A Pokemon with a hat, yes! Though Beartic... doesn't strike me as Christmas-y, even being an Ice type. Except in a Coca-Cola bear kind of way and I don't want to do a real-world advert here.
But now I feel tempted to use a hat somehow in a Christmas entry...
Next: Solosis/Zoroark
On Deck: Vanilluxe/Chandelure, Servine/Reshiram, Vanillite/Beartic
Serperior and Emboar
He was coiled up already, lounging in a sunny spot near the main mast. Seth the Serperior opened one black eye to look at the boy near him. While he was dressed in a boy’s sailor outfit, the silver pocket watch attached to his belt and the diamond pendant around his neck betrayed his origins as nobility. Seth flicked his tongue out, then closed his eyes and showed clear disinterest.
“Aw come on,” the boy said. “Wear at least the hat, please? Smokey’s wearing the whole outfit.”
“And I love it!” the Emboar said, posing with his hands on his sides. He was a large Pokémon too, burlier than the biggest sailor on this ship. Yet he matched the boy with a white and blue sailor hat, a similar colored collar, even white gloves. Not a full ‘outfit’ as the humans would wear, but quite more than a normal Pokémon would be found in.
And Seth would have none of that. “Too silly,” he said.
“Please?” the boy aid. When the snake Pokémon didn’t make a hiss of a reply, the boy tried to put the hat on anyhow. Seth flicked his tail to toss it back. The boy pouted, but then got called off by his father, leaving the two Pokémon on their own.
“You could have put it on just to make him happy, Seth,” Smokey said, picking up the hat.
“I’ll do my duty in protecting him when needed,” the Serperior said, not even opening his eyes. “I won’t wear tacky clothes while doing so.”
Smokey then tossed the hat back at Seth, who flicked it off again. “You don’t have to be so serious about it. We’re on a trip! You ought to have some fun with us and wear cool things to go along with it. You’d look awesome in sailor gear.”
“No thank you. I enjoy lying about in the sun more than what you two call having fun.”
After picking up the hat again, Smokey went to give it back to the boy. He wasn’t actually their Trainer; their Trainer was the boy’s father, who wanted the boy protected while he was being sent to his grandparent’s home. There was a war back home, and while the two Pokémon would have been glad to serve with their Trainer, their instructions were to protect the child.
Still, Seth could do more to keep the boy happy. The child hadn’t yet realized that this trip could last years, depending on how the war went. He would be terribly upset when he did figure out that his parents weren’t coming quite yet. In the meantime, they should be friendly with the boy so that he would trust in their support when he needed it.
And his friend could do more to not be so serious all the time, Smokey thought. That had always been his problem, ever since they were young Pokémon. Still, maybe being around a playful child more often would finally break through his smug shell.
-+-
In order to keep the boy safe, they were taking the trip on a merchant’s vessel. Their protection against pirates would protect against kidnappers and any enemies of the family wouldn’t think to check this ship. While this meant the Pokémon had to help out or keep out of the way of the crew, Seth had found that he was allowed to lounge on the deck provided he was out of the regular paths of traffic and that he kept pests away from the food cargo.
Near his current spot, the boy and Smokey were playing with a ball. They kept moving closer and closer to his spot. When he felt the ball hit his side, he flicked it aside with his tail, but put his head further into his coils. Hunting the ship’s cargo hold at night did take up a lot of energy. The ball came back a minute later, so he hit it again. The third time, he heard laughs from the boy, indicating that it was a way of pulling him into their games. When the ball next came his way, he opened his eyes, darted his head out and snatched the ball, then placed it in the middle of his coils and settled back down to rest.
“Aw, give it back, Seth,” the boy said, then thought to add, “Please?” He ran over.
“Do you have to be such a spoilsport?” Smokey added.
Normally when dealing with a Fire-type, he would just keep quiet rather than risk taking a burn. But he knew this Emboar, so he replied, “It obviously isn’t working yet, but yes.”
“Just don’t hurt the kid,” Smokey said, sounding a bit more serious now that the boy had put his hand on Seth and was trying to lean over and retrieve the ball.
“I won’t.” He remained still until the ball was gotten, then shifted himself around.
The boy went to start bouncing the ball off a wall, but Smokey had an idea. While making sure the child didn’t lose his toy over the edge of the ship, he crept over to Seth. He was currently near the winch holding onto the anchor, but its rope had not been wrapped back up since it was last used. Smokey took the rope and put a loose loop around the end of Seth’s tail. Then he went back over to the boy.
A short time later, they were pulling in to another port to trade goods at. “Drop the anchor!” someone called from the front of the ship.
Smokey looked over just in time to see a pair of sailors push the anchor overboard. The loop tightened around Seth’s tail and yanked him overboard. While one called out the problem, the other sailor jumped in after. Smokey came over to see if he could help, but as his beard was live fire, he didn’t like being in water.
