Post by sarah on Nov 14, 2009 17:17:15 GMT -5
{It's dark and damp, as you might expect, and slightly intimidating. What else would you expect from a prison? Thankfully it's a tiny one, situated in a small town that usually has no need for things such as prisons, and indeed there is only one cell occupied: the cell of the person you've come to see.
The officer gives a sigh as you approach, swirling the keys around on their fingers.
"Alright, here you go. Be sure to tell him he's lucky, and he won't get off so easy next time!" He scolds, before unlocking the cell and walking away muttering something that sounds like "juvenile delinquents."
Putting the old officer out of you mind, you instead turn your gaze to the boy sitting in the cell, looking torn between surprise and amusement. He doesn't seem too concerned about the fact that he is in a jail cell, and to be honest looks as if it's something he's used to (although to the trained eye there is a sort of immense relief in his eyes at the fact that the door is open). Now that the officer has left, however, he gives you a questioning look and you attempt to explain yourself.
"Er, you see, I'm doing interviews for an article about, um, criminals and since your offense was very minor they're willing to let you out if you agree..." The words run out of your mouth in a hurry, which he seems to notice. He gives you a sort of smirk.
"What if I say no?" He says simply, sharp eyes staring you down from his seat in his cell.
"Then you stay here for another night."
He continues to stare at you, although he appears to be thinking, weighing his options. Finally he speaks again.
"Fine. Can we do it outside?"
At the shake of your head (you've been told he'll likely run if you go out there) he sighs in a bored manner and waves his hand at you in a way that seems to say "Fine, then, do it."}[/color]
W E S ;[/font][/color][/center]
Parents call me..
Parents? My parents... didn't approve of my choices in life, so I'd rather not think about what they would call me right now, heh.
{He gives a sort of wry smile at that, but continues on}
But if you mean my real name, it's Matsuoka Leo. ...I know, I know, Leo, but... Almost no one knows my real name anyway.
{You realize of course, that now you do, and find the idea that you are of a select group rather interesting, but he suddenly grins}
How do you know I'm not lying about that, too?
My Friends call me..
I've been known as Wes for as long as I can remember. I'd have to be stupid to not have some kind of an alias, you know?
{He gives an off-hand shrug}
But to be honest I don't know where Wes came from. Probably from when I was younger... From before I decided to use it as an actual name. The kids in my neighborhood were always giving each other nicknames, and a lot of them were forgotten but some seemed to stick. I was "Eevee Boy," "Stripes," and, maybe, "Wes."
Well, it worked for me, anyway, so now my name is Wes, and I would appreciate you calling me that.
{He pins you down with another stare and you continue on quickly}
I'm not an it! I'm a..
{He raises an eyebrow at this, a mixed look of shock and annoyance apparent (although you get the feeling he is holding some of it back). He seems to be waiting for you to say "just kidding!" but when you do not he speaks.}
...I'm a boy. I would think it was obvious enough. Don't they teach you that sort of thing at journalism school?
I'm not going to prove it if that's what you mean, so back off!
{He gives you a glare as you hastily say that no, that won't be necessary and continue}
I am a...
{At this, he looks thoughtful}
How do you just ask someone what they are? Heh, whatever. I guess trainer would be the easiest way to describe me, huh?
{He seems to be asking himself more than you, bu seems to agree with his own description}
I only have two Pokemon right now, though. Honestly, they're all I need. They work with each-other well, and I work well with them. I prefer double-battles, see...
{He trails off a bit, before suddenly looking annoyed}
Of course, they took them when I got in here, along with my Snag Machine... They better not have broken it, or messed with them!
{At you assurance that everything is fine, it's at the front desk he calms down immediately, and you get a strange sense of foreboding as he appears to think before continuing}
I'm also an ex-member of Team Snagem.
{He pushes right through your confused look.}
No, you probably haven't heard of them, so count yourself lucky. They're from Orre, which you may or may not have heard of. They were only ever big there. The idiots probably couldn't expand if they wanted to.
{Despite this statement, he looks as if he wonders if they could, really.}
But I'm an ex-member, so you don't have to worry about that. Really.
I don't need wrinkle cream! I'm..
I'm seventeen, although I probably will need wrinkle cream by the time I am in my twenties, considering I'm in the sun so much. Orre is mostly desert, after all.
{This last part seem to be more of a thought to himself than an explanation to you, although as he thinks more he hurriedly tries to explain}
Er, though, not that if I needed it I would use something like that, of course! I mean, come on... wrinkle cream? Could you really picture me using something like that?
Do you think I need a diet?
{Slight shock and disgust takes over his features at that.}
A diet?! I am NOT going on one of those. They make girls all... insane.. Ugh.
{He shivers before realizing what you really meant.}
Oh, how I look? Why don't you just say that? ...Whatever.
I've got light, sandy-colored hair, and it's really kind of ridiculous. Completely unruly, really, it spikes wherever it feels like it. Sometimes I wish I could just shove a hat over it, but I'm not really a hat person. Which is completely irrelevant, I know.
{He puts a hand up to said hair and attempts to flatten a bit; it fails and you see what he means.}
I have this thing that normally sits on my forehead. Real descriptive, I know. See, they're actually glasses, whether they look like it or not. I need to keep sand out of my eyes SOMEHOW, especially when I'm riding my bike through Orre, wasteland that it is. I hear there are some deserts around here, too, so they'll com in handy there, too.
{Despite the fact that he keeps calling Orre a wasteland,t he fact that he wants to go to the deserts in other areas as well makes you think that maybe he doesn't dislike the place as much as he mentions.}
They're silver, and completely rectangular, but they get the job done.
