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Post by frog on May 20, 2018 3:42:49 GMT
| Henry pursed his lips, glanced down at the cheap phone in his hands, a text from his mother taking up the screen. The man could feel himself struggle, a conflict of emotions warring in his chest as he texted he was fine, that was in Inset. He knew the text came off short, too curt, a stunted response to a mother's natural concern. The man sighed, slipping the phone into the back pocket of his jeans. The boat ride had been disgusting, anyone who found water relaxing was clearly insane, the rocking and the scent of fish and salt had made him nauseous. He spent most of the few days in his bunk trying not to throw up.
Slipping a hand through his pale hair, Henry took a deep breath in his nose. He knew that he should find some cheap place to stay, rest up until his long legs stopped quivering with the effort of relearning how to walk on solid ground. But, motels cost money, and an extra days stay in Cassiopeia was out of the question based on the funds he had. Henry needed to find the lab, get a starter pokemon, and head out of the town as quickly as possible. Camping en route was free after-all, and it was still early afternoon, shafts of sunlight pouring down between breaks in the clouds, hints of blue sky beyond that.
Toying with the map they handed out as they docked, the man began walking, forcing himself to school his face into a mask of calm. Remaining impassive was a defense mechanism, sure, the man was willing to admit that, but deep down his blue eyes were taking in everything, the twin legendary statues in the center of town, the houses and the people milling outside of them. It reminded him of home, albeit with less flowers. It was more muted, and it felt like it suited him better for it, with his color schemes of deep blues and greens on backgrounds of black and grey.
People tended to be surprised when he told them he was a painter. He supposed they would be surprised he was a coordinator too. He was clean, presentable, but his wardrobe was full of basics, not high fashion. One of his ex-boyfriends had called it effortless with a tinge in his voice that was too bitter for Henry's liking.
But Henry was not here to talk about exes, was he? A new start, new beginning and all of that, right?
The man shifted the bag on his back, filled with his bare necessities: a few important items of clothing, some cash stuffed inside an empty travel size shampoo bottle, a water proof sleeping bag for nights on the road, his travel painting kit. He wondered if they had any bug pokemon at the lab, and a hint of color seeped up from his pale skin at the thought. Would it be inappropriate to ask, or were they used to requests like that?
(Who wanted a bug as a starter, after-all?)
You do, a voice reminded.
Ah, so he did. And in front of him, rising from the earth was the pokemon lab, or a building labelled as such. He appraised it, hoped briefly that they accepted walk-ins, and entered. To the nearest person he could find with a pulse and a sense of competency the handsome twenty-something spoke, his voice deep and low in his throat.
"Hello, my name is Henry Pipkin. By any chance do you accept walk-ins for starters?"
The words were polite, but the tone was clipped and clinical, to the point. Why bother with small talk at all if he was never going to see this person again?
620 @mod note: looking for a shuckle ouo | |
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Post by fitz on May 20, 2018 13:47:41 GMT
[newclass=.juni-rs]position:relative;background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.38);padding:5px;top:41px;margin-left:0px;font-family:montserrat;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;color:#FFFFFF;text-align:center;font-size:12px;text-transform:uppercase;text-shadow:-2px 1px #E854D6;[/newclass] [attr="class","bbb-icon"] [attr="class","bbb-txt"] Tate shuffled some paperwork at the front desk of the lab, unsure of where this flood of new trainers was coming from but not daring to question it. Any new blood in their humble region, so long as those folks were capable, was good. And nobody left their lab if professor’s aides such as herself didn’t find them worthy and at the very least capable. She didn’t glance up from her task as the front door chimed to announce the entrance of what was likely another fresh faced child eager to prove themselves. It was the rumbling greeting and proper introduction that caused her to nearly jump out of her seat at attention. She was used to people running at the mouth, either overtly sunny and bubbly or surly and cocksure. It was unfortunately rare to have someone with manners in the lab. And though she wouldn’t admit it, just that simple thing was enough to put her in a better mood and look on the client with more favorability than if they’d flounced in with a hair toss and demanded three Popplios for the aesthetic. And that wasn’t an exaggeration - it had happened before. ”Hello Mr. Pipkin, I’m Tate. Welcome to the Cassiopeia Pokemon Lab. We do accept walk-ins, they’re our most common way of giving starters since folks are never sure exactly when they’ll arrive to our town. I’ll just need you to fill out some paperwork, basic contact and background information for our records.” she said, handing over a ready-made clipboard with forms and a pen tucked under the metal clamp. ”For those questions with asterisks if you could answer aloud as well that will speed this along much more quickly.” It kept her from that awkward silence of her reading the paperwork to get the same answers or asking the questions aloud herself a second time and taking an unnecessary amount of time. The basics were there of course, his name, date of birth, phone number, email, etc. But then the important long form questions. Experience with pokemon*, what their plans are while in the region*, any former job experience with pokemon or career plans*, if they have preferred types*, types or species they absolutely did not want*, why for each*, and lastly if they were able to provide for their pokemon and care for them properly*, with a final section of check boxes to opt-in for emailed or texted tips about pokemon care and events happening in the region and a lower line or two for his signature. ”I’m going to have a cup of tea while you sort that out, would you like one?’ she added, rising from her chair and not appearing to get any taller before shuffling her portly frame to the back section of the lobby into a side room to grab the tea set and some lemon squares. Her eyes flicking to the case of pokeballs and their labels and wondering what she should present for him.
