irritably, Dakshi furrows her brows and wrinkles up her nose with disgust. <The scents have been washed away! How am I supposed to track in this?> Dakshi asks an invisible someone, lifting up her arms in an exasperated shrug, flapping her wings once agitatedly. Curling scaly tiers into an inpatient snarl, revealing rows of meat shredding fangs as she does so, the Charizard snorts loudly, sending small wisps of smoke out from her flared nostrils. Just as she's preparing to leave and head back towards Cinnabar Island and her sheltering cave, the call of the hiding Charmander grasps her attention. With a startled grunt, the mammoth reptile swings her long neck to the side, beady eyes swishing back and forth as the beast searches for the source of the call. Within a matter of seconds, Dakshi spots Scorch under the shelter of the towering oak tree. Without hesitating, she wanders over in his direction, ducking her head and hunching over in order to get underneath the tree's low hanging branches. This Charmander looks familiar. <Thanks. It's wetter than a Squirtle's nest out there!>

Watt? July already? You must be 'lion! Bingo! (Saving!)

look Dakshi

Standing at a little over 7 and a half feet high, Dakshi is your average sized Charizard. This pokemon's skin is a bright orange, and covers her from the tip of her elongated snout to the end of her flaming tail. Her skin is a mass of scales, made for absorbing and storing the sun's heat. Her face contains two slanted eyes, nostrils and a large dragon-like mouth. Dakshi has a pair of arms, each with its own dexterous paw. Her legs are large and muscular, made for holding up her bulbous body, and carrying around her mammoth weight of two hundred pounds.
She has a pair of wings, which most of the time are folded up against her back. When her wings are open the insides of them are a dark blue, and there is a single claw on the tip of each of them. Dakshi has two scars on her body. One on her head the result of a Peck, and one on her shoulder where a Growlithe had Bitten her. One unusual thing to note about this Charizard, is that she wears a satchel on her shoulder, and has three red stripes painted onto her left cheek. Lastly, there is a large flame that burns ceaselessly on the end of her tail.

Scorch should indeed look familiar, as he is likely the only one of his kind to sport the unusual markings he wears proudly across his back. It seems this little fellow was attempting to be different from the moment he hatched. <So what are you doing out here? I was hunting when the rain started, and I've been here ever since... I don't want to run for it, as I'll get wet again...> Scorch explains, eager to make conversation, as he is likely to be stuck here a while. For a second, Scorch looks over the Charizard carefully, as if trying to recall her from his extremely bad memory. <Say, don't I know you from somewhere? Or do all the biggers like you carry those?> Here the Charmander points at the satchel over the large pokemon's shoulder, remembering it from the pair's last encounter. <I've been told that -I'll- be a bigger too soon. That's good because I don't like being smaller than everything else...> he moans, looking down over his own cute body with annoyance. Pokemon like him are an easy target for larger pokemon, but at least he only needs a small amount of food to fill him up.

Watt? July already? You must be 'lion! Bingo! (Saving!)

Even though Dakshi is hunching over and ducking her head, some of the leaves still brush against her face, leaving little streaks of moisture as they do so. Muttering something unintelligible under her breath, Dakshi peers up into the tree's branches, squinting as she stares at the thick roof of clustered foliage. Luckily, before she has a chance to become too annoyed by the branches that continuously itch her nostrils and poke at her eyes, Scorch starts up a conversation that momentarily diverts her attention from the bothersome source of shelter that really doesn't meet her height requirements. Turning her eyes away from the leaves and the thin twigs that poke and prod her orange pigmented scales, Dakshi focuses her thoughts on the oddly colored Charmander. At the mention of hunting, Dakshi nods her head agreeably, cursing the weather once again now that she's been reminded of her trapped predicament. While the rain doesn't pose any immediate threat to the evolved fire lizard, it has pretty much obliterated any chances of hunting successfully. <Yes, yes! All of the scents, claw marks, and feathers are gone. You couldn't find a Mankey if it was sleeping in front of you!> Dakshi comments wholeheartedly, finding the topic of hunting quite interesting. <Know me? Hmmm. Aren't you the one I fed that one time? You really liked that Pidgey leg if I recall. Keeping away from those humans I hope?>

