DarkLight

Corona chirped happily and sat with Flare and his food before she listened to Danielle. She was also eager to know why her master reacted so dramatically during that battle. Avis crowed her approval to Slade and beamed at her master, trying to raise her confidence more. Danielle couldn't help but smile at her partner and gave a nod to Slade and Jacob. "Thank you, Jacob. That means a lot to me. And yeah, I'm sure. Just be warned, I haven't told anyone about this outside of my parents and Valerie, the gym leader of my hometown. So, I might sound... unprofessional," she scratched her head unsurely. "Well, let's see... I guess to know the full story, I'll have to tell you how I met Avis in the first place..." ---------------------------------------------------- **7 Years ago, at Route 15, Kalos** "Where could that ball be?" an 8 year old Danielle asked out loud to herself. She wandered over into the tall grass, since she couldn't find it on the main road. "Here, little ball, little ba--- Ah!" Danielle suddenly tripped over something and landed face down on the ground. When she turned around to find out what it is, she immediately recoiled upon seeing what appears to be a Murkrow. The 8 year old knew Murkrows could be dangerous, especially at night when they are with their head boss, Honchkrow. However, upon closer examination, the black bird wasn't moving at all. Danielle decided to poke it a few times with a stick; no response came out of the bird. It was clearly unconscious. Danielle stood up and looked around her: Nobody seemed to be around, no trainer nor any adult was nearby for her to carry the Murkrow to Laverre City's Pokemon Center. "Murkrow?" she whispered, crawling closer to the bird. "Please don't hurt me... I just want to help you..." Danielle picked up the bird and ran to the Pokemon Center, afraid that it will attack her as soon as it woke up. ****************** "Nurse Joy said that the Murkrow seems to have suffered from a broken wing," Danielle's mom told her later that day. "Because of that, the poor Pokemon probably couldn't find any food and, thus, fell unconscious. Her flock must of forgotten about her and left her there. It's a good thing you found it, Danielle. You just saved her life!" "That is correct, dear." Danielle's father agreed. "You did the right thing, Danielle. We are both so proud of you." Danielle was happy that the bird was going to be alright. "Can we go visit her tomorrow, Mommy and Daddy? I want to see her fly again!" Her parents laughed before her mother spoke once more. "Of course you can, sweetie. However, you will not see her fly just yet. She needs to take a good, long rest before her wing is okay again. You will also need to be careful while handling her." "I will, mom! I will!" Danielle responded. ******************* "Now, Danielle, hold her still while I redress her bandages. Remember, do not hold her too tightly or else you will end up with another cut on your eye again." her mother instructed. Danielle, obediently, held the black bird gently this time, as her mother took out the Murkrow's wing brace. The black bird glanced nervously at the little girl, wary about what happened the first time they changed her bandages. This time, however, the procedure went without much difficulty and the Murkrow was back to walking/hopping on the coach again. Her injured wing lie limply on her side. "Alright, little Murkrow, just behave yourself. Danielle, you too. I'm going to go and make dinner." Danielle's mother announced. She then put the medical supplies back in the drawer and headed off into the kitchen. Danielle turned on the television and began watching the Hoenn Contest Semifinal round, her eyes glistening at the fantastic moves that were performed by various coordinators' Pokemon. The Murkrow, bored out her mind since she couldn't fly, also began watching the show, keeping her distance of the overly-cheerful daughter. "What do you think, little Murkrow?" she asked the bird. "Isn't it beautiful? The way they can battle and also show off their Pokemon like that is just amazing to me." At that, the Murkrow turned her full attention to this strange human. "I know you are more about battling, since most trainers that went by Route 15 catch you and train you up to be Honchkrows to fight the Psychic gym, but it would be amazing if somebody can use your moves for contests too." The Murkrow cocked her head. Contests are definitely new to her, and she loved examining new things, being so curious as she is. She also gave Danielle credit for holding her again after she almost scratched the girl's eye out. Perhaps Danielle is more interesting than she thought... **A few months later** "Hey! What are you doing here, again?" Danielle asked the Murkrow that came through her kitchen window. The Murkrow was released back into the wild after her wing was declared fully healed by Nurse Joy. Yet, no matter how many times Danielle and her parents tell it go back, the bird will always come back to her. Murkrow crowed her greeting and settled on Danielle's shoulder, tickling her face with her wing. "Danielle! Is it that Murkrow again?" her father called from the living room. "Yes, dad. She seems to like me a lot," Danielle giggled. "Honey, you know you are too young to have a Pokemon. And the town elders are not happy with it around. They