Post by SOLDIER 市丸 on Jan 7, 2011 0:24:26 GMT -4
Orre. The desolate desert region across the sea. No wild Pokemon can be found there. The weather is so harsh that even the small forested sliver running from the northwest corner of Orre down to Gateon Port had no wild Pokemon. And past that sliver of trees, deep into the sweltering heat and blazing sun of the desert, you could not even find a Trapinch, Baltoy, or Cacnea. It was hardly the type of place that someone would call a vacation destination. And indeed it was not a vacation destination. The only people who tended to visit Orre on a regular basis never planned on returning to their home region again. Everyone went to one of the few towns that managed to survive in the harsh conditions.
Pyrite Town- Full of tough trainers with little regard for crime such as robbery or petty theft, almost everyone in town was willing to do what they had to to get what they want. Escapees from other regions often wound up in Pyrite Town; the latest being a former member of Team Rocket, apparently targeted to be disposed off.
Agate Village- Set in the forested section of Orre and generally withholding steady weather patterns, it was the one place in Orre where you could find so much as a Magicarp. However, there was one downside- or upside, depending on how one looked at it. It was a retirement village packed full of old trainers. At the head of the village was Myth Trainer Eagun, legendary in his own right.
Phenac City- Phenac was built on top of an oasis, and was built to maximize that fact. It was one of the more 'family-friendly' locations in Orre, and was home of the Prestige Precept Center- also known as the Pre-Gym. Pre-Gym Leader Justy was one of the stronger trainers in Orre, and ran the Pre-Gym. Many trainers visited the Pre-Gym to partake in a battle challenge, learn how to train Pokemon, or to simply work with ones Pokemon with a little more skill.
Aside from those three major towns, there were also visitors from other regions who came just to participate in one of the many challenges Orre presented for trainers. However, while they were there, they rarely visited other places. Only the toughest of challengers traveled from somewhere other than Orre. Still, many said that just participating in one of the challenges was worth it.
Pyrite Colosseum- It was the easiest challenge in Orre and the weakest of the Colosseums. It was located in Pyrite town, and was filled with some of the meanest trainers you could meet outside of Battle Square. It was also hardly ever visited by someone who was not from Orre themselves. The location was a major deterrent, as was the low-level of the challenge.
Phenac Colosseum- Located in Phenac City, this Colosseum was beautiful, with the battle stage circled by a reflecting pool of sparking blue water. It was due to be retired soon, but while its doors remain open, it remains one of the more visited and revered Colosseums in Orre.
Orre Colosseum- It was almost the ultimate challenge for trainers in Orre. You were only able to access it if you were invited, and it was hidden from prying eyes. Trainers battled as if their lives depended on it here, and the winner was treated much like the Champion in Kanto, Jhoto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh. They were granted a large honor... but only members of the Orre Colosseum could ever know.
Realgam Tower- The Realgam Tower was being rebuilt the last time anyone bothered to check up on it, but there were rumors that Realgam Tower would be a hit. It would have a Colosseum on top that looked over all of Orre, and it would be that Colosseum- Realgam Colosseum- which retired Phenac Colosseum. The tower was to contain its own Pokemon Center and Poke'Mart, along with two other types of battle facilities: Pokemon Battle Bingo and Pokemon Battle Sims.
Mt. Battle- Mt. Battle was the ultimate of the challenges that a trainer could face. It even rivaled the Elite Four Challenge in other regions. Many trainers just traveled to Orre so that they could train there. However, some of the trainers who visited- be it from Orre or other regions- came to participate in the Mt. Battle 100 Battle Challenge. In order to win, all ten of the ten-platform areas had to be defeated using the same team of Pokemon. The champion of that particular challenge was revered as being on the same level as the Elite Four Challenge Champion. And this time, everyone knew it.
But there was one city in Orre that thrived without aid of a battle challenge or a beautiful appearance.
Gateon Port.
It was located at the very end of the sliver of forest in the west of Orre, although by the time you reached Gateon Port, the trees were few and far between. It was marked by the most city-like atmosphere and appearance of all the other major towns the desert region possessed.