<I was hunting in that tree over there... For Pidgey! It's really difficult, and then the rain started and scared them all away and I got wet so I came under here...> Scorch chatters in a friendly manner, hardly stopping for a breath as usual. The tree he points to is much more bare than the rest, and it isn't hard to imagine how the Charmander got wet up there, with very few leaves to protect him. <...You fed... Oh! Yes, you were the one who got me interested in Pidgeys! Before that I was only hunting Rattatas and they are fast... too fast for me... Anyway, I'm Scorch!> he explains, grinning at the thought of the succulent Pidgey meat that he only narrowly missed getting today due to the rain. At the mention of avoiding the humans, Scorch looks slightly guilty. <Er... Yes... Mostly...> he says, avoiding the Charizard's gaze for the moment. It is understandable that the little fire lizard is reluctant to reveal his past dealings with humans, after the advice Dakshi gave him. <Er well... um...> he stutters, hastily searching for another topic to switch the conversation to, but finding nothing.

Regarding Scorch's other question, Dakshi looks over her shoulder and nods towards the satchel that's slung over it. Grinning wryly, exposing the tips of her deadly canines, Dakshi shakes her head back and forth. <Doubt it. Don't know too many Charizard that are quite as innovative and skilled as I am. Few will resort to creating traps. Most of them will just use fire attacks. Those are dandy sometimes, but they totally ruin the element of surprise!> Nodding her head agreeably, Dakshi sticks out her tongue in a disgusted manner at the mention of Rattata. <Yuck! You don't want to bother with them! Long tails, and those nasty whiskers! They're nothing but bones and filth! Hardly worth the trouble.> When Scorch's expression turns guilty, and he gives Dakshi a rather suspicious sounding answer regarding humans, Dakshi lifts a bony ridge that serves as her reptilian equivalent of a human eyebrow. <Mostly?> Dakshi interrogates curiously, hardly satisfied with the smaller pokemon's first answer. As for introductions, those can be finished later.

<Um... Yes...> Scorch continues to look uncomfortable, and there is a hint of sadness in his eyes. <Well... Not really... I told you I'd met good humans before, didn't I? Well, erm... I kind of... went with one of them when I met her again...> he says, wincing slightly, expecting some burst of rage from the Charizard for disobeying her. <She was nice and kind and she gave me food and didn't let me get wet though!> he says hastily, trying to soften the impact slightly with excuses like these. Still, cowardice like this might be proof that he has been trained long enough, that the time he spent with humans has made him soft. A solitary raindrop makes it's way boldly through the canopy overhead, hanging for a second before dripping onto the Charmander's brow. <Ew! Wet!> he squeaks, brushing the liquid away quickly with one paw. Anything to get away from the conversation about humans.

Watt? July already? You must be 'lion! Bingo! (Saving!)

While Dakshi is an impatient sort, a Charizard that is easily frustrated and annoyed, she isn't one to lash out with unreasonable anger, unless there is a Pidgeotto around. Luckily, Scorch isn't a Pidgeotto, and because Dakshi has a soft spot for Charmander, she responds to his answer and his line of excuses with a disappointed sigh. Shutting her eyes briefly, the Charizard rolls her shoulders with a shrug, lifting her paws up into an indifferent shrug. Instead of becoming infuriated as the Charmander might expect, she becomes a mixture of scolding and sympathy. And odd mixture, but as such Dakshi is an odd Charizard. <I told you to keep away from them. Slave drivers, that's what they are!> While she's curious to figure out why Scorch is no longer with this so called, "nice human" Dakshi decides that for now the subject can be put to rest. Apparently, Scorch had to learn his lesson about humans the hard way. <Poor thing...> Chortling at the Charmander's reaction to the drop of water, Dakshi opens her satchel and pulls out a chunk of dried Pidgey meat. <It's not roasted, but if you're hungry?> She holds out the piece of Pidgey jerky for the Charmander to take.

A light rain falls from a grey sky. It's warm and there's a slight wind from the southeast.

