Anxiety Trials is a Pokemon Special sandbox RP. We are a friendly, no-fuss site where you don't have to worry about posting 24/7, but when you've got the muse. We are based loosely around the Pokemon Special/Adventures manga, though set in a slightly alternate universe. If you're looking for a fun place to explore what life with Pokemon would be like, hopefully we're the place for you!
★ Shoutbox ★
Come say hello
★ Recent ★
4th Feb 14
As those of you who have been with us for a while can see, we've done some updating on the site. To our new membes, welcome! We've reverted to our original name and are going to move forward with six month! See all our new, updated summaries in the "Need to Knows" section for a full run-down on what has happened!
★ Census ★
Our citizens
breeders
♂01
♀02
coordinators
♂00
♀00
dex holders
♂06
♀03
elites
♂02
♀00
gym leaders
♂01
♀02
knights
♂06
♀05
rangers
♂00
♀03
researchers
♂02
♀01
trainers
♂04
♀03
★ Weather ★
Feb, March, April
Snow is starting to melt in most regions, they are beginning to see Spring
ANXIETY TRIALS was created by Fate. The skin which includes the Board Mod, Mini Profile and Sidebar are created by Dorothia @ Adoxography. The tabbed sidebar was created by kimset of RPG D'. Plug ins were made by their respective PB Support member. All other information which includes but is not limited to, Character Plots, Character Applications and more belong to their rightful owner. Pokemon/Pokemon Special is the property of Nintendo.
Emiko looked at her little town she used to live in. The town she grew up in, the town she changed because of the change in the town. Always, when Emiko was growing was told that change will happen and it will happen regardless if you wanted it or not. She always believed that the change in the town made it ugly and repulsive. She of course met opposition on this few by some people. They told her that change is a beautiful thing and she should embrace it. Her counter argument was of course what if change makes people to bad people. Emiko's brother, is the example she uses, no one questions her after that.
Should I go down and visit the town again?. Shaking her head, she spun a Pokeball in her hand. Maybe the Knights will take the town soon, it would not surprise her. Taking a deep breath she turned away from the town. Not today.......not later.....not ever. A few tears went down her face and she said to herself "Why brother..?"
Post by AKARI MINAMOTO on Jul 1, 2013 21:13:07 GMT 9.5
Akari walked at a sedate pace, nothing much in her mind as she surveyed her surroundings. She used to be the master of patrolling the skies, but then, with the trauma she developed two years ago, she hadn't been doing so since, and relegated the task to her subordinates, whilst she took on land patrols. While during sky patrols, her interaction was limited to the bird Pokemon in the sky. But land patrols weren't that bad, as she was beginning to get used to them. It did allow her to interact with people and the citizens of each town more.
Such as right now, when she found a young lady staring at the path towards the town. A few tears trickled down her face, and Akari found her heart wanting to reach out to comfort the girl. As a Ranger, helping people and Pokemon out was a natural feeling that was magnified.
Her Masquerain hovering around her head, Akari moved towards the other, and offered her handkerchief to the younger girl. She said in a soft voice, "Now what's got a young lady like you crying on such a fine day?"
Emiko at first did not notice the Ranger holding out the handkerchief to her. Looking up for the sounds of the female voice , she gladly took the handkerchief and buried her face in the thing. After crying into it for a while, Emiko looked at the Ranger. What should she say? Should she lie that she remembered something joyful? Err, maybe I should say that I remembered something from my childhood...... Smiling sadly at the Ranger she whispered softly, "I.......memories that plague any normal human and Pokemon....
Well, that's the best I can do without lying. Emiko sighed quietly and smiled at the Ranger, trying not to spill over with her emotions.
Post by AKARI MINAMOTO on Jul 1, 2013 21:56:43 GMT 9.5
Akari nodded lightly and gave a soft and comforting smile. "I can understand the feeling... I am plagued with them myself, after all." A memory of her dead lover flashed by quickly through her mind at the notion, though it was also quick to disappear as she refocused herself on the present.