My eyes are a sort of gold-color. I've been told I have eagle-eyes (whatever that means. What is an eagle, anyway?), supposedly because of how they look and they're sharpness.
{You agree- you've been the subject of those sharp eyes almost since entering. It's almost unnerving, actually.}
I've always had good eyesight- it's useful when you're looking for interesting things to steal, good ways to escape a place, you know, the usual stuff.
{You give him a blank stare.}
...What, you're saying most people don't look for that kind of stuff?
{He looks unconcerned, and ignores your expression.}
My memory has a habit of being photographic sometimes... If I SEE something, chances are I'll remember it. Usually if someone just says it, I won't. That's... Sort of a problem, usually, which is why I had to take notes when I was given my missions when i was with Team Snagem. Or just when you hear important stuff, you know? So I, er, have this little notebook to write important stuff in... No, they didn't confiscate it, it's small enough to hide so it's in my shoe.
{Once again he chooses to ignore the look on your face and moves on.}
I've been told I don't have a very expressive face, either. I used to try really hard not to show my emotions in some situations, but sometimes you just can't help it, you know? I guess you don't even notice after a while. It's a useful skill, anyway.
{He shrugs once more, and you vaguely wonder how much of the emotion in this interview was real or fake, or where he hid his feelings.}
I'm pretty good with the whole "mischievous look" when I want to be, though, heh. I've also got this streak of silver paint across my face. That was a habit from when I was younger that I just never stopped doing.
{You suppose this is where the name "Stripes" comes from, although wonder why the Mew he had started doing something like painting his face, anyway.}
The clothes I normally wear might seem a bit eccentric. Or at least really warm, and they are, don't worry. It's a black turtleneck and black pants, and black boots for starters. I find that boots are always useful to be wearing. They're good for hiking, kicking people, and they don't wear down quite as fast.
{You once again make a face that he doesn't seem to notice, and you can help but wonder... What?!}
Layered over that I have this long, blue, jacket-type deal and a pair of navy-blue gloves. I guess you might be wondering what it was that I had on my arm before, right?
{At your (almost hesitant) look now he smirks} [/coor]
It's called a snag machine, and no you cannot have one, suck it up. It really almost blends in with my jacket, although it is a darker blue in places and had red trimmings. And, of course, it's use is much more important than a regular jacket sleeve. What's it used for? Come on, now, have some patience.
{He seems to be enjoying having suddenly turned the table and taken over the interview in the sense that it is moving on his terms, not yours.}
I'm not the tallest guy around, unfortunately. It's... kind of hard to act intimidating when you're only five-foot-something, but I like to think I can pull it off sometimes. And I might not look it at all, but I'm actually pretty strong. Well, strong... Enough. I go more for speed. I know that sounds wrong, shut up.
{You immediately stop laughing.}
Back in my Team Snagem days I was useful because of this; I was fast enough to rush in and out, sneaky enough to not be caught, and strong enough (myself or my Pokemon) to beat someone if I was caught. That's how I rose up into the ranks so quickly.
I don't know if I'm good-looking or not. I don't care, honestly- I have more important things to be doing.
My emotional disposition?
"Emotional disposition...?" Really, now? Well, I guess since you asked so NICELY...
{He rolls his eyes and sighs}
I'm quiet at first, I guess. I don't really bother talking to people unless there's a reason for it, unless there's something in it for me. People can be... boring, anyway. All they do is talk about the weather, or how great they are. Huh, I bet I know quite a few people who could show them otherwise. But anyway, that doesn't exactly make me a "mean person" in simplest terms. I just don't bother. I suppose you could pin-point it as being "shy." Maybe that's what it is. Bomb a factory? No problem. Sneak in and steal something worth millions? No problem. Walk up to someone and start a conversation for no reason? Uhh, no.
{A shrug; he looks unconcerned.}
I don't really understand people, anyway. I mean, obviously I'm a person, but they're so... Selfish. I'm selfish, too, so don't think I'm not including myself! I don't know, I don't understand it, but I tend to isolate myself from people because I simply don't understand them at all.
{The look in his eyes hardens for a moment, but before you can look further he blinks and moves on.}
I'm pretty determined, too. Once I think about doing something, I have to do it. There's no thinking about it for ages until I finally do it- no, it's right away. I'm definitely not "all talk no action-" honestly I'm more the other way around. I just do things without thinking it or talking it over with anyone (like I have anyone to talk it over with anyway.)
{You find this easy to believe, considering, for one, that he's currently seated in a cell.}
Which brings up another point: friends. I've never really had friends... I've never really trusted anyone. I guess when I was younger I did. I played around with the other kids in my neighborhood and everything, like most kids did. But were they really friends? Friends is such a shallow term. Everyone called everyone their friends, but do they really mean it? They expect them to do things for them, but don't do anything in return. Do they really give a damn about each other?
{He suddenly coughs, having gotten slightly off-track.}
Then I joined Team Snagem, and there were certainly no friends there, not even Gonzap as much as I used to want to believe it. I suppose I'm out of practice with that. How does someone go about making friends? I don't know. I guess my Pokemon are my friends, but other than that...
{He fixes you with an amused smirk.}
Basically, I'm socially awkward.
Still, I have this weird thing about "doing the right thing." That makes absolutely no sense, all things considering.
Here, let me try to explain.
I have absolutely no problem with stealing. It's the fault of the person that it was stolen from, isn't it? They should have guarded it better. Little crimes like that I have no problem with, and even enjoy. It's thrilling, you know? That's why I'm in here, you know. Pretty dumb reason to be caught, really. But when it comes to Pokemon, or even people, I guess I can't help it. I hate when people mistreat Pokemon. It drives me crazy, and I'll tell them.
