retiredlegend

[retiredlegend]

Steven felt something was off. While he was not entirely used to hail as a matter of location, being from Hoenn, it felt like it was getting a bit too harsh, visibility a bit too low.

Pika and Red shared a look, that he saw fairly easily, and as the phantom champion pointed at the sky, the steel-type specialist soon realized why. His Claydol spun in place, turning its various eyes at him from where it could, and he gave his partner a smile. "Spin these out, we're going inside." He said, quietly.

The Claydol spun, tossing the rocks his Skarmory had helped set earlier away, and was soon returned to its Pokeball before the hail could do more damage to it. 

As best as he could, Steven followed after Red, fumbling a little on the way. He was definitely not used to snow itself, but harsh conditions was something any trainer would eventually grow used to, all things considered.

Mountains had finicky weather, especially those as big as this one, it made him smile fondly in spite of the hazardous weather. Once inside, he sighed and swept off some snow and hail off his shoulders. Ah well, he liked it inside the caverns best.

"Good call, that was definitely weather we didn't want to be in." Carefully, he checked his Pokeballs for damage, relieved to find none had been hit too harshly by the falling ice chunks.

Chilling Heights - [ Red & Steven ]

[retiredlegend]

'He's good.' Steven had seen many a trainer, but few had the synergy of Red and his Pikachu. It spoke of a partnership that had been built up for years, great trust on both sides. He whistled in warning to his Pokémon as he got closer still, but he doubted even if Ferrous had predicted the Thunderbolt that he'd be able to fully escape it.

He had to put faith in him anyway.

Unfortunately, Brave Bird had taken its toll on his steel-type friend, and the Skarmory screeched once more as he flitted away from the Pikachu. It was too late, and the strike rung true. With a quiet cry, Ferrous began to fall, but Steven didn't let him, recalling him to his Pokéball.

The hail continued to stream down, getting harsher still. "Good job, friend." He muttered quietly, releasing his Claydol in the other's stead wordlessly. It was Quartz's turn, a switch he could have made after the rocks had been set.

It was all in hindsight, though. 

As the ground type before him floated up and down wordlessly, Steven tried to focus. Would he switch? Would he remain?

Only one way to find out.

"Psyquic."

Chilling Heights - [ Red & Steven ]

[retiredlegend]

[retiredlegend]

Steven almost flinched in sympathy for his Pokémon as the pikachu used Thunderbolt (as well as because of the sheer volume of the strike, it was LOUD), silently awed at the synergy between the enemy pokemon and its trainer. He whistled in warning to his bird, and Ferrous barely managed to move away from the worst of it, the warning almost lost to the winds. Still, the strike managed to damage the steel type, and he was sure that a direct hit from another of those could be the end of things for his companion.

Still, this was only the begining. As the weather pelted on the combatants, Steven merely smiled. "Brave Bird." 

Ferrous dived after the small Pokémon, folding his wings as his speed increased on the dive, weight helping it go down faster. Would he hit? Possibly, but such close quarters would probably mark the end of his winged friend's stint if he missed. Steven believed in his Skarmory, but he knew just how quick a Pikachu could be.

Chilling Heights - [ Red & Steven ]

[retiredlegend]

"I see!" Steven gave a nod, his mind for a moment wandering on the prospect of meeting this dragon clan himself if he ever returned to admire the cavern rather than just visit his new friend, which he figured he might as well. It was a nice place, after all.

Although he could always explore and visit.

Setting the thought aside, he refocused on the conversation as he witnessed Terrakion playfully headbutt his Metagross, who returned in kind with a noise of glee. Titanium then hovered off the ground and floated towards him, the rest of his team gathering around him as the Axew left and they noted that it seemed it was time to depart.

Malechite seemed rather dissapointed that they had to leave so soon.

With yet another nod at the Legendary's suggestion, the man chuckled, then bowed his head slightly. "I'd be a pleasure to accept your invitation." He said, smiling, as his eyes twinkled slightly. The man's hands moved to where his Pokéballs were, prepared to return most of his team to their portable transport. His lips twitched a little at what the last thing Terrakion said could mean, although he never really considered adding him to his team permanently, he had at least considered offering to let him travel with him through the regions, at least. It'd be nice to have a companion on trips.

Although having Terrakion around as a teammate was an attractive prospect, he already got along pretty well with his Pokémon friends. "Hopefully indeed." He said, lightheartedly, as he slowly returned the team to their Pokéballs except Titanium.

