Trial by Ice (Mod)

[Wolfe]

Here they were - strangers no longer.

As Marc had, in nearly inaudible bits of speech, explained his entire story to Lapras, who had listened intently, her jet-black eyes casting a serene gaze over her - well, even if it was a one sided relationship - friend. No, she didn't hate him. No, she didn't think his past actions were excusable. But yes, she sensed, the veil of hatred, pierced by none, a heart. She didn't know how he had survived by himself all this time, holding in, withdrawing from all contact. Though she sensed hatred in no small amount towards his surroundings, she was satisfied with that fact that none of it was directed toward her. Her thought process was interrupted by a jarring inquiry from her partner, as he had liked to be called.

"What would you like to be called?"

She sensed fear and unease in equal proportions, fear of rejection, from possibly the only person, as he referred to her, who he had ever opened up to.

Her response was tactful, a tone of caring in her voice as she replied.

"Liliana."

"Mind if I call you Lilly?"

She laughed at that, a sound long forgotten to Marc's ears. Of this he was sure that he liked. It sounded at ease, and he knew, that he wanted to make her laugh. She wrapped her neck around his body, enveloping his figure, and breathed frost into his face. In a tone rife with humor, she spoke:

"Only for you, Markus"

He scowled at that, his features scrunching up and his mouth upturned into a frown. He didn't like being called by that, a pet peeve of his. Usually, the offender in question wouldn't be around to laugh at his features, but he allowed Lilly to tease him so, if only grudgingly. He walked forward, eyes set on the sky above, the brilliant sunset casting his shadow behind him. Words weren't necessary; his stature preceded him.

Let's get going, shall we?

[Sam]

He'd been watching them for a while. He'd listened to the boy unravel his story, gazed in wonder as the Lapras wrapped herself around him, and smiled, humorlessly, at their attempt at teasing. There was no way a Pokemon could respond like this to a human. If a human wishes to have a Pokemon, then that Pokemon will fight for the human, not mope around and tell tales.

Heracross, though, was impressed by this human. He was tough, lean, a true fighting machine. Heracross believed that the way to understand another fighter was to face them in battle, whether it be human or Pokemon. He'd defeated a few trainers from the lab, easily, because their hearts were weak. It was this boy's turn to prove his worth in battle.

He slowly stepped out of the bushes he kept himself in, into the line of sight of both human and Pokemon. He mashed his fists together, all in the spirit of battle. <Only powerful hearts can make it beyond the beginning. Show me your worth so you can begin your journey with a strong soul.>

He flung out his arms, in a sort of bow, gesturing for the opponent to attack first.

Heracross, Level 4, has challenged you!

[Wolfe]

Marc hardly blinked when Heracross decided to step outside of the undergrowth. He had walked forward, ready to test his strength against that of his adversary, and to prove his worth. One warning glance from Liliana, however, halted him in his tracks.

Not now, she hummed, allow me to stretch my wings.

Marc retorted cynically: "You don't have wings.."

Another glare, and he shut up.

She glanced at her soon-to-be adversary, and nodded, indicating that she was ready to begin. She murmured, in a voice low enough for the ears of Marc.

I am strong, but I require orders. Power is..

"Nothing without guidance". Marc nodded. "Gauge his strength. Blast him with water. Show him your element."

Liliana raised, well, raised the skin where an eyebrow should have been, amused by the change of demeanor. Hearing Marc talk was nice, even if it was him barking out orders. Without further delay, she let the essence within her swell to a breaking point, forcefully ejecting a powerful spray of water.

{Direct Hit-8 damage of 22 hp. 14 HP left.}

[Sam]

Heracross was tossed back a short distance from the strength of the Water Gun. That was just one hit, but he'd gotten it head on and it was a rather hard hit. But he was still going. He pulled himself back up, narrowing his eyes at the Lapras. Just one move had put him on the ground, but not for good. He balled his fist up, readying for his revenge...literally. His fist began to glow and he rushed forward, swinging his fist right at Lapras's body.

{Slight Miss-super effective, 12 damage of 28 HP. 16 HP left}

[Wolfe]

Marc winced. Liliana groaned.

That hit had hurt - and Lapras hadn't been the only one who had felt its pain. She couldn't continue the pace of fighting - she did have limits, after all.

She spoke, cautious, but with a hint of warning:

At this rate, he'll make mincemeat of me...but where brute force fails..

"Tactics succeed." Marc gave her a look of understanding. "Put him to sleep - it'll give you some breathing room."

She obliged, opening her mouth to let out a haunting melody that sent chills down Marc's spine. This, however, failed to escape her attention, and she capitalized on the opportunity to regal him upon his weakness.

Like my voice that much, do you?

Marc gave her a half smile. "It's better than nothing, I guess."

