Moving On

Fiery red hair in a bit of a frayed mess gently swayed in the breeze, being restricted only by the yellow pair of goggles atop the young woman's head. Her green eyes were determined, piercing the veil of the approaching night as she stood before the gates to Ecruteak City. Her long time partner Roxas, the Larvitar walked along beside her to keep her safe. The only light was that of the flame on the back of the young Cyndaquil she had befriended not but a day sooner. They had already bonded rather well, which wasn't unusual for Makoto most of the time. Still, the flickering light danced around casting shadows on the eerie town as they walked through it.

This town was known for Ghost Pokemon, the Gym Leader even being rather proficient in using them. Even though Makoto knew she had the advantage type-wise, she knew better than to challenge Morty so early. Her Pokemon were still young and underleveled, she'd just be putting them in danger. Even with the overall creepy vibes between Burned tower and the newer looming tower in the darkness, Makoto seemed physically unwavering as she made her way through town quickly and calmly. Finally she arrived at the Pokemon Center, where she walked into the bright light and scurried over to one of the chairs.

Truth be told, she had been rather on edge the whole way, even though she had a ghost type herself. Speaking of which, she grasped the pokeball mindlessly as she thought about her crazy day yesterday. She had already caught two Pokemon in what seemed like a fraction of a moment, and was one step closer to Violet City. Still, her feet would beg to differ about just how long it had taken her to arrive here, and clearly Cyndaquil and Roxas agreed as they collapsed on the floor exhaustedly over one another.

"That's alright, you guys deserve a rest..." Makoto said, scooping the two up as she went to check in to one of the rooms. She set her stuff down under the bed, it appeared she was rooming with at least one other trainer for the night. Not uncommon considering there was limited space to begin with. Setting the two slumbering critters on the bed she decided to head to the dining hall to grab a bite to eat before showering and hitting the hay herself. Grabbing a dish of rice and a small portion of pork, she sat down at a table and glanced around at the scarce number of people eating so late as well.

Of the people, only one was about the same age as Makoto. He was a boy with messy, jet black hair. As he ate, he occasionally ran his hand through it, as if he were nervous about something. His eyes were as black as his hair, and as if sensing Makoto scope the room, they met her own, and he smirked at her.

Makoto was mildly interested as she people-watched, spotting a couple trainers scuffle in the corner about what was probably a petty 'my rattata is in the top percentile' squabble. She took slow bites of her food, letting it last as she relaxed into the cafeterium chair and slowly drew in all her surroundings. However one thing she wasn't expecting was this strange boy, whose eyes met her as soon as her gaze touched him. Slightly startled her eyes widened and she felt a piece of rice go down the wrong pipe causing her to cough momentarily. She quickly washed it down with a swallow of the MooMoo Milk provided. She quickly stood afterward, the glass making an audible thunk on the table as the chair legs screeched across the tiled floor.

She stared into the void of the boy's eyes, iris as black as the hole of the pupil they surrounded. What was with that anyway? As if she wasn't on edge enough tonight, this kid had a serious creepy-vibe to him. Still, Makoto could be rather brash and was far from a coward as she made her way to the mysterious stranger and his unsettling smile. Pulling a chair from his table without so much as an introduction she sat and stared at him from across the table. "..." she paused, she hadn't even thought of what she would say! "...'Sup?" Failure to launch...

"Sup," he chuckled, his perching eyes boring their way into Makoto as if he were a hawk examining prey. In fact, he himself seemed very hawk-like. "Is there something I can help you with, or is it just my stunning good looks that made you come check me out?" He ran his hand through his messy hair once again, and gave a crooked grin, apparently being dark and dangerous wasn't his only skill set, sarcasm was a strong suit as well.

"Hardly," Makoto said, though her tone wasn't really all that blunt. "To be honest you intrigued me in a way. I've never seen somebody with black irises before," she explained, being rather straight forward about it all. "My name's Makoto," she introduced, though it was rather possible that this stranger was either extremely arrogant or simply lacking in real social skills. Not like she was one to talk, her social skills were basically non-existent in reality. She didn't know how people came to like her. "So what brings you to Ecruteak?"

