Harmonious Discord [Leo]

[Remy 'Thorn' Dupris]

Thorn sat outside the contest hall on one of the many benches in nearby grassy areas.  He had been planning a new retinue and after having to take the last contest off due to recovery from the latest Diamond Crystal attacks, he needed to keep his persona alive.  For a true superstar such as Remy Dupris, it would be career suicide.  Plus, he couldn't suppress his desire to prove he was ultimately better than everyone involved.  

"I don't see why we have to be out here like this."

The only storm cloud on this lovely sunny day was his Cranidos.  She was perpetually grumpy, but Thorn attributed that more to her inherent shyness and desire not to be out and about.  However, the Antisocial Socialite had used her in a contest before, so for her to be out of the spotlight forever wouldn't make sense.   This was a chance for her to get some face time with local fans.  He took a cigarillo from his pocket and lit it, the flames singing the paper and tobacco sparking the flames to life.

"We're here to relax, Sophia.  We've been working all morning, and I need a chance to unwind, so shut up and enjoy it."

The Cranidos leered up at him.

"Yes, MY LIEGE."

Thorn exhaled a cloud right into the Rock Type's face and stared at her emotionlessly, quietly speaking.

"I'm sorry.  Did you say something?"

The Fossil Pokemon gulped and shook her head, paying very close attention to the grass she was sitting on.  When Thorn spoke quietly, it was a very dangerous proposition.  A movement at Thorn's shirt breast pocket signalled the presence of another, and a cackle could be heard.  

"Teeheeheeeheeheeheheheheheheeeee!  Sophia got yelled at by the Boss!  Bossbossboss!"

The Joltik poked her head out, her joy at being alive second only to her desire to fight every living thing she met to the death.  The Cranidos grumbled something incomprehensible at the Joltik's taunting, but Thorn figured he could make out a few obscenities.  He allowed banter between his tools.  It was only when they stood up to him did he knock them down a peg or two.

---

Tags: Leo Lockward
Theme: Remy Dupris' Theme
Notes: Such a lovely family outing

[Leo Lockward]

LEO XANDER LOCKWARD

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WORDS: 319  ||  TAG: Remy 'Thorn' Dupris

Leo stepped into the ever-so-lively town that he would soon come to know as Redshore. It was almost as if he had jumped on a plane, flown to another country and landed in a holiday resort. Blue eyes danced around the surroundings, hotels, restaurants, and shops, this place truly had it all. Various people wandering around, clearly tourists, taking snapshots outside certain buildings. "So where are we headed?" Freya, the teen's Ponyta trotted up to walk alongside her trainer, whilst still casting her eyes over the other Pokemon who were taking in the sights. The teen paused for a moment, before letting loose a soft sigh. "Good question." It's not like he had a specific reason for being in Redshore currently. He was just out wandering around and happened to come across the town. Maybe he should do some shopping? No, that was far too much hassle with his troupe of Pokemon in tow. "Let's go play over there!" Before Leo could counter, Angel, Nash and Chespy had dashed in the direction of the contest hall. Rolling his eyes, Leo huffed before picking up the pace slightly trying to keep an eye on the young ones. Freya by this point had charged ahead to assist. I seriously have to work on that... The teen rolled his eyes once more making a mental note to give the Pokemon a telling-off later. For now, however, he was going to take in the sights as he made his way through the town. Approaching a grassy area, Leo spotted a nearby empty bench and made his way to sit down. Toko and his illusion twin Tiki made their way over to a secluded part of the grassy area keeping themselves isolated as usual. Leo looked to Ember and shifted his eyes towards Toko, hinting for her to go and keep him company. With that Leo took a deep breath and sat back to relax for a while.

[Remy 'Thorn' Dupris]

While Thorn was able to ignore the presence of the newcomers for the time being, his Joltik could not.  Shemhazai saw all the potential playmates dashing around and began drooling.  Quite literally.  

"Oooooooooooooh fun....funfunfun..." 

Thorn looked down and growled at his Bug type.

"Not on the silk."

The eternally chipper Shemhazai saluted.

"You got it, Boss!  Gotgotgot!"

