Joy's question was almost completely responded by Meintje when she pointed out that she should take a look at Rasa's arm after asking her a series of questions. Without further thinking about it she looked to Rasa's arm and saw it wrapped up "Let me see that." She said and somewhat grabbed Rasa's arm to unwrap the improvised bindings... as she saw the bite marks her gaze narrowed. "I suppose this does explain a lot... now I'm going to treat it... but if you don't give your pokemon a chance to get used to you, they will end up not trusting you or any humans." She said as she treated her wounds.
As they were done Thore looked among them all, he was feeling calm now... but that didn't mean he was satisfied with the idea of following the Warden. Rasa haden't earned his respect yet, and quite frankly he was still afraid of what she was going to do with him even if he never would admit it. Perhaps he could just leave while they were busy?... no, he didn't want to seem like he was fleeing, he didn't run away. If the trainer wanted his respect she would need to earn it, and right now he recalled Meintje protecting her with her everything... she was standing in his way to freedom, and her words were still fresh on his mind. He needed to see their united strength for himself... if this trainer could somehow improve her fighting skills... make them stronger like she had told him. "Larvi Lar Tar....Tari-lar Larvitar. Tar Tartar Lar...Lar...Taritar...Larvit-ar... Lar-Vi-TAR! " He spoke suddenly aiming it to Meintje. 'I shall give you.... one chance to prove to me. That you deserve my time... Fight me... you...and the Warden... one last fight!' Was the rough translation of his words, however they held much more meaning to them than what the simple words could explain.
As the nurse took care of her pokemon Rasa stood on the side, noticing how Grazia ignored help. The trainer sighed, allowing it for now to slide. It will be later when she will have to talk with the dragon pokemon about healing. The nurse returned and started to lecture Rasa. Something the trainer silently took.
She wasnt a idiot.
It wasnt like I had the time explain anything to Thore's fainted dying butt. The trainer snapped inside her mind keeping a soft smile in place as she listened to the nurse. The moment Rasa healed him she let him out the ball asking him if he had any questions. Trying to make him tell her if he had any discomfort. He didnt say a thing. Of course Rasa would assume the ground type was doing fine. The pokeball was a promise all in itself, at least thats how she grew up believing. The ball representing the bond and vow from trainer to pokemon that they will be protected and secure. Even if they are fainted nothing bad would happen to them because their trainer had their ball to keep them safe in.
She wasnt a preschooler either unaware of dangerous pokemon. She was nearly drowned by pokemon as a kid, and saved by other wild pokemon. The sea a harsh mistress. Just last night a pokemon tried to turn her into cubes. So Rasa had to wonder if she really looked like some kind of sheltered princess who never went outside a castle, for the nurse to point how there were bad pokemon out in the world. How she has to learn to read pokemon signals. There were bad pokemon just like there were bad people.
Rasa just wanted out the pokecenter.
Yet something else happened to prolong her stay. Meintje spoke asking the nurse to look at Rasa wound. The blond trainer eyes opened big in shock at that staring at her fire type. How could her own pokemon throw her to the dogs like that. She didnt went out her way to take care of the wound alone just for jokes. She didnt want the nurse to know about it. It was supposed to heal on its own and be for ever forgotten.
Was it some type of petty revenge on Thore?
Whatever it was, Rasa felt betrayed by the pokemon who protected her earlier. Trying to think of a lie in the split moment and hope she wouldnt stutter too much when saying it. Being confident when she wasnt was easy, smiling was easy, improvings a proper reason was hard. Yet she was saved the trouble when Grazia in an annoying tone started downplaying the bite to be nothing more than a small scratch. The wave of affection she felt for the bat pokemon nearly made the blond trainer throw herself at her and cuddle the air out of her. Instead when Grazia gave her a meaningful glaring look Rasa assumed it to silently mean to play along. Which she fully intended to do. Thankful at least one pokemon had her back with her own decisions.
"Yes, Its exactly like Grazia my Noibat said. Word for word." Rasa nodded vigorously, her blond long hair jumping up and down from it and getting messed up, hoping the nurse will now drop it and bring Thore back to them so she could get out before something else happens. She must have not said it good enough because the nurse snatched her arm regardless. And in Rasa opinion rudely started to undid the wrap.
"I-its fine." The trainer protested trying to pull her arm back but the nurse grip was unyielding. The wrap fall off to show the bite wound that wasnt a small scratch. Rasa was pulled away to have it treated, having the proof of a failed trainer now showed to the nurse. As she was putting one of her pokemon in danger. It stung, and it wasnt the bite that she meant.
On top, Rasa once more had to listen to the nurse informing her how she has to give time to her pokemon to get used to her. She really hoped the nurse wouldnt report Kaiser and will just assume it was her fault it happened. She didnt want to risk to have the ground type taken away.
She resited to point out that Thore was only a few hours with her and how he spend nearly all the time out the pokeball. So what exactly was she supposed to do? She was giving him already her trust without a question asked. Instead Rasa said a small yes nurse. Really hoping that it will end this, tiring experience.
There wasnt much the nurse was left to do, as Rasa cleaned her wound well. Putting a cream to ease the stinging she felt the bandage was applied once more. The trainer stepped away the moment her arm was released ready to leave. Luckily Kaiser was now with them and pointing to Meintje speaking something Rasa didnt understand. She will have to ask Grazia if she could teach the ground type to speak. Looking over the fire type, the trainer still felt the sting of betrayal but nonetheless she asked her pokemon.
"Meintje what does kaiser Thore want?"
Meintje glanced away, wrapping her tail around herself, and sighed. Grazia obviously thought she had done the wrong thing, which she truly expected in anycase. The bat pokemon would never agree with her. But it was Rasa's look that hurt the most. Like she couldn't care about her trainer? A bite like that could turn nasty, and Meintje didn't want Rasa to become ill because she wished to not look bad in the eye of the nurse. She bowed her head, and sighed, looking out the door.
She had just wanted to help.
Had she done the wrong thing? She didn't think so. She was sure hundreds of trainers had come through with injuries from their pokemon. Whether accident or otherwise, it didn't make Rasa a bad trainer. She looked over to Kaiser as he spoke, then over to Rasa, briefly before looking away from her. "He wants me to prove myself and subsequently you in a battle with him." She said softly.
Rasa listened to the translation and gave a look over her fire pokemon. The tall red haired girl was looking away and outside, an expression Rasa didnt like on her face. The trainer patted Meintje arm, shifting so she could have proper eye contact with the pokemon. "Hey Meintje I still trust you, you know... Just try trusting in my decisions as well, ok?" Rasa softly spoke only for her to hear, hoping to cheer her up.
In any other circumation Rasa would be against a fight between her pokemon, especially so soon after the training on Route one. But the blond girl resonaded that maybe having something to punch to alleviate the emotions of the day will do both of them good... And it wasnt even lunch time.
"Fine Kaiser, but remember it well that this is a one time deal. If you lose you are free to hate or despise me, but you have to give me your trust that I will care for you. Whatever your needs may be." Rasa said to the ground type walking out the pokecenter and towards the first clearing where the fight wouldnt disrupt anyone. The trainer didnt exactly told any of her pokemon to follow, but assumed that they would.
It seemed all parts were in agreement then, Kaiser would get his chance to battle Meintje, and Rasa was going to stand behind her all the way. The counter request sounded rather... demanding... but to be fair, if he lost they would prove that they are stronger than him anyway and that he had no reason to doubt them. Yet he wanted to win, to defeat the two of them... this time there would be no holding back, this time there would be no interruptions. "Tar!" He replied pitched enough to sound like 'Deal' which was pretty much what it meant.