It was only a couple of minutes before they were able to get the Serperior back on the ship. Water beaded off his green scales and Seth had such a look of petty annoyance and ruined dignity that many of the crew laughed. “I am not amused,” Seth said, slithering though the crowed to fins a spot to dry off at.
But the boy was very amused. “Hah, the old stuffy snake got dunked!” he said, laughing.
“I just thought you’d appreciate a nice swim,” Smokey teased his friend.
“Hmph, so it was you. Why must you be so juvenile?”
“Don’t get back to sleep now,” he added. “The kid wants to look around town for a bit.”
Seth snorted. “It would be safer if he did not. But if he insists, I will come.”
-+-
One of the sailors went along with them, so it didn’t look too odd for a pair of Pokémon to be walking alongside a young boy. This particular city had been spoken of many times by the boy’s parents, but that was due to the theaters, operas, art museums, and other activities that adults liked. Although there wasn’t much around that aimed to entertain children, the boy seemed okay with sightseeing provided he got to see the cannons that protected the port from invasion by sea. And most embarrassingly, Smokey was still dressed in that tacky sailor get-up.
They were on their way back form that when a pair of thugs with four Pokémon approached them. The latter were mostly bulky Water types, although there was a single Steel-typed Bronzong with them. “Hold it, strangers,” one of he human thugs said. “We’ll be taking your valuables or taking your lives, and you’d better decide fast.”
The sailor stepped him front of the boy, taking his hand to make sure he wouldn’t be snatched. “You won’t be taking either.” He then whistled through his fingers, calling down his bird Pokémon to help out.
After making his beard flame up, Smokey put his fists to his chin to set them on fire. “You’re gonna regret picking on us!”
Seth brought up his lower half, but raised his head higher off the ground. “Oh, Smokey, Smokey, how many times have I got to tell you not to give such scum any ideas that they might be a worthy challenge?” Although in a way, it would be. Those Waters could knock the Emboar out easily if they were all allowed to attack him. He might not always like him, but they were partners. Both of them would back each other up in times of need.
“You’re gonna pay for that insult!” One of their opponent Pokémon said.
“Not if we demolish you first,” Seth replied. And in short order, they did so. The sailor’s Pokémon even helped out some by being distractions.
“Are you all right?” Smokey asked, putting out his flaming fists.
Seth snorted. “Of course I’m fine. You were a bigger liability there. But you did do nicely against that Bronzong.”
Smokey patted his head before the Serperior dropped his stance. “I’ll do my best against any who endanger my family and friends. Even if you are a stuffy old snake.”
“Even if you are immature, I feel the same way.” He then dropped back down and slithered to the back of the group, to watch for more trouble there. “Now let’s get going after that waste of time. I thought I might break my boredom by fighting some tough foes, but no, it has to be shoddy weaklings instead.”
“You could always fight me,” Smokey offered, leading the group back to the docks.
Seth had to chuckle at that. “Careful offering that to me. I might take you up for it and give you a thrashing.”
…
Serperior White entry: They raise their head to intimidate opponents but only give it their all when fighting a powerful opponent.
Emboar Black entry: It can throw a fire punch by setting its fists on fire with its fiery chin. It cares deeply about its friends.
Pokedex OS- Still trying to capture every single Pokemon out there in words: 583/649
ClicheStorm 2: Mixing cliches is a dangerous pastime. Chapter 16: It could've ended up worse, like that one place.
"To date, life has been a race between software companies making bigger and better idiot proof machines, and the Universe making bigger and better idiots. The Universe is winning." -Unknown
Yay!!! Mine is up next. I've only waited 2 weeks!!! I know the perfect christmas Pokemon!! Go SAMUROTT! He is nice and awesome an has a horn that people can use like a X-Mas tree. And a star on a samurott horn. On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 2 pidoves and a star on a samurott horn. Anyways epic stories.
"If we are unwilling to see the dark, we cannot see the light." -John Cowan
I've already covered Snorlax and Samurott. But I've gotten the solstice and Christmas and New Years entries all picked out now. They'll be good ones, I hope.
This one may come out best if read in a hyper kind of voice. Or maybe it's just me.
In process: Vaniluxe/Chandelure
On Deck: Servine/Reshiram
Reserve: Vanilite/Beartic (12/21), ??? (12/25)
Solosis and Zoroark
One fine summer day, a green bubble came drifting through the woods. It moved in a slow rhythm, drifting and contracting, then releasing energy to hop forward quickly, then drifting once again. Inside, there was a tiny tan creature that was mostly big black eyes. The Solosis was content to float around and see the sights of the forest. But she did hop a little quicker when she heard talking.