Gateon Port was a shipping town. Pokemon for Orre's beginning trainers were brought in on ship, along with goods to be sold in storefronts. And that being said, Gateon Port had an impressive commercial district. One shop even sold perfume imported from Kanto's Celadon City.
But the shopping was not what has brought you to this part of Orre. It is not even close. Instead, it is the rumor that Orre's Hero has set up residence in the harbor area of Gateon Port.
And as you are a free-lance reporter hoping to sell a hit story to OBNS, it has become your goal to track down Orre's Hero and secure an interview with him. No matter what the cost! No matter what he acts like, or smells like, or tastes like!
...On second thought, strike the taste part. I'm getting too excited.
With a slight shudder of disgust that you even thought of what Orre's Hero would taste like, you decide to concentrate on the current roadblock. That roadblock being that Gateon Port's harbor area is packed full of cargo ready for transport and sailors with huge bulging muscles who were running off to get drinks at the Krabby Club or meet their next ship. Some were even just lazing around the port, looking for a battle.
I can't seven see where the Pokemon Center is! How am I supposed to get to the rotating platforms...
With a gulp, you decide to risk getting lost; if you manage to find Orre's Hero and get an interview, everything will be worth it. Getting lost, braving the desert, skipping that famous perfume store... Everything! Well... maybe not skipping the perfume store, but the rest, definitely!
Without looking you take off into the harbor area, skipping several steps on the stairs as you go. You have managed to get pumped and feel like you cannot possible fail in your personal mission.
In hindsight, maybe running down the steps and into the crowd of people without looking where you were going was a bad idea. In just five seconds you are sprawled out on the ground with your notebook clutched tightly in hand. As should have been predicted, charging blindly down the steps has led you to run into someone.
Are you alright? Charging down the steps like a Rhydon was a really reckless idea.
The person you ran into sounds annoyed and impatient, but not angry. You climb to your feet and look at the owner of the voice so that you can tell them you are alright, and are they alright too, but instead you freeze.
Oh, for the love of Arceus- Come on! I'm not some rare Pokemon that you get to goggle in the streets! Pick up your jaw! You look like Exploud!
I'm so sorry!!! It's just that I was hoping to run into you. I'm a freelance reporter; I was hoping to get an interview.
His words have managed to embarrass you, and now you begin to lose confidence. Orre's Hero will just glare at you and tell you to get lost. Then he will walk away and everyone will laugh, and then you will have to get a new job as a janitor and leave Orre and-
Hello... Hello. Hello!!! I said yes!!! Stop drowning yourself in depression! I'll do the report! J-just cheer up, alright??? I didn't mean to intimidate you or be mean to you or whatever the hell I did! S-so cheer up!!!
R-really!? Thank-you so much!!!
Orre's Hero releases a shaky sigh, and he seems happy that you are no longer depressed. He turns to go the direction he had been walking in earlier, and gestures for you to follow.
My house is this way. I'm not doing an interview standing in the middle of the street; and I doubt you want to either, so...
You smile and nod before racing after him, amused by his cautious expression, as though he expects you to switch moods on him at any moment. However, now you are happy. You get your interview, and you get to see where the Hero of Orre lives! Not even your list of questions turning out to be embarrassing could spoil your mood...
What is your full name?
Huh? My... Full name? People actually care about that?
Having successfully made it to the home of Orre's Hero, the interview begins with the most basic of questions: asking his name. However, Orre's Hero seems completely bewildered that anyone would have any interest at all in his full name. For a moment he slouches in the arm-chair across from yours with eyes widened marginally, but eventually he narrows his eyes and his brows furrow as if he is thinking very hard about something.
Actually... I'm not sure I even remember my last name...
A-are you certain??? ...How do you forget your own last name anyway?
You state your disbelief that he cannot remember his surname, and receive a glare as harsh as the desert in return.
Simple. No one has had any interest in my full name since I joined Team Snagem! Anyway, I remember now. My full name is Wes Leo. That's W-E-S, not W-E-S-T. I don't care if my name sounds like a direction, my name is not and never will be 'West'.
Wes slouches back into the arm chair and stares at the ceiling.
