Double Battle in Vermillion

[Mituna Captor]

The male was waiting in anticipation. He had arrived in Vermillion quite some time ago and was waiting on top of his bag at the harbor. It was uncomfortable but the idea of finally seeing his buddy once more kept him quiet with a small smile. His gaze was often distracted by the littlest things, such as the ocean's waves sometimes making a crashing sound against the stone walls, or the smell of the breeze. From time to time again he slid off his bag and peeked inside to check if his gift was still there and it hadn't mysteriously slipped out while he wasn't looking. It was tedious but he thought it'd be well worth it.

Perhaps it would do him good to actually search for the other? Was he even staring at where the boat would be? Maybe Kurloz was already gone and went off elsewhere. After a few moments the trainer opened up his trollian client.

— taintedAzelf [TA] began trolling temperateCofagrigus [TC] —

TA: H3Y 4R3 Y0U G3771NG H3R3 500N
TA: 1 C4N7 W417 70 533 Y0U 8UDDY

[/font][/b]

Hm.. perhaps he should add something to that.

TA: WH3R3 4R3 Y0U
TA: 4R3 Y0U 4LR34DY H3R3
TA: 5H0ULD 1 G0 L00K F0R Y0U
TA: 1 C4N 1F 1 N33D 70
TA: Y0U W0N7 3V3N H4V3 70 W0RRY 480U7 17 8)

[/color][/font][/b]

[OldKurloz]

Kurloz had left the boat early in the morning and spent most of the day sitting around in Vermillion. Tenebris his Yamask had been floating around his head in slow circles.
He had been sitting on a bench when his trollian went off, snapping him out of his daze and digging through his bag for his chiming computer.


TC: :o)!
TC:

Kurloz stuffed his computer back into his bag and quickly made his way towards the port, Tenebris in tow. He got there, eyes flickering around until he was standing behind Mituna, grinning widely with his stitched up mouth.

"HI MITUNA WHAT'S UP.[/size]" the voice emitted from somewhere around his pokemon, and not Kurloz, sounding like a young boy speaking as a deep scratchy voice spoke at the same time. It was unsettling and definitely not normal.

[Mituna Captor]

Upon seeing the response his mood ended up being overall lighter. He chuckled and waved back as if he was there in front of him before realizing that that move was totally pointless. He wasn't sure how exactly to reply here. It didn't really answer his question, but he'd take it as a "stay right there!"

When the boy finally thought up what to type, he heard an eerie and startling voice behind him. From this he jumped up in surprise and attempted to spin around to look the other way but it ended up in his fall towards to the ground. Looking up, he instantly recognized who the other was and his eyes lit up. It'd be pretty tough to not know who the other boy was with that whole general look of his! He beamed and spoke up,

"Hahahaa hey there! I'm never gonna get used to that! How have you been?"

"Oh oh! I just remembered!" He was now up on his feet jumping up and down like a hyperactive child on a sugar rush.
"I made you something for when I'd see you here! Do you wanna see it? I bet you do! It's the BEST I've drawn yet! You won't BELIEVE it, buddy!"

[OldKurloz]

Kurloz looked down at Mituna when he fell and grinned. At then mention of a drawing his face lit up, and he nodded enthusiastically, clapping his hands. He began doing sign language out of habit, before blinking with a blank expression and willing his pokemon over. He pulled the small thing close and closed his eyes as he hugged it.

"Yeah, I'd love to SEE IT. What did you make?[/size]"

Tenebris nestled into Kurloz's arms, blinking a few times and turning to stare at Mituna. It then floated out again, hovering around aimlessly

[Kankri Vantas]

