A Tale of Old Enemies (Lucas)

[Leo Lockward]

LEO XANDER LOCKWARD

APP || PC || PLOTTER

WORDS: 310  ||  TAG: Lucas Night

Ah, the all too familiar sights of Mossrock City. Leo had been to visit his parents across the grasslands in Seabreeze Village, before his night of interesting cocktails and movies with Lars. After all, it had been a while since the pair had seen each other. Lars had of course been taking care of him in his, broken state thanks to the oversized monstrosity that Diamond Crystal had used for their recent attacks on Shula. For the time being however, the teen hopped along the urban streets, Freya who had unofficially become his assistance pokemon (in so far as making sure he managed to stay upright) walked along side the teen. Ember was enjoying the ride on Leo's shoulder and Vanim, the newest addition to the crew kept a short distance ahead, assessing the area for any threats to Freya. Stopping by a small coffee shop on the corner of one of the busy streets, Leo got himself a large hot chocolate, and some treats for the pokemon before the group made their way to a small seating area further up the road, overlooking a fountain. "Well, I wonder what wondrous creations Lars is going to make this evening eh?" Leo chuckled to his three pokemon who were each say around him, Vanim now closer as there were treats involved. He was a grumpy soul, although it wasn't like Leo could blame him. DC had clearly been using his family for experiments and it appeared that to date, he was the only one that managed to safely escape the evil group. His trust in humans was therefore shattered, however he certainly seemed to have an affinity for Freya, which was nice to see. Leo sighed for a moment, taking in a deep breath before leaning back on the seat. "We may as well kill some time while we wait right?" Active Pokemon Ember Freya Vanim

[Lucas Night]

Meeting with Lawrence had become tricky business as of late. The man was hosting a guest (or two?) as of late. As such, Lucas found himself traveling with expert timing to take advantage of the small window of time the two could speak privately. That expert timing included Ember’s scheduled browsing with her pokemon entourage.

Dolly didn’t need Indigo actively out of his pokeball, waiting for her to mess up and irritate her fiery mistress, to keep her in line. It did work as effective motivation to keep her walking paw-in-paw with the charmeleon, though. Ember’s interest in stuffed animals had faded. Perhaps her new meowth companion’s plush pelt filled the void. Maybe evolving had matured her a little. Regardless, she was interested more in the finely sculpted figurines in the shop they’d just passed.

“What if we collected fashion toys, Dolly? There’s always a seasonal collection!”

The meowth grunted noncommittally.

Lucas checked the time on his xtransciever. “We’ll get their catalogue on the way back.” They had time to spare, but not enough to let Ember explore the shop in as much depth as the man imagined she might desire.

Ember sighed in defeat. “I’ll hold you to that, Lucas.” He rarely broke promises to her. Dolly herself was evidence of that. The charmeleon’s gaze fell across the little seating space with its oasis of a fountain in the middle. It was there that she saw a familiar face that stopped her in her tracks.

“Ember?” Indigo asked, the little egg-shaped pokemon staring his stunned teammate.

(Occurs after the doubled with Feral wild thread, hence the charmeleonification of Ember.)

[Leo Lockward]

LEO XANDER LOCKWARD

APP || PC || PLOTTER

WORDS: 285  ||  TAG: Lucas Night

The hot chocolate was simply divine. Leo had a certain affinity for hot chocolate, but he found a lot of cafes didn't seem to make it that well. This one on the other hand - chefs kiss! The teen had a bit of time to kill before going to see Lars, so it made sense to relax for a short while. Ember, Freya and Vanim were all sat around the table by him each eating a plate of treats the teen had bought for them. A short while later, Ember's ears pricked up at the sound of an unfamiliar voice saying her name. Turning swiftly she looked to see an Elekid looking to a Charmeleon. Cocking her head slightly, the fox slowly began to make steps towards the pokemon. It was clear the Elekid was talking to the Charmeleon, not to her. Wait, Ember? Charmeleon? Could it be? An excited smile stretched the fire types face as she began to dash over to the two pokemon. "Twinny? Is that you?!" she chirped as she circled the two, inspecting the newly evolved Charmeleon. "Hey Ember, get back here!!" The teen yelled after his partner. Sighing slightly he rushed to finish the drink he was enjoying so much. Freya and Vanim walked alongside the teen as he hopped over to the Vulpix. As he neared the new pokemon Leo scanned the area, slightly confused as to why Ember seemed so excited, until his eyes fell upon him. "Tom..." his voice grim, as his blue eyes narrowed on the blonde. Vanim looked up to the teen for a moment and back to the other human. "Who's this punk then?" the pup grumbled, the flame in his head flickering slightly.  Active Pokemon Ember Freya Vanim

[Lucas Night]

She was running over! Ember looked down, shocked to see the other part of her short-lived friendship again. “Oh my…!”

