Koragg & Shenandoah [possible M]
 

Mature Rating if only for Shen's incessant potty mouth. Language will definitely wind up being an issue.

Private RP between Koragg and Shenandoah. You may read along, but please do not post.


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((Note: Click 'Quote' Button to get text within spoil tags))

((I thought we could RP the other person's Pokemon so it's more random.))

NAME: Alessandra Shore
NICKNAME: Sandy
AGE: 18
GENDER: Female
HEIGHT: 5'-5"
APPEARANCE: {[X]}
MISC. APPEARANCE NOTES: Three silver stud balls on the lower lobe of each ear.

PERSONALITY: Alessandra is like any other young woman. Mostly outwardly confident, inwardly combats self-doubt. She is sarcastic, likes to make bad jokes, and enjoys eating spicy foods. She is very quick to forgive, preferring to let grudges die rather than maintain them, unless the emotional injury is severe and then she'll take some time to get over her wariness.

Very imaginative and inventive, Sandy has a tendency to get bored very easy and daydreams a lot. However, if it is interesting, she is very good at paying attention. Sandy is very reasonable, as well, which leads to her being persuaded into situations she sometimes later regrets, especially if it appeals to her sense of morality and ethics.

BIO: She is the eldest of the two daughters her parents had and has always been a dreamer. Her sister went on her Pokemon Journey before Sandy did, and therefore has experiences that Sandy doesn't. However, Jacqueline didn't last long on her journey and returned soon after she started. Sandy, on the other hand, decided to be more practical by going forth after she had graduated high school and had gotten old enough to have some money saved up. In the end, she felt it would save her quite a bit of heartache and headaches.

Now, it is her chance to bloom and show her little sister that she can be something other than the 'space case stick-in-the mud' she always seemed to think of her as. To Sandy, it is finally time to live her dreams.

LIKES: Coffee, Pokemon, Food, Organizing Things, Coffee, Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Taking Things Apart, Music, Coffee, and Sleeping In...

DISLIKES: Boiled Eggs, Mayonnaise, Early Mornings, Bullies, Liars, Bullies, Slapstick Comedy, Headaches, and Needles

POKEMON:
[1] Stomp - Ponyta - Male
[2] -
[3] -
[4] -
[5] -
[6] -

NAME: Nazo Musik
NICKNAME: Enigma
AGE: 20
GENDER: Male
HEIGHT: 6'4"
APPEARANCE: http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...223/pkmnon.png
MISC. APPEARANCE NOTES: Always wears headphones.

PERSONALITY: Easy-going but irritable if not listening to music. He loves to crack jokes and enjoys having a good time. He isn't very serious unless he has to be. He likes playing around and taking his time with whatever he is doing.

He is not very trusting to people and does not open up easily. He will act friendly but he always has a sense of doubt when it comes to friends. He is constantly worrying about what others think of him. He bottles up his emotions, not wanting to let others see him as weak.

BIO: Nazo grew up as an only child. He was kept away from other kids until he was 10 years old. The process of assimilation into the school system took its toll on his psyche. He would constantly be nice to everyone, going out of his way to please everyone. This lead to him being used constantly, especially by women. He began to develop a trust issue with people and soon after became an outcast. He sat to himself listening to music nearly 24 hours a day. The music calmed him and kept him from lashing out against his classmates.

Nazo grew up around pokemon since his father was a strong trainer. His father trained mainly psychic-type pokemon and Nazo always wanted to beat him in battle. He began to study pokemon of the dark-type, knowing its inherent strength against psychic types. He has vowed to be the strongest dark-type trainer so he can beat his father in battle, as well as prove to everyone that he deserved some happiness in his life.

LIKES: Dark Colors, Music, Sleeping, Dr. Pepper, Rice Balls, Sushi, Nighttime

DISLIKES: Mornings, Super Salty Food, Drama, Backstabbers

POKEMON:
[1] [Pokemon Nickname] - Purrloin - Female - http://pokemondb.net/pokedex/purrloin
[2] -
[3] -
[4] -
[5] -
[6] -

((First poooost!!! XD))

Sandy was finally ready. She was ready to go forth and become the Pokemon Trainer she'd always wanted to be but had chosen to put off so that she would be more capable and knowledgeable about the world. She had spent years in school, choosing to get an education in the event of not being able to work exclusively with Pokemon. That reasonable side of her had definitely won that round easily.

