New beginnings (open)

Liara found herself awoken rather rudely on the morning that was to start her journey. She lazily glared at her Houndour, Azula, that was impatiently sitting next to her bed. Laughing, Liara scratched Azula behind the ear and managed to drag herself out of bed, only to throw on a black t-shirt, black jeans, shoes, and overcoat. At the last second she grabbed a small belt that would help hold anything she might pick up, as well as her pokeballs; not that Azula used hers anyway, but it would come in handy. She left her home rather quickly, tossing a goodbye over her shoulder to her mother, and headed out into the wild. Azula was ever sentient beside her and her ears seemed to twitch at every sound. Liara looked down at her best friend with a questioning glance. "I would tell you not to worry so much, but even then I don't think you would take the advice." A small smirk from Liara was enough to instigate a growl from Azula, simply causing Liara to burst out laughing. Today was already off to a good start. Now all she needed to do was find some pokemon.

{I'll try to be a reliable moderator for you, but can't promise that I'll post every day. I'll try to at least every other day, though.}

Outside seemed to be the exact opposite appearance of Liara and her dark type puppy Pokemon. While the two looked rather doom-and-gloom clad in all black, outside is was a sunny day and the flowers were in bloom. A few Hoppip floated by on a gentle breeze, singing as they did so. The calls of Sentret could be heard as they poppedd up and down, the tops of their heads showing through the tall grass as they lifted themselves up on their tails to keep a look-out. The one thing that would catch Liara's eye though, was a Rattata staring dead ahead at her. It was standing alone and in a battle stance, seeming to challenge Liara and Azula.

(It's fine. I'm pretty patient.)

The pair had kept walking a bit further, not entirely enjoying the nice weather that was around them, when Liara stopped suddenly and looked up ahead of her. Azula had gone rigid immediately at the sight of the wild Rattata that seemed to be challenging them. A small glint came into Liara's eyes and she smirked once more. This would be fun.

"Looks like we have a fight on our hands, Azula. Alright, let's show 'em what we're made of. Run at it and use Fire Fang!" Azula didn't waste any time at all charging towards the Rattata. As she drew close to it, she coated her fangs in a bright flame and leapt.

OOC: [ Hopefully you don't mind me joining. ] ^_^;

A custom tradition for most trainers... Getting their own, Pokemon from the Professor. Yet, he acquired his through family. A female Dritini from the Kanto Region, while his father was exploring the native land… Coming across such a beautiful creature he couldn’t resist but to catch it for Andrew himself. And when the time came he too started his own Journey. From Blackthorn City he made his way to New Bark Town, where the Professor was… A Quick chat and Item’s received he ventured fourth.

His body frame was muscular, standing around five foot eleven inches’ to date. He would let a small sigh escape his own lips. Mystic the Dritini followed right beside him, normally not within her simple Poke ball… He would let her venture out and explore. The first region, Johto… He would try and conquer the Pokemon League and from that point continue on with the other League’s around him home. United navy blue boots, swept across the dirt road, leaving a light trail of his own foot prints along the way, from the lab he tucked his hands within the pockets of his own tan pants. Baggy, yet still comfortable by the black leather belt that held them up, with the smirk slightly curling around.

He continued walking, with a slow pace his blank facial expression. Long sleeve shirt loose fitting which wrapped around his upper torso, as well with a red bandanna with white dots, tied gently around his neck. He kept it simple enough yet with his own short black hair keeping it together, a forest green beanie, covered his head. His sight was the new trainer, he soon came upon… It was a drag meeting new people; yet from his mother’s own words. He needed to get out and meet friends, it was a waste of time in his eyes, but once Mystic caught eyes of this other trainer. And soon watching the fight from behind… Mystic the Dritini ventured forward. Towards the fight as well the female trainer with her own Pokemon, waiting for it to end, he sat down within the grass… Relaxing while Mystic curled within his own lap, though with Mystic being hyper active.

She would soon interrupt the battle between her and the wild Pokemon… From his lap, she couldn’t really sit still for some time. From behind she would curious look over her shoulder.