Indigo, dutiful as ever, raised his hands, very much ready to push away the other fire type. It was only the charmeleon’s deep-throated growl that dissuaded him.

“Do not,” she hissed. Voice once more sweet, she returned her attention to the vulpix. “Don’t mind that dumb baby any. It’s so good to see you again!”

Aside from the friendly reunion, there were other unpleasant things going on. Lucas regarded Leo with cool disinterest. “I’m on my way back to the office.” The lie rolled off his tongue smoothly. They were in the middle of a city and Lucas was dressed appropriately enough. ‘Tom’ clearly had business to attend to… Unless things were prodded into more. “I don’t have time to gossip with you today.”

Well, maybe he did, given that he was clearly verbally jabbing at the teen already!

Indigo, meanwhile, had turned his attention to Vanim. If he was supposed to leave the vulpix alone… Maybe he ought to be on guard against this dog-thing and the other human?! Similarly on guard for the pup but much less interested in confrontation, Dolly situated herself so that her primary captor-slash-supposed best friend stood between her and the ghost type.

The meowth had no interest in being chased by the greavard.

[Leo Lockward]

Leo Xander Lockward 

Ember paused briefly as Indigo stepped in as if ready to fight the small fox pokemon. It was the growl from the Charmeleon that put the electric type in his place.

The fox's eyes lit up as her old friend addressed her once more. "Oh Emby, I can't believe it's you! You're... All grown up and evolved!" the Vulpix chirped excitedly, bouncing on the spot momentarily. "How have you been? It's been too long!"

The air was a lot more frosty across the way when the two humans came face to face with each other. The nerve of this guy, still as smug as always. "Fine with me. Yours was not a face I wanted to see today... Or any day..." the teen hissed back before rolling his eyes. He turned to see the Embers chatting away and huffed. "Unfortunately for you, it looks like our girls are enjoying their reunion so you may as well have a drink" the teen grumbled.

Vanim's eyes shifted to clock Indigo eyeing him. "What're you looking at short stuff?" the canine barked, turning to face the electric type. Yet again another person staring at him, Arceus it was incredibly frustrating. The flame atop his head began to grow slightly more aggressive as he kept his gaze fixed on Indigo. 

tagged: Lucas Night || word count: 216

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Active Pokemon

Vanim

Freya

Ember

xxx

[Lucas Night]

The charmeleon preened at the praise. She held out her claws, palms facing up, as if to eagerly await the vulpix putting her paws atop them. “Oh, so much has happened! If I’d known I’d run into you here, I might have tried to make more time…!” She giggled, truly delighted at the little run-in!

Between Ember’s words and Leo’s, Lucas found himself without a reason to not make time. As much as he was disinclined to sit around with the teen, he just pulled out his phone, shot off a quick text, and looked toward the coffee shop.

“Hmph. Right. I’ll be back.” That was about as much verbal agreement to the suggestion as Leo was going to get. Lucas headed into the coffee shop.

That was all the confirmation the charmeleon needed, though. She swished her tail in delight. “Oh, good! Alright, let’s sit and chat.”

Indigo, meanwhile, was delighted by the canine’s response. Lucas wasn’t watching him at the moment. Ember was preoccupied by the other Ember. And, Dolly wouldn’t say anything about this either way. So, clicking his claws against one another, the elekid tried his best to egg on the ghost type.

“Your ugly mug,” he answered, grinning wide as could be. Hopefully he’d goad the other into a fight!

[Leo Lockward]

Leo Xander Lockward 

Ember chirped excitedly raising into her back paws to take her friends paws. "Ah, but all the same it is so wonderful to see you!" she squeaked, a wide smile forming upon the fox Pokemon's face. Of all the surprises, this was certainly one of the better ones to experience.

Back to the trainers, Leo rolled his eyes slightly as Tom reluctantly acknowledged their position and headed off into the shop. "Sure. Take your time." he muttered before raising his cup to his lips and taking another sip. It was strange, the blonde looked almost identical to Lars, if it wasn't for the troupe of pokemon with him, and the general air about the man, he would definitely mistake the two, which could be incredibly awkward.