Jaqui, her little sister, had taken to teasing her incessantly over her not leaving home to go become a Trainer. "You keep talking and talking, but not doing anything!" she would say. "You're obviously lying about wanting to be a great Pokemon Trainer!" Her parents had even believed she wouldn't actually do it.

However, that would all end today! She'd become a trainer and show her sister and her parents that she had been serious about going about the Kanto Region and become a respected Trainer! Sandy walked up the path to the famous lab of Professor Oak. She had spoken to him over the phone, expressing what she was to set out to do. And he had seemed genuinely interested in helping her achieve her dream. Nervously, she pressed the buzzer, hoping that he wasn't so involved in his work that he wouldn't hear her.

((WOOO Posts!)))

Nazo tied his shoelace and stood up straight. He was a bit excited that today had finally come. He pushed the shuffle button on his mp3 player, letting the music serenade his mind as he began to reflect on his life. All the pain, the suffering, it would end today. He was going to embark on a journey to become the greatest dark-type trainer in the world. He was ready to prove his former classmates wrong and show his true colors.

"Today is here," he said to himself as he packed his backpack for his journey. "I'm going to prove everyone wrong." He smiled and put on his emotional mask, knowing it would be easier to deal with the journey if he hid his issues from other people. After finishing his packing, he went downstairs and waved to his mother and father.

"I'm leaving mom, dad. I'm going to make you both proud." His father smiled and stood up before walking over to him and putting his hand on his shoulder. "Son, you've grown a lot and I know you will accomplish your dream. I can't wait for you to come home so we can have our battle. I'm gonna have to start training again." Nazo and his father laughed before Nazo turned and walked out the door.

He walked over to Professor Oak's lab and noticed a girl standing at the door. He smiled, but inside was frowning, hoping she wasn't there for the same reasons as him. "Hello, are you waiting for Professor Oak as well?" he asked politely, not wanting to start any drama. He hated it with a passion.

((Yush. By the way, down at the bottom of the page, there's a link so you can subscribe to the thread and set it up for email notification. Makes it so much easier to keep up with.))

Sandy turned and looked at the person that had just walked up. He towered over her by about a foot and she had to tilt her head back just to even see his face. He was handsome with his dark hair spiked out and dark clothes. She felt like a summer child compared to his almost winter-y attire in her cutoffs, light tee shirt, and bright red converse. "Yeah, I am," she said, also politely as she didn't want to step on any toes just yet. This was a good day and she didn't want to ruin it by arguing, especially this early and before she'd ever gotten her first Pokemon! "Are you here to see the Professor, too?"

She realized it was a dumb question even as she spoke as he had asked her if she had been waiting herself, but she was saved from total humiliation when the door opened to reveal an elderly gentleman in a white lab coat, khaki slacks, and a red button down. "Hello," he said upon seeing the two young adults on his doorstep. After a moment his eyes lit up in recognition. "Oh! It's you, Miss Shore. And you, Mr. Musik. I'm glad you both made it. Come on inside." He stood aside, ushering the two through the door with a friendly smile.

Embarrassment coloring her cheeks, she followed the older man inside, ducking her head slightly to hide the flush as she gripped the strap of her bag. This was not how she had envisioned starting her quest! But then again, she thought to herself, when does life ever do exactly what you wanted it to do?

Nazo smirked at the question the girl asked him quietly. He looked down at her and took in her features. She was very cute and looked like she had a bright personality. He was going to introduce himself but Professor Oak interrupted him before he could do that. Instead he nodded to the professor before walking inside.

"Professor Oak, it's nice to meet you. I can't wait to start on my journey." he said with confidence. He had been overflowing with it the last couple days, assuring himself he would be successful in his dream. He noticed the girl had bowed her head slightly and could see a bit of red tint on her cheeks. He chuckled softly, knowing she was probably embarrassed from earlier. It was a pretty dumb question to ask.

Nazo turned down the volume of his music so he could hear any further conversation. He didn't want to look rude by wearing his headphones, but he knew that without them his temper was very short with people. The last thing he needed to do was make Professor Oak mad.

