F A L K N E R [taking you under his wing]

[Dragon]

Always keep your goals as high as your wings might take you...

HAY EVERYONE. LOOK AT WHAT NICKBO DREW <3 :'D

Falkner

[/font] - - the elegant master of flying pokémon[/font][/center]

[ M y P a r e n t s C a l l M e . . . ]

My full name is Falkner Tobias Hayato.
[His arms fold gently, face held in stoic distinction. Despite his physical pose, nothing that resembles anger or irritation exudes from his features. If anything, it can be attributed to some sense of inherent pride.]
Although it is respectable, I would politely ask that my middle name not be used in general conversation. It is fairly personal, and I prefer to only give it as I see fit. Not that I really believe you would do anything to tarnish it...
[One visible eye focuses on you carefully before giving what might be considered a visual shrug of approval and looking elsewhere. Apparently, you've been given a vote of personal confidence.]

[ M y F r i e n d s C a l l M e . . . ]

My friends?
[He smiles briefly, considering the word.]
My duties require the constant company of mutual gym leaders, acquaintances and, at times, several trainers and strangers alike. There are a select few, however, that I consider close enough to call friends...
[The way he continues to repeat that word creates a sense of discord, minute enough that you have problems deciphering whether the emotion being shown is more arrogant than understanding. His smile fades to a simple facade of calm, however, allowing the thought to pass with apparently little consequence to himself.]
Nevertheless, everyone I know refers to me simply by my first name, Falkner. Well, everyone except for one Lieutenant Surge. He insists on calling me 'Bird-Boy' -- a man
as arrogant as the type of pokémon he trains.
[There is a definite scowl covering his face now, and a slight huff of air is exhaled in its wake. Looks like somebody has a darker side they don't enjoy sharing with the public.]
Bastard...

[ I ' m N o t A n I t ! I ' m A . . . ]

I beg your pardon?
[His eyes blink several times before registering the question, cheeks coloring with a rosy shade of pink. Oh my, you seem to have hit a nerve.]
Male. My word, do you listen to yourself before you speak?
[The question is asked in a level enough voice, suggesting outright confusion as opposed to blatant insult. Still, there is a verbal sting that leaves you questioning whether he means you to take offense or not. Probably the former -- it's very obvious he's lacking a chest.]

[ I A m A . . . ]

I am the Leader of Violet City's Gym and specialize in training pokémon of the flying-type, birds specifically. As my father was the last known person to hold this position, I am honored to succeed and uphold his respected title.
[His eyes notably flare with a surge of pride, a well defined smile crossing his lips. The moment is relished before he turns back to you with a sense of renewed confidence.]
When my duties allow, I also dedicate my time to the local police force. As a firm believer in the law, my actions as a part-time officer allow me to promote balance and a sense of reasonable justice in my community. It is a very fulfilling side career.

[ I D o n ' t N e e d W r i n k l e C r e a m ! I ' m . . . ]

I am twenty years old.
[He considers your question for a moment before giving a sudden and unexpectedly carefree smile, closing his eyes in turn.]
My reaction is not what you were expecting, I assume. Though I may be younger than most Gym Leaders, I am no less adept at teaching and battling than the great pokémon masters themselves. As for your question...I don't particularly mind. It takes more than a childish question to goad me.
[That haughty tone seems to have returned, eyes reopened and leaving you with an even, unimpressed smirk.]

[ D o Y o u T h i n k I N e e d A D i e t ? ]

[Running both hands over his knees to smooth out the material, he looks up to you after a moment with a very matter-of-fact expression.]
The way I dress is a personal choice. Clothing reflects the inner discipline of an individual, and I was raised quite happily in a traditional manner. The only thing that may not follow this example is my hair.
[He smirks, pulling a few fingers through the thick, teal colored hair that cascades over his right eye. The action itself oozes a type of pride that truly draws attention to every silky detail. The overall length sits just above the shoulder, complimenting the warmth in his brown eyes and framing a set of incredibly mature, handsome features.]
It is a tribute to my bird pokémon -- their elegant plumage inspired me to incorporate a bit of avian style into my own appearance. While the word 'emo' has been uttered on several occasions within my presence, I still believe the majority of those I come into contact with approve of my choice. In the end, it is only my opinion that matters on the subject.