keep on glaring at the poor thing when she follows you... We can't have the Murkrow here for her sake and your's," her mom answered. "What can we do?" After a few seconds of silence, her father came up with a solution. "How about we ask Valerie what to do. She is a gym leader of Laverre, so she might be able to give more insights on this." ********************* "So, why not just let her stay?" Valerie, the Fairy-type gym leader asked calmly. "But how can she? The elders..." Danielle's mother began to speak before Valerie raised her hand. "The elders," Valerie continued, "Cannot harm any Pokemon without a lawful reason. Any hurtful behavior regarding a Pokemon's life outside of that is deemed unacceptable in Kalos, and that includes Laverre City, where I am in charge. You will not need to worry while I am here. Of course, if you don't want the Murkrow around, that is a different story," Valerie waited for Danielle's mother to reply. "Valerie, unlike the elders, I never saw that kind of danger in the Murkrow line. I never believed in superstitious things like that; they are unreasonable and unfair to the Pokemon. If you are sure that they will not cause any harm, then I am willing to let the Murkrow stay if she wants to." Valerie nodded and kneeled down to be on eye level with Danielle and Murkrow. "Danielle, it's quite obvious that the Murkrow is attached to you. But, do you want the Murkrow to stay with you?" Danielle hugged the bird close to her chest and nodded vigorously. How could she say no when the chance to get a Pokemon is right in front of her? Valerie beamed. "Well, I'm sure that this matter is resolved. Please tell me if anything goes wrong." **Two years later** "How DARE you?! Valerie yelled at 4 elders, each with a Dedenne by their side. Her Mawile was standing by her side, shielding Danielle and Avis. "What gave you the right to KILL that Murkrow?" "Valerie, Murkrow is a omen of death! We cannot---" "Has it actually caused death? Has it?!" Valerie glared at each of the old men, who in turn, shuffled their feet. "There is just as much basis for that claim as there is for Absol being the bringer of destruction! NONE!" "But, that bird was seen everywhere! It's almost as if it was following us, plotting out our every move..." "So, if I decided to send out my Sylveon to take a look around the land, does that mean you need to kill my Pokemon too?" Valerie retorted. "N-no, no! Of course not! That is not what we meant---" "That is EXACTLY what you meant, and you know it!" Valerie interrupted them; she had heard enough of their excuses to hurt that bird. "I suggest that you leave now. I'll deal with you later." The elders looked at one another before they went back outside of what appears to be a dark, clammy room. Valerie quickly knelt besides Danielle, who was holding an electrocuted, beaten up Avis. Avis was barely breathing. "Come, Danielle, let's get Avis to a Pokemon Center immediately. There is still a chance," Valerie said softly to the terrified girl. ******************* Valerie put her hand on Danielle's shoulder as they waited by the emergency room. Danielle's parents were also waiting, patiently by their side. Danielle looked emotionless, with dry tears running down her face. As the door opened, Danielle raced to Avis' bedside, tubes upon tubes were laced around her frail body. "Avis...?" "Don't worry, your Murkrow will make it. She just needs some rest and will be good to go." Nurse Joy reassured them. "Thank you, Nurse Joy," Valerie gave a slight bow to show her appreciation. With that, Nurse Joy and the Audino wheeled Avis away into a visiting room. ******************** "Why would you do this!? What has Avis done to you people?!" Danielle screamed at the elders. "LOOK AT HER! SHE'S ALMOST DEAD! SHE'S ALMOST DEAD! You have NO right to visit her after that!" "We really want to apologize, Danielle. We are clearly---" "Get out." Danielle's father said, his voice threatening to explode. "This is unacceptable, no matter how you want to phrase it. How would I know that you are only apologizing so that YOU can get a more lenient sentence for your actions! Get out!" ------------------------------ "As you can see, Avis made a clean recovery without so much as a mental scar. It's also because of this that she isn't afraid of anything, because she has already experienced death." Danielle explained. "Valerie was able to punish the elders and took away their Dedenne for their horrific crime. Still, I was afraid, so my dad bought a Dusk Ball for Avis to hide herself. Since Avis likes to follow me only, I can carry her inside so that she wouldn't be seen by any other such people. It worked out but," Danielled sighed, "I am still tortured by the thought of Avis' almost dead body. At least, when I first found her, she was warm and breathing. But that day..." she shuddered, "It was like she was almost gone from my life. When Corona cried out on the field, I couldn't help but imagine what pain Avis went through. It became too much for me..." Danielle then thought for a moment to see whether or not she missed anything. "And, well... That's all. Feel free to judge." She leaned back and took the last sips of her water. Surprisingly, she actually felt a little better than she ever felt before over the past 7 years. ((EDIT: Fixed up my math... 8+5 doesn't make 15.))