Now that the girl was looking directly at her, Akari was better able to discern the other's appearance, expression and emotions. And really, Akari meant what she said. She sensed there was more to what the teen was saying, but if the other didn't want to say it, she would not pry out of respect.
Patting Amy the Masquerain on the head and getting an affectionate snuggle in return, Akari said as gently as she could, "Even if you can't let the truth out, at least don't restrain yourself with the tears, and let them fall. We all need a good cry, sometimes." With that, Akari carefully and slowly led the girl to take a seat in a nearby bench. Akari sat beside her in silence, taking in the warmth of the day and the gentle breeze blowing with her blue moth Pokemon dancing and fluttering to its tempo.
Emiko sniffed sadly as the Ranget talked and led her to the bench near them. Sitting down carefully, she tried to hold in her tears. Emiko is not the most comfortable when crying in front of people she didn't know. Should...I...let it out......should I...? Closing her eyes, Emiko started to mumble in a soft voice "Memories are always part of us, memories and how we deal with them defines us. Memories are sometimes the most joyful thing for us to have. Memories though also make us want to forget them. Weird isn't?.
A few tears rolled down her cheek as she had what her brother did fresh in her mind. "I'm Emiko Itô" She said to the Ranger, smiling a little.
Post by AKARI MINAMOTO on Jul 1, 2013 23:18:16 GMT 9.5
Having slightly drowned herself in the beauty of nature's caress, Akari almost missed the softly-spoken words of her new companion. Those words of hers were so deep, and too close to Akari's own troubles regarding her dead lover. Her memories of her time with him were the most precious she held, but remembering him also made her remember of his tragic death and all the trauma that haunted her after it, and still haunting her to this day. Moving on and letting go of him was very tough for her, if not even a couple of shots of alcohol could make her forget (though that was mostly her high tolerance speaking).
But she was an adult, and problems such as these were normal for her. And so, she wondered just what exactly this younger girl beside her had experienced or was experiencing to ponder such deep thoughts about memories? And while she wasn't going to ask outright, Akari felt she could at least empathize in another way.
"Yes. All that you've said is true," Akari finally answered after a long while. "There are memories that are so easily forgotten and those that are not, both joyful and sorrowful. There are even memories that you wish you would forget, but your mind and heart refuse to do so. Or those memories you try so hard to recall, but cannot. Memories are indeed strange things." Amy fluttered down to Akari's lap to rest her wings, and the Ranger gave the moth a gentle pat. "But someone once told me..." She closed her eyes held down her grimace and longing as that "someone's" smiling face flashed through her mind. "... He'd rather have memories, even if they are bad, than none at all. Because the fact that you have them and are recalling them at the moment, is proof that you're alive, and you've gotten through good and bad events. And then it will give you the courage to think that, 'Yes, I can keep on moving forward and making more memories'." Brown eyes opened to a cloud-littered blue sky.
Akari's smile was small but warm, at the sight of her crying companion now smiling a little too. "I am Ranger Akari Minamoto. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Ito." She left out the fact that she was actually Head Ranger too, but it's not something she bragged about. The core of the fact was that she was a Ranger, no matter how high or low her position was, and that her main job was to help both Pokemon and people, like what she was doing now.
Last Edit: Jul 1, 2013 23:19:04 GMT 9.5 by AKARI MINAMOTO
As Emiko to the words of Akari rang through her mind. Almost simultaneously to Akari's word, Emiko saw the events again. Those dreadful events she wanted to forget. The ones she thought she has driven out of her mind. Those events disturbed her so badly, Emiko became withdrawn from everything she cared about. The reaction of the people around her when she accused her brother of abuse towards his Pokemon. When they called her crazy and her brother just laughed. Then when she tried to catch him in the act again, he saw it coming.
"Sister, what are you doing?" He asked, pulling Emiko by the hair out of his room. Squealing, tears shot to her eyes. "N-nothing.." Bang! Bang! Her brother got mad and started to bang her head onto the floor. "Tell. Me. What. You. Did." Emiko just whimpered and passed out.
She got out of her daze and whispered again, "Are you against...abuse of Pokemon..? I say I am, that town......turns a blind eye on it...". The fact that people turned a blind eye on it everything. "Those memories..
