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    (ELITE) The FORTREE Team

    Snitch
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    (ELITE) The FORTREE Team Empty (ELITE) The FORTREE Team

    Post by Snitch Sat Sep 06, 2014 4:01 pm

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    New Fortree City || Midday [1]

    In a world ravaged by the epidemic, once-familiar lands now left devastated beyond recognition; Fortree, New Fortree, stood out as an anomaly. Like many of its inhabitants, New Fortree was a fighter – a true survivor that had learnt to adapt; that instead of crumbling, was growing ever-stronger in the months that passed.

    Now, with its sixth-month anniversary been-and-gone, this phoenix of a city – reborn from the ashes – was truly thriving.

    Looming barricades, primarily constructed from the plentiful source of trees in the area towered over the haven. Pokémon patrolled the borders, some clambered atop the tree-top roofs whilst avian inhabitants circled as look-outs in the sky. Perhaps intimidating to a stranger, one might consider it prison-like on first impression. It wasn’t an overly sophisticated set-up, but the combination of tall, solid blockades and a constant collection of attentive eyes had kept the city standing.

    Of course, there’d been close-calls – more so in the early days. Those who had lived there long-enough had come to realize that no matter how idyllic the charade, the city could never escape the clutches of reality. Corpses of the undead often littered the city perimeter, deep scratches remained etched into the barriers as well as in the scars left on those who fought those ungodly perpetrators; no amount of denial could magic-away the scent of blood and rot. And nobody could forget the casualties – humble mounds of earth nestled by the river on Route 119, a final resting place for those who had laid down their lives for the greater good.

    The lone figure of a houndoom stood before these graves, silent as dark eyes wandered across all the remnants of his fallen friends, his family. Hers was the smallest – hardly noticeable were it not for a single wildflower resting idly atop it. Penny had perished almost four months ago, but remained anomalous in that a stranger inhabited her grave. Only one creature knew that, the same canine that kept up the guise of a mourning father. Blake – a name only few recognised as his – would lay the flowers, making the weekly pilgrimage totally void of emotion. He felt no sorrow, no anguish – comfortable to rest in the clutches of a harrowing denial.

    This canine, a creature layered in unspoken mystery, had founded the community. He’d built it up from a simple dreamer’s vision, and with an ever-expanding group of wanderers created something incredible. New Fortree was his home as well as the home of the thirty-odd creatures that encompassed his family. He couldn’t turn a healthy man away, unable to abandon anyone who had already worked so hard to survive this savage world. Blake admired every one of them; cared for them as not only a democratic, sympathetic leader but also as a kindly father. He was The Governor and this was his empire.

    With a soft sigh, The Governor turned away from Fortree’s graveyard and began his journey back towards his quarters. The camp was bustling with life, the pleasant weather apparently infecting the inhabitants with good cheer as they went about their daily duties. Some scavenged in groups just beyond the borders, others taught and cared for the growing child populace of the community – whilst others enjoyed a day-off or a few hours break. Regardless of their business, the houndoom would smile to those he passed, offering a courteous nod of his head and the occasional word of goodwill. He was approachable in every sense, always mingling amidst the lowest rung of the community’s hierarchy to uphold his image of benevolence.

    As long legs carried him towards the old perimeter of the city – New Fortree having expanded to include the Weather Institute and its surrounding area – sound of a ruckus ushered him to pick up the pace. It wasn’t uncommon on rations day, especially given the dwindling supplies but whilst the usual petty squabble could do no harm, Blake heard snarling. Frowning, he made his way towards the dishevelled pokecenter – the building now housing the bulk of the community’s supplies, medicine, food and miscellaneous products alike. A small group waited uncomfortably for their shares, trying not to stare at the situation unfolding a stone’s throw away.

    Blake was unsurprised to find the culprit to be one of his closest comrades. Not a friend, never a friend – but the shiny hound was loyal, powerful and regardless of a rather unsavoury character remained a valuable asset.

    Nokes had caught another one, another lowlife attempting to rob his way to a fatter belly, and had reacted as his title of ‘enforcer’ commanded. He liked to think of himself as a creature of justice, a sheriff of sorts; though the canine’s particular brand of justice was brutal – completely unbefitting to quaint, community life. He had struck the offending feline with a Thunder Wave, rendering the creature paralyzed and trembling before the ferocious manectric. His stuttered apologies fell on deaf ears, all his attempts at justifying the crime of an extra berry for his expecting mate becoming completely irrelevant. Nokes just wanted an excuse to get his claws dirty.

    He approached swiftly, ignoring the spectators as he sneered in the feline’s face – breath stale and reeking. A single eye threatened to tear into his captive’s face, the other organ destroyed long ago – instead offering glimpse into a heavily infected eye socket. Nokes was almost as ugly on the outside he was inside.
    “You thought you’d get past ol’ Nokes, huh? You think you’re smarter than me?” He laughed disbelievingly, the sound turning truly wicked as the cat attempted to squirm away from his captor. “Oh no,” He shook his head, voice a tormenting sing-song as he slammed a heavy paw atop the persian’s shoulder, satisfied with the yelp of pain it evoked. “You’re not going anywhere, buddy,”
    “Nokes,” His remaining eyelid closed at the familiar call, The Governor’s bark processing as the electric-type gave a great exhale through gritted fangs. Great. “What’s the meaning of all this? Tell me what’s going on.”

    Nokes turned to face the approaching houndoom, flashing him an unpleasant smile as reciprocation for The Governor’s glower. He’d been tightening the leash around his neck more than he preferred lately, evoking a quiet rebellion in the shiny hound that he hoped hadn’t gone unnoticed. Nokes didn’t want to fight his self-proclaimed boss, in fact he respected the dark-type a great deal, but he’d be damned if he wasn’t going to get his regular fix of violence. They had an agreement, admittedly unsaid but more than apparent to the both of them.
    “Punk thought he’d help himself to extras. We’ve gotta keep thieves in line, Gov,”
    “I-It’s just o-one m-more berry,” The cat managed to stutter out desperately. Nokes had lifted his arm ready to strike the coward’s face, but was halted by the houndoom’s persistence.
    “That’s enough, Nokes,” The Governor had heard enough, his voice was firm – chilling in an unusual sense. He hadn’t raised his voice, he’d barely changed his tone but it was enough to stop any further bloodshed. “Take a walk. Go the eastern border – find something to do,” There was no room for argument and the manectric, though disgruntled, accepted this. His nostrils flared, lips momentarily pulled back into a snarl before he reluctantly turned away, defeated.

    Stalking off with his temper flared at the humiliation of The Governor’s rebuttal, Nokes pushed himself through the onlookers with a sharp, “Move,” They were wise to heed the command, many opting to give the hound as much space as he required. It’d be more had he let me do my job… he thought darkly.

    Unlike the majority of Fortree’s inhabitants, Nokes had no interest in the community-spirit, the camaraderie that the houndoom so often encouraged. He was here for two reasons. First of all, for the cushy living; and secondly, for the power. Everyone knew Nokes, almost as well as they knew of The Governor – but for all the wrong reasons. He’d created quite a name for himself in the few months he’d been there, his reputation built on a brief history of unnecessary violence, terrifying shows of aggression and a debauched interest in the female populace. They were right to fear him, though it made his duties a lot more boring. He’d have to let off steam more often, join the hunting groups to fight the undead when he couldn’t pick fights with the survivors.

