Name: Kaylin Maher
Gender: Male
Age: 19
Appearance: Design Sketch
Standing at 5'10" and weighing 145lbs, Kaylin does not have a particularly notable build. He enjoys exercising and is physically strong--as most who playfight with a Gyarados would be. As a consequence of his work, the male has faint scars over most of his body. The most obvious scar, a bite mark from his first meeting with Darcy, he keeps hidden under the left sleeve of his light jacket. Blonde hair, slightly wavy with a choppy cut, covers the top of his head. A few dark blue streaks can be seen among his otherwise pale locks sitting against faintly paler skin. His eyes, clear and piercing, shine a light greyish blue. Over a dark grey shirt he wears a red and white plaid jacket with a white hood, the right sleeve of which is usually partially slid up. His jeans, fastened with a brown belt, are a deep navy. For shoes he prefers a pair of brown hiking boots. About his neck he wears a short, woven necklace with a single bead in the center.
Personality: Confident and friendly, Kaylin is warm toward others but rarely makes deep or lasting relationships due to the frequency of his travel and his dislike of feeling tied down. As one who routinely deals with difficult Pokemon, he is able to remain level-headed in high pressure situations. When crises occur, Kaylin's natural tendency is to assume a leadership role. If he believes himself right he may be headstrong, but he knows when to stop trying to convince others and either acquiesce or act alone. Even during battle, the trainer maintains a comforting, soothing aura about him that keeps his Pokemon and (at times) allies calm.
People tend to assume Kaylin's ability to calm Pokemon stems from his own steady personality. While this is partially true, his connection with violent Pokemon is likely due to his ability to identify with dark impulses. Growing up in an environment in which self-expression was frowned upon, Kaylin suppressed his own negative emotions and tendencies to an unnatural degree. Already an unusual child, a considerable amount of anger and violent desires built up over the years. Though he determined he would be different from those who were in his life when he was a child, he knew he had reached a point at which expressing all his emotions would be dangerous. Finding himself facing his inner demons daily, he can empathize with others when they do the same.
To Kaylin, the experience of life is more important than his own well-being or pride. While not reckless, he can be rather casual in regard to certain risks. Almost constantly healing from a work or training-related incident, pain does not bother him much anymore.
History: The strongest memory Kaylin has of his childhood is the cold. His home was located in a pleasantly temperate region, and his house's climate control functioned well. Yet everywhere he went and everyone he talked to seemed somehow cold . . . cold and boring. His family was upper middle class and therefore fairly wealthy. His parents were hardworking, polite, and distant. Even now Kaylin is unsure how well he truly knows them, but whenever he visits he is respectfully polite and distant in return. Growing up with a girl's name, Kaylin was often teased by his classmates. For a couple years this hurt him; then he grew bored of that too--which was worse. When he was eight, Kaylin decided he no longer wanted to be cold and bored and ran away from home. During this escapade he met a Deino, who he injured and by whom he was injured badly enough for him to decide they ought to go back to his home. Though his parents were concerned about his wounds, they allowed him to keep the Deino to which he now seemed attached. Kaylin and Darcy healed together, then once healed began to explore together. Through meeting Darcy and their adventures, Kaylin discovered a peculiar aspect of himself. He found he had a calming aura about him to which Pokemon would respond given time and proximity. Even Pokemon that were previously hostile toward him could be quieted. Unfortunately this effect did not always show itself soon enough to prevent injury, but Darcy protected Kaylin from anything life-threatening.
Having tasted a world warmer and more interesting, Kaylin decided to set out as Pokemon trainer once he was ten. His parents were, as was their way, politely supportive. For awhile, Kaylin had little inclination toward Pokemon gyms and competitions. Instead he simply wanted to travel, to learn, to meet--to breathe freedom and taste life. After obtaining a Gyarados he named Finbar, Kaylin began to call himself a "Pokemon Tamer" and helped people with problem Pokemon as he traveled. Battle became integral to his work, and eventually he decided to try challenging Pokemon gyms. Currently Kaylin has badges from Unova, Kanto, and Hoenn, though he lacks a complete set from any region. He has also won several tournaments and placed in more. Recently Kaylin received an invitation to participate in an event hosted by a group referring to itself as "TSF." Despite some misgivings, he accepted.
Others: Kaylin specializes in training savage, wild, and generally difficult Pokemon. Having heard whispers during his travels of a violent Pokemon named "Giratina", he hopes to one day meet it.
