Music
Cinnabar Caves - Dragon's Mouth
Known as Dragon's Mouth, this cave is amazingly hot. That could be because of a large pit of fire and molten lava that surrounds half the cave, several feet below the roundish platform of rock that the floor becomes. The name of the cave is given because of an odd formation of rocks just across the way of the platform of stone, that seems to resemble a Charizard's face, with the mouth open, and dripping lava drool in spots from small streams of it escaping from behind the rock wall. An imposing sight, and a less-than-friendly entrance to the Cinnabar Caves.
Contents:
Dakshi
Obvious exits:
Out <O> leads to Cinnabar Island: Hot Springs.
East <E> leads to Cinnabar Caves - Lava Cavern.
The imposing entrance to the caverns beneath Cinnabar Volcano is as homely as always, but only to the regular residents of the cave. Outside the entrance, water pours from the sky like there is no tomorrow, chilling everything unfortunate enough to be caught out in it. Thankfully the caves offer complete protection from the precipitation, as any water that makes its way inside is quickly evaporated by the intense heat that envelops it. The cave isn't the safest refuge for any soaked humans either, thanks to the residents. Scorch for one seems to be comfortable in this area, mentally marking it as -his- territory, despite sharing it with his Charizard companion. The Charmander seems to be idly wandering about the cave, looking for something to do while it is still raining, but in his mind, he is patrolling his turf. Or maybe he is just bored...
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
In retrospect, Scorch is patrolling the turf. After all, he has to make sure no one steals their cave while Dakshi is away! And, he has to make sure that no humans and their little pet play things come in and stink up their living quarters! Of course, Dakshi wants to relieve her student of this responsibility as quickly as possible. Why? Well, because she's stuck out in the rain, and she wants back inside! Icy needles of freezing rain flay her bumpy skin raw, stinging as every droplet makes contact with her ultra sensitive scales. If Scorch is anywhere near the entrance of the cave, he might be able to make out the shape of the female Charizard as she trudges back towards their secluded shelter, a Pidgey clasped firmly in the claws of a padded paw. Squinting as she strains to see, the evolved dragon pokemon shuts her eyes as she's assaulted by a violent gust of wind that drives a wave of pelting moisture into her reptilian face. Bowing her head and leaning into the wind, she trudges onward towards the cave, inching closer and closer with every agonizing step. It's a wonder she doesn't fly, but perhaps the wind is just too powerful to do that in safety. Tail flaming like the beacon of a lighthouse, Dakshi closes in on her home, nostrils squeezed tight and eyes narrowed impatiently.
Chilling rain pours from thick grey clouds, driven by a furious northeast wind. In the forest, gusts of wind tear through the tree limbs and howl around rocks. Red, orange and gold leaves swirl past you on the wind. While at the coast, the grey ocean lashes at the coast angrily as the autumn storm pelts the waves.
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
While the majority of the rain remains outside the cave, some has managed to trickle inside, forming a small, wet stream of water, which quickly ends as it meets the heated air and rock. What a warm and cosy place to live! Scorch is indeed waiting for his guardian's return, but he tries not to let it show. He has to be responsible! He has to show he can take care of himself! How else is he going to evolve? As Dakshi comes into view, Scorch alters his patrol route so that it takes him conveniently close to the cave mouth, where he stops and looks out into the miserable weather. He stops in full view, drawing himself up to his full height, standing to attention like a soldier. Where he got -that- pose from, one can only guess. He quickly realizes however that he is in the way where he stands, so he quickly turns to one side and marches away from the center of the cave mouth, allowing the larger reptile to pass unhindered. His effort to appear mature and responsible backfire on him however, as an unlucky gust of wind brings down a shower of droplets from the top of the cave mouth, showering the Charmander with ill-fated precision. <Eugh! Yucky!> he exclaims, shaking his entire body like a Growlithe, causing the few droplets to fly in random directions. What a pity... He was doing -so- well until that point...