"The name's Kuro, and my eyes have always been like this. Some say they match the dark and hollow husk where my soul once was," Kuro replied, with a nonchalant shrug, and a lighthearted laugh. It was both arrogance and introvertedness influencing his actions. He had a confident and cocky look on his face, but there was a hint of uncomfortableness. "I'm in Ecruteak to visit an old friend. We have a lot to catch up on and discuss." He shifted uncomfortably, as if he wasn't looking forward to the meeting, he seemed to decide to change the subject, and directed the conversation toward Makoto. "What about you, brighteyes? What brings you to this wonderful city?" He seemed to skip over asking her name, instead opting for the new ...nickname, for lack of a better term.

Makoto's eyes turned sharp at this 'nickame'. She wasn't used to anything like that, but this boy was lucky for now that Roxas was sleeping like a rock in the other room. Or else he'd likely have a 150 lb mini-monster attached to his leg. It was amazing that Makoto could carry him, but she worked out pretty regularly so she was stronger than she appeared. Still, she carried on for now. "I'm passing through, on my way to Violet City. I'm going to start earning some badges so I can enter higher leagues and earn cash. You know, the usual dream for any ten to fifty year old in these parts." It seemed that Makoto could spit fire with her sarcasm if need be as well. "So this friend of yours, they know much about raising ghost Pokemon?"

"Nah," Kuro replied, "he's more focused on Fire types." Absentmindedly, he put his hand on the belt he uses to carry his own two Pokemon. "But if you really need it, I could help you out. I couldn't say no to a pretty face like yours, Brighteyes." He detached one of his Pokeballs, and expanded it. Throwing it into the air, a Duskull burst out.

"What exactly do you want to know about 'em? I assume you're wanting to fight the gym leader, so do you want a pracice battle?"

At the mention of fire types, Makoto thought of the young Cyndaquil slumbering atop her green partner. She still needed anickname for the girl, but all in good time. If this friend of his specialized with fire types he could perhaps help boost the confidence of her own. Then her eyes went sharp once more, that nickname pouring out of his mouth. Did he really think himself a Don Juan, or was he deliberately trying to piss her off?

"The name's Makoto," she replied a bit flatly.upon hisbrelease of duskull however, she reached for the pokeball at her own waist. "Your conclusion isn't quite on. I do intend to challenge Morty, but not any time soon. For now," she said, tossing up her own. The ball released and her Misdreavus appeared. "I intend to train my team. However, I've never had a prankster ethereal being as a partner before. Give me something physical and it's simple. Something that only manifests at will is a new territory for me."

"Ah, Makoto, it fits you." He actually seemed genuine with the statement, but it was accompanied with his ever present smirk. "Ghost types can be a bit...different, for lack of a better term," he commented, grinning up at his Duskull. "But if you home in on their personalities, they're actually very easy to manage. Mind if I see yours?" he asked curiously.

Makoto merely blinked, pointing blindly over her shoulder at the purple figure that faded in and out of visibility. She often dangled on the brink, going from slightly translucent to nearly transparent and back as she circled over head. "I caught this Misdreavus possessing a Nurse back in Olivine. I think it was just playing a prank, but still better to get it out of there than leave it to its mischief," Makoto explained. "Haven't nicknamed her yet..." She trailed, seeming to self obsess over the importance of the names in the bonding process.

"Anyway, she seems mischivous like I said before. How does that make her easy to manage?" The ghost type began to float off toward other trainers and their Pokémon, looking for an easy scare. After succesfully frightening the rattata boys who scurried off to their rooms, Misdreavus reappeared beside Makoto snickering lightly. Makoto let out a soft groan. She hadn't really dealt with Misdreavus yet, but could already tell she'd be a handful.

"Because a fun loving a mischievous Pokemon is usually easier to handle than a resisting and stubborn one, as some tend to be," he gave a meaningful look toward the room where Makoto's Larvitar slept. "Once you know how to deal with 'em, they'll give you no trouble. Right Duskull?" Kuro smiled and looked up at where his Pokemon had been. It seemed Duskull had joined Makoto's own Misdrevous, and he was causing a sleeping girl to have rather unpleasant dreams. "Er," he said, "make that less trouble."