Kankri had come to Vermillion that morning on a ship. He remembered thinking to himself, Those Wingulls constantly got so close to me! I was afraid they were going to swoop at me, I almost got triggered![/b][/color], as he noted to himself to avoid going on boats in the future. Or, at least, when taking a boat, stay away from Wingulls.
Kankri had been recovering at the Pokemon Center for part of the day, then arguing with some ignorant old man about Pokemon rights for another part. He probably spent an hour at the Center, and a few hours arguing with the man. Kankri was still rather bothered by him. He figured that, someone his age must have seen Pokemon abuse, and must agree with him! Unfortunately, he had made a horrible misjudgment, and instead the old man was all for using Pokemon for labor, Poke Balls, nicknames, it was disgusting. He was glad to get away from the man, but he hoped his lecture had taught the old man something.
Kankri had just about finished with the man when he noticed two trainers who seemed oddly familiar. He began to walk towards them, with Scree the Zubat fluttering close to him.
Oh, yes, he did know them. But it was unfortunate that he knew them, really.
"Oh, hello Kurloz, Mituna. Pardon me for butting in. Isn't it a silly coincidence that we all happen to be here? Or really, more so a silly coincidence that I happen to run into you two. I'm sure you two planned meeting each other in advance, but maybe it was a coincidence that you two both happen to meet each other here. Either way, we're all here now. We're all buddies, right? So I'm sure you would not mind me joining you're conversation and maybe hanging out for a while. I'd like to introduce you to Scree. This Zubat is my good friend. Although he is, in a sense, "my Zubat", I would never refer to him as such because he is his own free thinking being. It would be harmful to refer to him as "my Zubat", because that is implying that I own him. Well, I do not own him, he chooses to travel with me. If he really wants to, he could go off on his own, but no. He does not. He stays here with me as a constant companion. Though he's no better than any other Pokemon. Like um...whatever that is, Kurloz. I've never really...seen that Pokemon before. Maybe it's for the best, because it's kind of creeping me out. Oh, I apologize. I have, once again, forgot to check my privilege. Not everyone can have such good looks as me or Scree. I apologize, Pokemon that is trained by Kurloz. You may not be as physically attractive as Scree, but that does not make you a bad Pokemon. I am sure you are just as good as the other Pokemon. Assuming you identify as a Pokemon, I mean. If you do not, then I sincerely apologize. It's entirely possible you identify as a troll, or a human, or an alien, or anything like that. Nevertheless, you are not a bad being," Kankri greeted the two. If he did intend to "hang out with them", which would not be the most pleasant thing, then he would need a warm-up for any lectures he may have to give. Though this warm-up was am extremely short one, he figured it would cut it.
Scree just sort of screeched when Kankri was done speaking. Kankri assumed it was Scree agreeing with him on every word he says.

[Mituna Captor]

The moment he noticed Kankri his smile was instantly wiped off in favor of a stern frown. He twitched a bit but tried to remain calm. He rolled his eyes as the other greeted the two and tried to drone out the words. Unfortunately, they still made it through. Oh, how he wished he could just dash to some place far away to avoid this conversation. 571CK W17H7 17 his thought pounded against his head. He'd have to show his drawing later. Maybe if he cooperated it'd get Kankri away for a short while.

Clearing his throat and trying to steady his body, he responded, "W..WELL, you have ag VERckk..Y loud Zubat." Nemo floated towards Mituna's side and he decided to introduce him.
"Thiz iss my Munnaana."
He was clearly not enjoying this already.

[OldKurloz]

Kurloz's head snapped around at the sound of someone else, sneering at Kankri as he approached and began to talk. He stood there with his fists clenched, shifting to turn and face Kankri and stand between Mituna and the mutantblood. Tenebris began making a high pitched whine in anger when Kankri insulted it, flitting around in the air sporadically. Kurloz held his arms up and the pokemon quickly came to him, Kurloz petting his Yamask's head. He glared, eyes flickering between the Zubat and Kankri. He quickly closed the few feet between them in an easy stride, staring down Kankri, only inches from him. His pokemon began to emit a whining pitch again and the two began to talk, neither moving their mouths.

"His name is TENEBRIS. You'd do well to HOLD YOUR TONGUE. Now leave. We don't want you here. Unless you want to battle with that SHITTY EXCUSE OF A POKEMON?[/size]"

Tenebris left his arms and he grabbed Kankri by the front of his sweater, growling at him, then shuddering and letting him go, pushing the other back, letting his pokemon float down to rest on his shoulder, it's eyes almost glowing.

