Tacos

I'm going to update my post detailing a minor training session that occurred, and will also update the team.

Carissa stepped forward unfazed. "I know I can't be much help against you Candice, so therefore, I will go to the conclave instead. Maybe then I'll get a chance to apologize for everything I did to Claire."

Ryan got off the bus and ran off to the training facility for some well-needed, last minute training. Glacien was so incredibly excited to get stronger that he was already in the northern lake training area before Ryan was, leaving the poor boy to run after him. When Ryan got there, he saw there were two different kinds of machines facing two different targets. Ryan walked over to the first and tapped the screen to turn it on. The screen listed various different water moves, with concentrations varying based on the move's power. Ryan scrolled through the options and selected Brine. The machine spewed out a concentrated stream of water that tore away at the paint on the miniature glacier. Glacien followed suit, picking up the move almost immediately. When the paint was beginning to fade, the stream became stronger. Ryan was satisfied with the progress and shot a reassuring smile to Glacien. He then scooted over to the ice machine. It was similar except for that the moves all pertained to the ice type. Ryan looked through the options and saw that Aurora Beam seemed like an appealing and suitable move for a pokemon Glacien's level. The machine sputtered and then spewed out a plethora of dazzling rings, colored with the hues of every color in the rainbow, all surrounding a technicolor beam that represented the core of the attack, the part that did the damage. The poor Spheal tried his best, but he just couldn't get the colorful hues to appear in his perfectly crafted beam. After a few ice blue pokeblocks, Glacien was spewing out an Aurora Beam that was far more dazzling and powerful than the machine itself. Ryan's face lit up at the same time as Glacien's and they both rejoiced over the victory. Next came Feroces. Oh poor Feroces. He couldn't make much progress here. His natural moveset was never stellar. So Ryan instead decided to push him. The two hustled over to a room that was laid out much like a power plant. Someone was already in there, training what looked like an Electivire. Ryan watched with awe as the large pokemon threw himself at a dummy, his body surging with electrical power with every lunge. Ryan looked down at Feroces questioningly. The Luxio shot back a look of determination, as if he wouldn't leave until he could do that. It was about an hour of training before Feroces seemed to get the hang of it. At first, his attacks were coming out just like spark, only causing minor paralysis and having no other repercussions. He even got so angry that at one point he tried to bite the dummy, and Ryan shouted with surprise when the dummy had little ice fragments left on it after the bite. Not realizing what he had done, Feroces shook it off as if Ryan was just being crazy, and continued lunging at the dummy. He finally ended up dealing heavy damage to the dummy, but in turn, took a fine amount of damage himself. The Luxio had learned Wild Charge after such hard work. Ryan picked up the tiny electric lion and swung him around in his arms, but eventually dropping him as tiny sparks tickled his skin. Victoria. Ever so feisty Victoria. The little one was so eager to learn that by the time Ryan had reached her at the dragonic mountain room, she was already spewing blue flames that seemed to be much stronger than Dragon Rage. Ryan went to a machine and saw a diagram showing a flame similar to Victoria's labeled "Dragon Breath." Ryan was practically jumping for joy. His pokemon were getting so much stronger and he felt as if he might be able to do something this Winter Cup. She then jumped at Ryan, sending her head directly into his stomach. Ryan tensed and the little dragon bounced off of his abdominal muscles. Ryan chuckled at the attempt to use Headbutt. The little dragon was running around the whole area, throwing herself off of small cliffs and trying to get better. At one point, she had leapt off of a rather tall cliff and sent a slice through a dummy with her claws. Ryan checked a small book in the corner, and noticed the move resembled Aerial Ace. Deciding the girl had done enough for today, Ryan grabbed Victoria and put her back in her pokeball, despite her kicking and protest. Delilah perhaps made the most progress of all. The two walked side by side into the desert area and they got directly to work. Delilah began launching attacks all over the place at Sandshrew shaped dummies. After about two hours, she began to glow. Ryan was practically crying as he saw his little Phanpy suddenly develop into such a large Donphan. Ryan's smile was so large and Delilah wanted to mess with him a little. She charged forward and threw her trunk at Ryan's sunglasses, knocking them off of his face. She then held on to them as she ran through the desert, small rocks falling off of the precipices surrounding her. Ryan ran after her and eventually snagged his glasses as he shook his finger at her. He then brought her back into his pokeball as he went to go to sleep. They were training for so long that Ryan hadn't cared he'd stayed up until 1 in the morning. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ryan stood outside the stand with the fortune teller. His feet were frozen like a Trevenant's roots. Maybe this is the time. Maybe things will change. I don't normally believe in this, but I have no choice. Whatever Kage told me might just be false. And this is the time to prove it. My dads said they wouldn't be here until a little later since they missed the ferry. I guess this could help pass the time. He was slightly disappointed that he wasn't the subject of any rumors or gossip. Kage was the top breeder and Jacob was the top trainer. Claude was the most fabulous coordinator. And what was he? The boy who tried to jump off of a cliff on a field trip. He was pathetic, nothing but a loser. Glacien sat between Ryan's legs, staring up at the boy with confident looks. Ryan looked down and saw the Spheal and gave a quick smile. Glacien rolled around his legs, trying to push him forward. Ryan felt a quick tap from Glacien and he stumbled forward, right into the hut. He looked up at the fortune teller with unsuspecting eyes. He gave a quick bow before introducing himself. "Hello madame. My name is Ryan Johnson, and I'd like you to help me straighten out my future."