{The glint in his eye gives you know doubt to this; he means it, and you're very glad you don't abuse Pokemon because the idea of this kid getting revenge for them is suddenly terrifying.}
Any "shyness" you might think I have is gone by that point. That's why I quit, but that's another story. Basically, people who are cruel to Pokemon are just trash, and they need to be taken care of.
As far as people? Well, I don't like hurting people. That hardly makes sense, either. Sometimes you have to, you can't get around it, but I try to prevent it as much as possible. Even if I don't understand people, even if for the most part I don't like them, I don't like when the way they treat each other. It's... stupid. Pointless. Cold. I don't know, I just hate it, even if I have to do it sometimes. Heh, I'm such a hypocrite, right? Forcing my "self-righteousness" at other people, when if they did the same to me I would tell them to shove it up their ass.
{The glint is still there, and you're feeling almost uncomfortable and hope he moves on quickly.}
That's why I prefer Pokemon battles so much more. They're exciting, and any decent person is careful when battling to avoid any real injuries on the Pokemon.
{He suddenly looks away from you, staring rather determinately at the wall instead.}
I'm not going to pretend I haven't hurt people before- It comes with the line of work, like I said. But I at least try to avoid it, and if I see someone else getting hurt, or say, kidnapped, I wouldn't hesitate to help them.
Of course, I would normally just leave them after that. I don't need a thank you. Honestly they should be more careful, but... ugh. People, you know. Why can't people be as smart as some Pokemon? It'd make things a lot easier for me, anyway.
{He shakes his head as if recalling some instances.}
I'm pretty good at lying, and do it a lot. Sometimes I lie for no reason, just because I felt like it or thought it would be amusing. Sometimes it just comes out. Who knows? I also have a weakness for stealing. Sometimes I just... Grab? Heh. They won't miss whatever I take, right? Like your wallet. You won't be needing that, right?
{You look panicked, but he just smirks.}
Kidding.
I'm really not the smartest person around, either. Well, I guess that depends on your definition of "smart." I never did well in school because I never cared, but I'm... Clever? I don't know, I can think of things to do in situations pretty fast (usually to get out of them), and have on SEVERAL occasions been called a smart-ass (despite that fact that that is smart in a different sense), so make of that what you will.
Things that are Groovy:
Pokemon:
- They're smart, loyal, and as good of friends as I'm going to get. I actually... Trust mine? I said I've never trusted anyone, but I trust my Pokemon.
Noise:
- I hate when it's quiet. I would honestly much rather have loud noise twenty-four seven, it doesn't bother me. Helps me focus more, if that makes sense. I don't know why; maybe from just growing up in a noisy place?
Stealing and Lying:[/b
- Odd likes, but it makes things interesting, like I said.
Music:
- Yes, I know. I actually like music a lot. Like I said, I hate when it's quiet.
My motorcycle:
- ...What's not to like?
Tea:
- Don't you dare laugh.
The desert:
- I... like it. I don't know. It's huge, it makes me feel small, and it's just... different.
Battling:
- It's... thrilling.
Running:
- I always won races when I was younger. I wasn't so good at sports in general, but I could still outrun everyone.
Freedom:
- To me, it's extremely important.[/color]
Things that aren't so Groovy:
Stupid People:
- Who doesn't not like stupid people? Unfortunately for me I tend to run into quite a bit of them.
Pokemon Abuse:
- Already told you, didn't I?
The way people treat each other:
- Also already mentioned, I hate the way they treat each other, I hate the way I treat them, I just...
Team Snagem:
- I can't stand what they've become.
Cipher
- The bastards.
Rain:
- Everything gets all wet and it's slippery, and just... ugh.
The Ocean:
- ...idon'tlikeitokay.
When it's too quiet:
- It sucks?
Close spaces:
- I don't enjoy being cooped up in one place, unable to go anywhere else. Oh, hey, by the way, have you seen this cell? It's pretty small, isn't it?
[/color]
But..I'm afraid!
{He stares at you for what seems like a long time before giving a sigh.}
Hmm. Fine. I guess I'll say... I'm afraid of getting attached to anyone or anything. Nothing good has ever come of it, people just stab you in the back and- Oh, right. Sorry.
{He coughs and scratches the back of his neck.}
I'm also afraid of the ocean, and floods, and rivers and streams... Water, basically. Not Water Pokemon (well okay, sometimes. It depends on the Pokemon, I guess.), just... Water. People get lost at sea all the time, and it's so... huge. Plus who knows what's in it? I have dreams all the time about drowning, actually. Well, and other things... I hate dreams, nightmares. Hate them. I can't control what happens in them and it just shoves everything you hate in your face over and over again. I've even had the Pokemon attack used on me before, and it was... Terrible.
Well, water's my biggest fear.
{You find it amusing, almost, and he seems to sense it as he gives you a small glare.}
It's also kind of... embarrassing? But I'm... afraid of being locked up, like this, forever.
{He gestures to the cell.}
I don't like not being able to do what I want, when I want. I enjoy... Freedom. A lot. And being locked away for the rest of my life is not my idea of freedom, obviously.
Why do I break the law then? I just said, I want to be able to do what I want, when I want, didn't I? If I stopped doing that because of a fear of losing the ability to do it, then I would have lost anyway.
{You blink.}
...I know it's confusing. It makes sense to me.
But of course I try not to show any "fears."
[/color]
I like to...
{He seems to be getting bored with this little "interview" and lists things off on his fingers.}
Battle, be in the desert, ride my motorcycle, train, eat, pull of completely elaborate missions for absolutely no reason, hiking, traveling, doing... anyway, whatever I want...
{An annoyed look finds its way to you.}
I'm not filling out a personal ad, here, figure it out yourself.
[/color]
My reason?