Chromium seemed the most surprised of all by Terrakion's statement, it was apparent on his face, but he did not comment as he was returned to his ball. Neither did the rest of them, really, except Steven's faithful Metagross.

It only gave Terrakion a knowing look and smile before it turned and began floating away.

"See you around... friend." With a wave, Steven Stone turned to leave in step with his steel type companion.

[retiredlegend]

As the young Pokémon scattered about to continue their games, Steven smiled fondly, then directed his gaze back to Terrakion as the legendary spoke to him. "It was no problem at all." He spoke smoothly, noticing how the Legendary seemed fairly familiar with the group of little Pokémon he had met nearby.

They must be a handful, he was sure, certainly like the many Pokémon who were at his own home or keeping his father company. Still, he was sure Terrakion was fond of them, they certainly had that charm.

Of course, he had to answer Terra's inquiry, and so, he did. "I met them in the passage I was waiting in, they seemed to be heading in this direction." The man answered, then seemed pensive. Well, their target was probably visiting Terrakion, if anything. It seemed they did that every so often, seeing how terribly familiar the rock-type was with them. It was a nice sight to be hold, and made him feel much more at ease.

Titanium seemed happy that his rock-type compatriot remembered him, apparently quite pleased as it 'puffed' a bit by changing its posture, then wiggled its body a little in greeting, clearly excited to see Terrakion again. "Happy to see you again." It said telephatically, clearly pleased.

"Whatcha t'lk 'bout, Chromi?" Chrysocolla asked the Aggron, only for Chromium to shake his head. It was private, and what was said then stayed there for only the both of them to recall. The other Pokémon seemed to understand, then shrugged, focused more on how Malechite seemed to be trying to entertain the little Axew.

"I supposed we intruded enough today." Steven said after a few moments, chuckling softly. "It was nice to see you again, however, Terrakion."

At least this team introduction had gone over well, that much was certain, even with that little bump between one of his powerhouses and his long-lived new friend.

[retiredlegend]

"Perhaps I should take a gander at Kalos when I have free time. They have so many mysterious stones..."

[retiredlegend]

"Rarer? I wonder if that's true." The Aggron said vaguely as he scratched the back of his head, observing as Steven wandered back in, apparently amused by the fact that his Metagross was both out of its pokeball and now carrying the over-eager Cradily on its back, swaying about while the grass-type made noises of obvious joy. They seemed to be having a good time. Some axew were also trailing at his feet, possibly just to watch the two silly Pokémon and their shenanigans. 

Before he finished their talk, Chromium gave Terrakion an awkward salute. "Don't worry about it, I guess." He snorted, a shadow of a smile on the steel-type's face. "I guess the downside to living long is seeing so many repeat mistakes of the past."

He strode to meet Steven halfway, bumping his chin in a friendly manner against the ex-champion's shoulder, and receiving a neck pat in return. 

"I hope that was refreshing." The man commented with a chuckle, then motioned to the small pokémon. "I met some of your friends while you two were talking. They're very energetic."

Steven was glad that the tense air seemed to have diminished, although it was awkward to walk out on talk that involved him, but he figured it was necessary that they got to spend some time alone.

Titanium landed nearby, grinning as the small group of Axew crowded around him for a ride as Malachite clumsily stepped off, aided by Chrysocolla.

[retiredlegend]

KALOS, LAND OF THE STONES

AND WHERE YOU WILL NEVER FIND STEVEN BECAUSE HE’S TOO BUSY BEING HOLED UP ON ONE OF THE GODDAMN CAVES

Inside joke with me and Skins

[retiredlegend]

"They trust who Steven trusts." Chromium answered simply, his eyes narrowing. "I don't until I'm given reason to." The steel type slowly eased himself to sit. This was now a conversation, not a debate. 

Chuckling softly at the cop quip, puffing his chest in pride, the Pokémon stayed quiet as Terrakion spoke, explained himself. It would take more than words for this Pokémon to provie his 'worth', but at least what he was hearing made a lick of sense.

With a shrug, the Pokémon looked at the roof of the cave. "I was not in those wars you lived through, of course. I was in more recent conflict caused by humans." A pause. "However, if I hated humans because I saw a lot of them do bad, then I'd have to hate Pokémon as well, as a lot of them also do bad."