Tatetag: frognotes: hiiiii froggy! your first choice will come in my next post~ shuckle is def in your future if that's what you'd like if your wc and quality remains consistent ^w^ ✿ Junier of WW [newclass=.bbb-icon]margin: 0px; border: 10px solid #ffffff; width: 100px; height: 100px; -webkit-border-radius: 100%; -moz-border-radius: 100%;[/newclass] [newclass=.bbb-icon img] width: 100px; height: 100px; -webkit-border-radius: 100%; -moz-border-radius: 100%;[/newclass] [newclass=.bbb-txt] width: 200px; padding: 10px; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #888; font-family: calibri; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; [/newclass]
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Post by frog on May 21, 2018 1:28:41 GMT
| Long fingers twitched, and Henry shoved them down into his pockets, glancing down at the black haired woman who spoke. His gaze was steady, even, only a flicker of relief when she said walk-ins were common. He knew that the region was only newly recognized by the international pokemon league and all that, and wondered if the lab's operating on a walk-in basis had just as much to do with the fact it wasn't terribly busy as with the irregular arrival of its patrons. She said something about paperwork, and Henry nodded. Paperwork was tedious, but he knew it was a necessity. Who just handed over a living creature with no accountability at all?
Though the artist supposed it would be surprisingly easy to forge most of this, get away before anyone realized you had lied. But Henry didn't plan to lie, found it terribly distasteful when all you had to do was keep quiet instead. He scanned the form, putting in his neat, tiny handwriting the big ones: name, phone number, all that. When he got to the asterisk questions he raised his eyebrow, hummed a little bit in thought, blinking when she offered tea. "That would be nice," he said. Perhaps it could sooth his still upset stomach. While she went on her way to prepare the drinks, Henry focused on the big questions, the important ones. The woman wanted him to answer out loud so, with a gentle clearing of his voice he began at the beginning.
"My family had a pet poochyena growing up, but I don't have much experience using pokemon for battling or contests. I've read up on some of the basics, but it would be arrogant of me to deny any advice you or the lab might have for the proper care of a pokemon, especially if they required special considerations." This was all true, though a fare few of his boyfriends, or rather a collection of drawn out one night stands had also owned pokemon, but they had eyed Henry with as much distrust as he gave them. It was better to list off his family's pet than admit to having listened to a man brag about his battling prowess "among other things" for over three hours just to get a place to crash for a few nights.
"My plans are to explore coordinating, beauty focused that is. I'm interested in creating visual art. I'm a painter, and I think coordinating could be an excellent way to expand my work." This was short, clinical. He wondered if they would think he was too destitute to receive a pokemon from that answer, if like everyone else they would assume he was a starving artist. (He was.)
At the preferred types the man blushed a little, the pink on the planes of his cheek bones contrasting with his silvery blonde hair and even paler skin. "My preferred type of pokemon is bug. I find them incredibly detailed and visually appealing. Underutilized if anything. I-" He cut himself off, could sense himself beginning a spiral that could last hours. "If its possible for you to only show me bug type pokemon, I would appreciate it. Even if you only have one here. Though I understand if you do not, they're not typical starting material." Yes, when he thought starters he thought elementals, water, fire, and grass lined up together. But perhaps the newness of the region could lend itself to carrying pokemon that were a little bit more... unusual. At least, that was what Henry hoped.
"I believe I am capable of caring for my pokemon properly. I have some funds put away. Life as an artist can be difficult, but you have to be rather tenacious to get this far. I won't quit half-way through my goals, and I won't quit on whatever pokemon you give me. They'll be my partner," The man paused, let a breath fill his lungs. It felt a little like choking to let go of all those words. But he swallowed it back down.