Raising her head to another icy blast, the Charizard notices that the rain is coming down even harder than it was yesterday. Curse the winter. The grayish clouds block the sunlight, and don't allow any warmth to penetrate through the muggy atmosphere. This lack of heat, mixed with the cold rain that attacks her from above, put a damper on the Charizard's usual reserve of energy. Dakshi's movements are slow and sluggish, and it takes her about twice the time to reach the cave than usual. Frigid water rushes along the rocky ground, soaking the Charizard's clawed feet, numbing them almost instantly. A few more steps brings the nearly frozen reptile into the cave, and at first the Charizard walks straight past the Charmander, without so much as giving him a second glance. The only thing on her mind right now is to bring her body temperature back up, and get completely dried off. Hypothermia isn't a kind condition, especially to a pokemon whose survival is based solely on its own ability to keep warm. The flames that burn on the tip of her tail have dwindled down dangerously low, and the Charizard plops down into a seated position, a look of pure exhaustion on her dragonesque face. After a minute or two of huffing and puffing, the thoroughly drained fire pokemon catches her breath, and turns to look at Scorch, as if noticing the Charmander for the first time. She looks around. <Any humans come by?>
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
Scorch isn't the most observant of pokemon, as his constant mistakes prove, but Dakshi's condition is immediately obvious. He looks up at her with wide eyes as she passes, saying nothing. His tail twitches slightly out of habit, but it is not its usual energetic self today. Scorch follows the Charizard away from the cave mouth and the cold, wet and extremely unpleasant rain. At least he can't get splashed inside! The Charmander cannot do anything to aid Dakshi in recovering her strength, so he hangs back a little hesitantly, holding his paws in front of his pale belly. <Humans? Um, I don't think... I mean, no, they didn't. If they did, I would've shown them!> he finishes confidently, stamping his right foot into the dust adorning the cave floor. Scorch's expression doesn't switch from one of concern though, and he looks up at the familiar features of the Charizard with pity. <You... Are you okay? I mean... Do you need any... um...> Help? What could he help -with-? Medicine? What kind of medicine is there around here? <Rain's beastly, isn't it?> he finishes, stating the obvious, as if it will help to show his own dislike for it.
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
Autumn is gasping its last chilly breath, and in a few months time it will reluctantly give way to the iciness of winter. Amid slightly warmer days are chilling reminders of the frigid weather to come, torturous hints of chill promise days and nights of sleet and snow in the future. Luckily, at least for this pair of fire-types, the island of Cinnabar doesn't have to suffer with snow. Of course, a few months into the future, they will have to deal with rain like this, perhaps for a week or two at a time. <No?> Dakshi asks, lifting the bony ridges above her eyes, as if she doesn't believe this observation to be true, even though most humans wouldn't wander into a cave that's inhabited by a Charizard, even with the rain pouring outside like it is. A quick glance around the cave is made, as if to reassess the Charmander's words to be true. Scaly tiers are brought into a smirking sort of a smile, fangs flashing dangerously as she does so, and the Charizard nods her head agreeably. <You sure would have.> Dakshi grumbles, recalling the time when she was a Charmander, and she had to show a Growlithe who was the boss. It was at that time she had evolved. <Need any what?> The Charizard pauses, glances at herself, and finishes the Charmander's thought for him, <Help?> A chuckle. <No, I just need to get warm.> She nods. <Yes, it is.> Propping herself up, the Charizard leans up against one of the warm walls, lifting her gaze to meet Scorch's. <So, what have you learned so far?> Great, time for afternoon philosophy with Sensei Dakshi.
Chilling rain pours from thick grey clouds, driven by a furious northeast wind. In the forest, gusts of wind tear through the tree limbs and howl around rocks. Red, orange and gold leaves swirl past you on the wind. While at the coast, the grey ocean lashes at the coast angrily as the autumn storm pelts the waves.