Sandy looked over at the guy whose last name appeared to be Musik before returning her attention to the good Professor as her blush faded from her face. "I am excited myself, sir. I've been looking forward to this for a very long time."

Professor Oak chuckled as he led them further into the lab. "It's always nice seeing people excited about Pokemon and wanting to explore the world. As I said over the phone, I've got a couple Pokemon for the two of you to choose from for your first, as well as a couple other essential things for you to use first starting out."

He came to a stop next to a table holding a tray with Pokeballs in it. "These are the Pokemon I was mentioning to you," the elderly gentleman said, resting a hand on the table next to the tray. "Normally, I try to give a Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Charmander for the first Pokemon of a Trainer. However, while I have these at the moment, I have a few others that might pique your interest. Pick one, and I'll tell you what's inside."

He looked to Nazo with a smile. "As I had spoken to you first over the phone, Mr. Musik, I believe it would be fair for you to go first, unless you'd rather forfeit first pick to Miss Shore."

((When it comes to picking a Pokemon, you may want to control Oak yourself so you can have him say what you want him to say.))

Nazo stepped forward and said, "Well I'm looking for a certain type of pokemon, so I don't believe myself and Miss Shore would be stepping on each other's toes." He flashed a smile before looking at the pokeballs in front of him. He held his hand out over the pokeballs and tried to feel it out. His hand stopped over one of the pokeballs. "This one feels, different. It's hard to explain Professor."

Professor Oak smiled and said, "Ah that one contains Purrloin. It's a type that was just recently discovered. Are you sure you can handle training a new pokemon, Nazo? Purrloin are devious tricksters." Oak wanted to make sure Nazo didn't get in over his head. Purrloin was new so not a lot was known about it. "Purrloin is a dark-type pokemon as well, meaning you won't get it easy raising it, Nazo."

Nazo smirked when he heard what pokemon was in the pokeball. "A new one eh? And it is a dark-type? That's perfect for me professor. As I told you, I want to become the best trainer of dark-type pokemon in the world." He smiled and took the pokeball and held it in his hand. Something just felt right about it. "Well I have my new friend." he said while smiling before backing up and allowing Miss Shore to pick hers.

((Hope my choice was okay, I always start with Eevee I wanted to try something different and flipped through a pokedex))

Sandy looked interested at the mention of a fairly new Pokemon, but she was wanting something a little less... out there. She approached the table and looked them over, touching the red upper half of one, then moving to another. "I dunno..." she murmured. She picked up one and something about it seemed right to her. "What's in this one, sir?" she questioned.

"That would be a Ponyta, Miss Shore," Oak said with a smile. "Not a newly discovered Pokemon by any means, but he's a sturdy one and would be a fine partner."

Sandy's eyes lit up with delight and hugged the ball to her. Ever since she was a little girl, she had wanted to have a Rapidash. She always thought it would be incredible to ride on the back of a Rapidash someday. And here was the perfect opportunity. "Oh, I think this is my partner!" she exclaimed happily. "I've always loved Ponyta and Rapidash."

"Very well, Miss Shore." He turned slightly to look at Nazo. "Mr. Musik. Seems you both have your first Pokemon. Let me get a few Pokeballs for you to start off with as well as a Pokedex and a Pokegear. It's always good to have such items on hand."

Nazo watched as the girl picked up a pokeball containing a Ponyta. He smirked as he watched the girl cheer and hug the pokeball. She was certainly a ball of energy. He began to wonder a bit why she was here. Was it just to start a journey or did she have a dream, like himself? He chuckled and listened to the professor before he left the room.

Nazo smiled and watched Professor Oak leave the room to get the other gear. He figured now would be a good time to introduce himself. "Well since he's gone, guess I'll introduce myself. My name's Nazo Muzik, it's nice to meet you. I'm gonna be starting my journey to become the best dark-type trainer, and make my father proud."

He was happy on the outside but inside he was still hesitant. His trust issues were beginning to surface again. She was very cute which he noticed very easily. He hoped she wasn't just seeming nice and she was genuinely a good person.