“Dri..Dritni!” The Pokemon spoke out within a semi playful tone of voice.

"Hey now, don't bother the lady while she's trying to battle!" With Andrew's voice, soon Mystic obeyed and tucked herself away until the very end.

The rattata was prepared to take the attack, baring down when suddenly another Pokemon appeared out of the blue! Distracted, the rattata shook its head then reared back before high-tailing it out of there. The Pokemon was gone before Azula even really had a chance, as the Dratini scared it off, probably thinking it was being ganged up on. Now what would happen, now that this Dratini had caused their first foe to flee?

(Don't mind you joining at all! :] the more people, the more fun a post is!)

Liara was watching carefully as Azula was about r to attack when a noise drew her attention away for just a second. She turned just slightly and noticed another trainer sitting in some grass nearby as well as a Dratini. That must be his pokemon. I'll deal with them later. She thought as her attention once again turned back to her battle. She was met with disappointment and couldn't help but glare at the empty spot in the path when she saw that the Rattata had escaped. Azula hadn't even gotten her attack in! She noticed Azula seemed confused at the disappearance of the pokemon as well but soon picked up on the presence of the other trainer and went to stand in front of Liara, defensively growling. Liara found herself sighing as she looked down at her companion, placing one hand on her hip. "Well, that was a waste of time. Our first battle and we don't even get to start it."

Looking back over at the other trainer, Liara noted that he seemed to be a bit taller than her and definitely looked stronger in build. Taking in his entire appearance she noticed that he actually wasn't too bad to look at. That still didn't really help the fact that she was still a little annoyed. She did wonder though how he had come upon a dratini. Curiosity got the better of her and she walked around Azula over to where the trainer was. Azula followed her trainer closely the entire way. "It seems your dratini scared off my oppenent. Since I don't really have anything better to do now, do you mind if I ask where you got a dratini in the first place? Kind of odd to just randomly find one around here isn't it? Name's Liara, by the way, this is Azula. Say hello Azula." The houndour had stopped growling and was now staring at the two with high alertness, analyzing them, just in case she might need to react. "Dour!" She wasn't the friendliest pokemon in the world when it came to new people, but sometimes that was a good thing.

The female dritini... Was curious, though shy at some times... Tends to have odd personality, though from her own current spot. she moved closer to the houndour, playfully the soft blue hues examined the trainers pokemon "Dritini...Dri!" her tension's was to introduce herself. While Anthony was sitting there, listening to her own words. At the same time looking over herself, a playful smile curled around his own lips. "I guess mother was right..." Speaking more towards himself, within a whisper tone. He slowly pushed himself upright, stretching out he was fairly tall though the average height for his age. Dusting the dirt and grass off, he would have soon tucked his hands within his pockets once again.

"She was my fathers... He caught her on a expedition within Kanto" Pausing lightly as she soon looked his way. "Since then, she's been my partner ever since." She wasn't bad looking either, the first thing he noticed was her bright blue eyes, as well with her unique smile. Taking a couple steps forwards, he pulled out another Pokeball... The red beam soon flashing as he let out his own smaller Pokemon. "Smoo..SmooChum!"Dancing happily, Pausing he soon thought of something, both of them needed experience. With a simple nod "Well then, since I scared that Rattata away... I can be your opponent."

It was a grand idea "Alright Smoochum, lets show them what we got!" Anthony jumped back a couple of pace's. Having a decent area between them two... Both Dritini and Smoochum followed. "Names Andrew.... Ladies first" Bowing slightly, as he continued to look within her direction. It's the least he can do since he ruined her first battle.

Azula's eyes followed the Dratini's movements very carefully. She didn't sense it to be a hostile threat to her or her trainer so she allowed it to do as it wished. She sat down and remined vigilant, but bowed her head slightly in response to the Dratini's introduction.

