Sizing up the comp.e.tition [OWL

[E.nigma]

It was nothing like home--and it did not even hold a candle to that dump. Nada Citadel. The second was filled with horrid stenches, stray mangy pokemon, and poor peasant like people packed into buildings like sardines in a can. The roads were nothing but cracks with band aids of dark tar smeared over them. The sidewalks were more grass than cement, hardy little shoots tickled at feet exposed beneath sandal straps. Everyone looked haggard, and the glass ceiling was covered in mud splatter, and streaks from poor glass cleaning. The school was nothing more than a waste of space filled with slacker teachers, and morons. What an absolutely wonderful place. Don't you agree?

This. This--junkyard--could not so much as hold a match to that dump. It had no streets to speak of, no cans to pack the sardines in, the sidewalks were nothing but large boulders thrown up against shacks. The grass was not overgrown, the trees had stretched out their grubby little roots into the derelict buildings themselves. People resembled something from the seventeen hundreds, or at least their dirt covered doors did. A few rows of vegetables grew to the side of the boulder path, and a few lithe figures lay bent over the greening leaves.
"...disgusting."
These. These righteous, mindless fools. Pravus had offered every one of them a decent job, where they could put their brains to use, and instead here they squandered it tilling up dirt and growing cabbage. Scientists and their morals--no , no-- scientists in general were disgusting creatures.

The wilderness would have done better to have swallowed this entire place whole. The thing that had given it life, the thing that had put this shoddy little village on the map, was now nothing more then a junk heap to the south.
--

The man that currently strolled through Barkwish did so with confidence. The dress shoes that drug through the dirt path did so evenly, and with self assurance. The pants that licked the ground directly above them were caught somewhere between suit pants and jeans--delicate little ivory pinstripes were visible in the storm colored fabric. The black shoes were matched perfectly to the tailored dress shirt that was wrapped around the man's torso. A vest of the opposite coloring of the pants sat at the fellow's waist. The hat upon his head had been switched from the normal top hat to something resembling a fedora. A silk band wrapped around its base, ending in a delicate bow on the left side. The gloves at the ends of the ebony sleeves were ivory, and currently resided in the vests pockets. Occasionally muscles were visible just underneath the fabric. Golden eyes slowly shifted upward, settling on a glowing pile up ahead. The messenger bag at his side swung to a stop in time with his legs.
"...Hrmm. Innuendo. What kind of fools would let that building turn into scrap metal?"
Irritation was now visible in his pursed lips, and hooded eyes. With no reply from the creature beside him, the man continued on.

The people that walked by stood shoulders above him, and a few even offered friendly smiles to the "child". The Pravus official merely nodded back, the smile not returned.
"Minds wasted and turned into useless piles of flesh...."
The man murmured to the bird at his side, lips pulling down in a frown. The landscape changed from packed dirt to padded, green grass. Dandelions and a path alike were crushed beneath his feet, rocks themselves seeming to move out of his path.
"Innuendo--you're trailing off the path ..right.."
The man murmured, the ears beneath his hat twitched underneath the metal holding them underneath the hat. The spring gren hair seemed to stand on end--but the man never once turned to look at the Xatu. How had he known it was going the wrong way? Intuition.

Shoe shod feet came to a stop, one planted on a former window frame, the other on a plate of shattered glass. The gloved hands slid from their pockets, as the man knelt, and opened up the bag at his side.

Wide childlike eyes turned toward the building, the golden eyes glimmered deep in a child's face, and only the thin, scarred lips spoke of experience. That. and the fact that the eyes lacked any form of emotion.

The claw like fingers slowly closed, and tugged upward.

--

The bird behind the Pravus official walked forward in a brisk manner, the smile on its beak was filled with gaiety. A faint blue glow emanated from around its feathers, filling the sky with glitter. The bird towered above its trainer, bright feathers practically the same shade as the "boy's" green locks, pink beak remained stubbornly closed at the questions. No doubt Enigma knew how much he felt the same. The bird was the same as always except for the bright white top hat that perched upon his head. Occasionally the Xatu whistled.

Underneath the shadows of the hat's brim a black band was tightly cinched around the bird's eyes. The bird was blind. Which would explain it wandering off course every once in a while, but its psychic vision would let out a gentle tug and pull the Xatu back on course.

The bird stopped right behind its master, wings folded over its chest, wing tips pressed together solemnly.
"...You are not the only one who admired him.."
The lyrical voice murmured quietly, its trainer replied coolly:
" I know."
The voice was too deep, too self assured, and much too manly. It did not match the slight lithe frame in the least.

Gloved hands opened back up, and a bouquet of vibrantly colored flowers dropped onto the ground at his feet.

A sign glittered above the expensive greenery:
" Professor James--Remoor Scientist. Remoor's Pokemon Lab."
The original starter lab lay on the ground in front of Enigma, metal twisted into sculpture like shapes, the edges blackened by heat. After a few moments of silence the odd, dead, voice spoke out again--the words shocking even the Xatu nearby.
" The man was a worthy adversary.."

