Be Free, Houndoom

[.:Inu:.]

The fourteen year-old girl slowed to a stop after only a few steps. The Pokemon was slowly fading away, but she could see him clearly. She felt like her legs were lead, not letting her move even an inch. Her voice sounded without her command, "Houndoom..." The dog-like Pokemon was also slowing to a stop. The black-furred head turned around, threatening to hold the girl there for eternity. He gave a small whimper, his devil-like tail bent between his legs. The Pokemon took a step forward, affection and sadness battling in his eyes. The girl had to blink to hold back her tears, whispering ever so slightly, "Go on. You must. Be free, Houndoom." With a last whimper, the Pokemon turned around and raced away until he faded into nothingness. Something seemed to be choking her. She closed her eyes, then turned around as the paralysis released her.

Kamari walked toward Pine Labs, her gaze set on the ground. A small Electrike padded up behind her. ~He's gone. I'm gonna miss the fella'. But today's the day you start your journey! I'm sure he wouldn't want you to let your spirits down on a special day like this! Come on, don't worry, be happy!~

The soon to be trainer looked up, fierce determination in her eyes. "You're right, Reiki! I was going to get a Houndour before I met him, but I'm not going to replace him like that. I'll just have to think about something. When I finish my journey, I will go looking for him, when I can care for him properly and not drag him from place to place. He needs to find his own home, and if destiny is in favor of us, we will meet again. Now let's go!"

Kamari ran forward, excitement sending her racing. Reiki was keeping up, happy that she was back to normal. Her daemon only had to cheer her up a couple of times, usually it was the other way around. With a small gasp, the Electrike whispered, ~Oh, wow! Look at it Kamari!~

She skidded to a stop, her jaws open in awe. This was the big moment. Kamari walked up and knocked quietly. She whispered to her daemon, "Reiki, now our journey begins."

[Birdybot]

Professor Pine had his face pressed to the window, watching a Houndoom run off into the distance. Interesting. They weren't usually found in this part, and it had that look about it that it didn't belong to anyone. He hoped it would find a home where it felt comfortable. But he couldn't watch any longer; the door had been knocked he left the window, walking to the door. He swung it open, and saw Kamari. Oh good, a new trainer. "Hello, there. I'm Professor Pine. Do come in." he grinned, signiture smile on his face while his Noctowl daemon, Telepa, was looking famously bored.

Inside, it seemed as though Pine had tried to clear up an experiment in a hurry, which he probably had. As much as Telepa was known for being neat, he was known for being untidy. The daemon, true to this, cooed in discomfort and started arranging a few test tubes. Pine watched her for a little bit, then turned to the rookie. "Right, do you have any idea as to what Pokémon you'd like as your starter?" he asked her.

[.:Inu:.]

Kamari couldn't suppress a grin as the door opened after what seemed like ages. After Professor Pine introduced himself, she responded eagerly, "Nice to meet you! I'm Kamari, and my daemon here is Reiki." As if on command, the Electrike looked up at the professor.

Reiki walked forward slowly, stopping after a few steps. All of this felt so strange to him. He was glancing at the floor until Kamari had addressed him. He muttered unenthusiastically, ~'Ello, there.~ His eyes wandered around the room, finally setting on the Noctowl daemon. Reiki bent down in a bowing position, sending sparks out playfully that reached no more than a centimeter away.

The girl sighed and said, "Let's have none of that, Reiki. We don't want to cause any trouble. And, uh, starter choices? I haven't really thought of any quite yet..." After hesitating a few moments, she finally asked, "Um, how about Cubone? Or perhaps a Seel? That would be great!"

[Birdybot]

Professor Pine inclined his to the Electrike daemon in response to his bow. Telepa hooted in alarm at the sparks, spreading out her wings in case she needed to get away quickly. Pine chuckled, stroking her head. "Don't worry, Telepa. It's just a playful gesture." he reassured her. The owl cooed in response, but her eyes were still narrowed and fixed on Reiki. Pine gave up, listening to the trainer's request. Cubone or Seel, huh? Interesting. He moved swiftly over to the famed filing cabinet, pulling out drawer 'C' and drawer 'S'. He only had to look inside each drawer to be able to pick out the correct Pokéball. He shut them, turning back to Kamari. He released the Pokéballs, the shining red light from them forming two shapes.

The first Pokémon was, indeed, a Cubone. The Ground type waggled his bone, looking at Kamari from his mother's skull. He blinked, then lowered his head, lost in his thoughts. He gave a large, sad sigh, looking up again and walking a little towards Kamari, calling to her as if pining a warm hug from the mother he'd lost. His arms reached up to her. Pine felt like explaining. "As you know, all Cubone's miss their dead mothers. This one, rather than crying non-stop, has taken to being over-friendly. He likes to be babied a little, and is quiet. However, when he evolves, I imagine this will turn to extreme loyalty." the Professor smiled as he watched the Pokémon.

The second Pokémon was the Seel. The seal Pokémon banged it's tail against the floor, bellowing it's name. It grinned at Kamari mischeveasly, rolling onto it's back. It seemed like a joker, and a playful, energetic Pokémon.

[.:Inu:.]

Reiki backed up, lowering his head. He mumbled so quietly, it was near impossible to hear him. ~Sorry...~ He cocked his head as the Cubone was released, walking up once again. The Electrike circled the ground-type, picking up a front leg in greeting. ~Hello, there! I'm Reiki.~ His tail was wagging slightly with excitement after meeting new Pokemon.