In an opening by a waterfall, a group of humans had gathered to set up a campsite. Many of them were young, dressed in the green and brown uniforms of the Wilderness Scouts. The three adults with them were supervising the efforts, making sure things were done properly and safely. A girl Scout came over to one of the adults. “There’s a lady in the camper, but she shooed me off.”
“Did she tell us to leave?” the man asked.
“No, she didn’t say anything.”
“Just leave her be, then.”
Curious, the Solosis headed away from the campsite to check out the trailer. She could check out the campers later, but the trailer sounded more interesting. And it was. The vehicle looked like it had been there forever, with weeds growing tall around its wheels. On its sides, the silver-blue paint was cracked and peeling, showing the metal interior. Something wasn’t right with it, though. The Solosis hopped around in the air until she entered the trailer.
It looked like any other human habitation, in a much smaller space. There was a kitchen area ahead and to the right, while a dining area was directly across from it. On the left side, there was a couch that could be folded out for a bed, piled with blankets and pillows. There was even a TV, playing a nature documentary.
There was also the smell of fresh berries and nuts. Sniffing those, the Solosis started to feel hungry. Those would be tasty. “Mm mm mm,” she said, sniffing further and heading to the kitchen area.
But at the counter, there was that woman the girl had mentioned. She had long brown hair and wore an orange apron while she seemed to be cooking something at the stove. Something didn’t seem right, though. Solosis wasn’t sure why, but she had a feeling that something wasn’t quite with this trailer, or this woman. However, the berries and nuts were real, she was sure of that. If she got something to eat, then she wouldn’t care what was odd about this.
The woman looked at her, then narrowed her eyes. She waved as if to say, “Go on, leave this place and leave me alone.” Then she turned back to the stove, where a pot of water was warming up.
“Solo?” she asked, staying where she was. Normally humans liked talking to her. The women sometimes liked to say how cute she was. Other times, they tried to get Pokémon to fight her so she could be captured. She usually wasn’t given this treatment. When the woman didn’t respond, she came closer. The berries were right nearby, although she didn’t see them.
All of a sudden, the woman snarled, growling. That wasn’t a human sound. When Solosis looked at her, her image wobbled and revealed a canine Pokémon with long black fur, standing up on her hind legs. It was a Zoroark!
Solosis looked at her, the image of the woman reappearing as solid (and disgruntled) as before. Then the little Psychic broke into laughter. So that was what was odd! Delighted, she searched round, spotting four teacups stacked on the counter. She reached out with telekinesis, but couldn’t budge them. Those were illusions too! Was the whole trailer an illusion? Solosis felt impressed.
Growling again, the Zoroark had her disguise pick up a knife and threaten to stab Solosis with it. But a playful nudge showed that it wasn’t real either, making her giggle. Zoroark then picked up the pan of hot water and threw it, along with the knife. But they weren’t real, so Solosis was merely pleased to find that the pot clattered on the ground and the hot water hissed and drenched the couch. At least, it looked that way.
But in doing this, it gave Solosis the chance to see where the berries actually were: some were in a nearby basket. So she picked up three by telekinesis, a bluk, a leppa, and a rawst. Then she began to juggle them, showing that she could do entertaining things with her powers too.
Zoroark grabbed the berries out of the air and put them back in the basket. While she did that, a bolt of lightning struck through the middle of the trailer, causing some shouts from the campers nearby. And then, the trailer caught on fire! Solosis looked around in awe of the beautiful red and orange flames. She liked fire. Sometimes she hid herself in a campfire, then spooked humans by leaping out and squealing. Her green bubble would protect her from little harms like that.
While Zoroark growled sharper, forming canine teeth on her human illusion, Solosis had a horrifying thought. She would be okay in a fire, but the berries wouldn’t be. They had to save the berries! Quickly, she snatched up the whole basket of them and started to head outside with it. For some reason, Zoroark snatched the basket back and wouldn’t leave the burning trailer.
“Sol sis!” But the berries would burn to a black crunchy crisp and they’d be awful that way!
A shout came from the doorway. “Don’t worry, we’ll save you!” one of the older boys shouted, right before throwing a bucket of water at them.”
Solosis managed to get out of the way, but Zoroark got drenched. When she did, the whole illusion fell. No more woman, no more trailer, no more fire. Just Solosis, the wet Zoroark holding onto a basket of berries, and the boy who looked stunned. It was just another part of the open meadow.
Zoroark barked sharply as one of the adult leaders called the boy to come away from the wild Pokémon. Once the boy was far enough away, Zoroark raised an illusion of tall thorny bushes, grown into a wall cutting off her portion of the meadow from theirs. She grumbled and clutched her basket close, apparently annoyed at the loss of such a grand illusion.
Piping up happily, Solosis sang a bit of song, showing how pleased she was at the show. She then went over to the thorn bush illusion and amused herself by passing right through them without disturbing them one bit. Maybe Zoroark could be her new friend! They could have such fun together.