He let Rasa lead the way to the battle square on the side of the pokémon center, a place where trainer could go to have battles usually against each other like in regular matches and under monitored conditions. Kaiser took his place on one side, with no trainer behind him and Meintje together with Rasa would get to take the other side. Once both sides looked ready enough Thore smirked "Tar, Ta tar!" 'Battle shall commence' he roared as he pointed at Meintje and Leer-edAt her and Rasa.
"You don't just care for us, we need to care for you. A Bite can turn nasty. I'm not going to apologise for doing what I think is best" Meintje replied, her tone even. Without another word, she followed Kaiser, and stood waiting, eyes narrowed slightly as she watched the ground type. As soon as he made a more, Meintje was already seeking to dodge, leaping back, and even though it was risky, she glanced away so the leer wouldn't affect her, bringing her tail up and around to aid in protecting her, as she waited for Rasas command.
As they stood on the field, Rasa in the trainer position, she still heard the words Meintje told her. The taller and older looking gijinka was simply worried for her health. As if Rasa wasnt able to clean her own wound properly. She shock her head trying to get rid of such thinking. It was a bit hard for the blond trainer, neither pokemon even tried to ask her what she wanted or needed or who she was. So why pretend to care? It sure didnt help hearing the fire type declaring that she will do what she thinks is best regardless of Rasa opinion.
Like her older sister.
No. She protected her. Her action spoke louder than words... Still...
The words said in a even tone...
Rasa would have preferred Meintje to be yelling at her, anger was much more honest than the even tone she used. Her inner thoughts distracted her long enough that she just watched the leer, the way she jumped out the way readying herself.
Maybe that was the problem, Rasa gave too many orders, maybe with less orders in a fight it would be better? But it was the trainer job to ... maybe she simply wasnt good enough...
"Meintje! Keep attacking him until he tires out! " She called out with her confident voice, leaving everything else to the pokemon decisions. How to attack, when to do so, where to attack. Maybe it would be better if they lose this. Kaiser Thore would be weak with a tendency to get in fights with stronger pokemon risking his life, but at least he would have a chance to find a better trainer to protect him.
Thore was observing, even at the other side of his glare his vision was sharply focused on Meintje, but later settled on Rasa as the Pokémon jumped back and tried to shield herself. Even from here he could sense the doubt from Rasa, her posture, her scent, and the slightly delayed response. Meintje was the one standing there, looking up to the girl... Waiting.... Waiting för a confident leader. The order came to attack, not how or when... But simply to attack. Perhaps for himself it would be all he needed, but somewhat there was also the lingering feeling to expect more from someone that was trying to lead and command.
Yet he was curious how she still managed to hide it with a confident voice, but perhaps she was just good at lying to others. He didn't let them regroup however he dashed towards Meintje, using the opportunity of her defense to launch a full scale attack, if Meintje doubted Rasa for a moment he knew he could crush her, worst case it would come to a battle of endurance, Kaiser would not lose one and if Rasa didn't even try to win he would wipe the field with Meintje. Bite vs scratch... Effective, vs very ineffective... Move vise he had the edge, and unless Meintje was good at planning without support from Rasa it was likely this battle would only go one way.
Meintje stood for a moment, closed her eyes, and drew in a deep breath. It wasn't her place to be lecturing her trainer, but it was her place to help Rasa. She let the breath out as a sigh, and said "Rasa, this is your battle too. You're a trainer. If you want him, if you want to be a good trainer... You have to believe in yourself." She shifted, watching Kaiser. She knew that there were plenty of things she could do, yet she had seen Kaiser in action. She had also been on the receiving end of his attacks before, and wasn't exactly keen to be so again.
"Please, Rasa...we can do this together." She said softly, not looking at Rasa, keeping her gaze on Kaiser. Shifting her weight, she leaped forward, but did not attack Kaiser, seeking to keep him on his toes, and give him no reason to doubt not only her, but Rasa, as she desperately waited for Rasa to...tell her what to do. If Meintje won this battle without Rasa instructing her, then Kaiser would never respect, nor believe in Rasa.
"This is your battle too, Rasa." Meintje leaped towards Kaiser, pushing herself over him, and landing smoothly, she flicked her claws out, ready to use scratch, "Rasa. Be a trainer. Let us believe in you, so you can believe in yourself."
The fire type didnt attack like Rasa thought she would do. Neither showing some plan in her movements. She gave her freedom to do as she felt was right, so why not use it? Thore eyed her more than he eyed Meintje. Rasa didnt get to wonder much about it as Meintje spoke up.
"Rasa, this is your battle too. You're a trainer. If you want him, if you want to be a good trainer"
Want him?
She wasnt given a choice up till now. She took Grazia to save her life. She took Kaiser to save his life. And Grazia was the one who picked Meintje for her. The blond trainer wasnt at any point asked if she wanted any of the pokemon she ended up with... If it was up to her she would have started with a water type, so they could swim together. "...you have to believe in yourself."
No.
Yes?
She didnt know.
But...
She couldnt abandon them. She made a decision she would be the storm that changes the top. It was her dream she wanted to reach out her own strength, and with it came the responsible to take care of what life deals her. Being responsible was the one thing she definitely knew about herself. Stay true to yourself the rest...will come. Maybe believing in yourself will as well?
"Please, Rasa...we can do this together." Meintje spoke softly trying to keep Kaiser on his toes. Rasa snorted at the last word. Yeah, together would be nice, but that meant not involving strangers, like she did.
"...Rasa. Be a trainer. Let us believe in you, so you can believe in yourself."
Rasa saw how she went behind Thore, the fire types eyes locking with her own. She asked her to be a trainer. If that was what Meintje needs. It was only natural to accommodate her. The three pokeballs in her bag were her promise to them that she would try to meet what ever their needs may be. To care for them. She was not planning to break her word. Her arms crossed over her chest, feeling the breeze against her bare back.
"If there is to ever be a together. I as your trainer awaits to never have a repeat of what happened in the pokecenter Meintje. Go to his left." She ordered, forming a plan on how to win this. Thore needed this battle, it was selfish from her to not give him what he asked for. That was what Rasa wanted, wasnt it... She wanted to hear what her pokemon needed. He did his part, it was her turn now.
"Switch size, scratch at his leg. If you ever have a problem with any of my decisions you are to take them to me. I will listen. Retreat, be on defence. Do not ever involve a person outside the team, regardless of how nice your intentions are, its unacceptable to go behind your trainers back."
She sounded so harsh to her own ears, but if Meintje wanted to do things together than she has first to understand what that means to her trainer. She is part of the team. It mattered little if she got along with the team or not. The team is for all of them. "Keep moving, switch sizes. If you do it again there will be consequences. If you understand that Meintje...."
Rasa felt the energy bubbling in her veins as she took in a deep breath and screamed out the top of her lungs, using every bit of enthusiasm she possessed in her. Striking the pose she spent days and weeks perfecting. Allowing her imagination to carry her to the very top to overshadow everyone like a heavy rain cloud, yet to brightly lit the world with its thunder. Where the winds leave devastation of old behind them. For new to have a chance.
"LET US BRING THE STORM! BECAUSE WE ARE THE STORMBRINGER! Use scratch again, on his other side now."