Liara found herself listening intently to what the boy was saying. It was actually very interesting to learn how he'd gotten his pokemon. In some ways it made Liara think back to when she had first met Azula on that rainy night, since that night she had created a strong friendship with her. When she saw him pull out another pokeball she curiously inquired as to what this pokemon could be. She smiled slightly when she saw that it was a Smoochum. It was actualy kind of cute.

When he mentioned he would battle her in exchange for scaring the Rattata off, Liara couldn't help but smirk as a flash of excitement flashed in her eyes. This could actually be fun. She inclined her head a bit, nodding. That actually doesn't sound like a bad idea. Alright, let's see what you got." She then took two steps backwards, instantly preparing herself for the battle. Azula took her place in front of her trainer, crouching down slightly with her fangs bared. Win or lose they were in this together. When he offered for her to go first, her smile grew a bit more."That's very chivalrous of you, Andrew. Shall we begin, then? Alright, Azula send a Shadow Ball at Smoochum!" Azula immediately responded to her trainer's order, forming a ball of shadow in her mouth and sending it flying at Smoochum.

The lavender Pokemon… Smoochum was different a shiny, which was why Andrew caught her within the first place. Hoping about as Liara took the few steps back and houndour got into position, with the big red lips and bulky eyes… For some odd reason, she made everything so carefree. ‘Let’s see if we can win this one.’ Thinking towards himself, he nodded to her and she would nod back “Smoochum!” With her arm and hand sticking out, she gave him thumbs up. With a soft intake of air, he soon relaxed exhaling he waited for her… Liara to make a command “When the time is right, when you hear her command” He Pausing to though soon enough he heard her voice, commanding the first attack. The shadow ball formed within the houndour’s mouth “Now Smoochum…” Yelling out his own command… He knew he had to get up in personal for her attacks would take effect.

Smoochum frantically dashed forward with a quickened pace, she wasn’t slow or quick but quick enough to adjust as the attack was sent her way. Her own devilish smirk curled around her lips, spinning smoothly within a three hundred and sixty degree’s; against her foot she spun until the attack vanished from sight. A little wobble yet she managed to get on course she would soon continue running, getting ready to attack herself. “Smooooo…” Her own little battle cry as she dashed frantically, hoping not to get hit by a move… Wishful thinking was what it was. Yet she continued, once face to face with the houndour “Chum!” The large red tongue soon plopping out from between her own large red lips, drool dripping down aimlessly.

“Now Smoochum, Lick!” Andrew quickly yelling out, before it escapes, and with command… Smoochum followed. Her tongue would soon fly upwards towards the side of houndours face, hopefully making contact.

Liara frowned slightly when she noticed Smoochum had managed to dodge the Shadow Ball. It somewhat confused her upon seeing it's spins and what looked to be weaving and running spaztically. Still, it was gaining ground, and fast. Azula patiently waited for a command, she knew her trainer wouldn't just let her take easily preventable hits. "Wait for it Azula, we want a direct opening." The closer the Smoochum came the tenser Azula grew. "Dour! Dour!" She barked, as her impatience grew.

Finally when Smoochum was as close to Azula as she could be, Liara waited for the right moment. Then she saw Smoochum stick out it's large tongue out in an attempt at a Lick attack. "Now Azula, bite down on Smoochum's tongue using Fire Fang!" Azula had a small window of time that she could coat her fangs in flame and bite Smoothchum. If it failed to hit she would only be opening herself for an attack that Azula would not be able to dodge or prevent. She turned her head towards the smoochum at the last second, fangs at the ready.

Closer and closer the two pokemon were growing near... Both with attacks ready, yet Smoochum would soon fall into the trap. Andrew started to think, quickly... Trying to come up with a way around this. At this moment, it was only seconds until they would collide with each other. "Embrace the attack Smoochum!"Andrew yelled out, hopefully working on some degree, a soft sigh would soon escape his lips. Thinking if picking Smoochum for this battle would be a good idea though he would need to believe in her.. Hoping the tide would turn for there behalf. Smoochum was a duel type... Being part ice, the fire attack will do more damage then it normally would.