Sandy looked at the newly introduced Nizo, her smile still present. "Nice to meet you, Nizo. I'm Alessandra Shore... but you can call me Sandy for short." She grinned. It was always a bit of a pun in her family. Sandy Shore. Her parents had always loved the beach and she did, too. "That sounds like an awesome goal. I'm not so single minded on a type, though. I like all kinds of Pokemon... except Ghost Type. And the one's that are really gross, like Zubat.... And I sound like such a girl when I say that!"

She laughed nervously and blushed, stopping her near-babble. "Sorry. I'm nervous. And excited. I've never been out in the world before, choosing to go to school in case I'm not good at all of this. I could work as something else if I fail. But I want to be good at being a Trainer. Better than good. Great!" For a moment she looked crestfallen. "I just don't want to be the failure that my sister likes to think I am. At least I didn't rush off helter-skelter at ten and had to come back home after a few months. Yeah, I skipped the unofficial right of passage, but..."

Sandy had babbled again, unintentionally. She had spilled more about herself than she had really intended to, but when she got nervous, that was what she typically did. "Sorry," she mumbled.

Nazo chuckled listening to Sandy ramble on about her life. "Woah woah it's okay Sandy. You didn't have to spill your guts to me, but it made me laugh, which is good." He smiled and said, "You don't need to worry about the right of passage, I missed it too. You don't have to be so nervous either. I guess I'll tell a little about my life then. I was an outcast with no friends in high school and I turned to music to help me through it. I'm always happy when listening to music."

His eyes gleamed with sadness before he perked up and said, "As you heard, I like dark-type pokemon a lot. The reason for this is because my father was a great psychic-type trainer. I always wanted to beat him. So I started researching dark-type pokemon."

He laughed and said, "There now you know some of my life, that makes us equal." He gave Sandy a bright smile, hoping he made her feel a bit better about spilling her story to him.

Her cheeks reddened further when he smiled and had offered up some info about himself to make her feel better. At that precise moment, Oak walked back in. He looked at the blushing young woman and the obviously amused young man and smiled. "Well, I see you two are getting along. That's a wonderful thing. Perhaps the two of you could travel together. It would make your journey easier and more fun in the long run," he suggested as he placed the items he was carrying onto the table where the other Pokeballs lay. Once he separated the items out into two equal piles, he motioned to them. "These are yours. Make sure to keep up with the Gear and the Dex. They help identify you as an official Trainer. Of course, you can buy more cards to go with the basic Gear eventually and buy more Pokeballs wherever there's a mart. I hope this will at least get the two of you to Viridian City without many issues. At the very least, it might get you another Pokemon by the time you get there."

Sandy picked up her items and fastened the Pokegear to her wrist before slipping the Pokedex and extra Pokeballs into her bag. The Pokeball containing her Ponyta went on a special chain around her neck she had gotten from her mother before she had left home. It was specially designed to hold a Pokeball and Sandy knew she'd keep her all time first Pokemon there. The other five could go on her belt. The chain of the necklace allowed the ball to hang just below her breasts, where it would be comfortable and easy enough to get to.

"Thank you, Professor Oak," she said to him, her blush having faded as he spoke.

Nazo picked up his items off the table and fastened them around his belt. His dad had given him his belt from his own journey as a reminder to complete his quest. He smiled and took the pokeball contaning his Purrloin and clicked in into the side of one of his headphones. He had these special ordered for his journey, so his pokemon would always be close to what he loved the most.

He turned to see Sandy and had to admit, she did look like a trainer with all her gear on. He listened to the professor and frowned slightly before smiling again. He wanted Nazo to travel with Sandy? He didn't know what exactly to do. He wouldn't hate traveling with Sandy, but he didn't want anything bad to happen and cause drama. He was 20 and she was 18, that most likely wouldn't lead to a quiet and peaceful journey.

He rubbed his temples before smiling and said, "If Sandy wants to, I have no problem traveling together." He was still doubtful in his mind, but they could always part ways if something bad were to happen. He looked at Sandy and gave her a smile to reassure her of his decision.

The idea of traveling with a guy was not one that Alessandra had thought of... and the idea made her blush... Especially when he smiled at her. "Uh... It'd be okay with me!" she said hurriedly before she spoke again, ideas of why it would be a good idea to have another along popped into her mind. "At least," she spoke, this time in a normal manner, "We can have someone watch our backs in case we get in trouble. I know there's places it's better to be with someone else when you're traveling through the area."

