The Journey Of Two Friends. [IC] [Hillan and Lunaxy]

[Hillan]

Everything was quiet this Monday morning in New Bark Town. The Town Of New Beginning people called it. It wasn't really a town, but more of a village. Roughly one hundred people lives here. Everyone for their own reasons, it's none the less a friendly town, many nice people, people that always enjoyed helping each other. Adam was one of them. He had always been. His dad had taught him to always be a gentleman, to always help people, no matter what. Of course, that was an easy philosophy to follow for a man who was the owner of a family fortune that dwarfed most others. His family was a long line of succesful people. Powerful men. CEO's, Nobles, kings and so on. So the tale went, how did such a rich and successful man land in New Bark Town? A small quiet town in the outskirts of Johto. Why would they prefer that to the gigantic Metropolis of Unova? Simple. He fell in love with a woman. Jean Little had been the name off the girl that Josh Newton had fallen for.

That was 18 years ago. Adam was now 16 years old, and he was about to start his own quest. His quest to go through the hardship needed to grow as a man. In order to become a true gentleman, his father had told him to travel the world. To uncover the secrets that this world holds. Things that he fully intended to do. Adam was a very nice young man, a bit lazy and sort of a shortcutter, you could say. However, with his yellow eyes and blue hair, it was hard for the girls to keep away. None the less, today was not just the average Monday morning for the boy, today was the day he'd meet his Partner. His first Pokemon. His new best friend. He was getting ready in his bedroom, as he was fixing his hair quickly. The TV was on in the background, playing a few old matches off a few old Pokemon battles. DVD's given to him by his father, to try and spark his attention.

His father had been a Pokemon trainer previously. He hadn't gone very far, skillwise. Never even attempted the League challenge, but he had traveled the world. His partner was a Pidgeot named Gabriel. A mighty bird, that he however had released into the wilds, Gabriel did however protect the smaller Pidgeys around New Bark Town and never was far away should Josh need him.

Adam picked his jacket up from his bed ,where it had laid since he had taken it out of the wardrobe. He walked down the stairs, and quickly greeted his parents, whom smiled, his father wishing him good luck, and that he should come see his folks before he'd leave. He walked out the door, and the sun was glaring in his face, it was a 5 minute walk before he'd arrive at Professor Elm's lab, where he'd find his starter. He was unsure what type he'd want. Maybe a fire type? That would be pretty cool. He thought to himself, as he smiled, it sure was a beautiful morning.

[Lunaxy]

Unlike most in this town, a particular girl wasn't so friendly and kind towards others. Her name was Manu, a girl who was a foreigner around here, even; she had been living in this town for three months only after all. Her parents were nice people, both rather known for their unmistakable heavy accent as well as their generally nice behavior, while their daughter was known for the contrary; she was unusually rude, uppity and even possessed a bit of arrogance. Still, she wasn't one to keep to herself and as odd as it was, the girl had made several attempts to get in contact with others in this small town - and most, if not all of those attempts ended up with her getting in heated arguments with the others who got bothered by her annoying behavior. Due to that, she was convinced that this town was filled with people-who-did-not-matter and wanted to get out of here as soon as possible, claiming that this town was uninteresting, sadly, however, her family didn't had an interest in leaving this calm town to live elsewhere.

More specifically, her father, who was a renowned business-man, owner of several power plants which provided energy to several towns. The man was content with his life as it was; he had trustworthy people taking care of his industries, and only rarely had to leave New Bark's calmness in order to make sure everything was running smoothly, or perhaps it was the lack of notoriety that living in a small town such as New Bark brought. Still, there was one more reason, one that even Manu herself enjoyed, it was the fact that Professor Elm's laboratory was located in this small town, and young trainers started their journey by getting what was called a starter pokémon from him before leaving in a journey - a journey that'd take Manu away from this annoying town for a while. Though Manu had always preferred steel-types since a child, she knew that there was none as a starter, and therefore the best decision to make was to start with a fire pokémon, given steel's natural weakness to fire. Cyndaquil would be her choice and she could hardly wait to obtain it, it was going to be the only exciting thing in this small town, after all.