She crawled out of the pocket and hopped down onto the ground, bouncing in the direction of the Chespin, Larvitar, and bizarre looking Axew, cackling manically the entire time.  Sophia hopped up, suddenly perturbed by all the new arrivals.

"W..wait!  Shemhazai!"

Thorn exhaled another cloud of smoke.

"Sophia, would you mind going after her and making sure she doesn't try to kill something?"

The Cranidos gulped and nodded, not really wanting to go but not really wanting to stay either.

"S..sure thing."

With that the Fossil Pokemon trotted off after the Joltik.  Thorn gave the whole scene a cursory glance before resting his eyes on the pair of Archen in front of him.  That was certainly worth his attention.  Encountering someone with one Fossil Pokemon these days was rare.  Finding someone with two was practically unheard of.  It seemed like the only trainer in the area was a young boy.  That was incredibly fascinating.  He gave a whistle.

From a nearby tree, a Honchkrow flew out and alighted on the back of the bench.   It silently sat and waited near Thorn.

"Keep an eye on them."

Odin shook his head.

"You sent THOSE TWO out together?"

Thorn wanted to keep his eye on the prize, so waking his grumpy Honchkrow up from his nap was a small price to pay in order to study the Archen in front of him.

"Just make sure they don't do something OVERLY stupid until they give me an opportunity."

Odin didn't bother to ask what the opportunity was for.  He groaned and settled down on the perch, keeping a watchful eye on the situation in front of him.  By this point Shemhazai had managed to reach the three young Pokemon.

"Hiiiiiii!  Are you here to play?  Playplayplay?"

---

Tags: Leo Lockward
Notes: I'm sure this is probably fine now that Odin's here too.
Theme: Remy Dupris' Theme

[Leo Lockward]

LEO XANDER LOCKWARD

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WORDS: 350  ||  TAG: Remy 'Thorn' Dupris

Leaning back, Leo took a moment to close his eyes and embrace the crisp air surrounding them. It was nice to be able to simply relax for a change. Everything recently felt like it was out of control and he was doing everything he could just to hold everything together. Angel, Nash and Chespy had found a spot by a nearby tree and a small rock which they had begun throwing between themselves in a game of catch. Ember meanwhile had taken herself over to Toko (and Tiki by extension). "Hey, why don't we go and join the others and play catch?" "I'm playing with Tiki." The Vulpix sighed softly before turning to look at Leo, a desperate look on her face. The fossil Pokemon had become so reclusive that the fox just didn't know how to act around him. "Now Toko, come on. It's not often we get to just stop and enjoy things. Why not take Tiki to play as well? Otherwise, I am more than happy to sit and keep him company. Those hooligans are also your brothers!" Freya had stepped up to the delight of Ember. Freya was like the older sister of the group, perhaps a maternal figure, she was always keeping an eye, something Leo would be eternally grateful for. Toko looked to Ember for a moment with a rather dull look to his face before huffing slightly and nodding. Slowly turning and making his way across the grass to where the others were.  "Look after Tiki. I can't lose him..."  Readying himself to throw the rock again, Nash fumbled and dropped it at the excitable tones of the Joltik that had appeared seemingly from nowhere. "Erm. Play? Sure, did you want to join?" Looking up, the Larvitar saw the Cranidos following slowly behind. A bug and a dinosaur-looking Pokemon. What a strange combination. Nodding towards Sophia. "What about your friend?" Leo by this point had sat himself upright and was observing the meeting between the Pokemon. A slight smile stretched his mouth. "How do they always manage to make friends wherever we go?"

[Remy 'Thorn' Dupris]

Shemhazai kept bouncing up and down, having quite the leap for one so small.  Her lack of body mass made it much easier to pounce around, a tactic she used relatively often while battling.  Well, tactics were more of Thorn's thing.  Without the trainer's guidance she was prone to acting wildly and sporadically.  

"I love games! Gamesgamesgames!"

She turned in the direction the Larvitar was pointing and bounced on top of Sophia before landing.

"What are we playing?  Wewewe?"