The order said in her normal voice, hoping Meintje catches it. Rasa hoped she proved enough distraction to Thore to not be able to avoid it in time.
"Then don't be foolish and don't be afraid to admit you need help!" Meintje roared back at Rasa, angered. "People get injured. It happens. Get over it. What would happen to us, if you died because of that stupid bite? Trapped in our balls? I just wanted you to be alright! Next time, have the guts to admit you hurt yourself and then I wouldn't have to do it!"
Meintje nevertheless did what she was told, continuing to switch between her two forms with a speed that seemed impossible, the flame on her tail large, bright and...flickering wildly.
"It was a nurse. You take us to her, as a trainer, without consulting us. What is the difference between us...me, being concerned for your welfare against you being concerned for ours? I made sure no one else could hear! She's probably seen a heck of alot worse then a bite!"
Meintje scratched at Kaiser, retreating almost at once, switching sizes once more. She leaped to the side, just about dancing around Kaiser as she did so, and once more attacked Kaiser when Rasa said to, charging in quickly, taking the opportunity presented her, and attacked with scratch again.
She just had to push.
It wasnt like that.
Why couldnt she simply accept the peace offer.
That was not the reason.
Why couldnt she accept they were a team.
Move on.
She said she wanted to do it together.
No. She had to push. And the high energy Rasa felt in her when she shouted turned now upon her, and she once more ended up shouting. But this this time she didnt scream her team name. "What the difference? That is what you ask? Then I will explain it to you. " Yet, she bit her lip, suppressing the urge to go on and explain it all. Both her pokemon needed her attention now. They were fighting they could get hurt badly. She couldnt throw it away because of her own wish to speak. To yell to the world that it wasnt like that. "After this." She said instead, pushing down on the feelings.
To Kaiser, little else mattered than the moment at this point in time. He had decided that he was going to attack and he was going to follow through with it, even as Meintje leaped forwards he didn't slow down... he didn't fear her counter attack and didn't even bother trying to dodge it, he counted on that he could take whatever she threw at him and deal more damage back then he took even without knowing Meintje's moves. He had seen her scratch and all, but to him it didn't quite register as a safe or unsafe move to tank... probably because he didn't care. He may or may not have slammed his head towards the Charmander's gut the second time she leaped forth, not quite bothering to use bite yet, and she may have used that opportunity to get atop of him temporarily.
Which technically served more to piss him off rather than to keep him down, he was stronger than the pokémon on top of him so it wouldn't take long for him to get out of there if needed. A shift in form triggered one of his own, he didn't want to get crushed after all and it served to give him the momentum he needed to get out of the hold. A Scratch to his leg to slow him down, or weaken his balance ended in failure as it came as a tickle to the half rock type, one that he easily shrugged off. Meintje may be faster than Kaiser, but not by a lot... she may win in a foot race by a third, but in close combat like this she didn't exactly run laps around him. His endurance, his resistance and his strength was all higher than hers. He had his mind in the battle, Meintje didn't quite have that benefit as she argued with Rasa...
Still she listened, Thore found it surprising. A moment of surprise and insecurity washed over him as he countered Meintje's moves with his own. Rasa tried to distract him and somewhat it worked, but as the battle went on Thore grew increasingly annoyed by their bickering, he wanted a fair fight... and most of the time he didn't feel like either of them was giving it their all just yet.
Then when Meintje jumped to his left and scratched at him his fury grew and he didn't let the second blow land... He couldn't allow her to fully blindside him. Upon the second scratch attack, the second hand vanished into his mouth as he angled up around it... Then he clipped down as a bear trap upon it not letting it go easily.
Once again his blood boiled inside him... adrenaline pumped in his veins as fury raged inside. Gijinka... pokémon... Shape didn't matter he followed through, and grabbed that Charmander as he charged her, lifted her overhead and threw her to the ground back first. Then he lunged, to throw bite after bite, fighting arms and flails, using mouth to attack... It was not to kill, but there was no gentleness about it either, he aimed to knock Meintje out, he looked to finish the fight.
He had heard their conversation, he had felt their intents, but their actions spoke louder at this moment, and Kaiser Thore... would reply.
Rasa watched with a surprise as the ground type was strong enough to all but raise Meintje over his head. No. "Meintje!" She shouted, just as Kaiser throwed her to the ground. The trainer thougth how she was stupid wasnt she? It didnt mattered if Meintje get her trainer or not. Rasa anger because of it, caused her pokemon to get harmed when maybe they could have avoided it. Thore moved too fast as he lunged on. "Roll to side!" The blond trainer called out, but there was no time for Meintje to react to the order, disoriented from being thrown, the bite landed on her.
She watched as the fire type fought the fainting of as best as she could. Never giving up not even at the last moment. Stubborn like the moment she was caught. All she wanted to do was show care for Rasa. And yet the same trainer didnt treated her well. "Its Okay Meintje. Its enough." Sure the fire type didnt know her well enough, neither did she question her... but she wanted to care. Rasa promised silently to herself that she would take the responsibility to make sure Meintje wish to care, would not even get the chance for the team to get in trouble, ever. "You did great." Rasa spoke unsure if the last words were even heard by the fire pokemon as she blacked out.
Seeing his opponent fainted Thore let up his attack, and calm down a bit. He get up and watches Meintje's fainted form for a while, a moment of satisfaction and completion fill him as he for the instant bask in the feeling of victory. He had won... proven himself the stronger pokémon... Finally there would be no question of who was stronger and who was weaker, she had lost and Thore had won... He was unsure if it was in his interest to butt in on Rasa and Meintje's business, but he could see that Rasa was upset. He turned to watch Rasa now, and observe her for a while.
Rasa lost, that was it wasnt it? Her focus shifting from the red head fainted in front of her to the ground type in front. She would keep her word, and only hope the ground type would not end up in trouble on his own. He was strong without her help. So its for the better to let him go on his own. There was no need to worry. The blond trainer pulled two pokeballs out and aimed one at Meintje to bring her into safety. The other she throw at Thore direction watching the red and white ball roll up the ground pokemon feet.
"Its yours." She said, hoping Grazia wouldnt ask to fight with her and leave her just like this... No she clearly said she would stay, she gave rasa her word. But then again maybe it was all Rasa ever was good for. Mess up. Meintje words still stung at her as she walked back towards the pokecenter and planning to let the nurse take care of her again. To then move on in the forest, the city felt too full.
As the ball rolled towards him, as his opponent was recalled and the trainer turned away Kaiser looked towards the foreign object on the ground. It was the prison... Did it mean he was free?... To go, to do... Whatever he liked? The one who had been so persistent in keeping it, the one who had made him obey, was now leaving. Kaiser walked up to the Pokéball, turned into Gijinka form as he picked the ball up in his hand. He looked to Rasa as she seemed to give up and leave... yet, he rolled the ball in his hand... Before throwing it back at Rasa, hitting her in the back of the head 'lightly' to catch her attention.
"I don't want this..." Kaiser suddenly said in plainly so everyone could understand him.
The hit startled Rasa a bit, her fingers curling into a fist for a moment. She didnt turn around. Hearing his words she took a breath in. "Eh, so you CAN speak. " She shock her head, things could have been so much easier if he did spoke earlier. If he answered her questions or said something. "Then destroy it. Maybe throw it against a wall."