And after 100+ pages, Chapter 2 was put to an end.

So should we not follow up in the IC and just wait 'til Chapter 3?

Jackson flew onto the floor, barely missing the menacing ball, as it swung past him, he slid over and then stood up. He focused once again, grabbing the ball and swinging it towards a set of stone pillars.

Jackson was a bit concerned at about how dangerous the ball could be, but he had to try something. Shattering the pillars won't do me much good, I bet. How about the door? Jackson shifted his stance and gazed at the door. It's go time. Jackson slipped off his gloves. The disturbance twisted and turned as if it was stretching. It had been too long since they were in open air. They then merged together between both hands and surrounded the ball. Jackson dug his heels into the floor and gave a huge push in an attempt to launch the ball towards the door.

"A coward? Hell no. It was great that you didn't make Lucas or Al'Thor deal with that fight. I don't know, just maybe it would be nice to have more confidence in them. They need you as much as you need them, honestly." Ryan stepped forward. "Glad to know nothing's wrong though. If there's emotional distress in this relationship, I'm glad it's only from me."

Chapter 2: Darkness Without a Dawn As you can imagine, like any cliche story, Stan and Linda continued to go on multiple dates. On the second, Stan learned Linda’s last name was Santorin. And boy was that a huge detail to leave out. Joseph Santorin was currently the president of the United States. On the third date, Stan got the full story. “La Restaurante Petite.” That was where their third date took place. A miniature but more than elegant restaurant deep in the heart of New York City. Linda was wearing this time, a black dress that glimmered in the presence of light, her same sapphire adorned necklace, a pair of jet black heels that were obviously way too tall for her no matter how hard she tried to make them work, long, incredibly dangly earrings with a pattern far too difficult to describe, and her hair back in a bun commonly seen at a high school prom. What was Stan wearing? A simple black jacket over a white button down that clung tightly to his fit body, a pair of dress shoes to match the color of Linda’s heels, and nice trousers that were just a lighter black than his shoes. The two sat down at a rounded table, staring affectionately into each other’s eyes. But hiding behind Stan’s hazel eyes was a nipping sense of curiosity. Linda always left him guessing after every time they’d met, but this time wouldn’t be the case. He readjusted his collar before clearing his throat. “Linda, you told me your last name is Santorin. And the world knows that our President goes by the same name. So please just tell me if there’s some sort of relation.” Stan’s voice was pleading. “Hush, Stan. I don’t need people hearing this.” Linda sighed and continued on in a whisper. “Yes, I am the daughter to President Santorin, regrettably. The man was an awful person. Dealt drugs like a deck of cards. Tried to oil anybody who disagreed with him in Senate before he became president. In fact, he killed the wives of all three men who he feared would defeat him in his campaign. Then again, that was only the first term. Got the hell out of there the second I turned eighteen. Heard about how candidate Smith’s wife was murdered just about a year ago? And how convenient was it that it happened while my father and him were the two main candidates for Presidency then?” Linda looked distressed, darting her eyes back and forth across the restaurant. The only other inhabitants were a man and a woman who seemed to be dining together, however, the man seemed bit more dressed up than his date. “And why couldn’t you tell me this before? I didn’t need the backstory, just a confirmation. Why are you so worried?” Stan laid his hands on top of Linda’s. “Another day, my dear.” —————————————————————————————————————— And thus, life continued for the businessman and the president’s daughter. Within a few years the two were married. Nine months later, a baby was born, and I’m sure it wasn’t hard to guess his date of conception. And I’m sure that’s where you’re thinking I entered the scene. Actually no, that child was a stillborn. So there went my chance at a brother. A year later, I was born. Trent Ron Fitzgerald, the boy who lived a loveless life. Well, not exactly loveless. It was rather love-filled for the first five joyous years before things turned to shit. Mom was reading me a book while Dad was out at work. I can’t remember the title. But I do remember it was yellow and detailed a monkey that went on a lot of adventures. But I thought he was stupid so I never bothered to pay attention. I remember hearing the door to the apartment creak open. Mom must have heard it too as she craned her neck to peek outside the doorway. “Stan? Is that you?” Mom’s voice was shaky. The blood had drained from her face and what was left was a face the color of pure snow. But I didn’t notice. My tiny brain was too immature to analyze the drastic situation. She walked over to me, the familiar scratching of her slippers against the floor comforted me. She patted my head and kissed me on the cheek, slipping out the door without uttering a word. She shut the door behind her as quietly as she could. A quick click signaled that the door had been locked. I sat on my bed, staring at the wall and I pushed the book onto the floor. I swung my legs back and forth. I was bored. The only entertainment I found was hearing the voices straining themselves through the walls. But I was too young to understand the severity of the situation and the words that were spoken. “Wh-who are you?” “Miss Santorin, please come with us.” “Like Hell I would go with people like you. I already know you’re with my father.” A muffled shout made its way through the door. I began to weep. Quietly though. Shoes scuffed against the tile floors leading to the apartment exit. Another muffled shout rang out before the door slammed shut. “Mommy? Mommy where are you?” My weeping began to intensify. I was in tears. My mother wasn’t opening the door. But why should I have expected her to answer? She was obviously gone, taken by the men who worked for her father. I cried for five hours waiting for my father to get home. And when he did, everything changed. Stan walked through the door. He called out for my mom, but she never answered. It was then that he heard the crying. He rushed into my bedroom and scooped me up into his arms. He quickly rubbed the tears off of my face. Still in his arms, he carried me out into the kitchen. Everything was neat. No chairs tipped, no glasses shattered. It’s almost like nothing happened there. Like my mother never existed. The only thing out of the ordinary was a note lying on the table. You’re lucky you weren’t here, Stan Fitzgerald. And your son, even luckier. - Your Father in Law. Dad put me down on the floor. I still didn’t know what was happening, so I crawled over into the other room and sat in front of the fireplace. It was burning, which was unusual considering it was summer. Lying in the corner of the fire place was my dad’s business card. It’s corners were singed. It was lucky it hadn’t been instantly incinerated. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ It’s been ten years and I haven’t seen my mother since. My father fell into heavy drinking. He would down a six pack in two hours each night like it was nothing. I made my own meals. I did the laundry. I took the motherly role in this family. The only thing that man did was pay the bills. Every night I would lie down in my bed and repeat something my mother would always say to me. “It’s always darkest before the dawn, sweetheart.” I’m well past the darkness. And let me tell you, dawns don’t exist.