The Cranidos stuttered on her words and felt a little flush in the face as she saw the company of Pokemon looking right at her.  Part of her wanted to just crawl in a hole and hide forever.

"Uh...um...h..hello."

They couldn't have made a more disparate pair: the ancient Fossil pokemon fueled with fear, the tiny Bug type seemingly ready to burst with energy.  Yet Thorn knew that the two complimented some of each other's weaknesses, and despite the sass from both of the little lethal ladies, they would work well together when ordered.  Thorn did not tolerate failure after all.  The man in question continued to watch the two Archen, all the while puffing on his cigarillo like a chimney.  Those two could make quite the price on the black market if only he could find an angle to take them.  

Odin silently watched the events unfolding, wishing for all the world that he could go back to his nap.

---

Tags: Leo Lockward
Notes: Time for some Squid Games!
Theme: Shemhazai's Theme

[Leo Lockward]

LEO XANDER LOCKWARD

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WORDS: 244  ||  TAG: Remy 'Thorn' Dupris

Nash observed the Joltik bouncing up and down. It was difficult to keep up given the little bug's speed. "Wow you're fast..." He continued watching in amazement before the bug bounced off the Cranidos, to then land on the floor. "Well... We were playing catch with that rock..." The rock type spoke cautiously looking to his own family before turning his attention back to the two strangers. It was strange, one was so full of life and the other seemed really shy. They seemed to be complete opposites personality wise. Toko shifted his attention, noticing the other fossil pokemon standing there. A sight that struck the birds curiosity. He shuffled over to greet Sophia. "You look like a pokemon from my time..." The words sounded blunt, possibly even uninterested, although this was not the intended effect. This truly was something of a revelation to the bird. Another pokemon possibly from the same time period? Leo couldn't help but smile softly watching Toko seem to take some form of interest in another pokemon besides his double team illusion. He turned slightly to see if the trainer of the two new pokemon was nearby. Crystal blue eyes finally landed upon a man across, puffing on a cigarillo. The teen took a breath before standing up and slowly stepping over to where the man stood. "Hey there. Are they yours?" The teen raised a hand to point to Shemhazai and Sophia, a smile tugging at his lips.

[Remy 'Thorn' Dupris]

Thorn watched the young man approach.  It would seem that he did not have to contrive a reason to speak to the potential mark.  He so loved it when the Cutiefly flew right into the Ariados' web.  He nodded to Odin, who hopped up off the back of the bench and onto his partner's shoulder. 

"Indeed they are.  You have quite the assortment of friends here yourself."

He extended his hand as an offering.  There was plenty of space on the bench.  Thorn took another puff from the cigarillo and politely blew the cloud away from the direction of the young man.  It was best to act friendly right before you stabbed someone and stole all their wordly possessions off a corpse.

Meanwhile, Thorn's Pokemon were playing the distraction perfectly.

Shemhazai didn't have the ability to not be excited.  Full throttle was her base speed.  She hopped up and down again as she walked over.

"Ooooh that sounds like a fun time!  Funfunfun! 

The little Bug type's eyes were genuinely glittering.

"I'm Shemhazai! Could I play too?  Tootootoo?"

Sophia on the other hand, looked at the Archen that was talking to him and gulped.

"Y..yeah I g..guess."

She didn't understand why she was being this nervous.  Something about this whole ordeal was really working her up.  She could stand up to her some of the other idiots but for some reason these peaceful, happy Pokemon were putting her on edge.

---

Tags: Leo Lockward
Theme: Shemhazai's Theme
Notes: They certainly are the odd couple.... 

[Leo Lockward]

LEO XANDER LOCKWARD

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WORDS: 248  ||  TAG: Remy 'Thorn' Dupris