Makoto felt a shiver when she watched Kuro's eyes gaze toward the door where her Pokémon slept. How did he know? No, it had to have been a coincidence... She shook off the thought for now, pushing it to the back of her mind as if it hadn't happened. Looking to the boy's Duskull and hearing his reaction said more than Makoto needed to hear.

"I think I'll take my chances with stubborn," she said, glancing to Kuro who didn't even have a handle on his own Pokémon. A stubborn horse can be broken, a mischievous spirit...not so much. Sure, they could bond and become partners, but it would always be far from the solid and grounded behaviours Makoto was used to. "Very well, how would you suggest to train them, then? After that I suggest bed...I'd like to meet this friend of yours if that's alright."

Kuro chuckled nervously at the thought of bringing Makoto to meet his friend, but he nodded. "I'm sure my friend would be delighted to meet you. He'll probably like you more than me. As for training ghosts, you just need to feel for them, think like they do. Yelling or begging won't do any good, they're masters at ignoring commands." He laughed, looking to his Duskull. "You just got to get creative."

As if to demonstrate, he took a step toward his Pokemon. "Duskull, stop it right now," he commanded with suprising authority. Like most ghost types, he ignored the command completely. Kuro smirked, and reached into his bag. After feeling around the bottom, he withdrew a perfectly ripe Cheri Berry, and held it out for several seconds. When his Duskull noticed it, it immediately stopped its mischief, and hovered to his hand. Kuro threw it into the air, and it was gulped down instantly, though who knows how ghost types can eat solid matter.

"A thing to keep in mind," Kuro said, "it that they really love bribes."

The Duskull's behavior reminded Makoto of a story she had once heard. It was of a boy who challenged Sabrina with a Haunter he had befriended. Naturally, when push came to shove the Haunter abandoned him leaving him helpless against Sabrina's might. She wasn't sure if she'd be able to handle herself if a situation like that should arise, but looking up to her Misdreavus decided it had to be so. She brought this on herself by capturing the ghost, now it was her responsibility to train her.

"Bribery is a method I'm familiar enough with," Makoto said, referring to human interactions more than with her Pokemon. "It sounds simple enough, I just need to find out Misdreavus' vice then," she stated calmly, staring at the wavering ghost type as she thought deeply on the matter. "That's fair enough. But seeing as you already have a grasp on your Pokemon, I'm not sure how Misdreavus would fare in a battle. Perhaps we can put off a match between the two of us until another time," Makoto said, offering her hand.

"I'll be going to bed now. I wont forget your agreement to take me to your friend," she said, returning Misdreavus to her pokeball in order to help prevent any further mischief on her part. With a wave, she headed to bed for the night, awaiting the morning light and the journey that the next day held for her.

---The Next Day---

Makoto was awoken by small feet traipsing small circles over her abdomen, followed by a very heavy and uncomfortable pressure. She shot up with a gasp, her unconscious mind not being able to piece together the two small Pokemon that she'd allowed to sleep out of their pokeballs walking on her. The Cyndaquil and her Larvitar seemed to be getting along mildly well, at least. She shoved them off, heading for the shower and her usual grooming routines.

Slipping on her green Gypsy outfit for a change of pace, Makoto took her belongings and her Pokemon down to the mess hall hoping to run into Kuro from the night prior. He'd agreed to take her to a fire type trainer, and she hoped it would help in training her Cyndaquil somewhat. The three sat at a table, the fourth being Misdreavus who hovered nearby mostly invisible as they ate their meal.

Kuro walked into the dining hall a little after Makoto had begun eating. His eyes were molten with irritation, and he was gritting his teeth as he stepped through the door. Following not too far behind was a guy a few years older than Kuro. Unlike his messy haired companion, this man had clean shaven and perfect hair. It was a lighter shade of black than Kuro's, and oddly enough, it was accompanied with crystalline and silvery blue eyes. His chatter was indistinguishable because of their distance, but whatever it was, it was irritating Kuro.