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
Scorch smiles proudly as Dakshi takes him seriously. He is definitely a Charmander who takes his jobs seriously! Not that he has -had- many jobs however. What the little lizard says is true, about no humans passing through, that is. Whether he would have stood up to them is doubtful at best, though. At least he is showing spirit. He wanders over towards the edge of the platform that the cave quickly becomes, looking down into the magma pool underneath. He is extra careful here, however; Boiled Charmander is best kept -off- the menu. <You know, it's -really- warm here... if you get closer to this stuff, you'll be warmer quicker!> he says, pointing down to the bubbling molten rock a few feet below him. Cautiously, he sits down, pointing his feet towards the edge. He is in no danger where he sits, just allowing him to warm his feet in the hot air that is constantly rising from the pool below. <What have I learned? Hmm...> he ponders, tapping the leathery scales on his chin in a fashion that he seems to have obtained from his mentor. <Well, there's how you find Pidgeys, and Mankeys, and how the human fake food makes you weak... And I've found out that I don't like to use my claws against a friend...> he explains, looking down at his small yet sharp claws and remembering his first training session with the Charizard.
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
The cave more commonly known as Dragon's Mouth is, as always a warm place. Still, depending on where one is in the cave, the temperature inside of it varies greatly, being warm in some areas, and simply stifling in others. Rising slowly to her feet, Dakshi clambers towards the Charmander, heading over to the platform that juts out over the pool of red-hot magma. With a lazy plop, the Charizard deposits herself beside the Charmander. Closing her eyes briefly, the humongous pokemon basks on the rock, allowing her skin to absorb the energy that washes over her in the form of invisible waves of heat that ripple through the air. Eventually, Dakshi's natural vitality and hardiness helps her to overcome the chill that ravages her body. For a moment, the dragon is so comfortable and relaxed, that with her eyes closed and her body limp, it looks as if the Charizard has fallen asleep beside the Charmander, right in front of the magma pool. Leathery wings draped lifelessly over her shoulders like oriental rugs hung out to dry, the Charizard flares her nostrils, taking in a deep breath of the warm, deliciously steamy air that hangs over them like the humidity only found in the deepest of tropical rainforests. One eye opens a crack, so that Dakshi is staring at Scorch from what looks like a mere slit of white, until she opens that blackish orb the rest of the way. <You've been learning well.> Dakshi notes, her tone of voice a deep baritone that rumbles from deep within her chest, <But, you need to learn that you sometimes need to do things you don't like, if you want to survive.> Tilting her head a bit, so that she can look at him eye to eye from her position on the rock floor, she narrows her features tight to her face. <Understand?>
Chilling rain pours from thick grey clouds, driven by a furious northeast wind. In the forest, gusts of wind tear through the tree limbs and howl around rocks. Red, orange and gold leaves swirl past you on the wind. While at the coast, the grey ocean lashes at the coast angrily as the autumn storm pelts the waves.
The Charmander seems similarly contented, although his eyes don't close. The warmth washes over him like a wave of pleasure, as this place is filled with the heat that flows through his veins. Oddly enough, he seems to be thinking, as his eyes are focused on something beyond the cave wall. Dakshi's words seem to register though, as the Charmander nods his head slowly, still focused on something on the horizon. <I understand,> he replies, although a few moments of silence pass before he speaks again. <Um... Dakshi? I... uh, I just wanted to say... thank you.> The words are spoken slowly, with much thought being put behind each and every syllable. The Charmander looks up to his tutor, a thoughtful expression on his face. <I don't know where I'd be now if you hadn't found me... You didn't have to bring me back with you, but I'm glad you did... I went over the sea to find my mother, and although I didn't find her, I found the next best thing...> His words trail off, and his eyes slip back to the bubbling heat source beneath the platform edge. <Thank you...> he says again. His words may sound sentimental, but he means every bit of it. With all the training the pair have been doing, Scorch has had few opportunities to fully thank his mentor. With her appearance, Scorch's life has finally taken a turn for the better.
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
Chilling rain pours from thick grey clouds, driven by a furious northeast wind. In the forest, gusts of wind tear through the tree limbs and howl around rocks. Red, orange and gold leaves swirl past you on the wind. While at the coast, the grey ocean lashes at the coast angrily as the autumn storm pelts the waves.
