This world is inhabited by creatures that we call pokemon. People and pokemon live together by supporting each other, but now the scourge threatens the safety of the entire region. Kohaku has become a dangerous place, where children stay at home and only brave souls go adventuring.
Welcome to KOHAKU. Come for the nightmares. Stay for the tea and crumpets.
The season is SUMMER. It is easy for survivors to forage for food from the land, as there are entire abandoned farms ready for harvest. On the downside, you can smell the corpses.
swarms
GRAND OPENING !
Welcome to KOHAKU REGION's grand opening! If you're interested in joining, come check out our grand opening giveaway!
White sneakers dropped rhythmically on the paved street, making a quiet tapping noise with each step. The teenager making these muffled sounds didn't mind; it interrupted the endless silence that marked the night city. Most were at home, asleep probably, and the rest...were mucking around in the dirty slums of the city. In fact, if he stopped and listened, he could probably hear it in the distance. The annoyingly loud music cranked up to the highest it could go. The men yelling their heads off as the women got in provocative poses and stole their money. Perhaps even the screeching sound of a car driven by someone far beyond the legal drinking limit. And all were sounds of a relatively good time. He was having none of it, preferring the clean, quiet, and darker streets of Proserpina. All those lights, sounds made him think too much about his hometown. And, as one road led to another, he thought of those streets.
The endless miles and roads and filth. The endless blankness that coated his dreams in darkness, transforming them into the bleakest of nightmares. Ones where walls trapped him and crushed him. Ones with paved grey streets that never ended no matter how far he walked. And, perhaps the most recent, ones with thieves. Crooks who gave him so many punches to the face; kicks to the shins. And all he could do was stand there and take it as they physically abused him and verbally taunted him. He shook off these thoughts and glanced at Kiiren, who looked straight ahead as if there was a journey millions of miles long ahead. But, at least that journey would eventually end. The one of his nightmares went on and on...and on...and on...
His pack stirred, and he almost wondered what it was, forgetting the Treecko that lay inside. He checked the air hole, made sure it was big enough for the green reptilian Pokemon to breathe properly. The Treecko, whom he had dubbed Tsukya, was so flighty, but he knew that she held intelligence within her. So mistrusting, even to her owner. Well, she hadn't known him long. He would make sure that she would be okay. Perhaps she was this way because, as it turned out, female Treeckos tended to be very rare? Perhaps she hadn't grown up right? Well, all that aside, Tsukya was still his, and with this fact, she'd grow into a fine Grovyle, and even a Sceptile beyond that. But he couldn't do that without training her, and she was just so shy...
But he hadn't come out into the night for no reason. He came to find a Pokemon, and he hoped that the quiet night and darkness would lead at least some of them out into the open. Where he, Kiiren, and perhaps even little Tsukya would be waiting.
A small shape rustled in the bushes. Sentret paused to look over its handiwork - all the berries he collected were set in a nice pile, perfectly shaped and ready for consumption. And boy was he hungry, he could eat a Wailmer! Purring lightly at his own brand of humor, the slightly overweight Sentret hurried forward, nibbling on a purplish, plum colored berry, grinning with his cheeks filled with the pulp. Some of the juice trickled out and down his chin, and another content purr filled the air.
Although his ears were lax, they were keen to perk at the first sign of intrusion. At the sound of approaching footsteps in the nightly hours, Setret paused, frozen midway into taking another bite. He blinked before rushing to his feet. It could be anything, a Houndour even! He shivered, noting those pointy teeth and that eerie howl that sent the scout pokemon trembling in his fur. Tail puffed out in a slightly frightened manner, he poked his head out of the bushes, pushing his nostrils out of the leaves to take a sniff at who was coming closer.
It was a human! And...a Electrike? His head withdrew once more inside his protective bush home, his tail instinctively wrapping around his berry hoard as he peeked out once more, this time, with a little more curiosity. Would the other pokemon be a threat to himself or his stash of carefully collected berries? Cautiously, and with just a bit of hesitance, the normal type pokemon padded out of his hiding place, eying the electric type and his trainer with a studious glare.
Sentret used Foresight Sentret Male Lv 4 Scratch | Foresight | Defense Curl
A tiny sound that appeared to be purposefully muffled footsteps suddenly was added to the rhythmic noise of his own steps, which stopped immediately at the sound. Who was there? Too muffled to be heavy human steps...so, could it be a Pokemon? A tiny smile appeared on Rai's face, which was unusual for him. But what did he care? It was night, and no one would see him. Yet another quick glance at his Kiiren (seriously, these were becoming a habit really fast) proved that he was smiling, but in a different way. More curious than his. Ah, well. Canid Pokemon tended to be more curious than their masters.