Can we please hurry up? This is boring!
By now you are well aware that your disbelief has greatly offended Wes. He sounds the way that he did when you ran into him in the port: primarily annoyed by what you have done. Standing and bowing, you apologize profusely for upsetting him..
O-oh. I apologize for upsetting you. ...I'm boring you? Sorry. Of course. Moving on!
Wha? Who said you upset me? No way. I was not upset in the least. Stop speaking nonsense! And stop apologizing! You live in Orre- how the hell did you survive this long with an attitude like that?!
It is impossible to reply to something like that. He was denying that he was upset too much, and seemed to be covering up that he was upset by scolding you for having a timid personality. It really is extremely infuriating behavior, but you let it go.
Well, did you write down my name? Wes Leo. Don't forget it!
A quick nod and the sound of a pen on paper is the response you give Wes as you try to appease him. On the page, the letter 'T' is scribbled out at the end of Wes' name.
Are there any nicknames you prefer?
Yeah... I don't prefer my nicknames. I have them, but I don't prefer them.
His words intrigue you, but not overwhelmingly so. After all, everyone has nicknames that they don't like. As an example, your own friends continue to call you Wabu despite your many protests and threats of decapitation/castration. Noticing that Wes is staring at you, you cough to clear your throat and try and encourage you to continue.
Please tell me what they are! Even if they are really stupid, you can threaten anyone who calls you by them to get them to stop! And aside from that... you don't want me to cry, do you?!
Immediately his face goes from startled that you suggested threatening someone, to horrified that you really will start crying. Quickly his eyes narrow in challenge, and you match the glare perfectly. After a few moments, Wes smirks and changes position in his seat so that he is draped sideways over the arm rests, legs crossed and head supported on crossed arms.
It seems you have more attitude that I gave you credit for. Alright, I'll tell you my nicknames... And I'll keep the 'threatening' strategy in mind. As an added bonus, you can have copies of some of the photos I have up on the walls. However... You have to do something for me first.
What do you want me to do?
This challenge seems well worth it. You get Wes nicknames and copies of the photos hanging on the walls of the vibrantly orange-painted room. Sitting up straight in your chair, you lean toward Wes with all of your typical Orre attitude showing in your eyes.
You never come back here again. I don't really like you much. You have attitude, but no real way to back all of what you say up. I, however, can. If you return, I'll set Umbreon and Espeon on you.
Wes is still smirking at you, and it is impossible not to tell he is entirely serious about setting his Pokemon on you. For a brief moment you realize that the two are not in the room, but rather than pointing it out, you nod.
Good. Now, my nicknames. As you may or may not be aware of, psychic-type Pokemon tend to be able to use telepathy with people they are close to. Espeon in particular is noted for being able to predict parts of futures when they relate to their trainer; it has to do with how Eevee only evolves into Espeon when it is extremely close to its trainer. My Espeon tends to avoid using telepathy, but when something very bad- or interesting to Espeon and Umbreon- happens or is going to happen, Espeon will use telepathy to inform me of it. When it does, Espeon calls me... well, 'West'.
A hand flies up to color your mouth as you hold back laughter. The very name that Wes had demanded you never use by mistake! Wes' Espeon called him that! It was just hilarious beyond belief. Luckily Wes seems to have expected this and waits until you finish laughing to continue.
Finished? Good. Everyone in Team Snagem calls me 'Top Snagger Wes'. I have no idea why they persist in calling me that, but I also don't really care as long as only they call me that. Eagun up in Agate Village calls me 'Wesley', for some reason, and Rui calls me 'Wes-o' sometimes. Most people in Orre call me the 'Hero of Orre' or 'Orre's Hero'. But people who worked with me during the Shadow Incident, such as Duking, Vander, or Justy, just call me Wes. (If anyone takes Eagun, Rui, Duking, Vander, or Justy, and wants me to change this, I will.)
As Wes finishes his explanation of who calls him what, you also finish scribbling down the many names. With a grin you move on to the next question on your sheet.
If you don't mind me asking, what is your age?
You are a forward person, aren't you? My age? That's a private thing.