[Folding his arms gently, you are given the opportunity to informally observe Falkner's attire. His body is wrapped in a navy colored Jinbei (undergarment) that comes down neatly to his knees. A light blue Happi (short coat) trimmed with white covers the garment and remains open to reveal a matching white Obi (sash) tied around his waist. His legs are completely covered by long, white Tabi (socks with separated toes) and on his feet are a pair of dark colored Zori sandals that wrap back around his ankles. Falkner notices your wandering glance and gives a pleasant smile.]

I am to assume you approve as well. Everything I wear is loose and free-flowing in order to work properly with my birds in aerial training. As for the colors, they reflect the great open skies and my preference for them in general. The bands around my arms, I designed specifically for my pokémon so they can perch without damaging the skin. And that, I believe, is all you need to know.
[He nods with a sniff, face resolved to an expression of polite enough indifference.]

[ M y E m o t i o n a l D i s p o s i t i o n ? ]

[He thinks for a moment before taking the time to carefully answer.]
I believe myself to be a very calm and rational individual...most of the time. While it is not a pleasant thing to admit, I can become quite angry given the proper circumstances...
[As if on cue, the young man's face begins to harden as the explanation continues, fingers balling into passionate fists.]
...and sometimes, it takes quite the supernatural force to return myself to a state...of calm...
The proper circumstances? Yes. Fucking bastard electric-type trainers and their constant disrespect. They believe I'm nothing more than an easy win, my birds helpless prey to their so-called strategies? I'll show them all...Ignorant, cocky amateurs!
[The resounding crack of flesh against wood echoes through the room, your eyes glued anxiously to the now warped patch of desk sitting directly in front of you. Falkner has a rather distraught look on his face, cheeks retaining a hefty amount of color as he pulls his fist away and rubs the shaking fingers tentatively. You decide not to ask and with good reason. He spends a few moment inhaling and exhaling in an almost comical 'anger-management' display before continuing once more, blatantly ignoring that the outburst happened at all. Quite impressive willpower, even if he did have a nasty temper.]

While there are many who tend to rush through life without noticing the details, I enjoy taking the time to observe all manner of people and places and to learn more about them. This makes interaction without outstanding error more probable and, hopefully, more enjoyable on both parts. I may not have the most outgoing personality, but I believe that people appreciate the quality of friendship I strive to provide once the offer has been extended.

[He smiles briefly before continuing, the anger surrounding his demeanor having trickled away by this point to nothing.]
I am a strong advocate of good manners and strive to use them in my daily life, along with an open mind and balanced sense of judgment. While these qualities are something in which I take great personal pride, there are several individuals who may attribute my mature, respectful nature in general to being pompous or arrogant. This is not the case.
[Without a second thought, he crosses his arms in an almost defensive posture. From what you've observed previously, Falkner seems to unintentionally be a bit of a hypocrite.]
I will admit that my speech may also give reason to support such an assumption, but this is all simply a product of how I have been raised. I will continue to honor my upbringing regardless, so those of differing opinion will simply have to respect that.
[Confident, aren't we? Walking the line between pride and elitism can be difficult, so you take his opinions with a grain of salt and allow the young man to continue.]

Above all else, I believe myself to be disciplined. Strength comes from the character and determination of a man, not his physical person or possessions. By holding myself to a set of time-honored values and personal goals, I am strong and no one can tell me otherwise. My dedication is second to none concerning the duties I have been asked to uphold, and I constantly strive to improve myself within those positions. I also deeply value the strength drawn from my family, my friends and my pokémon. It is their support that encourages me to never forget where I have come from and where I intend to go.