"When it hits... Relax and calm your mind" Yelling out, as he waited there, counting down the seconds. The fangs would lock onto her own tongue, the playful pokemon would slowly embrace the burning sensation through her body... Her eyes shutting tightly as she waited for it to end. Andrew had only minutes to call his next attack. "Now!" Soon his voice echoed through the battle field "Pound against the head!" Was his next attack, hopefully working. "Then lick again!" Hoping to attack twice if the first attack would work and hit her mark, she didn't know. Listening to his command, her whole arm would fly back, gathering the small amount of energy.

She would soon unleash it the contact point was the very tip of the houndours head, with her arm being pulled back fully. "Smooooooochum!" Her voice yelling slightly as she forced the palm of her hand downwards... Being this close to each other would be better knowing that her hits would land, hopefully.

Liara nearly fell out of her consentrated focus when Andrew ordered his Smoochum to not even try to dodge Azula's attack, but instead welcome it. Wasn't that purposely neglecting your pokemon's health? Either way Liara shrugged it off mentally and watched as Azula bit down hard on Smoochum's tongue, her flame coated fangs digging in and burning the pink muscle. She smiled slightly at the sight; while it wasn't entirely cocky, it did relfect a little bit of her own confidence. "That's it, Azula! Show 'em what we're made of!"

Azula herself felt very confident, overly so, and her trainer's praise only increased it. She didn't expect what would happen next. As soon as her grip let up on Smoochum she felt more than saw Smoochum's next attack. As Smoochum's arm extended back and her battle cry was released Liara's eyes grew wide. Despite the fact that it was nearly hopeless Liara shouted out to her puppy pokemon. "Azula! Look out!" Azula, on the other hand, had no reaction time whatsoever and thus took the blow to her head, sending her a rolling back a little ways from Smoochum. Her hard head somewhat helped when it came to the force of Smoochum's pound but it still managed to hurt the houndour as it had been in the dead center of her forehead. Liara's teeth were nearly grinding together when she saw her pokemon take the blow. She hoped it hadn't hurt Azula too much. She would remind herself to take a look at Azula's head later to make sure she really was ok. Still, they were in the middle of a battle and Liara knew she had to do something to prevent Smoochum's next attack that Andrew had called out. "Azula, shake it off, Smoochum is going to attack again! Hurry, stand back up and give it your meanest Leer before she gets near you!"

Azula tried her best to shake it off and quickly jumped back onto her feet."Dour!" She saw Smoochum's second attempt at using lick and instantly her eyes glowed an eerie dark red. She looked directly at the pokemon, staring it down fiercely. Perhaps she could scare Smoochum enough to where she would hesitate or freeze and allow Azula an opening for her next attack. Liara watched with baited anticipation, silently muttering her hopes under her breath.

"That's it Smoochum!" Andrew's voice echoed through the battle field, as he watched her fist hit directly within the houndour's forehead. Smoochum couldn't rest though already taken a heavy attack from houndour... She would continue through, the pink slimy tongue soon slipped out from her mouth yet again. "Let's show them who's boss!" Andrew soon yelled out, as Dratini watched from the side lines, right beside Andrew, she as well was very curious on who will win this match. With the sun shinning brightly above, and the cross wind's blew gently around, today was a perfect day to travel or battle. Dratini, wanted to battle... With Andrew holding her back the two continued to battle. "Keep up the good work..." Pausing before he soon seen the next attack of the foe, a soft sigh had escape his own lips.

The attack was 'Leer' a defensive attack, used commonly to scare a opponent. He knew all about it, yet as Smoochum couldn't stop, her own piercing eyes gazed right into the next attack. "Spin like before..." It was a couple seconds, before she realized that Andrew was giving her a command... Entranced by the other pokemon. Even though she looked right into his own eyes, as she rotated within a perfect circle, merely a few inches away from houndour itself. On the ball of her heels, Smoochum spun swiftly, with her tongue out... It would give the attack a little more force from the velocity of the spin. The saliva from her tongue shot everywhere within motion of the full spin... Hitting him within the side of the face might turn the battle.