Scorch looks up in relief as Dakshi proves she is more like his mother than he imagined: firm but fair, and not without sympathy. The little Charmander certainly seems not to have suffered at the hands of the 'slave driver' at all, and the only injuries he has now are a few scratches as a result from scrapping with other pokemon, either hunting or competing for the same food. It is a harsh world for pokemon of his size, as everything is after everything else, and though not many pokemon have Charmander on their menu, he is careful all the same. <Umm... Thank you...> he replies hesitantly, taking the meat gladly. He isn't as hungry as he was when he first met Dakshi, that is for sure, because the Charmander has been putting a lot of practice into his hunting skills. Still, he is hungry enough to make the morsel look very appetizing, and he tucks in straight away. After a few moments, he looks up at the kind pokemon, considering her earlier words. <You know, you were right, I -should- have stayed away from humans. I didn't learn much while I was with her, and she didn't give me any training at all! She called herself a trainer too... Still, she was kind and I made a few new friends while I was at it, so it wasn't a -complete- waste of time... I don't think it was a -bad- thing to do, really... But I like it now I'm free again. I can do what I wish! I've decided to explore everywhere and then go back home and find my sister and tell her all about it!> Scorch finishes, happily sharing his objective with the older pokemon.

Grimacing at the jerky she holds, Dakshi makes a mental note to restock her food supply. This dried meat simply will not do! While it's okay for emergency situations, this should not be all that she has to offer. She should have strips of fresh Mankey meat, alongside pleasantly plump Pidgey wings and thighs. Oh, well. For now this will have to do, as she has nothing else within her satchel to offer the Charmander if he turns out to be hungry. When the Charmander takes the piece of meat, Dakshi withdraws a second piece of it for herself. All this talk about hunting and food has made the beefy pokemon rather hungry. Bringing the hunk of meat to her lips, Dakshi begins chewing on it straight away, making quick work of her meal with her sharp canines. Ripping it into smaller pieces, Dakshi doesn't chew her food, and instead downs it in a few quickly gulps, preferring to swallow her food whole. While nature provided her with meat shredding incisors, she hasn't been blessed with teeth that are good for chewing with. That's more of an herbivore thing. <Hmmm. Humans that call themselves trainers, don't know the first thing about training half the time. If you want to be trained, you should train yourself. And, if you need help,> she pauses here, opening her wings into a dramatic arc, and tilting her head upwards in a pompous manner, <You should get it from someone who knows a thing or two about the subject.> Losing her confident pose, Dakshi nods her head while she listens. <Know where to find your sister?>

Watt? July already? You must be 'lion! Bingo! (Saving!)

Unlike his larger cousin, Scorch takes his time with his food, tearing off smaller portions with his teeth. His canines aren't quite as potent as Dakshi's, but they perform their task well enough. <Mmm... good...> he mumbles with his mouth full, a sign that his sister's perfectionism hasn't rubbed off on Scorch at all. <I've probably said this before, but you look like my mother... Will -I- be like that too? I mean, what do I need to do to get as big as you? I wouldn't have to worry about the rain anymore, that's for sure! If I had wings... I could get back home! You know, it was never cold there, and there was none of that beastly white stuff that falls from the sky there either,> he explains, longing for the sandy beaches of Cinnabar once again. <Anyway, my sister is across the water, that way. I could find her if I looked hard enough... I hope...> he says, pointing towards the southwest. It seems that Scorch hasn't thought that far ahead. What if his sister decided to follow him to the mainland? He might never find her then... No, she wasn't the sort to leave home. That was why she was the last one left on the island in the end...

Even though Scorch's table manners aren't anything to be admired, they're nothing compared to the rather piggish way in which Dakshi devours her food. She eats as if she's going to the electrical chair, gobbling down her food as if she's some sort of living vacuum cleaner. It's a wonder if she even tastes the food as she greedily gobbles it down. Smacking her lips together with satisfaction once she's finished wolfing down her "snack" Dakshi pats her stomach with a paw, scratching it with her clawed fingertips. Scorch's change of subject sends a quiver of excitement coursing down the evolved pokemon's spine, and the rolling vibrations travel through each of her individual vertebra. <You /can/ look like me. But, first you have to evolve. Well, you have to evolve twice.> Dakshi informs him in a slightly condescending tone, as if she is his superior. While she means nothing offensive by it, it's apparent she's full of pride concerning her own evolution. <What do you need to do? Why, you need to hunt and train of course! And, I must admit, you're talking to the right Charizard if you want to know about those things!> Hmmm. <You know, I have wings....> Pausing thoughtfully, she nods in the direction of the distant island where it never snows. <I could help get you there, if you'd like a ride.>

Watt? July already? You must be 'lion! Bingo! (Saving!)

