A snowy start (OPEN)

It was quiet while the white powder moved in a gentle sway as it fluttered to the blanketed earth. A crunching sound echoed throughout the winter wonderland disturbing that silence. With each step of his sneakers created another soundwave from the pressured  down snow beneath his weight. Within a moment, the consistent noise would cease. Taking a moment to gaze up at the descending snowflakes and admire their beauty. Haru wouldn't be able to do this for some time. "Ahh..." Slightly opening his mouth, a puff of his own breath would become visible as it left the warmth of his body and was embraced by the freezing air. The teen was leaving his home to go on an adventure like that of his parents. Not knowing when he'd be back but assured that he would be, he began walking again.

Haru was currently on a trail that ran through an assumingly small forest. The temperature was in it's usual range, although it could've been colder and Haru wouldn't probably have noticed. It came from being born and raised in this climate. Like, his body had simply adapted and gained a higher tolerance for the frigid weather, more than anyone raised elsewhere in warm climates would've. Due to this increased endurance,  Haru dressed lighter. At the moment he wore an unzipped burgundy jacket with the hood outlined in brown fur, underneath was an unbuttoned white and red plaid shirt with a grey v-neck beneath that. Along with that he sported some green cargo pants and black and red sneakers. Haru felt just fine in this, not really cold but warm enough. Taking another step, suddenly, silvery-white beam shot out from the red and white orb attached to his belt. "Hmm?!" The beam went forward and began to take shape before him until it was complete,  and the silver coating dispersed like dust. Revealing a bluish black pokemon with pink feathers for it's left ear and tail. Haru would grin as he looked at his partner.

"Hey Rias, is something wrong?" He'd say as he moved in closer and placed his palm on her head. Sneaseell~ Rias purred as he did so, the two of them had bonded quite nicely in the time they were together. "Heh, I guess you just wanted out of your ball. Well, I kinda prefer you out anyway." Ending the head rub as he spoke, Rias would nod in agreement.  Haru would then start his stroll once again and Rias would follow instinctively. But what wasn't planned was Rias jumping and sitting on his right shoulder. Sne~Sne~ She would snicker as she knew he had been caught off guard due to how he almost fell flat in the snow from being unbalanced.  "Haha, okay, now that you're comfortable, lets get going." The two of them continued down the trail which was believed to lead him towards Mt. Coronet. In his mind though he hoped to meet some more pokemon on the way, but you never knew what was around the corner or tree in this case.

The pair soon came across a clearing, a well known one at that. Acuity Lakefront was just one of those places foot travelers had to pass through between Snowpoint City and Mt Coronet. Still, it was a serene, and beautiful scene. Trees lined a relatively open field, tall shrubbery powdered over with snow. The grasses in these areas were shallow rooted, and resistant to the cold.

Nearby a gap in the tree line led to Lake Acuity, where the light was bouncing off the crystal water. It refracted, causing an almost aurora effect, hues of green, purple, and blue dancing about. Beautiful as it may have been, wild Pokémon were highly common in the area.

Though most Pokémon were wary of humans, and would rather keep their distance, some were curious or territorial. A rustling in the grass was nearby, shaking some of the snow loose. A wild Pokémon? It could have been anything. Finally, a stout Pokémon emerged.

It was a small, black Pokémon with an ovoid body. It had circular, light blue eyes, wide teeth, and spherical hands and feet that lacked digits. It was covered with a yellow cloak that gave it a triangular outline. The coat, rimmed with an orange stripe, had three orange diamond markings on the back. It was a Snorunt!

From the looks of things, it was mostly curious. However, the slightest wrong move could set the creature to attack mode. It appeared to be a male Pokémon, about level 9. It watched Haru and his partner anxiously, unknowing of what the trainer would do.

In time they reached the Acuity lakefront, Haru had only been here a few times before but that was when he was much younger. SneaseSne!~ Rias would leap down from his shoulder and run to the water's edge to gaze in awe at the beautiful array of colors. Being completely mesmerized by the event. Haru was entranced as well, the natural light show bringing a light smile to his visage. Placing his hands in the pockets of his jacket, he proceeded to walk up and stand beside his partner. The two enjoyed the event for a bit before Rias' pink feathered ear twitched back and forth. The sharp claw pokemon would turn about swiftly to glare at the rustling bushes whilst bellowing a low growl. Noticing this Haru moved to see just what was disturbing Rias. "Whats up Rias?" As his sentence ended the new center of attention stepped out from the snow covered fauna, brushing some off as it did.

