Ever Sinnoh Trainer Like That?- The Remake. (PG)

[EeveeEvolutionChain.]

Ever Sinnoh Trainer Like That?
A Pokemon roleplay.

A Roleplay by: EeveeEvolutionChain.
Rating: PG
Sign-Ups: Closed.

Prologue


Ever watched a Pokemon battle? Ever watched two trainers, one skilled, one not, pursue battle against one another? Have you ever saw "the underdog" pull that battle out? If you have, then you know how the world of Pokemon works. Even when you're strong, even when you're "the best"... There is always that someone who is better. Cruel? I like to think so, rather unfortunately. Yes. Across the four regions of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh, there are many, many trainers who could be classified as either category. The arrogant one, comforted by his/her team of strong and intimidating pokemon, and the shy and simple one, with his/her team of pokemon trained based off of their abilities and their inner strengths, rather than their "brawn" and "ferocity". Yes! Sometimes, the arrogant one will pull the battle out, and sometimes the shy one will pull it out. However, that really does NOT matter. Why? Because! Whether you're in Kanto, or whether you're fishing for power in Johto... Whether you're battling your heart out in Hoenn, or forming new tactics in the last region of Sinnoh... I have one last question. One that can be answered after a win, or before a defeat... Or, the other way around. That question?

Have you ever "Sinnoh" trainer like that?

The Plot


Enter trainer. Whether you come from the region that started it all in Kanto, or from the later discovered Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh, you are needed. Four trainers (myself included), have asked to become a part of an elite team on a far-away island. The team? Compiled of the most well-liked, revered trainers from all four regions, they have been asked to take over a series of new gyms being opened on the island. The island? Erientanto Island, located a comfy 150 miles from the "coast" of Sinnoh, and not too far from Kanto, has been recently discovered as a "hot bed" of talented trainers in search of new challenges. The gyms? Built in only the islands most popular towns, are all essentially new. The glory of those gyms? None of the gyms have specified types, so the trainers of Erientanto will have plenty of new challenges on their hands. Also, one the trainers arrive in their respective towns, they will soon discover that their living expenses are already covered. As well as having "living quarters", the trainers will also be provided with a butler or maid. Whether or not you choose to keep them is your choice.

Everything sounds perfect, right?
Not even the least bit flawed?

Wrong. See, what the trainers don't know is that they are actually being recruited by "darker forces". Those forces? You guessed it, Team Rocket! Although the trainers from Hoenn and Sinnoh will not be familiar with Team Rocket, they should be made to be familiar with the concept of evil. Not to worry though, soon after facing their first trainers at their respective gyms, the trainers will be clued in. Again, whether you choose to stay and lead your gym is your choice, but it is HIGHLY recommended that you do NOT, as the trainers that chose not to WILL wind up facing you somewhere down the line, as you do work for "evil".

For those who choose to leave the helms of their respective gyms, the path is simple: Located in Fawnburrow City, is the new Team Rocket headquarters. Upon discovering the real truth behind their being hired, the "good" trainers will pursue battle against those at Team Rocket Headquarters, in pursuit of freeing Erientanto from their dark reign. All "good" trainers MUST! meet up at some point, and develop a strategy to take out TR. The only way to Fawnburrow is by traveling through series of towns (eight, in total) that is infected with plenty of weaker Rocket grunts, as well as other trainers recruited to the dark side. How to handle this will be a group decision, discussed in the OOC when made. Also, whether you have a power-heavy team, or a team based strictly on tactics, EVERYONE will serve an important role on the team. Disagreements are sure to follow, as every trainer will no-doubt be extremely independent, and not want to follow the rules of those around them. Still, as all good goes, they must stick together. Some will be closer to one another than others, and some will be more distant. Whether or not you choose to pursue romance is between you and whom you pursue, and should be discussed via private messaging. Also, do inform the GM (me) of this, so as not to anger me. You've been warned.