Zoroark didn’t seem to agree with that, though. She threw an oran berry at Solosis and made it clear that if she stayed any longer, then she would attack. Despite that, Solosis wasn’t afraid. Some people were just grumpies and needed some sunshine in their life to cheer up. She cheered and darted over to give Zoroark a kiss in thanks. Then she leapt out of the thorn enclosed area and headed on her merry way.
…
Solosis White entry: Because their bodies are enveloped in a special liquid, they can survive in any environment.
Zoroark White entry: Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusionary scenery.
Pokedex OS- Still trying to capture every single Pokemon out there in words: 583/649
ClicheStorm 2: Mixing cliches is a dangerous pastime. Chapter 16: It could've ended up worse, like that one place.
Pretty good! You portrayed Solosis very well. Actually, Solosis was very funny! I liked how all she could think about was the berries. Finding the berries, eating the berries, saving the berries... She really loves her berries, doesn't she?
"To date, life has been a race between software companies making bigger and better idiot proof machines, and the Universe making bigger and better idiots. The Universe is winning." -Unknown
YYYYYAAAAAYYYYY!!!!! My entry! For christmas i would like an entry of...
A Deerling and Stoutland Combo!!!
Deerling= Reindeer. Nuff' said.
Stoutland= Lovable Dog who is big and maybe scary, but truly good-hearted. Like Santa! is awesome.
"If we are unwilling to see the dark, we cannot see the light." -John Cowan
I've already got a Christmas entry planned, sorry. But I can put that on the list anyhow. Oh right, and I got a request from the other site too.
This entry is a mystery. EDIT: Oh, and guess what? I have 200 Pokemon left to cover!
In process: Servine/Reshiram
On Deck: Deerling/Stoutland, Durant/Heatmor
Reserve: Vanilite/Beartic (12/21), ??? (12/25)
Vanilluxe and Chandelure
Snow and embers fell from the sky, turning the world to white, black, and red. People knew the signs well: it was the result of fighting between the two most powerful Pokémon of the countryside, Vanilluxe and Chandelure. Only that would cause the phenomenon of a house burning as bright as day while a fierce blizzard shrouded the night. When they got angry, the elements went wild.
The snow and embers were lighter at that moment as he hurried through the mess. Already, the snow was beginning to crunch under his boots; the embers melted the snow, which froze back into ice. The house fire was still bright, casting its red-orange glow onto the landscape. One glance and he knew the house was a total loss. It was horrible, and yet not quite as horrible as what its light showed.
Partly covered in snow, there was a human corpse lying on the ground. There were ice crystals and burns over part of his skin. Hovering near the body, there were the two villainous Pokémon, Vanilluxe with its glossy ice blue body and creamy white faces, and Chandelure with its ghostly blue flames and ancient-looking metal structure. The two Pokémon were looking at the body, their expressions unreadable.
He stopped for a second in shock, then ran over. “You monsters! You killed him!”
Startled, the two Pokémon looked at him, then fled the scene. He stopped near the body and crouched down to make sure. The face bore a painful expression, as if it had been a torturous death. From his mouth, there were trails of blood. But there was no mistaking it. It was his father.
For a heart-wrenching moment, he felt like he couldn’t move or think. This wasn’t supposed to be happening. Sure, people had threatened death, but it was never really meant. And those two Pokémon, they caused a lot of havoc and suffering yet had not outright killed anybody. At least, he thought that was so. Maybe they were deadlier than anyone had taken them to be.
Then he got back up in a rage and ran after the Pokémon. They would pay for this! The townsfolk had tolerated them thus far, but now they had destroyed his family’s home and murdered his father. They couldn’t be left to do as they pleased.
Down the road, he spotted someone walking towards the next town over. Strange; it was late and he had been heading home just fifteen minutes before. The person was wearing a heavy black hooded cloak, but it was cold. Maybe the person had to wait out the blizzard called by Vanilluxe. “Hey! Have you seen Vanilluxe and Chandelure?”
The person turned her head as he slowed near her, showing a black blindfold over her eyes. “I couldn’t see, but I felt them pass by not long ago.”
Oh, it was that seer woman. She was never seen without that blindfold, but she had a way of knowing things others could not tell. “I need to find them,” he said. “They killed my father and destroyed our home.”
“Is that so?” she said. “Your father had many enemies, apparently among Pokémon as well. They would be at their homes, most likely. Good luck.”
“Right, thanks. You be careful on the roads.” He then started running again.
“Only one killed your father,” the seer called out after him.
He paused again, right before a path that led into the wild. “Only one?”
“Can you tell who?” she asked. “Make the wrong choice and you’ll kill one not at fault.”