Seeing Tom make his way in the shop and hearing her name twin speak, Ember nodded and looked for somewhere for the two to sit. "How about over there! Oh I'm so excited to hear all about what's been going on with you!"

Vanim smirked at the Elekid and his attempts at trying to goad him. "Ah. Aren't you cute!" the canine mocked before letting loose a quiet bark. "Big words for such a little guy. Don't you think it's time for your nap?"  

tagged: Lucas Night || word count: 210

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Active Pokemon

Vanim

Freya

Ember

xxx

[Lucas Night]

Seeing where Ember the vulpix referred to, Ember the charmeleon found she rather liked it. It had a nice view of the fountain as well as the streets. Just perfect for catching up. “That’ll do nicely.” Confident that her friend would join her, the charmeleon got comfortable in the seat after a few steps. “Oh, I should have asked…” A near slip of the tongue. “Tom for his phone. I’d have liked to shown you pictures of my children.” Pride was soured by the realization that she’d have to wait to brag properly.

Dolly, unsure of what to do but knowing better than to go to far, settled herself on the lip of the nearby fountain. She was content to watch the show about to happen with Vanim and Indigo...

That was the perfect goad. The elekid’s giddiness at getting a potential battle melted down right into genuine anger. The egg-shaped pokemon’s face flushed darker in embarrassment and electricity crackled between his prong-like horns. “I am not cute! Or, little! We’re basically the same size!” he snapped. “I’ll knock you out!”

Yeah… He’d fallen hook, line, and sinker.

As for Tom and Leo…! Well, isn’t it rather nice that Leo was going to get to enjoy a few moments of peace while Lucas was busy ordering inside? Might as well enjoy the nice, fresh air of Mossrock City before the less charming of the city’s two blonde, bespectacled blondes returned.

(Was there anything else in common between them? Mercy, who could say!)

[Leo Lockward]

Leo Xander Lockward 

Watching as Ember the Charmeleon, made her way over to the spot Ember, the Vulpix had pointed out, the fox pokemon smiled brightly before following her over and making herself comfortable, looking out on to the fountain. It was however when her friend mentioned the word children that the Vulpix spun her head around. "CHILDREN!?" she repeated, loudly, her eyes shining with excitement. "Oh Emmy, that's wonderful! You simply have to tell me everything!". Luckily for the Charmeleon, Ember was happy to listen to her friend so any bragging would be warmly received.

Too easy. Vanim watched as the Elekid clearly felt embarrassed by the canines words, a smug grin tugging at his mouth, further and further as the kid began to snap. "Awh, the little baby throwing a tantrum?" the teasing continued, before a roar of laughter erupted from the pup. "You may be able to knock out a flower? Shall we go find you some?"

Funny how easily the tables could be turned when trying to goad somebody. The pup wasn't as clueless as he may have looked and this was all incredibly entertaining for him.

Now as it came to Leo, whilst he was less than thrilled to be spending his afternoon with Tom. It was nice to see Ember smiling. She was, less than impressed after their last encounter and being pulled away from her new friend so soon after meeting, so he at least owed it to her to have this.

Perhaps Leo could try the civil approach.... Maybe.  

tagged: Lucas Night || word count: 254

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Active Pokemon

Vanim

Freya

Ember

xxx

[Lucas Night]

She clapped her claws together. “They’re delightful. A little strange, but I think maybe all kids are?” She wouldn’t know, she was hardly around them. Then again, she threw a glance over to where Indigo was on the verge of angry tears with Vanim.

Yes, all children were probably a little strange. “They’re two handsome, strong little boys. They take more after me than their father,” she gushed.

Said furiously misty eyed elekid was barely holding it together. “I am not throwing a tantrum!!” he snapped. Unable to help himself anymore, he began swinging his heavy arms around. Now, that truly was a tantrum. An attempt to attack the other, sure, but a tantrum all the same.

It was about that time that Lucas came back outside. He took quick inventory of his team, saw the two girls were in order, and decided to ignore whatever was going on with his electric type and that dog until he had to deal with it. He had a coffee and an egg sandwich to enjoy.

As much as he didn’t care for Leo, he thought himself too well-mannered (?) to not join the teen at the table since they’d agreed to tolerate one another for their pokemon’s sakes. He took a drink of his coffee before he dared try to broach any topic of conversation. And, when he did, it was dry and boring.

“... What do you do for work again?”

(If you want to turn this into a real battle, I think it's more than fair if Vanim goes first.)