And for those that choose the path of evil, your path may be even easier! Upon choosing to stay at your respective gyms, you will be contacted by either the head of TR, or a grunt. Again, this is up to you. If you want to blow up your own ego, fine, I don't care. I just want you to have fun! Once officially joining "the dark side", you will be asked to take a temporary leave from your gym, and follow and plot against your former fellow gym leaders. Murder is not okay, nor is the killing of one's pokemon. Try that here, and I'll have you out of my topic before you can even say mosquito. You have been warned, again. Your overall objective as a TR recruit is to make the lives of the "good ones" miserable. Sure you can be comical, and sure you can have fun... Just keep it within the dark side, and don't let me catch you "frolicking" with one of the good ones. Get it? Got it? Good.

The Gyms and Towns
Erientanto Island.

Stonebridge City, The City of Strength. (taken, by Wolf in the Rain)

Foamleaf Town, The City of Deceit. (taken, by EeveeEvolutionChain.)

Rainbow Town, The City of Happiness. (taken, by fawny)

Pebblestone City, The City of Love. (taken, by collie)

The Road to Fawnburrow City
The towns that take you there!


Rainylight City, The City of Harsh Weather. (No gym)

Bright River Town, The City of Water. (No gym)

Amethyst Ridge, The City of Beautiful Stones. (No gym)

Topaz Logtown, The City of Craft. (No gym)

Tigertree City, The City of Intrigue.

Crystalline City, The City of Riches.

Blossomwood City, The City of Growth.

Paisley Rock City, The City of Harmony.

Fawnburrow City, The City of Hatred. (No gym, just T.R. Headquarters)



The Requirements
Sign-up sheet.

Trainer Name (First and last, please) :

Age (between 15 and 18) :

Gender:

Appearance (One good paragraph, at least) :

Region You Hail From (Two per region, no exceptions) :

Good, or Evil? :

History (must be 2-3 paragraphs, with 3-5 sentences a piece!) :

Personality:

Your Team of Pokemon:

Your Gym of Choice (first come, first serve!) :

Sample post (must be at least 2-4 paragraphs, with 3-5 sentences a piece!) :

Also! You are expected to give a full description of the town/city that you choose. That might seem to be a hassle to you, but I like to think of it as giving you more "freedom", and ability to enjoy your journey a little more. Creativity is key, and I personally think that everyone could use a little more! BUT! You don't have to, however if you don't, I will do it for you, and you will have to live with it. Sorry, it's not meant to be rude, but if you don't feel like designing your own town, then I don't feel like changing it when you disagree. If I am forced to make it, that is how it will stay. Once again, sorry.

EDIT: Reservations are now allowed.

EDIT: Below, is my SU sheet.

Hello everyone! I'm glad to see my topic was accepted! Below I have posted my SU for the topic, so as to guide/inform others as to what I expect, and to inform you all about my character.

Hope it helps!


Trainer Name: Kyler Monreau'.

Age: 17

Gender: Male

Appearance: Kyler is about 6'1", and weighs 145 pounds. He had an athletic build to him, but is not overly muscular. Not a beefcake! He has black hair, highlighted with small streaks of red and blue. His skinned is toned a nice tan, and he had piercing green eyes. Also, he can usually be seen walking around in a pair of nicely-fitted, torn-at-the-knee jeans, and a white-collared shirt covered by a red vest and blue tie. None of his starting pokemon walk beside him, as he is close to all of them, and has no "favorites". Although if you did ask, he'd probably whisper, "Vaporeon...".

Region You Hail From: Hoenn.

Good, or Evil?: Good!

History: Kyler's journey began in the beautiful city of water, Sootopolis City. His father a former apprentice of Juan, the newest Gym Leader to take over, Kyler was born into a family well-pedigreed in pokemon training. For his starter pokemon, Kyler's father Morrison gave him an Eevee, as well as a Water Stone. At first Kyler protested the use of stones, as he grew to become quite close to his darling Eevee. However, one day while walking through the woods of between Lilycove and Fortree, Eevee fell victim to a horrible attack from a wild Absol. Faced with a tough decision, Kyler allowed for Eevee to touch the Water Stone, evolving it to a beautiful Vaporeon. Vaporeon won the battle with ease after the transformation, and Kyler quickly caught the Absol. The Absol would later be released, due to Kyler's inability to train it.