{He gives a small "huff."}
For doing what? Stealing? It's interesting, it's just something I've always done. I can't even help it, really.
Quitting Team Snagem? They suck. Really.
Training? It's fun, I like Pokemon.
Traveling? Even if I COULD stay in one play for very long, I wouldn't- it's better to see different places.
I really don't know what you expect me to say. Haven't you ever heard of privacy?
{He gives you an accusing look.}
[/color]
Mandatory Angst:
I'm not in the habit of telling ANYONE about my past, and honestly don't want to start now, but if I have to...
{You nod; he has to. Wes rolls his eyes but talks anyway.}
Well I had an alright childhood. Like I said, I played with the kids in my neighborhood, which wasn't the greatest in the world, but whatever. My parents were... nice. I suppose.
{He glances away, appearing to be deep in thought.}
We didn't have all that much money, and I guess I never understood that. I mean, I guess they did the best they could, but their best just wasn't good enough. It wasn't good enough for us, it wasn't good enough for the world. So obviously life could be difficult sometime,s but life's difficult for everyone, all the time. I'm nothin' special in that respect. But whatever. When I was younger us not having a lot didn't really matter. I just kind of took whatever I needed anyway, you know?
{The smirk returned, along with a bit of pride in his childhood-self.}
My parents didn't like that, I'm sure you can tell. Anyway, when I was about ten I wanted to go on the usual Pokemon journey that all those kids love going on. I already had two Pokemon: both were Eevees. I was known as the "Eevee Boy" when I was younger, I kid you not. To be honest I don't even remember how I met them. I was probably playing in the park of something and found them... It was odd, because there aren't many Pokemon in Orre, which was why the whole journey thing didn't work out. If you've ever been there, it's basically a wasteland. Sure, I love it, but I'm willing to admit that. So that wasn't going to work. My parents... Probably would have let me go to Kanto of Johto of wherever else kids did that sort of Pokemon thing. They probably would have scrounged up the money to buy me a boat ticket, a little backpack and traveling supplies... But instead of asking the or something, I ran away.
{He looks away, again, but he continues speaking.}
I had seen an ad for Team Snagem that was recruiting young trainers. It promised I could work with Pokemon, and do whatever I want, basically.
So I left.
He seems to be trying to look unconcerned.}
I'm sure my parents were really upset about it, and I actually do feel guilty. Sure, times were hard, but we'd always gotten through them. I was a... stupid kid. Sometimes I wonder where they are now, but I really almost don't want to see them.
{You can believe that. Returning to your parents after willingly running away from home?}
So, anyway, I joined Team Snagem. It was great. I could do anything I wanted, just as they had promised, and as I grew older I rose through the ranks quickly. The leader, Gonzap, and I got along pretty well at first. We planned heists together, and sometimes I kind of felt... like he was another father to me. Stupid, I know. He wasn't always an awful person. But anyway, that changed when Cipher came to Orre.
{He scowls, shaking his head at the mention of them.}
The idiots. They thought they could get away with stealing other people's Pokemon. As much as I didn't mind stealing... I couldn't do that. If the Pokemon were happy with their trainer, who was I to take them? And then there was the fact that they were making them into these things called Shadow Pokemon. The process was awful. I saw it once and never wanted to see it again.
{The hardened look and glint in his eyes was back, and in conjunction with the scowl on his face it's enough to make you almost want to leave.}
It was painful for them to close their hearts, and they became... Slaves, slaves subjected to pain every second as they were forced to do the orders of people who usually just wanted their power for their own selfish reasons.
I couldn't be a part of that, so I left to find something to do about it.
But not without blowing up the headquarters and stealing a very valuable, small-sized Snag Machine.
{He looks as if he is recalling a particularly good memory.}
Oh, the Snag Machine. You've been patient, so I suppose I could explain. The Snag Machine, put simply, is capable of stealing other people's caught Pokemon.
{You look horrified; he looks as if he's expected it.}
Now, now, did you learn nothing? I said I wouldn't steal other people's Pokemon. Well, unless they're Shadow Pokemon. If I can steal them from the people using them (sometimes they don't even realize they're Shadow Pokemon, idiots, so things get a little messy) then I can try and get them back to their old self.
Well, anyway, after that escapade, I crossed the sea in a boat to get to these regions.
{He makes a face}
I'd... never seen the ocean before. I've never liked water, never swam in the public pool or anything, but the ocean was... Big, and full of who knows what? I don't like not knowing what's down there, and the whole ride here I had nightmares about drowning, and other things.
{He attempts to smooth this bit of information over by continuing.}
Well, I figured here was as good a place as any to plan what I was going to do. I know, thinking about what I'm doing before doing it? Crazy idea. But Cipher and Snagem have become such a problem that I think I need... a plan.
Oh and by the way...
Don't bother trying to convince me of ANYTHING- I'm pretty stubborn.
{He shrugs.}
Anyway, are we almost done?
{You're done with the interview of course, but the fact remains taht he had just admitted doing several more crimes to you, including blowing up a factory! You can't just let him go, and he seems to know it. The second you open your mouth to ask the officer to come, he's side-stepped you easily and exited the cell, running down the hall towards the door to the main area, which has just been conveniently opened by the officer you called. He almost twirls to get out of his reach and runs through, grabbing his belongings from the counter without stopping and running outside.
"W-what just happened?! Get him!" The officer wheezes, and the two of you run outside where two Pokemon are now seated in the side-car of his motorcycle, lock removed by the Espeon's psychic abilities.
Too late- he's already driving off, grinning and finally free again. As the motorcycle passed you he gives a mock-salute, and all you can do is shake your head in annoyance as the officer attempts to chase after him, calling in back-up.}[/color]
I'm just a proxy for..