"That is true," nodded Professor Oak. "Now, I don't want to seem like I'm being rude, but I do have to get back to my studies and both of you have a long way to go before you reach the end of your quest even if you decide to travel alone rather than together. Who knows? You may push each other to do better and become better for it! But for now, it's time to get on the road!"

Sandy, not wanting to be a bother, nodded and followed Professor Oak as he showed them to the door.

Nazo nodded to the professor and followed him out the door along with Sandy. She seemed to be okay with the idea which he liked. He did like the idea of traveling with a cute girl. "I agree as well, it would be nice to have someone looking out for me on my journey. It's going to be a long one, the company will be nice. Besides there are much worse partners I could have ended up with." He smirked at her when he finished his statement.

After Nazo and Sandy had exited the door, the professor smiled at them. "Alright you two. Make me proud and become great trainers. Don't be afraid to check in every so often as well. Goodbye!" Professor Oak closed the door and Nazo turned to Sandy. "Well, shall we get going? We have a lot of daylight left m'lady." He smiled and started walking down the path from Oak's house and towards the exit of the town.

As he was walking he pulled the pokeball off his headphones and said, "Well time to meet my partner, let's rock Purrloin!" The ball grew bigger and he threw it in front of him, releasing his new partner for the first time.

((I'll stop it here since you are going to control my pokemon. :P ))

((Okay! BTW, your scarf is in your pants... O.o))

Sandy watched in awe as a feline form appeared from the light that looked nothing like a Meowth. Instead of cream fur, it was purple with cream spots and was overall a very amazing looking Pokemon. "Oh, wow!" she murmured as the Purrloin stretched herself a bit before looking around.

Purrloin looked up at the two Trainers and flattened one ear slightly while the other remained erect in a near classic questioning move. "Purrloin?" she purred, drawing out the first part of her name as she inspected them with green eyes.

"Oh, I want to see my Ponyta, too!" Sandy pulled her Pokeball from the chain around her neck and expanded it before tossing it far enough from the purple Pokemon. Light burst forth to reveal the cream and flame horse.

((Ponyta's just neigh, so I don't know how to make it say things other than that. XD))

The Ponyta neighed loudly as it was released and trotted around a bit before looking at the two trainers in front of it. It then turned its attention to the Purrloin and looked at it somewhat inspectively. It was trying to figure out what exactly the pokemon was, since it had never seen it before. It neighed more quietly before looking at Sandy, sizing her up.

Nazo chuckled as the Purrloin was released and knelt down next to it. He didn't want to reach out and pet it yet, it might scratch him. "Hey there, Purrloin, you excited to be my new partner?" He smiled at Purrloin and reached into his pack before pulling out a piece of Pokemon food and holding it up for the Purrloin to eat.

He pulled out another piece and tossed it to Sandy. "Give it to Ponyta, it's a sign we are going to treat them well."

((Perfectly acceptable. I know that. You know some of the sounds a horse makes, yeah?))

Sandy took the offered treat and held it out to the Ponyta. "Here," she said, letting the Pokemon catch the scent of it and hoping he'd accept her. "I would love it if we could become friends."

Meanwhile, as she did this, the Purrloin sniffed delicately at the treat her trainer offered with curiosity. The feline purred in approval as she delicately took the offering. Quickly it vanished and she rubbed against his leg for more. After all, that had been pretty good and just maybe she xould get some of that everyday.

Nazo smiled as Purrloin rubbed against his leg. He smiled and pet its head gently before scratching behind her ears. "I'm glad to see you at least like me because I give you food, in time I hope you grow to trust me as your partner, Purrloin." He chuckled before looking over to Sandy and watching the interaction with her and Ponyta.

Ponyta sniffed the food before eating it out of Sandy's hand. It seemed delighted at the taste. After it finished the treat, it sputtered slighty before nuzzling Sandy's hand, saying it liked the treat. It found her hand very soft and enjoyed the feeling. It whined happily knowing Sandy would treat him nicely.

((I'm researching horse sounds and what they mean so I can be more accurate. :P ))

((I'm sorry it took so long to respond. I just signed a contract for an apartment and there's so much to do before I go into it. I've been researching the few pieces of furniture I still need.))