675 fitz note: looking for a shuckle ouo | |
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Post by fitz on May 22, 2018 0:06:59 GMT
[newclass=.juni-rs]position:relative;background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.38);padding:5px;top:41px;margin-left:0px;font-family:montserrat;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;color:#FFFFFF;text-align:center;font-size:12px;text-transform:uppercase;text-shadow:-2px 1px #E854D6;[/newclass] [attr="class","bbb-icon"] [attr="class","bbb-txt"] The tea tray was placed between them on an empty space of the desk and she went about adding her preferred and precisely measured sugar and cream to her own dainty cup as she listened to him go through his answers. She wished all starter interactions could start off this easy. Far too often she’d had to show people the door because they refused to be on “the man’s watch list” or something just as silly and annoying in her opinion. She stirred her tea and took a sip, and it was of course perfection, just as his answers so far. Pet poochyenas were common enough, and he wasn’t trying to put on airs or pretend he knew more than he did - the sticking point for her was he was willing to learn. That was what was important in any trainer (coordinator, breeder, or researcher included therein), no matter how long they had been at it. There was always something new to learn. Excellent. ”We are constantly rotating what we have on hand, so it changes from time to time - and you’re in luck because we’ve just started keeping one bug ty-well dual bug type. We do have to show three starters to give you an option, however, as even if it’s your preferred type you may not be compatible as far as personality or career wishes.” she placed her cup back onto the saucer and rose once more to go to the cabinet and make the selections. She didn’t show any surprise or judgement at his preferred type, even if she felt it a smidge deep down. She never thought she’d see the day when she could bring this pokemon out and not see utter disappointment on someone’s face. ”I’m glad to hear you’ve given quite a bit of consideration to your care and custody of whichever pokemon you may leave with here today. It could be this Popplio,” she released the brightly colored with equally as bright personality water pokemon to say hello. The little darling arfed in greeting, < Hi there! Your hair is pretty! > Tate didn’t like to overwhelm people with their all of their prospects right away and definitely preferred to keep their favorite as the last reveal so as to give the others a fair shot and now be overshadowed. It was easier to do one at a time like this. The last two balls were still miniaturized and she rolled them in one hand as she took a seat and finished off her tea.
Tate< Popplio >tag: frog notes: nice post! it's weird playing tate not being a sassy pants. he's doing a great job impressing her lol just take your time getting to know each starter choice~ ✿ Junier of WW [newclass=.bbb-icon]margin: 0px; border: 10px solid #ffffff; width: 100px; height: 100px; -webkit-border-radius: 100%; -moz-border-radius: 100%;[/newclass] [newclass=.bbb-icon img] width: 100px; height: 100px; -webkit-border-radius: 100%; -moz-border-radius: 100%;[/newclass] [newclass=.bbb-txt] width: 200px; padding: 10px; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #888; font-family: calibri; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; [/newclass]
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Post by frog on May 24, 2018 2:00:56 GMT
| Henry accepted the tea dutifully, took a moment to admire the color of the liquid and the porcelain that contained it before bringing it to his lips, drinking in the warmth. It felt like relief travelling through his body. If he didn't know better he may even think that the lab aide liked him, which came as a mild surprise. People tended to have strong feelings about Henry, usually based on his blunt speech and his tendency to ignore other's nonsense. They read it as Henry believing himself to be better somehow, saw his good looks and assumed the reason he didn't smile at them and enthusiastically ask them about themselves had to do with some inherent believe in his own superiority.
The truth was Henry didn't particularly like niceties. So he skipped them when they didn't matter. Times like these warranted a please and thank you. A man sitting beside him at a bar, per se, warranted staring straight ahead and wondering how much alcohol it would take for whatever stranger to stop talking to him.
Henry, you see, had the common decency to take the situation into consideration. Most people didn't. This is what made him polite.
As he sipped the liquid, letting the slightly earthy tinge of tea settle onto his tongue, he watched as the woman moved. She said that they had a bug type, some kind of dual-type, but Henry knew that generally tended to be the case. Poison and flying were most common of course, but some bugs had wonderful combinations: electric, fire, steel. He tried to keep his mind from racing through the possibilities, training his face as she spoke about letting out a pokemon so he could have choices. Clearly she had never seen his browsing history, otherwise it would be no question what sort of pokemon he would choose.
"Alright," he said with a nod, although he didn't admit to not knowing what a popplio was. What emerged was mammalian in shape, colored a deep blue that said water type. With his most recent memories of water involving spilling his guts for a few hours straight and fighting off a feeling of having his brain in his stomach, Henry nearly cringed, before forcing himself to remain impassive. At least the little creature didn't smell like the ocean. That would have been a bit too much for the coordinator to handle.