Species: Hydreigon
Nickname: Darcy
Appearance: A large scar runs down the center of Darcy's face.
Personality: Of all Kaylin's Pokemon, Darcy is the one with the most self-control. Despite the satisfaction he draws from battle and destruction, he has been with Kaylin long enough to adopt some of the human's mindset for himself. Often the two operate as partners, understanding the other's thoughts and desires without a word being spoken. To this day Kaylin bears a scar on his forearm from the dark type's bite, and Darcy similarly retains a scar from the boy's attack. When one of them is in some form of pain or danger, his partner's scar aches.
Due to his efforts to keep his power and natural tendencies in check, Darcy tends to be quiet when someone aside from his teammates is nearby--the exception to this being battle of course. When he fights seriously, Darcy becomes extremely determined. Collateral damage and self injury become inconsequential so long as he defeats his opponent. In the less common event of a multi battle, Darcy is more poised in order to synchronize more effectively with whatever Pokemon he is working with. Whether as a result of precedence, power, or personality, all of Kaylin's Pokemon have a healthy respect for Darcy.
History: Kaylin met Darcy, his first Pokemon, when he was eight. After running away from home, Kaylin fell asleep in a dark cave. Before long, however, he was awakened by the sound of something crashing about. In the dimness Kaylin saw a Deino charging toward him. The creature easily bowled the child over and, intrigued by this new object, began to bite at it. As Kaylin tried to push the wild Pokemon away it grew more forceful, finally clamping its jaws down on his left forearm and refusing to loosen its hold. First the boy was overwhelmed by terror and pain; then he grew angry. Searching the ground where he had fallen, he found a sharp rock. And in a flash of rage, he gouged a deep gash into the Deino's face. The Deino released him as it cried out. Instantly Kaylin was filled with remorse. Inspecting the wild Pokemon's wounds as well as his own, he decided they should seek help. By the time they reached Kaylin's house, the Deino had settled down and become fairly docile. Over the next week Kaylin helped the local Nurse Joy treat the dragon type. Within the first few days, the Deino began to respond to Kaylin's presence regularly with a quieter manner. At the end of the week he was nudging Kaylin instead of charging toward him, and his bites had grown gentle. Since the Pokemon now seemed manageable, Kaylin's parents allowed the boy to keep him. He named him Darcy.
A couple years after Kaylin began journeying and soon after he caught Angel, Darcy evolved to his second stage. Food bills were high the next few months due to the Zweilous' newly acquired eating habits. Then, during a battle against Winona, Darcy evolved once more into a Hydreigon. Having grown larger and considerably more powerful, Darcy is no longer kept outside his Pokeball in public as often as he once was. Nonetheless, he and his trainer remain close.
Moveset: Dark Pulse, Flamethrower, Dragon Pulse, U-Turn
Others: N/A
Species: Gyarados
Nickname: Finbar
Appearance: Finbar's facial crest is slightly darker than that of the average Gyarados.
Personality: As a Gyarados, Finbar has a strong tendency toward violence. When met with a problem that lacks another obvious solution, physical force seems a natural choice to him. Even if he is not particularly innovative, he learns readily enough. And his "solve a problem by increasing levels of violence" policy has been helpful in past battles. Though he tends to be wary of strangers, he is rather attached to Kaylin--almost unusually so. At times he will emerge from his Pokeball at night to sleep circled about his trainer. When Kaylin is nearby, Finbar can control his anger well enough to channel it at a specific opponent or opponents. If separated from him, chaos is likely to ensue.
History: When Kaylin met Finbar he was newly evolved, nameless, and consumed by fury. Upon arriving at a small town, Kaylin found many of its residents panicking and several buildings reduced to rubble. Naturally he concluded that some trouble was occurring. Following the trail of destruction, the trainer found a Gyarados thrashing about the remains of a riverside house. Though he suspected Darcy would have some difficulty defeating a Gyarados in this state, he hoped to at least subdue it. The beginning of the battle progressed poorly, resulting in two more collapsed buildings and the formation of a new stream. But Darcy was determined as usual, and eventually he pinned down the protesting Gyarados long enough for Kaylin to draw near it. Laying a hand on the side of the water serpent's head, Kaylin spoke calmly to it until it stopped roaring. After a few minutes, the Gyarados was quieted enough to not resist capture.