--

The Pravus official had turned away from that however, and now stared into the encroaching forest.
"Spying is not the least bit polite."
"It sure isn't~ come on out doll~"

---

A brown shape currently leapt from shadow to shadow down in the village, bright eyes glittering in a football shaped face.
"..so nice to be out..now what was it I was supposed to get..pokemon hyrdazoniors or whatever it was poor cruel master said?"
No one answered--of course.

[Samantha Morino]

The days had been dragging their feet down at the Ranger Headquarters, its dreary monotony quickly turning Samantha into an absolutely stir-crazy mess before slamming the doors open with a well-placed kick and tearing away, Duke closely at her heels.

This was some six hours ago, and the giddy rush from the fresh air and the extra spring in her step from the independence had tamed itself. They were way west, in the places you wouldn't let your children roam any time of day. Barkwish was a shelled out, dead place for vagrants and pokemon alike to sulk in the depths of what might have once been a beautiful society. Rather than turning away, however, the Crusader felt herself drawn to the town like a moth to a rather extinguished candle. Samantha rarely denied reality, and her footstep's slight ritardando finally led to a complete halt overlooking the ramshackle ruins on a slight rise. Dark eyes scoured over everything, from the shadows that darted like flickering candlelight in an alley to the left and the slow creak of a door barely clinging to its hinges.

There were rumors. People somehow seemed to have scrapped together a lifestyle. 'Scientists' was what the word of mouth said, burn-outs or fugitives, insane, unstable, unreliable. In a rather cruel way, Samantha preferred their presence here as they slunk around in the shadows and lived in the war's gutter. If they were here, they weren't working for the enemy. She saved her pity for the sour fact that Pravus wasn't gone by now, not the poor individuals left in the dust.

Worn leather hiking boots crunched hungrily against the ground, each step dislodging rubble and twig only emphasizing how broken of a place it was. Duke's own heavy paws carried his rather formidable weight with a regal gait that had taken years to grow into. His nose scoured the ground curiously, whilst his eyes showed his wariness. His flank brushed against Samantha repeatedly, bushy beige tail curling in delight when she would stop to rub behind his ears or stroke his spine.


Their slow saunter throw the so-called ‘town’ wasn’t unnoticed. Shadows would shift and begin to form in the young woman’s peripheral vision, only to quickly dissipate like elusive mist. Duke’s head would occasional swivel, his face a mask of feral fury and his fangs drawn back warningly when the scent of one of these people approached too close. A guttural growl would force his lips apart into a snarl, suddenly much less the pleased puppy he had been before.

After one such incident, the scuffling of feet and the clamor of a trash can hastily knocked over in retreat was like victory music to the protective canine’s furry orange ears. The rest of their walk passed without incident after.

A new smell hit Duke’s sensitive nose, unlike the others that reeked around town. It was still strong and quite recent, but not quite as pungent as the other scents. There was bird, too. A large pink tongue quickly scraped over the outside of his mouth, mind working.

***

A soft whine alerted Samantha to a pair of petite shoe imprints left in some of the mottled grime of the ‘streets’.

“Now who could those belong to…?” she asked aloud, voice trailing off. “Oh, go on then, Duke.” The hell hound bounded ahead eagerly, his course veering towards a lab of some sort. It took very little time, all in all. The owner of such small footprints was quickly identified, a young boy dressed to the neck in clothes much fancier than the black windbreaker cinched around Samantha’s own waist and well worn jeans. He was talking to his companion, a Xatu who seemed to have attracted Duke’s attention based on the hungry gleam in his amber eyes. What was a child doing out here, of all places?

She stepped forward as though determined to ask the question circling through her head, but the boy had turned around. His eyes found her at once, and she halted despite herself.

"Spying is not the least bit polite."
"It sure isn't~ come on out doll~"

He coolly addressed her as though, as though... he had known she was there. The voice was smooth, suave, dark. And cold, very cold. Suspicions rose as quickly as the slight flush that entered her cheeks, caught by surprise. What kind of child...?

Nevertheless, she did tread forward picking her way around a twisted wreckage of metal as she did so. Duke followed, examining the child warily and circling his master like a sheepdog keeping track of his very small flock. A slight twinge of annoyance at such a smarmy pet-name coming from a child set off a rather customary practice of Samantha's; her arms folded over her chest firmly, measuring up the child [there wasn't much to measure, she had to admit].

"What are you doing here, boy?" she demanded crisply, not at all much liking the look in Enigma's eyes under that outrageous hat. "It's not safe to be wandering around. You could get hurt." she cautioned, though the tone was slightly testy. It sounded as though she wouldn't have minded the creepy little child taking a scrape or bruise or getting mugged -- serve him right for hanging out in a place like this, in that getup.

ooc; Faaail. D:

[E.nigma]

Enigma watched Samantha pick her way over rubble, her windbreaker flew from her back end like some kind of comedic flag. It was rather lazy of her, you wore clothing, you did not drape it about your waist unless it was some sort of toga. The golden eyes seemed to glow with something--whether it was annoyance, boredom, disappointment, or a mix of the three was hard to discern.
"...did you know that under the rubble you'll find bodies?"
Not exactly the normal topic for a ten year old's first conversation, but most people were too thick to see past how Enigma looked, and did not wonder why he sometimes brought up the things he did.
"...Do you have any inkling of what happened to that section of drywall you and your canine currently have your feet planted on?"
For just a moment the eyes lit up with feverish intensity, which quickly faded into a look of sheer boredom.