"Oh. Haha, chill down a bit Rias. This dude doesn't look like he'll hurt us." He'd say as he knelt down and began beckoning the little pokemon over. It was a snorunt, they were very common around here. "Hey there little guy. Why don't you come over?" However, despite himself being calm about this, Rias was not. Rias kept her current posture in defiance. They didn't know this pokemon personally. What if it decided to attack? Rias believed her partner was a good and dependable one, but he was too trusting of strangers. Where as others would have to work hard to earn her trust and even then she wouldn't come to trust them as much as she trusted Haru.

Snorunt shivered, though not from the cold. He was confused, as while the trainer seemed friendly enough, the Pokémon was on edge and ready to attack. Was it a trap? After a long pause, he decided it was so. He lowered his brow, offended that the human would think he could be so foolish!

His eyes squinted angrily. The Pokémon's Leer was meant, and aimed right at Rias. "Sno, snorunt!" He barked, before a wind picked up. A flurry of snow rushed around, then shot at the Sneasel. It was Snorunt's Powder Snow attack! The wild Pokémon had declared war, thinking the trainer and his Pokémon to be picking a fight with him.

Haru wasn't watching Rias at the time so he was unaware that she continued her offensive posture. "Ah. Alright then." Haru hoped to make a new friend in the Snorunt and possibly add it to his team. He planned to do so without having to battle so that it would've been a bond of friendship that brought the Snorunt to him. Instead of a 'I beat you so you're joining my team' kind of thing, where it was kind of forced. Although, he was sure that a lot of bonds were made by clashing with others and if that was what it wanted then so be it. This was pretty much Haru's mindset as he watched Rias get leered at. Which Rias was plenty prepared for, not the leer exactly but a battle. The leer lowered her defense some but appearance wise she wouldn't even budge, instead she allowed a grin to make its way across her face. Sneee~

As the snow infused wind made its way towards her, a knee had implanted itself on the ground along with a claw. Rias did this to hold her ground. The ice attack was not very effective against her do to typing. Haru would bring his arm up to shield himself a little due to being right beside his partner. It was very chilly and the wind caused his clothes to flutter. He could tell she was enjoying this even though it had just begun. "Hmm, okay,  Rias use quick attack." The moment his lips ceased motion she was off after her target with a trail of silver light along with kicked up snow behind her. Sneasel! The speed of movement was incredible as Rias was almost invisible as she sprinted. Soon though, Rias began to add on something more as she started to zigzag to make her movements less predictable and a harder to hit target.  Haru just watched waiting for the right moment,  he didn't have to wait long before Rias closed the distance in a short amount of time. "Now. Crush Claw." Now upon the Snorunt's left a single arm raised upward, her claws began to glow white while giving off white sparks, before she brought the claw down with destructive force to hopefully connect and drive her target into the snow covered ground.

Snorunt saw his move hit, standing in a somewhat proud manner at the fact. However, when Rias began zig-zagging with quick attack, he fu,bled around. He shuffled on his little feet to the left, then the right. He was befuddled by the tactic, and clearly scared of the hit to follow.

The sneasel practically appeared in front of him, that smirk on her face. Snorunt's eyes widened, seeing her claw pulled back high. It wasn't a quick attack at all, just a ploy to get close! He felt the powerful move come down on him, sending him tumbling back down into the fresh snow. It went flying up with each crash to the ground. Snorunt pulled himself back up, wincing in pain as he returned shakily to his feet.

The move had done a good little chunk of damage, but Snorunt wasn't down for the count just yet. His eyes narrowed, and his body began to vibrate. He shuffled his feet faster and faster, until multiple images of him could be seen. He was using Double Team! As he did so, he took aim. The foe would surely be confused as to which one was real. He took the chance, and launched forward. He used the cone tip of his cloak, and aimed in for a Headbutt attack, all of the false images following in suit.

Rias would grin as her claw made contact with the snorunt. She was showing her might and that no other pokemon should get overconfident in her presence. Especially from a weak attack like what she took earlier. The dark ice pokemon eyed the snorunt as he struggled to his feet. Sneee~ She'd say as she flexed her claws in an intimidating manner. Rias was ready to smack the snorunt back down, well until it multiplied. Surrounded by the group of snorunt utterly befuddled Rias, as she looked left and right to find the real one. Sneas?! Sneasel?!~

At that time Haru had begun walking towards the two. "Rias jump." Getting closer to the two might be a little dangerous but the two of them had clashed for a bit. Plus he still wanted to befriend the snorunt rather than beat it. Also...Rias was getting in that mood. It would be good to stop now, and not scar the little guy. Hearing her partner's command she would jump quickly as the snorunt came in for a headbut. As she looked down upon her target, she brought her claws together and began to form an orb of ice. Seeing this Haru would move to stop her. "Rias stop. The battle is over." He'd say as he walked over to the snorunt and knelt before it. "Hey dude, you seem to battle nicely. You obviously don't give up easily." Rias would land softly on the blanketed ground before letting loose the ice beam towards the clouds above. Then crossing her arms, Rias would start pouting by puffing up her cheeks and turning her back to the both of them. "So how about you join us and become our friend? I'm sure we'll have lots of fun together in our travels." He'd say wkth a smile as he outstretched his hand with a pokeball.