She complimented his hair and he nodded his head, reached up to twist a few of the silver strands together. "Ah- thank you. Your neck ruff is very nice," he said though the words came out more awkwardly than he intended. It was clear from his stance, he didn't feel comfortable around her, barely knew how he should interact in this situation. "I suppose I should ask, what are you looking to do, on a journey with a trainer?"
Henry thought he should at least give the pokemon a chance, if anything not to offend the lab aide who quite literally held his fate in her hands.
506 fitz henry is like a cat person meeting a dog for the first time with this popplio | |
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Post by fitz on May 28, 2018 0:13:30 GMT
[newclass=.juni-rs]position:relative;background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.38);padding:5px;top:41px;margin-left:0px;font-family:montserrat;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;color:#FFFFFF;text-align:center;font-size:12px;text-transform:uppercase;text-shadow:-2px 1px #E854D6;[/newclass] [attr="class","bbb-icon"] [attr="class","bbb-txt"] Popplio giggled and touched a flipper to her neck ruff, < Why thank you! I freshly fluffed it this morning! > she was entirely oblivious to his discomfort but Tate was picking up on it loud and clear. She was already getting the next ball ready, sure this wouldn’t last long at all. But Henry forged ahead with an actual question and Popplio was entirely too eager to answer, < Oh that’s easy! I wanna have babies! > she flounced her back flipper, < I think my babies would be soooo pretty! I wanna be a good mama to them! So I think I would like to meet a good male pokemon to make those babies with on the journey! > she said, blushing once she realized she’d been raving about mating a little too bluntly...again. She looked over her shoulder to Tate sheepishly, < I did it again, huh? >”It’s okay, Popplio - it’s important to be honest with trainers. Like I’ve told you before it’s very important to find the right pokemon for them as much as it is finding the right trainer for you.” she was speaking as much for the pokemon’s benefit as Henry’s. Who she then looked to, ”I’ll go ahead and let Carbink and Shuckle join the party.” releasing the two dual types into the room. Carbink’s facets sparkled in the fluorescent lighting that was harsh and cruel to just about anyone else - and they knew it too! So they were conscientious of exactly how they held their floating gem-encrusted body to shine just right. They knew their angles, they knew they looked good hunty and you couldn’t tell them otherwise. < I’m Carbink, I’m ready for the stage, point me to it sweetie! > they proclaimed, not caring whether this person with the silver hair - they matched! - was a coordinator. Anyone who had them on their team would be wasting their time if they didn’t use Carbink to perform. Shuckle waved a noodly arm at the trainer who looked so collected and cool and oh geez he’d never go for him! Why did Tate bring him out here? He couldn’t bring himself to say a word, it just got caught in his slinky throat and he had to fight the urge to shunk back into his red shell. “Henry is and artist who is looking to have a career in coordination….” Tate got them up to speed without revealing his type biases. Shuckle gulped. He loved to sing, had the voice of an angel, but was so anxious about actually ...performing!! Oh geeeez!!! Slowly he felt his limbs and head creeping back into his shell just at the thought of that kind of pressure
Tate< Popplio >< Carbink >< Shuckle >tag: frog notes: Didn't want to make you wait even longer to get all three choices in the ring since I took so long getting this reply out! Have fun with it =D ✿ Junier of WW [newclass=.bbb-icon]margin: 0px; border: 10px solid #ffffff; width: 100px; height: 100px; -webkit-border-radius: 100%; -moz-border-radius: 100%;[/newclass] [newclass=.bbb-icon img] width: 100px; height: 100px; -webkit-border-radius: 100%; -moz-border-radius: 100%;[/newclass] [newclass=.bbb-txt] width: 200px; padding: 10px; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #888; font-family: calibri; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; [/newclass] [/quote]
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Post by frog on May 30, 2018 16:36:21 GMT
| Despite his discomfort, Henry was trying to be attentive to the popplio. The coordinator wasn't a monster, as his pale blue eyes watched the seal, he was aware how easy it could be to hurt such a bright, cheerful pokemon. Henry didn't want that, he simply sought a pokemon entirely different from the water type. This thought was only confirmed, of course, when the alolan starter started babbling about her wish to fall in love and have lots of children. Suddenly, unbidden, the thought of having a half dozen more of the things around him, all the same replica of cheerfulness and romantic naivety made the pale man blush.
Besides, with his track record of a love life, having a pokemon that would no doubt want him to play matchmaker along the way made him want to cringe. "Ah, well, you see I'm not particularly interested in being a breeder," Henry spoke, which was the truth. Although he had done some baseline research into pokemon eggs, in case a good deal on a rare bug type ever appeared, it wasn't necessarily in his plan to breed the pokemon himself. "I understand if its important to you to have a big family, you should pursue that. But I think maybe you should wait for someone who wants to be a breeder," Henry spoke honestly. The words were to the point, but the silver-haired man made an effort to soften his tone.
