Sheltered (Grimsley)

[RUTH IEGRIYEGA]

Zivilyn nodded back at the Scrafty, then stood at ease. Or, as much ease as he could while the Krookodile approached his jumpy trainer. Sensing that his work has still yet to be done, he toddled closer to Ruth's side. Or a little bit in front of her hip, but who's paying attention? Ruth had a tricky time mustering up the courage to peek out from between her fingers. After all, what awaited her was a Krookodile reaching out to her with a claw and bared teeth.

When she finally did, she held up her hands in silent fright. And that was when the Hawlucha sprung into action. He pushed Ruth's elbow up to have the rest of her arm extend into high-fiving the Krookodile. He hoped that while Ruth didn't carry out the gesture consciously, the sentiment made it across. There she froze. Well... Again, anyways, creating an awkward hand... Hold? Pat? Better than continuing to fear the Pokemon, at least. She managed a nod at Grimsley's comment about names sticking with enough experience. Words, Ruth, use them.

"Y-yeah, makes sense. And none taken. I mean, here I thought attack, attack, attack was the way to go. It probably would get boring after a while for someone like you, so I don't blame you for wanting to spice things up. Not mention, now that you mention it, they have a lot in common with you. Dark types, I mean, or the ones I've seen. Devious, cunning, clever, and... Stylish..."

Well, a lot of people do, but we get what you mean. The less she focused on the Krookodile, the more her hand relaxed into lightly holding the Pokemon's claw.

"This one seems... Nice though. And Scrafty kinda reminds me of... Wait no, I take it back, he's in a league of his own. I was about to say that he reminded me of Zivilyn, but every Pokemon is an individual. It's neat that you found a type that's completely your own, though. I don't think most people would just settle on one type! With so many Pokemon out there and all."

Curious, Zivilyn tilted his head at the Scrafty, trying to find what Ruth found in common between the two. He folded his wings in thought.

[GRIMSLEY DELACOUR]

The Krookodile blinked in obvious surprise at the high-five type thing Ruth initiated. Was this a new human tradition he didn’t know about? He’d never seen Grimsley do it. Should he be slapping people’s hands now? Would that not look aggressive? Ah whatever, he’d try it out on the next human he met and see what they thought about it. If Grimsley could have heard his Pokémon’s thoughts just then he probably would have been laughing. Most trainers would want to discourage their big scary Pokémon from trying to high-five new people, but seriously, how amusing would that be to watch? It wouldn’t have been a gesture of offense either, so if the other person had a problem with it, why, they’d be the ones in the wrong wouldn’t they?

In the meantime, the Scrafty came forwards and slid in between the human and the Krookodile, putting his hands on the Krookodile’s stomach and pushing him backwards. It took a bit of an effort, but the larger Pokémon eventually got the message and took a few steps back, nearly making the Scrafty fall over as it continued to needlessly push. Unlike his ‘charismatic’ friend, the fighting type knew how intimidating a Krookodile could be, and regardless of the motive behind the crocodile Pokémon’s actions, they could easily be taken the wrong way and spark a fight or an attack against him. Or scare the poor girl to death; that was another possibility he didn’t want to see, though she seemed to be recovering now.

He wasn’t sure what he thought of her words though. Why was he like that bird thing? Was it supposed to be a compliment? Why hadn’t she finished it then, was it actually an insult? I mean, the rest of it was fine, particularly the ‘league of his own’ bit, but what was so similar between himself and the Hawlucha, bar one of their typings? He fixed his ‘trousers’ again before leaning back against the Krookodile’s side and folding his arms again, apparently oblivious to the similarity of their stances.

Grimsley had noticed it though, and a small smirk touched his lips as he glanced between the two. “Oh no, I can see the similarity, don’t fret,” he said, receiving a sharp look from the Scrafty as he spoke. “And thank you my dear. It did take a while to decide, and I have tried many other types in my time. I think some trainers just have a certain… connection to a specific type and know how to bring out the best in their own speciality. How do you think gym leaders come about, after all?” He was a little flattered by what the girl had said (devious, cunning, clever and stylish, all from one meeting? My, my, how nice), and was pleased to see she was at least getting more used to the Krookodile. She wasn’t quite so bad really. Well, not now that he’d interfered and taught her something.