With her powers, that was probably true. His anger still burned in his soul, but he would be careful. “I’ll make the right choice.” Then he headed off to find the two Pokémon.
He reached the cave that Vanilluxe lived in first. No matter what time of year it was, this cave was always icy and chilly. Large ice crystals shone on every wall, making the light in the cave turn blue. In the middle of the first room, there was Vanilluxe. He was turned around, making light snow flakes whirl around him.
“I’ve got you now,” he said, putting his hand on the handle of his sword. It took some effort not to draw it. “You’re going to pay for the suffering you’ve caused.”
The smaller of the heads turned to see him first, then started screaming. The larger head turned his body around. “Do you have to be so rude that you burst into someone’s home and speak like tha… SHUT UP!”
The smaller head stopped screaming, then hiccupped. “S-sorry. So sorry.”
Sighing with a puff of frosted breath, Vanilluxe said, “I don’t need to be arguing with myself here. Sorry, but he has a sharp sword! I know, I know. What do you want?”
Taking the time to hold his anger back, he said, “You were there. Did you kill my father?”
“No, no way,” he said, shaking both heads. “I was there, yeah, but that doesn’t mean anything. He was dead when I got there. And then you came running and screaming at me, so that was scary. But I’m not a coward, it’s just my other head panics much too quickly. So sorry.”
“There was ice on his skin,” he pointed out. “And you’re the one who caused that blizzard this evening; it’s like the storms you cause.”
The larger head looked indignant. “Now that’s not proof that I killed him. When I hunt, I freeze my prey solid. Not little bits of ice. And he should have known better than to be outside without proper clothing when one of my storms goes on. That’s how it’s been decided, right? If someone is dumb enough to go out in a snowstorm and freeze from lack of protection, it’s their stupidity that’s at fault, not my power.”
“But you are the one causing these destructive and damaging blizzards,” he argued. “Don’t you think about others? You make things dangerous.”
“Sorry!” the smaller head squealed, looking fearfully at the sword. But the larger head sighed. “You humans are so sensitive about every little thing, some so afraid of stepping on another’s toes that you barely walk, while others go and stomp around. Your father was one of those stompers. I’m a Pokémon, don’t you get it? And I have every right to defend my territory and honor against that greedy Chandelure. In fact, I would think that she probably killed that man. He was burned, and there was that house fire. Not only that, but she was mad at him for what happened at that town meeting.”
“Weren’t you mad at him too for that?”
“Yes, but I didn’t kill him,” the larger head insisted. Then the smaller head added, “Now could you go and take your scary sword with you? I didn’t do anything bad.”
He doubted the Pokémon was completely innocent, but he left Vanilluxe’s cave for the time being. If he turned out to be the murderer, then justice would come. But he had to check out Chandelure. Perhaps he should have asked the seer to tell him more precisely which one had killed his father.
The snow and embers had stopped falling by the time he arrived at where Chandelure lived. The Ghost Pokémon stayed at an old house that had been abandoned by its human residents. With them gone, she had moved in along with many of her younger kin. Litwicks and Lampents kept the place lit with eerie blue candlelight, which made the shadows seem to come alive. Superstition said that entering a house inhabited by such Pokémon was asking for death. Still, he opened the door and went inside.
Before long, there were scuffles as smaller Pokémon fled the room, taking some of the light with them. But Chandelure put off enough light to fill the room. She hung from the ceiling, in a spot where the real light fixture had been ripped out of place. When he looked up, her eyes were open a slight bit. Then she closed them and looked like an ordinary object.
“Don’t try to fool me, Chandelure,” he said. “Are you the one who killed my father?”
She opened her eyes fully. “No, I was not,” she said. “Pity that, but he was already dead when I saw him. You’re probably looking for Vanilluxe.”
“But you wanted to kill him. And he was burned, which would be how you killed him.”
She shifted two arms to cross each other. “Lots of people wanted to kill him as he was so abrasive to others. Perhaps even to you. Look, if I had killed him, it would only do me good for a short while. I would get a respite, and then his ghost would come to haunt and annoy me. And when I was out to hunt and kill, I don’t burn the body. I steal the spirit to burn for my fuel and we can get spiritual energy in easier ways than that.”
He had heard about that, if only in rumors. “Even so, you caused our home to burn down. I can get revenge on you for that.”
“I think he got burned escaping the house myself,” Chandelure said. “That’s where his footprints came from. I had no intention of burning any houses down too. Sheesh, you humans make such a fuss about being enlightened and clever and all; you’d think you’d be able to make houses that didn’t burn because of little fire attacks. Even this place, I have to tell the little sticks to watch their powers as well as teach them not to steal energy from humans because you’d hunt us all down in response. We don’t kill humans because we’re not foolish. Now please, if you don’t have solid proof, leave this place alone. I haven’t killed any of you.”
