Post by Smalley on Nov 8, 2009 17:24:04 GMT -5
The One and Only
Dragon Master?
Pfft..
{ The large, spacious room is dimly lit, or perhaps it only appears so due to all the rich hues of red, black, and brown. A long red carpet, one suited for royalty, is centered on the floor, running along the grand room until taking an abrupt stop at a large area of floor, made only of translucent tiles. Countless scratches and scuff marks are embedded into the wide array of tiles, mere memories of those past desperate attempts by hundreds, maybe thousands of trainers. The walls are mounted with tall, towering granite pillars, intricate sculptures of various dragon Pokemon perched at the top of them. You blink, finally coming to take your eyes of the unusual yet awe-inspiring surroundings. Feeling slightly intimidated as you make your way across the floor, crossing the tiled battlefield, you catch sight of an extremely familiar face standing patiently at end of it. As you approach the Johto Champion, his slight, friendly smile calms you a bit, for surely he is accustomed to such interviews. But you're still very aware that you're standing in front of who could easily be considered the strongest trainer of Johto, and perhaps even the world. }
My Parents call me..
Parents?...
{ Lance pauses for a moment, looking perplexed as he stares at the floor, chin in hand. Then, to your relief, his brown eyes flash with a sense of familiarity and his gaze levels. }
Ah, yes. I never saw much of my parents, for my mother was from Viridian and my father was from Blackthorn, and of course, I was always traveling around the two regions, training my beloved dragons.
But now that I recall, they both called me, well, Lance!
But my full name, which is probably on that there paper you're scribbling on, is Lance Wataru.
{ He points to the pad you are writing hurriedly on for emphasis, and you take the action as a reminder to flip the page. }
My Friends call me..
Friends? Why, you must be talking about my dragons!
{ You open your mouth to protest the idea, though your expression must've given away your uncertainty for the Champion's expression appeared surprised, then once again, perfectly calmed. }
Oh, you aren't?
Well, then, you must either be talking about the others that are members of the Pokemon League.
..or my family.
{ Lance's expression changes a bit at the mention of his notorious family, looking a bit embarrassed and annoyed as would an older sibling would to a younger one. But his eyes quickly flash back to you and he continues to answer the question. )
Well, they all call me Lance.
...
With a few nicknames here and there.
Mainly from my cousin Clair or Elite Four.
I'm not an it! I'm a..
{ Lance's expression remains calm, though an eyebrow is raised. You almost feel like chuckling nervously at your own given question, when clearly the person standing before you is a man. ....Right? }
Well, the media sure is throwing around some strange rumors, now aren't they?
I'm a male, and I hope that's clear to you and everyone else!
{ He releases a sigh but then looks surprisingly amused. )
I suppose this is what I get for being Champion, then.
No complaints here!
....
Just keep in mind.
I'm a man.
I am a...
{ Lance's eyes glow with what could only be considered pride, and he gives another friendly-slight smile, not at all hesitant to answer your question. }
I am a Pokemon Champion. More specifically, of the Johto region.
However, I'm not arrogant and I don't often flaunt my status as one of the top Pokemon trainers in the world, even if the media makes it seem so.
But, that does not mean that I am not prideful.
Of course I am prideful!
{ This sudden exclamation surprises you a bit, but again, Lance's good natured attitude makes you feel less wary, even if he /is/ becoming engaged in the topic. }
I've been able to see my own dragons grow up before my eyes, I've been able to become a role model for thousands of young trainers all over, and best of all, I've been able to learn and grow myself.
And I, I don't see a greater thing in the world.
{ You prepare to flip the page, until stopped by another quick exclamation from Lance. }
Ah, yes!
I forgot to mention, I'm also a spy for the law enforcements of the Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn regions. Nothing irks me more than when human beings think they can take advantage of Pokemon and their habitats for their own selfish reasons.
The acts they perform...are unthinkable.
{ The Champion's eyes suddenly harden with disdain as he stares at the floor, perhaps thinking of times in the past when these so-called 'teams' had wronged Pokemon, but then flash back to you, determination and pride returning to them once more as his figure also straightens. }
And that is who I am!
I don't need wrinkle cream! I'm..
{ The Johto Champion again looks surprised at one of your questions, for an eyebrow is raised and his arms are folded, though more in a thoughtful gesture than a stubborn one. }
I hope this isn't yet /another/ rumor set up by the media!