Kyler quickly became one of the most feared and loved trainers in all of Hoenn. He and Vaporeon stormed their way through the first four gyms, with the real challenges coming in the last two. In fact, he lost to Tate & Liza of Mossdeep City twice before finally winning the Mind Badge from the twin sisters. And while his challenge was greatly welcomed back home in Sootopolis City, Juan was certainly not an easier on him than previous competitors. Not only that, but emotions were running high for him once he did return, and although he had a rather unique team of pokemon, it took him a while to get past Juan. Three battles, to be exact. Down, but not defeated, Kyler's Flareon was able to close out Juan's Walrein in a shocking turn of events.

Once cleared to challenge The Hoenn League, Kyler was an instant threat. In his preliminary rounds, not a single one of his six-pokemon team fainted, or was defeated. However, things quickly changed. In just his second match of the real Hoenn League, Kyler was steps away from a shocking defeat to a "lesser" trainer. More like a pokemon away from defeat. With only his Vaporeon remaining, Kyler had to battle it out with a series of Electric types from his opponent. And like a true champion, he proved able to move past the challenge from the trainer, as well as through the next three rounds, and then to the final. Facing a much, much more talented trainer, he was forced to use his wits to bet the highly-favored female trainer.

And?

He beat her without even a sweat, with only his darling Flareon and Espeon fainting.

Personality: Most people consider Kyler to be "bubbly". He's rather friendly, and more times than not he is friendly to those he meets. He does have a temper, though, so it's not suggested that you try to push his buttons too much. Also, Kyler can be a bit of a... Nut. Crazy, out of control... Unorthodox. Still, if you are able to tolerate that kind of behavior, then you are most likely capable of dealing with him.

Your Team of Pokemon: Vaporeon, Glaceon, Flareon, Jolteon, Leafeon, and Espeon.


Your Gym of Choice: Foamleaf Gym.

Sample post: Will post in a later post!

________________________________

Johto: collie

Hoenn: EeveeEvolutionChain.
Hoenn: Wolf in the Rain

Sinnoh: fawny

_________________________

Good: EeveeEvolutionChain., collie, Wolf in the Rain, fawny

 

[collie]

Trainer Name (First and last, please) : Richard (pronounced 'Ree-shard) Weste

Age (between 15 and 18) : 16

Gender: Male

Appearance (One good paragraph, at least) : Richard is 5'9'' and weighs 120 lbs. He's very self-conscious about his height and used to wear platform boots to try to seem taller...but people made fun of him for it and he went back to canvas shoes. His hair is just long enough to be put up in a lazy bun and usually does whatever it pleases. He's dyed it a lot of different colors, so he has streaks of faded purple, pink, and even platinum blonde mixed in with his light brown hair. His bangs always, always get in his dark brown, almost black eyes. He has an almost tan body...except tans only last for a month on his skin. Still, spending so much time outdoors has led him to have a good sheen to his skin that could be golden in the right light...but the light is never in exactly the right spot. Casually, he wears tight jeans and long sleeve shirts or turtle-necks (always white or gray). His shoe of choice is oversized converse.

His mom is a fashion-designer, and she makes a lot of his fancier clothes. On occasion he gets beautifully printed T-shirts and his favorite jacket, a white one with a barely-there print of the Chinese character for 'we', came from his mother. He puts most of the gifts into storage, however.

One thing that is always, always on him is his circle necklace. It's nothing more than a simple band strung on a chain, but he'd be devastated if he lost it. Apart from that, one of his ears is pierced (the right) and he sporadically wears a dangling earing with a feather on it. He also wears bracelets of all sorts, seemingly changing them everyday. (They're also gifts from his mother, so he has more than he knows what to do with.)

He's got a skinny build, with a slightly childish face. Some people say he's 'cute'. Most people think he looks like an awkward, lanky teenager.

Region You Hail From (Two per region, no exceptions) : Jhoto

Good, or Evil? : Good (I wanna be evil, but I don't think Richard wants to be...)