"Fine I guess. Henry basically followed the same thing you did. He took no effort in trying to defeat Glacien. But this isn't about me, ok? I had my time yesterday. This is about you. So tell me honestly, is something else the matter?" Ryan grabbed Kage's hand and gently stroked it, an embrace he thought would be comforting but not too much for the situation.

If I find the time, I'll try and get some themes together. Really like all the themes I've gotten so far though! c:

Carissa's confident attitude dropped so quickly at the mention of breaking bones. Her arms fell limp and her cocked hip straightened. She then shot Candice a look of regret for speaking up. "I-I'm sorry Candice. I was far too harsh. I was just scared and concerned." Carissa sighed, stepping forward feebly. "I'll be gentler from now on, but that doesn't mean my strength will fall with it."

Ryan's face twisted in confusion after seeing Kage walk off the field. He ran after him. It didn't take him that long to reach him and tap him on his shoulder. "Hey man. You doing alright?"

Theme me up, Scottie.

You know you guys can check the obtainable list to see what you can and can't get. It'll help you make your predictions.

"Oh glory."~

Carissa came from behind the corner and walked out, standing tall and confident next to Jory. Just because the two had fallen for each other, did not mean Carissa was going to take the backseat and play the scared little girl. She stood and watched as Fria revealed her true identity as Candice. Well it's not like it was a shocker, but I definitely couldn't predict it. The fact we all made it here shows that the leaders of Snowpoint weren't careful enough even with knowing the danger of the incoming threat. So it was obvious someone from us was on the inside. Carissa stepped forward and stuck out her hip, showing confidence and a little sass as she crossed her arms. "So, Candice, what made you want to join our side?"

You don't always have to put on the things you like. Suggestions are a great thing. If you're not sure what to play, start off taking suggestions, get a feel for what the crowd wants, and then make music selections based off of that. The time the suggested songs are playing is ideal to search for said music. And if you want to play something you're more into, that's not something to worry about. You never know what music the crowd likes until you experiment.

No, it's not too much. Just please do so a little more considerately. Your suggestion would have been taken easily without the complaint about choice of music at the party. It also wasn't just the DJ's fault considering they did take requests. To deny someone their requested music would just be incredibly rude. And while I was there, it wasn't really "99% techno". Whether that changed after I left, I have no clue. While I wasn't a fan of all the music, I kept an open mind and found that I enjoyed quite a few of the songs and that I ended up using the 'grab' feature quite frequently. I'd be willing to DJ. Used to do that a lot since I had a really bad obsession with Plug.dj a year ago. If only my old account wasn't erased. Salt salt salt salt.

Just happened with me actually. Aether Wing Kayle didn't register. And it happened the next game too wtf.

Yeah, it sucked cause Shiri and I were hella fed too.