[ T h i n g s T h a t A r e G r o o v y : ]

► Bird Pokémon - Their grace and beauty make them such elegant symbols of power.
► Hang Gliding - A refreshing and exciting hobby. It also allows me to be close to my pokémon while training.
► Teaching - Knowledge is the key to many things in life, and I am happy to pass on everything that I know to my students.
► Etiquette - Common courtesy should be used more often. I appreciate it when those around me act in a respectful manner.
► Pride - This is not the self-centered pride that most associate with the term. I believe in pride of character and a job well done.
► The Law - It provides balance and safety for the benefit of everyone. Every disciplined individual should be able to respect this.
► The Wind - The feel of it whipping against your face and clothing is simply exhilarating.
► My Father - He is the cornerstone of my childhood and personal value system. I would not be the person standing here today without his strength and guidance in my life.

[ T h i n g s T h a t A r e n ' t S o G r o o v y : ]

► Electric-Type Trainers - I find these trainers particularly lacking in common sense or decency and similar, physically and mentally, to the contents of a meat locker...heh.
► Criminal Organizations - They defy all that is good and lawful in this world. I will not stand to see such people triumph under my watch.
► Profanity - Have you simply not learned to expand your vocabulary? [smirks]
► Arrogance - Pride taken too far can be emotionally damaging to yourself and others.
► Ignorance - Proper understanding is simply too important to be a natural excuse.

[ B u t . . . I ' m A f r a i d ! ]

I believe my fears to be more practical than most, though to admit them takes considerable courage nonetheless.
[He sighs before looking at you regretfully. Such a dramatic change from the young leader's usual confidence. It's difficult to decide whether such an expression on his part is refreshing or pitiable.]
I wish to never fail the expectations set by myself and others. To do so, especially as such a young representative of my fellow Gym Leaders, would be outright shameful and personally intolerable. However, by working towards this goal, I have noticed a change in personal demeanor. As stated before, pride and arrogance walk a fine line, and I am unsure as to how my words and actions truly affect those around me. It is...quite difficult to keep everything in balance and I sincerely hope that offense is never taken. I suppose it is something I should continue to work on...Still, the majority of people's opinions shouldn't matter.
[That little smirk is back, Falkner nodding slightly at his own observations. At least he seems aware of the pride issue. Oh well, practice makes perfect.]

[ I L i k e T o . . . ]

While they are required duties, my time spent at the Gym and working for the police force is quite enjoyable. The most refreshing activities I take part in, however, tend to be when I spend time with my own pokémon. They are, after all, the most important members of my life.
[His eyes soften at the mention of something so familiar before turning towards you with a refreshing smile. As he begins to speak, his voice holds a gentle strain of excitement.]
Have you ever been hang gliding? It truly is spectacular, made even more so when surrounded by the rush of the wind and the beating of your partner's wings. The world below is so small and- ...excuse me, have I said something wrong?
[Falkner immediately notes the change in your demeanor, his incredibly contended speech drawing a grin across your own face. Flushing slightly, his mannerisms fold back into a more familiar looking expression.]
Forgive me. I did not mean to get carried away. You probably wouldn't understand.
[As he smiles sheepishly, you begin to realize how critically Falkner places care in his outward demeanor. He truly seems to be a different person depending on the familiarity of those around him.]

[ M y R e a s o n ? ]

I sincerely believe that the majority of my actions can be attributed to my Father.
[His eyes sharpen, everything about his figure seemingly pulled taller out of respect.]
His strength and passion for bird pokémon inspired me to follow in his footsteps. That and my own beliefs on the matter stand true as well. There are far too many trainers who believe that flying-types are simply too weak to stand when confronted with electricity. Such a blatant lie must never be allowed to thrive in my presence. Ever.
[His voice becomes rough for a moment, but this time his temper seems to be caught before it starts. Thank goodness. Turning his attentions back to you, his visible eye focuses in retrospect.]
Anything can be accomplished and maintained with the proper amount of care and training and, as the Leader of Violet City Gym, I intend to prove that to every trainer that wishes to challenge my judgment. In simpler terms concerning challenges,
bring it on.
[Pride flares in his last words, fingers tightening in pleasure.]