"Well, you heard the man. Come on over!" Danielle chimed. "I was going to tell Jacob what happened at our battle, so... I guess you're in for a treat," she shrugged at the last part. She fidgeted with her glove straps a little, waiting for Slade to slide over to join them. 'I hope my gut feeling is right about Slade.' Her Murkrow suddenly hopped onto her shoulder and nuzzled her, crowing her approval of this decision. Danielle stroked her wing, feeling more confident now that she has Avis' support.

'What?' Danielle turned to where Jacob was facing and found that they sat right next to a familiar man with the hat and Growlithe. The new face is a shiny, unamused Magnemite that is floating by his head. She was happy to see another familiar face, but also nervous at the thought of sharing one of her more private parts of her life. 'I didn't plan on sharing the story with Slade, of all people. Is he going to see me as a freak now? I don't know him too well to know how he thinks of me...' Nevertheless, Danielle managed a polite greeting, laughing at the mention of a date. "Hello to you too, Slade! Well, I leave that for you to figure it now." she winked. "Well, I obviously don't mind the company, but it's up to my, as you called it, date, to decide." She was on the fence about letting him in the conversation, but something told her that it may be okay... Avis was pecking at his pickings of berries when she heard "Slade." She looked up from her place to find the said person sitting alone with his Growlithe and Magnemite. She froze for a second at the electric type; the bird then saw that the Magnemite was not interested and, so, she went back to observing Slade. This is a bad and a good thing. The good thing is now Danielle can get more feedback to solving her fear. The bad thing is now Jacob and Danielle doesn't get any alone time. However, Avis thought more thoroughly, the longer Danielle cannot confront her fear, the longer she cannot move on. That can be detrimental to her life, including her dating life. So, Avis sighed in her head, the matchmaking can wait, for now. Corona, however, was more interested in her fellow fire type that Slade has. She chirped a greeting to them and waved.

Danielle laughed cheerfully at Jacob's impersonation of a Slowpoke before she made her way to an empty table that near where Slade was sitting. After she put her food down, she took out her Pokedex and typed out a few commands in order pay for her purchases. "How about here? It's quiet enough for a story~" Considering Jacob's innocence, maybe, just maybe, this situation would turn out alright for her. Her Pokemon, in the meantime, were chuckling as Jacob was in his own wonderland before Danielle had sped off to get food for them. Corona nodded to Avis and chirped as of to say that the bird was right about his crush on their master. They then followed their master to the table as Danielle put down their food in two dishes.

"I win," Danielle thought, giggling like a little girl as Jacob tried to avoid her gaze. He was also blushing as he attempted to address her last statement. "Awww, you're so cute when you're blushing!" she continued as they walk towards the cafeteria. Little did they know that she was actually being a bit serious about that comment. "Who should I introduce you to? Let me think, let me think... Kali is too much of a diva, Blossom takes things way too seriously... Oh, food!" Danielle quickly sprinted to the pasta section to get a plate of spaghetti and meatballs before she went to the Pokemon section to get Avis and Corona some berries before turning back to Jacob. "Come on, slowpoke! Aren't you hungry?" Avis and Corona were trying not to laugh at poor Jacob's reaction to her teasing. Nobody should challenge her in a teasing contest; opponents are very likely to lose. They stayed behind with Jacob and Teo to see what he would do next.