--

The Pravus administrator felt no need to act in front of this girl, after all he was doing nothing wrong, and what need was there to disguise himself for the benefit of a teenager and her inbred mutt? That would indicate fear, he was not afraid.

The Xatu at his side ignored the lengthening silence of his trainer [who had now turned away from Samanatha with a disinterested snort], and instead grinned at the approaching pair.
"Hello hello~ better be wiping that slobber off the floor pooch~"
How could the bird tell it was a dog with no eyes? The god awful smell of fur, and dirt. The bird's crossed wings slowly unfurled and dropped to his sides, a few bars of a happy tune wound their way into the outside world.
"..pretty pretty day...little muddy for my taste."
The bird's trainer broke his short silence, only to criticize the disabled pokemon.
" You know very well it just rained Innuendo."
The bird ignored the comment, and rushed toward Sam , a single wing extended in a handshake. Each time the dog prowled closer however, the wing disappeared. No need to give the savage something to chew on.

--

The man slowly turned away from whatever he was observing with what seemed to be a sheepish smile.
"..I could ask you the same? I came here to pay tribute to some fallen Remoorians--you and the Arcanine on the other hand are walking all over a memorial..."
The final bit was delivered with a single blink--he truly could care less about the desecration of the building. It was already a despicable waste of money, what more could a few feet do to it that he already had not?
"..and no I was not aware I could get hurt. Care to explain Miss ?"
There was a definite pause after the Miss, it was obvious he was asking for her name, but he did not extend the same courtesy to her dog. In fact he did not even deem the dog enough attention to watch his motions around his trainer's feet.

No doubt the girl would trip at this rate.

After a few seconds the Pravus official turned away from Samantha and once again examined the building. No doubt underneath all that rust lay millions of dollars in equipment. These fools chose to farm rather than spend the miniscule time it would take to retrieve it.

Maybe it was a good thing that Pravus had never hired these morons--they were more useless than a paraplegic grunt.

--

The Xatu bowed to the pair, the smile growing larger on his brightly colored beak.
"I am Innuendo by the way--feel free to call me Inn, or Inny. My full name is much much too formal~"
Unlike his trainer, our dear feathered friend was not foreign to lying. Or being friendly when he wished to rip someone to pieces.

---


A dark shadow darted across the ground, feet barely brushed the ground, and nary a ripple was left behind when they did. With a "wail" the creature disappeared into a nearby tree, where ht drifted from branch to branch. It now crouched down in a towering pine near Duke and Sam--twin gems glimmered in the dark.
"..woe is me.. or them.......I mean I doubt Niggy would mind if I mess with their poor little heads...just a bit..."
Maybe he would wait for a signal--no doubt that little bastard knew he was here. It wouldn’t take long, even if he had to write him a letter letting the Pravus-man know of his presence.

[Samantha Morino]

Dead bodies?

Samantha didn't fear the dead, finding them much less dangerous than the live and being more likely to scoff at the superstitious than believe them. Nevertheless, she did stiffen slightly at the comment. It was a strange question, one that she assumed rhetorical and made no attempt to answer even as Duke bent to curiously sniff the ground under their feet. The child seemed momentarily wickedly entertained by the thought, before the look was replaced by an expression that very much matched the even tone he used to say such unusual things.

He had the rudeness to turn away at this point, a gesture that made Samantha bristle slightly in annoyance. Samantha rarely rubbed shoulders well with anyone, but the child's lack of... of... caring about anything going on around him was unnerving, infuriating. Not only that, but he had turned his back to her as though she were some kind of art piece -- something to peruse for a few moments, then yawn and forget about.

The boy turned again, answering her original question. There was an accusatory burn behind those words, as though he had some right to be here that she didn't posses. "I'm here for the same reason you are- to remember." she replied simply, examining her fingernails placidly. "This place is a perfect example of the horrible aftershocks of war, and you ask me how it's dangerous to be walking around, alone?" she asked, a patronizing edge crawling into her voice, "It's dangerous, a'ight? Enough questions? Good." End of discussion, in Samantha's mind; it didn't like being questioned. The boy was just stupid if he liked to hang around war memorials and claim there was no danger while the war still raged. "War" was the wrong word, however. It was a one-way battle -- Pravus letting blows fly left and right while the Rangers feebly tried to stop them without harming a fly. There was time for pacifism, but war was not one of them.

His bird seemed to be more of a character, however, and approached them quite warmly. Duke seemed unsure whether to deem the bird as a threat or a meal, and snapped his jaws irritably when it approached. A warning growl started to bubble in the deep cavity of his chest. Samantha's hand found a clump of fur at the base of his neck and tugged gently but firmly down with a soft command. Duke's haunches plopped to the ground eagerly with a clatter of claws. Samantha didn't accept the outstretched wing -- not that it was ever held out long enough to become truly awkward thanks to Duke's hungry glances. She did, however, answer the introduction with one of her own.