Dakshi a superior example of a supreme predator of the pokemon world, large and powerful, her scales shiny with youthful health and vigor, (excepting the nicks and scratches that dot her physique here and there as results of numerous hunting expeditions,) lies totally relaxed on the magma heated rock, perfectly content to remain absolutely still where she is without budging an inch. Lifting and moving her head aside, Dakshi watches Scorch, her serious expression never faltering. The words of the Charmander aren't exactly throw her on the ground shocking, but Scorch's verbalized appreciation still leaves Dakshi in a state of unusual silence. Aside from the group of Charmeleon that practically raised her, the Charizard hasn't had anyone to really call a friend. And in fact, when she got right down to it, the only Charmeleon she really grew fond of was Panya, the one who took her in and taught her everything she knew. But, a while ago, it had been perfectly okay to be alone. In fact, she had enjoyed and valued her solitude above other things. Now, looking at the Charmander, Dakshi's sharp-featured expression softens, lips curling into a genuine, (one almost might consider it maternal), smile. Eyes crinkling at their corners, Dakshi dips her head into a nod of agreement. <Scorch,> Is Dakshi sniffling? - No way. <You've been a fine student, and a dear friend.> Now she's being outwardly nice? Whoa. <I do hope that once you've found what it is that you're looking for, you choose to stick around.> Dakshi gets into a sitting position, moving to pat Scorch on the head with padded digits, <After all. You're like my son.> Her eyes are shut now, and her head is bowed as if the weight of her broadening smile is pulling it downwards.
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
Charmanders are naturally expressive pokemon, with their cheerful face and large eyes that always seem to twinkle with joy... Scorch is no different, yet his expression has deteriorated since Rhia left him. Despite what he now knows about humans, he still liked her, that much he is sure of. Today is probably the first time in months that he has been -truly- happy, and he looks up at his mentor... no, his -friend-, with a definite smile. <I'm not going to leave... When I get my wings I will be exploring again, but my home is here...> he finishes. <It always has been... I was born here, and I will... I'll be staying, if you'll let me...> Dakshi's final sentence seems to strike the Charmander silent. He never knew his father, and his mother's teachings seem to have been false, especially regarding humans. Scorch has never thought of himself as anyone's 'son', always preferring to consider himself above everyone else, yet this situation seems more... natural. More acceptable, even, and Scorch is finally able to look up to someone without resentment. <I... Thank you,> he finishes, closing his eyes. If his hot blood allowed the production of tears, he would be fighting them back right now.
Charizard are equally as expressive as their Charmander counterparts, though there is one noticeable difference between the two. While a Charmander's face is usually one that's filled with joy and lighthearted happiness, a Charizard's visage is normally fiercer, even angrier in appearance. Still, for whatever the reason may be, Dakshi's facial expression is calmer, her features smooth and relaxed. Those scaly lips are drawn into a reptilian grin that silently expresses the inner joy that burns inside her like the fiery furnace buried deep in her gut. Flaming tail swishing from side to side, Dakshi remains thoughtfully silent, attention focused on Scorch while he speaks. Seated silently by the bubbling pool of liquid magma, Dakshi looks to be lost in thought until the Charmander talks again. The smaller pokemon's words seem to bring her back into the world and its present state of reality. Blinking once, the dragon-esque pokemon turns to look at the wide-eyed Charmander, a look of maternal affection in her shimmering in her dark, eyes. <Absolutely, I would never-- > she cuts herself off and starts again, <You need to stay here if you need to train.> She mustn't get too mushy now, lest she appear soft and inefficient. <And, you're welcome,> Grinning and nodding, she flops back down into a lying position. <This cave will always be open to you.> A fanged smile. <We're kin.>
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
Taking a deep breath, the little lizard opens his eyes again and uses them to look up at his mentor with an adoration deeper than the magma pool now warming him. Not only is she a mentor, she is Scorch's saviour, and most importantly, his closest friend. He may be small, but his outlook on the world is unique, and his gratitude to the Charizard for rescuing him from a future as bleak as a winter sky is immense. For a few seconds, Scorch's eyes seem to show the same weakness as his companion. As Dakshi corrects herself, so does Scorch, shaking his head to quickly discard the image of cuteness that is so typically associated with his kind. Replacing his expression of adoration comes an expression of determination. A determination to achieve his goal, to prove his worthiness and to please his teacher. To become a Charizard. <Agreed! I'm gonna make you proud!> he states, and he means it. The Charmander shifts his position so his head is nearer towards the bubbling pool beneath him, his eyes lit by the warm orange glow. Even without it, they would be burning as bright as stars.