History (must be 2-3 paragraphs, with 3-5 sentences a piece!) :

Spoiler:

Born in Goldenrod City, he had a beautiful, if hectic and unstable, life. As a kid, his mother would cart him around to all the different fashion shows and gigs she was working at. His mother desperately wanted him to become a fashion designer like her and often taught him little bits of the trade. He was rather uninterested, however, and became less interested when kids at his school teased him about his mother's profession. His mother and him have a very stressed relationship (on his end): she was the one who forced his ear to be pierced (he didn't want it, she did. He was five) and also the one who forbade any Pokemon in the house. Eventually, when he was ten his aunt took him on a trip across the country to the different regions. His mother thought he would be going to see different fashions and learning about how to incorporate culture into clothing; he really went to learn about the world outside of his mother's social circle. His aunt often 'rescued' him from his mother's crazy ideas.

Not to say his mother was bad...just a bit eccentric. She got caught up in her own life a lot more than her son's. He occasionally holds that against her, but not often. He just has trouble being around her for long periods of time.

While with his aunt on their trip, she caught him a Growlithe. Growlithe and Richard bonded immediately, and the rest of the trip consisted of Richard training Growlithe and spending time with his Pokemon. (He had trouble with kids his age at school and didn't get much socialization from other kids outside of it, due to his mother hanging with her adult friends so much.) He took to sleeping next to the Pokemon during the trip as well.

When he returned home, his aunt and mother had a fight over the Pokemon, but they didn't let him hear about it. Eventually, his mother agreed to let his aunt take care of him and house both him and Growlithe. From there, his life perked up. The aunt was a competent Pokemon Trainer and taught Richard the basics, encouraging him to get better and better. At first, Richard was a lousy Trainer.

But practice makes perfect. Or at least, makes improvement. By the time he was thirteen Richard had gotten together a team that consisted of Arcanine, Houndoom, and Murkrow. He had traveled one year with his aunt across Jhoto, than on his own for another year. During the year of travel wit his aunt he had capture (then) Houndour and Murkrow and spent the next year training them. He got along well with both new Pokemon, but Houndour especially.

During his year of travel alone, he faced the Jhoto gym leaders. The first four were relatively easy for Richard (but only because of the training he had done before with his aunt).

When fighting Chuck, moments of stupidity led to both Houndoom and Growlithe (not yet Arcanine) fainting. Murkrow saved the day however, pulling what became an easy win for the Flying and Dark type Pokemon. Later, after facing and defeating Jasmine (Growlithe pulling a good show using his Fire techniques), Richard was given a Fire Stone by the gym leader herself. Both Growlithe and Richard were excited and Richard evolved Growlithe right there in the gym.

The last two leaders were the hardest to defeat... Pryce destroyed Richard and his team the first time they fought together, and the second. Frustrated, Richard had stormed off on his own. His anger and negativity ended up attracting a Sneasel. The Sneasel taunted Richard, toying with him and generally confusing him with its Dark abilities. Murkrow (the first Pokemon to be released from the PokeCenter where Richard had left them) ended up defending his Trainer in a rare show of loyalty (Murkrow had a tendency to fly off where ever it pleased and not listen to a word Richard said outside of battle). The two Dark Pokemon ended up becoming friends over the course of Richard's stay in the town as he trained to defeat Pryce. While Richard and the Sneasel had rough interactions, he ended up working with the Dark Pokemon and defeating Pryce with its help.

Sneasel also pulled through in the battle against Clair and her Dragons. While Arcanine and Houndoom did their best and fought brilliantly, it was Sneasel who truly won the battle against Clair's formidable Kingdra. While Richard would love to claim that it was his training that made Sneasel a top-notch Pokemon, he knows that it was in fact the Sneasel's own power and cunning that added to his power as a Trainer.

Taking a year break, he ventured to Kanto yet again. While there, he caught a Ponyta and raised it to a Rapidash. He trained, battling various trainers and running across the countryside. While accustomed to riding on Arcanine, he eventually used Rapidash and Arcanine alternatively when racing across the rural areas. The year was spent getting closer to his Pokemon, and reporting back to his mother and aunt.