"I don't want to destroy it... Its yours. You gave me my battle. You may not have won, but you gave it your all... Its what matters to me. A Trainer is someone who try to make their pokémon stronger correct?... and you are a trainer?... Well, I am a Pokémon, I may have ended up with you one way or another... but I want you as my trainer." Thore replied walking closer to her.
It was strange hearing this now. When everything made her believe that she was not getting her point across. When she was trying hard not to fall into her bad habit of relying on words... Words meant nothing only the actions counted. She reminded herself. Turning around she picked the pokeball inspecting it for damage. "That, only partially correct."
She sighed looking up and up until she was meeting Thore eyes. "A trainer makes her pokemon strong, but as well promise with this" She raised the pokeball up to show her point. "That she will care for them. You won ... so you dont have to trust me to care for your needs. I cannot make you say what you need to me, so I can accommodate those needs... So why would you want to stay with me?"
To Thore, things were perhaps simpler, but he listened to Rasa's response as he drew closer to her, when she asked her question, his response came sudden... and perhaps unexpected as he threw his arms around the trainer and somewhat hugged/embraced her. "You...like these... right?.... Close tight... things?...I.. don't.... dislike it.... when you... do it to me...." He said glancing away a bit awkwardly..
And as suddenly as the hug wrapped around her, the steam she build up melted away. She wrapped her hands around the tall pokemon. She kinda needed this, after the emotion draining day. A hug was a way to show you cherish the hugged... From the morning to the now. To many things happened, yet the conclusion to one part of it she liked.
She felt better, after a few long moments she pulled away, her face with a natural smile now. "Fine. But... Please, do speak more often. I like understanding you just as much as I like hugging. " Maybe Thore won more than one battle right there, Rasa mused, continuing what had to be done on her to do list.
Thore shuddered slightly as Rasa wrapped her warm arms around him, he may be resistant to physical damage... but he could still feel a warm hug around him. It made his gaze fleet further away and his cheeks to redden, it was a very odd feeling. "Maybe I will... if you earn it~" he said rather playfully before suddenly shifting to Pokémon form in her arms. He snuggled up into her chest and settled down to rest his back towards her arms with his tail wiggling slightly out of her embrace. He nuzzled his head towards her as he smiled up to her .Taritar... tar... This... is not... so bad." He said translating his own speech for once.
Rasa let the pokemon shrink into her arms, feeling now the slight strain and stinging from her wound now that his weight was again supported by only her arms. She smiled, pushing the sensation back in her mind. Giving a soft hum of acceptance she carried Kaiser to the pokecenter and healed Meintje. Letting the fire type out the moment she was well again.
She didnt felt like doing the explanation now any longer.
Instead she opted to tilt her head to indicate the direction as she simple said.
"Follow." To her other two pokemon, slightly shifting the ground type in her arms to find the easiest way to carry him around. He felt warmer than she expected him to be.
Kaiser decided to take a peaceful nap in Rasa's arms, letting her take care of the rest... perhaps in doing so display that he actually trusted her to take care of everything.
Trapped in a pokeball...her pokeball...again. Meintje wanted out, but couldn't quite figure out how, and then she was let out. Meintje shook herself, barely able to look at Rasa, as the trainer told her to follow. She didn't, staring after her, wrapping her tail around herself. How long would it take her trainer, to realise she wasn't following? Feeling hurt, and a little betrayed, not to mention...abandoned, Meintje bowed her head, hugging herself, closing her eyes tightly.
It seemed that everything had worked out for Rasa. Yet Meintje couldn't help but feel...useless, left behind. Overlooked. And it tore at her, her flame flickering with the intense emotions.
Rasa only made a few steps, her mind pointing out to her there was less footsteps then she awaited. It was explained when she turned around. Meintje didn't move from the spot she was released. Again having the hurt expression Rasa didn't wish her to have.
"Meintje?" The trainer made a step closer to the fire type.
"Is ... what is troubling you? Are you hurting or hungry? " Briefly Rasa wondered if maybe the arguing they had was affecting her. They didn't get to end it....It definitely had to be still on her mind.
She took a breath. "You were right... I was a fool. " Maybe not for the same reasons the fire type called her out. "I am sorry. I will try to better myself."
That wasn't the point, and Meintje just looked at Rasa, blinking slowly. She sighed, and looked away. "You're wrong. You aren't a fool, Rasa. Why do you think so little of yourself, that someone, even a pokemon, caring about you is too frightening, to...preposterous?" She asked, still not looking at Rasa. "Why take it as a betrayal, when someone seeks to make sure you are alright?"
"You ... look. If I got hurt by my own action or even a wild pokemon I wouldn't blink twice to have the nurse take care of me." Rasa looked down to her arms where Kaiser was napping. She looked up to Meintje, trying to find the right words.
"You put him in danger. Do you understand that?"
Meintje sighed in frustration. "And he put you in danger. Which puts the rest of us in danger." She replied, her tone more than a little frustrated. "I did what I thought was right, what would you have done, if it got worse and we were out in the wild?" She demanded, looking up, "But I wasn't even thinking of that. You were hurt, and thats all that mattered."
"And to me all that matter is the whole team. I saved his life. It my responsibility not to let him or any of you be taken away from me or put to sleep because of a stranger not giving a second chance." Rasa shifted the pokemon in her healthy hand to show the bandaged arm to her fire type.
"And could you stop assuming I don't know how to judge or take care of wounds? I realise you are older, but I am not clueless."
Meintje shook her head again, "Then stop assuming I didn't know what I was doing! The nurse wouldn't have done anything. She didn't do anything. I've learned to be a good judge of character, or I wouldn't be here... I wouldn't be here with you." She looked away again, upset that she couldn't seem to find the right words among other things.
"I never assumed you not knowing what are you doing. What I wished is to have you share what you know with me. I said I will listen. If you said to me that nurse will not report him I wouldnt... made any problems...." Rasa sighed. She was smiling a bit at the indirect compliment Meintje just gave her.
"Look, I only want to be part in your decision as much as I am inviting you to be part to mine. So we could do it together. I am thankful for your care.... I just believe you can't care for someone, if you don't know anything about them. Why do you think I ask questions to you all?"
"I wouldn't have let myself get caught, if I didn't...believe in you, Rasa." Meintje said softly. "Which is enough...for me to care." She sighed, feeling like she was doubting herself now, no longer sure what to do.
"Its ok then. You don't need to change. I will trust and believe in you." Rasa reached her still free hand out and took the fire type hand in her own. Trying to be giving her some confidence with her gesture.
"If you ever fell like asking me anything, you allways will have my ear. Is there anything else you wish to point out to me? Please do, you are part of Stormbringer." Rasa smiled wider as she looked at the red head.
Meintje sighed once more, looking to Rasa, "No, there's nothing at the moment" She said softly, letting Rasa take her hand, but still not sure where she stood anymore.
"So lets go fetch my tent. Tell what are you favorite berries and are you allergic to anything?" For Rasa it was clear enough. Meintje stayed with her not only because of the ball but because the fire type was giving the trainer a chance. It gave the girl a warm feeling, just like the fire types flame did earlier when she felt fantom cold gripping on her. There was a lot of things to do. Rasa was silently trying to plan how to make the team work and what she could do to not have a misunderstanding like before.