"I'm Samantha," she provided bluntly. "This is Duke," she added as an afterthought, running a palm up from the canine's thick neck to his large, scarred muzzle.

"Lovely to meet you, er, Inn," she finished, noticing the bird's odd sash around its eyes. Blind, then? That was curious.

"And does the young Master have a name?" she queried as her eyes drifted back to the strangely garbed boy, raising her voice slightly to signify that she would like the child to answer. She allowed the sarcasm to just barely hang over the words with an intangible bitterness, staying in check.

[E.nigma]

The next words, oddly enough, were accompanied with a wicked little chuckle. The voice however, lacked any sign of humor:
"..Most people try to hide from memories of the war, and yet you mention it easily. Odd."
In Remoor it was true that many people would rather hide from the war, than to turn about and face it. It was for that reason [at least in Enigma's twisted mind] that they all crammed into Nada Citadel, and why most citizens refused to go outside. All of them were idealistic cowards. Every last one. At least the rangers, idiotic as they were, had the backbone to sit in the wastelands, and to flaunt the catastrophes of the recent war in everyone else's face. Why were they so small and weak? Simple. Everyone else was too terrified, and weak to admit that the war existed. Instead they remained in their little trashy apartments, and crowded around the static filled television screens. One would very rarely see them watching anything dark, it seemed that their brain was forever tuned to ignorance.
"...which is their form of bliss..."
The comment was directed at the open air, an unheeded explanation, and a useless challenge. The words swirled about the pokemorph's mouth before he turned back to Samantha. What was she saying? Answering his question? Heh.
" ... strange. I see no pokemon waiting to strike, nothing is dangerous around here except for horrid memories. Aren't you aware the war is over? Would you prefer to drop the subject? Yes, of course you would."
Was he being condescending? Was that disappointment in his tone? Mayhap.

It appeared that even this girl was not strong enough to go into why the place was actually dangerous. Or, at least, why it represented danger to most people. Another blind sheep. Sometimes the Pravus member wanted someone smart enough to stir the pot, and shove the war in the populace's face, anything would be better than the quiet ignorance everyone now settled for.

For a moment the man's face was shadowed, a single gloved hand lay on the brim of the fedora, before it slowly crept back into his pockets.
".... Are you feeling nostalgic Miss? Did you live in Barkwish before?"
No need to finish that last sentence, everyone knew the "before what". If the girl said yes, maybe it would fill the growing knot of boredom nestled deep in his abdomen. It was always interesting to find out whose life you had wrecked, and Enigma found meeting those shattered souls interesting.

---
The golden eyes gently perused Duke, if his one niece was around she would likely be held tightly in a noose of sheer terror. It was rather funny actually, her being afraid of that mud covered mutt. Enigma saw it as nothing more than a nuisance.

What would the girl think if she knew that one of his underlings was the same person that had ruined her life? What would she wonder about when he told her that he could care less? Not about her, but about the fact that she had problems. Maybe he should find her and ask her how she felt.

First things first, there was a conversation being held.
---

The bird did not seem offended when his proffered wing was left untouched, and calmly dropped it back to his side. The skin around the sash crinkled as the smile grew.

It turned into laughter when the dog began to growl--he had no fear for an overgrown dishrag.
" Poor little pooch, scared of an old bird like me? How adorable."
The gnashing of teeth was ignored, if the hound laid so much as a slobber covered whisker on him, it would find itself hanging from a tree--from an eye-socket.
" Pleasure to meet you as well Sam, and how fitting a name for such a royal creature, Duke."
It was fun to lie sometimes.
"Yes? Oh yes of course he has a nam--"
A cool voice cut in, and the Xatu's beak instantly clattered shut, the smile faltering. No need to speak out of turn, it appeared the "YOUNG" [hah] master had this handled.
"...you can call me Thomas, Miss Samantha."
Do not confuse being polite with holding someone in high regard--Enigma never did.
"..ah...it appears you have a visitor.."

The golden eyes were now fixed on a point about a yard to Duke's right. It was nothing but a patch of dirt covered with leaves. Or it was until Enigma mentioned the presence of another creature.

With a freak gust, the leaves shot up, and long spindly arms rose from the ground. Gnarled claws darted toward Duke, and attempted to wrap him in a ghoulish hug.
"..WOE WOE WOE!"
The creature lamented, drawing a raised eyebrow from both his trainer, and teammate.

---

[Samantha Morino]

"..Most people try to hide from memories of the war, and yet you mention it easily. Odd."

Samantha faltered at the comment. It didn't require an answer or an equally plain comment of her own. Instead, her head merely nodded a fraction in agreement. The statement didn't try to prove anything -- it only pointed out something she knew to be true of herself.

"...I'm here, aren't I?" she observed dryly. The type who denied unpleasant memories weren't the first to visit memorials such as these, after all. Denying reality didn't stop it, and if you hid from it it would still finally come crashing down on you eventually. Better to accept it now and act on it later and fear it in the far future. His chuckle, however, was rather unpleasantly corrupt, causing her to frown sternly.