Though he was impressed he’d spent so much time with her actually, so maybe she’d taught him something too? He didn’t really have anywhere to be or anything important to do, and hanging around at the League didn’t have the same thrill anymore, so perhaps it wasn’t surprising that he’d jumped on a distraction like this. But still, she was a child, and an ignorant one at that. But here he was, almost enjoying her company. Strange, huh?

_{Tag?!: Ruth !
Words?!: 573 !
Lyrics?!: No Cheap Thrill ~ Suzanne Vega
Notes?!: Do you want to keep going with this or should we part them soon? We can do a thread with Ulysses if you fancy it? Just thinking there might not be much left for them to do here. Also, away for a week on Friday so slow replies anyway ^^; busy summer.
Credit?!: Sigyn ! (image by たわし)}

[RUTH IEGRIYEGA]

It was as if Ruth found a kindred spirit by holding the Krookodile's claw. She couldn't read his mind, but he was simply so chill that his attitude chilled her out too. When the two were separated by Scrafty, she almost felt sad. Instead, she clasped a hand over her mouth to stifle a small giggle at the sight of Scrafty being about as pushy as Zivilyn would be to her. Yes. The two fighting types had a lot in common after all. In fact, unknown to the other, the Hawlucha was puzzling over the same things Scrafty was puzzling over. There were definitely subtle differences though, however, we'll see if Zivilyn picks up on those, once he's done wondering if Ruth just meant their stances, or something else altogether. She did giggle. Hopefully she wasn't giggling about THEM... Was she? What was she giggling about? Was it bad? She wasn't the sort to secretly hold in her thoughts so WHY WAS SHE LAUGHING AND GRIMSLEY SAW THE SIMILARITY TOO WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHAT WERE THEY MISSING AAAAAAA--Zivilyn trilled a sigh. Gotta keep cool.

"You got a point there. Wow, thanks for your insight, Grimsley! Man, I'm just learning everything today, aren't I... From dark types to appreciating Zivilyn more to being a better trainer and even a thing or two about not all fancy people being annoying, stuck up haters to 'hicks' like me! Like, you're not bossy and whiny like other rich people I've met."

Well look at the time! Sensing that Ruth was running her mouth again, Zivilyn came up with an excuse for them to leave before she said even more things she'll eventually regret. He unfolded his wings, and let one dangle to the side, gently holding it with the other. He wasn't injured there, and anyone could see that he was fine... Except for maybe Ruth. He chirped up at her, and cocked his head towards where the Pokemon Center would be.

"Oh! Right! Yeah, you and Amanda need to be healed huh? Right, right, right... Anyways, I didn't mean to eat up everyone's time! It was nice meeting you, Grimsley, and your Pokemon too. Even the battle wasn't so bad!"

The Hawlucha bowed his head to Grimsley and his party. He peeked at Ruth when she continued talking, as if watching her words for her.

"Say... Not like I'd have a means to contact you, or not right away at least, but if I ever come across a phone and need your help, would it be alright if I had your contact information? See, my house is riiight next to a berry orchard in Kalos, and I thought maybe I could send you some when I make it back home, as thanks! For being so nice! And teaching me so much! _{Wait, you might be too busy... But I'm asking, so it's better than assuming, so...!}"


((OOC: No worries! We can part ways~ It was a lot of fun covering so much ground character-wise! And don't worry about taking a while. I'll be a little sluggish on setting up the Ulysses thread myself~ I have a busy summer too~))

[GRIMSLEY DELACOUR]

He wasn’t entirely sure whether he should be bothered by the ‘not all fancy people’ comments, or whether he should just take it all as a compliment and move on. He had a few problems with what she’d said, naturally, but the girl had been a bit loose with her words already and had never meant any actual harm. So he’d just ignore it, though he couldn’t stop his eyes from rolling in semi-exasperation. He did have to smirk a little at Zivilyn’s sudden need to leave though; protecting his trainer until the bitter end, even just from herself.