<Hmm... hunt and train... Okay, I can do that... Is that it? I can be like you if I hunt and train? Hunting's fairly easy, but how do I train without a trainer? I mean, it's not like others will -let- me beat them up...> Scorch ponders aloud, looking slightly puzzled by the concept. <Still, I'd love to be big and strong and able to fly around like you! Teach me how! Teach me how, please!> he almost shouts, jumping up and down with excitement. For now, the meat in his hand is forgotten, as is the Charmander's current situation. Indeed, the whole world has been disregarded in favor of the wise Charizard and her teachings. The enthusiasm of the Charmander is commendable. Apart from his goal of seeing everything, everyone and everywhere, his other goal is to constantly improve himself, in order to show off to Cinders back at home. Evolving would provide a big surprise, and evolving -twice- would probably shock her out of her mind!

Poke. Prod. Growl. Another pesky branch digs itself into Dakshi's skin, wedging painfully underneath one of the Charizard's scales. With an annoyed snarl, she thrusts an arm forward and rips out one of the smaller branches that continues to cause her grief. While a few more drops escape through the canopy as a result, none of the extra water that falls will land on Scorch. Dakshi makes sure of this by opening her wings slightly, and using them as a barrier that will shield the smaller fire-type from the relentless raindrops. The Charmander's commendable enthusiasm tickles Dakshi with pleasant waves of nostalgia. She is reminded of when she was a Charmander, and how desperately she wanted to evolve and get wings of her own. With those memories in her mind, Dakshi is absolutely delighted with Scorch's excited behavior. <Teach you?> she asks, tilting her head up and tapping her chin with the curved point of a talon. Recalling the helpful Panya, Dakshi nods her head in a solemn fashion, trying to play he part of the wise teacher. <Of course. Or course. I will teach you if you're willing to learn. Are you willing to face any obstacle or task, that I demand of you?>

Watt? July already? You must be 'lion! Bingo! (Saving!)

'This doesn't sound so good... Obstacles? What obstacles? No! I can do anything!' This is the general train of thought going through the Charmander's mind right now, and even though the Charizard probably can't read minds, she will see first doubt and then determination on the face of the expressionate pokemon. Scorch nods emphatically, drawing himself up as tall as he can manage, a delighted yet serious expression on his face. <Yes! I can do it! I can be the best too!> he replies confidently. At last, after many months in this strange land where snow falls and the air can get bitterly cold, Scorch's trademark confidence shows itself once again. The same confidence that motivated him to board the ferry to the mainland to prove his worth to both himself and his family.

Nodding approvingly once Scorch seems to replace his doubt with confidence, Dakshi will pat the Charmander on the head with the palm of a padded paw if her smaller cousin will allow her to do so. Finally, she has a student of her very own! For a moment Dakshi doesn't just feel like a teacher, she also feels like a mother, or at the very least an older sister. Grinning at the Charmander's show of dreamy eyed enthusiasm, Dakshi practically leaps into the air her adrenaline is pumping so fast through her veins and arteries. <Glad to hear it! I know you can be the best, if you try! Although,> she pauses here, her expression changing from one of anticipation to one of utter seriousness. <The road will be long and hard. There will be many things you must accomplish before you'll be able to evolve. Just so you know, it took me....> she counts on her fingers, even though she has only a small understanding of numbers and basic math, <About two years to evolve, and I trained constantly.>

Watt? July already? You must be 'lion! Bingo! (Saving!)

A light rain falls from a grey sky. It's warm and there's a slight wind from the southeast.

Droplets splash in puddles at mid-day.

Scorch has no problem with Dakshi patting him. In fact, he likes it, since his trainer, Rhia used to do the same, although now it feels more reptilian, more acceptable and more rewarding, as if he is indeed being rewarded by some older relative. <I remember one of my brothers saying 'You don't try, you -do- it!' That's what I'm going to do, I'm going to -do- it!> he says, his confidence soaring through the canopy overhead, through the clouds, into the sky where there is no rain, a place he will be able to reach too, eventually! <I don't care what it takes, or how long it takes, I am going to do whatever I need to do, and take as much time as I need to do it! When do I start?> he says, his eyes almost twinkling with enthusiasm. The wind decides to blow across his tail flame suddenly, causing it to flicker and dance, but the Charmander either doesn't notice or he doesn't care.