"It something... amusing about that?" she pressed tersely, testing the waters. The kind of child that openly talked about war and even seemed to enjoy it... well, that wasn't a child at all, was it? The thought was disturbing -- just who was the creepy boy?

"...which is their form of bliss..."

"Hm?"

Samantha entertained the idea that the boy was insane, lost inside his own head. She didn't pursue the empty line of thought the boy had verbalized, instead reaching a hand down and scratching the area around Duke's long, furry ears subconsciously. Bliss wasn't something she wasted time doting upon often, though the idea of giving up like so many others hadn't completely passed her by. Once that small nuisance of Pravus was eliminated... well, it wasn't an entirely unpleasant thought.

Enigma seemed to snap back to reality very quickly, challenging her comment on the danger of walking around alone.

" ... strange. I see no pokemon waiting to strike, nothing is dangerous around here except for horrid memories. Aren't you aware the war is over? Would you prefer to drop the subject? Yes, of course you would."

Samantha's temper flared immediately, painfully aware that she was being mocked. Her eyes narrowed, chin tilting up ever so slightly. If the child didn't watch it she was going to become his most pressing danger, and fast.

"Cute. Very clever." she snarled, a strong tartness over her words. Normally, something personally rude towards the boy would have been spoken at this point. Once again, however, Samantha felt her bound by the one thing she both yearned for and despised at the same time: the status of being a Ranger. They were supposed to be helping the common people, but when ones as infuriating as he came along it was hard to sticking to this "Rolemodel Image" that was expected to be followed.

"Say what you like. The war won't end until everyone of those Pravus bastards get what they deserve." she growled fiercely, a chord of passion struck. "One battle doesn't mean anything." she added, eying the carcass that was Barkwish, her expression telling nothing.

".... Are you feeling nostalgic Miss? Did you live in Barkwish before?"

"What?" Samantha snapped impatiently, before computing the question. "Oh, no, no not at all..." she trailed off momentarily. Come to think of it, she hadn't been East much at all since she left that tiny abode. Life picked up quickly, for sure. "No, I grew up far East. Some mountain village." she frowned, eyebrows knotting together. Had the town she grew up been destroyed, too? "Haven't been there since I was little, actually." Maybe a visit was in order. She stowed the idea away for later.

The Xatu was speaking again, seeming much better at the pleasantries game than his anti-social master.

Of course, Duke didn't like being called adorable and frightened, least of all by a scrawny bird that looked less like a worthy appetizer by the minute. He let out a booming bark, claws tearing up the earth though still at a distance as though on an invisible leash. He, too, felt the bindings of being a Ranger's pokemon weigh on him. Couldn't go eating the civilian's pokemon, could he? Maybe only a nibble?

Samantha noticed this, looking towards "Inn". "I wouldn't goad him. He doesn't like strangers, and doesn't fear much." she cautioned simply, at which point Duke chose to lick his lips pointedly.

The boy's name was... Thomas? She nodded in response to the introduction, though her gaze lingered on the Xatu who seemed to have been cut off. "Well, Thomas, nice to meet you -- though, granted, not under the most usual circumstances." Her tone was measured, careful. The loathing and dislike was still there, but the words were carefully placed and oddly neutral.

"A.... visitor?" Samantha managed to echo, before the "thing" was on Duke. Its claw-like hands successfully wrapped themselves around the confused canine’s neck, creating a surprised howl to transform into a snarling rage of anger. Teeth snapped viciously, trying to find contact with the creature. The creature was at an awkward position, however, making it hard for Duke to find an easy hold anywhere.

“Flame wheel,” commanded Samantha, registering surprise but reacting quickly nevertheless. The canine obliged, flames beginning to twirl around its body and spinning around the canine. They licked across his own body painlessly, snapping and hissing in delight until the dog seemed consumed by the flames in a fiery shroud. Though the attack was usually used while running at an opponent for a physical, burning charge, it would still heat things up significantly for the shiny sableye wrapped around Duke’s neck.

”A friend of yours?” Samantha asked 'Thomas', her own eyebrow now raised in query.

[E.nigma]

"Yes. Which is why I happened to say most, thus not including you."
Really, people were offended way too easily. Not to mention they jumped to rather foolish conclusions. The very last words out of his mouth had noted her as an exception.
"...I wonder why the rest of these fools are here.."
This city was supposedly built in the name of the old professor, and ENigma truly found the idea laughable. These fools dedicated nothing more to him then a few moldy carrots. Instead of pushing back, making his life more entertaining, they fought against rock and soil. At least this girl seemed to have some backbone.
"I do find almost everyone in Remoor being blind cowards somewhat funny, yes."
War was not comical in of itself, it was a serious business. Enigma would know, he was missing three fingers and an accursed ear because of battle. Sometimes though, he did miss it.
"..nothing to worry your ..head about.."
Normally he would have inserted the word pretty in that sentence, but sadly he had long ago stopped judging on appearances.
Innuendo...that dog is nothing more than a lap puppy, you don't need to converse with it.
The air hummed with silent thoughts, they traveled along a thin cord of psychic power, before landing in the Xatu's own brain. The bird said nothing, but nodded slightly.