His white sneakers were suddenly whirling around in a one hundred eighty degree turn, and his dark blue eyes, which had become fairly used to the dark, peered over to see a Sentret. A fuzzy little guy who was clearly either terrified or trying to make itself look bigger. He guessed terrified, but who knew. By the look in its eye, it wasn't a scourge, which was definitely a good thing. At this era in his Pokemon Trainer life, he was a newbie, and a scourge would literally destroy him. And he wouldn't want to set his new friends in any danger.
But anyway. He stared at the Sentret as it used what looked like Foresight. It thinks that Kiiren is fast. He thought, erasing the thought of it thinking that his Electrike was a ghost-type. Good. He needs to be. Kiiren, with a gentle shoulder nudge, hopped off onto the street below, and faced the little Pokemon with what had to be the best damn poker face the blue-haired teenager had ever seen.
A low growl of what could have been either warning or excitement was emitted from Kiiren's maw. He was awaiting his orders! Realizing this, Rai got ready to speak. "Kiiren." He commanded, with a strong and steady voice. "Use Thunder Wave, then Tackle." His Pokemon seemed to be getting pumped for a second, and had to be brought back into the moment with a sharp "Go!" from Rai.
The battle had begun.
[/font][/color]
Kiiren used Thunder Wave and Tackle![/u] Level Five Tackle | Thunder Wave | Ice Fang[/center][/size]
Its ears fell back into a defensive posture as the Electrike launched itself from the boy's shoulder and readied itself on the ground, obviously awaiting its directions from its trainer. A hurr of uncertainty crossed his face, tiny eyes scrunched up to focus directly towards the electric type as it prepared its assault. What should he do? He had to protect his stock of berries, but at the same time, he didn't want to get hurt or be captured by this human and his canine companion!
His head was frozen in thought, silently debating with himself on what he should do. That was his first mistake. He missed out on prime opportunity to escape while he still had the chance, and now, the Electrike was attacking. a jolt of electricity traveled up his spine rendering his hackles and tail to spike into needles, fear and desperation clouding his judgement. He tried to move his feet, but just breathing came at a difficult price.
All he could see was the canine charge for him, and poor Sentret couldn't move out of the way, so he braced himself for the blow. His torso leaned forward, tucking underneath his tail as he pulled through the continuing current around his body.
Sentret is paralyzed and used Defense Curl Sentret Male Lv 4 Scratch | Foresight | Defense Curl
A quick nod of his head towards his Pokemon told him that he was pleased at both attacks landing. The Sentret was paralyzed now, and attacking would be difficult for it. He almost cheered for his victory when he saw it curl up into a Defense Curl. His almost smile turned into a steady grimace as he pondered what to use. Something more powerful would have to do, but what? He, for some reason, didn't want to risk using an Ice Fang, for it would put his Pokemon in close contact with the other, and could easily be knocked off...but it was paralyzed...
And a simple Tackle would do far less now. So, reluctantly, Rai looked towards his Kiiren. "Kiiren, hit it with an Ice Fang!" When his Pokemon looked at him as if expecting more, he replied to him. "Then, don't attack, but be ready, just in case. Go!" With the second sharp 'go!' of this battle, Kiiren ran for the Sentret. Hopefully, his luck would continue and it would hit. In fact, he highly doubted a dodge. But, he could miss. He could miss. And then, he'd just have to keep trying. It seemed like he was always trying.
ooc: It's a sucky post, but I can't think of anything else to say. DX
[/color][/size]
Kiiren used Ice Fang and did not attack![/u] Level Five Tackle | Thunder Wave | Ice Fang[/center][/size]
Sentret continued to hold its ground, its body so wound tight that he could feel his little heart beating to the sound of the electrike's paw steps. Even its ears were curled around its brow and tail, and good thing too. The first thing he could feel was how cold the electrike's bite was, absolutely worse than his bite, one should add! The creature froze, shivering as it squeaked in pain. The curl still held, and tucked himself up once more, further increasing its defense.
The electric current still laced its way into his muscles, but now he had a purpose for fighting - now this was personal. It furrowed its brows and awaited the blow, cold and shivering he was, he could still pull through if he forced his body to cooperate. The Sentret reached out, springing forward with as much speed he could muster despite his injuries and lashed out at the electrike, claws aimed to rake down its passing body.
Sentret used Defense Curl and Scratch Sentret Male Lv 4 Scratch | Foresight | Defense Curl
An expression that seemed to ooze rage managed to break through his stony mask for a second. His Electrike's Ice Fang had done nothing to this furry little creature's spirit, though it must have freeze-burned like hell. He wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that. His sapphire blue eyes were still focused on the Sentret, who still looked paralyzed, but managed to use another Defense Curl. Great... He thought, pessimism creeping in. Now it'll only take longer. But, as soon as he had allowed these thoughts to enter his mind, the little thing managed to unfurl itself from the protective ball it had curled into, and raised its puny claws in a Scratch attack.