He stood up, then lowered his stance and pointed his 'horns' at Terrakion, pawing the ground for a few moments. "If I attacked you brutally here for some reason, and then a Pokémon of this cave witnessed it, they might think 'all Aggrons are bad, I saw one hurt Terrakion'..." He started, then seated himself. "Would it be a right thing to think?"

"Steven says no one is good or bad, because our standards of good and bad are our own. He also says an action that is good for me may be in turn bad for someone else, too, even if I do not see it. The only ones you can really consider bad are those who go out of their way to harm others or subjugate them, people or Pokémon." He said quietly, but kept saying 'Steven says', meaning that perhaps Chromium didn't entirely agree. "I personally think those who are those who want to harm my friends, and those who are good do not. Maybe I'm proving him right."

"Hatred. I understand that. Getting rid of it? It's never easy, but it starts in steps. You know it. I do." The Aggron was perhaps starting to feel more at ease with Terrakion, understanding him, finally. He knew how hard it was to let go, and if the grudge was one of more years than his lifetime, it must be harder still.

"... I am glad you let go enough of your hatred when you first met Steven that you did not attack him, or you and I would not be talking today."

With that, he stood, intending to call his trainer back. "I guess you're right. We're not that different in that aspect." With that, he let out a low growl that resounded a little in the caverns. At least Quartz would hear it, he knew, and it's all he needed. 

"Maybe I'll tell you that story, another time."

[retiredlegend]

The Aggron decided to leave the matter be, instead of continue his accusations. The Legendary had apologized, so he had to be mature as well. "Hmph. Very well. I accept your apology." He growled out, displeased. He was still not calmed.

Waiting until Steven had left along with his friends, Chromium sighed, then stood up straighter a little. Only a little. He did want to be eye to eye with this potential threat, after all.

"At least you realize this." The Pokémon said as his anger lost some steam, but caution remained ever present. "Your bad rep with the humans doesn't score you any positive points, old one." Sometimes, the Pokémon would boast to little ones that he was as old as the mountains, if only to start up a tale of yore, but it was nothing more than just that, a boast. He was a young Pokémon compared to the mountains, to Terrakion.

He listened to the other, then huffed. "We're different." He said, quietly, as he rose to his full height. "We both distrust, but for different reasons, I think." With that, he crossed his arms.

"Look, old man, I can't tell you who to trust or if you're right or wrong in doing so. That's something you should decide for yourself, and see the consequences through. I bet you know that already." With that, he snorted, then begrudgingly sat himself. Steven was out of range of any attacks from the one before him, so he could afford to relax himself. Terrakion was known to attack people, not Pokémon. He had nothing to fear unless he struck first.

"Are you a fool for trusting Steven Stone, though? No. You're just a fool to believe I'd trust you because he does. Steven... he's a good man, and a good friend. Boy does he blabber and blunder just like any other creature, but he's pretty alright."

He growled a little as his tail flicked, but there was no malice in neither movement. "Me? I'm the cop, and if you do something stupid you'll be facing me, old timer."

[retiredlegend]

"Lies. You keep assuming, smirking, talking down to me. I have half a mind to show you...-!" The Aggron snorted in anger, growling softly. "I have nothing to say to you, Legendary." At least he tried to cool is temper, to be civil, because no matter how much he distrusted Terrakion, he was Steven's friend and he knew that. It was why the others trusted him, but he knew better than to just leave it at his trainer's judgement, which was generally sound... but just that. Generally.

It seemed Terrakion would have a hard time prying that story from the Pokémon's mouth, not when he was so ticked off.

"Why should I tell you?" 

Steven looked back and forth between Terrakion and Chromium, then sighed, motioning to the rest of his team to follow him. Giving the Aggron a look, he strode away and to another part of the cave, all of his partners following.

Chromium stayed behind.

"Hmph."

[retiredlegend]

Chrysocolla chuckled at the discussion between trainer and Pokémon. As they all evenly dispersed in the cavern to have a look around, Chromium continued to stare Terrakion down, while Malachite remained at the legendary's side, a bit nervous at the tension, but deciding it would be okay.

Steven himself, however, sighed and rubbed his temples as Terrakion engaged in a discussion with the Aggron. Hopefully, the other's response would be civil. It wasn't that Chromium was deliberately an ass, but he did sometimes let his temper flare, especially when it concerned him.

"You talk like you know everything. It pisses me off." The Aggron snarled, snorting as he pawed the ground with one leg, his posture lowering to look at Terrakion in the eye.