Leo couldn't help but smile at the strangers words. He wasn't wrong of course, it wasn't like Leo stuck to one specific type of pokemon like some trainers do. "Yeah they're a handful I tell ya!" Nodding softly the teen made his way over to the bench and accepted the offer of the seat next to the man, giving both of them a clear view of the pokemon playing together. "Your Joltik is certainly a lovely one!" The teen laughed as he raised his hand to scratch the back of his head. Nash observed the bug type, slightly overwhelmed by her erratic behaviour, although he did find it rather amusing. "That's an interesting name! I'm Nash!" the Larvitar returned the introduction before lightly throwing the rock towards Shemhazai. Toko meanwhile observed Sophia, she was very nervous for a pokemon of her stature. Something that Toko could understand, although perhaps not for the same reasons. "Does this time not scare you? Do you not feel.... Alone?" The flying type finally found someone who may be able to relate to him. Perhaps even give him some insight into how things worked around here. Seeing the interaction between Sophia and Toko, Leo felt a sense of relief. This was the first time since the Archen joined his party that he had conversed with anyone willingly aside from the mirage of his twin brother Tiki. Shaking his head slightly he turned to the stranger. "I hope you don't mind them playing together?"

[Remy 'Thorn' Dupris]

Thorn smiled right back, though the gesture was hollow and meaningless.  He shrugged.

"That's...not a usual adjective people describe her as, but I'll take it!"

He chuckled.  Following the young man's gaze, he saw the Archen approach his Cranidos.

"It's no trouble at all.  This will be Sophia's first time meeting a prehistoric Pokemon.  I'm floored that you manage to have two!"

The Antisocial Socialite reached into his pocket and pulled out his cigarillos and offered one to his fellow parkmate.  

"Do you smoke?"

Shemhazai saw the rock flying and leapt up and grabbed it, however her weight wasn't enough to alter the momentum.  She continued with the rock along the trajectory and ended up getting smashed against the ground along with it.  The two rolled towards one of the trees.  Contrary to what might have been expected, the Joltik giggled and crawled out from under the rock, cackling like a child who just discovered what ice cream is.

"What a rush!  Rushrushrush!"

Grunting she tried to pick up the rock and toss it, but her physical strength was not her most popular of attributes.  She scratched her tiny head and suddenly opened her eyes wide with excitement.  She crawled up the trunk and used Electroweb.  Then she pushed the rock onto the web, which held it in place.  Then, she attached herself back onto the web and pulled it down to the ground, using her body weight and gravity to create a slingshot and shot it high into the air!

"Your turn!  Turnturnturn!"

Sophia, on the other hand, fidgeted as this friendly Pokemon was focusing all of his attention on her.

"I guess I'm not really alone... even though she's crazy Shemhazai can be kind of nice sometimes.  And I have the rest of the team..."

She turned back towards Thorn and Odin and her words trailed off as she decided not to finish trying to praise her sadistic leaders.

---

Tags: Leo Lockward
Notes: Sophia has high opinions.  
Theme: Remy Dupris' Theme

[Leo Lockward]

LEO XANDER LOCKWARD

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WORDS: 515  ||  TAG: Remy 'Thorn' Dupris

Leo eyed the stranger as he seemed somewhat surprised by the comments Leo had made about his Joltik. The teen himself couldn't help but return the chuckle that had come from his new acquaintance. "Take any compliment you can get I'd say!" He smirked slightly before the pair shifted their sights onto the two prehistoric pokemon. Leo however was somewhat puzzled as the stranger mentioned having two pre-historic pokemon. He look across for a moment, noticing the double team illusion that was ever present in Toko's vicinity. "Oh, no. I only have the one. That one is just an illusion. Toko there seems to be permanently using Double Team to have that copy with him. I think it's like a safety blanket. But, he is reluctant to communicate with any of the others." He began explaining the situation whilst still observing the two. "I'm just surprised to see him willingly speak to another pokemon!" He chuckled for a moment before turning back to the man who had pulled out a cigarillo and offered him one. Smiling slightly the teen shook his head. "It's not something I've ever taken up! Thank you though!" Nash meanwhile had thrown the rock and began to feel rather excited as the small Joltik grabbed it, although this very quickly turned to concern as it was abundantly clear that the pokemon was not big or strong enough to actually do anything with it. The rock type winced slightly as the rock (and Shemhazai) crashed into the ground and rolled towards a nearby tree. It was just as Nash was about to rush over to check on the little one that she crawled out from underneath, seemingly more excited than ever. The Larvitar cocked his head slightly. "You are a peculiar one...." Wait, now what was she doing? Surely she wasn't trying to pick up the rock that she just failed to stop due to her lack of strength... right? Nash began to fear that the pokemon may cause herself damage, but was quickly stopped as the excitement appeared back in her eyes and began creating some form of contraption from an electroweb. Before long the rock was launched high into the air, something Nash could only watch with amazement for a moment, before realising he should probably run to catch it before it landed on anybody else. When it came to the two pre-historic pokemon, Toko held his gaze over Sophia as she explained that she wasn't alone, as she had the others in her party with her. Toko paused for a moment before turning his head to look at his group, and of course Tiki. "You mean... you feel at home with them?" The Archen looked back to the Cranidos, a thoughful look upon his face. Was it really possible to feel something like that with people that weren't your real family? How would he even know, he hadn't given the group the chance. Sure Freya, was fairly good, but she had a certain maternal vibe to her, it was just the way she was. "They could be family too?"