Purrloin mewled at Nazo as Sandy stroked Ponyta's soft nose. "I think it's about time we got going," she commented, looking at Nazo. "We have a long way to go... and I can't wait to get started!" She flashed a grin at her Pokemon partner and then at her human partner. She lifted the Pokeball in her hand. "I guess it's time to go back in your ball... unless you'd rather stay out?" She hoped not as it would be more difficult to keep a larger group together.

((And sorry for the crummy bridger post. I'm not very imaginative on this one. Take your time on the sounds. Most of them are along the lines of 'whinny', 'neigh', 'nicker', and 'snort'.))

((Don't worry Shen. I figured you were busy doing something. :D ))

Nazo nodded at Sandy and said, "We should get going. It is a long journey." He picked up Purrloin and said, "If you want to stay out for a while that's fine or you can go back in the pokeball if you wish." He stroked Purrloin's fur as he began walking. He turned to look at Sandy and said, "You're gonna leave Ponyta out? It might scare away wild pokemon. It's not too big of a deal but we can't leave 'em out all the time."

Ponyta nickered softly and nuzzled Sandy's hand. He didn't want to go back into his pokeball just yet. It nudged Sandy to urge her to start walking. He wanted to move around a little and stretch his legs. It had been a while since he was out of Oak's lab.

((Thanks.))

"Well, apparently I don't get much of a choice. But later, maybe it'd be fine to bring them back." As she spoke, Purrloin twined herself around Nazo's legs for a moment before going after Ponyta. "I'm sure it gets stuffy in the Pokeballs. And I'm not that big on confined spaces myself." She followed the pony and feline Pokemon. She caught up and ran her hand along the creme colored back. "Y'know... I think I've got a good nickname for you," she said conversationally. "I like the idea of 'Stomp'. Somehow that kinda fits you. What do you think?"

Nazo ran after the group to catch up. He turned on some upbeat quiet music so he could talk while listening through his headphones. He fastened Purrloin's pokeball back against his headphone. "Hmm a nickname? I was thinking of calling Purrloin, Kuro. What do you think Purrloin. Do you like the nickname Kuro?" He smiled at Purrloin and waited for a response.

Ponyta liked the idea of being called Stomp. He stopped and blew out his nose while nuzzling Sandy's side, signifying he liked the idea. He then began walking again, eager to explore the area. Ponyta were curious and his sense of adventure was rising every second.

((I'm gonna call Purrloin by her nickname from now on, so, if you want to call Ponyta 'Stomp', you can.))

Purrloin purred in response and edged close enough to rub her head against her Trainer's legs in response with a meaningful and loud purr. It was evident she liked her new name and thought it fit her well. "I think she likes it," giggled Sandy in response to Stomp's reaction. "He sure is eager. I'm glad. Makes me feel a bit stronger at the same time," she commented to Nazo before looking at the slightly older man.

"I know you told me that listening to music makes you happy..." she started before hesitating. "But what kind of music makes you happy? Maybe I could tell you some of my favorite artists and such?"

((We could use real-world artists as there are no real known artists in Pokemon when it comes to music... so far as I know.))

((Sounds good to me on both ideas))

Stomp was out in front of the group looking around as they walked around. He wanted to explore while his trainer and her friends were talking. He looked down at Purrloin curiously. It wondered what kind of pokemon a Purrloin was. It had no idea it just saw a cat.

Nazo smiled and said, "You actually want to know about my music eh? Fair enough. The music I listen to really depends on what is going on. Right now, I'm listening to more quieter music like some All-American Rejects songs. It relaxes me and I like to be relaxed while traveling. When I'm battling though, I switch to something louder. One of my favorite bands for battle music is Atreyu. Really though I like rock music of all kinds. I have some guilty pleasures too which you'll see if you hang around me enough."

She blinked, not recognizing the band name 'Atreyu'. "Well, I've heard some All-American Rejects... mostly what's on the radio stations with the hits. I also like listening to a lot of country music, like Trace Adkins and Jason Aldean... and a lot of other kinds of music too... Like some Katy Perry and Nickelback and Daft Punk. I've been wanting to try and do that video for 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger' on my hands for some time, but I don't think I'll be able to. Not that coordinated with 'em." She laughed.