{As he drives by, a piece of paper flutters down bearing one word: SARAH.}
[/color]
i do not own these images! i got them from photobucket.[/b]
The officer gives a sigh as you approach, swirling the keys around on their fingers.
"Alright, here you go. Be sure to tell him he's lucky, and he won't get off so easy next time!" He scolds, before unlocking the cell and walking away muttering something that sounds like "juvenile delinquents."
Putting the old officer out of you mind, you instead turn your gaze to the boy sitting in the cell, looking torn between surprise and amusement. He doesn't seem too concerned about the fact that he is in a jail cell, and to be honest looks as if it's something he's used to (although to the trained eye there is a sort of immense relief in his eyes at the fact that the door is open). Now that the officer has left, however, he gives you a questioning look and you attempt to explain yourself.
"Er, you see, I'm doing interviews for an article about, um, criminals and since your offense was very minor they're willing to let you out if you agree..." The words run out of your mouth in a hurry, which he seems to notice. He gives you a sort of smirk.
"What if I say no?" He says simply, sharp eyes staring you down from his seat in his cell.
"Then you stay here for another night."
He continues to stare at you, although he appears to be thinking, weighing his options. Finally he speaks again.
"Fine. Can we do it outside?"
At the shake of your head (you've been told he'll likely run if you go out there) he sighs in a bored manner and waves his hand at you in a way that seems to say "Fine, then, do it."}[/color]
W E S ;
Parents call me..
Parents? My parents... didn't approve of my choices in life, so I'd rather not think about what they would call me right now, heh.
{He gives a sort of wry smile at that, but continues on}
But if you mean my real name, it's Matsuoka Leo. ...I know, I know, Leo, but... Almost no one knows my real name anyway.
{You realize of course, that now you do, and find the idea that you are of a select group rather interesting, but he suddenly grins}
How do you know I'm not lying about that, too?
My Friends call me..
I've been known as Wes for as long as I can remember. I'd have to be stupid to not have some kind of an alias, you know?
{He gives an off-hand shrug}
But to be honest I don't know where Wes came from. Probably from when I was younger... From before I decided to use it as an actual name. The kids in my neighborhood were always giving each other nicknames, and a lot of them were forgotten but some seemed to stick. I was "Eevee Boy," "Stripes," and, maybe, "Wes."
Well, it worked for me, anyway, so now my name is Wes, and I would appreciate you calling me that.
{He pins you down with another stare and you continue on quickly}
I'm not an it! I'm a..
{He raises an eyebrow at this, a mixed look of shock and annoyance apparent (although you get the feeling he is holding some of it back). He seems to be waiting for you to say "just kidding!" but when you do not he speaks.}
...I'm a boy. I would think it was obvious enough. Don't they teach you that sort of thing at journalism school?
I'm not going to prove it if that's what you mean, so back off!
{He gives you a glare as you hastily say that no, that won't be necessary and continue}
I am a...
{At this, he looks thoughtful}
How do you just ask someone what they are? Heh, whatever. I guess trainer would be the easiest way to describe me, huh?
{He seems to be asking himself more than you, bu seems to agree with his own description}
I only have two Pokemon right now, though. Honestly, they're all I need. They work with each-other well, and I work well with them. I prefer double-battles, see...
{He trails off a bit, before suddenly looking annoyed}
Of course, they took them when I got in here, along with my Snag Machine... They better not have broken it, or messed with them!
{At you assurance that everything is fine, it's at the front desk he calms down immediately, and you get a strange sense of foreboding as he appears to think before continuing}
I'm also an ex-member of Team Snagem.
{He pushes right through your confused look.}
No, you probably haven't heard of them, so count yourself lucky. They're from Orre, which you may or may not have heard of. They were only ever big there. The idiots probably couldn't expand if they wanted to.
{Despite this statement, he looks as if he wonders if they could, really.}
But I'm an ex-member, so you don't have to worry about that. Really.
I don't need wrinkle cream! I'm..
I'm seventeen, although I probably will need wrinkle cream by the time I am in my twenties, considering I'm in the sun so much. Orre is mostly desert, after all.
{This last part seem to be more of a thought to himself than an explanation to you, although as he thinks more he hurriedly tries to explain}
Er, though, not that if I needed it I would use something like that, of course! I mean, come on... wrinkle cream? Could you really picture me using something like that?
Do you think I need a diet?
{Slight shock and disgust takes over his features at that.}
A diet?! I am NOT going on one of those. They make girls all... insane.. Ugh.
{He shivers before realizing what you really meant.}
Oh, how I look? Why don't you just say that? ...Whatever.
I've got light, sandy-colored hair, and it's really kind of ridiculous. Completely unruly, really, it spikes wherever it feels like it. Sometimes I wish I could just shove a hat over it, but I'm not really a hat person. Which is completely irrelevant, I know.
{He puts a hand up to said hair and attempts to flatten a bit; it fails and you see what he means.}
I have this thing that normally sits on my forehead. Real descriptive, I know. See, they're actually glasses, whether they look like it or not. I need to keep sand out of my eyes SOMEHOW, especially when I'm riding my bike through Orre, wasteland that it is. I hear there are some deserts around here, too, so they'll com in handy there, too.
{Despite the fact that he keeps calling Orre a wasteland,t he fact that he wants to go to the deserts in other areas as well makes you think that maybe he doesn't dislike the place as much as he mentions.}
They're silver, and completely rectangular, but they get the job done.
My eyes are a sort of gold-color. I've been told I have eagle-eyes (whatever that means. What is an eagle, anyway?), supposedly because of how they look and they're sharpness.