When Kuro noticed Makoto, he walked over to her table, grabbed a chair, and slumped down in it. His companion walked at a slower pace, and when he reached the table, he did a small bow to Makoto before giving a slight glare to Kuro. "Pardon my brother," he said, "he isn't well learned in proper behavior. A gentleman never sits at a table before the lady allows it."

Makoto was beginning to think that perhaps Kuro had skipped out on her, glancing around the cafeteria and not seeing his greasy little mane anywhere. Then the door audibly opened, drawing Makoto's eyes to the scene of an annoyed Kuro walking and talking with what appeared to be a more handsome version of himself. Was this the friend he was talking about?

Roxas growled as Kuro sat down a tad bit too close to Makoto. Fortunately for him, the uncouth behavior was not quite as irritating as the 'chivalry' of his annoying brother. Makoto's nose scrunched up a bit. He might not have been the same brand of creepy as his brother, but that 'mightier than thou' attitude already struck her the wrong way. Either he was stuck up, or just trying to show off. Either way, far from what might have been considered her 'type'.

Roxas reacted as well, jumping in front of the stranger and baring his teeth. His eyes looked dark and intimidating, and though the Pokemon was small in size Larvitar were known to pack a mean bite. Choosing to not piss off the potential fire trainer, Makoto shoved at Roxas with her foot with a painful amount of effort. He finally sidestepped back to his spot, eyes remaining fixated on Kuro's brother as he growled quietly.

"His brother?" Makoto asked, glancing up and (purposely) forgetting to invite him to sit down. Looking to Kuro, who looked morose over the subject she tapped her chin. "So...this is the 'friend' you were speaking of?" she asked nigh tauntingly.

"Sadly," Kuro replied, giving a mortified look toward his older sibling. "And in all honesty, he's no 'friend' of mine. I just didn't want to say I was related. Which I still deny."

His brother furrowed his brow, and sighed, remaining standing across from Makoto. He cleared his throat as if to make a noise that would ease the tension before speaking. "My brother tells me you have an interest in fire types," he said in a 'charming' voice. "I may be able to enlighten you upon the subject if a fair maiden such as yourself would like." He smiled, which caused Kuro to start coughing in order to hide his laughter. He gave Makoto a look as if to say 'don't say I didn't warn you.'

It was a great morning. Actually, it was even greater than great for Jurrickson. He woke up with a huge grin on his face and stretched. Upon opening his window, the sun hit his dew-covered window, creating a glorious bright shine on his face. He just knew it was a good omen, which was ironic to him considering he lived in Ecruteak City, a town with ghost pokemon around every corner. He got up, put on his usual shirt and tie, donned his favorite pair of glasses and grabbed the pokeball containing his Gastly on his nightstand. He was finally ready to head out towards Violet City. That is until his stomach let out a mighty growl. Well, maybe I should grab a bite to eat first, he thought to himself as he clenched his belly. He searched his cupborads and the fridge, but all he could find was some weak old chili and some stale chips. "The Pokemon Center it is!" he declared with a chuckle.

The wispy morning air nipped at Jurrickson's exposed face, so he sprinted to the local Pokemon center. He knew they always supplied a warm basket to trainers. The doors opened and he was greeted by a warm atmosphere. Taking a deep breath in, he walked over to the dining area only to see a room filled with trainers. He grabbed a plate of rice and looked for a place to sit. While looking around, one particular table caught his eye. There was a girl with fiery red hair talking with two other guys; one who looked a tad disgruntled, and the other who was talking to the girl. Jurrickson thought it'd be a good idea to meet some fellow trainers, and these three happened to pique his curiosity, so he decided to walk over and meet them. "Pardon the interuption, but I'm gonna be sitting here" he said to the group pushing up his glasses with his index finger.

Makoto smirked at Kuro's reaction initially, wishing a witty remark but was cut short by the noise of his snooty brother clearing his throat. Her eyes drug back to him slowly and painfully. His words were arrogant and pretentious in her ears. "My name is Makoto..." She said, somehow sounding more unfriendly than she had to Kuro the night prior. "And my interest is in-" she started, interrupted mid sentence by the new arrival.