I also hope that it is apparent that I am far from the age in which I'd need such a thing.
{ His eyes narrow again, as if carefully thinking about something. }
Hmm, That's right!
I'm twenty-five years old.
It says that on your paper, too, doesn't it?
{ You glance down at your paper to see a number twenty-five on your paper, printed relatively close to the interviewee's name. Oh well, just making sure. You never know what or what isn't true with these famous people. You give a slight nod then flip the page. }
Do you think I need a diet?
Well, I don't believe such a thing is completely necessary.
I'm not always sitting around the Pokemon League; no way!
I actually travel a lot, not matter what my occupation may be.
But I suppose if you're famous you have to keep an image?...
{ While Lance is going on in a self-debated argument on reasons why and why he would need such a diet, you make note of his appearance and attire.
Lance is an average height for a man his age, if not a bit tall, standing a height of about 6' 1". He is not at all an unhealthy weight, in fact, he may be considered well fit and in shape. Well, thats what you get for training with such vast Pokemon such as dragons
Lance's skin is of normal tone, if not a bit pale, perhaps from spending time up Johto's mountains and caverns, where the sun doesn't reach well into the crevices.
But perhaps the oddest attribute of Lance's appearance is his absurdly bright crimson-colored hair, not at all in length but more spiked up toward the sky.
...How does he get it that way, anyway?
His eyes were a dark brown color, but others may argue that they are a similar hue to that of his hair. They were bright and friendly, aglow with what some may consider knowledge and wisdom,
Lance stands tall, in an almost regal posture, and his gait is patient, but with a purpose.
A black cape with a red inside engulfs the majority of his figure, though it ends a bit above his shins, revealing black boots with red accents.
Though his outfit isn't quite apparent at this moment, you recall seeing interviews like such of your own, in which it was. He is usually seen in black, maybe dark blue jumpsuit-like attire, with bright, apparent red accents. Two vertical, thick stripes went down his torso, thinning out as they reached his pants, creating an odd geometrical shape. The sleeves of his outfit also had red cuffs, matching the accents on the rim of his boots.
Why must everything be so...color coordinated?
Oh, that's right.
Because he's Lance.
You look up to see him look at you expectantly.
Had he stopped in his heated conversation with himself to wonder if you were writing everything down that he had said?
But he simply lets out a small laugh and dismisses your frantic notations. }
I'm guessing you're finished?
Well, let's go on!
My emotional disposition?
Emotional...disposition?
{ The Champion's brown eyes flash with a sort of uncertainty, similar as to that in his voice, and you open your mouth the explain it's simply a formal way of saying personality. But the dragon tamer surprises you by deciphering what the two words meant. Perhaps the media doesn't give him enough credit for his knowledge, after all. }
You must mean my....personality!
Well. It's rather hard to explain yourself in words, though I'll try.
People consider me...heroic in a way.
And I believe that heroism is necessary in an evil world such as our own, but not to an extent in which you are arrogant and full of yourself. And unfortunately, many of the people that perform heroics often take their praise for granted.
But no, that's not me.
{ His eyes flash to your face, as if yearning your opinion. Perhaps to make the job of describing his mental self easier. }
I, myself, am also known as being brave and courageous, and I won't lie, when you train Pokemon as dangerous and wild as dragons and willingly go against organizations such as Team Rocket, what right /don't/ you have to be considered such?
Some may also state that I have an air of superiority.
I'm not exactly sure why they would say such a thing, for I try my best to be equal with my fellow trainers and my very own challengers. Perhaps such a behavior developed from training dragon Pokemon, or constantly being around prestigious trainers.
But again, I try not to be.
{ He glances at you for a moment, his eyes betraying something that looks like guilt. Perhaps there is something more behind all of those seemingly stereotypic traits spoken. }
And I never, ever think of myself better than another person.
In fact, I love to assist other trainers.
We both benefit from the experience.
And again, what greater thing is there?
...
I think that covers the most of it.
Let's go on, shall we?
{ Lance's eyes glow with what could only be considered pride, and he gives another friendly-slight smile, not at all hesitant to answer your question. }
I am a Pokemon Champion. More specifically, of the Johto region.