As they were done Thore looked among them all, he was feeling calm now... but that didn't mean he was satisfied with the idea of following the Warden. Rasa haden't earned his respect yet, and quite frankly he was still afraid of what she was going to do with him even if he never would admit it. Perhaps he could just leave while they were busy?... no, he didn't want to seem like he was fleeing, he didn't run away. If the trainer wanted his respect she would need to earn it, and right now he recalled Meintje protecting her with her everything... she was standing in his way to freedom, and her words were still fresh on his mind. He needed to see their united strength for himself... if this trainer could somehow improve her fighting skills... make them stronger like she had told him. "Larvi Lar Tar....Tari-lar Larvitar. Tar Tartar Lar...Lar...Taritar...Larvit-ar... Lar-Vi-TAR! " He spoke suddenly aiming it to Meintje. 'I shall give you.... one chance to prove to me. That you deserve my time... Fight me... you...and the Warden... one last fight!' Was the rough translation of his words, however they held much more meaning to them than what the simple words could explain.
As the nurse took care of her pokemon Rasa stood on the side, noticing how Grazia ignored help. The trainer sighed, allowing it for now to slide. It will be later when she will have to talk with the dragon pokemon about healing. The nurse returned and started to lecture Rasa. Something the trainer silently took.
She wasnt a idiot.
It wasnt like I had the time explain anything to Thore's fainted dying butt. The trainer snapped inside her mind keeping a soft smile in place as she listened to the nurse. The moment Rasa healed him she let him out the ball asking him if he had any questions. Trying to make him tell her if he had any discomfort. He didnt say a thing. Of course Rasa would assume the ground type was doing fine. The pokeball was a promise all in itself, at least thats how she grew up believing. The ball representing the bond and vow from trainer to pokemon that they will be protected and secure. Even if they are fainted nothing bad would happen to them because their trainer had their ball to keep them safe in.
She wasnt a preschooler either unaware of dangerous pokemon. She was nearly drowned by pokemon as a kid, and saved by other wild pokemon. The sea a harsh mistress. Just last night a pokemon tried to turn her into cubes. So Rasa had to wonder if she really looked like some kind of sheltered princess who never went outside a castle, for the nurse to point how there were bad pokemon out in the world. How she has to learn to read pokemon signals. There were bad pokemon just like there were bad people.
Rasa just wanted out the pokecenter.
Yet something else happened to prolong her stay. Meintje spoke asking the nurse to look at Rasa wound. The blond trainer eyes opened big in shock at that staring at her fire type. How could her own pokemon throw her to the dogs like that. She didnt went out her way to take care of the wound alone just for jokes. She didnt want the nurse to know about it. It was supposed to heal on its own and be for ever forgotten.
Was it some type of petty revenge on Thore?
Whatever it was, Rasa felt betrayed by the pokemon who protected her earlier. Trying to think of a lie in the split moment and hope she wouldnt stutter too much when saying it. Being confident when she wasnt was easy, smiling was easy, improvings a proper reason was hard. Yet she was saved the trouble when Grazia in an annoying tone started downplaying the bite to be nothing more than a small scratch. The wave of affection she felt for the bat pokemon nearly made the blond trainer throw herself at her and cuddle the air out of her. Instead when Grazia gave her a meaningful glaring look Rasa assumed it to silently mean to play along. Which she fully intended to do. Thankful at least one pokemon had her back with her own decisions.
"Yes, Its exactly like Grazia my Noibat said. Word for word." Rasa nodded vigorously, her blond long hair jumping up and down from it and getting messed up, hoping the nurse will now drop it and bring Thore back to them so she could get out before something else happens. She must have not said it good enough because the nurse snatched her arm regardless. And in Rasa opinion rudely started to undid the wrap.
"I-its fine." The trainer protested trying to pull her arm back but the nurse grip was unyielding. The wrap fall off to show the bite wound that wasnt a small scratch. Rasa was pulled away to have it treated, having the proof of a failed trainer now showed to the nurse. As she was putting one of her pokemon in danger. It stung, and it wasnt the bite that she meant.
On top, Rasa once more had to listen to the nurse informing her how she has to give time to her pokemon to get used to her. She really hoped the nurse wouldnt report Kaiser and will just assume it was her fault it happened. She didnt want to risk to have the ground type taken away.
She resited to point out that Thore was only a few hours with her and how he spend nearly all the time out the pokeball. So what exactly was she supposed to do? She was giving him already her trust without a question asked. Instead Rasa said a small yes nurse. Really hoping that it will end this, tiring experience.
There wasnt much the nurse was left to do, as Rasa cleaned her wound well. Putting a cream to ease the stinging she felt the bandage was applied once more. The trainer stepped away the moment her arm was released ready to leave. Luckily Kaiser was now with them and pointing to Meintje speaking something Rasa didnt understand. She will have to ask Grazia if she could teach the ground type to speak. Looking over the fire type, the trainer still felt the sting of betrayal but nonetheless she asked her pokemon.
"Meintje what does kaiser Thore want?"
Meintje glanced away, wrapping her tail around herself, and sighed. Grazia obviously thought she had done the wrong thing, which she truly expected in anycase. The bat pokemon would never agree with her. But it was Rasa's look that hurt the most. Like she couldn't care about her trainer? A bite like that could turn nasty, and Meintje didn't want Rasa to become ill because she wished to not look bad in the eye of the nurse. She bowed her head, and sighed, looking out the door.
She had just wanted to help.
Had she done the wrong thing? She didn't think so. She was sure hundreds of trainers had come through with injuries from their pokemon. Whether accident or otherwise, it didn't make Rasa a bad trainer. She looked over to Kaiser as he spoke, then over to Rasa, briefly before looking away from her. "He wants me to prove myself and subsequently you in a battle with him." She said softly.
Rasa listened to the translation and gave a look over her fire pokemon. The tall red haired girl was looking away and outside, an expression Rasa didnt like on her face. The trainer patted Meintje arm, shifting so she could have proper eye contact with the pokemon. "Hey Meintje I still trust you, you know... Just try trusting in my decisions as well, ok?" Rasa softly spoke only for her to hear, hoping to cheer her up.
In any other circumation Rasa would be against a fight between her pokemon, especially so soon after the training on Route one. But the blond girl resonaded that maybe having something to punch to alleviate the emotions of the day will do both of them good... And it wasnt even lunch time.
"Fine Kaiser, but remember it well that this is a one time deal. If you lose you are free to hate or despise me, but you have to give me your trust that I will care for you. Whatever your needs may be." Rasa said to the ground type walking out the pokecenter and towards the first clearing where the fight wouldnt disrupt anyone. The trainer didnt exactly told any of her pokemon to follow, but assumed that they would.
It seemed all parts were in agreement then, Kaiser would get his chance to battle Meintje, and Rasa was going to stand behind her all the way. The counter request sounded rather... demanding... but to be fair, if he lost they would prove that they are stronger than him anyway and that he had no reason to doubt them. Yet he wanted to win, to defeat the two of them... this time there would be no holding back, this time there would be no interruptions. "Tar!" He replied pitched enough to sound like 'Deal' which was pretty much what it meant.
He let Rasa lead the way to the battle square on the side of the pokémon center, a place where trainer could go to have battles usually against each other like in regular matches and under monitored conditions. Kaiser took his place on one side, with no trainer behind him and Meintje together with Rasa would get to take the other side. Once both sides looked ready enough Thore smirked "Tar, Ta tar!" 'Battle shall commence' he roared as he pointed at Meintje and Leer-edAt her and Rasa.