    Blake, having dismissed Nokes before things could escalate any further, had stopped to sit aside the still-paralyzed persian – guilty to see him in such a position and keen to alleviate the humiliation. He managed a sympathetic smile, gesturing to a distributor in the pokecenter for a pecha berry that was swiftly delivered to him.
    “Come on,” He nudged the berry to the feline’s face so that he might regain his dignity sooner, careful to avoid the static that imprisoned his body as he did so. He put himself between the onlookers and the fallen persian in a vain attempt at offering the victim an amount of privacy. Though he had no doubt the stares were ones of concern rather than judgement, Blake simply thought it the kinder thing to do.

    As the cat shakily got to his paws, the berry’s healing properties proving their worth, Blake addressed the matter of the theft.
    “You mustn’t be afraid to ask,” He insisted, harsh but kind – very much alike to a father scolding his child. The feline could only nod his head, half-ashamed as he remained reluctant to meet the houndoom’s eyes. But he seemed to get the message, stuttering out another hushed apology.
    “There’s no harm done. Take your rations and I’m sure we can find a little extra for your mate. She’s eating for two now after all,” He smiled kindly, speaking slightly louder as he looked across to the helpful dispenser still lingering in the doorway – she got the message, scurrying back within the building to collect a few extras before helping the cat on his way. The Governor left him with an apologetic smile and a soft pat on the back, wishing his partner all the best with her approaching motherhood.

    The Governor left the scene quickly after that, flashing apologetic looks at the onlookers and wishing them a pleasant day on his departure. Whilst he had suggested to Nokes a temporary distraction, he wanted to ensure that he followed it through. It was a full-time job keeping the electric-type in order, perhaps more troublesome than his worth; but the day things turned ugly, he knew he’d appreciate Nokes as an ally rather than an opponent.

    (( Blergh, I hate introductions but I think this will do. Also, to make things easier I’m going to refer to the boundaries of the camp as the eastern and western borders. The east sits at the edge of Fortree City just before Route 120, and the western border will be about halfway down Route 119 – sort of between the two waterfalls I’m thinking. ))
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    (ELITE) The FORTREE Team Empty Re: (ELITE) The FORTREE Team

    Post by Silverishness Sun Sep 07, 2014 7:33 pm

    Post 1 [both]

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    New Fortree City| Midday


    "Boooooooooooooooored," came a long, tear-filled groan as a small sylveon yawned for like the millionth time in the past five minutes. Why was the day so freakin' boring? She flopped onto her side, eyes half-lidded with such hopelessness, Ellie was absolutely sure that if she didn't go and do something, she would die. Actually DIE. Her paws flailed in vain beside her along the floor as the restlessness began killing them off. This was what it felt like to feel your limbs trying to flee.

    Her baby blue eyes rolled upward, to the boring rafters in her boring room full of boring boring. She had already played her toys into oblivion, their torn, lifeless husks in battered pieces strewn about her room. She'd already checked out the lesson hall, which was only teaching boring things today, so that was out. She had a tendency to fall asleep during the really awful lessons, and well, a lot of the teachers didn't really take well to that. She's also tried mastering flipping but hurt her head a bit too much that Mom yelled at her. She also tried racing some of the other kids, but got in trouble for running. UGH.

    Rolling onto her back to allow her paws to dance about in the air, she pretended for a moment that she was walking on the ceiling, which was fun until she lost her balance after sneezing. She was back to square one, and out of options.

    That was it.
    She had to go for help.

    Pushing herself to her feet, she trotted quickly and with a purpose. She had to find someone to help her chase the day away, and she thought she knew who to go to. Sneaking past her parents (she was grounded for the day because of the whole dumb "putting other pokemon in danger by racing in traffic") she made her escape into the open air and took in a long, wonderful breath. Oh, it was a fantastic day, and it would have been awful if she'd wasted it. Tail high, eyes bright and feet practically bouncing with energy, she ran to her favorite little umbreon buddy. "Jacobi!" she called as she frolicked through town. "Jacooooooobiiiiiiiiiiiiii!"


    Elai soared through the sky, following Connor, a fellow guardsman as they came back from the routine patrol. He landed after the metal raptor, picking a perch a modest distance from the skarmory, since the other almost immediately engaged in a conversation. Elai glanced at the other participant, Hreint, who was practically draped over his mate. The talonflame shrugged the young couple off his shoulders; such lovey-dovey nonsense wasn't really in his understanding anymore, and it was always odd to see it, even in a place like this where almost everything was fairly laid back. Though, as the eeveelution couple erupted into a fit of high-pitched giggles over what looked like a spoiled meal, Elai couldn't help but roll his eyes.

    His eyes glanced back to Connor and gave him a stern look. "Finish off the vermin at the gate and take off. And take them with you," he added, nodding to the couple. "If they stay like that much longer, I'm going to contract something, I know it. Besides, all their giggling might attract more walkers." The skarmory gave a good-hearted chuckle, opening his wings to prepare to follow his orders, but not before putting in a jibe of his own.

    "Aw, c'mon Suzaku," Connor chortled, earning a side glare from the talonflame. No need to be like that. They're good folk, and love like that is always a good thing. It'd do you some good, I'm sure! He laughed louder as Suzaku pushed Conner with a jab of his wing, glare still in place.

    "You volunteering or are you gonna do what I asked?" Elai quipped back with a smirk, to which Connor flew off the wall completely. "Nope, I'll uh, I'll do what you asked, Suzaku." He took out the foaming vermin easily, then rejoined his friends on the other side within a few seconds. Elai watched, letting out a sigh once they were gone. He enjoyed Connor's company, but not when others were around. It was odd-- many of Elai's gratuitous tricks and knowledge of social interactions had faded in such little time... Now, he felt odd in a crowd, and only felt decently comfortable with a very limited amount of people. He stared out, watching the scenery roll by with a lazy stride and sighed once more.

    This felt like this was going to be a long day...


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    (ELITE) The FORTREE Team Empty Re: (ELITE) The FORTREE Team

    Post by Nightfall Thu Sep 11, 2014 2:05 pm

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    New Fortree City/Midday
    (Shadow: 40| Seth: 44)

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    "That was remarkable! Truly, well done to you all! Tomorrow, we shall cover the basics of Technical Machines - yes, even now they can still be found intact - the benefits of them and how to use them should you find one and it is compatible. I really do think that it will help you, so come along if you have the hour to spend. All right! Class dismissed! Thank you all so much, and have a wonderful day."

    Seth couldn't remember the last time he had felt so happy. As he watched his students pile out of the treehouse, chatting and laughing, he almost forgot that they were living in an apocalypse. New Fortree was a marvel in itself, a haven in the chaos that was today's world. To see Pokemon like himself living life as they were supposed to made him want to weep with joy.

    Oh my ... I wonder what Jack would think of this. Seth mused silently to himself, still smiling, as he watched the last student wander out, turning to give him a small wave before he disappeared down the steps. The Blaziken waved back before beginning to tidy up ready for the next class. Other Pokemon would've turned their noses up at his busy schedule, but Seth wouldn't have it any other way. Keeping active and having a purpose was keeping him alive. He shuddered every time whenever he thought how close he'd been to death that one, terrible night, thinking that his body had finally given up and all that was left was to lie down and await the inevitable.