Not only that, but obviously beating every damned kid that also lived here would prove an amazing experience. Especially that blue-haired boy who every girl seemed to swoon over around here - what was their problem, really? Perhaps their lack of intelligence also equaled lack of sight, since Manu was pretty sure that the boy wasn't attractive, at all. Well, no matter- she was going to beat him into nothing soon enough, for now, she had to finish getting ready. The clothes she had picked were simple and appropriate for the start of a journey. A sleeveless white satin shirt with a turtleneck collar, a little long, reaching below her waist, her legs covered by black, short shorts, her hands protected by fingerless gloves and lastly, simple running shoes. She had a variety of clothes stored in her bag, though - together with a decent amount of money. She'd need to buy supplies, such as food, pokeballs and other sorts of basic needs, but she had planned to do such once she arrives at the next town.

Making sure that everything was done, the girl descended the stairs, hastily greeting her parents before leaving the house, the girl made her way towards the Pokemon Lab. I hope no one picked my Cyndaquil...

[Hillan]

Adam made his way into the town. People from all around where gathering, to either become a trainer, to challenge the new trainers, or to provide support for the trainers. Some were good, some were not. Adam didn't care either way. He carried another setup of clothes in the bag on his shoulder. 6,000 Pokédollars and an energy bar. The sun was glaring into his hair, as he walked through the town, a local girl saw him, as she smiled "Hi, Adam" she said, batting her eyelashes sedectively, as she almost giggled as he waved, a little awkwardly. He heard how she walked back to her girlfriends saying " He's soooo cute!" most people he met greeted him, and he them. It felt like it was a good day, he was sure of that.

He soon found his way to the laboratory of Professor Elm. Rather young for a Pokémon Professor. Regardless, he was a nice man. A man you could really count on, even. He was friendly, like everyone in New Bark Town. But he was always there to help young trainers out, no matter what, even if he was a bit extreme with his fascination over the evolution of Pokemon. Adam soon entered the doors, there were a few more trainers there. The Professor smiled, as all of the six trainers had arrived. 3 Male, 3 female. He cleared his throat

" Young Trainers. Today is the first day of your journey as a Pokemon trainer. I do not know what your goals might be, but I do know that all of you have the potential to achieve greatness. That is why I am giving you one of these Pokemon each." Elm said, as he picked out the six Pokéballs, and threw them out, the six Pokémon coming out of the balls. "However. You must learn that Pokemon aren't tools, but live beings. They are your friends. As such, you won't choose them. They will choose you." Elm said, as he whistled, the tiny Pokemon responded with their induvidual cry, as they began walking around the laboratory, walking up to each of the trainers, smelling them, maybe ever cuddling a little.

Eventually, every Pokemon had made it to the trainers. Adam was patting a Charmander on the head. As something struck him, the Charmander running to the next trainer. In the back of the laboratory, there was a blue Pokemon, a reptile like little creature, a Totodile that had fallen over. Adam walked over to it, and picked it up, holding it high into the sky. " You want to be my friend?" The blue haired boy asked, with a smile as the Totodile nodded, and responded with a " Toto-Dileee!" Adam scoffed, as he grabbed the Pokeball withthe water ensigna on it, and made it smaller, as he put it onto the inside of his jacket.

"Well then, shall we go?" Adam asked his new found partner. " I'm gonna call you Cynthia, do you like that name?" He asked, as Cynthia squealed excited.

As Adam made it out of the Laboratory, he was stopped by another boy, about his age. " Hey kid! You're a trainer now, let's battle!" The boy told him. Adam scoffed, and nodded in agreement. "Fine." He said. The other boy chuckled, as they walked into the side of the street, where no one was able to get hurt. A crowd was forming around them.

"Ready Cynthia?" Adam asked, with a smile.

[Lunaxy]

"He's soooo cute!"