Though hoping and a direct hit are two different things. It was the way he battled with everyone has there own personal style... This was his own. He loved his team like it was his family, and they were since he will be traveling with him from now on. Yet traveling and battling seemed like a waste of time on his behalf... Andrew was a lazy person from his parents eyes. Not knowing the full extant on what he truly does... Taking his talent and showing it off through his battling. "Let's not give up Smoochum... We have this!" Voicing his own opinion... His hands tucked within his inner pockets, a faint smile could be seen curling around his own cheek bones "Smooooo.. Chum!" Another battle cry, hoping for the better cause.

Liara saw her opening the minute Smoochum faltered and spaced out. She spoke with confidence towards her companion in front of her."Azula, now's your chance, use Ember!" Azula felt the familiar sensation of heat coming from within herself, but before she had the opportunity to actually send anything out, Smoochum started to spin again with her tongue out. Liara closed her eyes as there was a sickening slap that came from the tongue making contact with Azula and a loud whine rang out."Oh, no." Liara sighed, trying to keep her composure. Azula was one of the few closest things to her and she really didn't like to see her get hurt. She peeked one eye open, and then another. Sure enough Azula was on the ground, whimpering, and unable to move. The poor thing just laid there. Liara went over and stood next to her pokemon, picking it up carefully in her arms. Azula would get mad if she was put back in her pokeball. She couldn't stand that thing. Liara smiled sadly down at her pokemon. "That's ok. You did your best and I'm proud of you. I'm sure we'll do better next time. I should probably take you to a pokemon center, yeah?"

Liara turned back to Andrew, who was probably celebrating now with his own pokemon. It was a good fight at least, though she still couldn't believe she lost to that kind of pokemon. Not entirely sure if she should just walk away or not, she looked over to where she was almost sadly. "Good job Andrew, you really gave me a run for my money. Uh, you wouldn't happen to know where the nearest pokemon center is do you? I'm a bit lacking with directional knowledge. If you could show me that would be even better. If not I'm sure I can wander around for a bit." Liara stood there somewhat awkwardly, she barely knew this guy yet here she was socializing. It really wasn't like her, but she was more concerned with the whining pokemon in her arms.

He was shocked... That Smoochum actually one, their very first battle. Yet as he watched her pick houndour up from the ground, he actually felt bad. "Good job Smoochum, get some rest." With that he pulled her Pokeball out and the red beam sent her back within, tucking it away from sight. Dratini, celebrated within her own way... Happy for the win, though soon Andrew would walk her way. Relaxed and calm, with his hands tucked inside his own inner pockets once again the distance between them two soon closing. A friendly smile curled around his own lips as he stopped a couple feet away, as he looked her way and nodded.

"Yeah, it's up ahead." He soon spoke out. "Good battle... And good job to you too Aluza" He nodded as he reached out slightly to rub his head across his own silk fur. "They both did great, though we should head to the Pokemon Center in the next town over." As he looked her way, Mystic... Looked her way as well. Through her expression the sadness was clearly seen for houndour itself, wondering if he would be alright. "Dra, dratini.. tini?" A firm nod, and soon he would rub the top of Dratini head as well, giving her assurance that houndour would be perfectly fine.

"I'm still kind new to this whole thing... Traveling, meeting new people and all, though want to travel together?" A curious question he soon asked, stumbling with his words as he rubbed the tip of his shoes within the dirt below. He was a shy kid yet breaking the habit would be essential to making new friends and having fun. "Besides, I think we can make it through and become battle buddies, with double battles." By then, his friendly smile wouldn't stop... His bright white teeth soon showing, though a soft tint of blush would cross his own cheeks. Not know what to say or do, he tucked his hand within within his own inner pocket and waited.