[Remy 'Thorn' Dupris]

Thorn pocketed the cigarillos and took another puff from his already lit one.  

"No worreis at all.  I'm afraid I'm showing my age, as it seems like younger adults these days refuse to partake, but you can't teach an old Boltund new tricks."

He exhaled another cloud away from Leo's face.  Second hand smoke was not his concern, but continuing to butter up the clod in an attempt to find out how to wrest the Archen from him was certainly high on his priority list.  As much as Thorn could have been surprised about the use of the Double Team, the Antisocial Socialite had a Froslass who could use Double Team to just as much effectiveness.

"So...it's a sort of self-created therapy then?  That's immensely fascinating.  I'm sure the Pokemon Researchers and behaviorists would love to examine your Pokemon given the chance.  Double Team can certainly be effective..."

He realized that he was trailing off, letting his mind wander.  He smiled warmly.

"Where are my manners?  I'm Remy Dupris."

Shemhazai was a little surprised at her own ingenuity as she waited for the rock to come back down.

"Careful when it comes down!  Downdowndown!"  

She was bouncing up and down, unable to contain the seemingly endless amounts of energy that exuded from her.  Sophia, however, would rather be anywhere but here, addressing these seemingly existential questions from the Archen.

"Well, they may be JERKS sometimes..." 

She turned her head and glared towards Thorn and Odin, but a few memories bubbled up to the surface, and it wasn't of her torture.  Shemhazai happily bouncing on her head giggling...Odin swooping down and stopping a wild Pokemon from attacking her...lifting weights with Ifrit...Thorn bent over in a crowded contest ring and gently tying a yellow ribbon about her...The Cranidos sighed and let a small smile crack.

"...but they're my jerks.  I don't know if I could choose anyone else at this time."

Her eyes widened and she began blushing again.

"S..Sorry if I was being too forward.  I was just saying sometimes we can choose our friends even if they aren't blood family they can sort of be family?  But I don't know your situation and oh jeez I'm blabbering..."

The pure nervousness was giving her almost as much energy as Shemhazai.

---

Tags: Leo Lockward
Notes: I couldn't help but try to make her adorable this round.
Theme: Sophia's Theme

[Leo Lockward]

LEO XANDER LOCKWARD

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WORDS: 461  ||  TAG: Remy 'Thorn' Dupris