However, I'm not arrogant and I don't often flaunt my status as one of the top Pokemon trainers in the world, even if the media makes it seem so.
But, that does not mean that I am not prideful.
Of course I am prideful!
{ This sudden exclamation surprises you a bit, but again, Lance's good natured attitude makes you feel less wary, even if he /is/ becoming engaged in the topic. }
I've been able to see my own dragons grow up before my eyes, I've been able to become a role model for thousands of young trainers all over, and best of all, I've been able to learn and grow myself.
And I, I don't see a greater thing in the world.
{ You prepare to flip the page, until stopped by another quick exclamation from Lance. }
Ah, yes!
I forgot to mention, I'm also a spy for the law enforcements of the Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn regions. Nothing irks me more than when human beings think they can take advantage of Pokemon and their habitats for their own selfish reasons.
The acts they perform...are unthinkable.
{ The Champion's eyes suddenly harden with disdain as he stares at the floor, perhaps thinking of times in the past when these so-called 'teams' had wronged Pokemon, but then flash back to you, determination and pride returning to them once more as his figure also straightens. }
And that is who I am!
I don't need wrinkle cream! I'm..
{ The Johto Champion again looks surprised at one of your questions, for an eyebrow is raised and his arms are folded, though more in a thoughtful gesture than a stubborn one. }
I hope this isn't yet /another/ rumor set up by the media!
I also hope that it is apparent that I am far from the age in which I'd need such a thing.
{ His eyes narrow again, as if carefully thinking about something. }
Hmm, That's right!
I'm twenty-five years old.
It says that on your paper, too, doesn't it?
{ You glance down at your paper to see a number twenty-five on your paper, printed relatively close to the interviewee's name. Oh well, just making sure. You never know what or what isn't true with these famous people. You give a slight nod then flip the page. }
Do you think I need a diet?
Well, I don't believe such a thing is completely necessary.
I'm not always sitting around the Pokemon League; no way!
I actually travel a lot, not matter what my occupation may be.
But I suppose if you're famous you have to keep an image?...
{ While Lance is going on in a self-debated argument on reasons why and why he would need such a diet, you make note of his appearance and attire.
Lance is an average height for a man his age, if not a bit tall, standing a height of about 6' 1". He is not at all an unhealthy weight, in fact, he may be considered well fit and in shape. Well, thats what you get for training with such vast Pokemon such as dragons
Lance's skin is of normal tone, if not a bit pale, perhaps from spending time up Johto's mountains and caverns, where the sun doesn't reach well into the crevices.
But perhaps the oddest attribute of Lance's appearance is his absurdly bright crimson-colored hair, not at all in length but more spiked up toward the sky.
...How does he get it that way, anyway?
His eyes were a dark brown color, but others may argue that they are a similar hue to that of his hair. They were bright and friendly, aglow with what some may consider knowledge and wisdom,
Lance stands tall, in an almost regal posture, and his gait is patient, but with a purpose.
A black cape with a red inside engulfs the majority of his figure, though it ends a bit above his shins, revealing black boots with red accents.
Though his outfit isn't quite apparent at this moment, you recall seeing interviews like such of your own, in which it was. He is usually seen in black, maybe dark blue jumpsuit-like attire, with bright, apparent red accents. Two vertical, thick stripes went down his torso, thinning out as they reached his pants, creating an odd geometrical shape. The sleeves of his outfit also had red cuffs, matching the accents on the rim of his boots.
Why must everything be so...color coordinated?
Oh, that's right.
Because he's Lance.
You look up to see him look at you expectantly.
Had he stopped in his heated conversation with himself to wonder if you were writing everything down that he had said?
But he simply lets out a small laugh and dismisses your frantic notations. }
I'm guessing you're finished?
Well, let's go on!
My emotional disposition?
Emotional...disposition?
{ The Champion's brown eyes flash with a sort of uncertainty, similar as to that in his voice, and you open your mouth the explain it's simply a formal way of saying personality. But the dragon tamer surprises you by deciphering what the two words meant. Perhaps the media doesn't give him enough credit for his knowledge, after all. }
You must mean my....personality!
Well. It's rather hard to explain yourself in words, though I'll try.
People consider me...heroic in a way.
And I believe that heroism is necessary in an evil world such as our own, but not to an extent in which you are arrogant and full of yourself. And unfortunately, many of the people that perform heroics often take their praise for granted.