"You don't just care for us, we need to care for you. A Bite can turn nasty. I'm not going to apologise for doing what I think is best" Meintje replied, her tone even. Without another word, she followed Kaiser, and stood waiting, eyes narrowed slightly as she watched the ground type. As soon as he made a more, Meintje was already seeking to dodge, leaping back, and even though it was risky, she glanced away so the leer wouldn't affect her, bringing her tail up and around to aid in protecting her, as she waited for Rasas command.
As they stood on the field, Rasa in the trainer position, she still heard the words Meintje told her. The taller and older looking gijinka was simply worried for her health. As if Rasa wasnt able to clean her own wound properly. She shock her head trying to get rid of such thinking. It was a bit hard for the blond trainer, neither pokemon even tried to ask her what she wanted or needed or who she was. So why pretend to care? It sure didnt help hearing the fire type declaring that she will do what she thinks is best regardless of Rasa opinion.
Like her older sister.
No. She protected her. Her action spoke louder than words... Still...
The words said in a even tone...
Rasa would have preferred Meintje to be yelling at her, anger was much more honest than the even tone she used. Her inner thoughts distracted her long enough that she just watched the leer, the way she jumped out the way readying herself.
Maybe that was the problem, Rasa gave too many orders, maybe with less orders in a fight it would be better? But it was the trainer job to ... maybe she simply wasnt good enough...
"Meintje! Keep attacking him until he tires out! " She called out with her confident voice, leaving everything else to the pokemon decisions. How to attack, when to do so, where to attack. Maybe it would be better if they lose this. Kaiser Thore would be weak with a tendency to get in fights with stronger pokemon risking his life, but at least he would have a chance to find a better trainer to protect him.
Thore was observing, even at the other side of his glare his vision was sharply focused on Meintje, but later settled on Rasa as the Pokémon jumped back and tried to shield herself. Even from here he could sense the doubt from Rasa, her posture, her scent, and the slightly delayed response. Meintje was the one standing there, looking up to the girl... Waiting.... Waiting för a confident leader. The order came to attack, not how or when... But simply to attack. Perhaps for himself it would be all he needed, but somewhat there was also the lingering feeling to expect more from someone that was trying to lead and command.
Yet he was curious how she still managed to hide it with a confident voice, but perhaps she was just good at lying to others. He didn't let them regroup however he dashed towards Meintje, using the opportunity of her defense to launch a full scale attack, if Meintje doubted Rasa for a moment he knew he could crush her, worst case it would come to a battle of endurance, Kaiser would not lose one and if Rasa didn't even try to win he would wipe the field with Meintje. Bite vs scratch... Effective, vs very ineffective... Move vise he had the edge, and unless Meintje was good at planning without support from Rasa it was likely this battle would only go one way.
Meintje stood for a moment, closed her eyes, and drew in a deep breath. It wasn't her place to be lecturing her trainer, but it was her place to help Rasa. She let the breath out as a sigh, and said "Rasa, this is your battle too. You're a trainer. If you want him, if you want to be a good trainer... You have to believe in yourself." She shifted, watching Kaiser. She knew that there were plenty of things she could do, yet she had seen Kaiser in action. She had also been on the receiving end of his attacks before, and wasn't exactly keen to be so again.
"Please, Rasa...we can do this together." She said softly, not looking at Rasa, keeping her gaze on Kaiser. Shifting her weight, she leaped forward, but did not attack Kaiser, seeking to keep him on his toes, and give him no reason to doubt not only her, but Rasa, as she desperately waited for Rasa to...tell her what to do. If Meintje won this battle without Rasa instructing her, then Kaiser would never respect, nor believe in Rasa.
"This is your battle too, Rasa." Meintje leaped towards Kaiser, pushing herself over him, and landing smoothly, she flicked her claws out, ready to use scratch, "Rasa. Be a trainer. Let us believe in you, so you can believe in yourself."
The fire type didnt attack like Rasa thought she would do. Neither showing some plan in her movements. She gave her freedom to do as she felt was right, so why not use it? Thore eyed her more than he eyed Meintje. Rasa didnt get to wonder much about it as Meintje spoke up.
"Rasa, this is your battle too. You're a trainer. If you want him, if you want to be a good trainer"
Want him?
She wasnt given a choice up till now. She took Grazia to save her life. She took Kaiser to save his life. And Grazia was the one who picked Meintje for her. The blond trainer wasnt at any point asked if she wanted any of the pokemon she ended up with... If it was up to her she would have started with a water type, so they could swim together. "...you have to believe in yourself."
No.
Yes?
She didnt know.
But...
She couldnt abandon them. She made a decision she would be the storm that changes the top. It was her dream she wanted to reach out her own strength, and with it came the responsible to take care of what life deals her. Being responsible was the one thing she definitely knew about herself. Stay true to yourself the rest...will come. Maybe believing in yourself will as well?
"Please, Rasa...we can do this together." Meintje spoke softly trying to keep Kaiser on his toes. Rasa snorted at the last word. Yeah, together would be nice, but that meant not involving strangers, like she did.
"...Rasa. Be a trainer. Let us believe in you, so you can believe in yourself."
Rasa saw how she went behind Thore, the fire types eyes locking with her own. She asked her to be a trainer. If that was what Meintje needs. It was only natural to accommodate her. The three pokeballs in her bag were her promise to them that she would try to meet what ever their needs may be. To care for them. She was not planning to break her word. Her arms crossed over her chest, feeling the breeze against her bare back.
"If there is to ever be a together. I as your trainer awaits to never have a repeat of what happened in the pokecenter Meintje. Go to his left." She ordered, forming a plan on how to win this. Thore needed this battle, it was selfish from her to not give him what he asked for. That was what Rasa wanted, wasnt it... She wanted to hear what her pokemon needed. He did his part, it was her turn now.
"Switch size, scratch at his leg. If you ever have a problem with any of my decisions you are to take them to me. I will listen. Retreat, be on defence. Do not ever involve a person outside the team, regardless of how nice your intentions are, its unacceptable to go behind your trainers back."
She sounded so harsh to her own ears, but if Meintje wanted to do things together than she has first to understand what that means to her trainer. She is part of the team. It mattered little if she got along with the team or not. The team is for all of them. "Keep moving, switch sizes. If you do it again there will be consequences. If you understand that Meintje...."
Rasa felt the energy bubbling in her veins as she took in a deep breath and screamed out the top of her lungs, using every bit of enthusiasm she possessed in her. Striking the pose she spent days and weeks perfecting. Allowing her imagination to carry her to the very top to overshadow everyone like a heavy rain cloud, yet to brightly lit the world with its thunder. Where the winds leave devastation of old behind them. For new to have a chance.
"LET US BRING THE STORM! BECAUSE WE ARE THE STORMBRINGER! Use scratch again, on his other side now."
The order said in her normal voice, hoping Meintje catches it. Rasa hoped she proved enough distraction to Thore to not be able to avoid it in time.
"Then don't be foolish and don't be afraid to admit you need help!" Meintje roared back at Rasa, angered. "People get injured. It happens. Get over it. What would happen to us, if you died because of that stupid bite? Trapped in our balls? I just wanted you to be alright! Next time, have the guts to admit you hurt yourself and then I wouldn't have to do it!"
Meintje nevertheless did what she was told, continuing to switch between her two forms with a speed that seemed impossible, the flame on her tail large, bright and...flickering wildly.
"It was a nurse. You take us to her, as a trainer, without consulting us. What is the difference between us...me, being concerned for your welfare against you being concerned for ours? I made sure no one else could hear! She's probably seen a heck of alot worse then a bite!"