    But then, Blake had come along, and given him a new purpose. Rebuilding Fortree had been hard work, but worth every exertion. Seth was happy, and so was everyone around him. Life was back to how it should be.

    When he had finished tidying, Seth poked his head outside and squinted up at the sun. It was midday, and his next lesson would take place in a couple of hours. I think it's time for a break. He leaped from the top of the ladder right down to the ground below just as he had done in his youth - no staggers or winces or cries of pain. Everything was back to normal.

    Almost everything. Seth glanced down at his stump, accepting that some things could never been replaced. Lives, purposes and health, yes, but not missing limbs. Even though he'd had a lifetime to accept his handicap, he'd never quite gotten over the fact that he'd lost that battle so many years ago, and the consequences had been grave. He was always fully aware of the judgmental eyes looking at his useless right arm, but he was used to first impressions not going so well. They saw a handicapped, elderly Pokemon, but Seth somehow loved their changes in expression and attitude when he showed them that he could do exactly what they could, sometimes more.

    Seth gave his stump a small pat and then headed into town. He would go and visit Blake today; his schedule the day before had kept him too busy to see how his friend was getting on. As he approached the Pokemon Centre, he noticed a crowd gathered around a Pokemon on the ground. Concerned, Seth approached, but calmed when he saw that Blake was already there. The situation appeared to be under control, and the Houndoom parted the crowd as he made his way back towards his quarters.

    Seth followed, falling into a jog beside the Houndoom as he walked. "Good day, Governor," he beamed. "I do apologise for not visiting yesterday - the school has kept me busy." He leaned in a little closer then, and spoke in a hush. "How are you feeling today?"

    -----------

    Shadow had spent the entire morning wondering what he could do today to try and fit himself in.

    The Mightyena slumped lazily on the deck of one of the treehouses, watching Pokemon busily bustle past. He'd given up. The school was full, not that he needed to sit and watch Seth babble on and on about potential, TMs, cucumbers or whatever the hell he talked about. He respected the Blaziken and what he was trying to do, but his classes weren't for him - he already knew what he was capable of, and half his moveset wasn't there naturally.

    He'd wanted to go out and scavenge that day, feeling a trek into the wilds would be enough to perk his mood, but it wasn't his turn for another two days. He'd offered to take over one of the look out positions, but the rather snooty Watchog had said no. Feeling more useless than ever, the hound had flopped himself down and merely resorted to watching the day drag along.

    Others would celebrate the idea of having a day off, but Shadow hated it. He needed to be out there, proving his worth and warding off the suspicious stares that others constantly gave him. But he supposed that his posture and facial expression didn't help; the Mightyena didn't walk - he stalked, and he couldn't seem to get rid of his scowl. He needed to stop that - his old, shitty life didn't exist now - he had no excuse to be miserable.

    Upon that thought, Shadow raised his head off his paws and tried to look as though he was interested. A Liepard wandered past his perch and raised a paw into a friendly wave. Shadow flicked his ear and grinned in response. Apparently it was good enough, since the Liepard stopped and called up to him, "Having a day off?"

    "Y-Yeah," Shadow muttered back, immediately uncomfortable. He began to lick his paw so he didn't have to look the cat in the eye.

    "Lucky you! I've just spent two hours checking the food supplies. Not a single one contaminated. I can't believe we have to do that every single day! I sure wish the Governor would find me a better friggin' job, jeez."

    A growl rumbled in Shadow's throat, and he glared up at the cat, who noticed his expression and took a step back. "Just be thankful you're actually here and not having your face ripped off by some infected horde."

    "I-I am," the Liepard stammered. "I owe the boss my life. Me and my mate, we--" He noticed with a frown that Shadow clearly wasn't listening anymore - the hound had gazed off into the distance, looking bored. With a huff, he flicked his tail and walked away.

    Oh nice work. Shadow could've bitten himself. Why couldn't he just be nice and decent like everyone else? Instead he was the village asshole - no wonder nobody wanted to talk to him. Deciding that his 'day-off' wasn't going as nicely as scheduled, Shadow stretched and leaped from the deck, stalking off towards Blake's quarters. Maybe the Governor would find him a job - asking for work left a good impression. And we desperately need some of those right about now.

    ((Sorry this is a bit...shitty in places. I did try, but I'm not in the best of moods tonight.))
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    (ELITE) The FORTREE Team Empty Re: (ELITE) The FORTREE Team

    Post by Snitch Sat Sep 13, 2014 11:41 am

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    New Fortree City || Midday [2]

    It didn’t take long to find Nokes. The canine seldom did anything in a hurry and Blake wasn’t expecting any kind of anomaly. Indeed, the brutal hound was only a mere stone’s throw away, apparently distracted as he stood loitering in the doorway of the old pokemart – today finding purpose as a day-care.  

    The voices of spritely children emerged from within, their youthful joy coaxing a smile from The Governor’s greying muzzle as he approached. In his mind, there was no sweeter sound – perhaps enhanced only by the laughter of one extra child. His smile faded at the reminder of Penny’s absence, determinedly ignoring the uncomfortable twisting of his stomach. It’ll just take some time. He’d hear her laugh again. One day. He was certain of it.

    “I didn’t think you liked children,” Blake stopped aside the Manectric, keeping his voice low to avoid disturbing the youngsters’ play. Nokes gave an unpleasant chortle in response, eyes trained on the community’s youth.
    “I don’t,” There was only a brief shift in Blake’s expression that betrayed his discomfort, along with a momentary tenseness in his shoulders that he banished with a slow exhale. He decided it would be better to simply abandon the topic. He didn’t want to know about what kind of morbid thoughts were shackled within the confines of Nokes’ mind. And he certainly didn’t want to tempt them into fruition.
    “Walk with me,” It wasn’t a request, it was an order and one that the Manectric begrudgingly obeyed. Whilst Nokes managed to tear his attention away from a pen of lambs, Blake spared a sympathetic smile to the supervisor as he turned to follow.

    “I wish you’d reign in your temper,” Nokes had anticipated a scolding, right down to the deceivingly gentle tone The Governor enjoyed using. It was irritating. A leader shouldn’t speak like that – and if it were any other person, Nokes would have told him so long ago. But with The Governor, it simply wasn’t worth it. There was no changing him; no provoking him, no nothing. And in the early days, he’d really tried. But the old hound seemed immune to his taunts, brushing them off with that infuriating calm. “I can’t leave you alone for ten minutes without you trying to bite someone’s head off. You’ll make yourself enemies, you know. And one day, I won’t be around to stop them coming for you,”
    “Pfft, let them,” Nokes snorted, beckoning the challenge. No one had the balls to face him anyway. Perhaps a couple of the look-outs and guards, but nobody he thought fit to actively worry about. He caught the Houndoom’s look of disapproval and laughed. “I’m not the one you should be worrying about anyway. You best look in the mirror, Gov. You’re too soft on them,”
    “I beg to differ,” Blake replied coolly, unable to disguise the amused smirk growing on his lips that Nokes failed to see. Let’s hear it then.
    “They’ll revolt if you don’t show them who’s boss. They already think you’re weak – soon they’ll be rising up and before you know it, some punk’ll be usurping you, old man,”
    “Oh, please,” The Governor rolled his eyes, finding the idea completely absurd. He paused a moment and when he spoke again, he’d abandoned his humour. His voice had grown a shade darker. It was a subtle shift; the underlying threat barely noticeable past the canine’s natural pep. “I don’t need to instil fear in order to garner respect – but that’s something I doubt you’d understand, Nokes. You’re not the leader-type. Besides, I don’t recall asking for your advice in the first place,”

    Though the brusqueness of The Governor’s dismissal was generally well-hidden, Nokes seemed to have got the message. The Manectric huffed loudly, rolling his broad shoulders back as he reaffixed his attention on the path ahead.