Post by AKARI MINAMOTO on Jul 2, 2013 19:28:25 GMT 9.5
Surprised brown eyes glanced in the teenager's direction. "Is that so? I have never received any reports on abuse of Pokemon from that town. It is most likely low-key." Seeing the younger girl's depressed demeanor, Akari said in a sincerely regretful tone, "I apologize. I know it's my duty as a Ranger to prevent such malicious acts, yet nothing was done to stop it, if it is as you say." Gently rubbing the side of her Pokemon's face, the female Ranger continued, "Even before I became a Ranger, I love Pokemon, and I don't like seeing them hurt either."
Akari narrowed her eyes in determination. "So, if there is indeed abuse of Pokemon in that town, I will put a stop to it to the best of my abilities. But I don't have any information to go by. Perhaps you do?" Amy appeared to have rested enough, and took off into the air again. "If you want me to be of help, I'm afraid I can't do it without your cooperation." Her eyes turned gentle again. "That way, no more Pokemon will be hurt. And no more people will be burdened with hurtful memories. Like you do."
Emiko could not hold it in any more. Almost instantly, she curled up and cried uncontrollably. "The workers work their Pokemon almost to death. Then they makr them fight, and if their Pokemon looses.....t-they, t-they kill it." Emiko whimpered as the tears flowed down her cheeks. She didn't want those memories come back but they did.
Closing her eyes she whispered "My brother........was part of that ring.....he..he ...I saw him kill a Pokemon when I was nine.....then....a few years later...after I told my parents, they laughed......so..." I paused a little and dropped her Natu's Pokeball on the ground.
"He found out and.....and.....and......and....abused me.......physically....."
Post by AKARI MINAMOTO on Jul 3, 2013 5:00:20 GMT 9.5
As soon as the girl broke down, Akari's heart softened up and she quickly gathered the girl into her arms, giving her a comforting pat and soothing her shudders as she cried out. The Ranger's Masquerain hovered around anxiously, sensing the sad atmosphere.
If what this girl was saying true, then it was indeed a big problem. Akari berated herself mentally. How could she have missed these horrible acts? As a Ranger, she swore to prevent such things from happening. Briefly, she wondered if the issue was connected with the rise of the Knights of Arceus, but for now, she would focus on gently soothing this teenager in her arms. Akari would let her finish letting out her bottled feelings, and afterwards, that would be the time for reconciliation and action.
Emiko let her tears flow down her cheeks, not caring what will happen next. The emotions she had kept inside of her came out like a volcano. She never wanted anything like this to happen. I should've told someone earlier...Maybe less harm would have been caused to those Pokemon..
Looking into the Ranger's eyes, Emiko moved a little closer in her arms. "I should've told someone...
Post by AKARI MINAMOTO on Jul 3, 2013 21:35:46 GMT 9.5
Akari figured her next words might seem a little harsh, but she said it as gently as she could. "What's done is done, Miss Ito." She kept on with her soothing gestures, rubbing at the teen's back comfortingly even as she spoke. "Don't beat yourself up with the thought that you should have told someone earlier. You couldn't have known of that."
She met the other's eyes determinedly. "However, now that you have told me, we can do something about it. Those sad acts you have told me can be stopped." Akari gave a small smile. "You're a very brave and kind girl, and I can tell your heart genuinely feels for those poor Pokemon."
The Ranger waited till Emiko had composed herself more before slowly releasing her from her hold. She turned her gaze towards the town, and said, "I can go and check on the town now, if you want."
Sniffing heavily, Emiko sat up a little and smiled sadly at the Ranger. Emiko felt like a traitor to everyone she loves and loved in her life. Sniffing some more, she buried her hands in the handkerchief. "Thank you Minamoto-sama" Emiko whispered, calling Ceci out of his Pokeball. The Natu flew around happily and then landed on her head.
Smiling a little, Emiko said "This is Ceci... Natu cried cheerfully and buried herself in Emiko's hair.