Patting Scorch a few times on his scaly head, Dakshi runs her claws gently along his skin, being careful not to draw blood as she strokes the tinier fire-type. Growling low in her throat, a nightmarish smile breaks onto her maw, and her fangs flash in the dim light outside, reflecting the image of the two pokemon's tail flames. The flames on Dakshi's tail are much larger than Scorch's, and they flicker brilliantly with a reddish orange iridescence, swaying from side to side in a hypnotic fashion. When the wind blows past the pair of conversing pokemon, it whips past Dakshi's tail flame, disrupting its normal pattern of movement. For a brief moment the slight breeze causes those billowing flames to dwindle, but as soon as the wind passes by, they flare up back to their usual size again. <How long will it take?> Dakshi asks, breaking the brief expanse of awe inspired silence in order to repeat the Charmander's inquiry. <It will take a while, it all depends on how hard you're willing to work, and how much effort you put out. As for when we can start,> she begins, enjoying the suspense that clings tenaciously to the air, <We can start as soon as the weather clears up. We won't have to train in the rain until later, after you're more experienced.>

Scorch looks up at the Charizard, and rather than be frightened by the smile, as most other pokemon would be, he seems in awe of this powerful yet majestic pokemon. Even more awe-inspiring is the thought that he will one day be the same, at the final, ultimate stage of his evolution. The little fire-lizard nods solemnly, taking in every last word of the Charizard. One thing is for certain, this little fellow is eager to learn, and willing to put in every ounce of effort he has if necessary. <Okay, but... er... I have no den, as I travel a lot, so where shall we meet?> he asks. Of course, his mind is going to be doing the roaming from now on, so it is likely that the Charmander won't be travelling much himself. He shudders slightly at the thought of training in the rain, but if Dakshi can do it, then so can he! <Oh, one thing, what shall I call you? I can't even remember your name... I'm sorry...> he apologizes, almost ashamed of this lapse in his memory. Hopefully -that- will be trained too.

Watt? July already? You must be 'lion! Bingo! (Saving!)

Scorch doesn't have a den? That trainer of his sure did leave that poor Charmander in one sour predicament! It appears as though the pokemon has lost most of his survival skills while in her care. And, even though it's the middle of the summer and the Charmander doesn't have to worry about snow, Dakshi's motherly instincts have already been pushed into high gear. There's no way on earth she's going to leave the smaller fire-type out in the rain with no place to go. That would be neglect on her part as his mentor! Chortling slightly, which sounds like a mixture between a hyena's cackle and a lion's roar, Dakshi arches her bony brows and snorts in feigned disgust. <No den? No den? Just what has that trainer done to you? Have you been brainwashed? You need a place to live, sleep and train if you plan on evolving.> Kicking a small rock, Dakshi raises her arm and massages her temples with the pads of her digits. This is going to be harder than she thought. <Would you like to stay with me while we train?> Lowering her arm and opening her eyes, Dakshi thrusts the subject at hand to the side. <You can call me Dakshi. And, what may I call you son?> she asks, still a bit peeved at the last bit of their conversation. While Dakshi didn't consciously label the lad as her own personal son, using the word merely as a label until she learned Scorch's name, the young Charmander is free to interpret this as he will.

A light rain falls from a grey sky. It's warm and there's a slight wind from the southeast.

<No, I... er... Well, I used to have a den somewhere around here, but it collapsed while I was away. I didn't make it myself anyway, I found it and it was empty. But I thought if I was going to be walking around a lot, I would just have to find places to sleep on the way...> the Charmander explains, worried now if that was the wrong decision. Ah well, no good trying to change the past, as it can't be done. <Er... Well, only if you don't mind... Um... Where's that?> he asks in reply to the Charizard's generous offer. <I'm Scorch... I don't know why my mother named me that... It's a human word apparently, but I don't know what it means. She was owned by a human too, you know, but she always said that she owned -him-!> Scorch snickers, trying to divert the conversation away from how bad humans are, only to steer it directly -into- that subject by accident. <Um... Are you sure you don't mind? I won't be in the way, will I?> he asks, concerned that Dakshi might have taken on more than she bargained for.

Watt? July already? You must be 'lion! Bingo! (Saving!)