[ M a n d a t o r y A n g s t : ]

[He raises an eyebrow and gives an even sigh, eyes blinking calmly.]
Your choice of words to define this question is rather unattractive, though I will be happy to comply with your inquiry regardless. There is nothing depressing about my past in which I believe it is necessary to display any considerable amount of...angst.


I consider my childhood to have been both practical and attractive. Raised solely by my Father, I truly wanted for nothing. He was a kind man, dedicated to everything that he held dear, and that was a great many things. I realize now that he somehow managed to keep a son, a team of pokémon, a household, and a gym neatly balanced in utmost priority, and I respect the time and effort he spent with every one of those duties. I was never without his guidance, his strength and my hand was never empty.

[The words bring a genuine smile to Falkner's face, a true sort of radiance emanating from his softened features before the expression fades away to polite indifference.]
Not to say that my Father wasn't strict. I was brought up in a very traditional manner and taught to respect all things as well as myself. Everything my Father demanded of me he displayed in his own words and actions, making it more than appropriate for me to trust in every word and skill that I was taught. Lessons were provided at home -- history, culture, language and domestics were all covered along with the natural subject of pokémon. I was a very dedicated student and perhaps that is why my Father chose to have me attend with him to the Gym on several occasions.

I believe with all my being that it was by watching my Father battle which inspired me to become a trainer of bird pokémon myself.
[He looks steadily into your eyes, passion slightly welling up in his voice.]
In his style of battle, I could recognize nearly every lesson my Father had worked so hard to preserve in my upbringing. Dedication. Precision. Respect. So many...and they all rested upon those powerful, beating wings, were all integrated into every simple command and graceful movement. I was in awe -- I still am. Father, deep down, must have expected such a reaction, and I truly believe it honored him. Out of respect, I was presented with my first pokémon -- Hoothoot. On that day, I was ten years old.

[Falkner closes his eyes, resting for a moment in appreciated silence before opening them once again, his voice having regained an even, conversational tone.]
With the addition of Hoothoot to my life, lessons soon revolved around the application and practice of everything I had learned prior. Training sessions became routine and Gym attendance frequent. My Father even took valuable time to teach me his own secrets concerning aerial maneuvers and human integration. I was so eager to take everything in, to absorb each and every piece of knowledge and experience so generously offered. Somehow, I believe he expected this as well. In fact, he planned on it.

[He turns to face you, expression completely balanced. The way he speaks, however, seems...off. You get the feeling that he has rehearsed what he is about to tell you to himself many times in order to produce the right results.]
One morning, Father was gone. He left, in my possession, two of his three cherished bird pokémon and a letter explaining the cryptic manner of his departure. To this day, I am not concerned of his whereabouts or safety. However, it would be wrong of me to say that this did not inflict a dramatic change in my lifestyle. I was sixteen years old and on that day, I truly became my Father's son.

For the next two years, I dedicated myself to training pokémon and becoming completely independent. Fueled by the lessons I had been taught, I was able to maintain the household and care for both my Father's birds as well as my own. My values drew me to the community branch of Violet City's Police Force and, thanks to my mature upbringing and keen eyesight, I was accepted with little criticism despite my age. But Father's Gym remained empty and unused...I could not let that stand. So it was that I applied to the Pokémon League for the position of Gym Leader to claim my rightful place.

[His voice holds a gentle note of confidence and pride.]
After months of intensive training, a series of grueling tests and with the assistance of a young trainer named Gold in capturing a Skarmory, I finally achieved my goal. I was eighteen years old and have respectfully upheld my title ever since, for myself and for my Father. Should he ever return to Violet City, I would like to properly thank him and ask for a battle...I believe he would enjoy that.

[ O h A n d B y T h e W a y . . . ]

[Folding his arms gently, you notice his visible eye focus sharply upon you.]
Be it through an inherited trait or my constant training and supervision of bird pokémon, my vision is slightly more adept than a normal human's. I am able to view details from great distances and note changes in objects where, perhaps, they do not wish to be noted.
[He smiles considerably before continuing.]
A very useful ability when assigned to city patrol.

