The Good Stuff~

[ito]

[[ A K A || Let's Try This Again... ]]

Ito's spirits were high and his outlook was pretty darn cheerful! He'd finally found a good addition to his team, a Mareep whom he met at Level 9! She was a rather Shy and Timid pokemon, and didn't seem to know her own power, shocking Ito with her coat while nuzzling him, but she was just so darn cute he couldn't stay mad at her for long! Torchic was feeling kinda down after realizing it scared the Mareep with its Ember. Not to mention it was a little jealous now that Ito's time was spent divided among both itself and Mareep instead of it just being the two of them like it had been for the past several days. It was in shock after Ito said he wanted to get more friends. He was paying more attention to Mareep than himself now, what if Ito replaced it with these new pokemon he was catching?

"Tor-Tor!" Torchic cheeped angerly, shooting flames at Ito's heels, causing him to jump.

"Torchic! What was that for?" Ito asked, thoroughly annoyed with the pokemon. All of a sudden it had just become super hostile for apparently no reason. He'd just been talking to Mareep and suddenly it started crying and whining. Things were getting too involved and Ito was at the center of everything trying to balance it all. "Either calm down or you're getting yourself a time out." Ito warned the hot-head. Torchic didn't really like the threat, but it got quiet. "Now... what're you so mad about?" He asked. The Torchic looked over at Mareep with a cold look. The Sheep Pokemon jumped a bit before cowaring, running to hide behind Ito with a "Mar-eep!"

This just made Torchic more angry. "Tor-CHIIIIIC~" It yelled jumping up and down, getting itself all worked up. Ito frowned, trying to decipher what the issue was. Closing his eyes with a sigh, he brought out the pokemon's ball and returned it.

"Sorry Mareep, I guess Torchic needs some time to cool his heels before seeing you again." Ito gave a sorry look. Mareep jumped and tried to hide its face and gave a small "Mar~" as if saying 'I-it's fine, no need to apologize'.

The going was much smoother as the pair kept an eye out for another pokemon they could catch. Mareep needed the fighting experience and Ito needed another pokemon he could use for the Gym battle that he could feel was looming closer and closer. It seemed with every step, they were getting closer and closer to their goal! And with every step, Ito's pokemon were learning what it really meant to be an individule.

[shorty]

A little ways off to the side of the trail that ran through the forest, there seemed to be a bit of a hullaballoo. There was a lot of cawing and screeching and various other angry-sounding noises. Whatever was going on over there, it wasn't a happy picnic in the woods.

Perched on a low branch was an unhappy-looking Natu. It was glaring upwards at a Taillow, who was circling it, occassionally diving down to peck at the Natu's head. The Taillow was calling out insults to the small green psychic bird, mostly teasing it about the fact that it couldn't fly.

Level 6/7
Male/Male

[ito]

Ito heard a racket coming from a little ways away. On a treebranch was a small pokemon he'd never seen before with a Taillow who was flying down to poke it in the head with a beak from time to time. He didn't know what was going on, but the green bird didn't look too happy. Mareep was just watching the specitacl of the two pokemon, almost hiding behind Ito's leg as he ttook out the pokedex and pointed it at each pokemon in turn.

"Natu, the Tiny Bird Pokemon. Natu has a highly developed jumping ability. The Pokémon flaps and leaps onto tree branches that are taller than grown-up people to pick at the tree's new shoots."

Ah... a Psychic Flying type? Though it was getting picked on, it had a few surprises in it. Able to jump that high..? It would definatly be a great addition to the team. And a Taillow..?

"Taillow, the Tiny Swallow Pokemon. Although it is small, it is very courageous. It will take on a larger Skarmory on an equal footing. However, its will weakens if it becomes hungry."

Ito's eyebrows rose. Take on Skarmory? That tiny thing? It was a bit unbelievable to say the least. Well, it had guts, he'd give it that. Perhaps it was its unpresidented courage that made it such a strong choice for a flying type. Ito smirked, making his choice. He'd have them both join his team!

"Hey, Mareep, you want to do some recruiting for me?" Ito asked. The sheep looked up at him, wondering what she could do to help. "I'll need you to take on that Taillow for me, help out the Natu." He nodded his head. Mareep nodded with a "Maree~" Before walking timidly toward the two birds.

"M-Maree? Mar... Mar-mareep mareee~"

<E-excuse me..? But... you wouldn't mind leaving that green bird alone..?> Mareep asked sheepishly, wondering if either of the pokemon would even pay attention to her. The sheep looked back at Ito as though already wishing she hadn't left the foot of her trainer.

* * * * * * * * * *

WC|| 360
EXP|| 360

[shorty]

The wild Taillow didn't notice the Mareep at first, even when it timidly spoke up towards him. However, after a moment or two, he did notice the Mareep looking at him. <What? What do you want?> He asked harshly with an angry glare. Obviously he didn't realize that he would be at a disadvantage against an electric type Pokemon like a Mareep, because he began using a Focus Energy attack, preparing for a battle.

The Natu, on the other hand, was fairly impressed. The strange fluffy Pokemon seemed very shy and scared, and yet she still tried to help him out. Perhaps the human that the Mareep kept glancing back at had something to do with it?