Meintje scratched at Kaiser, retreating almost at once, switching sizes once more. She leaped to the side, just about dancing around Kaiser as she did so, and once more attacked Kaiser when Rasa said to, charging in quickly, taking the opportunity presented her, and attacked with scratch again.
She just had to push.
It wasnt like that.
Why couldnt she simply accept the peace offer.
That was not the reason.
Why couldnt she accept they were a team.
Move on.
She said she wanted to do it together.
No. She had to push. And the high energy Rasa felt in her when she shouted turned now upon her, and she once more ended up shouting. But this this time she didnt scream her team name. "What the difference? That is what you ask? Then I will explain it to you. " Yet, she bit her lip, suppressing the urge to go on and explain it all. Both her pokemon needed her attention now. They were fighting they could get hurt badly. She couldnt throw it away because of her own wish to speak. To yell to the world that it wasnt like that. "After this." She said instead, pushing down on the feelings.
To Kaiser, little else mattered than the moment at this point in time. He had decided that he was going to attack and he was going to follow through with it, even as Meintje leaped forwards he didn't slow down... he didn't fear her counter attack and didn't even bother trying to dodge it, he counted on that he could take whatever she threw at him and deal more damage back then he took even without knowing Meintje's moves. He had seen her scratch and all, but to him it didn't quite register as a safe or unsafe move to tank... probably because he didn't care. He may or may not have slammed his head towards the Charmander's gut the second time she leaped forth, not quite bothering to use bite yet, and she may have used that opportunity to get atop of him temporarily.
Which technically served more to piss him off rather than to keep him down, he was stronger than the pokémon on top of him so it wouldn't take long for him to get out of there if needed. A shift in form triggered one of his own, he didn't want to get crushed after all and it served to give him the momentum he needed to get out of the hold. A Scratch to his leg to slow him down, or weaken his balance ended in failure as it came as a tickle to the half rock type, one that he easily shrugged off. Meintje may be faster than Kaiser, but not by a lot... she may win in a foot race by a third, but in close combat like this she didn't exactly run laps around him. His endurance, his resistance and his strength was all higher than hers. He had his mind in the battle, Meintje didn't quite have that benefit as she argued with Rasa...
Still she listened, Thore found it surprising. A moment of surprise and insecurity washed over him as he countered Meintje's moves with his own. Rasa tried to distract him and somewhat it worked, but as the battle went on Thore grew increasingly annoyed by their bickering, he wanted a fair fight... and most of the time he didn't feel like either of them was giving it their all just yet.
Then when Meintje jumped to his left and scratched at him his fury grew and he didn't let the second blow land... He couldn't allow her to fully blindside him. Upon the second scratch attack, the second hand vanished into his mouth as he angled up around it... Then he clipped down as a bear trap upon it not letting it go easily.
Once again his blood boiled inside him... adrenaline pumped in his veins as fury raged inside. Gijinka... pokémon... Shape didn't matter he followed through, and grabbed that Charmander as he charged her, lifted her overhead and threw her to the ground back first. Then he lunged, to throw bite after bite, fighting arms and flails, using mouth to attack... It was not to kill, but there was no gentleness about it either, he aimed to knock Meintje out, he looked to finish the fight.
He had heard their conversation, he had felt their intents, but their actions spoke louder at this moment, and Kaiser Thore... would reply.
Rasa watched with a surprise as the ground type was strong enough to all but raise Meintje over his head. No. "Meintje!" She shouted, just as Kaiser throwed her to the ground. The trainer thougth how she was stupid wasnt she? It didnt mattered if Meintje get her trainer or not. Rasa anger because of it, caused her pokemon to get harmed when maybe they could have avoided it. Thore moved too fast as he lunged on. "Roll to side!" The blond trainer called out, but there was no time for Meintje to react to the order, disoriented from being thrown, the bite landed on her.
She watched as the fire type fought the fainting of as best as she could. Never giving up not even at the last moment. Stubborn like the moment she was caught. All she wanted to do was show care for Rasa. And yet the same trainer didnt treated her well. "Its Okay Meintje. Its enough." Sure the fire type didnt know her well enough, neither did she question her... but she wanted to care. Rasa promised silently to herself that she would take the responsibility to make sure Meintje wish to care, would not even get the chance for the team to get in trouble, ever. "You did great." Rasa spoke unsure if the last words were even heard by the fire pokemon as she blacked out.
Seeing his opponent fainted Thore let up his attack, and calm down a bit. He get up and watches Meintje's fainted form for a while, a moment of satisfaction and completion fill him as he for the instant bask in the feeling of victory. He had won... proven himself the stronger pokémon... Finally there would be no question of who was stronger and who was weaker, she had lost and Thore had won... He was unsure if it was in his interest to butt in on Rasa and Meintje's business, but he could see that Rasa was upset. He turned to watch Rasa now, and observe her for a while.
Rasa lost, that was it wasnt it? Her focus shifting from the red head fainted in front of her to the ground type in front. She would keep her word, and only hope the ground type would not end up in trouble on his own. He was strong without her help. So its for the better to let him go on his own. There was no need to worry. The blond trainer pulled two pokeballs out and aimed one at Meintje to bring her into safety. The other she throw at Thore direction watching the red and white ball roll up the ground pokemon feet.
"Its yours." She said, hoping Grazia wouldnt ask to fight with her and leave her just like this... No she clearly said she would stay, she gave rasa her word. But then again maybe it was all Rasa ever was good for. Mess up. Meintje words still stung at her as she walked back towards the pokecenter and planning to let the nurse take care of her again. To then move on in the forest, the city felt too full.
As the ball rolled towards him, as his opponent was recalled and the trainer turned away Kaiser looked towards the foreign object on the ground. It was the prison... Did it mean he was free?... To go, to do... Whatever he liked? The one who had been so persistent in keeping it, the one who had made him obey, was now leaving. Kaiser walked up to the Pokéball, turned into Gijinka form as he picked the ball up in his hand. He looked to Rasa as she seemed to give up and leave... yet, he rolled the ball in his hand... Before throwing it back at Rasa, hitting her in the back of the head 'lightly' to catch her attention.
"I don't want this..." Kaiser suddenly said in plainly so everyone could understand him.
The hit startled Rasa a bit, her fingers curling into a fist for a moment. She didnt turn around. Hearing his words she took a breath in. "Eh, so you CAN speak. " She shock her head, things could have been so much easier if he did spoke earlier. If he answered her questions or said something. "Then destroy it. Maybe throw it against a wall."
"I don't want to destroy it... Its yours. You gave me my battle. You may not have won, but you gave it your all... Its what matters to me. A Trainer is someone who try to make their pokémon stronger correct?... and you are a trainer?... Well, I am a Pokémon, I may have ended up with you one way or another... but I want you as my trainer." Thore replied walking closer to her.
It was strange hearing this now. When everything made her believe that she was not getting her point across. When she was trying hard not to fall into her bad habit of relying on words... Words meant nothing only the actions counted. She reminded herself. Turning around she picked the pokeball inspecting it for damage. "That, only partially correct."
She sighed looking up and up until she was meeting Thore eyes. "A trainer makes her pokemon strong, but as well promise with this" She raised the pokeball up to show her point. "That she will care for them. You won ... so you dont have to trust me to care for your needs. I cannot make you say what you need to me, so I can accommodate those needs... So why would you want to stay with me?"