Instead of pursuing the League Championship, Richard traveled all across the different regions. He ended up making many friends, learning a lot, and growing as a Trainer. He earned his fame by battling as many top-notch Trainers as he could outside of the League. Of course, his aunt urged him to go to the League...

And he couldn't really refuse, seeing how much she'd done for him. People still have trouble believing him when he says he won so easily because of his belief and faith and adoration of his Pokemon. ("Of course," he remarks each time, "Sneasel is...an exception.") The battle with the Dark-only Pokemon Trainer had been tough on him though, especially since he had let his own Houndoom face off against the other Trainer's.

Many of his acquaintances and friends ask about his Pokemon team. Usually, "Well, I understand the Fire types but...Dark types? For you?" Or, "Don't you think they're a little...unlucky?"

And while he has much deeper reasons for the types he's chosen...his usual reply is,

"Oh, but I love them so much! I couldn't ever dream of a different team...they really reflect me, you know?

"...Except for Sneasel."

He never got along with Sneasel.

Personality: Quiet, but a sweetheart. He's really sensitive (in the almost crybaby way). Growing up surrounded by talkative adults, he became very quiet and slightly introverted. After leaving his mother's care and exploring the world, however, he learned to make friends by smiling and having small conversations. He's a bit prying, however, when he becomes curious about something. Some people believe he should keep his nose out of other people's business. He appears very docile as well, which irritates some people he meets. He's also a bit oblivious when it comes to human social interation; he just doesn't get it. Usually, he only contributes small bits when other people are talking or conversing. Sometimes, he'll throw in an awkward sentence or idea that makes everyone turn to him and stare. It's for this reason he usually doesn't voice his ideas. If you prod him enough, he'll spill the beans on what he's thinking though.

He doesn't have a dark quiet side, however, and I only feel it's necessary to say this because so many quiet characters do. He's very cheerful on the inside, just a little unsure around people. When he's around Arcanine and his other Pokemon he's much freer and laughs much more.

He's about average intelligence. Much more a feel-y guy than a smarts guy.

Being angry is really strange for him, and he reacts differently each time, because he is usually sad not angry when it comes to negative emotions. (One time he runs of when he's angry, another time he yells at his Pokemon, another time he has a typical teen hissy fit of doooom-complete with 'I wanna go home!') A lot of people think he is depressed or sad, because he's quiet, but he's pretty cheerful. He doesn't bring up his past too much, mostly because of all the awkwardness that goes with it.

Your Team of Pokemon:

Spoiler:

Nickname: Doesn't have a real nickname that everyone calls him, but Richard calls him Arc sometimes
Pokemon: Arcanine
Gender: Male
Personality: Richard's Arcanine would be a loner, if he wasn't so attached to Richard. He's very proud and confident in his own abilities, but not so much when it comes to being with others. While he gets along with the rest of his team (and gets along with Sneasel better than Richard ever will), he is only close with Houndoom and Rapidash. He's also pretty intelligent, but he often lets his loyal and brave nature overrule his brains. He would be willing to do anything for Richard, and the two are incredibly close.
History: Arcanine grew up on Cinnabar Island with his few other siblings and their protective mother. The Growlithe children were mischievous and constantly trying to sneak away from their parent, creating distractions so one or two of them could escape for a while. Usually, Arcanine found them again and brought them home. Of course, as things go, one day our dear Growlithe had ended up escaping, thanks to yet another chaos-creating dilemma created by his brothers, and getting himself caught. What was he expecting, venturing into the town like he did?

When he met with Richard though, courtesy of the boy's aunt, he fell in love a little bit. At first, he missed his family, but the boy was fun to play with and kind. When he began training with Richard he grew alongside the boy, becoming stronger and stronger with each battle even if it was a loss. Especially a loss. He immediately bonded with Houndoom, who are both equally protective of Richard. Murkrow can usually be seen sitting on Arc's head, and the two are good enough friends that fighting never breaks out between them. He enjoys racing with Rapidash, as well as keeping super incredibly ridiculously warm by snuggling with her. And...with Sneasel...well, don't let Richard know this, but they're actually fond of each other.