[ito]

Mareep was nearly shaking at the Taillow's anger, the pokemon preparing for an attack, glowing with energy as it looked at her with intimidating eyes. The pokemon had half the mind to run back to Ito to hide behind his leg and even turned to take a step toward him.

"Mareep, stand your ground! I know you can do this!" Ito cheered, a smirk on his face. "I believe in you!" He gave a thumbs up to the mareep who, for some odd unimaginable reason, thought he looked really cool right then! Her confidence bolstered by his, she turned around and looked determinedly at the Taillow.

"M-mareeeeep~"

<I-I said to stop picking on him!>

Mareep said louder, closing her eyes partially out of terror, partially because she wanted to look away, and partially because she knew Ito would be watching and she couldn't falter... not now. Opening her eyes again, she looked back at the Taillow who probably wouldn't be too happy with her ruining his fun. Gulping she looked back to Ito for praise, or support, or something that would keep her in place so she wouldn't feel quite so scared.

"You're doing well! Keep it up!" He encouraged, "Look back at the Taillow, don't worry about me!"

* * * * * * * * * *

WC|| 200
Exp|| 200 + 360 = 560

[shorty]

The Taillow smirked as the Mareep looked back at her trainer. What a weakling she was, he could take out this wimp in no time. He shot straight up into the air when the Mareep closed her eyes, so that he was nowhere to be found when she opened her eyes again. Then, he quickly dive-bombed her, aiming to land a painful Peck attack right in the middle of her face. He would make her regret butting in. Nobody told him what to do. Nobody.

[ito]

When Mareep turned back to where the Taillow had been, she didn't see anything.

"Mareep, charge electricity!" Ito commanded, she had no idea what he was talking about, but did so immediatly. Her Coat grew in size as she stored electricity in her fleece, thin strands of electricity shot from her body as her face was partially covered. It was only then she saw the Taillow incoming for an attack, instinctivly turning her body a bit, her fleece was in the Taillow's path as it would attempt to strike her face. The electricity would be released upon contact in a thundershock that would have a chance of paralyzing the haughty bird as well as take it out in a single shot. The strike she felt was partially absorbed by her soft fleece that had expanded in size. It had acted as a defensive and offensive measure at once.

Opening her eyes again after the hit from the Taillow, she would feel a dull throbbing, but nothing extremely painful. Had she... had she done it? It couldn't help but wonder if all battles were like this. Was she... really strong enough to protect Ito after all? She didn't know, but the question was planted in her mind. A question that could either strengthen her ten fold, or break her spirit.

"Way to go Mareep! You're doing great! Keep it up!" He cheered, letting his pokemon know she'd done good with her defensive maneuver.

* * * * * * * * * *

WC|| 240
EXP|| 240 + 560 = 800

[shorty]

Oh, ouch. That was definitely not what the Taillow had expected. Of course, this Taillow was so confident and cocky and whatnot that he had half-expected his attack to critical hit and knock the Mareep out immediately. Boy, was this ever a shock and a disappointment. The Taillow was quite thoroughly electrocuted. His whole body dazzled momentarily as electricity coursed through him. And it was a one-hit KO, which was quite understandable given the Mareep's big advantage against the Taillow.

The Natu raised his eyesbrows. That was most definitely impressive. It only took one hit, and the Mareep didn't even look damaged in the slightest bit. He jumped off of his branch and lnaded with a quiet thump on the grassy forest floor. He peered up at the Mareep and at her trainer curiously.

[ito]

Ito walked toward Mareep and the Natu. "Hey, you alright?" Ito asked the small bird, bending down. "Seemed like that Taillow was giving you a hard time about something, little guy." He smirked. Taking out a pokeball and expanding it in a hand with a press of its button. Turning his red-ish eyes to the feinted pokemon, he reached down and pressed the button to it. The ball opened in the trainer's hand and the bird's form disappeared in a flash of red light. "You fought well Taillow. Your fighting spirit and confidence will be a great addition to the team!" He said to the closed ball, allowing it to roll around in his hand. He wasn't going to stop it from escaping if it had the will and the energy, but he really did want it. Meanwhile, Mareep found its way back beside Ito's leg, burying her face in his theigh, peeking out at the Natu.

"Mar~?"

<A-are you ok..?> She asked, a little embarassed to have shown such an unlady-like side, still shaken and wanting praise from Ito. Though, her attention was less on Ito and more on the small bird who had been getting picked on.

"Mar-Mareep."

<I... I hope you weren't given too much trouble...>

* * * * * * * * * *

WC|| 220
EXP|| 220 + 800 = 1020

[shorty]

The Natu allowed a small grin to appear on his face. <Oh, he gives everyone a hard time.> He commented with a shrug of his small shoulders. Then he turned to face the Mareep, who had started talking to him. <Oh, I'm fine. A little bit scratched, but fine. You fought very well, by the way.> He said with an approving tone. <That Taillow needs a good smack every now and then to keep him in his place!> His grin got a bit bigger as he spoke.

(Sorry about the shortness...)