Kuro sat back on her hind legs and batted the nose of the Ponyta looking down on her in curiosity. She had heard that his nickname was 'Stomp' and she thought it was very funny and ironic. The Purrloin's claws were in, so there was no harm to Stomp's nose as it was just a playful gesture. Later, if it turned out they just didn't like each other, it'd be different.

((And I'm so glad you picked a feline for the first Pokemon. While her playing first rattle out of the box [rather than hissing] is a little unorthodox, Pokemon have a tendency to be more intelligent than regular animals anyway.))

Nazo chuckled and said, "Country music eh? I used to despise it but now I can listen to it without problems. It's just not an everyday thing for me. I know those other bands I like the song 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger'. I like all kinds of music. My iPod is filled with about 20,000 songs." He laughed at the thought of Sandy doing the video with her hands. "I actually tried that too. I got about halfway through before my brain died."

Stomp pulled back slightly after his nose was batted but he understood the playful gesture. He nickered quietly, a sign of happiness and that he liked the Purrloin. He turned back to face forward and kept walking.

Nazo chuckled again and pointed to Stomp and Kuro. "Seems they are getting along. That's good."

Sandy nodded, having watched the exchange. "I'm glad, too. Makes it much easier." She returned to the conversation. "And as for the country music, there are so many varieties of it now. There's your old-timey country-western, there's the country pop, there's rockabilly, bluegrass, and all kinds. Depends on the flavor you want."

They cleared Pallet Town and were entering the wild. Granted, the wild had a well worn path going into the woods and a more widely used and less Pokemon-populated road that non-Trainers would travel. For their journey, Nazo and Sandy would have to go on the forest path rather than the more popular road.

"Today is so pretty," exulted Sandy, always a fan of the perfect moderate weather with sunshine and little in the way of clouds. "I'm glad that cold snap last week went away or else I'd be having to wear a jacket and all, and I don't want my journey to start out that way."

Nazo nodded and said, "I don't mind jackets, but I'm glad to be able to wear a regular shirt and pants for once, and yes most music genres have many sub-categories now it's hard to remember them all. Rock is probably split into at least 10 different kinds."

The group continued walking and made there way into the forest. "We have to keep a lookout for wild pokemon now. There shouldn't be anything dangerous around here, but it never hurts to be prepared." Nazo shuffled the music on his iPod to something a little bit louder. He took one headphone off his ear so he could still hear Sandy while listening to the louder music. He turned to Sandy and asked, "So Sandy do you have any experience with pokemon battles?"

Alessandra shook her head 'no'. "Not on a personal level," she replied. "But I have watched a few. As I said, Ponyta... er, I mean Stomp is my first Pokemon. I get the gist of it, but not much else. Do you have any experience?" She could hear the music from his headphone that was off his ear and was suddenly very grateful that he didn't seem the kind to sing along with his headphones on. Not only did that make a person off key because they can't hear themselves, but also because it was just downright rude to sing to something no on else could hear or even wanted to hear.

((Sorry, wimpy post. And Sandy doesn't seem to be doing much swearing yet, but I'm sure it'll come as most of the time I don't swear. *grins* Of course, I did scream 'mother fucker' last night when I stubbed three toes at once.))

((Don't worry I've been up all night with a stomach issue. I'm going to the doctor's in an hour. I might be home all day though. I don't mind swearing at all. :P))

Nazo nodded and said, "My father was a pretty famous psychic-type trainer. I've had the chance to battle using them against my dad as practice. My favorite pokemon he had was definitely his Espeon. I battle using her quite a few times. She's like a sister to me." He continued to walk and said, "So you've watched a few battles? Like from the Indigo Plateau tournaments? You shouldn't worry I can teach you how to battle, Sandy." He smiled brightly at her before continued to walk through the forest.

((I'm sorry you've been sick, hon... *huggles*))

Sandy flashed a smile. "Espeons are awesome," she said with enthusiasm. "I love Eevee and its evolutions." Then her smile faded. "I've watched a few gym battles. I got a part-time job at the Gym when my family lived in Celadon and would clean the place. It was good work and decent pay... plus I got the chance to watch the battles that went on as well as the training... And I'd appreciate the help."