But no, that's not me.
{ His eyes flash to your face, as if yearning your opinion. Perhaps to make the job of describing his mental self easier. }
I, myself, am also known as being brave and courageous, and I won't lie, when you train Pokemon as dangerous and wild as dragons and willingly go against organizations such as Team Rocket, what right /don't/ you have to be considered such?
Some may also state that I have an air of superiority.
I'm not exactly sure why they would say such a thing, for I try my best to be equal with my fellow trainers and my very own challengers. Perhaps such a behavior developed from training dragon Pokemon, or constantly being around prestigious trainers.
But again, I try not to be.
{ He glances at you for a moment, his eyes betraying something that looks like guilt. Perhaps there is something more behind all of those seemingly stereotypic traits spoken. }
And I never, ever think of myself better than another person.
In fact, I love to assist other trainers.
We both benefit from the experience.
And again, what greater thing is there?
...
I think that covers the most of it.
Let's go on, shall we?
Things that are Groovy:
{ Lance appears perplexed for a moment, as he repeats the word aloud, perhaps in order to decipher its meaning. }
..Groovy?
You must mean things I like!
Well, get that pen of yours ready.
♦ Dragon Pokemon - Fierce, offensive, unpredictable, and brave! I don't see a better type of Pokemon to raise.
♦ Being Undercover - Not only is it exhilarating, but it's fun! And those foolish criminals never suspect a thing.
♦ Blackthorn City - The place of my birth and where the famous Dragon Clan and my own cousin and grandfather reside. If I wasn't Champion, I'd truly consider living there.
♦ Capes - I like to wear them?...
♦ Studying - You wouldn't believe how many wonders this world contains!
♦ Assisting Others - I'm not just going to say it's good for my reputation as Champion, but that it is self-satisfying to see that you have improved the life or situation of another.
♦ The Elite Four - Outstanding battlers and good, humble souls! If anyone else deserves praise and publicity, it's them.
♦ The Other Champions - Though I don't encounter my other three fellow Champions very often, I do hear about their impressive exploits and I have to say, they are a few of the most outstanding people in this world of ours.
♦ Justice - It's what separates wrong from right, and keeps our world in order. Without it being delivered, criminals would run free and do as they wish, but I and many others won't have it.
Things that aren't so Groovy:
{ Lance's figure stiffens and his expression turns almost absent, though he glances down at your paper as if to read it. }
You mean things I dislike, right?
Well, everyone has something they don't like.
For me, it's a few things.
♦ Team Rocket (And The Other 'Teams') - They exploit Pokemon and even their own employees to the disadvantage of everyone and everything around them. I'll never understand their true goals, but I do know that I'll do my best part to stop them.
♦ Losing - I don't dislike losing because it's embarrassing, or anything like that, but more because it tells me I haven't trained my Pokemon as well as I thought I have. Although it doesn't happen often, it sure is a bitter feeling.
♦ Failure - Do I even need an explanation for this one?...
♦ Stormy Weather - It delays my travels and doesn't really allow for any type of training to take place.
♦ Stress - Stress is unhealthy for any human being, and unfortunately, it happens upon me a lot.
♦ False Media - Ever sat home at night after a long, tiring day at work and seen a false news coverage about yourself on TV? Well, maybe not, but I have. And it sure is annoying...
But..I'm afraid!
{ Lance looks unsure for a moment, but his gaze evens and his expression is sure. Perhaps too sure... }
Fears...fears.
Yes, everyone has those.
My fears are similar to the things and objects I dislike, though in some ways they differ.
First of all, I fear failure.
The overwhelming of defeat...of knowing you didn't amount to what you were supposed to..is too much to bare.
Say that I have a strict self-standard for myself, but it's the way I was raised, by the most elite of trainers in the most vast of mountains.
Secondly, I fear what might result due to Team Rocket's merciless exploits. As Champion of Johto, I have a sense of responsibility and protection over this beautiful land. When it or it's Pokemon or people are harmed, I feel responsible.
And I don't forgive myself.
Lastly, a rather funny fear, I fear rabid fans.
Yes, they exist.
And yes, they are scary.
I like to...