In the days that followed, Kaylin worked to develop a lasting bond with Finbar. As he treated the Gyarados' wounds, he noticed several that made him suspect an attack against the Pokemon had triggered his rampage. The physical injuries healed easily enough, but psychological damage of an unknown origin proved more difficult to deal with. Sensitive to changes in his environment, Finbar was prone to unease; and as with most of his species, he responded to unease by becoming violent. Eventually Kaylin tamed the Gyarados enough times and endured enough battles with him to gain his trust. For years now Finbar has been a dependable member of Kaylin's team.
Moveset: Waterfall, Stone Edge, Ice Fang, Dragon Dance
Others: N/A
Species: Chandelure
Nickname: Angel
Appearance: Aside from unusually pale flames, Angel's appearance is typical of her species.
Personality: Angel is clever, greedy, vengeful, and malicious--in short, demonic. Though she has too much regard for Kaylin to act against his direct orders, she maintains the same desire to cause and witness pain she had while still wild. At times the Chandelure's temper flares (both figurative and literal) have caused problems, as has her habit of holding grudges. Fortunately years of training have made her bursts of anger less frequent, allowing her to utilize her craftiness more effectively.
History: While exploring an abandoned mansion with Darcy, Kaylin noticed a flickering light in one of the rooms. Upon entering, the pair saw a candle sitting in the center of a table. Curious yet wary, Kaylin began to inspect the room for signs of another presence. Before long, he began to notice both he and Darcy were growing weak. Unsure who or where the enemy was, the trainer returned his Pokemon to its Pokeball as a precaution. Angry at the loss of one of her prey, the Litwick sitting on the table suddenly flared. Unable to use Finbar in such limited space and with Darcy too weak to fight, Kaylin narrowly escaped--the ghost Pokemon's fire following him to the mansion entrance. After a day of rest, Kaylin and Darcy returned to the mansion. Though they initially saw no sign of their enemy, Kaylin noticed a nearby wall was unusually warm. His partner swiftly crashed through the wall and into the hiding Litwick. Darcy fired off a few quick-hitting attacks, ending the fight before his or his trainer's soul could be devoured.
Shortly after he began to familiarize himself with his newly-caught Litwick, Kaylin facetiously began to refer to her as "Angel." While Darcy and Finbar desired battle and destruction or merely raged for the sake of raging, Angel was a sadist. Fortunately Kaylin's nature and the relationship he developed with the Litwick have been enough to keep her scheming in check. Though she would no longer harm Kaylin nor any of his Pokemon, anyone she views as an enemy she considers fair game.
After nearly a year of traveling with Kaylin, Angel evolved into a Lampent during a battle against a wild Pokemon. Several months later, the night before a difficult tournament she "mysteriously" evolved once more into a Chandelure. To this day Angel maintains that the event was a miracle, though Kaylin strongly suspects she stole a Dusk Stone from someone to help him in battle.
Moveset: Flame Burst, Shadow Ball, Clear Smog, Energy Ball
Others: N/A
Species: Zebstrika
Nickname: Sorcha
Appearance: Sorcha's eyes and inner ears are yellow rather than blue.
Personality: Proud, fierce, and wild, Sorcha does not suffer foolishness well. Though his temper is naturally short, his fighting skills and Kaylin's guidance are usually enough to prevent him from doing something foolish himself. While willing to respect Kaylin's other Pokemon as equals, he is reluctant to bend his will to any of them except, perhaps, Darcy. Sorcha has a particular dislike of having his tail touched.
History: When he was sixteen, Kaylin was called to a small town to manage a pair of wild Venipede causing problems in the nearby forest. Once he subdued the bug Pokemon and returned to town, the tamer noticed a boy having trouble with his Blitzle. As it grew closer to evolution, the Pokemon had become increasingly difficult to manage. Foreseeing a possible problem, Kaylin offered to take the Blitzle from him and help him catch a different, more docile Pokemon. Though a bit reluctant, the boy agreed it was better for him and his Pokemon.
At the beginning, Sorcha was hostile toward Kaylin. Already wild, he did not respond kindly to the transfer in ownership. Kaylin patiently calmed the Blitzle as often as needed, training him daily until he gained the electric type's trust. By the time Sorcha evolved a month later, their relationship was solid enough for the trainer to provide a balance for the Zebstrika's newly clipped fuse. Since then Pokemon and tamer have grown closer, even if Sorcha remains undemonstrative.
Moveset: Spark, Wild Charge, Flame Charge, Facade
Others: Special ability is Sap Sipper