Liara remained still as he neared her. You'd think she'd be mad at him, but she couldn't bring herself to be mad simply because she lost a battle. It wouldn't be right to her. So she looked up as Andrew stopped close to her, her eyes somewhat dulled in color. His praise was at least something that cheered her up. She found that she could honestly respond to his smile with one of her own. It also helped cheer her up that he was being nice to Azula. The female houndour probably would've snapped at anyone who tried to pet her, but for now she was fine. [color=black]"Alright, if the next town over is the closest then I'm good to go." Liara smiled at the dratini next to Andrew, her concern clearly evident. "It's ok, Azula just needs to get looked at by Nurse Joy and she'll be good as new. It could've been a lot worse."

Liara turned around on the path slightly and looking down the path a ways before looking back at the other trainer. She smiled brightly at Andrew after his offer, her black hair lazily swishing in the slight breeze. "I'm still getting used to this too actually. I'm not much of a people person myself, but I like you." She couldn't stop the blush that krept up on her face, silently scolding herself and addressed him once more. At least he looked kind of shy too. "Fighting as a team sounds good though. Anyone that gets in our way will have to deal with the both of us. So let's show them that we're unbeatable, yeah?" Suddenly the fire returned to her eyes and she found herself nearly grinning from ear to ear. That almost never happened with her, what with her not exactly liking people. Liara giggled at his own blush, he really was cute. Nodding her head at the path she started to slowly walk towards it. "Shall we go then? I know of a couple pokemon that need some treatments."

Honestly... Andrew couldn't think upon such actions of what he did to his own Pokemon. Though they needed to grow from such experience from a battle either loosing or winning, even the little experience counts. That was his thought, he kept the smile curled around his own cheeks... The blush still clearly visible from her point of view. "Azula is well trained, you did a great job so far." Speaking out with a nod, with his hands tucked within his own inner pockets. A new friendship of them both well unfold throughout their own travels "Yeah I have a unique style of battling... As you can tell." With a soft laughter he would let the sigh escape and soon enough continue walking down the pathway.

"Did your parents make you do this as well? Or was it your choice?" A curious question soon he would ask her. Following her own pace, his dratini curious as she explored the surrounding area, "Don't wonder off to far.. Mystic." His voice was firm, not wanting some other trainer to think she's wild and try to catch her. With time though, from there battle to now... It was coming around with the sun high above them. He hated the hot weather yet he hated the cold weather as well, but made due to what it was at the moment, "Would you like to take a break or keep walking?" A curious question soon asked. He knew both Pokemon had to get to the Pokemon Center though, trainers had to rest to at some point before becoming exhausted as well.

"If not we can continue... No big deal to me, I can keep walking. Cherrygrove should be right around the corner, Hopefully." As he looked her way, then to Azula, he was a little worried... It was kinda his fault for her to be within this situation. "Would you like to carry her for a while, and get some stretching done?" His bright smile, soon showed as he looked her way. He was already becoming less shy, around her... Though with new people, he doesn't know how he will act.

Liara giggled at the compliment, today must have been an off day for her. "Actually, Azula's probably taught me more than I have for. She's saved me more than a couple times." The pathway seemed to go on forever and even with the slight breeze, her black clothing didn't help with the heat any. Maybe conversation could distract her. "Actually it was a choice of my own. You see, I got caught out in the rain one night and was almost attacked by some Stantler. Azula saved me from them and I just knew that from then on we would show others we were strong and capable. So here I am, on my way." She spotted a section of shade off the side of the path and nodded towards it. "We can sit down for a while and cool off. I think Azula can hold together a bit longer. I'm mainly concerned about the severity of that blow she took to the head and the paralysis. Though she is kind of heavy, so I might take you up on that offer to carry her for a little while."

Liara walked over and carefully set houndour down in a grassy patch in the shade. Azula appeared to be sleeping now which was somewhat of a relief but in it's own way a concern. Liara then sat down next to her and propped herself up against the bark of the tree, letting out a sigh. "Why couldn't it have been overcast today?" she muttered under her breath. Her eyes soon found Andrew's smiling face and she patted the spot next to her. "So if it was your parents that made you start training pokemon, what did you do before that? Any kind of hobby?"