[Kankri Vantas]

Kankri stood in shock for a while, his mind attempting to grasp the situation. So, wait, some voice spoke to him, and he was grabbed and shoved roughly by that Pokemon? Er, Tenebris? Yeah, that was it.
Scree had once again screeched Kankri was grabbed, with, for once, actual concern for his trainer. Kankri quickly shushed him.
But, more so, where did that voice come from, because it seemed to come out of no where. It clearly wasn’t Mituna’s voice, it sounded nothing like it, and Kurloz is mute.
“What the fuck?” Kankri asked.
“Oh, excuse me. I meant, what the frick? My apologies.”
“Okay, uh, whatever that voice was, I’m assuming you had something to do with the Pokemon being trained by Kurloz assaulting me. Well, I’ll have you know that you can get into huge trouble for that. I am a good person, so I will not report you to the police, but be warned if it happens again I may as well.”
He tried to shake some of the shock of. Scree helped by screeching in his ears.
“Stop screeching, Scree, you’ll trigger someone,” Kankri replied bitterly.
“Scree is not a bad Pokemon. Maybe you fail to see that he is just as good as every other Pokemon. All Pokemon are created equally. That’s why huge feats, such as a Rattata defeating some level 100 Pokemon, are possible. Because all Pokemon are equal. Scree is just as great as all other Pokemon. He deserves no negative treatment. Isn’t that right Scree?” Kankri attempted to act tough in an attempt to hide whatever fear remained.
Scree ignored him, and instead began beating his wings intensely next to Tenebris.
“I’m sure that means yes. And, knowing how much Scree hates battling, I’m sure he would not be interested in a battle. Scree is not one to fight. He prefers teaching others to check your privilege, which you need to be taught, voice. Checking your privilege is important so you don’t trigger people. I don’t trigger easily, fortunately, but some others aren’t as lucky. There are those who trigger very easily, and you need to be cautious. Let’s take Mituna, for example. Mituna triggers kind of easily, right? I’m assuming so. Anyways, let’s say you acted like that to Mituna, voice. Let’s say you triggered him. How would you feel, making a person like Mituna so unhappy? I can’t imagine you feeling joy from that; I can’t imagine anyone feeling joy from that.”
“Anyways, Mituna, I apologize for Scree being so loud. I will talk to him about it soon enough. I promise you Scree won’t screech as loudly when around you, maybe around anyone, also the Munna you train is very nice. I suggest you do not call them "your Munna", as I explained earlier, because it implies your Munna is your property. In reality, Pokemon can think on their own. They are very intelligent. It's like saying you own a person.” he attempted to change the topic.

[Mituna Captor]

Mituna completely lost his composure at this point. Cooperating was obviously not going to work especially if presumably Kurloz sped the whole process up like this. By Scree's actions he was really hoping for a battle. Incredible, a battle already! That'd make this a bit better. Though this thought was overshadowed once Kankri continued on.
Of course he had to use him for an excuse to get out of a fight. No, he couldn't just brush it aside.
"B.. But.. I'm NET.. TRICKKERED EATHILSY!!"
"And I saaam the onwer of Nemo! I caufth him and everdeethin!" he gargled out.

[OldKurloz]

"If you know what is GOOD FOR YOU you will cease talking about my MOIRAIL like that. But I suppose you are too DENSE for that, aren't you?[/size]"

Kurloz glared at Kankri, clenching his fists. Tenebris made a screeching noise at the Zubat in return, flitting around in the air once more. Kurloz had half a mind to dump Kankri off the side of the pier. His pokemon kept him level headed though, talking to him and telling him to stay calm and relax. Kurloz took a deep breath and backed off from Kankri, stalking back to stand near Mituna, still glaring down at Kankri. His pokemon though continued to screech at the Zubat in a high pitched whine, then moved down to Kankri, flitting around his head and making noise. Kurloz patted Mituna's shoulder to get his attention, pointing at his Munna then at the Zubat then Kankri, motioning he should have a battle with them, grinning. Soon, his Yamask returned to his arms, floating calmly and closing it's eyes.

[Kankri Vantas]

media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9so9iJBsb1ru1oib.png[/img] media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9so9iJBsb1ru1oib.png[/img] media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9so9iJBsb1ru1oib.png[/img]