Sneasel jumped away just in time, Snorunt's headbutt missing entirely. He tumbled to the ground, powdery snow fluffing up to cover him lightly. Each of his duplicates fazed away in turn, Snorunt crawling back to his feet dizzily. He shook off the snow, his wee body vibrating like a wet dog.
He managed to regain his balance, seeing Sneasel prepare for another attack. He flinched, but then heard the trainer's voice. "Sno?" He was utterly confused, as Rias redirected the attack. He looked up, the trainer practically at his level offering him...something.

He tilted, unsure of what Haru was going on about at first. Then it all became clear all at once. Join him? At first the idea came off as utterly preposterous. Foolish human, who did he think he was? Then again, Rias had handed it to him pretty well at first. Maybe the trainer knew what he was doing after all?

He reluctantly shuffled a couple inches closer to Haru, eyes turned to the ground. It was clear he was unsure, and a bit reluctant. He took a big breath, which was over exaggerated due to his body type. Looking up to Haru with a determined look, he nodded, only the slightest of fear glinting in his eyes.

Haru watched the Snorunt with a curiosity, hoping he would join his team. He noticed all of the Snorunt's movements due to being in such a close proximity. It was expected that he would be reluctant, Haru wasn't only asking for a bond of friendship but for him to leave his home and possible family or friends he had here. It was a life changing decision. Knowing this, Haru still wanted the Snorunt to come along with him. Assured that the travels to be had would give the Snorunt great experiences and happy memories as well as sad ones, but hopefully their bond would push through the bad. The silver haired youth could already envision it. The very thought brought about even higher expectations for him to get Snorunt as a partner.

Soon their eyes met, Haru's light tan and Snorunt's icy cyan. The exchange was not only that of visuals but of emotions, the little dude's determination shined through to Haru. Something he had caught a glimpse of in the brief battle earlier. Then, a nod was given, which in response the red and white orb was pushed gently onto the Snorunt resulting in a clicking sound, before the top half of the ball flung open to release a shining red beam to consume the pokemon.  The ice type was sucked inside the ball completely prompting it to close and rumble a bit. As it did so, Haru would rise to his feet while watching the orb with a smile.

Not far behind Haru was Rias, who was still pouting on how her partner interrupted her fun. However, this didn't last much longer as she heard rustling from a nearby bush. Rias would grin at the thought of getting another pokemon to "play" with. Quickly dashing for the bush and hopefully a new opponent, Rias plunged her claws in the bush and proceeded to pull the branches apart for a view. Yet what was found was not anything she could ever fight nor would she want to. In the bushes was a colorful egg with a note attached saying, "Happy Easter!" Sne?~ Rias only stared at the egg. Not even a second had passed before she was all over the egg; hugging it, and rubbing her cheeks against it. Apparently,  her motherly instincts had kicked in and instantly climed the egg as her own. It was such a cute egg and all. She just had to show Haru, he wouldn't say no to another member joining their family.

Unfortunately for Rias and, in turn Haru, another Pokémon was nearby and had taken notice of the egg. She obviously thought they were stealing the egg for themselves. Or perhaps wanted it for herself. It was hard to be entirely sure on a Pokémon's intentions. If one thing was for certain, it was that she was not happy with Rias.

It was humanoid, bipedal Pokémon that resembled a person meditating. It sat in a yoga position, with knees bent and feet together with its hands resting on its knees. Its lower body blue, with white on the wrists, feet, and lower body. Its onion-shaped head was also white with large eyes and pink ovals on its cheeks. It had round, swirled ears on the sides of its head. It was, according to the Pokédex a Meditite! The wild Pokémon was apparently a female, around level 10.



She broke her meditative stance, taking on a fight stance. She glared at Rias, letting out a startling battle cry. She began without hesitation, meditating momentarily to raise her physical attack, before taking a defensive stance. She motioned to the Sneasel in a 'come hither' way, trying to taunt the Pokémon.