[Leo Lockward]

Leo Xander Lockward 

The fox pokemon laughed softly as Ember, the Charmeleon, explained how delightful her children were, even if a little strange. Nodding slightly, the fox had to agree with her friend. "Yes, children certainly are a little odd. I mean Chespy is farrrrrr to excitable for me to handle sometimes!" she spoke before also turning her attention to Vanim and Indigo. "Vanim however is like the grumpy grandpa..." she sighed before turning back to her friend who was now gushing over the fact that her babies took after her more than their father. "I am so pleased for you my dear. This is wonderful news!"

Vanim's grin grew wider by the second as Indigo, whilst throwing a tantrum was insisting he was not throwing a tantrum. However, he had attempted an attack on the canine and that would not stand. "Alright, I think that's more than enough from you child. You need to take a nap!" the pup growled before moving to headbutt the rampaging child.

By this point, Tom had returned. Much to the disappointment of Leo, however for the sake of their pokemon, the teen was going to at least attempt to be civil. 

Turning as the blonde made a (poor) attempt at striking up a conversation, Leo rolled his eyes before chuckling. "Wow, I thought you would have something much more interesting to say from the look of you." he sighed before taking a sip of his drink. "I'm a singer. I used to perform at various clubs and restaurants, although clearly I am taking a bit of a break right now with this." he finished, glancing towards his busted leg.

"Say, I don't suppose you have a twin at all do you? You look like the spitting image of someone I have been seeing. Which is kinda scary really..."  

tagged: Lucas Night || word count: 302

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Active Pokemon

Vanim Level: 16 || HP: 160/160 Gender: Male || Ability: Pickup Moves: Howl, Lick, Growl, Bite, Dig, Headbutt

VANIM CHOSE VIOLENCE

VANIM USED GROWL (-1 ATK)
VANIM USED HEADBUTT - 70 DAMAGE

(also had to mention the twin features....)

xxx

[Lucas Night]

Chespy? No… The coincidences were too much! “Yes, I’m so proud! … I do have to ask, when you said Chespy, that pokemon wouldn’t be a chespin, would they?”

An Ember on each team and a chespin. The parallels…! Oh, and, Vanim and Indigo being unbearable, but she had a conversation to enjoy. This wasn’t about them. It was about her catching up with a friend.

The egg shaped pokemon had fallen on his back, possibly flinching at the blow delivered to him by the ghost type. However, if he managed to get back up right, he’d crackle with rage. “Gaaah!” He flexed his arms to Bulk Up and released a flash of electricity toward his opponent. Enemy, really. Screw this guy, Indigo thought.

“Well,” Lucas dryly answered. “I don’t care to chat, but it’s odd to sit in silence.” He cast a look down at Leo’s injured leg. “You’ll heal. I’ll keep an eye out for your performances so I don’t become an ungrateful listener once you return to the stage.” Less of a dig on Leo’s skill and more of Lucas’s unhidden distaste for the other. If he didn’t want feigned polite conversation, the blonde saw no reason to keep up that particular charade.

There was another that did have to be maintained, though. “Around here? Probably a coworker of mine.” There. If they were caught together, that was an easy cover to feed back to Leo in the future. He was sure Lawrence could play along easily enough. Sometimes the man acted like he thought he could talk a houndoom down off a meat truck… “It’s the field. It makes the same sort of man.”

Best leave it at that.

INDIGO the SHULIAN ELEKID

60/130 HP

male with the berserk ability

MOVES: leer, thundershock, branch poke, bulk up, rolling kick, low kick

+1 def, +1 sp atk

GROWL hit!

HEADBUTT hit!

if uBn0azPE < 31, flinched.

BERSERK activated!

Used BULK UP.

Used THUNDERSHOCK.

(40 bp + 13 stab + 5 sp atk = 58 damage)

(10% paralysis chance)

[Leo Lockward]

Leo Xander Lockward 

Ember, the Vulpix, sighed softly as her friend began to query whether Chespy was the name of a Chespin. "Yes. Sadly, Leo was a little... Weak at his naming game to start with" she laughed before tilting her head slightly. "What makes you ask?"

It was such a delight being able to catch up with her friend. It was already a record, the two trainers weren't fighting each other so they were actually able to speak. Even if Vanim and Indigo were beating on each other. The fire type rolled her eyes for a moment. "Boys huh?"

Vanim grinned as Elekid landed on his back from the force of the pup's headbutt. He was about to gloat, but, ergh. He had gotten back up and began to flex again. "Oh child. Know when to giv- HEY!" the zap of the thunder shock charged through him. He felt his body slow as the Static courses it's way through his body. "You... Little... BRAT!" the canine howled before charging towards him for another headbutt attack. "You should have stayed down" how dare this child attack him! 