He narrowed his eyes at her. “One of you is lying to me. When I find out who it is, I will bring you to justice.”
“Justice in the eyes of whom?” she asked as he left the house.
One of them was lying. He knew that. Now he had to go back to the scene and figure out which one it was.
…
Vanilluxe White entry: If both heads get angry simultaneously, this Pokémon expels a blizzard, burying everything in snow.
White entry: Being consumed in Chandelure’s flames burns up the spirit, leaving the body behind.
Last edited by Ysavvryl; 15th December 2011 at 12:35 AM.
Pokedex OS- Still trying to capture every single Pokemon out there in words: 583/649
ClicheStorm 2: Mixing cliches is a dangerous pastime. Chapter 16: It could've ended up worse, like that one place.
Wow! That was really good! I don't see too many mysteries. But you did such a nice job with this one! I realized it could've gone either way. Both Vanilluxe and Chandelure had reasons to hate him and kill him, but both also had good reasons to be innocent. It could go either way. Which one was it?
"To date, life has been a race between software companies making bigger and better idiot proof machines, and the Universe making bigger and better idiots. The Universe is winning." -Unknown
Technically, no one in the story was lying. The seer woman was the one who killed the guy. Even if she does have precognition, it is odd that she specifies that it was 'only one' for the murderer so soon. And there's her reaction to the news of the death and house fire, which is basically to send the son off after the Pokemon (she just can't help 'showing off' her power).
It's the winter solstice, with the longest night of the year. I was hoping to get something in this past weekend, but the combo proved tough to work with. It has one obvious interpretation, but I'm seeing if there isn't anything else that can be done.
In process: Servine/Reshiram
On Deck: Deerling/Stoutland, Durant/Heatmor
Reserve: ??? (12/25), ??? (1/1)
Vanillite and Beartic
Snow swirled in the air around the bus stop. A few headlights shone in the dark as cars passed slowly on the ice-covered road. Streetlights had flakes fly under them, but not as thickly as they were around the sheltered bench. On the bench, there was a small Pokémon that seemed to be made of ice cream with a little crystal waffle cup. She was wearing a black ribbon around the top of her cone, tied into a bow with long trails behind her. She sat there, looking down at the ground.
A shadow fell across the bench, causing the Vanillite to look up. Approaching the bus stop, there was a tall muscular Pokémon there, a Beartic. She had claws and fangs made of ice, as well as sleek white fur that seemed like it could help absorb hits. It was odd to see one of them in the city; they usually stuck to the tundra surrounding it.
Drawing a bit of icy mist closer to her, Vanillite put a paw to her chin and said, “I hope you’re not out here to pick on a young lady.”
Beartic stood there looking at her for a second, then smiled and patted her swirl top. “Aw, don’t worry none. I wouldn’t go hurting a little cutie like you.”
Vanillite huffed, causing a puff of white mist to fly from her mouth. “I am not cute.”
Sitting down on the other end of the bench, Beartic sounded puzzled as she said, “You aren’t? but you’re little, with big pretty eyes, and that ribbon you have on is adorable. You seem cute to me.”
“I don’t want to be cute,” she insisted. “I’m a goth. I haven’t found many black things to wear, though, and lipstick and mascara doesn’t stick. Still, goths aren’t cute.”
“I don’t see why they can’t be.” She thought for a moment while Vanillite went back to sulking. “I used to be cute, but then I evolved. I’d like to be cute again, but it’s hard to do now. You ought to take advantage of being cute while you are.”
She shook herself, giving a negative reaction. “But nobody takes the cute ones seriously. People are always like, ‘you’re so cute, now stay on the sidelines and look cute while we take care of things.’ Besides, there’s so many other cute Pokémon and we get clumped together as all sweet and cute and nice. I want to be different. I want to be elegant, dark and mysterious.” She sighed. “It’s not working that well, is it? I even made the snow swirl around to be more mysterious.”
“It did have a kind of mysterious effect,” Beartic said, scratching her head. Then she snapped her fingers, causing a part of her ice claw to fly off. “You could use just the goth attitude. Act that way and you’ll surely stand out from the crowd of other small cute Pokémon. People will come to see you for how you behave more than how you look.” She looked at her claws, then took a deep breath and blew on the broken one.
“But the goth ones, the Dark and Ghost types, they wouldn’t listen to me. They weren’t cute ones either. I don’t know if just an attitude will work.”
“It does work, but you have to give it time,” Beartic said, examining her shining claws by the streetlight. “See, when I was little, I could wear a pink bow and people thought I was so cute right away. But when I evolved, I became tough looked, like a rough-houser. But I’m not like that. I make up for a lack of cuteness in looks by being really sweet and nice, and even a little ditzier than I actually am.” She laughed and brought her fore paws together. “Because I can’t resist being cheerful at any cute little thing, or making others feel happy.”