Henry knew disappointment, and he didn't want the popplio to feel the full brunt of rejection.
That was when Tate released the other two pokemon. The second one Henry didn't recognize at all, some kind of crystalline pokemon. A rock type he guessed to himself. It was pretty, would no doubt do well in contests if it had some ability to glitter or reflect light, to create prisms and rainbows. He supposed if there was no bug type available it would be a suitable enough creature to settle for. "You seem like you have a lot of sparkle," he said with a small smile.
But then his eyes turned, alighting upon a red shelled pokemon, pale yellow tentacles and small face appearing for just a moment before shrinking under his gaze. For the first time the rather cold and stoic young man broke out in a smile as his mind clicked in recognition. He had never seen one in person, they weren't native to his region after-all. But he had seen enough pictures online to know that it was a shuckle, a bug type built primarily for defense, nature's answer to flying type's domination over bug pokemon.
It seemed shy, so Henry forced himself to tone down the energy that thrummed in him, also hyper aware that he was being watched both by the other pokemon and by Tate. "You're a shuckle, right? I've never seen one of you guys in person before. You're very cool looking," he said. "Ah, am I making you nervous?" He asked. He didn't suppose the shuckle would let him take a picture to put on the forum later, would he? 516 fitz Henry's internal monologue *don't be a nerd, don't be a nerd* | |
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Post by fitz on May 30, 2018 22:38:07 GMT
[newclass=.juni-rs]position:relative;background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.38);padding:5px;top:41px;margin-left:0px;font-family:montserrat;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;color:#FFFFFF;text-align:center;font-size:12px;text-transform:uppercase;text-shadow:-2px 1px #E854D6;[/newclass] [attr="class","bbb-icon"] [attr="class","bbb-txt"] Popplio smiled shyly up at the cute fella at his words. He was honest but not cruel as she’d experienced in the past. <I appreciate that!> she confirmed aloud with a little shrug, <No point wastin my time or yours. I think you’re gonna find just the right one for you today, even if it’s not me.> she turned to look at Tate again, <May I please be excused?> she had a paddling pool out back just calling her name. Tate nodded and stood to the side, only happy to let the little pokemon leave on her own terms rather than wait around to be rejected officially. It was always easier that way and there was no point putting her back in her ball this early because the trainer so obviously wasn’t interested in them. Popplio turned to flop out of the room just as now Carbink was putting on their little show and doing their best to be noticed. It usually wasn’t so hard for them, they never had to compete for attention. <You know it, sweetie! I’ve got sparkle for days! Faceted to the legendaries!> Carbink cooed, spinning once again and throwing light through its prisms in arcs of color just to show off that much more. But Tate knew the look that came over his face when he saw Shuckle. She’d seen it before - love at first sight. It was a common enough thing with trainers, especially when they came in knowing exactly what they wanted. She just hoped the shy guy’s personality wasn’t enough to deter Henry from taking him home. If he could be patient and work with him, Shuckle could be an incredible partner to have. But it would require some work, and she was prepared to let him know that if they didn’t get to that point in the mini interview Henry would now conduct. Shuckle gulped, the unsightly lump of air and spit visible along the length of his neck as it disappeared down into his shell, and he tried to find the words to answer the human. Yes! You’re making me very nervous! But no! Not you! I’m just...nervous..I’m nervous in general. But I shouldn’t tell him that, he wouldn’t want me. He doesn’t want you anyway he’s just being nice. Stupid, stupid Shuckle. Why would anyone want you?And to confirm his inner demons lashing out at his tiny ray of hope, Carbink chortled and nyoomed down to block the view of the shellboy from Henry, <He’s a little thick in the head, babydoll, pay him no mind! So you’re a coordinator? I bet you’ve never seen one of me before, huh? People are just now getting the word about us Carbinks from Alola!>Tate frowned and had to keep herself from intervening, curious to see how Henry would handle the naturally submissive and self-doubting Shuckle when it was being overshadowed - literally - by the more confident Carbink. After all, if he wanted Shuckle for performances he would meet pokemon more like this type all the time. It was something he’d have to deal with on a regular basis, the taunting and the showboating. If he felt it was worth it to step in in the lab, then it was a good sign for him in the real world scenarios for the future. Or, perhaps he’d be turned off of the Shuckle completely and fall for the flashy diamond encrusted pokemon.