    "Good day, Governor,"

    The uncomfortable silence between the two canines was broken by the warm greeting of an old friend. Blake turned with a broad smile, entirely genuine in its nature, as he greeted Seth with a friendly nudge.
    "I do apologise for not visiting yesterday - the school has kept me busy."
    “Please, don’t apologise. You're just doing your job - and doing it remarkably well, I hear,” The Houndoom dismissed the matter automatically, cheerily, as the storm clouds cleared within his eyes. It was good to see Seth – it always was. He’d been there from the start, a foundation supporting not only the community as a whole but Blake on a personal level. He’d been his crutch through good times and bad, and the canine was truly thankful for that.
    "How are you feeling today?"  Though the Blaziken had spoken quietly, Blake knew Nokes was listening. The sudden shift in his attention betrayed his prying, a silent invasion of privacy that the Houndoom was refused to tolerate. He cleared his throat, addressing the hound first. He would speak to Seth privately.

    “Suzaku’s meant to be leading a hunting party to take down that Rhydon in the east,” The undead behemoth had been spotted making its way towards camp, and was now wandering far too close for comfort. They couldn’t risk it reaching the wall and so its swift eradication had become a real necessity. He trusted the Talonflame to get the job done. “Would you check the group’s assembled at the gym? Let them know I wish them the best before they head off?” The Manectric grumbled something unintelligible in response, casting an ugly glare in Seth’s direction before begrudgingly setting off towards the gym.

    Confident the Manectric was firmly out of earshot, The Governor turned back to his advisor. His smile was forced as the question echoed within the confines of his head. How are you feeling today? He knew what Seth meant. It wasn’t a nonchalant query exchanged between friends, it was something far more complex than that.
    “I’m fine, Seth,” He sighed tiredly, not wanting to feign glee to the one person who might understand his melancholy. “I stopped by her grave earlier – set some flowers down. Folks have got used to seeing me do it once in a while…” His charade dropped as he spoke, offering a rare glimpse of the world-wearied man sitting behind a mask of optimism. The dark circles around his eyes seemed more prominent in that moment, aging and quietly sinister, as he swallowed the guilt of his deception. It wasn’t lying to the community that hurt him, rather it was lying to himself. He had to pretend that his child was dead. She was sickly, yes, but not dead – never dead. But alas it was safer this way. Nobody would understand – not even Seth, the one soul that knew the truth of it all, could truly accept his decisions. He saw the caution in his friend’s expression, a lingering discomfort he tried to hide. There was judgement there, but Blake knew that his secret would remain safe.

    The Governor took a deep breath, and with it seemed to inhale all the cheer that he’d previously dismissed. The transition was startling – a broken picture suddenly reassembling itself for display in a pristine frame.
    “Still, we mustn’t dwell on such things,” Blake flashed the bird an infectious smile before starting again towards the square. “It’s a beautiful day and everyone’s making the most of this glorious sunshine!” He announced this particularly theatrically as a vulpine mother and daughter pair passed; the duo left giggling at their leader’s exuberance. He mimicked their smiles, laughing heartily as he looked back to Seth. “Everything’s running like clockwork, my friend. Everyone’s safe and everyone’s happy, and that’s all that matters to me,”

    The wall was in view now, providing a backdrop against what was considered the city’s main square. Treetop abodes framed the now-barren space surrounding Fortree gym, the foliage that had once flourished here destroyed long ago. The gym itself was akin to a town hall now – a place of discussion and debate, but also an occasional stage for festivity. Only a week ago, had there been a rousing beauty display in honour of the six-month anniversary. Almost the whole town had been in attendance, a real moment of unity that was dismissed by one particular individual…

    Nokes hadn’t the time for such nonsense.

    The canine had stopped by at the gym as ordered, discovering the hunting team of six currently stood as a team of five – down their Talonflame commander. Leaving the group in silence, the Manectric had decided to take matters into his own hands and reprimand the missing party. He didn’t like Suzaku. Of course, he didn’t like anyone much – but there was something about the avian that made him eligible for an extra dose of nastiness.

    His remaining eye crawled over each and every creature dotted out before him, initially seeking out the fire-type before stumbling over a greater prize. Gwen Wyndra… She had a delightful smile, though Nokes had a more sinister desire to watch her cry.

    He approached the couple with his same hulking gait, gaze one of a predator’s as he absorbed the sight. He despised such shows of affection, their romance simply nauseating as they frolicked with complete gaiety. As pretty as the little Radeon was – her species thrillingly exotic on its own – Nokes found her laughter repulsive.
    “That’s a waste,” His voice, seemingly a permanent growl, was tinged with a dangerous mischief. He wore half a wicked grin as his attention shifted from the squashed berries to GW’s lithe form. His eye roamed shamelessly for a moment before reaffixing coldly on her partner, Hreint. “Don’t expect a replacement. You can starve for all I care,”

    With a contemptuous snort he started moving past them, ignoring the approaching Skarmory as he went. He didn’t know his name, identifying him only as another soldier at the barricades – powerful, perhaps, but a lowly rank regardless. Nokes paid him no attention, halting his search only when he caught glimpse of Suzaku. There was no way he was going to climb that damned ladder and so he resorted to catching the bird’s attention with a sharp whistle.
    “Hey,” He snapped gruffly, voice booming to travel the distance. Only when he had the bird’s attention did he lower the volume, the exertion making raw his already damaged throat. “The Governor’s expecting you to go kill that Rhydon. Team’s waiting in the gym. Got a couple of young’uns you can use as bait,” The overly-excited duo he’d glimpsed through the doorway seemed to have no other use. The Governor, after constant badgering had caved to permit the teens to accompany the group on the condition they played the role of observers. Nokes would’ve called him foolish had he given a shit about their wellbeing. They’re better off dead. “Time’s wasting, Suzu. I suggest you get your ass in gear,”

    (( I’m pretty sure we agreed that Suzaku would lead a group out of camp and then a young fire-type would be the one to get infected. I’m thinking that out of the team, there’s two new recruits - eager, but not all that smart and very much in need of guidance. Let me know if anything needs changing, Sil. C: ))
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    Post by Silverishness Thu Sep 18, 2014 3:58 pm

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    New Fortree City| Midday


    Ellie half frolicked, half ran, half charged through the town, looking everywhere for her little umbreon friend. Though he was a bit younger than herself, he was adept at relieving boredom, and that made it ok for her to hang out with. Because while there was an "a-pox-a-lisp" or whatever the hell that word was, ("apos-a-nips"?) there was also a status to keep. Generally speaking, hanging out with the younger kids tended to make you look like a baby. And she was most definitely NOT a baby. However, she felt that Jacobi was completely worth the risk of social suicide since he was so much fun. But in her absent-minded glancing about the town, she easily forgot that the most important direction one's eyes should face is the one their feet are currently traveling, and so trampled into a giant mess of hot thick fur.

