Today was the day! He was actually going to meet his hero! The story of Kick the mighty Blaziken was legendary. A real inspiration to many fire and fighting types across the continent. The thought of meeting such a pokémon made his little furry body shiver with excitement as he skipped along the cobblestone path.

The city was rather unfamiliar to the little Growlithe, as he spent most of his time in his home village. Not that this hampered the spunky pups spirit. Fang, albeit young and naïve, was an eager adventurer and what better place to start an adventure than Mandalay city. Though the market was enticing and the smell of delicious lingered in the air, the pup had to ignore his nose and his hungry belly as he scurried along the path to Songstream hall.

"Wow, doesn't this look fancy,"

Fang muttered to himself as he found the Songstream gates. The defences were impressive to the young country pup. He was starting to wonder if the guards would allow him access to the premise. Damn, he should have lifted one of those flyers he saw in the city!

---

The rapid tinking sound of metal to cobblestone could be heard as Ting ran as fast as his little metal legs could carry him down the city streets. He was almost there. Songstream Hall, where he could finally begin his new life, where he could finally have a place to call home. He could see it in the distance, a large dome resting on a rounded building that stood higher than most of the others around here, not to mention in much better condition.

After what felt like an eternity on the road, the exhausted Aron finally made it to the gates of the hall. It was massive up close, it almost reminded him of the hills of Wude. Then there was the impressive steel fencing around the outside of it. Maybe they didn't let just anybody inside? Although wasn't this the place you'd go to for help? Why would they not let certain folks inside? Maybe it was just as a last resort?

But those were questions for another time. The more important thing was getting inside. At the front of the gates were three quadrupedal Pokémon, two of whom had their backs to the gates. Guards maybe? He recognized the Growlithe, as he had seen some in Wude, but the other two he had never seen before. They were all much taller than he was, though that wasn't an uncommon occurrence. He approached the three Pokémon.

"Um... hello? I'm here for the recruitment thing. The posters said you guys were taking on new recruits." Ting looked endearingly at the Umbreon and Sylveon.

The Sylveon's eyes lit up as the Aron mentioned the recruitment poster. "Of course! Kick would be happy to see you! We've had so few Pokémon actually come to help out full time, so new friends would be great! My name's Temperance, but all my friends call me Tempie." One of the Sylveon's ribbons extended over towards the Umbreon. "And this is my brother Astram." The Umbreon nodded silently. "Here, why don't you follow me inside, and I'll show you around. You too Mr. Growlithe! The Sylveon turned around, practically skipping and she scurried towards the entrance of the hall, beckoning with her ribbons as she waited at the entrance.

The Aron turned his head towards the Growlithe. As he made his way towards the entrance, his legs still somewhat wobbly from his journey. "Guess we'd better head on in huh? My name's Ting. Are you a new recruit too?"