Looking at her, Vanillite thought it was strange. But she was a kind of kindred spirit, wanting to be what she wasn’t. “I see. It’s odd to hear something like that out of a Pokémon like you. I guess it is odd for something like me to be goth.”
She shook her head. “If that’s who you are, then that’s who you should be. You may not be able to easily change what you are, but you can change how you are. Besides, chances are that if you ran into me with other Beartics, you’d be able to pick me out after a little while. It will definitely make you more memorable. I guess what I’m trying to say is, be who you are, no matter what you look like.”
“Would it really work?” Vanillite asked.
“You won’t know until you try. Oh look, there’s the bus…” she looked over and sat back. “Not the one I need to catch.”
“It’s the one I do,” she said. “I’ll try. I don’t now how well it will work, though.”
Beartic nodded. “I’m sure you can make being a cute goth work. I hope I get to see you later.”
“Maybe.”
…
Beartic White entry: It freezes its breath to create fangs and claws of ice to fight with. Cold northern areas are its habitat.
Vanillite Black entry: The temperature of their breath is -58 F. They create snow crystals and make snow fall in areas around them.
Pokedex OS- Still trying to capture every single Pokemon out there in words: 583/649
ClicheStorm 2: Mixing cliches is a dangerous pastime. Chapter 16: It could've ended up worse, like that one place.
"To date, life has been a race between software companies making bigger and better idiot proof machines, and the Universe making bigger and better idiots. The Universe is winning." -Unknown
Merry Christmas! It's still Christmas where I am. I chose to do two Bug types for Christmas, cause most people wouldn't expect that and it was surprising that Caterpie was still open after all of the caterpillar and cocoon Pokemon I've already covered.
And Gelatino has another entry coming up soon, so look forward to that! Edit: Caterpie wasn't supposed to be shiny...
In process: Servine/Reshiram
On Deck: Deerling/Stoutland, Durant/Heatmor
Reserve: ??? (1/1)
Sewaddle and Caterpie
Weaving was a relaxing hobby. Silvia the Sewaddle was getting particularly good at pine needle rugs, making them with neat straight edges and a smooth surface. One by one, she would take the needles and pull them over and under needles in a set pattern, then push them in neatly and secure them with a bit of silk. She was supposed to be learning to sew with leaves and silk, as the leaf clothes that her mother had made for her at her hatching were getting old. But it was winter; there would only be a few suitable leaves around.
And those leaves grew on a tree that was some distance from her home. Getting there… outside of her home could be frightening. Silvia could remember taking a walk in the woods one time; something with a huge toothy face and no visible body had jumped at her from the trees above. Later, it turned out to only be one of her Caterpie neighbors trying to have some fun. The fright was too much, though. Silvia preferred to stay home, where it was safe.
Since home was in the base of a pine tree, it was easy to get needles to weave with. But although she was getting better with using them, they were tough and straight. Not good for making clothes with. But they did make nice rugs.
Silvia made the finishing touches on the rug and looked it over. Neat and straight. Looking around, she wondered where to put it. Her little home was already covered with pine needle rugs, all over the floor, hanging on the wall, rolled up in a corner pile… for the moment, she dragged it over to the pile of needle rugs she used for a bed and decided to settle down for the night. Curling up on that stack, she pulled the leafy hood over her head and closed her eyes.
Moments later, there was a sound as something thumped against one of the rugs. Silvia jerked herself out of falling asleep and got up quickly. It was a piece of wood from the tree. Looking up, she saw a green Pokemon, small like herself. He was standing on the wall with no trouble, wearing a red felt hat with a white fur rim and pom-pom. With one foot, he held onto a lare brown bag that seemed like it had something heavy in it.
The Caterpie looked over at her. “Oh, sorry Miss Silvia. Didn’t mean to disturb you.” He hopped off the wall and flipped so that he landed right-side up on the floor. “Merry Christmas!”
“What are you doing sneaking into my house?” she asked, angered but alarmed. If he could get in, then who else could? Through the windows, she could only see the dark night, which could hide anything.
“Now don’t you worry,” he said, setting down his sack and opening it. “I’m just here to deliver some presents. I knew you were going to be up late, but I’ve got a lot to be doing.”
“Why?” This had to be some trick.
He flipped his head so that the tip of his hat shifted back. “Because I’m Santa Claus, of course. I have to take a smaller form to visit tiny houses like yours.” He smiled and winked.
Silvia pulled her leaves tighter in, hearing a fait tear as she did so. “How do you expect me to believe that? You’re that Caterpie who lives in the really mossy oak, Ben wasn’t it?”