There it was again. That voice. At first, Kankri was pretty nervous again. Whose voice was it? But then, it clicked.
The voice’s moirail.
Kankri was aware of Kurloz and Mituna’s moirallegiance. So, at least he had it figured that it was one of them. Then, he thought about what he had just said. Of course it came back to him easily. He really hadn’t said much about Kurloz. Though what he had said about Mituna wasn’t bad, as the voice had implied, he still said things about him, and not so much Kurloz. Thus, he pretty easily deducted the voice had to be Kurloz’s. He still had no idea how it worked, however.
He figured he had better not declare it, that it would be foolish for him to do that.
“My apologies, but maybe it would be best if you attempted to listen better. If you have bad hearing, I do apologize, because I was unaware and if I am oppressing you then feel free to be upset at me. I am really not offending Mituna in any way, am I? I’m simply stating it as it is. I’m even trying to help him. That’s what makes us friends, after all. Instead of being mean to each other, we help each other. Or, more so, I help him. Because that’s what I do, it is my duty as a social justice warrior. I simply want him to form a healthy and happy relationship with his Munna, instead of abusing them. Not that I ever think you would abuse them intentionally, Mituna, I mean accidentally. I mean, for example, no one ever stops to consider whether or not a Pokemon is okay with being a Pokemon. They might have severe species dysphoria issues, and being pit against other Pokemon for money and the trainer’s own enjoyment, given a name, being put into a Poke Ball, may increase their dysphoria. Fortunately for me, I do consider that Scree may experience species dysphoria, so I avoid those things a majority of the time. Especially Poke Balls. Now, beings do have opinions. S o it may be your opinion that Pokemon enjoy it! But, not all Pokemon are going to, because there are always exceptions. So we need to keep our eyes open for those Pokemon because we do not want to upset them. It isn’t hard to ask your Pokemon whether or not they are interested in those things. I asked Scree what he would like his name to be, and I ask him whether or not he is interested in fighting. He appears to be saddened by the idea of fighting, so I do not make him.[/b]”
At this point, Scree tried to interrupt with a screech of protest, but Kankri did not stop speaking, so it went unheard.
At some point during the beginning of his speech, Kankri closed his eyes.
“Your Munna, Mituna, and, uh, Terebris, who knows. They may not be okay with battling. They may dislike Poke Balls. They may dislike their nickname. You should probably check with them, just to be safe. Also, be careful when you mention types. They may identify as a different type. For example, Terebris may identify as an Electric/Dark-type, and being called the type they are, or talk of Electric/Dark-types may be offensive to them. Again, do not be afraid to ask. I’m sure they would not mind. They’d probably be overjoyed that the being who trains them is finally aware of their identity, and can go on living a more happy life. Of course, that is assuming they do identify as a different species or type or such. If they do not, then you should have very little to worry about. You may carry on with your normal life, if you so wish.”
“And, Mituna, I apologize. I assumed you were triggered easily, and that was wrong of me. Of course, there is the possibility you could be denying it, which I will not hold against you because of your mental issues. That would be very wrong of me.”

[Mituna Captor]

Looking at Kurloz, he pieced together what he was hinting at. The question was, should he? He doubted that it could happen, but he nodded and continued listening. He'd propose it when the words ceased if they did at all.

Clenching his trembling fists and grinding his teeth against one another, he shook as he waited making him look completely unstable. He wasn't quite sure if he could go through with this but he guessed that if Kurloz was there, it wouldn't end up being too bad no matter what the outcome was.

He took a ridiculously deep breath and exhaled once Kankri's words ceased: most of them completely zipping by his ears without his acknowledgement at this point. What he caught were mere key words really. He looked towards his Munna who seemed to have caught on to the message and was nervous about the whole ordeal but shook his head up and down to confirm he'd brace it. Turning back, Mituna managed to shout,
"HEEY KANNKRSHH L.. LET'THSS DOOO THIIS! I'M TIRED OF.. OF YOU ACKUTHING MEE AND TALFING ABOUT ME! I CHALLENTHE YOU TO A POKEMON BATTHLE!!"

[OldKurloz]

Kurloz watch Kankri give another speech, glaring daggers at him, but keeping himself from just throwing the annoying troll off the dock. He looked down at Mituna while Kankri talked, frowning and rubbing his back to try to get him to calm down. He looked up at Kankri when he finished, snarling at him. His pokemon made a high pitched whining noise when Mituna called a battle, flitting around again.

Kurloz grinned maliciously at Kankri, standing next to Mituna, putting his hand on his shoulder. Tenebris knocked around Scree in the air, smacking into him a few times, then floated down to be near Mituna's Munna, making a humming noise. It closed it's eyes again as it hummed, rocking around in the air.