Post by AKARI MINAMOTO on Jul 5, 2013 22:09:12 GMT 9.5
"Oh, it's no problem at all. More than my obligation as a Ranger, I am really glad to be of help to you, Miss Ito." Akari smiled sincerely.
She watched curiously as the teen took out a Pokeball and released the Pokemon inside, a Natu. Amy the Masquerain danced happily in the air in greeting for its fellow Flying type. Akari's smile widened in delight as her affinity for Flying types kicked in. She extended a friendly hand out in invitation to the little Psychic bird. "Well, hello there. Nice to meet you Ceci." The Pokemon looked curiously at her from its perch at the top of Emiko's head, a little wary for a moment before it decided that since Akari was kind to its trainer, then she would be kind to it, too, and it hopped down to the bench closer to the Ranger. Once in reach of Akari's hand, she patted the small bird gently and lovingly, her expertise on Flying types telling her how best to handle Natu and where it loved to be patted.
When the Pokemon chirped in delight, Akari couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her lips.
Emiko smiled brightly as Ceci flew around with Akari's Pokemon. Even more so when the small bird played around with Akari's hand. Looking a little at Akari, she asked "Are you fond of Flying types? Seems like Ceci is happy. Rubbing the back of her head, Emiko slowly leaned a little back into the bench.
Letting out a deep sigh, she said "I' so glad I finally got that off my chest.....Thank you again....Minamoto-san...." Ceci chriped again and flew on Emiko's lap, poking one of the Pokeball's. Laughing a little, she petted Ceci softly on the head. "Ceci, I doubt that Scrix wants to play. You know how moody he is"
Post by AKARI MINAMOTO on Jul 8, 2013 18:13:51 GMT 9.5
The blue moth flew down closer to her trainer as Akari gave a small giggle. "Yes. Rangers are not required to specialize in types the way Gym Leaders do, but I have always loved Flying types." She patted Amy, who gave a small delighted cry.
Akari smiled as she let go of Emiko's Natu so that it could go back to its trainer. "It's no problem at all. I'm glad I could make you feel better," she said sincerely. The Ranger watched, still smiling as the trainer and the playful Pokemon interacted. It was always heartwarming to see, and as a Ranger, she was witness to many such scenes, especially in her rescues. It made her more determined to help other people and save them, whether from physical harm or from emotional turmoil, like with what she was doing with Emiko right now.
Nodding, she closed her eyes and let out a deep breath. Petting her Natu under its small wing, Emiko said softly "I always had a love for Psychic, Ghost and Dark types....
Ceci poked the Pokeball one more time before giving up. Ceci nestled herself in Emiko's hand. Emiko really loves playing with all her Pokemon, even Scrix who can be really moody. They are like her children for Emiko to love and take care of.
"These are memories I would want to keep."
Last Edit: Jul 8, 2013 23:32:43 GMT 9.5 by EMIKO ITÔ
Post by AKARI MINAMOTO on Jul 9, 2013 2:28:54 GMT 9.5
"Yes, and I believe that's admirably brave of you to do so," Akari commented honestly before she stood up, Amy flying higher in response to remain fluttering around her head.
She took a deep breath before turning to face Emiko, who was now looking happier and relaxed, compared to her sad disposition earlier. "I'm sorry but duty calls. I have to continue my patrols." Tucking a stray lock of her long brown hair away, she continued in a more reassuring tone, "I fully intend to act on what you just told me and I'd been about to check out that town even before I spoke to you. However..." Her eyes softened. "... I don't want to force you to come with me, if it makes you uncomfortable. I don't want to force you to confront a huge part of your painful and sad past. If you don't feel like doing it now, we can go check it out another day. Just contact me and I'll be there." The Ranger rummaged into her pocket and took out a card containing her Pokegear number, which she then held out to the young teen in front of her.
Emiko stood up and nodded at the Ranger's suggestion. She felt much safer with someone as reassuring like Akari. If she would go alone, she would just break down just like a few weeks ago. Sighing, Emiko called Ceci back into her Pokeball. Tracing her finger along Scrix's Pokeball, Emiko wanted to call him out.