[ito]

The pokeball let out a satisfying beep as it came to a halt in Ito's outstretched hand. Another one added to the team! A flying type that would be brave enough to take on an opponent even when at a disadvantage. Quite the couragous bird, foolhardy and resilient. With time, he would become strong and calm. Pressing the button again, the pokeball shrank and he put it on his belt which now held three pokemon. Torchic, Mareep, and now Taillow.

"By the way, Natu, you wouldn't mind joining us, would you?" Ito asked. "I heard your pokedex entry and you seem like a calm and collected pokemon who doens't allow others get you riled up. You would also make a great addition to a team of hot-heads! Well, Mareep isn't really a hot-head, but she tends to be a little insecure of herself." He explained. The Mareep's face looked up at Ito in shock as she squeeled in embarassment and hid her face again as he talked about her. Ito let out a chuckle. "It's alright, no need to get so worked up about it!" He said soothingly. "You'll get more comfortable with time." He nodded. "Well... I can't really understand everything you say... but I think you'd enjoy it here! Not to mention your rival seems to have made a home here." He pointed out, thinking they had been rivals somehow in the forest, not really knowing he had done that to everyone.

"Mareep. Mar-maree, Mari-Mareep..."

<You say he needs to be smacked around. You could be the one to do it, I'm not that comfortable fighting...> Mareep admitted sheepishly from Ito's leg. Not that it really took a psychologist to figure that out.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

WC|| 320
EXP|| 320 + 1020 = 1340

[shorty]

Hmm. Go with them? The wild Natu wasn't really that eager to go anywhere with that annoying Taillow. Plus, would it really be that fun to be a trainer's Pokemon?<Well. I'd rather not be kept in a pokeball for all of my days...> He mumbled uncertainly. Sure, he was grateful for what Ito and the Mareep had done for him, but did he really need to give up his freedom to repay them? He wasn't sure what he should choose. Would the trainer even accept no for an answer? Not that he had refused, yet... He looked from Ito to the Mareep, wondering what they would say. He might still be able to be convinced...

[ito]

Ito watched as the pokemon looked doubtful. It was apparently having a hard time deciding. "I understand." Ito said. "It's hard to leave a lifestyle you've grown familiar with. And I'm not going to candy-coat anything. If you come with me, you'll be in for the ride of your life... and you're not going to enjoy every moment of it. But there's something you'll get by coming with me that you won't get staying here. Memories. Life experiences that you'll have missed out on by staying. Something big's happening out in the world around you, something that not I, you, or any other living thing can imagine, but we all play into it. You're delt a hand of cards from birth and you try to make the most of it through life. But really, trying to build a home out of them isn't going to last you very long." He pointed out. "Another trainer may come by and not be as willing to hear out your side of the deal. He'll fight you, perhaps you'll win, maybe the trainer. But if the trainer wins out, you won't be here anymore, and your life will have been stolen by another trainer you won't know anything about. At least with me, you have an idea of what you're getting into."

Mareep let out an agreeing "Mareep~"

Ito nodded and stood up, "But, in the end, it's your choice... and I'm not going to push the matter further than I have already. I'll be here for another minute or so, but then it's doubtful you'll see me again after if you choose to stay." He hoped the Natu would decide to come with them, being inspired by his words, but who could say? The pokemon had its own mind, its own dreams. If it wanted to take its chance at living a good life out in the wild where bad trainers might catch it, that was its own choice. He would have thought the forest would be like a cage to the bird, perhaps being too scared to find out what lay beyond the forest. "I'll tell you a secret though. When you choose a trainer, taking the first step outside your comfortzone becomes a lot easier because you have someone there who's got your back. After you take your first step, the next ones come much easier."

[shorty]

The wild Natu listened carefully to the trainer as he tried to convince him to join the trainer in his adventures- Like Ito, this wild Natu was more than willing to hear the other person's side of things. And, truth be told, a lot of things that the human was saying sounded appealing. While the Natu didn't agree with everything that the trainer said, the wild Pokemon decided that he would take a chance, and go with this trainer. After Ito finished his little speech, the Natu considered for just a moment longer, and then nodded slowly. <Alright, you have convinced me. I will come with you.> He stated, hopping forward.

[ito]

Mareep let out a cheer as she lost control of herself for a moment, jumping on the Natu out of delight, not realizing that she was bigger and her fleece would let out a small shock. Ito could understand her excitment, but this was just like when he had caught her. A smile stretched his face as he took out two pokeballs.

"Alright, Mareep, time to come back before Natu changes his mind!" He laughed, the Sheep still not realizing the tiny bird was getting shocked through contact with her fleece. Touching the pokeball to Natu, ito shook his head. "Sorry, I said Mareep was one of those who didn't lose her head and was insecure. It's true for the most part, but she's also prone to fits of happiness where she loses her head!" He chuckled, clarifying that last little bit. Not that it would have made or broken the Natu's choice. Well, aside from the fact he was the only one of them who didn't lose his head at anything, he'd fit in well in a group of misfits!

"Welcome to the team!"

* * * * * * * * * *

WC|| 200
EXP|| 200

Ito Caught a Taillow!
Ito Caught a Natu!