"Thank you."
Either Enigma was ignorant of her sarcasm, or finding another subtle way to push her buttons. The words lacked any inflection, or signs of a taunt. Yet either he was a complete idiot, or cruising for some aggression. When one considered his prior train of thought, the latter was much more likely.
"..anything to contribute? You did not answer my question."
The answer was now almost certainly the latter, he adored picking at people's buttons.

One would expect him to bristle at being called a bastard, but he merely blinked.
"Do I sense some aggression? Also it was a war, not a single battle. The old phrase "you may win the battle, but I will win the war." does not truly apply."
It was fun, no reason to defend Pravus, it would be entertaining to watch this girl dig herself in a hole of ignorance. No doubt she thought Pravus was a race of demons from some inner ring of hell.
"Hrmm.. I do not even remember the name of that town. Neither does Innuendo."
No need to ask, the Xatu's posture spoke of confusion.
"So of all places.. why Barkwish? Wouldn't it be more fitting to go home?"
He was paying homage to a person, what was she trying to honor by standing on ruins, and desecrating a recent grave?

---

"The ignorant are those without fear~ especially of their elders."
This pup would crumble under the weight he bore on his wings. Had he ever tried to hold a line in war, even when his eyes were melting together? The dog had good reason to be afraid, and instead he was drooling over him like some kind of fancy bird dish.
"...you should keep him away from other pokemon sweetheart~ I don't know if you could trust him with Tweety.."
The old bird from the cartoons, no doubt this lass was ignorant of the classic. So the comparison of Duke to Sylvester the lisping, idiotic house cat would probably go unnoticed.


"The pleasure is mine Miss Samantha."
It appeared under the rough, dirty exterior, the girl did know how to occasionally be polite. Enigma smiled not in admiration, but anticipation for the hell about to break loose.
"Yes. A visitor--he's dropping by."
The ghost dropped right on cue.
----

The little imp deftly danced out of the Arcanine's jaws, grubby little claws lay entrenched in long fur, and he held on for the ride.
"WOEWOEWOEISME~"
The Sableye shrieked, tightening his grip on the creature's banded fur.
"HOTHOTHOT"
The Sableye began to cry as the flames began to lick at his rough textured body, limbs melted under the head. Brown slowly darkened to black, and with a final shriek the Sableye dropped from the Arcanine's neck, and hit the ground a lump of charcoal.
"..Hell.. wow.. what did I do to deserve such a fate?"
All he needed was a skull, and he was all set.
--

" I would not say a ..friend .. persay.."
"CRUEL CRUEL MASTER I AM DYING"
"..fool."
The pokemorph was embarrassed by the ghoul's behavior, and for the moment chose not to associate himself with him.
---

[Samantha Morino]

God, the boy was so thorough. Just in case it wasn't clear enough, Samantha felt repetitively reminded that she was the exception to the constant fear and hiding many other residents had adapted.

"I do find almost everyone in Remoor being blind cowards somewhat funny, yes."

There was only dark, cold humor to this truth. Samantha found little humor in it at all, actually. Looking to the side and cradling her arms, she seemed almost remorseful with her next comment. "Well, it's not funny. It's pathetic, terrible." she articulated, an ache entering her voice. "Everyone may be preaching for peace and prosperity, but they all look towards someone else to get it done. Worthless." The old disdain was back in her voice, emphasizing the last word. She glowered at him darkly, meeting his gaze again.

"No, not funny at all, actually."

Nothing to worry over? Yes, well, by the state of Barkwish there seemed a lot to worry about. She bit her tongue, however, not finding it worth the energy of arguing. She would worry, regardless of the boy's 'wise' advice. If he believed she wouldn't, well, he must mistake her for one of the cowering citizens she despised.

"..anything to contribute? You did not answer my question."

She blinked, large brown eyes unsure of what he was talking about until she realized that the boy still didn't believe himself to find any danger walking alone. Patience having run thin, she stated it simply. "Well, you're about the size of a five year old. You wear expensive clothes like you're a somebody or something and wander alone through war memorials with vagrants still strewn around like an abandoned pile of laundry. You might have pokemon on your side," at this, Samantha cast a glance at the blind Xatu. Some chaperon. "...but you're still, still..." At this, she paused. "Child" didn't seem the right word for someone like Enigma. "...vulnerable." she finished. "Honestly, by now I could care less if you prance through life with the impression that you're 'untouchable'," she finished simply, with a half-hearted shrug. It was easily the most cheeky monologue yet, though ironically she didn't really mean any harm behind them this time. In her mind, they were fact; nothing offensive about that.

"Do I sense some aggression?"

Hm. Well wasn't he the little Sherlock. Did she make that clear enough? As the boy went on about wars, battles, and old expressions Samantha found herself waving a hand as though to banish the phrases away.

"Pravus is still out there. Thus, there is still a war. If-then statement. Very two dimensional, I'm surprised you have trouble grasping it." The simplest things seemed to present a challenge for the young man to grasp, despite his careful air of superiority. He might brake things down to the technicalities, but some things were very clear -- to Samantha, Pravus was still there. Thus, there was still an enemy. Motive, drive, purpose; it wasn't something that could be categorized into 'battles' and 'wars'.