Tate< Popplio >< Carbink >< Shuckle >tag: frog notes: HERE U GO BB ✿ Junier of WW [newclass=.bbb-icon]margin: 0px; border: 10px solid #ffffff; width: 100px; height: 100px; -webkit-border-radius: 100%; -moz-border-radius: 100%;[/newclass] [newclass=.bbb-icon img] width: 100px; height: 100px; -webkit-border-radius: 100%; -moz-border-radius: 100%;[/newclass] [newclass=.bbb-txt] width: 200px; padding: 10px; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #888; font-family: calibri; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; [/newclass]
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Post by frog on May 31, 2018 20:02:51 GMT
| Henry felt relief that the popplio took the rejection well. It showed depth and maturity, no doubt the pokemon would make an excellent mother if she was able to handle her emotions and disappointments so well. With a small nod to himself, Henry turned, focused on the two remaining pokemon. As soon as he complimented the carbink the pokemon, full of spunk and confidence, was quick to reply back, moving their body to quite literally dazzle him. It reminded him of the gay scene back in Jubilife in a way that was almost bittersweet, the mothering older queens and the way they took one look at a quiet, sullen little artist and took him under their wing. But he was never one for that brand of entertaining, loved to watch but never stepped up on stage himself.
But what he picked up on, beyond the creature's obvious talents for coordination, was its over powering personality. As soon as the attention was lifted from the what, the alolan pokemon, it was quick to interject itself again, to assert itself as the dominant figure. Henry hardly got a good look at the shuckle at all, only just saw it swallow in what was no doubt a sign of being overwhelmed.
The problem was such a reaction was no good for the stage, or perhaps, the shuckle wasn't very good at sharing the stage rather. Confidence too was something Henry once struggled with, back when he was moody and sullen and strange. Back when he was in the closet. Perhaps the shuckle simply didn't have the environment it needed to thrive. And besides, if Henry was going to be leaving this lab, it was going to be after getting a much better look at such a rare bug type.
"I'm from Sinnoh, so I haven't met many Alolan pokemon," he spoke, voice even. "I can tell you are quite the stage pokemon but I think," and with this he inclined his head towards Tate, "it would be better for me to have a one on one conversation with Shuckle."
Hopefully that would solve a lot of the problem with the shuckle's anxiety, if it felt like less of a competition, and if Henry could bring the mood down. Besides, even if shuckle was a little bit thick in the head, that was a choice for Henry to make. He certainly never took anyone else's word for anything before, and he certainly wasn't going to start now. 413 fitz henry is requesting alone time to pamper this little buggo | |
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Post by fitz on Jun 1, 2018 15:07:44 GMT
[newclass=.juni-rs]position:relative;background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.38);padding:5px;top:41px;margin-left:0px;font-family:montserrat;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;color:#FFFFFF;text-align:center;font-size:12px;text-transform:uppercase;text-shadow:-2px 1px #E854D6;[/newclass] [attr="class","bbb-icon"] [attr="class","bbb-txt"] Carbink chortled, the sound a pleasant chime in their rocky body, <I can tell you one thing, sweetie, you can meet every Alolan pokemon there is and you won’t find one like me!> they gave another spin and twirl in the air, bobbing around as Shuckle shrunk further into his shell, feeling forgotten as usual. And then…both pokemon were shocked as the trainer asked specifically to talk to Shuckle. Tate smiled and pulled out Carbink’s ball just as they were winding up to let all the swears and shade they knew fly out at the silver haired nobody who did he think he was anyway, didn’t he know silver hair was soooo last year and-zaP back in their ball. Shuckle was little more than nubs sticking out of his shell by now but he found the courage to look Henry in the eye, nearly monotone and with a pronounced stammer <Wh-why you wanna t-talk t-to me? Y-you know I’m j-just a b-b-b-b-bug, right?< he had experienced one too many bullies in his day and while many pokemon would see this solo encounter as a dream come true, all he could think of was being cornered just to ~have a little talk~ that ended with his ass beaten and even more feeble, alone in the dark. He knew better than to try to rise above his station, he’d been knocked down any time he tried to before. Tate put Carbink’s ball back in the cabinet for the time being and stepped just out of the room. Enough to give them a little privacy to chat without her staring at them but to where she could still hear what was being said - as well as to see out the window to the backyard where Popplio was happily splashing around in the pool.