"WE challenge you AS WELL.Looks like you're fresh OUT OF LUCK.[/size]"

Tenebris made a noise that sounded like a dark chuckling while Kurloz smiled with that blank stare of his. He quickly approached the redblood and grabbed him by his sweater, glaring daggers at him once more, then grinning, his pokemon continuing to chuckle.

"What now, WARRIOR?[/size]"

[Kankri Vantas]

Kankri’s eyes widened. A battle. He should have been expecting that. Why wasn't he expecting that? Of course. Of course they were going to battle with him, but he didn’t even consider it.
Nevertheless, he could keep speaking.
“A battle would be fun, wouldn't it? However, I really would not be interested. Not because of my opinion, but because of Scree. Scree hates battling. It goes against his nature, his personality, who he is. Making him fight would be inconsiderate. I would never make Scree, nor any Pokemon, fight against their will. After all, not all Pokemon like to fight. Some prefer sitting down and playing games, maybe playing cards or something. But, instead, we force them to fight like objects. They are not objects, they are free thinking creatures who deserve better than this fighting nonsense. Oh, and I should apologize. As I've already stated, not all Pokemon identify as Pokemon. Some identify as trolls or humans or ghosts or aliens or buildings or transportation devices or stars or oceans or trees or-"
Scree cut him off with a screech. Basically, he was saying, "Shut the fuck up," in Zubat speak. Kankri, for once, actually had a clue what he was saying.
"Oh, right, I should stop. Thank you Scree. But also, didn't I mention to stop screeching? I know you're not good at communicating other ways yet, but like I said, you could trigger someone. Not to oppress you due to your natural loudness, but I do suggest that you stop screeching until we get a chance to work on it. Loud noises can be triggering to some beings. Maybe not anyone here, per say, but there are many people around us. It's entirely possible that one of the beings around us, or maybe several, is triggered by loud noises. It's not a definite, but it is a possibility, so please be more careful."
"Anyways, what was I saying? Oh, right. Not all Pokemon identify as Pokemon. On the off chance that a Pokemon you happen to challenge to a battle does, then that could mean a lot of trouble. You would be oppressing the poor Pokemon by not acknowledging their identity and forcing them to fight, like a Pokemon would. I am using the term 'Pokemon' to describe all beings that are born as Pokemon and that is very rude of me, and I apologize to Scree and Terebris and uh, Neno, I believe it was, if they identify as other beings. I believe Scree does not, but because I am not fluent in Zubat I cannot say for sure. Though they are Pokemon from birth, it's oppressive and could be triggering to keep referring to them as Pokemon even if they might be Pokemon, see? Going back to my main point, Scree is not interested in fighting. It is not his thing. Terebris and Neno may enjoy fighting just fine, but Scree does not. Isn't that right, Scree?"
Scree flew right in front of Kankri's face and screeched.
"Again, Scree, no screeching until we have some free time to practice that. And, see? Scree had no interest in-"
Scree remained in front of Kankri's face and screeched again.
"Oh. So. The message I am vaguely getting is that Scree may want to fight this time. I can't say why he might, because he usually does not. Maybe it is because this time we were challenged by not some other being, but by you two. Okay, that's fine. Scree, do you really want to fight?"
He screeched again.
"I believe that's yes. You're completely positive?"
He screeched once more.
"Yes? Alright, Scree, if you really want to." Kankri's voice, which had gone rather quiet, shouted disappointment. He gave a long sigh.
"I do accept your challenge, but there is an issue. I have only Scree, and there is two of you. Though we could take turns fighting, it appears that is not what you want to do, is it? I need someone to fight with me. Otherwise the battle will be unfair. You two would have a much more likely chance of winning. I need one more being to fight with me."

[OldKurloz]

"That's YOUR problem now, isn't it?[/size]"

Kurloz grimaced at Kankri, glaring down at him. Tenebris hissed and it's eyes glowed, darting around in the air angrily. Kurloz balled up his hands into fists, digging his nails into his palms as Tenebris spoke to him in his mind. He hung his head, uncurling his hands and letting his shoulders slump, arms hanging limp at his sides. Tenebris made another chuckling noise that didn't come from the pokemon or Kurloz. The pokemon's eyes stopped glowing, and Kurloz's seemed to start to glow.

"Astonish, Tenebris.[/size]"

Tenebris hissed again, then flew up towards Scree, staring at it. Suddenly, the Yamask screeched loudly at the pokemon, using Astonish, attempting to make the zubat flinch in fear.