First thing that he did was panic. The Sentret had not attacked yet, and for a moment, he didn't know what to do. Second thing he did was think it over and calm himself down. Third thing he did was yell. "Kiiren! Out of the way!" He commanded, in a very strong and forceful tone. Perhaps just the tone itself was enough, for his blue Electrike didn't hesitate to speed off in a hurried dodge that looked almost like a barrel roll. Or perhaps Rai didn't need the commanding 'now!' or 'go!' anymore, and his Pokemon was getting the hang of battling. He hoped for the latter, but it was likely the former.
"Follow it with another Ice Fang." His voice took on a new bout of what appeared to be calm. It was in fact his mind working overtime and being too exhausted to express intensity, but it looked like calm. Kiiren's fangs turned icy blue again and he turned on the little furball, doing so not because he was told, but because he thought that this was the right thing to do. The blue Electrike also was unaware that Rai had even said anything; he was just acting out of instinct. Both him and his Trainer were hoping for a hit, but more importantly, a win. And both, as if in sync, thought at that moment this:
Whoever said that winning isn't everything is full of bullshit.
[/font][/color]
Kiiren dodged and used Ice Fang! Level Five Tackle | Thunder Wave | Ice Fang[/center]
The electricity still coursed through the poor sentret's body, and while it didn't paralyze him anymore, it slowed him down enough that even though he saw the attack coming, he couldn't move away in time. The electrike's teeth sunk into Sentret's flesh, and Sentret couldn't help but cry out when the bite hit home.
Wrenching free, Sentret tumbled away, lithely regaining balance on his feet. The two bites it'd taken had hurt, and he wasn't as steady now when he moved. With a level gaze at the electrike, Sentret focused cleared his mind as best as he was able, trying to discern what the electrike would do next. Eyes set on the other pokemon, he had to make sure his next attack wouldn't miss.
Thinking of his berries, he rushed at the electrike as quickly as his chubby body could carry him. This didn't look like a battle he could win, but what was there left for him to do? A part of him wanted to turn tail and run, but with the electricity still making him sluggishly slow, he wouldn't get very far before the trainer and his pokemon caught up to him again. With a heavy paw, Sentret aimed an amateurish if enthusiastic scratch at the electrike.
Sentret used Foresight and Scratch Sentret Male Lv 4 Scratch | Foresight | Defense Curl
Blue eyes narrowed at the brown furball in front of him. It was still paralyzed, right? He could still see the bright yellow bolts of electricity coursing through the little thing, and yet it still attacked. Maybe the electric attack had not been strong enough? It was still slowed down by a fair amount, that he could clearly see. The odds were not looking good for it. The Sentret looked intensely at Kiiren in what resembled a Foresight attack. So it is still trying...? He thought, a bit bemused. This bemusement turned to a usually shunned feeling; excitement to the point of slight insanity; as his next thought arose. Good. It'll make it even better when Kiiren kicks its furry little ass. A slightly smug grin made its way onto his face.
Very slowly, the brown Pokemon managed to get up. Kiiren was still very near it from the Ice Fang it had done earlier, and it was clearly going to use this to its advantage. Paw raised in a slightly feeble-looking Scratch attack, he knew that the blue Electrike would have no time in dodging. His Pokemon knew this as well, but saw the weakness in the attack. So, when Rai shouted "Hold your ground," he, for once, listened. He braced a bit for the impact of the wimpy attempt at a Scratch attack and gave an evil stink-eye as it sunk into his fur-covered flesh. It had hurt, sure, but he made no cries of pain as it ended.
Rai smiled at his Pokemon's strength. He was definitely going to be great if he kept this up. "Kiiren, use another Thunder Wave for good measure," He commanded, with a cool and calm tone. Kiiren stared ahead at the weakening Sentret as his pelt bristled with electricity, and he let out a yellow pulse of electric energy at the small thing, finally getting the hang of obeying his Trainer. "Then follow it with the strongest Tackle you can possibly use!" A bit more triumph crept into his voice this time, and his Kiiren happily (or actually, stonily) followed orders, attempting to smash into the Sentret while it was so close.
But, if there was one thing he knew, it was that the battle wasn't over yet.
[/color][/font]
Kiiren used Thunder Wave and Tackle! Level Five Tackle | Thunder Wave | Ice Fang[/center]
This time, Sentret moved fast enough. The trainer's command let him know the thunderwave as coming, and he darted out of the way, already far off to the side when the electrike unleashed the paralyzing attack. He wasn't so fast as to avoid the oncoming tackle, which sent Sentret flying back. Landing in a pile, he rolled on the ground to regain his footing, afraid that staying still would only make him a sitting duck.
He wasn't a well trained pokemon. He'd spent his whole life gathering berries, eating them, and trying to stay out of trouble's way, so he didn't have many attacks in his arsenal. Sentret ran in for another heavy scratch, which was the full extent of his battling capabilities.