Tapping her hind foot against the ground while she listens to Scorch's stuttering explanation, Dakshi quirks her head to the side and nods. <Found a den eh? Yes, those will work. But you have to be careful! There are pokemon out there that will try and thieve you of your home!> Dakshi warns him, waving her index finger at him as if she's some parent giving her young child important advice. Dropping onto all fours, Dakshi lumbers up to Scorch, waddling towards him with her front arms and bowed hind legs. Snarling viciously, Dakshi lets out a blood curdling roar, swishing her fatty tail from side to side threateningly. Getting back into a hunched position onto her back legs, the humongous Charizard snaps her jaws open and closed, reaching for the Charmander with outstretched claws. <Growlithe especially!> Another growl and Dakshi is just an inch from the Charmander's face. <You better be wary of them, or they'll....> Snap! Crunch! She gnashes her teeth together, growling and drooling like some rabid beast. Seconds later she's cool and calm again, and she backs away from Scorch. <Ahem. I live on Cinnabar Island in that big cave with lava.> A pause. Cough. <No, you won't be any trouble, and I don't mind.>

Yikes! It seems that Scorch's new friend has a very unpredictable personality. Scorch backs away pretty sharply as the Charizard approaches, wondering whether this is the first part of his training or not. As Dakshi lets out a roar to shame all the other pokemon in the world put together, Scorch can do nothing but cower, cover his ears, close his eyes and whimper "Ch...char" softly. Thankfully, this takes the edge off the intense sound, but it is still enough to shake Scorch to the bone. What -has- he let himself in for? <G...g...Growlithe?> he asks, opening his eyes and uncovering his ears in time to hear Dakshi's explanation. Breathing heavily, he quickly realizes that this was only a temporary thing, and that the world -hasn't- gone mad. It takes a few more seconds for him to fully come to terms with what just happened, but he's still alive, and that's what matters to him. <Er... I will...> he stammers, not quite sure what to watch out for that Growlithe do. He'd better not mention his time at Assisi Farm to the Charizard then, if she hates Growlithe so much... <Um, Cinnabar? That's where I came from! I never went in the volcano though, I just stayed around the beaches and such...> he says, trying to steer the conversation away from threatening topics, or the poor thing won't remain sane much longer.

Watt? July already? You must be 'lion! Bingo! (Saving!)

Pulling back her lips into her equivalent of a human's embarrassed sneer, Dakshi grunts apologetically. She hadn't meant to frighten the Charmander quite so badly. She had just meant to instill him with a little fear, and a greater respect for the dangers that living on your own so often brings. Getting into a kneeling position so she doesn't appear quite so large and ominous to the Charmander, Dakshi's expression softens and becomes gentler. It's not her task to scare the living daylights out of her pupil. At least not yet anyway. Gesturing towards her shoulder with her claws, Dakshi traces the jagged lines of scar tissue with her digits, showing Scorch a rather devastating bite wound that had at one time lain her shoulder open down to the bone. <Sorry,> she mutters, getting back into a standing position once Scorch is through inspecting the wound, if he shows any interest in it at all. <But, it's dangerous out there. You can't just wander around without a den, or spend too much time looking for one. There are lots of things you need to be aware of. I wasn't paying attention when a Growlithe broke into my den and tried stealing my home.> she explains, growling slightly at the memory. <You've never been to the volcano? Oh, I'm sure you'll love it! Well, you'll love it if you like the heat like I do. It's really hot in there, and all the lava keeps the rocks warm to sleep on.>

Thankfully, Scorch has calmed down enough to accept Dakshi's apology, almost embarrassed that he took it so badly. <Um, it's okay, I just wasn't ready for it... I'll be ready next time...> he stutters, regaining his composure. He watches carefully as Dakshi traces the marks on her shoulder, once again in awe of the Charizard's past life being on display as a constant reminder of the danger of the real world. <Well, I know it's dangerous... I got attacked by a big rock pokemon when I got here... I only just escaped! Still, I've been okay since then, only the rain is annoying me anymore... Of course, other things try to eat the same things -I'm- after, but that's easy to deal with. Meowths and things like that, you know... Ah, I can't wait to get back home... There's no Meowths there! If it's hot where you live, I'll be okay, I just don't like the cold.> he explains. Again, Scorch finds his memories slipping back to his youth, of his time with Cinders, exploring the island. Of course, that was nothing compared to the size of the rest of the world, and Scorch has a lot of ground to cover in his lifetime.