Jory and I will wrap up soon once the PCs get some food.

"Oh, now you're teasing me too, huh?" Danielle smirked. "Two can play at that game." "If only it was a marathon! I wouldn't be in this bad of a shape if weren't for those weights! And don't let them fool you, Jacob. They were also down and out too before they used Roost and Morning Sun. Sneaky little Pokemon of mine~" Danielle complemented her partners offhandedly. They didn't seem to notice though. "Sooo~ You workout everyday already, huh? Trying hard to impress the girls with your physique? I see what you're doing~" she giggled. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me~ I'll make sure to introduce you to any girl friends that I have back at home. They loooove guys with muscle~"

Danielle gave a wave; her heart was beating rapidly from the nervousness she was feeling, or maybe it's because it's Jacob? She kept a cool front though, hoping that it won't show. "Yes, I am. I'm starving from that workout. I hope they have something good there!" As soon as Avis and Corona got up to walk alongside Teo, she also stood up and began heading to the cafeteria. "How was the workout for you and your Pokemon?" At their feet, Avis was telling Corona and Teo about whether they should play matchmaker with their masters.

I can't wait to see how that is going to go.

"Woah!" Artemis exclaimed as she looked inside Michael's gift. Despite their usefulness, however, she closed up the bag once more, keeping the bag at a respectable distance from her. "Michael, Um... Are you sure this is okay? These supplies are meant for the citizens who were victims of those crooks. I am not one of them. It would be rude of me to take what doesn't belong to me."

"Oh no! Don't taunt me you two!" Danielle sighed as Avis and Corona used their respective recovery moves to regain their energy from the workout. Her Pokemon then gave a loud cheer as they surround their master; then they proceeded to give each other what appears to be a high five. Danielle shook her head in amusement. Here are her Pokemon taunting her while she was sitting on a bench feeling like a rock with sweat laced on her forehead. She was more of a runner than a workout person, and she is not even that great at running! Despite her exhaustion, however, she felt pretty satisfied with the outcome. Her two Pokemon are more comfortable with one another than they were before, even going so far as to tease her as they are doing now. Danielle, herself, was also able to see their respective strengths and weaknesses than she could before entering the academy. The one thing that still haunts her, though, is how she will react when she tells her story to Jacob. Would he find her childish or crazy? And would she loose her self control again, like before? She leaned her body back against the wall, the cold touching her back soothed her somewhat, but her concern still showed on her face. Avis saw that and hopped onto her lap, giving a soft "krow" and a look of expectation. She knew Danielle wasn't over that day, but she never thought it was that bad. It certainly worried the Murkrow to see her this way. Hopefully, Jacob and their other friends can help mend that hole better than she can. Corona doesn't know about their past, but she did notice a change in her master's demeanor again. Not knowing what else she could do, she put her two front legs on Danielle's thigh and gave a chirp. Danielle looked down and smiled at her two partners; she knew they would support her no matter what, and she is grateful to have them. But, it's still not the same, as much as she hates to admit it. "I know, you two," she said softly to them, stroking Avis' wing and petting Corona's head. "I'm probably being stupid, but I still feel that way, somewhat..."

Alright then~ Anyone else want to stop by Danielle's little story before they hit the bed?

Slade won't be lonely soon. Danielle will come around shortly. Talking about the cafeteria, since everyone seems to be gathered around there, Jory and I were discussing if that would be a good time for Danielle to discuss why she freaked out. What do you think?

Sir, yes sir! *gives that military salute* Jokes aside, glad to be working with you Snap!