Wes smiles chillingly at you and settles his mirrored visor over his eyes. It is a distinctly aggressive and threatening expression, not at all what you would have liked to see. The question is quite standard for these sorts of interviews, although it could be worded better, and Wes going hostile had not been the reaction anyone would have wanted.
Please tell me?
I'm in my late teens. That is all you need to know.
How would you describe yourself?
...No way out of this one...
You barely hear the muttered words, but you don't say anything. With any luck, this is the most you will get out of him during the interview.
Rui says that I am quiet, rude, impatient with people, and harsh. I suppose that means that I am like the desert. I suppose it makes sense. I did grow up out there.
I do not like to talk. If I have to, I will, but I would prefer not to. Go track down one of the old Team Snag'em goons; they'll tell you the same. I also don't like it when people slug along or withhold information. People will just do half a task and then finish it... Even Cipher did that. As such, I only admire a handful of people. I tend to snap at people; much like I did to you later today.
With Rui and my pokemon, I am better. Espeon and Umbreon are my best friends. I have known them since I was small, back when they were still Eevee. Obviously I am nice to my pokemon; I would not have managed to purify those shadow pokemon otherwise. By the way, there is a shadow Skarmory roosting on the back of your chair. I would not move, if I were you.
Having heard stories about Shadow Pokemon, you freeze and forget your next question. Wes is smirking, so you know he is amused. Rude indeed!
May I get a quick glimpse of you?
In response to that, Wes stands up and crosses his arms, clearly impatient with this question. Espeon and Umbreon also quickly take their places at his side. It appears that this stance would be used to intimidate someone.
...It works.
Quickly you jot down his description in your notebook. His hair is silver-blond and spiked, held away from his face by mirrored goggles. They appear to be made for desert travel. His coat is blue and one of a kind. Unlike most coats, it is fitted and has two tails flaring in the back. The coat is tightly closed so you cannot tell if he is wearing a shirt under it. His pants are skintight and black, with what appear to be wide black straps wrapped around them. His combat boots are just as black as his pants, and show a nice amount of scratching from the sand. His hands are covered by blue gloves.
Next you search out his face. He looks annoyed, and so you decide to hurry. His eyes are an amber yellow. His face is also the only part of him that you can see his skin tone on. Most likely because he was used to the desert. His skin was slightly tanned from the sun, save an odd white stripe across his face...
It's a tattoo. Not facepaint.
You blush because he saw through you so easily and quickly turn your eyes to the last part of his appearance. It's there, on his left arm. The Snag Machine. The shoulder guard is purple, as is the cuff that extends behind the back of his hand from his mid-forearm. It is trimmed in red, and a red cord winds around his arm, connecting the cuff and shoulder guard. All in all, it just looks like another part of his coat. Even that shiny white light on the shoulder guard.
You hurriedly record this on the paper as he takes a seat.
What are you exactly?
I'm a former member of Team Snag'em... and their best Snagger. Yes, I train pokemon, but my job was to steal pokemon from other trainers. Of course, I do not do that now. Rui would kill me.
There is not much that can be said in response to that declaration. Well, not without getting kicked out. You opt to move on without saying anything. After all, finishing the interview would be a good thing.
What are a few things you support?
I support my pokemon. Without them, I am certain that I would be alone. Especially Espeon and Umbreon. These two are always by my side. And they have better judgment of character than I do. Without them, I would just be glaring at you.
As he says this Wes is petting Espeon and Umbreon. Wes seems to be opening up a little.
I also like to travel. Maybe I should check out some of the other regions and take a break from Orre sometime. I've been everywhere I needed, or have wanted, to see. There isn't much more for me to do. ...Except maybe track down that weirdo Mirror B. Then again, I am actually pretty sure Rui could beat him. And Rui doesn't train pokemon.
And that leads me to the third thing. Rui. She's like a pokemon herself! I first met her when she was captured by Cipher. She's followed me around ever since then. But she always manages to get into trouble if you leave her alone. I just have to take care of her because of that. She's helpless on her own. ...Speaking of Rui, she better have actually reached Agate Village this time...
Anything you're against?