{Enemy affected}

[Sam]

Heracross did not herald at the victory of landing a hit. He knew that there'd be another one coming his way. He was ready to dodge and attack right back. However, he did not expect his adversary to sing. The lullaby was chilling and flooded his brain with an almost unbearable sleepy feeling. Ever so slowly, he kneeled over, eyes drooping, and dropped off to sleep.

[Wolfe]

You want me to do what?!

Marc smiled to himself, amused by the change in Lilly's attitude. It seemed to him that she prided herself on keeping a calm facade. Thus, her indigence at being asked to growl, of all things brought some obscure joy to his person. He did, after all, like to see people for who they really were.

"Just try to make it as endearing as possible..you know, try to be..cute, for once."

Marc resisted the urge to laugh at Liliana's failure to adequately cover her blush. She stammered:

W-what do you mean?! I radiate likability!

"Then show it."

Eager to break Marc's snide attitude, she obliged, trying to sound as adorable and harmless as possible, both of which, frankly, she was not.

{Enemy not affected}

[Sam]

Heracross continued to slumber, oblivious to Lapras's attempt to lower his defenses.

[Wolfe]

Hmm...it seems that someone's master plan..has failed them..

Marc glared at her, yet she displayed no reaction.

"Fine them, beat him down with another blast."

She grinned - having successfully dismantled her trainer's arrogance.

Will do.

And with that, another blast of water shot out.

{Slight Hit-4 damage of 14 HP. 10 HP left. Enemy awake.}

[Sam]

Heracross didn't feel the blow from the water gun, since it was so small of a hit, but it did, at least, jerk him awake. He jumped up, groggy for less then a second, but then completely awake, and very infuriated. Yelling out in anger, his horn began to glow and he jumped in for a Horn Attack.

{Cut-4 Damage of 16 HP. 12 HP left.}

[Wolfe]

Marc looked at Lilly, and she returned his stare.

"It's time for the grand finale," he stated, his tone lacking the bravado of his words.

She nodded, knowing full well the meaning behind his words. Shuddering beneath the effort of the endeavor, she let a out a low moan before parting the ground beneath her adversary's feet, intending for the earth to swallow him whole.

{Hit-enemy KO'd}

[Sam]

Heracross, unprepared for this kind of assault, fell into the Earth, feeling its crushing weight enveloping his entire body. He suddenly felt what it was like to be a bug and almost screamed in despair. He struggled to be released, his efforts futile. Finally, after much pain and exhaustion, he found himself outside, lying on the ground, defeated.

[Wolfe]

Marc sighed, and looked to Lapras, knowingly. Although she had no chosen to join him on his journey, it was by mutual consent that the two of them were a package deal.

He walked over to where Heracross lay, and pulled out a potion from his bag.

Lapras, amused, laughed at him.

I work that hard to knock him out, and then the first thing you do is bring him back.

Marc snorted, unimpressed. He held out a hand to the fallen warrior, and spoke, his voice free of outside influences.

"It's your choice to join us or not. I will not force you into a decision against your will."

[Sam]

Heracross picked himself up from the ground with effort. He saw the human holding out his hand to him, speaking about joining them, and freedom. He considered this for a moment. This boy had really impressed him. He realized, right then, that he'd never enjoyed a battle so much, even if he'd lost. Plus, he lost. He'd never been knocked out or defeated before. This human had shown him power that he always wished to harness.

<If,> he said, slowly, <you fight with me as well as you fight with your partner.> He accepted and took Marc's hand, certain that he was making the right decision.

Congratulations, you have recieved...

Heracross, Male
Ability: Guts
Night Slash | Tackle | Horn Attack | Leer | Revenge
Heracross is like both a king and a warrior. He believes that loyalty is more important then friendship. His composure is not gentle, but not rough. He is very formal, but when it comes to battle, he is unmatched in spirit. He will fight for only those that believe in him.

[Wolfe]

Marc assured his new companion that glory was to be had, battles to be fought, and adversaries to be crushed beneath their feet. While Heracross did place heavy value on individual strength, he understood the concept of combined strength, and respected Marc for embodying that principle. By giving him a choice, rather than a demand, he had made it seem more appealing.

Smart boy, he grudgingly thought. Not many beings earned his respect, and Marc's intellect was already making an impression on him.

Meanwhile, Marc's thoughts wandered to his previous words.

Change, for better or worse.

He knew that he needed help. But he would only bring others into the firestorm that had already engulfed and was quickly spreading across the region.

I am forcing others into my own wars.

His composure darkened, and he lowered his eyebrows into a scowl.

Heracross, being quite attentive, had noticed this and was beside him in an instant.

I know that look. What ails you?

Caught off guard again by his companion, he sighed, and forced a smile upon his face, and explained.

When he finished his tale, he saw Liliana give him an approving look.

Respect is good. Trust is better.

Heracross nodded.

Aye. That it is.

As the three of them walked onward, their silhouettes blended together, forming a small splotch of color in the sea of black.

Like music in the silence.

Like fire in the cold.

"Like hope in the darkness."

END THREAD