He would nod to her last question, as he plopped down right beside her... His back leaned against the trunk of the tree itself. His gaze would wander off though, he would still pay attention to such questions and the surrounding area. Sighing lightly "Yeah, my parents made me get out and go on a adventure... They think I'm lazy" Laughing though as he paused and soon continued. "Which is the complete opposite of such things... Besides sleeping, I tend to do a little Free running or parkour which includes such things as vaulting, rolling, running, climbing, and jumping. Basically another form of Acrobatics." He was soon relaxing within the shade around them, his blank stare within the sky as he watched the clouds float by.

"Though my parents only seen the lazy side, due to a long day of practice or they were never around..." Reaching into bandanna... He pulled out another Pokeball. "Come on out." The red beam of light zipped across and soon vanished, letting his Cubone get some fresh air while they stopped. "Cubone... Bone, Cubone!" His chant was short though to the point as he looked to the female and soon her own Pokemon. "This is Liara... We will be traveling with her from now on until he go our separate ways, I also have a Charizard... Though I normally don't take him out due to it being my fathers."

He paused and took in a deep breath. "While my father traveled around Kanto... He trained, the Charizard yet I'm still unable to handle him until I can prove myself to him. Besides him these are my main Pokemon for the moment, with this Pokemon Egg." He shrugged slightly yet continued to relax. Cubone walking up to her as well Azula "Cu, Cubone...Bone, Cubone" Introducing himself before running off to play with Mystic within the small patch of grass right next to them. "Though with my hobby... I'm trying to make a unique battle style that fits what I love to do." As he looked her way, and soon around. "What are your hobbies and such?" A curious question soon he would ask.

Liara couldn't hold back her laughter when he explained the situation with his parents "Ok, no offense or anything, but if your parents think that freerunning is being lazy then they are just insane. That kind of stuff is hard work and dangerous if you don't know what you're doing." She brushed away some tears that had come to her eyes while she had been laughing. The things parents could think sometimes.

She sat up a bit more when she saw him bring out another pokeball. She kind of felt lacking for just having the one. How many did he have exactly? This time he released a cubone. The skull headed pokemon reminded Liara of Azula. Azula also had parts of her body that were strictly bone. She greeted the cubone with a friendly wave but otherwise paid no attention to it, still focused on Andrew. "That's the interesting thing about pokemon. They're always surprising you one way or another. That's another reason I love them so much."

Liara tilted her head to the side slightly in thought. "If you want a style that's fitting, try teaching your pokemon to be a bit more flexible or use all of the resourses that are available to them. It's like coordinating for a battle without really making it flashy, you know?" Liara didn't have much experience freerunning herself, but she'd seen it done before. Maybe her tip would help, but she wasn't sure. Thinking for another moment she looked over at Azula. "Well, I've always just loved pokemon. I grew up around them and helped my mother take care of her own. Other times I would usually just play the piano. I haven't really done much else. Kinda boring, huh?" A nervous giggle left her as she looked toward the cubone once more. "I hope I'm able to catch some more pokemon soon. Azula is great and she'll always have a special place reserved in my team, but wouldn't some back up be useful?"

“My parents were never really home; my father usually off training or exploring the region around as well my mother was one of the top coordinators, so she was off competing or with my father.” With the friendly tone of voice he continued to talk… A softer sigh had escaped his own lips as he sat up to watch them play within the smaller field of grass. “I usually slept most of the day after training or exploring… And that’s why they kicked me out, told me to go out and have some fun and meet new people.” He laughed yet as they sat there within the shade, relaxing from the sun itself. “They do… Each one having its uniqueness towards it as well with them surprising us trainers each and every day.”

“Yeah, I love my parents though… I wish they could have been around more or so when I was younger, yet things happen and you have to make due to what you have around.” Another shrug and he soon listened to her voice… It was peaceful melody that relaxed him more or so, for some odd reason. “Oh yeah… Well I’m just starting out so my style isn’t perfected yet but some day it will be and others might follow my footsteps.” With that kind of comment, he would laugh gently until he noticed his own Cubone tripping over an overgrown branch that stuck out within the ground. A gentle cry and tears were form as the smaller Pokemon sat up and pouted “It’s okay…” Andrew soon spoke up within a calmer voice.