Swiftly, her sharp ears twitched as she caught sound of the other Pokémon. Sneasel?~ At first Rias questioned the arrival of the meditating Pokémon, that is until it motioned into a defensive posture and beckoned her on. Letting go of her egg, Rias moved to it's side as she began to smirk. Sne Sne~ Rias was getting excited now that she could play some more. If she were lucky maybe Haru wouldn't stop her this time. Welcoming the Meditite's challenge, she would mock it in Pokémon speech with the move taunt as she grinded her claws against eachother. Sneasel Sne~ After the taunt was issued Rias quickly leapt up into the air whilst forming a cyan orb of ice, before releasing it three frigid beams that arced around eachother as they raced towards their target.

Meanwhile, Haru had shrunk the pokeball down to it's miniscule size before placing it in his jacket pocket. "Now its time to get movi-. Wait, where's Rias?" He'd say as he looked around, then he would look behind him and upward as he heard the screeching of the ice beam launch from Rias. "Ah, heh, there she is. Hmm, whats she attacking though?" Turning a full three sixty, Haru would place hishands in his pockets while he strolled in his partner's direction.

Meditite took the attack without even trying to move. She glared at Rias, as though plotting something. She huffed angrily at the foe. What was this strange Meditite up to? She retook her defensive stance, as the ice beam had knocked her back a bit. Again she seemingly taunted the Sneasel, or was she Biding time? Either way, Rias was getting the fight she so desired, whether Haru said so or not.

A few Pokémon poked their heads out of the bushes to take a peak at the battle, but it was short lived as they saw Haru walk by and swiftly retracted. It wasn't uncommon at all for wild Pokémon to be wary of humans. Between trainers and poachers, they had plenty to fear. 

The icy beam had hit its mark, yet the Meditite had seemed to simply allow the attack to land. Was it belittling her strength? The glare from the Meditite was met with one of equal irritation. She would show this Pokémon the complete distance between their levels. So, while still in free fall her claws began to glow white and release sparks of the same hue, before pulling them to her sides. This quickened her descent by lowering the amount of drag on her body. Once she was in a close enough proximity, her claws would blur in speed to crush her opponent with all her might.

As Haru got closer to the battle he noticed the egg and knelt down to inspect it closer. It was odd. Why was such a colorful egg here? Picking the egg up, he'd notice the note and wonder. Ah...um, is this for me? I mean it's awesome but...isn't kinda dangerous to leave an egg out here unprotected. Standing up, with the egg in his arms, Haru could see the descending Rias fly down towards the Meditite. He'd also glance towards the bushes around him as he could've sworn he saw movement.

As the blow landed, Meditite took the damage in, eyes suddenly opening wide. She struck back quickly and suddenly, to unleash the power she'd been building up. It was her Bide attack! She would throw back double the power she'd received at the Sneasel, potentially taking back the benefit Rias had gained from the small level difference.

Immediately after, she began to glow a purple hue. Apparently, she was trying to use her psychic powers! It was her Confusion attack, which engulfed the foe. However, as Rias would notice, it had absolutely no effect on her. Damn typing, Meditite snarled at the discovery.

OOC: Apologies for the absence without notice and lack of activity. I became very busy with work and due to work ended up moving to cali as well.


At the exact moment after impact a light had emerged taking Rias off guard, before expelling her back in a powerful blast of white. "SNEE~!" The attack had sent her flying into the hard and cold bark of one of the nearby trees, with a thud, her body soon slumped to the snowy floor. Bringing a claw to pat the back of her head as she winced in pain, she tried to stand and recollect herself from the assault she just took. At the time her body started glowing purple for a moment but soon faded before she could notice. Sadly, Rias found her body dropping to a knee as her eyes looked up at her opponent whilst emitting a resentful growl. Was she really going to be beaten by this pokemon? Moreover, where was her partner? He should have been here by now, helping her protect the egg. Ironically, Haru had watched the events that had previously taken place and was now at the side of the tree Rias knelt in front of.

Letting out a sigh, Haru moved to hold the egg in a single arm before pulling out Rias' poke ball. "Sorry Rias, I'll make it up to you next time." With that a red beam shot out and consumed the sneasel before returning back to the red and white orb. He felt bad for taking away her second battle in the same day, but she had racked up some damage. Either way he would have to go back to the pokemon center in snowpoint city to heal her before coming back through here again. Haru was ready to continue his exploring outside of Snowpoint and the surrounding area. Though he knew, next time he let Rias out he would surely be in for it. With that in mind a few beads of sweat had accumulated on his visage. Remembering he was in the presence of another pokemon he turned the meditite and smiled. "Sorry for the trouble but we have to go now. Maybe we'll have a real battle in the future." Waving as he spoke, Haru proceeded to take his leave of the area.

[EXIT]