Once Dakshi is sure her apology has been accepted, the femme dragon pokemon rolls her shoulders in a shrug of indifference regarding the Charmander's. <Yes, you must always be ready. You should always be on guard.> Lesson number one. Scorch better have a pad and paper ready, because that's probably not going to be the last bit of advice he's going to hear from the informative Charizard. When Scorch complains about the cold, Dakshi nods her head knowingly, waving her short arms from side to side affirmatively. Pausing a minute the Charizard cranes her neck, (only to get poked in the eye by another one of those nagging tree branches,) and notices that the rain is beginning to slack off. The thickness of the storm clouds has begun to dissipate, and the continuous downpour ebbs while the two fire pokemon converse under the shelter of the protective oak and its low hanging leaves. Taking note of this positive change of weather, Dakshi keeps her back hunched and creeps out from underneath the tree. With a low pitched grumble of pleasure, Dakshi stretches out her arms and back, flexing the stiffness from her aching muscles. <Not too wet anymore. Want to come out? The rain isn't too bad now.>

Watt? July already? You must be 'lion! Bingo! (Saving!)

Scorch nods at the advice, taking mental notes for lack of any writing skills or tools. <Yes... Yes, I should... I should know that...> he says regretfully. Unfortunately, he had let his guard down because Dakshi was there, and she's a friend... Thankfully, the easing of the wet weather is noticed by the Charmander too, and he looks up hopefully, seeing less droplets making their way through the layers of broad oak leaves. <Um... Okay...> he says hesitantly, still not comfortable with the rain. It still hasn't stopped completely, and he tries to avoid it if at all possible. However, it wouldn't do to show any weakness in front of his tutor, and he quickly makes up his mind to brave the slacking rain. He shuffles out to the border of the protective canopy overhead, stopping just short of the water dripping from the edge of the leaves, looking out into the rain at the Charizard. Scorch gulps once, then courageously steps into the light shower, shuddering from the relatively cold touch of the rain. Even though it is warm rain, it still feels cold to someone who dislikes it as the Charmander does. Giving a quick gasp of shock, he composes himself, trotting out to meet Dakshi once again. This isn't fun, and it is clearly painted on the Charmander's face.

Spreading her gigantic wings; Dakshi flaps her leathery appendages a few times, pumping blood back into them. After the circulation begins flowing properly again, the odd tingling ceases, and the Charizard folds her wings back into place. After she suggests that the Charmander come out from the sheltering of the tree's canopy, Dakshi turns around to watch Scorch with an expression of expectancy. Just because the Charmander might be a brand new student completely alien to training and the suffering that comes along with it, doesn't mean this Charizard is going to go easy on him. She'd be doing him an outrageous disservice if she were to treat him as if he couldn't get the job done. Not only would that hamper his self esteem, it could tragically alter his confidence. That's not going to be something this mentor is going to burden her newest student with! Watching Scorch with a pair of beady eyes that burn with judgmental scrutiny, Dakshi remains silent while she observes the Charmander braving the rain. While the Charmander clearly doesn't like the rain, his determined and quiet demeanor is satisfactory to the Charizard. A grunt. Apparently, she approves. <Good.> Too much praise can lead to a swollen head. <So, do you want me to give you a ride to my cave or what? I can guarantee you that the rain will be back.>

Ick. Rain. Eww... This is the first test, and already Scorch isn't liking it. He shivers, a few droplets dribbling down the back of his neck, bringing a muffled cry of shock from his throat. He can only this is pleasing his mentor, as the Charmander isn't moving his head one bit so he can't see her. He doesn't want to get rain in his eyes. <Uh... Y...yes, please...> he stutters, shivering from the rain. <I d...don't want to b...be here when it g...gets worse!> The Charmander might look comical to someone who doesn't know his plight. He is standing perfectly still, like a rag doll, allowing droplets of crystal clear water to dribble down the length of his body. His arms are perfectly straight and the occasional shiver of his body causes a few drops to fly free, splashing onto the ground nearby. Anyone who -does- know how much he dislikes the wet should pity him, thinking him crazy to be out in the rain.

While Dakshi would love to shelter and protect Scorch from the droplets of rain that bombarded him from above, the Charizard refuses to do so. Even if she is able to free him from this misery, she must allow him to wreathe and suffer in the agony of his plight. To relieve him from his pain and annoyance that the rain brings, will only create a weakness, and a dependency upon others in the future. So, instead of opening her wings and creating an umbrella of sympathy, Dakshi gets back onto all fours and gets as low to the ground as physically possible. With her chin pressed against the muddy earth, the female dragon spreads her wings slightly and makes room on her back for her newest student. <Scorch,> she begins, completely ignoring the Charmander's dislike of the rain and the drizzling that ceaselessly pesters him, <Hop on my back, and hold on.> Dakshi instructs the Charmander, lifting an arm briefly to motion him onto her back with a few curling claws.