The comment was heard by Manu as she walked by, her eyes instantly narrowing as her eyebrows furrowed, even her cheeks puffing slightly. Of course he's cute, you're stupid and an idiot- who wouldn't be cute to someone so stupid and idiot, eurgh. While she damn well wished she could say just that, the girl managed to hold the words inside of her head, for once! Simply because she was far too focused on getting to the lab rather than stop and start arguing with someone who'd just make her waste time. Getting there, Manu crossed her arms in front of her chest as she started to rock her body back and forth impatiently, her right foot tapping against the ground.

Professor Elm. He was a rather young man, to be recognized as a professor, but Manu had to admit - he was probably smart. Not only that, but he was the reason many trainers managed to get a decent start in their journey, given the rare pokemon he'd give to people as their starter. Of those starters was Cyndaquil, who Manu had an interest in- the notice that it was the pokemon who would choose their partner however, managed to make her a bit worried. What if another trainer got Cyndaquil instead of her? Oh damn no. Watching as the six pokemon wandered about, Manu made sure to step a bit closer to Cyndaquil, even leaning down on her knees at the ground, her eyes following the pokémon about.

"Hey, frenchie. I think they don't have Primeape as starters - that's the only pokémon which would suit you well." A boy commented with a smugly grin over his face, causing giggles and chuckles to erupt from the others. Of course, Manu's reaction was a bit different; her cheeks were burning with embarrassment as she glared at the boy who made such comment, her hand closed into a fist. "Ah, grrreally?! And I tink zhat-..." Heavily french-accent english, that one had. It was the reason of why she was called frenchie - as well as why she was often mocked by others. It was also the reason of why she had the generally hostile attitude. Anyway, the girl was interrupted by something; her body temperature had risen due to anger and embarrassment, and the little pokemon she was craving apparently enjoyed that. The Cyndaquil was quite comfortably snuggling against her, which was a sign that it had indeed chosen her.

"How coot... Euhm... I tink I will call ze... Fondu. Do ze agree?" At that point, Manu had completely forgotten about everything and everyone, focusing entirely on the Cyndaquil, who nodded happily at the name she had chosen. "Great!" Picking up Fondu, who responded with an excited "Cynda, cyndaquil!", Manu placed the fire-type over her shoulder and then proceeded to leave the laboratory. Once she did, however, she noticed that two kids were about to start battling- and one of them was no one other than Adam. Oh, this would be fun to watch, especially because she was hoping he'd lose.

[Hillan]

The other boy was excited to fight Adam, Adam scoffed nonchalantly, as he introduced himself. The Name's Joey. And I'm gonna kick your ass!" He shouted at Adam, as he got out his pokéball and threw it onto the ground, a Machop came out of the ball, letting out a cry " Macchooopp!" He shouted, as he pounded his own chest.
Adam sighed. " Go Cynthia." He said calmly, as the blue Totodile jumped from his shoulder and down onto the ground, excitedly she let out a battle cry. Joey smiled, as he commanded his machop to attack " Use pound!" He shouted, as the Machop ran towards Cynthia.

The small blue reptile didn't waste any time, dodging instinctively, jumping to the side as the Machop's fist missed. " Use pound too" Adam said to Cynthia, as the Reptile spun around, and smacked it's rather small tail into the face of the Machop, making him fall down onto the ground, he was quickly back up however. " Use scratch" Adam said, as Cynthia's claws came out, and she charged at the Machop. The Machop dodging her swipes. " Low kick her!" Joey shouted to his Machop, whom cried out excitedly, as he delivered a kick to Cynthia's legs, making the Pokemon fall down. Cynthia whelped in surprise. " Finish this, Karate Chop!" Joey commanded his Machop. Adam shook his head.

" Headbutt!" Adam shouted, as Cynthia rolled back up, and took charge all the way down from her knees, as her opponent's fist collided with the ground. She leaped up, and skull'd the Machop, making him stagger backwards, as Cynthia was knocked up above him " Use Water Gun! Adam shouted, his voice was a bit excited now, as the totodile fired the canon of water into hte back of the Machop, knocking it down and out cold on the ground. She landed safely on the ground, panting as Adam smiled and walked towards her. " Nice job!" He said, as he patted her head, she cried cheerfully "Tooto,totodile!"