Pushing himself up to walk over, his arms outreach and Cubone was well within his own arms. “I think that’s enough playing around for the moment.” With such words Cubone had already stopped crying “Bone… Cubone, Cu” His smaller bone he held so dearly was raised within the sky, as Andrew walked back sits back down. “Well then… Let’s see if we can find any?” A curious question soon asked as he looked her way. “My Cubone loves to battle, and since Azula is injured… You can use Cubone, as a temp until Azula is all better.” He nodded as well with Cubone, happily agreeing “Bone… Cubone, Bone... Cubone!”

Liara's heart felt for her friend. She would gently reach over and place a hand on his shoulder if he would allow it."I really am sorry to hear that. Growing up, I didn't have a father. My mother and I aren't sure what happened to him, but we were informed he wasn't alive anymore, though I didn't know til I was much older. It's been hard on us. He used to be a well known pokemon trainer, so in some way I guess this is me trying to continue what he was doing with his life. I know how hard it is to live without one parent, so I'm sure it's hard to live without both being there, especially if they are alive. But I'm sure you'll manage to show your parents just how much you really do." Liara smiled softly at him, her eyes shining with honesty behind them.

Her thoughts were broken when she heard the cry from the small cubone. It appears as if it had fallen over something and was now crying loudly. Liara smiled secretly to herself when she saw Andrew comfort his pokemon. It was so adorable and kind. He really was a nice guy. Still, she looked over at her own pokemon and started to gently pet her fur. She would get medical attention soon enough. "Just a little longer, Azula. I promise."

As Andrew offered for her to use his cubone, she couldn't help but have some hesitance. While it would be a good opportunity to gain another pokemon, she wasn't familiar with battling with the cubone and as such it could lead to it being confused or herself being confused. Still, it seemed excited to help her out and get a chance at battling. Just a short one wouldn't hurt. "Alright, just a quick one to see if I can catch anything. Once we finish though we should really get moving. I don't want Azula to be in pain for too long. Ready to go Cubone?" Liara asked the small pokemon with excitement in her voice. Soon her eyes were scavenging the area for any wild pokemon that might be about.

Cubone wiggled from his own grasp he heard her own voice, adrenaline pumping through the small Pokemon veins. "Thanks... Though I'm used to them never being home. Which causes me to do stupid things and cause attention.." A simple shrug of his shoulders, soon feeling the touch against his shoulder as he looked her way a faint smile curled from his own lips. "Yeah... My dad highly sees my potential is what he calls it, and wants me to be the very best and I just don't know what to do." A sigh escaping and soon he would fall back against the tree, "What should I do?" He paused yet soon continued with a quick deep breath. "Should I look up to his standards or do things my way? It's a hard choice for me though I shouldn't care what he thinks... He has never been around."

Such harsh words though it was only the truth within his own behalf. He closed his eyes and soon re-opened after the couple of inhales he would slowly take to calm himself down. "Though I take it Cubone is ready?" He smiled more to watch him scan the surrounding area for any wild threats. "He's easy... As well he listen's well. Cubone for the battle Liara will be calling the shots not me, so focus and show them what you got!" Andrew voice echoed across the small area, the smirk crossing his own lips as he relaxed underneath the shade. With one leg bent as well with the other stretched out across the ground, he waited for the moment. "Cubone... Bone, bone, cubone!"With such words, Cubone's thumb soon stuck up within the air along with his bone.

Looking at her then his Cubone "His attacks are Growl, Tail Whip, Bone Club, Headbutt." Shifting through the smaller area and then soon the sky up above, startled by the pokemon the popped out from behind yet soon challenging Cubone.
What Pokemon could it be?

A small blue Pokemon poked its head out from the tall grass. It had small red tips across its body, and appeared to be a small elephant. "Phaaanpy!" The Pokemon trumpeted, stomping the ground. It seemed to have a very spirited personality, and was ready to put up a fight.

Phanpy, Level 7. Female.