    Dazed, Ellie looked up to the wall's face she just affronted in order to apologize, only to see the angry mightyena Mom always told her to avoid. Hackles raising slightly in alarm, she stared up at his scarred muzzle and couldn't avoid the thought that it sure seemed big enough to eat her entire face in one snap... "...I- uh... S-Sorry... sir... I uh... guess I didn't... see... you?" she tried, each word sounding more and more like a heaping pile of crap. Lacking a proper response, she simply went to her failsafe maneuver; a bright, "charming" smile to ward off the grown-up anger. Though it normally didn't work on her parents anymore, a surprising number of the townsfolk had let some of her shenanigans slide because of her impressive teeth.

    Hopefully, it would work again.

    --

    In his light conversation with Connor, Elai missed the entrance of the local notorious bastard, Nokes. “Hey,” he called from below, his distinct hoarse growl of a voice sending an involuntary shudder through the talonflame's body. Answering with only eye contact, Elai made sure to speak to the manectric as little as possible. He and Nokes had never gotten along, and while some of that could be blamed on Elai's newfound social constipation, most of it could easily land on the manectric's shoulders for being... well, himself. The dog didn't like holding back when expressing pleasure in punishment and that was always a trait to watch out for. The Governor was naive, perhaps, but at least respectable to a point-- Nokes was a despicable cad who enjoyed the power rush that came with being the top dog's enforcer. Still, as much as Elai despised the one-eyed miscreant, he had to acknowledge him.

    “The Governor’s expecting you to go kill that Rhydon. Team’s waiting in the gym. Got a couple of young’uns you can use as bait,” Elai's face turned a little more sour at the mention of ditching the two young ones to such a horrible fate... but then again, he'd done far worse before. These two were actually asking to go... It's like the Governor wants them to end up dead...“Time’s wasting, Suzu. I suggest you get your ass in gear,” Nokes snapped haughtily, causing the talonflame to flinch at the nickname. He hated that name.

    As much as he wanted to give the manectric a little quip of his own, likely including just what holes he could shove that stupid name (or perhaps something questioning Nokes' ability to use full names being hindered by only having one eye) Elai remained carefully quiet regarding the manectric's "witty" banter. "Then find someone to guard the wall that's not Hreint or Connor. They just got off their shifts. You don't need two eyes to do that, do you?" The last sentence was mumbled under his breath as he took to the sky, and knew that with the hound's hearing, he likely got most or all of it. His earlier caution was blown to the winds as he flew off toward the gym, regarding the slip of his tongue with an "Oops" state of mind.

    How he'd love to see the cur relieved of the other eye. Maybe then he'd learn some damn humility.

    Elai shook his head free of the abruptly morbid thoughts and put his focus on the team of five waiting for him. He'd been trying to avoid going after the rhydon himself; after all, despite his level, there was only so much a fire/ flying type could do against a rhydon. Landing, he took in the team with stern, calloused eyes. A blastoise. A clefable. A marowak. And then a freshly evolved charizard and magmortar. Type-wise, only two members of the team would be effective against the rhydon, himself included. Fucking fantastic. The first three were veterans in his outings, so at least he knew they were reliable. That was something, he supposed.

    "I'm sure you've heard by now our quarry today is a rhydon," he began, his voice even and calm-- his old life shining through in a rare moment. "It's been spotted by our scouts a few miles off the east border and needs to be taken care of immediately. A pokemon like that is a definite threat to our walls, so this isn't an outing we can take lightly. Meaning you two--" he looked to the two rookies, "You will stay away from the rhydon unless I tell you otherwise." An audible groan came from the two. "You'll be focused on the other infected that will likely be surrounding the rhydon. If there aren't any, just... stay out of the way.

    "Everyone else, our strategy will be to have Blair and Marron charge at the rhydon directly. Marron, try to create sinkholes or pitfalls for it to fall into. Blair, you'll be using every drop of water you have against it. Clara, keep everyone in health-- don't worry about fighting unless you have to. I'll be trying to cut off limbs with Steel Wing. Any questions?"


    ((Feel free to pick up any of the NPC's, guys-- the Blastoise is Blair, Marron is Marowak and Clara is Clefairy. (: I don't have any plans for any of them, so it's all cool if you want to take charge of any of them.))


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    Post by Snitch Fri Sep 26, 2014 5:16 am

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    New Fortree City || Midday [2][3]

    "Then find someone to guard the wall that's not Hreint or Connor. They just got off their shifts. You don't need two eyes to do that, do you?”

    Fortunately, Nokes missed the Talonflame’s mumbled quip but his words provoked an unpleasant snarl regardless. His one-eyed glare followed the bird as he took off in search of his teammates; the hound privately hoping that a casualty in the mission would be enough to muffle Suzaku’s bravado. Oh how he’d love to rub that in his face. His glower faded at the thought, suddenly replaced by a sinister, flitting grin. He would’ve laughed hadn’t he felt a pair of eyes trained on him.

    Nokes’ attention snapped around to his spectator - another guard flustered and pretending that she hadn’t been eavesdropping. It was a poor attempt, one that would’ve inflamed the hound’s temper hadn’t her gender spared her an amount of the venom. He watched her a moment instead, satisfied when her body grew tense beneath the canine’s intense scrutiny.  
    “Isabel, isn’t it?” Nokes called up, half-tempted to scale the ladder with such a prize waiting at the top. The Grovyle turned to catch his eye, valiantly shielding her discomfort as she gave a hurried nod of her head. “Isabel, why don’t you come down here for a minute?” There was a shift in her demeanour that Nokes savoured, a flash of fear running over her slender features that was simply irresistible to the canine. He made no effort to disguise the feral grin crawling up his scarred face.
    “I… I’m on duty,” Her voice wavered only slightly with the dismissal.
    “Mhm, I can see that,” Nokes muttered before giving a defeated sigh at the Grovyle’s resoluteness – he couldn’t blame her for it. She’d learnt about his infamy the hard way several weeks before. He could still see the scars on her pretty little neck. “Well considering you’re so comfortable up there, you won’t mind taking on a second shift – starting immediately,” She looked as if she were about to protest. “Don’t argue with me. I’d hate to have to come up there…”

    After a moment of silence Isabel nodded her head in silent agreement, daunted by the hound’s threat and deciding it wiser to simply accept the unfair burden of work. It would put an even greater distance between them and right now that was all she wanted.
    “Good girl,” He flashed her a smile of approval as he finally turned to leave.

    With his duties completed, Nokes’ attention turned towards more leisurely pursuits – specifically, tonight’s entertainment. The Governor had been very much averse to the idea when it had cropped up, but time had managed to persuade him otherwise. He permitted the fights, a couple a month, purely on the basis of how popular they proved. The town loved them, and The Governor was never one to deny his people. In Nokes’ mind, it was the best decision the coot had ever made.