Nickname: Hunt (like the Wild Hunt)
Pokemon: Houndoom
Gender: Male
Personality: Very, very intelligent and cunning. Hunt seems like he would be unsocial and a bit stuffy, but he's the friendliest of the entire team (to other Pokemon, not people). He enjoys socializing with Pokemon and playing with them. He's confident in his own abilities when it comes to battling, but less so than Arc. He's also steadfastly loyal to Richard and will do anything to protect the boy, not to mention fight off anyone he considers to be of any threat.
History: Hunt had a pretty boring life as a Houndour, living with his pack and doing...nothing almost. He was out on his own wandering about when he ran into Richard and Growlithe, and since battling was at least something to do he went along with it. Getting captured...not totally in the plan, but it worked out okay.

He was the first of Richard's Pokemon to evolve and also became the strongest, only being outranked by Arc when the dog Pokemon evolved. Richard bonds with his Pokemon individually by walking with them while the rest are at the PokeCenter, often just talking to them about nothing in particular and occasionally fighting wild Pokemon. It was during this time that Hunt grew especially close to his Trainer.

Nickname: Murky
Pokemon: Murkrow
Gender: Male
Personality: Not a loner, but definitely likes spending some quality time with himself. Before Sneasel came around he usually was off flying anywhere else but where Richard was. He actually likes Richard, but his affection only started showing through after the Sneasel incident. When Murkrow's around other Pokemon, he enjoys chatting and can get along with pretty much anyone. He's also as friendly to humans as Rapidash is, which causes some problems since humans don't always like him. He's pretty...calm when it comes to battling. As long as he can get it done well, that's all he cares about. He's likely the weakest Pokemon, but Richard doesn't treat him like it.
History: Did the usual Murkrow stuff of leading enemies into mountains and getting them lost...and found that there was little enjoyment in it. He ended up throwing his bad luck on whoever passed him by, including Hunt. While Hunt had one of the worst days of his life, Richard was rather pleased when he captured the bird Pokemon. And Murkrow, being the calm bird he was, didn't put up a whole big fight.

At first, he strayed from his team and Trainer. While he would talk with them and hang out, he was more often in the sky flying. When he realized that Richard was being attacked and went to help him though, he had a harder time being so distant. Sneasel and Murkrow at first bonded by being simply Dark types, but later on became friends because Sneasel was the complete opposite of the bird. Being around Sneasel also made Murkrow calmer, though Sneasel is hardly...a calming Pokemon.

Nickname: Faith
Pokemon: Rapidash
Gender: Female
Personality: Quiet, quiet, quiet. Faith conveys her feelings through body motion almost exclusively. She is very similar to Richard in this respect, and the two could probably spend a whole day just being...silent together and still understand everything going on in each other's heads. She's dedicated to Richard and will fight for him no matter what. Her quiet demeanor actually makes her entire team like her, even Sneasel. She doesn't think she's very strong, but she's actually the third strongest Pokemon on the team.
History: Faith actually belonged on a farm of similar horse Pokemon. Richard actually visited the farm because he heard there was a Ninetales there and wanted to buy it. But when he saw Faith as a Ponyta he decided to choose her instead without even looking at the Ninetales. Faith was her nickname before Richard got her, but he thinks it suits her anyway. She had a lot of trouble battling at first, and being surrounded by her much stronger teammates intimated her. Some people said that Richard should give her up, since she wasn't improving fast enough and was too timid anyway. He refused to do so, instead training her gently until she became stronger. When she evolved in Rapidash she became very strong, and Richard began pushing her harder.

Part of the reason Sneasel likes her is because she saved him from a gang of Pokemon he had angered. She also let him ride her back to the town and stayed with him while his minor wounds were patched up.