“I’m not, and that was Benji you’re thinking of,” the Caterpie said. “I know it must sound strange, Miss Silvia, but it’s true. Where here you are, your Christmas presents, two in one.” He pulled out a leafy green sack that was smaller than his own, but looked like she could carry it easily even with a lot in it. As it wasn’t made of leaves, it would last for a good long while. Something was inside that sack. “Just don’t be opening the sack until the morning, all right?”
“Er, okay,” she said. Still concerned about how he’d done it, she asked, “But how’d you get in here? I lock the door when it turns dark.”
“Magic,” he said. Looking at the floor and smiling, he said, “Say, your hot pads are pretty nice. They smell lovely.”
“Thanks, but they’re rugs,” she said.
The Caterpie laughed. “Ah yes, have to remember the scale I’m at. I think I could spare something else for you in exchange for a few of these rugs. May I have three of them?”
At first, she was reluctant. Even if this was really Santa Claus, they were her rugs. Then again, she had so many of them, and a whole winter to make more. Silvia nodded. “Okay, if you like them that much.”
“I love them. Let’s see… this ought to do nicely. Here you are.” He pulled out a small yellow box that was tied up with green ribbon. “The thing that lies inside this will help you have courage. But it’s another one to not open until morning, or it won’t work for you.”
“Something that will give me courage?” she asked, curious. She wasn’t sure if anything could. There was so much out there that was dangerous; Pokemon could get hurt in many ways and it was safer to stay at home and weave. But then, if she had the courage to go out further again, she could have the materials to make much more than just needle rugs.
“Certainly.” The Caterpie took three of the rolled up ones and placed them in his sack. “I’d best be on my way. Again, merry Christmas and have a good next year!” He then vanished on the spot, leaving behind only the three presents.
Silvia felt startled at seeing that. Had it really been Santa Clause, or was it some trick of that Benji? She looked at the sack and the box, but any curiosity was drowned out by her suspicions and fear. Curling back up on her bed, she closed her eyes and hoped those things might be gone in the morning.
-+-
The presents hadn’t been gone in the morning, but the sunlight coming in through the window had reassured her enough that she opened the gifts. As her only two Christmas gifts (at least until her Leavanny mother could make it here for a visit), she could feel a little excited if wary. Inside the cloth sack, there was a reddish-brown stone that gave off strong warmth. The Heat Rock had made things less chilly to wake up to, she realized. It would make her home nice and cozy as well as safe.
And inside the box tied up with a ribbon, there had been a white collar with a little bow. It was exactly the right size to sit between her head and abdomen segments. Would it really make her brave? Silvia decided to try it out. She gathered up many of her pine needle rugs, put them in the sack, then carried it outside. With the collar around her, she headed out to give presents to her neighbors.
Many of them were surprised to see her. “I had just about forgotten that you lived around her too,” a female Caterpie said. “Sorry I don’t have any presents, but thank you for this rug. It’s so nice and will look pretty in my house.”
“You’re welcome,” she said, bowing her head. She still felt bashful, but here she was, in the scary outside talking with people. The collar seemed to be working. There was just one particular Pokemon she had to find. “Do you know where Benji lives exactly?”
“Oh yeah, he’s in an old hole several feet off the ground in that tree. Can you climb up that way?”
Looking at the tree, she saw that it had rough bark. “I think I can make it. Thank you and merry Christmas.” She then headed up the tree, carrying her sack up with her.
Once up there, she found him, the one who had scared her with that mask. “I thought you’d moved away after that,” Benji said. “Look, I’m real sorry about that. I didn’t think you’d scare that badly.”
“It was scary,” she said. “But if you’re sorry, then I forgive you. Did you come by my house yesterday?”
He looked surprised. “What’re you talking about? It was freezing last night and I didn’t want to set foot outside my hole.”
Silvia believed him then too, as there was no sign of the red hat, the large sack, or the needle rugs in his home. “Oh, it’s nothing,” she said. “Here, I brought you a present.” She gave him the last pine needle rug that she had brought with her.
After accepting his thanks and saying goodbye, Silvia left his tree and headed out for the one tree that would properly have leaves at this time, one of the ginkgoes that was in the forest. She only told her mother about her encounter with the Santa Clause Caterpie, as she wouldn’t have believed it if she heard it. By the time that she saw him again, she had learned that her courage wasn’t from that collar, but from herself.
…
Caterpie Leaf Green entry: Its short feet are tipped with suction pads that enable it to tirelessly climb slopes and walls.
Sewaddle Black entry: Leavanny dress it in clothes they made for it when it hatched. It hides its head in its hood while it is sleeping.
Last edited by Ysavvryl; 26th December 2011 at 3:29 PM.
Pokedex OS- Still trying to capture every single Pokemon out there in words: 583/649
ClicheStorm 2: Mixing cliches is a dangerous pastime. Chapter 16: It could've ended up worse, like that one place.
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is awesome.
Originally Posted by Zincspider