    He ran the games proudly; collecting the walkers, setting up the gym as the grisly arena, finding the self-entitled ‘gladiators’ for the shows – and all out of the goodness of his black heart. It was one of few redeeming qualities about the town and a tradition Nokes strived to protect. Of course, he had to be monitored though. His colleagues – a handful of brutes who shared his passion for violence – were religiously tasked with checking the hound’s handiwork. Sometimes he’d forget to pull out a couple of the undead's fangs, a few claws here and there… Sometimes the chains would be a little too loose…

    Still, there hadn’t been any deaths yet, and as long as he could boast that small fact the games would remain untouched.

    (( Urgh, sorry this sucked so much. Also, I’m skipping Blake because I need Nightfall. ))
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    Post by Silverishness Mon Sep 29, 2014 9:30 pm

    [[Skip. I can't... I just can't right now.]]


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    Post by Nightfall Sun Oct 05, 2014 3:07 pm

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    New Fortree City/Midday
    (Shadow: 41| Seth: 45)

    Blake promptly cleared his throat, and Seth hadn't noticed that Nokes was nearby until the Houndoom spoke to him. He sent him away to assist a hunting party, and the Blaziken returned Nokes's sharp glare as he turned and stalked away. He had never liked that Electric-type from the beginning.

    Once Nokes was out of the way, Blake turned to him with a sigh. Seth could see the weariness in his eyes. “I’m fine, Seth. I stopped by her grave earlier – set some flowers down. Folks have got used to seeing me do it once in a while…”

    Seth nodded, his jaw going rigid as he lost the words he wanted to say. There was only so many times he could comfort his friend before what he said lost all meaning. He watched the Houndoom take another deep breath before composing himself instantly, a trait that Seth admired. “Still, we mustn’t dwell on such things. It’s a beautiful day and everyone’s making the most of this glorious sunshine!”

    "I couldn't agree more," Seth said, beaming and waving at a Skiploom as she floated past. "One reason why Hoenn has always been my home - can't beat the weather." He looked skywards, allowing the sun's rays to warm his face. "Why, I was thinking of taking my next class out into the fields for half an hour - I think a practical lesson where they have plenty of room to practice their techniques will really help them to shine. With your permission, of course," he added. "If there is a problem, I have no qualms in rearranging it for another day."




    The last thing that Shadow expected on his journey to Blake's quarters was for something pink to crash into his side, nearly knocking him over. His instincts flared, and he jumped back, baring his fangs. He relaxed but did not hide his scowl as he noticed it was just that Sylveon he kept seeing.

    "...I- uh... S-Sorry... sir... I uh... guess I didn't... see... you?" she babbled, suddenly flashing a big, goofy smile at him. Shadow would've laughed if she hadn't been such a dumb, clumsy bitch and watched where the hell she was going.

    "Whatever. Just watch it," he growled, flicking his tail dismissively and stalking away. He rounded a corner where he finally noticed the Governor standing talking to a tall Blaziken with half an arm missing-- oh shit. It was Seth. Shadow didn't have anything against the old man, but why could he never seem to get Blake on his own these days? The Blaziken's presence only made it harder for him to talk to him without making an idiot of himself.

    Surely enough, Seth was the first to spot him as he trotted over, smiling and holding up his hand into a friendly wave. "Good day, Shadow! I hope you're keeping well?"

    "Erm, yeah, fine thanks." Seth, Shadow decided, was one of those Pokemon who were that nice that they were awkward. Why was he so damn cheerful all the time? Sure, they had a community but some of these Pokemon seemed to be forgetting that there was still a zombie apocalypse going on outside the walls.

    "I was just, erm ... I was just wondering if you had any work for me today, Governor?" Shadow sat down and curled his tail around his legs, feeling more exposed than ever. "It's just that I get a little bored on my days off and, well ... I want to be helping you guys out a bit more."

    ((Sorry if I held us up. ^^; Also quality meeeh...))
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    Post by Silverishness Thu Oct 23, 2014 4:40 am

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    New Fortree City| Midday


    "Whatever. Just watch it."

    The stern, gruff mightyena then stalked past Ellie without another word. Though she was happy there was no actual discipline involved, once she was sure he wouldn't be turning back around, she stuck her tongue out at his receding form defiantly. Sulky creep. Raising her tail high, pretending to be an offended high-class lady, she pranced away, nose held high. "What a creeetin!" she commented in a snooty, rich-lady voice. "Rapscallion! Why, I never--!" She continued to sound out insults to the air, eyes barely open as she continued to trot away. And while it was fun for the few seconds in the beginning, she soon found herself floundering for new insults and then quickly scrapped the idea of playing "offended rich lady".

    Once more bored, she glanced around, finding herself square in the middle of town. Well, if Jacobi was anywhere, other than his house, the next plausible place would be here. She wandered, hoping to chance a glance of the little elusive umbreon.

    --

    No questions came from his team, which he couldn't tell whether that was a good or bad thing. Simply nodding his head, he opened his wings to take flight. "If the battle should go wrong, our retreat rendezvous is the shallow cave by the brook. I'll point it out on the way there for you who haven't seen it yet. Let's go." Launching himself into the air, he soared lazily above the others, knowing it would be quite the long trek for many of them. He took advantage of his flight, spying out any potential trouble ahead of them, but found nothing. Odd... There should be at least something beyond the Weather Institute... A twinge of dread filled his stomach, but he was forced to ignore it. They had a job to do.

    [[crappy crap post... sorry. Will find Rhydon next post]]


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    Post by Nightfall Sat Oct 25, 2014 7:22 am

    ((Skip me, please. My reply depends on Snitch.))
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    Post by Snitch Sun Oct 26, 2014 9:04 am

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    New Fortree City || Afternoon [3]

    "I couldn't agree more. One reason why Hoenn has always been my home - can't beat the weather." Seth looked skywards, allowing the sun's rays to warm his face with Blake observed, kind but quietly-wearied smile immovable from his maw. "Why, I was thinking of taking my next class out into the fields for half an hour - I think a practical lesson where they have plenty of room to practice their techniques will really help them to shine. With your permission, of course. If there is a problem, I have no qualms in rearranging it for another day."

    The Governor stopped in his tracks, turning entirely to face the aging Blaziken with a light scowl over his small, dark eyes. He shook his head, venomously opposing the notion of permission that had arisen from conversation.
    “No, no, no. You need no permission, Seth,” He corrected the fire-type, frown lifting as his smile re-emerged. “You are my friend. I trust you to do whatever it is that you deem fit. You haven’t let me down before. Besides, I think it’s a fine idea! You might even find yourself with a few more students curious to what’s going on,”  He gave a soft laugh, eloquent and always endearing. It was a staple of his beloved persona and something that drew people to him like a moth to a flame. This time, however, it seemed to be doing its job in a more literal sense.

    "Good day, Shadow! I hope you're keeping well?"
    "Erm, yeah, fine thanks."

    The Governor turned to follow the fire-type’s gaze, watching as one of the community’s latest arrivals made his awkward approach. His gritty address coupled with an often intimidating appearance seemed to be jeopardizing the canine’s attempts of integration, something Blake found both upsetting and personally – though perhaps somewhat selfishly – beneficial. Shadow hadn’t quite found his place yet, at least not within the town’s familial, tight-knit core. There he was an outcast, too brutish for those too-far enveloped in the dreamscape of New Fortree. Instead, Blake found the Mightyena inching closer to a position at his side. He was eager, always keen to immerse himself in some new task and the Houndoom admired his work ethic and flourishing loyalty.  