Leo couldn't help but chuckle at the man's speech in relation to the cigarillos. He shook his head and let loose a soft sigh. "Oh I'm sure there are plenty of people my age that partake, don't put yourself in a box because of age!" A slight smile tugged at the teens mouth as the man clearly made a conscious effort not to blow the smoke towards him which he thought was rather respectful. Turning his gaze back to the pokemon who were all happily playing for a moment, before his attention was brought back to the man who began discussing Toko's habits. Pausing for a moment to consider the man's words he nodded. "You know, that does sound about right. He always refers to the other as his brother Tiki. It would seem something may have happened to his brother and he simply hasn't gotten over it." The teen began to ramble again before stopping himself and addressing the remainder of the man's words. "He probably would make a great study, although I don't think he would appreciate it. I'm letting him work ihs way through his emotions and just trying to be there for him when I can." Eventually the man came to introduce himself as Remy Dupris. A rather interesting name, the teen thought for a moment before smiling and extending a hand out to him. "Leo Lockward - it's a pleasure to meet you Remy!" Nash meanwhile was running towards the rock that was quickly descending towards the remainder of the group, jumping up and using Freya as a launch pad to reach higher, colliding with the rock and pushing it back toward the Joltik, with slightly less force this time so as not to cause any damage. "Look out below!" Freya meanwhile glared at Nash, she did not appreciate being used as a trampoline and huffed at the rock type to make her feelings clear. He looked to the equine pokemon sheepishly and chuckled nervously before offering the most basic of apologies, and then continuing with his game. "Sorry Freya...." Toko looked to Sophia, a slightly puzzled look still plastered across his face as the other prehistoric pokemon began to explain her feelings on her group of friends. Then a slight smile appeared which took Toko aback slightly. So, it was fine to choose your family?  "You are not being too forward at all. I just.... I was brought back to this world but Tiki was left behind and... I miss him so much.." The flying type began to tear up slightly, shifting his gaze to the ground trying to hide the emotions and the embarrassment that came with them. "Maybe I should try to be more open with these guys.... It's not like they're bad people...."

[Remy 'Thorn' Dupris]

Thorn shook the man's hand warmly.

"Charmed, Leo."

He took another puff and blew it away from the new bench companion, taking in what the young man was saying about the Archen.  It might be much more difficult to pry the Flying type from his grasp than originally expected if he was that protective.  However, it wasn't as if what Leo was saying was without merit.  He nodded as he responoded.

"That's a good point.  I suppose not all doctors are created equally, eh?"

His mind flashed towards the illustrious Dr. Klaus at Team Rocket, who while had managed to produce one of his most elegant Pokemon through a stone evolution, could also be described as 'unhinged' on a good day.  People with weak, emotional minds might have a pause over handing their Pokemon over to someone like him.  Thorn lived his life in a very natural, logical way.  He would do whatever it took to make himself stronger, and did not give a damn about anyone underneath him, ally or enemy.

Shemhazai clapped at the use of the trampoline-Ponyta.

"Clever!  Clevercleverclever!"

However, the rock was coming her way again and she leapt up again, giggling like a madwoman as she clutched it and crashed into the ground with it again.  She clearly had no regard for her own safety in the matter as she crawled out from under the rock.

"This game is wild!  Wildwildwild!"

She hummed and dragged the rock over to her little improvised ballista.  The Joltik locked and loaded it before deciding where to aim.  She beamed at the Chespin, locking eyes with him.

"Your turn!  TurnturnTURN!"

With that she released it into the air in the general direction of the Chespin.

Away from them, Sophia didn't know what to say.  Deciding not to try and guess what the Archen was feeling, she just gulped and nodded.  However, it seemed like he was warming up to the idea of warming up at least.  Sophia didn't like the feeling of being alone either.

"Yeah!  Just take your time.  No rush you know?  I..I'm Sophia.  I might not be Tiki, but we can be f..friends if you want."

She blushed, suddenly bashful over the concept.  She wanted really nothing else but to run and hide, but Thorn counted on Diabolos to do this kind of thing all the time, and she was better than that diva.

---

Tags: Leo Lockward
Notes: F is for friends who do stuff together
Theme: Remy's Theme

[Leo Lockward]