The sky is brilliant blue and cloudless, the sunlight is bright, and a brisk wind blows from the northwest. In the forest, fiery red, gold, and orange leaves rustle and blow past you, swirling in the wind. While at the coast, the sea is a warm blue under the sun, reflecting the saved warmth from the summer, and the waves are gentle.
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
Shifting her body a bit; she turns around a few times, working to get into a more comfortable position. For a few moments, Scorch's exclamation doesn't receive a word from the thoughtful fire lizard. A minute or so passes, and the Charizard focuses a pair of beady orbs on the Charmander, giving him a long glance with her expressive gaze. Smiling slightly, lips twitching at the corners, long fangs flashing brightly in the light, that uniquely nightmarish grin creeps its way up onto her scaly visage. Nodding once, the Charizard then focuses her nearly black eyes on the smaller Charmander. <I have no doubt of this.> Her tone of voice is serious, and there is neither mocking nor sarcasm in these words. <However,> Once more she gets into a sitting position, (she ever going to get to take a nap?) <You must do this for yourself. What matters most is that you are proud of your own achievements.> Thinking a second or two longer she adds, <A second pair of wings will make no difference, when that pair is on the back of another.> A pause. <Understand?> That's Dakshi for you. Soft and motherly one second, corrective and scolding the next. Stretching out the shoulders in her muscular back, Dakshi yawns once, heavy wings draping over the sides of her body, looking like large lifeless things.
The sky is brilliant blue and cloudless, the sunlight is bright, and a brisk wind blows from the northwest. In the forest, fiery red, gold, and orange leaves rustle and blow past you, swirling in the wind. While at the coast, the sea is a warm blue under the sun, reflecting the saved warmth from the summer, and the waves are gentle.
Scorch seems to contemplate the words of the Charizard carefully. Her words of wisdom dig deep into his mind, and his scaley ridges furrow in thought. <I am! I am doing it for myself! Those wings will be on -my- back! I promise!> he says, as if promising this to himself too. <I... I mean, yes, I understand.> The Charmander looks once more into the boiling rock down below, as if the ripples and bubbles serve to soothe his mind. For a few seconds, there is silence from Scorch, as if he is contemplating something. <How do you think I'm doing? Is there any way to tell how far away I am?> he asks, turning his head slightly towards his companion, although his eyes are still fixed on the hypnotic heat source below. The lizard's eyes seem dreamy, as if his imagination is yet again running away with him. <You know, I'd like to do the hunting tomorrow, if the rain's not too bad, that is...>
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
Glimpsing at the heat source that rolls like a bowl of glowing stew underneath her body, the Charizard stares into the molten liquid, her eyes fixated on the steaming substance. As Scorch makes a promise to himself, Dakshi glances towards her fiery companion, her fangs visible in the wake of a broadening smile. Looking at the Charmander with an expression of approval, the Charizard nods her head a few times, to show that she's pleased with the smaller reptile. When he asks his question, the larger pokemon knits her brow thoughtfully, and mutters a few words under her breath while she thinks his inquiry over. <I think you are doing well. Although,> she stops here, lifting a clawed digit into the air before she makes her second point, <There is much more to do. And, even more to learn.> His next question causes the Charizard to shake her head back and forth, <I do not know this. I know you have come a long way, but,> Ceasing again, she rolls her shoulders forward in a slight shrug, <I know not how much farther you have to go. Deep down, only you can know. The only thing I can do to help you, is to guide you on your journey until you have reached your destination.> A glance is made to the cave's exit, and with a smile Dakshi nods once more. <Certainly. Tomorrow we will go hunting.> Eyes captivated by the lava, Dakshi thinks of her student, and with a grin she realizes no matter what, her days will be filled with different lessons and activities, and she will never again be alone.
Back