Adam walked over to Joey and smiled. " You and your Machop fought well. Well done" He said, as he shook his hand, Joey calling back his Machop. " Bah.. Can't believe we lost to some rookie who just got his Pokémon.. But you two fought really well!" Joey said, as he shook Adam's hand.

Adam smiled, as Cynthia jumped back onto his shoulder, and he patted her head a little, as he began walking again, digging into his bag, he got out an Oran Berry and fed it to Cynthia whom smiled cheerfully and munched it down. "Good girl. You were awesome." He said, with a smile.

"Wooowww! So cool! He's gonna totally become a Pokemon master! Like Oh My Arceus! One of his 'fangirls' shouted,as she and her friends agree'd, giggling all together. Adam dismissed them nonchalantly. They were annoying. He hadn't done anything to deserve any form of praise for his fighting.

He noticed Frenchie. He knew off her, she was loud and annoying, but not like the other girls. She was rather loud and annoying for she spoke her mind, and for she never agreed with anyone. Adam smirked as he greeted her, and smiled as he saw the Cyndaquil with her. A rival, maybe. Adam thought, as he would head back to his house, before he would leave town.

[Lunaxy]

An exciting battle this soon? Indeed, an exciting battle this soon... Joey, the ass licker kicker against Adam, the... looker. His Totodile against the Machop. Manu was pretty sure that Adam would lose, after all, that Joey guy seemed to have some slight experience, even if though he looked like some sort of idiot. What with the blue hat, yellow shirt and blue shorts? Was it a tendency for every kid to wear that? Well, no matter. Manu shrugged the thoughts of in order to pay attention at the battle, not that she truly did care about the outcome, other than she'd love to see Adam losing, but she could learn something from it.

The Machop was the first to attack, however, Totodile dodged fairly easily and counter-attacked, sending the Machop to the ground. The tiny fighting type stood up quickly, dodging the Scratch before kicking the Totodile down - a smirk has crossed Manu's face at that point, as the battle was apparently about to end, given the fact that Machop was about to use Karate Chop with the Totodile down - that didn't happen, though, as instead the Totodile had nearly tossed itself against the fighting type, headbutting it and sending it a few meters back and ending the battle in Adam's favor.

"Tsk." The sound just escaped her as she puffed her cheeks, shaking her head slowly. Damn, he won. What was more annoying than watching his victory, though, was the girl's squealing and dying of intense love; it was nearly disgusting, and Manu couldn't stay there any longer. Just as she was about to start walking off, Adam seemed to look at her, greeting her with a smrik. He was mocking her? Really, that smirk... A quiet groan escaped the girl, but she paid him no mind, instead making her way back to her house, while fidgetting with the newly gained pokedex, which was also handed out to trainers.

Once in her home, a rather... long conversation was had with her parents, where she was explained several things, talked about several things and finally was allowed off. As a gift from her father, however, she was given about twenty custom pokeballs, which not only had a better overall look, but it was said that they made catching pokemon slightly easier, with the same effectiveness as great balls you'd buy from the pokémon mart. Happily accepting the gift, Manu hugged her father, then her mother, and proceeded to leave her house, making her way to the exit of the town.

Every journey starts with the first step, heh. How many steps had she took already?

[Hillan]

Adam made his way back to his house. His parents greeting him with big smiles, star-spangled by Cynthia's appearance, Cynthia enjoyed being cuddled with the way Adam's mom did ,patting it on the head and pinching it's cheeks. Adam was given a bag of Pokéfood, as well as a credit-card off his own. His father handed him a belt with unused Pokéballs on, as Adam strapped the belt to his bag. He kissed his mom goodbye, and shook his dad's hand, as he set out into the world. His only companion was the Totodile on his back. No regrets, no looking back.

The only thing that interested him right now was to make it to the first gym. Maybe try his hand at catching a new Pokemon while he'd be at it. He found his way through New Bark Town, approaching the little path into the woods, as he smiled. Goodbye, New Bark Town. Hope to see you again. He said, as he patted Cynthia whom cheered happily. They left town, and saw the girl. Frenchie. They called her. Adam shook his head. She was one of the few girls in town whom wasn't apparently infatuated with him. Something of a relief, always good to know there's a level-headed person of the female species to feet up with.