Nickname: Sneasel
Pokemon: Sneasel
Gender: Unknown (Richard doesn't care, the other Pokemon aren't telling, and Sneasel just likes being a bit...kooky. Most people say 'he' however.)
Personality: Arrogant, confident, loud, and rude. Sneasel's pretty transparent. There's no deep side that he hides. He also doesn't think before he talks (even though he is pretty smart), leading to him getting into fights often or just saying something mean. The only Pokemon he is really friends with are his team, simply because most others can't stand him. He loves harassing people, especially people who are already scared of him.
History: Hung out in caves mostly, and cold areas. Spent most of his time harassing people and causing mishaps. He was drawn to Richard because of the boy's negative emotions and immediately began toying with him, just to see what would happen. When Murkrow came Sneasel decided to back off, mainly because he realized he would lose any fight he engaged in.

He became friends with Murkrow first because the bird tolerated him, then later realized that the two of them complimented each other. While Sneasel loves being around Pokemon, they don't love being around him; Murkrow likes alone time, but most Pokemon really enjoy his company.

And, though he'll never admit it, Sneasel helped Richard with the fight against Pryce because he actually feels...something for the kid. He doesn't know what, and he knows he just can't stand Richard most of the time, but they make a good team. They improve each other. And, even if he'll never admit it, he does appreciate the kid.

Your Gym of Choice (first come, first serve!) : Pebblestone Gym

Sample post (must be at least 2-4 paragraphs, with 3-5 sentences a piece!) :

Spoiler:

"Love and faith all pay off in the end, huh?"

Richard glanced up, lifting a mud-covered hand to shield his eyes from the sun. A tall woman was outlined by the brightness of the day, and it took a moment for Richard to recognized her.

"Oh. Hey, ma," he said, unintentionally stiff. The woman smiled, plastic, and leaned against the fence that barred the community garden from the rest of the street. Community gardens had been sprouting up all over Goldenrod, and Richard couldn't help but visit them all and aid in the growing of green things. He slapped the mud on his jeans and stood, at least three inches shorter than his mother. With a searching look at the newly planted squash seeds, he decided that today's work was done. He had more important things to do, anyway, and Arc would be missing him at home.

"You called me. Earlier," his mother prompted. He nodded, scratching the back of his neck. His mother grimaced at the dirt he was spreading on his clothes, but the action went unnoticed by the young man. Instead, a light blush was decorating his cheeks.

"Yeah, I did. Glad you came. Um. What were you saying? When you got here, I mean."

"Just commenting on your life philosophy," she said, stretching her smile even farther. Her sundress complimented her pale skin and highlighted her lithe frame, and even though Richard could appreciate the dress he couldn't even fathom designing it. It was probably ridiculously expensive and a gift from one of his mother's friends. It was beautiful, he thought distantly.

"Oh, awesome. Yeah, it's pretty simple. Haha, I'm already sixteen and I have a life philosophy...how weird," he shook his head at the thought. Abruptly, he turned to his mother completely and stepped closer. "Um. Speaking of weird...I, uh, got a job offer you could say."

"Oh?" his mother perked, no longer leaning against the fence. Her eyes were lit in true joy. "Where? What for?"

"Uh, I'll tell you on the way home, okay? I haven't seen Arc since lunch," he explained, blushing again. His mother nodded eagerly, pleased that her son was getting even farther up in the world. She had been thrilled when he had become Champion. Though, honestly, having him come home afterward and hug her like when he was a kid was much better than the recognition and added social-umph that come from saying, 'Well, my son's Richard Weste. You know, the fifteen-year old who won the Jhoto League Championship?'

With a parting wave to his fellow volunteers, he began the trek back to his aunt's small house. It was better than an apartment however, at least for his Pokemon. They could never have survived in the apartment his mother was renting now, no matter how big it was.

"Well? The job offer?" his mother pestered.

"Oh. Uh...I'm going to be...I'm going to becoming a gym leader. Erientanto Island is the place. Big place for Trainers, a lot of strong ones. They're bringing in seven other trainers to be gym leaders too," he said conversationally. The entire time, his eyes were dancing across the street, the sidewalk, the buildings. Anywhere but his mother. She swallowed, trying to digest the information.

"You'll be...a gym leader?"

"Uh huh," he said. His cheeks were stained firetruck red now, and he glanced shyly up at his parent.