Leo scoffed as Tom began to discuss his distaste for idle chit chat. Figured really. "Well props for at least making an effort... I guess." he sighed, raising the cup to his lips once more to take another sip. "Yeah it'll heal. Just wish it was sooner, I can't tell you how irritating it is not being able to walk" he huffed before his eyes shifted to the two duelling pokemon. 

"Looks like they're having.... Fun?" 

As the conversation shifted, the blonde explained that his doppelganger was more than likely a coworker. Curious. The teen thought for a moment before shrugging. "What are you. Clones?" he chuckled softly. 

tagged: Lucas Night || word count: 292

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Active Pokemon

Vanim Level: 16 || HP: 102/160 Gender: Male || Ability: Pickup Moves: Howl, Lick, Growl, Bite, Dig, Headbutt +1 ATK

THUNDER SHOCK HIT (-58 HP)
Paralysis - s68fDs5R < 31 - Paralysed

Attack - < 26 - can attack

VANIM USED HOWL (+1 ATK) 
VANIM USED HEADBUTT - 70 + 5 (+1 ATK) - 75 DAMAGE

xxx

·

[Lucas Night]

Ah, had Lucas brought up Ichen? Was he a part of his public persona as Tom? It was so difficult and bothersome to keep up with! Besides, starters were common enough! Leo had one, right? Would it be so odd? “There’s one on our team, too,” she said, shooing the idea off with a wave. “I think they’ve got more in common than they realize… Like us, for starters!” A beat, a giggle, and an ignoring of the nonsense of the boys. “Oh, I didn’t even mean to do that! For starters! Us!”

Indigo huffed, slamming his fists against one another to ignite a spark. He’d seen the way the ghost type froze up. He was locking up! Not this time, sure…! But, he had! And, he might again! Indigo just had to wait it out! He sprinted away, huffing and puffing as he Bulked Up again. Along the way, he snagged a stick and turned, doing his best to dodge the next Headbutt while also Poking Vanim with his new Branch. Though, calling it a branch was a little generous.

“It’s healthy for them,” was all Lucas had to say on the subject. He was in the midst of enjoying a coffee and if Indigo fainted, he wasn’t going to get a pokemon center visit until after the blonde attended to his affairs. Said coffee was almost choked on at Leo’s question.

What a ridiculous question! And, yet, he could see where it had come from. “Hardly. Stay away from those science fiction movies.”

INDIGO the SHULIAN ELEKID

60/130 HP

male with the berserk ability

MOVES: leer, thundershock, branch poke, bulk up, rolling kick, low kick

+1 atk, +2 def, +1 sp atk

HEADBUTT missed!

BERSERK activated!

Used BULK UP.

Used BRANCH POKE.
(40 bp + 5 atk = 45 damage)

[Leo Lockward]

Leo Xander Lockward 

Another similarity between the two trainers. Both also had a Chespin? The Vulpix laughed as her friend pointed out that their trainers had more in common that they cared to admit. "Yeah. Both pretty hot headed too no? I suppose at least they're not making us fight each other this time!" she finished with a sigh before shifting her gaze to Vanim and Indigo. "Ergh. Boys..." she huffed shaking her head.

Vanim took a moment to stretch his limbs. The electricity had seized up his muscles, but not enough to yet prevent him from showing the little pipsqueak some respect. The jab from the... Well... Twig took the canine by surprise, bringing forth another howl from him before making another effort to headbutt the brat. "I won't tell you again boy. Sit. DOWN!"

Leo sighed as Tom's words. "You're right." he mumbled, begrudgingly before taking another sip of his own drink. It was however Tom's reaction to the question of clones that sent the teen into a fit of laughter. "I mean obviously that was a joke!" he sighed, turning his eyes to scan the man once more. "So, where are you headed from here?" 

tagged: Lucas Night || word count: 195

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Active Pokemon

Vanim Level: 16 || HP: 57/160 Gender: Male || Ability: Pickup Moves: Howl, Lick, Growl, Bite, Dig, Headbutt Paralysed (2/5) +2 ATK

BRANCH POKE HIT (-45 HP)

Attack - Pl96zvfO < 26 - can attack

VANIM USED HOWL (+1 ATK) 
VANIM USED HEADBUTT - 70 +10 (+2 ATK) - 10 (+2 DEF) = 70 DAMAGE

xxx