He found his way into the woods pretty fast, walking through the grass. No Pokemon that looked like it wanted to fight as of now, That's just as well, he thought.
He began to make his way towards the first town. "Cherrygrove City" Adam mused to himself, as he had been walking for a good 15 minutes. Cynthia still sitting on his shoulder. He put away his Pokégear, as he pressed on ahead. Wouldn't be that far till he was in the first town on his journey, he thought. He hadn't ever really traveled this way before. Sure, he had been in Goldenrod once in a while. But he had never legged it all the way there, always in a plane or a train.

He smiled, there was still plenty of time. After some food in Cherrygrove, maybe he could make it to Violet city today. That would be great.

[Lunaxy]

"Ehmmmm." The quiet hum-like sound was a product of Manu's curiosiity as the girl furiously fidged with the newly given pokedex. It was a fairly complicate object - for someone like her, that is, but she was surprisingly managing... play around with it without cursing aloud or something to such extent. A few meters head of her, was a boy - Adam - a boy she really, really didn't like, the reason being his undying popularity. Honestly, she was even tempted to challenge him right there and now, but as much as she'd hate to admit, she was slightly afraid - he did won his first battle, after all, and his pokemon also had the type advantage over her on.

Glancing about, Manu noticed some of the wild pokemon about - peaceful ones, of course, and ones which she didn't had much of an interest in. Merely pointing the pokedex towards them to scan them, she'd continue walking forward - practically following Adam, given he was a few steps head and she was going the same away as him. That was a little fact which made her particulary annoyed, and soon starting to walk faster, she'd attempt to walk a respectful distance past him before slowing down once again. One didn't need to pay much attention to notice that it was obviously something done on purpose and that she was indeed trying to stay in front of him.

"Cherrrrygrove city..." Manu mused aloud, her eyes blinking slowly as she eyed the town which had already came into view. Just a few minutes to get there now...

[Hillan]

Adam were walking, he scoffed lightly as the girl passed him and headed on towards Cherrygrove. He didn't mind. In fact ,he heard something, something coming from the grass beside him. It sounded scared, sad and afraid. Adam nodded to Cynthia that they should check it out. The boy headed off in the direction, and as he approached, whatever it was in the grass began running, running up towards Route 46. Adam began running after. Heading up into Route 46, he was met by the sight of a whole bunch of defeated, knocked down Pokemon. Rattata's, Spearows and Geodudes. Cynthia jumped down from Adam's shoulder and let out a cheerful " Tootoo-Dilee!" As Adam walked deeper into the route, he soon found what he had heard. There a Pokemon stood, it's hands looked dirty and wounded, as Adam walked over to it, it collapsed, the Pokemon had a white head, a skull on it's brown skin, and a club made out of bone in his hand.

Adam ran over to him, and held him up, as he put his Pokédex to it. " Cubone: The Bone Pokemon is a Ground-Type Pokemon famous for using it's bone club in battle, but also for it's shy and sad attitude. The skull on it's head is said to have belonged to it's mother." Adam gulped as he grabbed into his bag, and got out a potion, and sprayed it on the Cubone, as it quickly regained it's composure.

Adam began to pay attention to the other Pokemon, they had bite-marks, not blunt marks on them, he peered a little infront of him, where he saw the light brown fur of the downed Raticate, it's teeth broken. The Cubone let out a " Cuu--Bone!" As he smacked Adam on the head, making Cynthia got into a battle-stance, Gritting it's teeth. Adam rubbed his head as he let out a " Oww." He shook his head as the Cubone held out his bone club, like a sword. "Cynthia.. Use Scratch" Adam said, as the Totodile growled and ran towards the Cubone, whom side-stepped and smacked the bone-club onto Cynthia's head, Cynthia caught herself on her way down to the ground, and quickly regained composure.