Why Barkwish?

Now that was a good question. Samantha wasn't a believer in fate or destiny, but she still wondered what had caused this chain reaction of events. She shrugged simply. "It hasn't been home for a long time. Now is no different." Home was the Ranger Base now, the past a mere bridge built solely to arrive in the present. "I came here by chance, truthfully. It never hurts to be reminded of what I strive to end." Pain, suffering, death. Well, for most people, anyways...

"...you should keep him away from other pokemon sweetheart~ I don't know if you could trust him with Tweety.."

Samantha realized the bird was referring to her, looking down at the totem pole-resembling avian. Honestly, she couldn't care less if he lacked control and discipline of his appetite and temper; to her he was eternally loyal, and the other requirements fell into place behind it. Duke would follow her to the ends of the earth -- taking a bite out of bird she hardly cared for wasn't enough to change this.

She didn't know who Tweety bird was, having grown up with little technology till she moved to the city, but caught the gist of the reference. "If I cared for Tweety, he would not harm a hair on its head. Of course, if I cared nothing for Tweety then Tweety would just have to learn to stay out of his hair." she replied, smiling sweetly at the feathered creature. Indeed.

The creature had finally released Duke, who snorted gruffly and backed away from the creature's suffocating claws. The poor thing didn't seem to have had the brains to let go before he became quite crisp. Unlike the bird, the strange little creature did not seem the least bit appetizing to Duke who wrinkled his nose in disgust.


" I would not say a ..friend .. persay.."
"CRUEL CRUEL MASTER I AM DYING"
"..fool."

So the pokemon was his, after all? Quite uncalled for, though Samantha could hardly complain for Duke seemed fine apart from the stray patches where the imp's claws had damaged his fur, sticking it in the wrong direction.

"Is he usually this unruly?" she asked, semi-accusingly and gesticulating at the Sableye. 'Thomas' had known his pokemon was there but had done little to stop it from harassing Duke, a fact that did not escape a knot of annoyance. His bird might hint that Duke was unruly and wild, but Duke looked like a well-mannered prince compared to this.... thing.

[E.nigma]

"..I've always heard that was how humanity worked. It takes one person to move the world, but that one person is holding it up."
Now he was getting into a discussion about true human nature, and he did hear that all the time. Not from others though, instead it was constantly echoing inside the dark corridors of his mind. It grew in volume when he was scolding people for ignoring directions, or torturing them for being little leaks. Instead of taking the blame, and admitting they were at fault, they instead blamed their mother, the bully, and the little old lady down the street, they made them do it. The people who were honest and looked him in the eye were let go, the others usually suffered horrible accidents.
" ..aren't you doing the same thing? Preaching without action? But yes, someone else realizes the worth of others."
Golden eyes slowly trailed down a pile of wire mesh, the coils easily came apart in his vision, the snakes nest turning into a discernible weave of copper and steel, humanity was like that. Everyone claimed to be part of a group [most everyone, yet never gave themselves up for it, only idiots claimed they did.

"..Hrmm. Humor is in the eye of the beholder, like beauty."
Not everyone found the same things funny, he found idiocy and dark thoughts more comedic than any immature sketch.
".. I was not laughing at you. Unless you are offended at me laughing at others?"
That was plain silyl as well, the girl martyring herself for the rest of the world.

The Pravus member smiled, that raw honesty was more attractive than any body part.
"~ Actually I happen to be the average height of most ten year olds, so please don't exaggerate. Vagrants don't scare me, they are nothing but wandering pieces of garbage, too scared to move on in life, much less bother me."
The girl had not been intimidated because he did not wish her to be, instead of calmly gazing at her, he was instead surveying the twisted ruins. No doubt the girl would not mess with him when he was in a poor mood, nor would some starving hobo.
"..Me nor my pokemon or invincible, but we can take care of ourselves. Only the truly foolish do not train for the inevitable, or never expect to meet their better in battle."
In fact he would love the day he found someone he could stand toe to toe with, and not come away unscathed. The former Mewtwo had disappeared on the earth, and where most people found the hole for the death of a beloved, Enigma harbored a hunger for a battle with the legendary.
" A war requires two sides, some guerilla group with no funds or brains does not constitute a side. It constitutes a protest group."
No doubt this silly little Samantha was a pro-ranger, maybe this would get her to blow her top [not the shirt] off.

"..No, no it never hurts to see your objective laid before you..."
Was it just me or did his golden eyes hover on Samantha's face for just a second?