Right as her voice trailed off, she glanced forward and saw a Pidgey. The tiny bird Pokemon was pecking at some berries off to one side of the road and seemed so intent on its finding that it wasn't paying attention to the people approaching. Sandy's eyes widened as she came to a pause next to her and Nazo's Pokemon.

Nazo chuckled and said, "I love Eevee and the evolutions too. I want to get an Eevee eventually and evolve it to Umbreon obviously. You were in Celadon? My dad has the badge from the gym leader there from about 20 years ago." He was about to continue when he noticed the Pidgey eating berries close to them. He crept up to Kuro and said, "I think it's time I see what you can do in battle, Kuro." He walked back over to Sandy and whispered, "Well I can definitely show you how I battle. That should help." Nazo pressed the button on his iPod and a fast rock song came on. He closed his eyes before snapping them open and saying, "Showtime Kuro!"

((Thanks Shen. -hugs- I'm sure it's nothing serious. I'll get better. ^^))

((Hope so. It sucks to be sick.))

"Well, we didn't live there that long ago. Dad's job transferred us there..." She trailed off. Many different jobs in the world involved Pokemon in some form or another, her father's job no different. He had had an excellent job working as a construction worker and worked well alongside the Pokemon he was around every day. However, ever since his accident... he'd been put on disability pension and her mother was the real provider now. It was hard to see such a tough man confined to a wheel chair, never to walk again...

She physically shook her head to clear it of such thoughts. Her father was thrilled for her to leave home and go forward on a Pokemon journey. He had never tried, having focused on what he had been best at, which was making things. She looked forward to seeing her family again - if only temporarily - once they reached Saffron City.

Sandy watched in earnest as Kuro positioned herself before her Trainer, her eyes focused on the Pidgey. The Pidgey, startled, looked at the people and Pokemon in uncertainty before getting a determined look on its face. The next thing anyone knew, it kicked up sand at Kuro and Stomp, hoping to blind them with Sand Attack. Kuro dodged the dust with a hiss, not wanting to get dirty.

"Stomp, come back here for a bit! Let's watch and get pointers from Nazo and Kuro, okay?" called Sandy.

Stomp moved over beside Sandy and stared at the battled unfolding before him. He was itching for a bit of a fight himself, but his trainer didn't seem to be experienced. He hoped she would learn fast so he could show what he was capable of.

Nazo smirked and said, "Pidgey's gonna have to do better than that. You ready Kuro?" Nazo's head was slightly nodding to the beat of his music as he put his second headphone back in. He felt the flow of the music running through him as he fell into a trance-like stance. Nazo was a believer of rhythm playing an important part in everyday life. He applied the same strategy to battles. If he were to go with the flow he would be okay.

"Kuro start with a Growl, then Scratch when Pidgey gets startled." It was a pretty simple tactic but he needed to test his synergy with Kuro. He hoped it would be easy enough for Sandy to learn too.

((I'm staying home from work today. At least I can respond fast in the RP. :D ))

((And I couldn't post. Suuuper busy today.))

Kuro didn't bother to respond, dodging another sand attack before snarling out Growl. The Pidgey flapped backwards slightly, startled. Kuro pounced just as Pidgey recovered, knocking the bird off kilter.

((It's okay Shen I was lying in bed all night trying to sleep.))

Nazo smirked as Kuro easily got the leg up on Pidgey. "That's how you do it Kuro! It's all about the rhythm of the battle! Now follow up with another Scratch." He was happy Kuro was so good at fighting. Granted it was just a Pidgey, but it did look like Kuro was going to be a strong competitor.

((So sorreeee! I have been so busy the last few days. Between rodeo and shopping for my new apartment [that I do not yet live in] and taking care of my grandmother, it's been absolute chaos. And even now, I'm still tired, so if this post is crap, then please forgive me.))

Kuro slashed the bird with sharp claws the moment she got close enough to do so. The Pidgey had apparently had enough by this point. Little wings flapped furiously and quick, sending the tiny body it was attached to up into the sky. Kuro growled slightly, annoyed about being deprived of a real victory.

"Uh... that was anti-climatic..." muttered Sandy, glancing at Stomp before looking at Nazo. Kuro snorted in disdainful agreement, her tail lashing furiously.