" Water-Gun" Adam said, as the spray of water hit the Cubone, whom was sent rolling on the ground. The little thing crawled back up to his feet, as Cynthia charged at him again. Adam however spoke softly " Cynth, stop." He ordered, as he walked over to the Cubone, and smiled. " Hiya fella. Did you do all this?" He asked it, as he nodded towards all the downed pokemon behind him. The Cubone shook his head, and pointed it's club at the Raticate. " Did that Raticate do this?" He asked.

the Cubone nodded and let out " Cue-boonee!" Adam nodded, and smiled. " And you defeated that Raticate, all alone?" He asked, as the Cubone nodded. Cynthia now came up towards the Cubone, and held out it's hand, as if to ask for a handshake. She giggled a little, letting out a cheerful " Tootodile" As Adam took out an oran Berry, and handed it to the Cubone. " You wanna be friends with us?" Adam asked him, with a friendly smile. Cubone looked up, with it's big eyes through the white skull and smiled, nodding it's head " Boooneee" He said, as adam smiled, and took out a Pokéball, and patted it against Cubone's head " Then that's settled. Your name is Kim from now on!" He said as a smiled and got out a marker, as he headed back the way he came. With the multicolored marker, he drew off the club Kim used on the Pokéball.

He put it into the inside of his jacket, where he kept the rest of his used Pokéballs, so far there were only two of them. Cynthia climbed back onto his shoulder, as they continued walking towards Cherrygrove. " That took a little time, didn't it?" He said with a smile as he patted Cynthia on the head.

He walked for another while, as he could see Cherrygrove now, he picked up the pace and soon arrived inside the small city. He smiled. " Made it, Cynthia!" He said cheerfully, it was midday, so catching Kim had taken a little time, but Adam was sure it would be worth it, now, if only he could find the Pokémart. He looked around, as he saw the girl that had passed him before, he smiled briefly, as he walked over to her and waved gently. " Hi, Frenchie, right?" He asked first with a smile as he then nodded. " Where's the Pokémart? I just arrived, and you probably have been here for awhile, any chance you know where it is?" He asked, politely, with a brief smile.

Cynthia cheered from his shoulder.

[Lunaxy]

Manu continued walking without much care, deciding that the faster she got there, the faster she'd be able to... Well, do something. Her passage in Cherrygrove was just as quickly as her arrival - she didn't actually stop at the pokemart, center or anywhere else, straight away making her way to the exit, towards Route 31. The Cyndaquil in her shoulder, Fondu, seemed to be enjoying the sight as it constantly moved it's head to observe the surroundings. Step after step, the girl shortened the distance between her and Violet City, however, she halted her walk as an odd cry was heard, her eyes darting towards where it came from. To the right, a cave could be seen, reachable, but likely difficult to get in. Her eyes slowly traced down though, the stairs which led up there... She blinked her eyes, as if wondering if what she was watching was actually happening.

Seeing that it was indeed that, a small smile crossed over her lips. A pokémon was sitting atop the handrail by the side of the stairs, biting and eating into the handrail, which was made of metal. Slowly taking her pokedex out, Manu pointed it towards the pokémon, the entry bringing a giggle from her.

In order to build up its steel body, it eats iron ore. This pesky Pokémon is known to eat railroad tracks.

"Apparently it also eats han-.. Um, hande... han.." The girl paused, finding the word fairly difficult to pronounce, she just gave up, instead focusing her gaze at Fondu. "Ze tink zhat it loooks... tôugh?" Without much hesitance, the fire-type cheered.

"Rite..." Slowly, Manu started to walk up the stairs, taking just a few seconds before getting close to the Aron. "Amm, hi!" Her greeting seemed to startle the poor creature, who was fairly peaceful before. It hastily leaped down, looking up at Manu - and the Cyndaquil - before it started to run quickly towards her legs, practically throwing itself against her. Manu barely managed to jump to the side, only managing to avoid the powerful tackle by a few inches. The Cyndaquil skillfully jumped from her shoulder, landing against the stair steps as it growled quietly. "A b-battle, h-huh!? R-Rite, Fondu, use Ember!" While she got up and walked a few steps up in order to avoid being in the middle of the about to be heated battle, Fondu opened it's mouth as fire erupted from it's back, followed by a large stream of fire leaving from it's mouth, directed towards the Agron. The tough steel and rock type took it without much care, and by the time the jet of fire had extinguished, it was already tackling the Cyndaquil, tossing the small pokemon against the wall with quite the force.