{You agree- you've been the subject of those sharp eyes almost since entering. It's almost unnerving, actually.}
I've always had good eyesight- it's useful when you're looking for interesting things to steal, good ways to escape a place, you know, the usual stuff.
{You give him a blank stare.}
...What, you're saying most people don't look for that kind of stuff?
{He looks unconcerned, and ignores your expression.}
My memory has a habit of being photographic sometimes... If I SEE something, chances are I'll remember it. Usually if someone just says it, I won't. That's... Sort of a problem, usually, which is why I had to take notes when I was given my missions when i was with Team Snagem. Or just when you hear important stuff, you know? So I, er, have this little notebook to write important stuff in... No, they didn't confiscate it, it's small enough to hide so it's in my shoe.
{Once again he chooses to ignore the look on your face and moves on.}
I've been told I don't have a very expressive face, either. I used to try really hard not to show my emotions in some situations, but sometimes you just can't help it, you know? I guess you don't even notice after a while. It's a useful skill, anyway.
{He shrugs once more, and you vaguely wonder how much of the emotion in this interview was real or fake, or where he hid his feelings.}
I'm pretty good with the whole "mischievous look" when I want to be, though, heh. I've also got this streak of silver paint across my face. That was a habit from when I was younger that I just never stopped doing.
{You suppose this is where the name "Stripes" comes from, although wonder why the Mew he had started doing something like painting his face, anyway.}
The clothes I normally wear might seem a bit eccentric. Or at least really warm, and they are, don't worry. It's a black turtleneck and black pants, and black boots for starters. I find that boots are always useful to be wearing. They're good for hiking, kicking people, and they don't wear down quite as fast.
{You once again make a face that he doesn't seem to notice, and you can help but wonder... What?!}
Layered over that I have this long, blue, jacket-type deal and a pair of navy-blue gloves. I guess you might be wondering what it was that I had on my arm before, right?
{At your (almost hesitant) look now he smirks} [/coor]
It's called a snag machine, and no you cannot have one, suck it up. It really almost blends in with my jacket, although it is a darker blue in places and had red trimmings. And, of course, it's use is much more important than a regular jacket sleeve. What's it used for? Come on, now, have some patience.
{He seems to be enjoying having suddenly turned the table and taken over the interview in the sense that it is moving on his terms, not yours.}
I'm not the tallest guy around, unfortunately. It's... kind of hard to act intimidating when you're only five-foot-something, but I like to think I can pull it off sometimes. And I might not look it at all, but I'm actually pretty strong. Well, strong... Enough. I go more for speed. I know that sounds wrong, shut up.
{You immediately stop laughing.}
Back in my Team Snagem days I was useful because of this; I was fast enough to rush in and out, sneaky enough to not be caught, and strong enough (myself or my Pokemon) to beat someone if I was caught. That's how I rose up into the ranks so quickly.
I don't know if I'm good-looking or not. I don't care, honestly- I have more important things to be doing.
My emotional disposition?
"Emotional disposition...?" Really, now? Well, I guess since you asked so NICELY...
{He rolls his eyes and sighs}
I'm quiet at first, I guess. I don't really bother talking to people unless there's a reason for it, unless there's something in it for me. People can be... boring, anyway. All they do is talk about the weather, or how great they are. Huh, I bet I know quite a few people who could show them otherwise. But anyway, that doesn't exactly make me a "mean person" in simplest terms. I just don't bother. I suppose you could pin-point it as being "shy." Maybe that's what it is. Bomb a factory? No problem. Sneak in and steal something worth millions? No problem. Walk up to someone and start a conversation for no reason? Uhh, no.
{A shrug; he looks unconcerned.}
I don't really understand people, anyway. I mean, obviously I'm a person, but they're so... Selfish. I'm selfish, too, so don't think I'm not including myself! I don't know, I don't understand it, but I tend to isolate myself from people because I simply don't understand them at all.
{The look in his eyes hardens for a moment, but before you can look further he blinks and moves on.}
I'm pretty determined, too. Once I think about doing something, I have to do it. There's no thinking about it for ages until I finally do it- no, it's right away. I'm definitely not "all talk no action-" honestly I'm more the other way around. I just do things without thinking it or talking it over with anyone (like I have anyone to talk it over with anyway.)
{You find this easy to believe, considering, for one, that he's currently seated in a cell.}
Which brings up another point: friends. I've never really had friends... I've never really trusted anyone. I guess when I was younger I did. I played around with the other kids in my neighborhood and everything, like most kids did. But were they really friends? Friends is such a shallow term. Everyone called everyone their friends, but do they really mean it? They expect them to do things for them, but don't do anything in return. Do they really give a damn about each other?
{He suddenly coughs, having gotten slightly off-track.}
Then I joined Team Snagem, and there were certainly no friends there, not even Gonzap as much as I used to want to believe it. I suppose I'm out of practice with that. How does someone go about making friends? I don't know. I guess my Pokemon are my friends, but other than that...
{He fixes you with an amused smirk.}
Basically, I'm socially awkward.
Still, I have this weird thing about "doing the right thing." That makes absolutely no sense, all things considering.
Here, let me try to explain.
I have absolutely no problem with stealing. It's the fault of the person that it was stolen from, isn't it? They should have guarded it better. Little crimes like that I have no problem with, and even enjoy. It's thrilling, you know? That's why I'm in here, you know. Pretty dumb reason to be caught, really. But when it comes to Pokemon, or even people, I guess I can't help it. I hate when people mistreat Pokemon. It drives me crazy, and I'll tell them.
{The glint in his eye gives you know doubt to this; he means it, and you're very glad you don't abuse Pokemon because the idea of this kid getting revenge for them is suddenly terrifying.}
Any "shyness" you might think I have is gone by that point. That's why I quit, but that's another story. Basically, people who are cruel to Pokemon are just trash, and they need to be taken care of.