She is also going to play matchmaker :3

They get along so well lol

Good news is that she is more or less herself again. Bad news is she more or less herself again. Don't expect it to slide that easily Tacos xD

Avis looked at Jacob with a disappointed face. Seriously, why can't humans just tell it like it is? With her kind, the males were so direct that anybody could tell from a mile away. Maybe he just needs a little push... She flew over to Jacob and began nudging him forward from his back. "Avis what--" Danielle stopped midway as her Murkrow flew off before she even had a chance toask what that wink was for. Thinking that it wasn't important, she turned back to Claude and Ryan's conversation. While Lancelot is a sight to behold for his unique coloration, she was more entertained at Claude's obvious flirting. Danielle couldn't help but giggle over the exchange that is taking place. It was clear that her first friend is gay now, which is very amusing. Just then, James came over to greet them. "Hello James!" She pulled him away from the duo to give them some alone time. "Sorry," she said softly to him, "I didn't want to ruin it for Claude there~ So how are you?"

"An honor to meet you, monsieur!" Danielle smiled. "And hello, little cuties!" She kneeled down to pet them on their heads. Corona also decided to pop out to greet them; the curiosity of this guy and the small Pokemon got to her. Avis gave a "Krow!" as a greeting before looking at Ryan and Jacob. The sign Ryan gave to Jacob earlier... And Jacob asking her master out... Ooohhh, it makes so much sense now to the Murkrow! Avis grinned and perched on Danielle's shoulder, giving her a nudge and a wink and looking at Jacob teasingly. Danielle also heard Claude introducing himself to Ryan, so she continued petting Glacien and Feroces while checking out their reactions. After that battle, she needed a little entertainment to pick herself back up before heading to class.

"Hey, Danielle," Jacob offered, tapping on her shoulder, "Why don't we get dinner in the cafeteria together later? You can explain everything to me there." "Sounds good to me," Danielle replied while she was wiping the dirt away with the towel. By this point, she was able to calm down most of her nerves, but her eyes are still red and slightly puffy. After Devin gave his final remarks to Jacob and Danielle (to which she thanked politely for his concern as well), Avis took the liberty to pop out of her Dusk Ball and flew in Jacob's face, examining him from top to bottom, and gave a teasing look that says "Are you asking my master out?" Corona decided to stay in her Pokeball; she wanted a little relaxation time before dinner. Danielle gave a wave to Slade before he left and, right in his place, came a rather amusing looking guy who fell in his extravagant introduction. "I'm fine now, merci~" she giggled. Danielle remembered him from earlier; it was him who let Danielle know Jacob's name. "My name is Danielle. My partners, as you saw, are Avis and Corona. And how may I address you?"

((Ninja'd)) Corona chirped loudly in agreement with Jacob, effectively snapping Danielle back out into reality. She flinched as Jacob wiped away her tears, but didn't move from her position. Instead, she released her Pokemon from her grip and allowed them to do as they please. Avis, in her tired state, only smiled before she went back inside her Dusk Ball. Corona stayed by her side and started trying to get the sand off herself, with limited success. You could also hear her spitting out sand from her mouth every few seconds. Danielle found herself surrounded by many of her friends. It was comforting to know they that they are sticking with her despite her meltdown. "I-I'm fine, everyone. D-Don't worry," she managed even a small smile. "Thank you, really..." She then turned to Jacob and gave him a hug. "Just give me a time and place. I'll be there," she whispered and gave him a wink. "So," she said, her voice returning more or less to her normal tone, "L-Let's heal up our P-Pokemon before we g-get our final judgment from Professor Cadmus, no?" With that, she got Corona with one arm, ready to walk towards Nurse Joy when the said nurse and her team are already beside them. With a smile, Danielle handed over Corona and her Dusk Ball. "Do you also h-have a towel, Nurse Joy? I d-don't think this is proper attire for a m-meeting with Professor Cadmus." Danielle joked, pointing to her dirt matted state.

Yay! Danielle is not the only female anymore (aside from Lana)! But yeah, welcome to the RP, Tse! Looking forward to your char in the IC thread. Danielle will probably be like: "Whoo!! More reason to blackmail people!!"

Understood. I will edit it most likely.

I did say she was helpless, so I am partly to blame for them jumping into it.

ExLink, is Slade next to Danielle when he asked if she was okay? I'm planning on having her cry on his shoulder or something. She is going to breakdown due to those thoughts again.