"I will go with you now....but I will call Scrix out.....He always protected me as a child.."
Post by AKARI MINAMOTO on Jul 9, 2013 18:30:11 GMT 9.5
Akari studied the teen before her with serious eyes for a while, gauging her condition and her emotion before she sighed. Finally coming to a decision, she said, "All right. But I have some reminders for you." Waiting for the teen to give her full attention, Akari continued, "First, stay close to me. Second, don't hesitate to ask for protection from me or your Pokemon. And third, if you don't feel good or if you feel that you can't go on, please inform me immediately." Brown eyes softened with concern. "Is that all right?"
She nodded affirmatively at Emiko's request. "That's fine. It's good that you can rely on your Pokemon." And that her Pokemon can help make her feel more at ease.
The Ranger began thinking of a way to alleviate the girl's nervousness and fear. Oh, that's right, she did mention she liked Psychic types... With a little smile, Akari reached into her pocket and took out a Pokeball. With a click, she released the form of her Sigilyph. The ancient bird remained steady in the air. "This is Shina, my Sigilyph. She's a Psychic and Flying type," Akari explained. She waited for Emiko to feel more comfortable around the Pokemon. "She'll definitely protect you."
And it was true. Even Akari herself relied on Shina during her battles and rescues for her Psychic powers. Shina was capable of quickly putting up barriers and screens, and was the defense pivot of her team.
Emiko nodded nervously and watched Akari. Of course she was nervous about this but in her mind, she felt safe with Akari. Even more so when the Ancient Psychic flew around Akari. "Such a beautiful........Pokemon....... Emiko whispered softly. Extending her hand, she traced her hand along the Psychic type. "So.........beautiful....
Fumbling wity Scrix Pokeball, she called out the Drapion. He growled a little loudly as he walked up behind Emiko.
Post by AKARI MINAMOTO on Jul 10, 2013 20:34:01 GMT 9.5
Nodding with a smile, Akari let Shina stick closer to Emiko, glad that her idea was a success. The Sigilyph's intricate body design seemed to fascinate the teen, and she seemed comfortable around it. 'That's good...'
When the fierce-looking Drapion was sent out, the Ranger took a deep breath and geared herself up. The scorpion Pokemon looked protective and ready for action should the need arise. Akari turned to Amy, who gave a small nod, indicating she was ready too.
Akari turned to Emiko, her long brown hair flowing in the wind. "Shall we go?"
Post by EMIKO ITÔ on Jul 20, 2013 17:00:44 GMT 9.5
Emiko nodded slightly and petted Scrix carefully on his sharp claw. Scrix gave her his trademark smile and stepped a little closer. If she wouldn't be heading into her old home town, this would have been a perfect day for her. Getting lost while staring at the Psychic Pokemon.
Shaking herself and whispered "Your Pokemon is so pretty....both of them..."
Post by AKARI MINAMOTO on Jul 21, 2013 1:55:11 GMT 9.5
Leading their pace into a slow, gentle walk, Akari chuckled. "Thank you. And I'm sure Shina and Amy are grateful for the compliment too, right?" She turned to her Pokemon as the Masquerain did an intricate dance, circling around Emiko with silver sparkles trailing in its wake. Shina showed her appreciation by using her Psychic powers to lift some fallen petals in a row of flowers by the roadside and let it join the Silver Wind particles and controlling them into swirling in intricate spirals in the wind. If this was a Contest, it would have been a really beautiful appeal.
Akari's smile widened at that, and she patted Amy as it fluttered back closer to her. "I caught Amy during a rare Surskit swarm and she is a big help, even when she was a little Surskit." The blue moth nudged its trainer affectionately.
Seeing Emiko interested in small talk, the Head Ranger continued, "I got Shina when I was rescuing some Pokemon in the desert in the Unova region. She was a wild Sigilyph who was kind enough to help me, and then decided to join my team afterwards."
Post by EMIKO ITÔ on Jul 21, 2013 18:34:18 GMT 9.5
Emiko giggled softly as Akari's Pokemon made wonders lights and sparkels appear. She was in kind of a aw as Akari talked a little but shuck herself. I should stop doing this. Looking at Scrix, Emiko petted him on the tooth again.