“Not at all my dear,” he said, bowing his head to her, his hand flicking the air as if to dismiss her comment. “It was nice to meet you too, and I’m pleased our battle was good enough for you.” He’d rather enjoyed it too of course, but he had to make it look more like a favour than something of mutual benefit. It was more professional that way. Probably. Honestly, it was more of a pride thing, not wanting to admit he still liked the rough and tumble of the street when he should really be more interested in the finer things. But surely that was proving Ruth’s point about ‘fancy people’ which he’d had issue with just moments before… oh forget it, he was thinking about this far too much.

The Krookodile grinned and waved at the Hawlucha as it said goodbye to them, before receiving a sharp jab in his side from the Scrafty who apparently disapproved of his overly friendly response. The crocodile Pokémon frowned for a moment before folding his arms like the Scrafty and copying his sharp nod. It felt a bit weird to be so formal but if it was what he was supposed to do then he’d just follow along (although he might question why later).

Meanwhile, Grimsley was rather surprised at Ruth's request. He hadn’t thought he’d made that good of an impression actually, so it was rather flattering to hear she wanted to keep in contact. “Of course, that would be fine,” he said, giving her a small smile. And her offer was rather appealing in a business sense as well as a personal one: he’d never had the time or the patience (or the necessary gardening skills) to grow berries, and yet he used them as much as any trainer, so a connection like this would be very practical. And nice too, don't forget nice; it was nice that she wanted to say thank you.

Sliding a hand into his pocket, he pulled out a small black business card containing his name, title and number and very little else. “Please do keep in touch.” That was more of a pleasantry than an actual request, and if she was ringing him every day he’d be blocking her number quite quickly, but part of him genuinely did want to know how she would get on in life. She had potential this girl, it was just whether she knew how to unlock that or not that would determine her future.

_{Tag?!: Ruth !
Words?!: 518 !
Lyrics?!: No Cheap Thrill ~ Suzanne Vega
Notes?!: On second thoughts, can we delay the Ulysses thread? I start university again in a week and apparently this year is horrifically busy so I don't think I'll have much free time. I don't want to start a thread only to realise I have no time to post in it, that wouldn't be fair on you.
Credit?!: Sigyn ! (image by たわし)}

[RUTH IEGRIYEGA]

((OOC: As said in your other thread, Ulysses thread can be much later, yup~ I'm just wrapping things up on my end.))

"Whooaa..."

Ruth turned the business card over in her hands. It was sooooo official! Even her orchard didn't have a business card! Or a phone for that matter. She mostly relied on other people's phones and word of mouth. The more she thought about it, maybe she should invest in a phone. If not just to say hi to Grimsley every so often, then at least to make business run smoother at her orchard... Before she could start another tangent, Zivilyn chirped some additional thanks for the polite gesture.

"Oh, and thanks again Grimsley! I definitely will! But don't worry about me ringing you all the time--"

TANGENT DETECTED. The Hawlucha gently pulled on Ruth's skirt as he walked them towards the Pokemon Center. She waved as she was tugged along, continuing her tangent about respecting his space, business cards, and her orchard anyhow. Grimsley and his Pokemon were good. The little bird has decided that he can trust them, and was glad to know that there was at least someone out there aside from her brother whom she can respect and look up to. Aside from her Pokemon, Ruth had more acquaintances than friends, see.. And though it was too soon to say if Grimsley would be the first, his patience towards her... Being herself at least boded well.

Now, for them to continue their trek home... With so many kind trainers like Grimsley helping Ruth along, did the party truly want to go back home? Where they lived in near absolute seclusion? Where Ruth was safe, but had no room to grow? Several of her Pokemon pined for the outside, but Ruth... She never really wanted to leave. And, in spite of the many things she's seen, she still wants to go home. Does she realize the life she'll lose once she holes up in her orchard again? The world wasn't safe, regardless of the dangers Ruth failed to notice. But there were people worth meeting and experiences worth growing from; He couldn't deny it. He was ordered to keep Ruth safe. But it was hard deciding if the best way to do that was to survive, instead of living.