{ Lance seems to brighten, or at least appear less tense, at the mention of a subject other than fears and dislikes. That usual, friendly smile returns to his face and he answers the question almost eagerly. }
What a relief this change of topic is!
Let's see...
Of course, my main hobby is Pokemon training, though it's become more of a job lately. I love seeing how the Pokemon progress, as well as visiting new places and meeting and seeing new people and Pokemon, even if I don't capture them all.
My second main hobby may be considered travel, though it does tie into my Pokemon training. From traveling I again, get to see different places and creatures, but I also learn. I've learned quite a lot about Johto and Hoenn history and mythology, and well, the things I've witnessed...
All together they can't compare to anything else!
And lastly, a few minor hobbies might just include fishing and sight-seeing.
All of this seems a bit themed, but hey, it's what I'm interested in!
{ Lance appears perplexed for a moment, as he repeats the word aloud, perhaps in order to decipher its meaning. }
..Groovy?
You must mean things I like!
Well, get that pen of yours ready.
♦ Dragon Pokemon - Fierce, offensive, unpredictable, and brave! I don't see a better type of Pokemon to raise.
♦ Being Undercover - Not only is it exhilarating, but it's fun! And those foolish criminals never suspect a thing.
♦ Blackthorn City - The place of my birth and where the famous Dragon Clan and my own cousin and grandfather reside. If I wasn't Champion, I'd truly consider living there.
♦ Capes - I like to wear them?...
♦ Studying - You wouldn't believe how many wonders this world contains!
♦ Assisting Others - I'm not just going to say it's good for my reputation as Champion, but that it is self-satisfying to see that you have improved the life or situation of another.
♦ The Elite Four - Outstanding battlers and good, humble souls! If anyone else deserves praise and publicity, it's them.
♦ The Other Champions - Though I don't encounter my other three fellow Champions very often, I do hear about their impressive exploits and I have to say, they are a few of the most outstanding people in this world of ours.
♦ Justice - It's what separates wrong from right, and keeps our world in order. Without it being delivered, criminals would run free and do as they wish, but I and many others won't have it.
Things that aren't so Groovy:
{ Lance's figure stiffens and his expression turns almost absent, though he glances down at your paper as if to read it. }
You mean things I dislike, right?
Well, everyone has something they don't like.
For me, it's a few things.
♦ Team Rocket (And The Other 'Teams') - They exploit Pokemon and even their own employees to the disadvantage of everyone and everything around them. I'll never understand their true goals, but I do know that I'll do my best part to stop them.
♦ Losing - I don't dislike losing because it's embarrassing, or anything like that, but more because it tells me I haven't trained my Pokemon as well as I thought I have. Although it doesn't happen often, it sure is a bitter feeling.
♦ Failure - Do I even need an explanation for this one?...
♦ Stormy Weather - It delays my travels and doesn't really allow for any type of training to take place.
♦ Stress - Stress is unhealthy for any human being, and unfortunately, it happens upon me a lot.
♦ False Media - Ever sat home at night after a long, tiring day at work and seen a false news coverage about yourself on TV? Well, maybe not, but I have. And it sure is annoying...
But..I'm afraid!
{ Lance looks unsure for a moment, but his gaze evens and his expression is sure. Perhaps too sure... }
Fears...fears.
Yes, everyone has those.
My fears are similar to the things and objects I dislike, though in some ways they differ.
First of all, I fear failure.
The overwhelming of defeat...of knowing you didn't amount to what you were supposed to..is too much to bare.
Say that I have a strict self-standard for myself, but it's the way I was raised, by the most elite of trainers in the most vast of mountains.
Secondly, I fear what might result due to Team Rocket's merciless exploits. As Champion of Johto, I have a sense of responsibility and protection over this beautiful land. When it or it's Pokemon or people are harmed, I feel responsible.
And I don't forgive myself.
Lastly, a rather funny fear, I fear rabid fans.
Yes, they exist.
And yes, they are scary.
I like to...
{ Lance seems to brighten, or at least appear less tense, at the mention of a subject other than fears and dislikes. That usual, friendly smile returns to his face and he answers the question almost eagerly. }
What a relief this change of topic is!
Let's see...
Of course, my main hobby is Pokemon training, though it's become more of a job lately. I love seeing how the Pokemon progress, as well as visiting new places and meeting and seeing new people and Pokemon, even if I don't capture them all.