Kamari knelt down onto one knee. Her heart instantly cried out for the poor Cubone. She couldn't imagine ever living without her mother. Her arms met those of the Cubone as she whispered, "Do oyou want to get picked up, little guy?" She picked up the Pokemon slowly and carefully, still unsure if he even wanted to be lifted. Kamari gave a little smile, her gaze flickering to the Seel for an instant.

The seal Pokemon looked like it might be a good battler, but her heart stayed with the Cubone. Listening to the Professor, she silently agreed. This friendly little ground type would be an excellent team member, and seemed loyal.

[Birdybot]

Seel watched the Cubone too, knowing it was getting nowhere with getting Kamari's attention. The Pokémon sighed loudly. Yep, this girl looked like she had her mind made up to him. Oh, well. Guess Seel would spend more time with his friends and admirers. Good. The Pokémon smiled to himself.

Cubone felt himself be lifted. He missed his mother so much. He felt so alone, so scared, as though there was nothing left for him. But... this girl. She cared. She cared about him. He felt the warm embrace like the whole in his heart (metaphorically) was slowly healing at the edges at last. His arms returned Kamari's embrace, and he licked her hand effectionately, before looking into her eyes with his sorrowful ones. He had a smile on his face for the first time in Arceus knows how long. Pine smiled. "Are you going to take Cubone, by any chance?" he said.

[.:Inu:.]

Kamari sent one last glance at the Seel. She was only able to pick one, and decisions like these are the ones that cause her to hesitate for the longest of times. Her attention returned to the Cubone when he embraced her. The trainer's eyes widened when she felt him lick her hand. She smiled back, feeling light as a feather. This was one moment she would never forget. In years to come, she would always remember the moment her journey started. Now. A journey doesn't start with the first step you take. Not for her nor for Reiki. The moment you make that first bond, the moment you know you aren't alone. That's when her journey started.

Kamari nodded, whispering, "Cubone... Kuno?" She thought of the first name that popped in her head. She continued, "Are you ready? I'm going on a journey with my daemon here, Reiki. I won't lie to you, it will probably be difficult. There will be many bumps in the road, and many challenging battles. But we will befriend other Pokemon, and we will become inseperable. Would you like to come? I believe you should, but it is your choice in the end."

Reiki nodded, looking up in curiosity. The Cubone was awfully friendly, perhaps they would make good companions. He brushed up against Kamari's leg, gazing at the Cubone while waiting for his answer. ~I give my word that you will never be left behind if you come with us. We'll help each other.~

[Birdybot]

Kuno breathed slowly, thinking long and hard about this. Should he go with them... well, what could he say? On one hand, he had this lovely trainer who'd just named him and made him feel whole, offering him countless adventures far away which would help him get tougher. On the other hand, he hand the friends he had here, and warmth, comfort, safety, food. But... the other hand was just so inviting. He needed this trainer! He nodded firmly, then looked at the Professor.

Pine chuckled, nodding. "Oh, it's just great when a trainer and their Pokémon get along so well at this stage." he said, smiling. "I'd be happy to give you Cubo- I mean, Kuno." he winked, returning the Seel to it's Pokéball. Shame you couldn't take both. Well, you'll find another Seel again some time, no? Pine handed over a drawstring back containing Kamari's starter's items, and then a Pokéball. Kuno's Pokéball. "Well, I think that's all you need. Good luck, then!" he said, waving Kamari off. He hoped she would go far with that Cubone.


Name: Kuno
Species: Cubone
Gender: Male
Level: 5
Ability: Rock Head
Attacks: Growl, Tail Whip, Egg Move of choice
Personality:

[img]http://pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa104.png[/img]
[b]Name:[/b] Kuno
[b]Species:[/b] Cubone
[b]Gender:[/b] Male
[b]Level:[/b] 5
[b]Ability:[/b] Rock Head
[b]Attacks:[/b] Growl, Tail Whip, Egg Move of choice
[b]Personality:[/b]


Pokeball x 10


Potion x 6


Antidote x 4


Burn Heal x 4


Ice Heal x 4


Awakening x 4


Paralyze Heal x 4

[img]http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/rsitem004.png[/img]
[b]Pokeball[/b] [i]x 10[/i]

[img]http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/rsitem013.png[/img]
[b]Potion[/b] [i]x 6[/i]

[img]http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/rsitem014.png[/img]
[b]Antidote[/b] [i]x 4[/i]

[img]http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/rsitem015.png[/img]
[b]Burn Heal[/b] [i]x 4[/i]

[img]http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/rsitem016.png[/img]
[b]Ice Heal[/b] [i]x 4[/i]

[img]http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/rsitem017.png[/img]
[b]Awakening[/b] [i]x 4[/i]

[img]http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/rsitem018.png[/img]
[b]Paralyze Heal[/b] [i]x 4[/i]

[.:Inu:.]

The girl's smile must have been from ear to ear as she saw Kuno nod. She didn't dare put any thought to that slight hesitation. Kamari knew that if she was in that position, deciding whether to go on an amazing, but unpredictable journey, or stay at a safe and warm home, she'd have a tough time deciding also. She took the Pokeball and items, saying to the Professor, "Thank you, Professor. I promise I'll take good care of him. I hope we can meet again, even if it's years and years from now."

When Kuno nodded, Reiki walked up to the Cubone with an expression of happiness on his face. ~Welcome to the team, Kuno!~ Before he knew it, Kamari was ready to leave. He walked side by side with Kuno, looking over his shoulder to give what sounded like a bark to the Professor and his daemon. Perhaps that was his version of a good-bye. The trainer and Pokemon exited the door, Kamari waving, and soon they were gone.