Watt? July already? You must be 'lion! Bingo! (Saving!)

As much as Scorch would love to run for cover, he knows he just can't, or Dakshi would refuse to train him. At least, that's the only thought that is keeping him from returning to the oak tree. Thankfully, the rain does not reach his tail flame, instead the drops evaporate into small wisps of steam before they touch the flickering orange glow. However uncomfortable he is, Scorch refuses to show that he is suffering, although it is clear he isn't happy. At Dakshi's invitation, only then does Scorch make a move, stepping to the dragon's side. Instead of being a considerate little lizard like he would normally, he just climbs aboard, not even asking -where- would be comfortable for the Charizard. He climbs Dakshi's shoulder, making use of any scaly ridges he can find, until he is safely upon her back, above the base of her wings, almost sitting on her shoulder blades. Still, with the little that the Charmander weighs, -anywhere- shouldn't provide discomfort for Dakshi. Scorch flops forwards, resting on his belly and putting his paws as far as they will go around the Charizard's neck. <R...ready...> he mumbles, eager to get out of the rain.

Luckily, for Scorch, this Charizard has plenty of scaly ridges he will be able to use as foot rests in order to lift himself onto the dragon's back. Grinning approvingly, Dakshi waits until she is certain that the Charmander is on her back and ready for her take off. After all, she doesn't want to leap in the air only to send the smaller pokemon plummeting back to the earth. That might damper their relationship and the bond of trust normally shared by student and mentor. When Scorch verbally sounds that he is ready, Dakshi nods so that Scorch knows she understands him. Pushing on the ground with her padded paws, Dakshi gets back onto her hind legs. While she might look fearsome on all fours, she can hardly move faster than a slow waddle when out of her normal standing position. Leaning backwards slightly, the Charizard pushes off the ground with her clawed toes and begins running in order to pick up speed. Unlike bird pokemon, she cannot simply take off from a standstill. She's much too heavy for that. As her run turns into a sprint, Dakshi's breathing quickens and she spreads her wings. Their cupped shape is ideal for catching the wind, and like the fabric of a sail they almost appear to enlarge as they are filled with wind. Ascending into the heavens, Dakshi looks over her shoulder to check on her passenger. <Faring all right Scorch?>

Watt? July already? You must be 'lion! Bingo! (Saving!)

Scorch just braces himself for takeoff, the rain no longer bothering him. It seems what is occupying his interest right now is holding on for dear life. His grip around the Charizard's neck tightens, although not too tight to restrict breathing, and his hind claws seek somewhere to hold, but they find nowhere, instead just resting uselessly astride Dakshi's shoulders. Still, despite the fear for his life, Scorch can't sate his curiosity by closing his eyes, and he peers around the Charizard's neck, looking ahead as she begins her takeoff. While partly scared of the concept of going into the sky, he is partly eager to embrace this new experience. After all, the closest he has come to flying so far was when he fell out of a tree while hunting for Pidgey eggs. Finally, as Dakshi pushes off from the ground, the wind filling the leathery wings, Scorch gasps involuntarily as his stomach drops into his gut, or at least it feels like it has. Still, this feeling is only momentary, and he quickly begins to grin as the true feeling of flying grips him. <This is great!> he calls, beginning to thoroughly enjoy this, ignoring the rain completely.

Dakshi chuckles as Scorch wraps his arms around her neck, and calls freely into the wind. His exuberance brings a sparkle to her eyes. A blink as Scorch grows excited, but it's terribly infectious. With a deep, almost growling laugh of her own, she flies higher into the air, almost as if she's attempting to pierce the atmosphere and make her way into some forbidden territory past the sun, moon and the stars. Her thick, flaming tail swinging through the air as Dakshi dances through the wispy clouds, the Charizard sucks in a deep breath of sweet misty air, and exhales it through her rounded nostrils. Listening to the sounds of the oncoming night, mixed with the silence that seems to sing its wooing serenade, the Charizard focuses her sights on the distant speck of land that is Cinnabar Island. Not only has Dakshi gained a new student whom she can teach and care for as her own, but she's also gained a brand new friend. As they fly into the sunset, while their future may be filled with uncertainties, it will be just as full with days of adventure.




Awww! Thanks so much, Dakshi! Now Scorch has a new friend, a new aim and a whole new life in front of him! Now Scorch is no longer an explorer, he's going to be an evolver!


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