My second main hobby may be considered travel, though it does tie into my Pokemon training. From traveling I again, get to see different places and creatures, but I also learn. I've learned quite a lot about Johto and Hoenn history and mythology, and well, the things I've witnessed...
All together they can't compare to anything else!
And lastly, a few minor hobbies might just include fishing and sight-seeing.
All of this seems a bit themed, but hey, it's what I'm interested in!
My reason?
{ Lance seems confused for only a very short moment, then slightly turns to you, a small smile on his face. His eyes glow again with what might be a mix of emotions, all pleasant. Then, as he begins to speak, his words become more loud, more expressed, as if he is passionate about the subject. }
My reason for being a trainer?
Or more specifically, a Pokemon Champion?
For all of this?
{ He steps back and motions around the room, then ceases his actions, folds his arms against his chest and his now powerful, proud gaze is lowered upon you. }
I never felt in place, simply hanging around in my hometown of Blackthorn, while I heard about the exploits of many great people before me, some my own blood relations.
Then Team Rocket was brought up, shortly after, and their boldness and extremity began to increase.
I had to do something.
And then I discovered the true powers of the dragon type Pokemon. And then I fit it all together.
I became what I am now!
My reason?
To do what I feel is necessary and called of me.
Mandatory Angst:
{ Lance blinks, but then his expression evens and he seems to come to a sense of understanding. Maybe you should've worded this particular question better... Good thing the Champion is more intelligent than you would've intentionally thought. }
Well, I don't think my past necessarily includes angst..
But I'll still explain it to you, as best as I can.
{ The Champion exhales slowly, and he looks in the other direction, his voice almost absent, but an evident emotion is still present in it, as if remembering a time from long ago. }
I was born to a mother from Viridian and a father from Blackthorn. The Dragon Clan in Blackthorn City was as strict on the heritage of their apprentices as they were the breeding of their own dragons.
My father was, and though retired, still is one of the best dragon tamers in the entire mountain-set city, and that's why I was originally the heir to my family's notorious and prestigious group of trainers that favored the dragon element.
That was until they found out about my mother's place of origin, which was Viridian, where she still resides, a fear of nonacceptance still lingering within her.
At first, they disagreed with my blood, saying I was not a purebred dragon trainer, as in both of my parents were not of Johto's vast, northern mountains.
Then as I began to grow and show progress in my training, I expect a bad guilt built up within them, for they changed their mind about the entire predicament.
But I simply had no interest in staying there, cooped up those windy mountains like a captured pidgey.
I decided to leave, to see the world from my own eyes, from the back of a dragon.
Yes, my interest in the type was ever-lasting.
Perhaps...inherited?
The rest of the Clan, including my own father, resented the idea of me leaving.
They actually had told me 'no' at one point.
I didn't listen. And that arrogance of mine has paid off immensely!
I abandoned my training at my cousin Clair's Pokemon Gym, which she had recently obtained ownership of near the time of my leaving due to the old Gym Leader retiring to become an elder of the group of dragon trainers.
Actually, at the time, I had no interest nor knowledge of the Pokemon League.
I was almost clueless of what it was.
My only interest at the time was only to become better, not to beat any Gym Leader or join any elite group of trainers.
I must've thought, 'Dear Arceus, not another one of those'.
Yet, as I left Blackthorn and the small world I knew, once considered great, my dragons evolved, and my knowledge of the Pokemon League became greater.
I began to not only train at various gyms around Johto, and soon after, the Kanto and Johto landmass as a whole, I would defeat their leaders.
...With unusual ease!
Maybe it was from being in so many various environments or tough situations, but I shared an unseen connection with my dragons that was unlike any other.
It almost connected us in battle, made us both stronger and understanding of each other...
This began to lead into my interest for the natural world and for preservation of its inhabitants, but that's a later story.
Without realizing it, I had begun to grow notorious in both of the regions. I was so unaware, for I had many interests other than battling, and even interests that lie within my reasons for battling.
I took a short break from training, only to hear of an uprise of a criminal organization known only as Team Rocket.
Their exploits...how they ruined the balance of nature and the bondings between human and Pokemon...
It made me so mad!
And then everything began to happen at once.
All the while I was, well, admittedly spying on Team Rocket, I was offered a test.