As far as people? Well, I don't like hurting people. That hardly makes sense, either. Sometimes you have to, you can't get around it, but I try to prevent it as much as possible. Even if I don't understand people, even if for the most part I don't like them, I don't like when the way they treat each other. It's... stupid. Pointless. Cold. I don't know, I just hate it, even if I have to do it sometimes. Heh, I'm such a hypocrite, right? Forcing my "self-righteousness" at other people, when if they did the same to me I would tell them to shove it up their ass.
{The glint is still there, and you're feeling almost uncomfortable and hope he moves on quickly.}
That's why I prefer Pokemon battles so much more. They're exciting, and any decent person is careful when battling to avoid any real injuries on the Pokemon.
{He suddenly looks away from you, staring rather determinately at the wall instead.}
I'm not going to pretend I haven't hurt people before- It comes with the line of work, like I said. But I at least try to avoid it, and if I see someone else getting hurt, or say, kidnapped, I wouldn't hesitate to help them.
Of course, I would normally just leave them after that. I don't need a thank you. Honestly they should be more careful, but... ugh. People, you know. Why can't people be as smart as some Pokemon? It'd make things a lot easier for me, anyway.
{He shakes his head as if recalling some instances.}
I'm pretty good at lying, and do it a lot. Sometimes I lie for no reason, just because I felt like it or thought it would be amusing. Sometimes it just comes out. Who knows? I also have a weakness for stealing. Sometimes I just... Grab? Heh. They won't miss whatever I take, right? Like your wallet. You won't be needing that, right?
{You look panicked, but he just smirks.}
Kidding.
I'm really not the smartest person around, either. Well, I guess that depends on your definition of "smart." I never did well in school because I never cared, but I'm... Clever? I don't know, I can think of things to do in situations pretty fast (usually to get out of them), and have on SEVERAL occasions been called a smart-ass (despite that fact that that is smart in a different sense), so make of that what you will.
Things that are Groovy:
Pokemon:
- They're smart, loyal, and as good of friends as I'm going to get. I actually... Trust mine? I said I've never trusted anyone, but I trust my Pokemon.
Noise:
- I hate when it's quiet. I would honestly much rather have loud noise twenty-four seven, it doesn't bother me. Helps me focus more, if that makes sense. I don't know why; maybe from just growing up in a noisy place?
Stealing and Lying:[/b
- Odd likes, but it makes things interesting, like I said.
Music:
- Yes, I know. I actually like music a lot. Like I said, I hate when it's quiet.
My motorcycle:
- ...What's not to like?
Tea:
- Don't you dare laugh.
The desert:
- I... like it. I don't know. It's huge, it makes me feel small, and it's just... different.
Battling:
- It's... thrilling.
Running:
- I always won races when I was younger. I wasn't so good at sports in general, but I could still outrun everyone.
Freedom:
- To me, it's extremely important.[/color]
Things that aren't so Groovy:
Stupid People:
- Who doesn't not like stupid people? Unfortunately for me I tend to run into quite a bit of them.
Pokemon Abuse:
- Already told you, didn't I?
The way people treat each other:
- Also already mentioned, I hate the way they treat each other, I hate the way I treat them, I just...
Team Snagem:
- I can't stand what they've become.
Cipher
- The bastards.
Rain:
- Everything gets all wet and it's slippery, and just... ugh.
The Ocean:
- ...idon'tlikeitokay.
When it's too quiet:
- It sucks?
Close spaces:
- I don't enjoy being cooped up in one place, unable to go anywhere else. Oh, hey, by the way, have you seen this cell? It's pretty small, isn't it?
[/color]
But..I'm afraid!
{He stares at you for what seems like a long time before giving a sigh.}
Hmm. Fine. I guess I'll say... I'm afraid of getting attached to anyone or anything. Nothing good has ever come of it, people just stab you in the back and- Oh, right. Sorry.
{He coughs and scratches the back of his neck.}
I'm also afraid of the ocean, and floods, and rivers and streams... Water, basically. Not Water Pokemon (well okay, sometimes. It depends on the Pokemon, I guess.), just... Water. People get lost at sea all the time, and it's so... huge. Plus who knows what's in it? I have dreams all the time about drowning, actually. Well, and other things... I hate dreams, nightmares. Hate them. I can't control what happens in them and it just shoves everything you hate in your face over and over again. I've even had the Pokemon attack used on me before, and it was... Terrible.
Well, water's my biggest fear.
{You find it amusing, almost, and he seems to sense it as he gives you a small glare.}
It's also kind of... embarrassing? But I'm... afraid of being locked up, like this, forever.
{He gestures to the cell.}
I don't like not being able to do what I want, when I want. I enjoy... Freedom. A lot. And being locked away for the rest of my life is not my idea of freedom, obviously.
Why do I break the law then? I just said, I want to be able to do what I want, when I want, didn't I? If I stopped doing that because of a fear of losing the ability to do it, then I would have lost anyway.
{You blink.}
...I know it's confusing. It makes sense to me.
But of course I try not to show any "fears."
[/color]
I like to...
{He seems to be getting bored with this little "interview" and lists things off on his fingers.}
Battle, be in the desert, ride my motorcycle, train, eat, pull of completely elaborate missions for absolutely no reason, hiking, traveling, doing... anyway, whatever I want...
{An annoyed look finds its way to you.}
I'm not filling out a personal ad, here, figure it out yourself.
[/color]
My reason?
{He gives a small "huff."}
For doing what? Stealing? It's interesting, it's just something I've always done. I can't even help it, really.
Quitting Team Snagem? They suck. Really.