"I caught Scrix here...when I still lived in the town....Well..he was more like a friend.. Scrix smiled slightly and ran his tooth along her hand. Follwing Akari she added "He always seems moody but protects me when ever he sees danger... The Drapion nodded a little as Emiko talked. A little poison dripped on Emiko's hand and she kind of giggled a little.
Post by AKARI MINAMOTO on Jul 22, 2013 1:12:46 GMT 9.5
"Pokemon are really nice, aren't they?" Akari commented as they approached the town gates. She kept her senses on high alert, brown eyes sweeping over the sight of the infrastructure and the people in it. Even her Pokemon were ready to spring into action at a moment's notice even without her command. Shina sidled closer to her charge, prepared to throw up reflective barriers in defense.
The Head Ranger turned to her companion. "Please lead the way, Miss Emiko."
Post by EMIKO ITÔ on Jul 22, 2013 18:55:18 GMT 9.5
Just like Akari's Pokemon, Scrix carefully watched every door and bush of the large town. He also walked in front of Emiko, just in case. Scrix would attack anything or anyone who would even touch a hair on Emiko's head.
Emiko almost flinched as she saw her old home coming closer. Hidding behind Scrix, she pointed at a man near them. "H-him...h-him...h-he hur-rts friends...
Post by AKARI MINAMOTO on Jul 23, 2013 10:34:47 GMT 9.5
Akari didn't miss the teenage girl's scared trauma-induced reaction. "I see... All right." She took out her Pokegear and whispered to the device, "Rigon, I'm counting on you." There was only a brief flash of response from her Porygon2 who resided inside the device. The virtual Pokemon would take care of contacting the Ranger HQ should Akari require back-up and signal for it.
The Head Ranger then felt along her pocket for her other Pokemon. Her ride, Kaji, was there, should a get-away be needed. That would mean the other two would be her main fighters if a battle breaks out. Now who did she switch at the PC earlier...
Akari shifted closer to Emiko and quietly said, "This is a precaution, Miss Emiko. If I tell you to run, please run, all right? Shina can carry you to safety. Return your Pokemon to his Pokeball, then." Waiting for the other's confirmatory response, Akari continued, "It's up to you if you want to go closer to the man with me while I talk to him, but stay close to me."
With a determined but calm face, the Head Ranger approached the man, her senses very much aware of her surroundings, and politely said, "Good day, Sir."
Post by EMIKO ITÔ on Jul 23, 2013 18:53:57 GMT 9.5
Emiko nodded nervously while shaking uncontrolably. She watched Shina carefully, thinking when she would take off running. This town, she hasn't been for years, changed some more. It has become much larger, but like oother towns in the region, it has had disasters. The large Court building was being repaird by some workers and a old house lies in ruins. At least some karma..
Rubbing her eyes, she stood a little off from the man in front of Akari. Emiko looked at her feet, trying to avoid the man's gaze. Scrix noticed Emiko's discomfort and moved a little closer to her. Please, please, please, please, please, don't talk to me...
The man tilted his head and asked "Well hello Ma'ma, what do you and your companion need from me?
Post by AKARI MINAMOTO on Jul 24, 2013 2:28:59 GMT 9.5
Akari maintained her polite face though deep inside, she was frowning, thinking of scenarios. Vaguely aware of Emiko shivering from where she stood obliquely to Akari's position, the Head Ranger knew that this was trauma at work. She experienced it, after all.
Right now, however, the man was playing casual. Perhaps he didn't recognize Emiko or didn't know of Akari's true identity. Justified by the fact that Emiko was hidden behind her Drapion and partly with Akari's own body, while Akari herself had longer hair and was wearing clothes that were no indication of being a Ranger. If she took this directly, she wasn't certain how the man would react to Emiko, or how the teen would react either.
Play it safe, then... Slightly.
Akari carefully answered, "I was on my way to this town when I heard some troubling rumours... of abuse." She gave a slight curious frown. "Might you perhaps know something about it, Sir?"