A part of him knew that another solid attack would take him down, so this time, Sentret prepared to run out of the way if he saw another ice fang coming his way. Hackles raised and tail poised to leap away, Sentret waited for the electrike's next move.
Sentret dodged and used Scratch Sentret Male Lv 4 Scratch | Foresight | Defense Curl
This time, a sound escaped Rai that sounded more like a growl than anything else. This little bastard just wouldn't give up, that was clear. But he knew that Kiiren was ready to repeat himself before he would lose, as this was the nature of his Trainer, and the two tended to be exactly alike. As the little fuzzball rolled onto its tiny brown paws, he knew what he was going to do.
Kiiren did, too. The shining Electrike knew that this stupid Sentret was going to pay for that Scratch attack, and when he saw another one coming his way, he waited for orders that didn't come, and braced again for impact. After receiving the first one, he had been hurt, and scarlet blood dripped onto the street at the second one. A low growl escaped his throat, not unlike the one his Trainer had used before, and he really, really wanted to rip its head off. Another command from his Trainer (which sounded quite a bit like "Blah blah blah Thunder Wave blah blah blah Ice Fang" to the canine) sent another crackling pulse of bright electricity shooting towards the Sentret. He then found himself charging towards the small thing with eyes flaming and fangs freezing in another Ice Fang attack.
He, knowing his limits, knew that he wasn't as strong as he told himself that he was, and that his limited arena of attacks had been completely revealed to the Sentret. But it didn't really matter. It'd be down and out before it could say a single syllable from its name. He distinctly heard his Trainer snicker, and the blue canine Pokemon wondered if even their thoughts were completely in sync.
Which, of course, they probably were.
[/color][/font]
Kiiren used Thunder Wave and Ice Fang! Level Five Tackle | Thunder Wave | Ice Fang[/center]
Sentret didn't react fast enough. He did see the thunderwave coming, but as worn down as he was, the electricity struck home and paralyzed him in place, forcing him to watch in frozen dread as the electrike bore down on him. With the paralysis, he couldn't move to avoid the ice fang. He wanted to, and he tried, straining his little body to budge, but nothing worked. Willpower alone just wasn't enough to overcome the paralysis, and at this point, willpower alone probably wasn't enough to overcome his tiredness either.
He felt cold, the ice fang striking true and making his veins numb from the chill. On the upside, he didn't feel anything. Sentret had been told about pokemon freezing to death in the coldest days of winter. Maybe this is what that felt like. It was almost peaceful--like drifting off into a quiet sleep...
Sentret fainted without much fanfare, collapsing into the grass with a weary thump and nothing more.
A sigh; a simple puff of warm air that resulted as looking like a patch of smoke in the cold surroundings; materialized in the dark night. The owner of this sigh was doing so because he was tired, as he himself had gotten far too engaged in the battle for his own good. His opponent was down and out, totaled by the combination of a Thunder Wave, which trapped it in place, and an Ice Fang, which brought it down. It looked rather peaceful lying there, fainted. Minus the freezing bite marks on the thing and the yellow electricity still flowing through it a bit. And the bruises from that one Tackle. He felt quite bad for hurting the little thing, but it was all in the name of helping Kiiren, right?
No, that was selfish. Because of his usual need to be selfless, he turned to his blue-furred companion. "C'mon, Kiiren." Came his strong, yet peaceful voice. "Let's put this Sentret back where we found it." He gently picked up the brown furball, discharging the electricity with his touch. He walked over to the area where the little round Pokemon had scuttled out. Peeking through, he saw a stash of all kinds of plump berries. That must have been why it was so agressive... He confirmed mentally. Just protecting its food...
Kiiren, also feeling the strain of the end of a battle, could now easily feel those Scratch attacks on his flesh, and resisted the urge (quite easily, I might add) to whimper as he licked them clean, feeling a bit of resentment towards the Sentret. His blue head had turned up to his master when he heard his name, and he slowly, so as not to upset his wounds, walked beside him. Seeing the berries made his relatively small mind understand this one thing, and he cleared a space in the berries with his paw so that the little Pokemon could rest there. His Trainer's gentle grip slowly and precisely placed the fuzzball down. His Trainer then turned, allowing the Lightning Pokemon to be a bit curious and turn his head back to him. When he shifted his blue, electric-charged head back to the Sentret, there was a small blanket over it, and Rai was walking away.
With a smile at his Trainer's kind attitude, he happily let out a friendly "Electrike! Trike! {Wait for me!}" as he struggled to catch up with the fairly tall boy's big steps. Perhaps noticing his plight, those gentle arms were around him, and he was neatly in Rai's grasp. With a sigh of exhaustion from Kiiren, he fell asleep.
Rai got a funny little grin on his face, but other than that, he was just gonna walk away again, assured that he had done what was right.