That one is easy. Shadow Pokemon. You just don't go around closing the door to a pokemon's heart. I would never do that to Espeon or Umbreon.
Then there is Cipher as a whole. They leave things half-finished, run around all over the place in weird outfits, and their administrators are morons. Take that Mirror B. for example. And then there is Cipher Boss Evice. I highly doubt that he's the one behind everything done in Orre. He's too stupid. He told us his entire plan before we stopped him. What idiot does that?
And the Under Colosseum when it was still there. The way they treated pokemon, as though they were tools... Regular pokemon were treated like Shadow Pokemon. That was wrong.
Would you mind sharing some experiences?
For a moment Wes is quiet, but he finally shrugs.
I'm an orphan. Gonzap, the boss of Team Snag'em, found me when I was about eight years old. I was trying to find enough food for myself and Espeon and Umbreon, who at the time were Eevee, on the streets of Pyrite Town. I suppose that is why people say I would fit in or do fit in perfectly in Pyrite Town. If I didn't, I would be shocked.
Team Snag'em raised me. For a long time they were my family. Gonzap... well, I admit that he was my father-figure. But then he made that Skarmory sitting on the back of your chair into a Shadow Pokemon. It was his strongest and best pokemon, along with his friend. So I blew up the base, took the Snag Machine, and ran. Then I met Rui, and the rest is last-year's hit story. I snagged a bunch of Shadow Pokemon, won a few Colosseum battles, beat up a bunch of people from Cipher, and got mobbed by people because I saved Orre. Now no one leaves me be. Hopefully they will all forget my face and name in a few years.
What do you do to pass the time?
I train with my pokemon. Rather than doing what other trainers do and giving instruction while I stand off to the side, I have them battle against me. I dodge and they attack. With Hariyama I even spar. It passes time pretty well.
I also like to travel, as I said before. My desert cycle is left on the outskirts of Gateon Port. I will sometimes take Rui or just Espeon and Umbreon and go off for a day or a week to another part of Orre. I just got back from a trip to see the new Pokemon HQ Lab to the north.
And then I like to sleep.
These words lead to a staring contest. You want to know more, and he doesn't give in. Then you remember that Wes is a teenager and that teenagers love to sleep. No more explanation is really needed. You mark down what has been said and move on.
Any fears you wouldn't mind mentioning?
Wes suddenly doesn't look as annoyed as he has for the rest of the interview. He sits up straight and looks you right in the eye. Then, he answers the question.
There are two things that I fear enough to bear mention. One is the dark. Dangerous things lurk in the dark; I would know. One of these days, something or someone will catch up with me. When it does, it will be nighttime, and I will be in the middle of nowhere. No one will ever see me again. I don't know if it will be Team Snag'em or Cipher or if I will somehow get on the bad side of another group of thugs. But the dark is dangerous. You would do well to keep that in mind.
The second thing I fear is Shadow Pokemon. Yes, I snagged them and am purifying them. But Shadow Pokemon... They would not hesitate to attack me. Heck, when Hariyama was still a Makuhita and a Shadow Pokemon, I lost track of the number of times I was attacked. Then there was Raikou. At the lab out in the desert that Cipher was using... I got lucky that I was able to snag it in time. If I hadn't, who knows what would have happened.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
This time all you receive is a glare. It appears that Wes has nothing more to say to you now that he has given you a warning about Shadow Pokemon and the dark. He instead stands, holds out an arm for Skarmory, and opens the front door.
Do you have any fans that won't leave you alone?
You exit the house and turn around to say thank you. However, before you get to answer, the door slams shut in your face. You open the notebook in your hand and underline 'rude' several times before circling it. That seemed to be a key quality of his.
As you start to grab your bearings in the now almost-empty harbor, you spot a person with a camera taking photos of the house. You cannot tell if they are a man or a woman, but they are wearing a large greet shirt and has black hair. As you pass, you look back and see a name sewn onto the back of the shirt. 'Ichimaru'. A stalker, maybe? However, you decide to ignore this and continue on your way. After all, Wes did seem to have a point about the dark, and it was getting rather late...
Fin.
His age is only late teens unless time logic dictates that by now he must be in his early twenties.