To Thore, things were perhaps simpler, but he listened to Rasa's response as he drew closer to her, when she asked her question, his response came sudden... and perhaps unexpected as he threw his arms around the trainer and somewhat hugged/embraced her. "You...like these... right?.... Close tight... things?...I.. don't.... dislike it.... when you... do it to me...." He said glancing away a bit awkwardly..
And as suddenly as the hug wrapped around her, the steam she build up melted away. She wrapped her hands around the tall pokemon. She kinda needed this, after the emotion draining day. A hug was a way to show you cherish the hugged... From the morning to the now. To many things happened, yet the conclusion to one part of it she liked.
She felt better, after a few long moments she pulled away, her face with a natural smile now. "Fine. But... Please, do speak more often. I like understanding you just as much as I like hugging. " Maybe Thore won more than one battle right there, Rasa mused, continuing what had to be done on her to do list.
Thore shuddered slightly as Rasa wrapped her warm arms around him, he may be resistant to physical damage... but he could still feel a warm hug around him. It made his gaze fleet further away and his cheeks to redden, it was a very odd feeling. "Maybe I will... if you earn it~" he said rather playfully before suddenly shifting to Pokémon form in her arms. He snuggled up into her chest and settled down to rest his back towards her arms with his tail wiggling slightly out of her embrace. He nuzzled his head towards her as he smiled up to her .Taritar... tar... This... is not... so bad." He said translating his own speech for once.
Rasa let the pokemon shrink into her arms, feeling now the slight strain and stinging from her wound now that his weight was again supported by only her arms. She smiled, pushing the sensation back in her mind. Giving a soft hum of acceptance she carried Kaiser to the pokecenter and healed Meintje. Letting the fire type out the moment she was well again.
She didnt felt like doing the explanation now any longer.
Instead she opted to tilt her head to indicate the direction as she simple said.
"Follow." To her other two pokemon, slightly shifting the ground type in her arms to find the easiest way to carry him around. He felt warmer than she expected him to be.
Kaiser decided to take a peaceful nap in Rasa's arms, letting her take care of the rest... perhaps in doing so display that he actually trusted her to take care of everything.
Trapped in a pokeball...her pokeball...again. Meintje wanted out, but couldn't quite figure out how, and then she was let out. Meintje shook herself, barely able to look at Rasa, as the trainer told her to follow. She didn't, staring after her, wrapping her tail around herself. How long would it take her trainer, to realise she wasn't following? Feeling hurt, and a little betrayed, not to mention...abandoned, Meintje bowed her head, hugging herself, closing her eyes tightly.
It seemed that everything had worked out for Rasa. Yet Meintje couldn't help but feel...useless, left behind. Overlooked. And it tore at her, her flame flickering with the intense emotions.
Rasa only made a few steps, her mind pointing out to her there was less footsteps then she awaited. It was explained when she turned around. Meintje didn't move from the spot she was released. Again having the hurt expression Rasa didn't wish her to have.
"Meintje?" The trainer made a step closer to the fire type.
"Is ... what is troubling you? Are you hurting or hungry? " Briefly Rasa wondered if maybe the arguing they had was affecting her. They didn't get to end it....It definitely had to be still on her mind.
She took a breath. "You were right... I was a fool. " Maybe not for the same reasons the fire type called her out. "I am sorry. I will try to better myself."
That wasn't the point, and Meintje just looked at Rasa, blinking slowly. She sighed, and looked away. "You're wrong. You aren't a fool, Rasa. Why do you think so little of yourself, that someone, even a pokemon, caring about you is too frightening, to...preposterous?" She asked, still not looking at Rasa. "Why take it as a betrayal, when someone seeks to make sure you are alright?"
"You ... look. If I got hurt by my own action or even a wild pokemon I wouldn't blink twice to have the nurse take care of me." Rasa looked down to her arms where Kaiser was napping. She looked up to Meintje, trying to find the right words.
"You put him in danger. Do you understand that?"
Meintje sighed in frustration. "And he put you in danger. Which puts the rest of us in danger." She replied, her tone more than a little frustrated. "I did what I thought was right, what would you have done, if it got worse and we were out in the wild?" She demanded, looking up, "But I wasn't even thinking of that. You were hurt, and thats all that mattered."
"And to me all that matter is the whole team. I saved his life. It my responsibility not to let him or any of you be taken away from me or put to sleep because of a stranger not giving a second chance." Rasa shifted the pokemon in her healthy hand to show the bandaged arm to her fire type.
"And could you stop assuming I don't know how to judge or take care of wounds? I realise you are older, but I am not clueless."
Meintje shook her head again, "Then stop assuming I didn't know what I was doing! The nurse wouldn't have done anything. She didn't do anything. I've learned to be a good judge of character, or I wouldn't be here... I wouldn't be here with you." She looked away again, upset that she couldn't seem to find the right words among other things.
"I never assumed you not knowing what are you doing. What I wished is to have you share what you know with me. I said I will listen. If you said to me that nurse will not report him I wouldnt... made any problems...." Rasa sighed. She was smiling a bit at the indirect compliment Meintje just gave her.
"Look, I only want to be part in your decision as much as I am inviting you to be part to mine. So we could do it together. I am thankful for your care.... I just believe you can't care for someone, if you don't know anything about them. Why do you think I ask questions to you all?"
"I wouldn't have let myself get caught, if I didn't...believe in you, Rasa." Meintje said softly. "Which is enough...for me to care." She sighed, feeling like she was doubting herself now, no longer sure what to do.
"Its ok then. You don't need to change. I will trust and believe in you." Rasa reached her still free hand out and took the fire type hand in her own. Trying to be giving her some confidence with her gesture.
"If you ever fell like asking me anything, you allways will have my ear. Is there anything else you wish to point out to me? Please do, you are part of Stormbringer." Rasa smiled wider as she looked at the red head.
Meintje sighed once more, looking to Rasa, "No, there's nothing at the moment" She said softly, letting Rasa take her hand, but still not sure where she stood anymore.
"So lets go fetch my tent. Tell what are you favorite berries and are you allergic to anything?" For Rasa it was clear enough. Meintje stayed with her not only because of the ball but because the fire type was giving the trainer a chance. It gave the girl a warm feeling, just like the fire types flame did earlier when she felt fantom cold gripping on her. There was a lot of things to do. Rasa was silently trying to plan how to make the team work and what she could do to not have a misunderstanding like before.
The way to the the forest was filled with Rasa questioning about anything that came to her mind. Asking her pokemon things they liked or disliked, preferred or found disgusting. Trying to see what they knew or were good at so she could rely on them for that. Soon enough they reached the spot where Rasa slept last night.
Her worries were unfounded, at least when it came to the survival of her tent. The Axew appeared to have only toppled over the things in her camp but didnt do actual damage to any of them. Collecting the one person tent and sleeping bag, Rasa realized a little problem about the future sleeping arrangements. Considering her pokemon dont want to stay in their balls for the night... She will cross that bridge when she comes to it. They moved deeper into the forest to avoid the dragon type territory, along the way picking berries they came across.
Most of the day passed when The Stormbringer found a nice spot, after Rasa confirmed with Grazia if the spot looked safe she went to putting up the tent. Meintje started the fire putting the berries to be roasted for a well earned meal to come, while Thore was sleeping like a rock.
It was a silent moment for a change where the blond young trainer opted to simply start patching up her shirt and listen to the sound of woods and fire.
@Raijinslayer@Caits@Iatos