Tate< Popplio >< Carbink >< Shuckle >tag: frog notes: HERE U GO BB ✿ Junier of WW [newclass=.bbb-icon]margin: 0px; border: 10px solid #ffffff; width: 100px; height: 100px; -webkit-border-radius: 100%; -moz-border-radius: 100%;[/newclass] [newclass=.bbb-icon img] width: 100px; height: 100px; -webkit-border-radius: 100%; -moz-border-radius: 100%;[/newclass] [newclass=.bbb-txt] width: 200px; padding: 10px; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #888; font-family: calibri; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; [/newclass]
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Post by frog on Jun 2, 2018 0:23:57 GMT
| It was sort of fun, if Henry wasn't aware he was probably burning every chance to get the carbink to come with him. The look on the carbink's face, the slow realization that flashiness and big personality wasn't enough for him, that rejection may actually come to such a beautiful, lustrous pokemon. Henry too had known plenty of people in the art world who had never been rejected before, they came from prestigious schools or rich parents who could front the bill of their children's escapades. But it also made something in him twinge. He knew that the carbink had shown a vital weakness in that moment.
Because there would be times it would lose. There would be pokemon with just as much brilliance and sparkle, who would work twice as hard because they weren't born with it. Or maybe their coordinators were more talented, more experienced than Henry and crafted a better routine. And the way that someone handled defeat and rejection shaped how they would be successful in the future.
And it seemed, based on how Tate reacted that the lab aide approved, and for that Henry too was thankful.
Finally, with some quiet and with his full attention the little shuckle spoke, stuttering over his words in a way that was just... adorable. Henry smiled, a genuine smile that fit his face in a way that was much better than his normal, resting bitch face. It was open and warm and reserved, exclusively for bug pokemon. But the words stopped him from basking in the adorableness of the shy little bug, and he felt a heated anger rise in his chest and color his cheeks pink.
"Just a bug?" He repeated, voice low. "And who told you that?"
Calm down, he told himself. The shuckle was starting to open up, he didn't want the little guy to shrink back because Henry got overzealous on his behalf. Instead, he let a deep breath escape his through his nose.
"Y'know I asked to meet you because I actually really like bug types, better than every other type." Fishing into his pocket, Henry pulled out his phone, unlocked it and went to the gallery where pictures of his artwork rested. A few close-up photographs of the leaves and flowers collected in a burmy's cacoon, a watercolor of a spiraling swarm of combee, a painting of a young boy smiling with his caterpie. "They've always inspired me. They are such a normal facet of life, but they're beautiful. So many bright, vivid colors, like your red shell, and they're by natural humble, and cooperative. Maybe I've always had a soft-spot for the underdogs, but I believe that bug pokemon have so much potential in visual art, including contests."
Realizing this was the most he had spoken in one time since he arrived at Inset, Henry quieted, returning the phone to his pocket. "I don't want you to misunderstand this, shuckle. I want you to come with me on my journey, but not because I feel sorry for you, and not because popplio and carbink would reject me. I want you to come with me because I think you have what it takes to be a wonderful pokemon. Even if you don't want to go on stage just yet," he said with a smile, "even having someone who can help me understand bug pokemon even more could be such a creative inspiration." 570 fitz henry is overeagerly proposing to shuckle ! | |
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Post by fitz on Jun 2, 2018 17:46:57 GMT
[newclass=.juni-rs]position:relative;background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.38);padding:5px;top:41px;margin-left:0px;font-family:montserrat;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;color:#FFFFFF;text-align:center;font-size:12px;text-transform:uppercase;text-shadow:-2px 1px #E854D6;[/newclass] [attr="class","bbb-icon"] [attr="class","bbb-txt"] Shuckle returned the smile, if out of nervous self-defense mirroring than genuine happiness, but he could tell there was a difference in the kind of smile he was receiving from this trainer and the sadistic grins he’d seen on the faces of his bullies. It disappeared in an instant when Henry’s tone changed and he grew scared he’d said the wrong thing. He started to explain, struggling and stammering to find the words before Henry pressed on and explained and little by little the bug found his tension and nervous energy dissipating. There would always be some little nugget of anxiety deep in his tum-tum, but when someone could reassure him and put him at ease, it made it tolerable and not debilitating. <Y-you really like b-b-bug types?> he asked, trying his best to stop the stammer but failing, <Not a j-j-joke?> his eyes went from beady to marble sized when he was shown the photos on the device. He recognized the brethren in the photos but he’d never seen the sights captured so beautifully. So...lovingly? Whoever was behind the lense or canvas had an obvious appreciation of the subject. <You d-did these? They’re g-good!> The comment about his red shell being beautiful made a bit of blush creep up his neck. Nobody had ever called anything about him even close to beautiful before. In fact, quite the opposite. But now here this nice trainer was asking him to go with him and be his starter. Something he never dreamed would happen when he was brought here for rehabilitation. <Th-thank you. But. A-are you sure y-you want me? I d-don’t want to d-d-d-disappoint you.