[ I ' m J u s t A P r o x y F o r . . . ]

[Standing slowly, Falkner looks off into a nearby wooded area before giving a shrill whistle. An odd rumble is given in distant response, one that you would not attribute to any sort of normal bird call. Falkner suddenly extends his arm towards a figure breaking through the treeline, claws perching on the given space just a few moments later. Extending her wings, the creature puffs out her chest happily and croons.]
She may not be a bird, but her wingspan is rather impressive.
[Reaching out with his other hand, Falkner strokes lightly under Dragon's chin.]
Dragon: rawrawr~ <3
[Her wings flutter slightly before leaning into the caress, tail wagging furiously.]
Such an affectionate creature...

[ H e r e ' s S o m e O f T h e i r W r i t i n g ! ]

They say the early bird gets the worm. While such logic is flawed and childish, the thought was enough to bring a soft smile to the boy's lips.

Across the wide expanse of wooded thickets and open plains outside Violet City, a new sun was just beginning to climb over the horizon. The sky in turn was singed with reds and oranges, bathing the entire landscape in an unholy fire of warm illusion. Long grasses blew gently in the wind, still dancing to the cool touch of early morning. It was a time of awakening and, for Falkner, a time for familiar relish with a cherished friend.

The sudden movement beneath his person was enough to have the young Gym Leader give a soft chuckle, fingers rubbing deep into a downy, muscular back. Long, powerful legs paced anxiously in return, feathers ruffled as three distinct cries were given, one at a time until each voice sang in chorus like a harmonica. One long neck turned to face the boy, nudging a thin, pointed beak across his arm even as its large eyes blinked in approval, black plumage gently waving. The other two heads of Dodrio sat high and alert to the environment, the great bird ready to burst forward at the proper command.

"Just one more minute. I promise not to keep you longer." His voice held a tenderness that was never allowed to be displayed in public, Falkner completely at ease in the presence of no one but his pokémon. Legs clenched in sturdy balance around Dodrio's body, the boy took another moment to simply inhale the morning's bounty. Light was beginning to play softly across his long, teal hair, reflecting in the glow of warm, brown eyes. His face, while held in a stoic sort of calm, was relaxed enough that his expression would easily betray such genuine happiness.

...And suddenly, the moment was respectfully released, Falkner leaning his weight into the bird's frame and grasping the shoulder blades carefully. Taking a deep breath, all muscles suddenly clenched and a shrill, rising whistle was given. The reaction was instantaneous, Dodrio digging into the soft earth before barreling forward, all three heads extended ahead and focused on the terrain. Their morning sprint had begun.

Wind whipped across both figures, playfully ducking into the folds of Falkner's billowing Happi and Jinbei as well as Dodrio's streamlined plumage. Stomach leaping with exhilaration, the boy pulled against his pokémon long enough to synchronize his heartbeat with the pulse of Dodrio's pounding legs before stretching up and back into the open air. And this was only the warm up.

Focusing dead ahead, eyes narrowed upon the sun rising in approval of their joyous run, the world continuing to blur past in waves of vibrant color. Greeting the day, Dodrio cried out in earnest afterward to pick up the pace. This was far too slow -- such freedom should be truly taken advantage of and enjoyed. Falkner could not argue with such logic and dedication. Preparing himself for what would truly be considered endurance training, the Gym Leader slowly focused upon his grip and the pulse of Dodrio's legs until finally releasing a sharp command.

"Dodrio, agility!"

And suddenly, the grass, the sun, everything was left behind.

[/size]

[cassie]

Accepted!

Like your wingspan, you're writing is very impressive! I can really get Falkner's character and I really enjoyed reading it. I love the way you managed to balance and mantain his tone throughout, it was wonderful. ^^ You didn't need the sample at the end though, but I'm not going to dock point's. Indeed, I'll give bonus points?

Now, go on and get posting!