A test to join Kanto's Elite Four, who were apparently incomparably stronger than all of the Gym Leaders - and I regret saying this - combined.
I was still a bit ruthless and unthinking, so I took the test.
And passed.
I became famous once again, and then Johto contacted me in a way very similar to how Kanto did so.
The test they gave me, however, was different.
Either that or I misunderstood it.
For the entire time I was battling the four appropriately named the Elite Four, their expressions were perplexed and puzzled!
I beat all four without realizing I had become Champion.
And all that followed that is rather recent.
I've begun to assist less experienced trainers, and I've begun to visit Blackthorn more often.
Surprisingly, they have been welcoming me with open arms, perhaps because of my Championship or because they were proved wrong. The town is more pleasant than I remember, and if it wasn't for my busy life I'd gladly reside there.
And I was /hired/, yes hired, by the law enforcements of Kanto, Johto, and later on, Hoenn, to be a spy.
I didn't accept their pay, however, because me being undercover and gathering information about their gatherings and exploits were simply of my own voluntary interest.
All of this brings me to where I stand now, proud Champion of Johto, occasional member of Kanto's Elite Four, spy against Team Rocket and others, and all around Dragon Master.
{ He exhales in a way similar to when he had done before beginning the story, and then turns back and glances over at you and your fully scribbled on paper. }
Got that all down?
Oh, and by the way...
{ Lance appears to think for a moment as he stares absently at the ground, and then he looks up at you, seeming to remember something. }
Well, I suppose there /is/ one more thing.
If there is any confusion between my Championship and my position in Kanto's Elite Four, and which one I am a member of, I would like to clear it now.
I am a member of both.
I am scarcely called upon by either League, for there are very few trainers that are great enough to defeat the three or four trainers that precede myself. Therefore, I am free to travel and go about my usual business, sitting at neither League all day. However, if I am ever called to for a battle, which is rather rare, I report to which ever location requests that I be there.
I have no stronger loyalty for either organization, though I do my best to serve my duty for both.
I'm just a proxy for..
{ Lance appears the most perplexed at this last question, and you finally decide to hand him the notepad, flipping the page before you do so. You tell him to simply read it off, that this was previous information that you had gathered and that you didn't quite understand it, either. }
Smalley...a strange girl with three years of roleplaying experience that enjoys the arts and often bursts out in random exclamations... Also says 'hi' to random people on the streets.
{ Lance seems confused for only a very short moment, then slightly turns to you, a small smile on his face. His eyes glow again with what might be a mix of emotions, all pleasant. Then, as he begins to speak, his words become more loud, more expressed, as if he is passionate about the subject. }
My reason for being a trainer?
Or more specifically, a Pokemon Champion?
For all of this?
{ He steps back and motions around the room, then ceases his actions, folds his arms against his chest and his now powerful, proud gaze is lowered upon you. }
I never felt in place, simply hanging around in my hometown of Blackthorn, while I heard about the exploits of many great people before me, some my own blood relations.
Then Team Rocket was brought up, shortly after, and their boldness and extremity began to increase.
I had to do something.
And then I discovered the true powers of the dragon type Pokemon. And then I fit it all together.
I became what I am now!
My reason?
To do what I feel is necessary and called of me.
Mandatory Angst:
{ Lance blinks, but then his expression evens and he seems to come to a sense of understanding. Maybe you should've worded this particular question better... Good thing the Champion is more intelligent than you would've intentionally thought. }
Well, I don't think my past necessarily includes angst..
But I'll still explain it to you, as best as I can.
{ The Champion exhales slowly, and he looks in the other direction, his voice almost absent, but an evident emotion is still present in it, as if remembering a time from long ago. }
I was born to a mother from Viridian and a father from Blackthorn. The Dragon Clan in Blackthorn City was as strict on the heritage of their apprentices as they were the breeding of their own dragons.
My father was, and though retired, still is one of the best dragon tamers in the entire mountain-set city, and that's why I was originally the heir to my family's notorious and prestigious group of trainers that favored the dragon element.
That was until they found out about my mother's place of origin, which was Viridian, where she still resides, a fear of nonacceptance still lingering within her.
At first, they disagreed with my blood, saying I was not a purebred dragon trainer, as in both of my parents were not of Johto's vast, northern mountains.