LEO XANDER LOCKWARD

APP || PC || PLOTTER

WORDS: 329  ||  TAG: Remy 'Thorn' Dupris

Leo returned the grip on his hand and softly shook them to complete the usual introduction process. Remy took yet another puff on his cigarillo before returning to the subject of doctors. He wasn't wrong, there were certainly some doctors or scientists that weren't around to help the people, rather use them for weird and messed up experiments. Something Leo was not okay with and wouldn't allow his pokemon to be used in such a way. "You're not wrong there." Turning back to the pokemon, Freya cast a glare toward the Joltik who was praising Nash for using her as a trampoline. "No. Not clever. Don't do it again." It was from there the the Joltik took another hit from the flying boulder, sliding along the floor before coming to a stop and crawling out from underneath. Nash paused, feeling slightly uneasy as he watched the bug. She was crazy! Before long however, Chespy caught sight of the crazed stare of the Joltik. He froze for a moment before he noticed the rock flying towards him. "Hey. Wa-WAIT" The Chespin hurriedly launched a vine whip towards a nearby tree to pull himself out of the boulders path, his eyes narrowing as the rock collided with the ground. "That could've really hurt! You need to warn people first!" The Chespin was clearly very unimpressed with the move, lowering himself back to the ground the grass type crafted another vine whip to create a slingshot of his own, launching the rock back with some force toward the Joltik. Further aside from the group inching ever closer to all our war, the two pre-historic pokemon continued conversing. It was strange to Toko. The Cranidos seemed to understand his feelings. It was... Nice? "I think we can be friends.... It seems I need to make friends."  The Archen spoke softly, extending a wing slightly in a feigned "hand shake" manner. Before a rare, half hearted smile appeared. "Maybe... You can teach me how?"

[Remy 'Thorn' Dupris]

Sophia took the wing, gently of course, and shook it, like she had seen Thorn do many times before with other humans.  She gave a little smile.  The Archen was nice, and different from a lot of the team members.  Besides, Thorn always had Diabolos and Shiva playing nice, so she was doing a good job, right?  Right?

"I think everyone's a little different, so there's no one w..way to make friends, but I'll try my best!"

Thorn gave a genuine smile of satisfaction watching the shy little Cranidos and her work.  She had gotten what at first glance seemed like a very tough nut to crack to open up with a little exhibit of weakness.  While he doubted it was an act, it was by no means ineffective.  He would have to come up with a suitable way to rewards her later. 

"Those two are getting along nicely."

The sound of a loud thwack against wood caused him to look in the other direction.  

"Them on the other hand...oh, dear..."

What had occurred in the brief seconds between Thorn's smile and the noise was Shemhazai's attempt to continue the game.  While she had launched the rock in an upward arc to give the Chespin time to catch it, he had launched it directly at her.  Unfortunately, the Joltik was caught up in the zeal and tried to jump straight into the path of the incoming rock.  It crashed into her and carried her backwards due to her miniscule mass, which did nothing to slow down the course of the rock.  It smashed her into the tree behind her, crushing her between the stone and wood, eliciting a loud and painful cry.  Both rock and Joltik fell to the ground and she started twitching, momentarily stunned.  However, after a few seconds, she started eerily giggling.

"Heheheeeheehe was I playing wrong?  Wrongwrongwrong?"

Her legs straightened all at once.

"I was just... following the rules... you told me.  Toldtoldtold."

She righted herself, and the other Pokemon could see bruises on her face and body, and a rather bizarre purple ichor was dripping out of her mouth, bleeding down onto the ground before.  She was breathing a little heavier, but none of the energy disappeared from her eyes.

"I didn't.. know you wanted to... switch games, but if that's ... the kind of action... you want, I'll play.  PlayplayPLAY."

The little bristles on her back fluttered with some static electricity.  While most might be angry in this situation, the little Bug type could not have been happier.  This was the most fun she'd had in weeks, and she was thrilled to have found so many exuberant playmates.

Thorn sighed.  Shemhazai was a handful, literally and figuratively, and just not cut out for subversion or manipulation.  She was a brute force that just needed to be unleashed.  

"That seems a little rough.  I wouldn't want this to end poorly.  Shall we stop it, or let them work out their own issues?"

Meanwhile, Odin simply rolled his eyes and gave Thorn a look that read 'I told you so,' but did not speak lest he be sent to deal with the Joltik.  Shemhazai's shocks were not to be underestimated.

---

Theme: Shemhazai's Theme
Tags: Leo Lockward
Notes:



Name: Shemhazai
HP: 168/180
Status: Insane... I mean N/A
Moves: Skitter Smack;Electroweb, Thunder Wave, Giga Drain, Screech, Wild Charge
Ability: Unnerve - Opposing Pokemon can not eat berries
Item: None

Shemhazai was hit by improvised Rock Throw.
Shemhazai is ready to attack... can she be talked down?