> he felt the sting of tears behind his shiny button eyes and shuffled a little closer across the tile, and took a big breath, <I’ll g-go with you if you’re s-s-sure.> Tate came back into the room and pulled Shuckle’s file and handed his empty pokeball to Henry if he was ready for it. She was sure he was. Once he opened the file he’d find the pokemon’s stats and history. In her other hand was a starter kit for Henry to give him a good shot with his new pokemon in the wild, and for them to capture more and grow their team together. ”Good luck and congratulations.” she told him with a small smile. SHUCKLEmale - lvl 05 - sturdy Sticky Web | Withdraw | Constrict Bide | Rollout | Encore Shuckle was born in a “research lab” on a small island region with next to no pokemon cruelty laws in place, or any laws for that matter. For the first part of his life, up until about six months ago, every day was torture at the hands of sadistic humans who told themselves what they were doing to the pokemon in their care was for the good of science. They groomed the pokemon to believe they were helping others of their species by being forced to do the experiments that they were. If you were to get close enough to Shuckle to get a look inside his shell you would see scarring from how many times various tools were used to scrape and poke and prod inside for testing. He’s still scared of water from being thrown into pools one too many times to see if he would sink or float. He’s also retained a prominent stutter from neurological damage caused in the lab from being thrown at a concrete wall. He was rescued when an electrode was sent in undercover to blow the place up. Pokemon were pulled in the dead of night and the facility was destroyed. Unfortunately so were all records and the lab set up all over again with no consequences for the atrocities they’d committed. Fortunately for Shuckle he was sent to Inset to rehabilitate and has spent the last six months working through his PTSD and with a speech therapist as well. They discovered his stutter disappeared when he sang, and for the first time in his life he felt happy and nice when he would sing. He finally had something he was good at! But he was still so painfully shy from years of no positive social interaction that he couldn’t bring himself to even use a more melodic or sing-song voice to communicate - so the stammer stayed for most interactions with people. He’s worried if he sings to talk that will just lead to questions about why he’s doing it - and he really doesn’t like to think about what happened to him. He could be a real Cinderella story on the stage, with the right agent or coordinator to sell his background history and get his confidence levels up enough to actually perform. But that “right” person will also need to be incredibly patient and comforting and be his cheerleader all the way.
Henry has received a starter pack! + 5 pokeballs + 2 potions + TM Case + Inset Map + Pokedex
Tate< Shuckle >tag: frog notes: HERE U GO BB ✿ Junier of WW [newclass=.bbb-icon]margin: 0px; border: 10px solid #ffffff; width: 100px; height: 100px; -webkit-border-radius: 100%; -moz-border-radius: 100%;[/newclass] [newclass=.bbb-icon img] width: 100px; height: 100px; -webkit-border-radius: 100%; -moz-border-radius: 100%;[/newclass] [newclass=.bbb-txt] width: 200px; padding: 10px; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #888; font-family: calibri; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; [/newclass]
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Post by frog on Jun 3, 2018 21:12:35 GMT
| It tore up Henry's heart a little bit, when he looked into the shuckle's eyes and watched as they grew wider in disbelief and fascination when he showed the bug type his art. It was dawning on him that shuckle had been through something, the extent of which Henry didn't want to know, but it made his chest ache with a fierce anger.
"No not a joke. I love bug types," Henry spoke, voice low, trying to be soothing despite the roiling emotions. "Thanks," Henry said, "this is my work, but I want to create something like it, something that feels like it with the bug pokemon on my team, live in front of people so they can grow to appreciate bug types as much as I do." Henry smiled a bit at the blush on the shuckle's neck, though that too made him sad, that no one had complimented the little bug before, or given him the amount of support and love he needed. Henry had been lucky enough to have a family that did not reject him, not completely. But the fear of be ostracized could be crippling, especially if it actually happens.
"Yes, I want you. I want you just as you are," Henry said. And it was true. He was willing to say that over and over again until the shuckle gained more confidence. Henry saw potential in the pokemon, and he wasn't about to let it be wasted. "I'm sure," he said the words with a smile. And Henry was.
It was that moment when Tate came back in, though Henry got the feeling the lab aid knew all along that the silver-haired man was going to choose the bug type. He had made it quite clear, after-all. As she collected the items, Henry smiled down at shuckle, already feeling a buzz of excitement. He nodded to her, blue eyes glittering a little bit as he accepted the paperwork and the small bag of supplies. He was half expecting to have to buy his own starter set, so having them given to him would help with his budget. Nothing like saving money and acquiring a new friend to put a pip in your step.
"Well, shall we go then, Shuckle?" Henry asked, watching as the bug type blushed and stuttered. "And thank you for your help," he added as the two crossed the threshold into what Henry hoped would be a wonderful new adventure.
thread end 409 fitz thanks for such a great thread ! | |
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