Then as I began to grow and show progress in my training, I expect a bad guilt built up within them, for they changed their mind about the entire predicament.
But I simply had no interest in staying there, cooped up those windy mountains like a captured pidgey.
I decided to leave, to see the world from my own eyes, from the back of a dragon.
Yes, my interest in the type was ever-lasting.
Perhaps...inherited?
The rest of the Clan, including my own father, resented the idea of me leaving.
They actually had told me 'no' at one point.
I didn't listen. And that arrogance of mine has paid off immensely!
I abandoned my training at my cousin Clair's Pokemon Gym, which she had recently obtained ownership of near the time of my leaving due to the old Gym Leader retiring to become an elder of the group of dragon trainers.
Actually, at the time, I had no interest nor knowledge of the Pokemon League.
I was almost clueless of what it was.
My only interest at the time was only to become better, not to beat any Gym Leader or join any elite group of trainers.
I must've thought, 'Dear Arceus, not another one of those'.
Yet, as I left Blackthorn and the small world I knew, once considered great, my dragons evolved, and my knowledge of the Pokemon League became greater.
I began to not only train at various gyms around Johto, and soon after, the Kanto and Johto landmass as a whole, I would defeat their leaders.
...With unusual ease!
Maybe it was from being in so many various environments or tough situations, but I shared an unseen connection with my dragons that was unlike any other.
It almost connected us in battle, made us both stronger and understanding of each other...
This began to lead into my interest for the natural world and for preservation of its inhabitants, but that's a later story.
Without realizing it, I had begun to grow notorious in both of the regions. I was so unaware, for I had many interests other than battling, and even interests that lie within my reasons for battling.
I took a short break from training, only to hear of an uprise of a criminal organization known only as Team Rocket.
Their exploits...how they ruined the balance of nature and the bondings between human and Pokemon...
It made me so mad!
And then everything began to happen at once.
All the while I was, well, admittedly spying on Team Rocket, I was offered a test.
A test to join Kanto's Elite Four, who were apparently incomparably stronger than all of the Gym Leaders - and I regret saying this - combined.
I was still a bit ruthless and unthinking, so I took the test.
And passed.
I became famous once again, and then Johto contacted me in a way very similar to how Kanto did so.
The test they gave me, however, was different.
Either that or I misunderstood it.
For the entire time I was battling the four appropriately named the Elite Four, their expressions were perplexed and puzzled!
I beat all four without realizing I had become Champion.
And all that followed that is rather recent.
I've begun to assist less experienced trainers, and I've begun to visit Blackthorn more often.
Surprisingly, they have been welcoming me with open arms, perhaps because of my Championship or because they were proved wrong. The town is more pleasant than I remember, and if it wasn't for my busy life I'd gladly reside there.
And I was /hired/, yes hired, by the law enforcements of Kanto, Johto, and later on, Hoenn, to be a spy.
I didn't accept their pay, however, because me being undercover and gathering information about their gatherings and exploits were simply of my own voluntary interest.
All of this brings me to where I stand now, proud Champion of Johto, occasional member of Kanto's Elite Four, spy against Team Rocket and others, and all around Dragon Master.
{ He exhales in a way similar to when he had done before beginning the story, and then turns back and glances over at you and your fully scribbled on paper. }
Got that all down?
Oh, and by the way...
{ Lance appears to think for a moment as he stares absently at the ground, and then he looks up at you, seeming to remember something. }
Well, I suppose there /is/ one more thing.
If there is any confusion between my Championship and my position in Kanto's Elite Four, and which one I am a member of, I would like to clear it now.
I am a member of both.
I am scarcely called upon by either League, for there are very few trainers that are great enough to defeat the three or four trainers that precede myself. Therefore, I am free to travel and go about my usual business, sitting at neither League all day. However, if I am ever called to for a battle, which is rather rare, I report to which ever location requests that I be there.
I have no stronger loyalty for either organization, though I do my best to serve my duty for both.
I'm just a proxy for..
{ Lance appears the most perplexed at this last question, and you finally decide to hand him the notepad, flipping the page before you do so. You tell him to simply read it off, that this was previous information that you had gathered and that you didn't quite understand it, either. }
Smalley...a strange girl with three years of roleplaying experience that enjoys the arts and often bursts out in random exclamations... Also says 'hi' to random people on the streets.
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