    "I was just, erm ... I was just wondering if you had any work for me today, Governor? It's just that I get a little bored on my days off and, well ... I want to be helping you guys out a bit more.”

    And with that humble request, Shadow was proving his worth, sealing his future in the higher ranks of the town. Some might call the canine’s behaviour ‘sucking up’, neediness even, but Blake saw only dedication. It was as flattering as it was useful, and he was in no position to deny such help. He could only dream of a work force that shared Shadow’s dependability and vigour.
    “We’ve talked about this, Shadow. I’m not a slave-driver. I don’t want to work you to death,” He chuckled at the idea, nudging the dark-type’s shoulder affably as he sat down aside him. “I was hoping you might strike up some friendships to distract you from all this…” He trailed off, not wanting to further label the canine’s identity as a loner. Surely he didn’t need any reminding of it.

    “But,” He announced louder, swiftly changing the topic. “If you want to keep yourself busy, you could always give Nokes a hand? If memory serves, he’s putting together tonight’s entertainment – one of those little fighting spectacles the town seems to enjoy. A little gory for my liking, but they’ve proven popular and who am I to deny the town some fun?”

    “Seth,” The Governor turned back to the Blaziken whilst he let Shadow mull over the proposition. He knew Nokes was hard to work with – he himself often struggled to do so – and to many the offer stood more of a deterrent than anything. “When’s this class of yours starting? I’m tempted to sit in after my rounds. We’ll see if you can teach this old dog some new tricks,”

    (( Skipping Nokes for now. He’s just making his way to the west border, gonna go find some undead to use for the show, haha. ))
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    Post by Abysswalker Mon Nov 03, 2014 3:39 pm

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    New Fortree City | Afternoon
    (1)

    "Well, Iris, I'd better run. Break's up, need to get back to the walls."

    Balthazar was looking at the sky, perfectly aware that her off-hours for the morning were done. The sun shone bright, the weather was clear, and she was feeling energized and confident. Balthazar worked hard without complaint, as working guard shifts was not enough to repay what she owed New Fortree and its inhabitants. Giving sanctuary and peace to her family...it was the greatest gift anybody had ever given her. She was going to prove that she was worthy of such a gift.

    "I'll bring you something to eat later," Iris said with a happy smile, her three children bouncing and tumbling around her feet. "Be safe, okay?"

    Balthazar nuzzled her sister's shoulder. Iris was the kindest Pokemon she knew, always looking out for the well-being of others; she deserved a place like New Fortree. She deserved a tranquil place to raise her kids, and while New Fortree was far from completely safe or peaceful, it was better than any other place out there. Things have been good here...they'll only get better. Iris and the kids will be safe. That, Balthazar was confident of. Saying goodbye again to Iris and then to the nieces and nephew, Balthazar trotted away from her small family and towards the walls.

    As she walked, Balthazar felt the happiness and relaxation she'd felt with Iris melt away, morphing her into her real self; strong, blunt, yet distant in a way. She did not hate or dislike most of New Fortree's inhabitants-many were her friends, actually-but Balthazar could not feel comfortable as her laidback self with anybody but Iris. It was unnatural, strange. So Balthazar greeted the world and the thriving city before her with a stony face, her powerful legs and body giving her a formidable posture. She gave no ground to anybody else, and simply looking at her let one know she was not a Pokemon that went down without a fight. Such things might have seemed unnecessary in New Fortree, but Balthazar knew better than to let her guard down. Especially with some of the Pokemon that live here.

    Balthazar came across Hreint and Gwen Wyndra first, two of her closest friends in the city. They were the picture of a happy couple, frolicking and laughing together, yet something about the scene made her increasingly uncomfortable. She ought to have gotten used to it by now, but still...Balthazar wasn't used to such displays of affection. That was likely the result of having only a sister, and never a mate. Shaking her head, Balthazar approached the lovebirds, clearing her throat loudly.

    "I see you two have completely destroyed perfectly good berries," Balthazar stated outright, looking down at the crushed berries and then at the two Eeveelutions. "Not really a good idea."

    (OoC: Sorry for both lateness and post quality. I hate introductions...)


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    Post by Snitch Fri Nov 07, 2014 3:03 pm

    (( Skip me, please. :P ))
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    Post by Nightfall Sun Nov 16, 2014 4:22 am

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    New Fortree City/Midday
    (Shadow: 42| Seth: 46)

    “We’ve talked about this, Shadow," said the Governor, sitting down next to him and nudging him playfully on the shoulder. Shadow barely responded, staring at the floor as embarrassment swept through him. “I’m not a slave-driver. I don’t want to work you to death. I was hoping you might strike up some friendships to distract you from all this…”

    Shadow bit his lip and looked away. While Blake had meant no harm with his comment, it still stung. Did he think that he simply hadn't even bothered? All Shadow wanted to do was to actually fit in somewhere for once in his life, and making friends was a fundamental part of that. He had really tried, but his irritably, defensiveness and short temper was making it notoriously hard. As far as he was concerned, he needed a personality transplant before he was going to make any real progress.

    “But,” the Houndoom suddenly announced, clearly noticing Shadow's reaction, “if you want to keep yourself busy, you could always give Nokes a hand? If memory serves, he’s putting together tonight’s entertainment – one of those little fighting spectacles the town seems to enjoy. A little gory for my liking, but they’ve proven popular and who am I to deny the town some fun?”

    Nokes. Out of all the Pokemon in town, why did it have to be him? Shadow flicked his tail unhappily, still not looking at the Governor so he wouldn't see the scowl that he just couldn't conceal. What a bastard. More than once, Shadow had wanted to follow that little shit to a secluded area and give him a broken limb or two, just to teach him a lesson.

    But he couldn't refuse, not after he had gone so far as to search out Blake and ask him. He found himself nodding before he could stop himself.

    "Sure, I can do that," he said, hoping that his grimace was only internal. But clearly he'd been thinking about it for too long since the Governor had turned his attention back to the old Blaziken and they were already deep in conversation.

    "So er ... see you later then." Shadow nodded to them both, stood up and took off towards the border.




    "Hm? Oh! Goodbye Shadow!" Seth paused to offer the Mightyena a wave as he bounded away, then turned his attention back to the Governor.

    "What were we saying? Oh, yes! You are more than welcome to come along, Governor. My classes are not restricted to students only." He pressed his hand up to his forehead and squinted up at the sun. "I think I'll start getting everyone together in an hour or so. If you can come along then I'd be glad to have you."
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    Post by Abysswalker Mon Nov 17, 2014 2:49 pm

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    New Fortree City | Afternoon
    (2)

    "Pfft, you know we aren't picky."
    "Balthazar!"

    Balthazar watched both Gwen's stumbling and Hreint's immediate reaction-good thing he was there, someone who could actually support the Radeon's thin frame. I'd probably end up breaking her on accident. Her fragile health seemed to have no effect on Gwen, though, judging by her smile.

    "How have things been with you? It's so rare the three of us are together."
    "Yeah, how are the kids?"