"I've had my eye on you all this time." He said, clearly angered, but restraining himself from outright attacking. No matter how mad he was, it was not wise, and it was not what his trainer wanted. "And no matter how convincing the act, I will always be on my guard. It was 'trustworthy' people who have attacked Steven before."

His tail slammed on the ground, although not too harshly. He knew how fragile caverns could be, he had been born in one.

The other Pokémon stayed out of the conversation, deciding it was between Chromium and Terrakion right now. Ferrous, Chrysocolla, Malachite and Quartz all felt they could trust Terrakion, that he was a friend, but they understood their partner as well. Chromium was known to be the most wary of them all.

"I'm not taking my chances. I won't let a repeat happen again." He was making it clear that it was not Terrakion himself, he was cautious with everyone. He had to be.

[retiredlegend]

Steven chuckled a little bit. "All of them are named after precious gems and metal, but Sapphire didn't feel right for my old friend here." As he said this, he gave a nod to his Pokémon, the Armaldo, who nodded back and gave him a toothy grin. 

The Claydol floated closer to Terrakion as the last Pokéballs were mentioned, a bit too close. It seemed it was going to try and avert disaster, or at least a cause of one. Cradily wiggled in anticipation, apparently pumped. It seemed all of Steven's Pokémon had gathered around Terrakion somewhat.

Steven, however, hesitated once more before taking the Pokéball in his hands. "Ah... Chromium is a very dear old friend, but I'm afraid he's slightly overprotective." He explained in brief, then shook his head. "It should be fine..."

Tossing the Pokéball in the air, what emerged from it was an Aggron of decent size, perhaps taller than the average, but certainly not the tallest there was. He snorted out air, in battle position, and glared at Terrakion for a few moments before standing upright. It was only then that Steven's posture relaxed. "Terrakion, this is Chromium. Chromium... Terrakion." He introduced them lightly, but the steel-type merely narrowed his eyes.

"I have my eyes on you." The creature growled out, sounding like a snarl only to the trainer, who shook his head and gave him a slight wave. 'Relax'.

"Hmph." Out of respect of his trainer, he did.

Quartz seemed relieved by the lack of confrontation, floating off again to the calculated center of the cave pocket they were in as Malenchite went back to head-bumping Terrakion in a friendly manner. The tension that had built up had at least died down a little.

[retiredlegend]

"Awkward indeed." Ferrous agreed with a mutter, earning a shrug from Chrysocolla. The Skarmory stetched his wings, now busy with perusing around the cavern distractedly.

"Chrysocolla here was the first Pokémon I trained outside of my specialty. It was a rough start, but we worked it out." Steven explained calmly, reaching over to pat the Armaldo on the head. The big critter bowed his head down a little to allow his trainer to do so, then turned to look at Terrakion.

"Terra, eh? Short n sweet. I like it." The blue Pokémon said, his tail flicking a little from side to side. "Yous can call me Chrys, s' a bit easier on da mouth, yeh?" The Pokémon settled on Steven's side, smiling at Terrakion gently and bowing his head a little. He seemed quite complacent, despite his thug-like speech.

They seemed to be getting along well. With a lopsided grin, Steven then let out two Pokémon at once, a Claydol and a Cradily. "Meet Quartz and Malachite." He introduced calmly as the Cradily nodded eagerly, while the Claydol floated in silence. 

"Hehe, nice to meet you~" The plant-type said, slowly lumbering towards Terrakion with his stubby legs, then leaning down to bump heads with the Legendary, or try to. "Lets be friends!"

The Claydol said nothing, eminating an aura of respect towards Terrakion before keeping a watchful gaze on the area around them, although it did stare at Malachite for a few moments. For some reason, it made the fossil Pokémon move away somewhat, like he had been scolded.

[retiredlegend]

☭

Battle Intro: "I’m looking forward to this. Let’s do our best!"

Victory: "Looks like we won this time, Terrakion."

Defeat: “Hah… they don’t call you Legendary without reason!”

Requesting Assistance: “Looks like we’re surrounded… mind teaming up?”

Assisting Your Muse:  "I’m not about to let you fight alone!"

Taunt: "Huh… perhaps age is getting to you. I surely hope not."

Reacting to Taunt: "I’ll have to write that one down!"

[retiredlegend]

DANG, YOU ARE ONE FINE CHAMPION.

"My, how charming."