"F-Fondu!?" Manu shouted worriedly, but the fire type managed to get up from the powerful attack. The angered Aron wasn't being easy, however, already stomping towards the Cyndaquil with one of it's small paws raised, the claws glowing faintly - a metal claw attack. "Fondu, avoid et!" The french-accented girl commanded as the Cyndaquil leaped up, landing on the handrail with a "Cyndaaa!", leaving the Aron down, a bit confused. While tough and strong, it was a fairly slow pokemon, it seemed. "N-Now, Smokescreen!" Instead of flames, a dark cloud of smoke left Cyndaquil's mouth, enveloping around the Aron. Manu decided to use the opportunity, quickly readying a pokeball while commanding the Cyndaquil again. "Again Fondu, ember!"

Having the dark smoke limit it's sight, the steel/rock type wasn't able to dodge the fire-type attack, however, while steel was particularly weak to fire, rock had the advantage over it, which basically made the damage average, neither a super effective one or a not effective one. Shaking it's head as it moved out from the cloud of dark smoke, Aron growled, pressing it's tiny feet at the ground before it started to run before leaping up, it's head seemed to have some lines tracing over it, almost as if it had hardened quite a bit. Iron head. It hit the poor Cyndaquil straight in it's side, causing it to fly up a few meters with a pained groan, Manu flinching in sympathy, "F-Fondu!" The girl shouted in worry as it slammed against the stairsteps, remaining unmovable, only shaking slightly. The fire in it's back had ended, apparently. The Aron didn't had much sympathy, though, it was looking at the fire-type with a pretty angered look, already preparing it's next attack as it started to move towards it.

Manu decided to intervene, quickly making her way closer in order to rescue her pokemon, but... before she could, Cyndaquil managed to stand up again - and something was strange about it. It's body was glowing with a faint red aura, and the flames in it's back were... Well, huge, for it's size. Opening it's jaws, the tiny fire type exhaled a much stronger stream of fire than before, thick enough to cover the entire stairway - and obviously hit the Aron who was charging ready for another attack. The attack was certainly much stronger, but it was still Ember. Cyndaquil's Blaze ability had activated, which made it's fire attack much stronger. "Z-Zhat was... incredible, Fondu!" Manu hastily moved down to hug her Cyndaquil as soon as the fire subsided. At the ground, a knocked out Aron was laying, obviously the last attack had been enough to put it down. "O-oh, yeah, rite," Manu raised her arm, tossing the custom pokeball she had readied earlier - in a flash of red light, it absorbed the Aron, moving from side to side... A few times, as if the creature inside was still fighting... But after it tilted two more times, it'd stop, the center showing a faint green glow.

"Zhe first of many, all tânks to zhe, Fondu. Here, have zhis," Producing a potion from her satchel, she hastily sprayed it over the Cyndaquil, which had been damaged badly by the Aron. While the pokemon was recovering, she returned it to her shoulder, moving down the steps to take newly captured pokemon's pokeball, she'd put it in her belt, at one of the five remaining free slots. "I tink I will call zhe...Sévère. I tink... it fits zhe well." She chuckled a bit, a tired sigh escaping the young girl. Well, instead of making her way to Violet, she decided that returning to Cherrygroove would be better. Descending all the way down, she started to walk back, rather content with her newly caught pokemon. Steel types had always been her favorites, and finding one laying there just like that... So lucky.

In a few minutes, the girl was standing in Cherrygroove, trying to find where the pokemon center was. Both Sévère and Fondu needed a rest, now. Before she could find though, a voice reached her - one that belonged to no one other than... him. "I... was not here. I was supposed to make my way directly to zhe Violet Town, but I decided to come back. I don't know where it is." It seemed that in his presence, she spoke... awfully slowly, making sure to keep her heavy french accent from slipping, but some hints of it were still heard here and there.