    "Probably because Hrient here never takes a break," Balthazar replied to GW, and though she knew there was no visible indication of her jab, the mental smirk was there. Hrient was one of the few Pokemon that didn't take offense at everything she said, and Balthazar took full advantage of that. "Surprised you don't have to drag him away from the walls, Gwen." She shook her fur out a bit, then turned her attention to Hrient. "As for the kids...they're rowdy as ever. There's not one second that passes that doesn't involve them running around and jabbering." Balthazar sighed. "Honestly, I don't see how Iris handles it." She remembered something Monica had said years ago, about wanting to strangle somebody who wouldn't stop talking. It'd been meant as a joke, but Balthazar got the sentiment. Sometimes she really did want to strangle her nieces and nephew despite a clear lack of hands.


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    Post by Silverishness Thu Nov 27, 2014 2:28 pm

    Post 4 [both]

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    New Fortree City| Midday


    Bored, bored, bored.

    Bored, boredbored, bored bored.

    Board? Bored.

    Well, Jacobi was just no where in sight. Little umbreon had just disappeared, it seemed, which left the adolescent sylveon in unimaginable pain. Groaning a little to herself in horrible mental agony, her eyes scanned the crowd for a possible playmate or target or just something to occupy her time. As her eyes darted about in desperation, they soon settled upon a group of three; the mightyena from daycare and the leafeon and poison eevee couple. Perking her ears, she began trotting toward them, completely forgetting that the mightyena female had been informed that Ellie had been grounded earlier.

    "Hello!" she chirped happily. "Have any of y'all seen Jacobi around? We were supposed to hang out since I can't go anywhere else 'cuz of... uhm...." Quickly remembering herself, she stared wide-eyed at Balthazar. "....Hi, Miss B...." she said sheepishly, her biggest and brightest please-don't-get-me-in-trouble grin firmly in place. "...Nice day, huh?"


    ----------------------


    Every moment was a flash of something different. An armored arm. The sky. The ground. Blood. Trees. Sky again. Water. His weary, battle worn comrades. An armored leg. Teeth. Claws. Sky again. Every second, something different. Some new hazard. Some new worry. Something else to dodge or destroy. It had been a mistake charging in against the giant undead rhydon-- he brought friends. Many more friends than Elai brought.

    Pumping his strained wings, he flew straight up, working to out-maneuver a pidgeot that had been on his tail since the beginning of the damned fight. He was bruised and exhausted, but knew that one slip-up would spell disaster for not only himself, but everyone else that was relying on him to pull them through this mess. There was no way he could allow himself to fail here. To fail them. Banking hard, nearly pulling a muscle doing so, he flung himself in a different direction, almost straight backward at the pidgeot. Powering up one of his last few precious steel wings, his aim proved true as his hardened feathers split the bastard in two. Finally, he could rest a moment in the air as he assessed the situation.

    Well, it was bad. Really bad. The rhydon had been leading an entire swarm of undead, all either middle or final evolutions. They were pushing his own exhausted forces back and back, back toward the town. There wasn't a way to win this. Not today. They had to do something though... An idea quickly popped into his head; it was reckless and dangerous, but it was the best he had. Diving down to the others, he barked out their orders as quickly as possible, landing for a moment to grant himself a Roost.

    "We can't stop this horde. All we can do right now is buy us some time to get reinforcements. Marron, I need you here. The rest of you, get back to the city as quick as you can-- kill anything that follows you." They nodded, the newbies very enthusiastic for the idea of retreat, and wasted no time in running. The marowak knew her part, backing away a bit to provide Elai some room. They'd performed this trick before, and both parties hoped it worked as well as it did last time.

    The idea was to obliterate the land around them, using Steel Wing to cut gashes into the earth, and then Earthquake to create giant trenches and traps. The waterfall would prove its worth, sweeping away any undead what tried to climb the walls back down toward Mauville. It was a decent enough plan to give them some time to ready the town. Using the remaining three Steel Wings at his disposal, he cut the dotted gashes into the terrain, to which Marron swiftly smashed open with a powerful Earthquake. With the lower tiers of the route in jeopardy, Elai picked her up and away from the precarious ledges, dropping her back near the town gates. Utterly exhausted, his team shambled to the gates, while Elai himself flew over the town, skimming for the Governor.

    It had been a fool's errand sending three fire-types (two of which fire/flying) against a damned rhydon-- one they'd only barely scouted out. Someone, especially one of the kids, could have died, and Elai knew that would have all been on him, even though he'd opposed the kids being there in the first place. His fatigued sight spotted the horned hound, along with his Blaziken buddy, Seth. Good. Now he could give that optimistic moron a decent dose of fucking reality. Flaring his wings and nearly dropping out of the sky and onto the ground next to the beloved Houndoom, Elai took a moment to catch his breath before beginning his angry tirade.

    "I..." Holy shit, he was tired. "We... didn't... the..." Why was it so hard to talk now? He could curse the guy out just fine in his head. His breathing wouldn't slow, his throat was suddenly so damned dry... Wow, he was really tired. "The... Rhydon..."

    ((I was thinking the Gov could cut him off and put him somewhere to rest before Elai could get any real news out, lol, if that's ok with you, Snitchers, Nighty :3 PM me if I need to edit))


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    (ELITE) The FORTREE Team Empty Re: (ELITE) The FORTREE Team

    Post by Nightfall Sun Nov 30, 2014 4:08 pm

    ((Skip for now. I'll await a reply from Snitch and have Shadow meet up with Nokes next round.))
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    (ELITE) The FORTREE Team Empty Re: (ELITE) The FORTREE Team

    Post by Abysswalker Mon Dec 08, 2014 3:12 pm

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    New Fortree City | Afternoon
    (3)

    Balthazar wasn't offended by any of the responses she received; hell, Hrient's jab was good, and brought a ghost of a smile to her face. She was steadfast in her belief that neither of the Eeveelutions viewed her and Iris as being free-loaders. If it were anyone else...well, things might have been different.

    "You almost act like you're surprised," Gwen Wyndra said to her, and Balthazar simply shrugged. She was far from shocked that her nieces and nephew were too energetic, and it wasn't exactly uncommon knowledge that Iris had nearly godlike patience.
    "Iris is a big girl. But I know she appreciates the help," Gwen said, smiling.
    "I'm sure she does," Balthazar replied, about to speak again when she was interrupted by a cheery voice.

    "Hello!" Balthazar could somewhat recognize the Slyveon that had come up to them from her short time covering for Iris at the daycare. How long ago was that anyways? Can't have been more than a day or two.
    "Have any of y'all seen Jacobi around? We were supposed to hang out since I can't go anywhere else 'cuz of... uhm...." Balthazar had to force herself not to roll her eyes as the young Eeveelution finally came to her senses. Walking up to them like that hadn't been smart, even if Balthazar had only been a daycare worker for a short time. She wasn't going to let the kid just run around at her own leisure; Ellie may have been merely an adolescent, but even teenagers needed to learn responsibility.

    "....Hi, Miss B...." the Slyveon was grinning, but Balthazar didn't change her own expression to match. She wasn't going to yell at the girl; a slight irritation was warranted, but the situation wasn't worth anger.  "...Nice day, huh?"

    "Aren't you grounded?" Balthazar said back immediately, frowning.


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    (ELITE) The FORTREE Team Empty Re: (ELITE) The FORTREE Team

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