Training? It's fun, I like Pokemon.
Traveling? Even if I COULD stay in one play for very long, I wouldn't- it's better to see different places.
I really don't know what you expect me to say. Haven't you ever heard of privacy?
{He gives you an accusing look.}
[/color]
Mandatory Angst:
I'm not in the habit of telling ANYONE about my past, and honestly don't want to start now, but if I have to...
{You nod; he has to. Wes rolls his eyes but talks anyway.}
Well I had an alright childhood. Like I said, I played with the kids in my neighborhood, which wasn't the greatest in the world, but whatever. My parents were... nice. I suppose.
{He glances away, appearing to be deep in thought.}
We didn't have all that much money, and I guess I never understood that. I mean, I guess they did the best they could, but their best just wasn't good enough. It wasn't good enough for us, it wasn't good enough for the world. So obviously life could be difficult sometime,s but life's difficult for everyone, all the time. I'm nothin' special in that respect. But whatever. When I was younger us not having a lot didn't really matter. I just kind of took whatever I needed anyway, you know?
{The smirk returned, along with a bit of pride in his childhood-self.}
My parents didn't like that, I'm sure you can tell. Anyway, when I was about ten I wanted to go on the usual Pokemon journey that all those kids love going on. I already had two Pokemon: both were Eevees. I was known as the "Eevee Boy" when I was younger, I kid you not. To be honest I don't even remember how I met them. I was probably playing in the park of something and found them... It was odd, because there aren't many Pokemon in Orre, which was why the whole journey thing didn't work out. If you've ever been there, it's basically a wasteland. Sure, I love it, but I'm willing to admit that. So that wasn't going to work. My parents... Probably would have let me go to Kanto of Johto of wherever else kids did that sort of Pokemon thing. They probably would have scrounged up the money to buy me a boat ticket, a little backpack and traveling supplies... But instead of asking the or something, I ran away.
{He looks away, again, but he continues speaking.}
I had seen an ad for Team Snagem that was recruiting young trainers. It promised I could work with Pokemon, and do whatever I want, basically.
So I left.
He seems to be trying to look unconcerned.}
I'm sure my parents were really upset about it, and I actually do feel guilty. Sure, times were hard, but we'd always gotten through them. I was a... stupid kid. Sometimes I wonder where they are now, but I really almost don't want to see them.
{You can believe that. Returning to your parents after willingly running away from home?}
So, anyway, I joined Team Snagem. It was great. I could do anything I wanted, just as they had promised, and as I grew older I rose through the ranks quickly. The leader, Gonzap, and I got along pretty well at first. We planned heists together, and sometimes I kind of felt... like he was another father to me. Stupid, I know. He wasn't always an awful person. But anyway, that changed when Cipher came to Orre.
{He scowls, shaking his head at the mention of them.}
The idiots. They thought they could get away with stealing other people's Pokemon. As much as I didn't mind stealing... I couldn't do that. If the Pokemon were happy with their trainer, who was I to take them? And then there was the fact that they were making them into these things called Shadow Pokemon. The process was awful. I saw it once and never wanted to see it again.
{The hardened look and glint in his eyes was back, and in conjunction with the scowl on his face it's enough to make you almost want to leave.}
It was painful for them to close their hearts, and they became... Slaves, slaves subjected to pain every second as they were forced to do the orders of people who usually just wanted their power for their own selfish reasons.
I couldn't be a part of that, so I left to find something to do about it.
But not without blowing up the headquarters and stealing a very valuable, small-sized Snag Machine.
{He looks as if he is recalling a particularly good memory.}
Oh, the Snag Machine. You've been patient, so I suppose I could explain. The Snag Machine, put simply, is capable of stealing other people's caught Pokemon.
{You look horrified; he looks as if he's expected it.}
Now, now, did you learn nothing? I said I wouldn't steal other people's Pokemon. Well, unless they're Shadow Pokemon. If I can steal them from the people using them (sometimes they don't even realize they're Shadow Pokemon, idiots, so things get a little messy) then I can try and get them back to their old self.
Well, anyway, after that escapade, I crossed the sea in a boat to get to these regions.
{He makes a face}
I'd... never seen the ocean before. I've never liked water, never swam in the public pool or anything, but the ocean was... Big, and full of who knows what? I don't like not knowing what's down there, and the whole ride here I had nightmares about drowning, and other things.
{He attempts to smooth this bit of information over by continuing.}
Well, I figured here was as good a place as any to plan what I was going to do. I know, thinking about what I'm doing before doing it? Crazy idea. But Cipher and Snagem have become such a problem that I think I need... a plan.
Oh and by the way...
Don't bother trying to convince me of ANYTHING- I'm pretty stubborn.
{He shrugs.}
Anyway, are we almost done?
{You're done with the interview of course, but the fact remains taht he had just admitted doing several more crimes to you, including blowing up a factory! You can't just let him go, and he seems to know it. The second you open your mouth to ask the officer to come, he's side-stepped you easily and exited the cell, running down the hall towards the door to the main area, which has just been conveniently opened by the officer you called. He almost twirls to get out of his reach and runs through, grabbing his belongings from the counter without stopping and running outside.
"W-what just happened?! Get him!" The officer wheezes, and the two of you run outside where two Pokemon are now seated in the side-car of his motorcycle, lock removed by the Espeon's psychic abilities.
Too late- he's already driving off, grinning and finally free again. As the motorcycle passed you he gives a mock-salute, and all you can do is shake your head in annoyance as the officer attempts to chase after him, calling in back-up.}[/color]
I'm just a proxy for..
{As he drives by, a piece of paper flutters down bearing one word: SARAH.}
[/color]
i do not own these images! i got them from photobucket.[/b]