His hair was a sharp contrast to both the boys, having it white as an old man's opposed to the shades of raven black. His eyes a steely blue, to which Makoto stared into though not in an enchanted manner in the least. She looked even more put off as this boy sat, in fact. It was one thing to request a seat, or even to sit down at a table for one. But to press past the others then claim the seat...she couldn't say much though. Makoto was basically irate over anything too far to one side or the other. Kuro's brother's well groomed ways, and this one's lack of manners alike.

"Umm..." She said, continuing though not rememeberine where she'd left off. "Who the hell are you?" Blunt. She was often such when not trying to make an impression. Roxas growled at him, disliking very much the crowd now gathering (especially since all but Makoto were male). If they didn't watch their step, one of them was likely to need medical attention of their own.

Kuro looked at the new arrival, and smirked at Makoto's reaction. He looked puzzledly at his white hair, a bright contrast to his own. "Lighten up," he said to Makoto, "he clearly was dazzled by such a 'fair maiden' like you." He gave his brother a teasing look, and raised one eyebrow. His brother seemed to have not noticed this look, however, as he was standing open mouthed at Jurrickson.

"Y-You don't just sit down at a stranger's table without an invitation," he said, aghast, "most certainly not at one of a lady. I would expect something of the such from my irritating brother, but not from a well mannered looking person such as yourself." He broke into a lecture about proper manners while dining with a lady, which Kuro easily ignored, and fairly accurately mouthed along with him, using his hands as emphasis when his brother got overly passionate. It seemed he had heard the lecture many times before.

Jurrickson should have expected this kind of reaction. He simply smiled and shrugged. "My apologies. I was simply trying a technique out of a book I read: Assertive Nature: Being Up-Front and Personal. I will admit it's a rather rude book, but I just love reading, and thought it'd be cool to apply some of the more drastic techniques to my communication skills..." he said as he was laughing. "Anyway, I digress. I should properly introduce myself. My name's Jurrickson Pratt." He stood up, wiped some rice away from his face and offered his hand to the young gentlemen lecturing him.

Makoto shot a sharp glare at Kuro for repeating his brother's tart words. "I told you," she growled a bit, as Kuro's brother began to fall into his stammering lecture. "The name...is Makoto..." She said, her green eyes seeming to hold fire themselves. Having nearly finished her food, and growing ever more weary of the direction that her company was taking Makoto chose to take action instead. She stood, scooting her chair out loudly to draw attention.

She wasa little curious about this new boy, his attitude wasn't easy for her to read. Still, it was an amusing sight, one calmly talking over the other's frantic lecture and introducing himself. "You know, 'Kuro's Brother'..." Makoto began, putting emphasis on the lack of a provided name. "At least he introduced himself. Maybe you ought to take a lesson in manners yourself." Her comment wa light, but she knew it would likely hit where it hurt. It was meant to, that way maybe everyone would shut up and she could get what she wanted. Err...that is, maybe she could straighten out what was happening, and move on to train her Pokémon under people familiar of working with the types.

Kuro's brother studderd for a moment, rendered speechless by Makoto's words. He ran his hand through his hair, the same nervous tick Kuro has, and recovered. "But of course," he said, "it was a very rude thing of me to do. My name is Hakari, and it is a great pleasure to meet such a beautiful lady." He then took Jurrickson's hand, and shook it. "It is a great pleasure to meet someone so well read. Sadly there are many people in this world who I believe can't even read," he glanced down at his brother, who simply rolled his eyes.

Kuro remained silent and slumped in his chair. He glanced at Makoto, and under his breath whispered so only they could hear it. "There's still time to make a run for it, I can hold them off." His ever present smirk appeared once more.

Jurrickson shook Hakari's hand and smiled. "Yeah, well while some read, others act." he stated. "And I've finally decided to act." he said as he looked at Hakari's brother and the Makoto. He sat down to continue eating his rice at a rather alarming rate. He was starving, yet also was eager to begin his journey. As he swallowed a huge gulp of food, he cleared his throat and decided to discuss his reasons for joining them for this meal. "So, the main reason I wanted to introduce myself is because I'm a new trainer and I'm headin out on my own journey. I figured it'd be a good idea to meet some new trainers and who know, make a few friends." he said with a smile. "So, where are you all headed. I was hoping to head to Violet city for my first badge!"