"Oh, honey, that's great!" she exclaimed. With a flourish, she reached to hug him. Only to draw back when she remembered the dirt he was coated in and how badly it would stain her dress. Instead, she smiled at sincerely and brightly as she could. "Wow. My son. A gym leader."

"Haha, yeah. There's a city of love there, too. Awesome, huh?" he said. His mother just laughed, a sarcastic bark, but Richard decided it was more a releasing of her happiness that he was going even farther. Even if she had trouble relating to him closely, she supported him. No matter what.

Pebblestone City

Pebblestone City, the City of Love, is surrounded by lush forests on the Northern side of the town. The rest of the area surrounding the city is rolling hills that are covered with hundreds of wildflowers in the summer. Running through the city is a river, the water coming from winter snow off the mountains surrounding part of the city.

The city itself is stunning. A large main street goes through the entire town, often crowded with vendors selling anything from gaudy pink and red hearts to simple silver rings. Anything concerning love and relationships can be found on the main street. Quaint houses litter the entire area, as well as a few old, large houses that have been made into apartments. While the city draws lots of tourists, the actual residency is rather small.

Many of the houses built in the area have remained with their original families for generations. The whole city seems to be colored in soft, light hues of pink and blue and orange (apart from the main street that is). Most houses are round and multi-storied. Outside of the main street, there can be small shops found selling homemade baked goods or homegrown produce. There are many herb shops as well. The main street may protray Pebbstone City as a plastic, materialistic town, but the people are very connected with each other and support each other in hard times.

The city is covered in all sorts of gardens, from simple flower ones to complex herb gardens that form different designs. All the walkways and cobblestone streets are decorated with the most common stone in the area: a simple gray rock in the shape of a heart. These rocks are said to have the property to heal wounds and also encourage love of all sorts.

The most beautiful times to be in the city are at sunset and night. In the center of town there is a shrine to the first heart-shaped crystal ever found in the area, and also the largest. While it is clear during the day, at sunset it glows a multitude of warm colors. The entire plaza and shrine are visited often by couples. During the night, streams of lights, laterns, and candles are lit, illuminating the city in a quaint way. Most main street vendors are replaced with chattering groups of tourists eating at the resturaunts lining that street.

Places to Visit:

Heart Shrine: The previously mentioned shrine to the crystal heart found near Pebblestone. While heart-shaped rocks are most common in the area, more common than round ones even, occasionally a heart-shaped crystal will turn up. The entire shrine is open and lavishly decorated with intricate paintings, carvings, and plenty of benches. Trees provide shade, and many local plants add to the decor.

Main Street: Tourist spot, it is littered with street vendors and resturaunts. The pinkest spot in all of Pebblestone, as well as the likliest place to get ripped off. While the main street is incredibly well-illuminated by the classic Pebblestone lighting, it's devoid of the usual trees that are seen throughout the rest of the city.

Ayumi's Apothecary: Full of herbs, the store also provides rememdies for any ailment. Various stones and crystals can be found here, and most locals use it when in need of homeopathetic or alternative medicine. The owner (Aya Ayumi) is the seventh generation of the Ayumi's to run the shop. It also acts as a bookshop and local hangout for the teens of Pebblestone.

Heart Research Center: Located far back from the city, near the mountains, scientists studying crystals and their properties gather here. Most research is done on the heart crystals and stones, trying to understand their complexity and if they possibly affect the region and its Pokemon.

Pebblestone Gym: People have trouble finding the gym because it looks like any other house in Pebbelstone. The only hint giving it away are the statue of Venus which has a small sign at the bottom saying 'Pebblestone Gym' and the small metal sign dangling from the overhang. Inside, the gym is furnished with benches and trees and many, many plants of all sorts. On the west wall is a heart crystal, cut into the wall as if a stained glass painting. As all heart crystals, it turns vibrant colors at sunset, illuminating the entire gym. There's no designated spot for battles, but instead has many open areas between the massive amount flora. The gym leader's house lies just outside the gym. There is a large yard attached to it, as well as a garden. The house itself is rather small and done in the subtle style of other Pebblestone houses.