---

" Touché Sam~ of course, I am doing nothing more than trying to hold a conversation with the Arcanine. Some words in return would be nice."
What was the point of using your mouth, if no one challenged you and did the same? The bird did need to acknowledge an opponent when he found one though, bending down so he was on one knee, a banded wing folded over his chest, and his head bowed slightly.
"..Touché~ "
The bird's dark humor shined through when the Sableye fell to the ground in an ashy mound.
"What odd weather we're having , it's raining rare pokemon, and sweet little muttering ghosts~"

--

The Sableye rose to his knees, weeping bitter tears.
"I know, I know what a wretch I am ..a foolish wretch.."
The ash colored disappeared, leaving bright brown beneath. Besides wounded pride he did not seem to be hurt in the slightest. Multi-colored eyes blinked, the gems twinkling in the shadows.
"Unruly--Miss, oh Miss, I take alarm. I was merely trying to give your brutish puppy some means of condolences, he looked quite injured by dear Innuendo's taunting.."
What a drama queen.

--

Enigma was now annoyed.
" Yes. It is hard to kill a ghost."
For some odd reason this little pest could not be exorcised either, and now Janx would go to the ends of the earth to embarrass him and Innuendo. If only that little imp could be crushed with sheer will alone--blue sparks flew across Enigma's eyes.
" Allow me to introduce Janx. His name was originally Jinx, but he took offense, something about it being phonetically poor, and the letter “I“ being selfish."

---

[Samantha Morino]

"..I've always heard that was how humanity worked. It takes one person to move the world, but that one person is holding it up."

Yes, well, if that was how humanity worked then humanity would need to learn the fine difference between sitting on their lazy asses and actually doing something; in the long run, one person couldn't keep doing it all.

" ..aren't you doing the same thing? Preaching without action? But yes, someone else realizes the worth of others."

Samantha squared her shoulders, unwilling to be compared to such useless individuals without standing up for herself.

"Weren't you the one going on about how the war was over...?" she asked offhandedly, letting the comment trailing before quickly picking up again, "Besides, I can't always be fighting, working. Don't worry -- if a situation arises, I am far from the person to run and hide or criticize from the sidelines. Pravus won't even be able to spell the word 'Action' before I kick their ass from here to next Tuesday." A sweet smile was plastered on her face, seeming cheered by the thought. Of course, she wasn't stupid enough to believe she could take on the whole orginization on her own, but entertaining the idea seemed to improve her mood. She could give a majority of them a run for their money anyhow, at least in her mind.


"..Hrmm. Humor is in the eye of the beholder, like beauty."

Well, you, sir, have a pretty screwed up sense of humor. thought Samantha sardonically, though she pointedly refrained from comment. The boy's own twisted opinions were not worth making a point over.

".. I was not laughing at you. Unless you are offended at me laughing at others?"

"I'm not offended," Samantha corrected. "Nor do I care about you laughing at others. But we're talking about living people whose lives have been trashed or extinguished, wars fought that could soak the ground crimson. It's hardly something to feel... entertained by." A slightly repulsed expression turned her features.

As the boy went on to explain why he felt firmly at ease among the twisted wreckage, Samantha sighed and examined her fingernails. The train of conversation over whether or not the boy was tempting fate had long since become tired, and she did little to disguise the fact she was clearly not listening. The boy seemed to care as little about the vagrants around her as she did, making it hard to argue with. It was his problem, not hers, anyhow.

She perked at his next comment, however.

" A war requires two sides, some guerilla group with no funds or brains does not constitute a side. It constitutes a protest group."

A... what? Samantha's dark eyes flashed, fingers pressing slightly harder into the flesh of her arms where they crossed. "A... guerilla group?" she articulated, seeming hardly able to get the words out. "Protest group? You act as though..." White rage seemed to pale her features, fingers curling into fists "As though, as though Pravus is the norm or something! As though those spoiled rich brats and their mercenary human pet projects are so superior!"

Clearly angered now, Samantha found her volume entering a crescendo. "The only brainless one I see here is a stupid child who feels he is a notch above everything and everyone around him!" she snarled, Duke mirroring the sentiments by letting out a sharp bark. Fury streamed through her blood like fire, tension reaching out its paralyzing grip throughout her limbs. Hatred and loathing were strong emotions; they were not suppressed from smoldering brown eyes. How dare he?

"Who the hell do you think you are?"

The bird was talking again, seeming to not be following -or caring- about their tense exchange. So the bird expected a response from the taciturn Duke? Unlikely.

"Duke can... respond." she said, reluctantly breaking the standstill though her words still held bitterness. "He rarely chooses too, though. Good luck." she finished hotly, completely disregarding the show of respect the Xatu put on by bowing. It was impossible to tell if Duke followed the conversation, but his eyes were bright and seemed like they could hold intelligence within. He snorted when Innuendo bowed, turning away though not leaving Samantha's side. His fangs were fully bared when he noticed "Thomas" again, the boy now an enemy in his books as he felt the fury radiating off his master. Samantha stroked the canine's head lovingly, casually tapping an area behind the creature's ears.

And that crazy ghost. At least the poetic creature knew how to apologize. Something his master should take into consideration, considering the boy's behavior had now officially crossed the line.

"Janx... how adorable." she simpered, looking at the creature with interest. He might have been an annoyance, but he wasn't her annoyance.

Suddenly, flames seemed to gather in the Arcanine's maw. A howl tried to escape, but was muffled by the flames as they erupted out of the canine's mouth. The attack was off, only shooting out close enough to perhaps blister the boy's skin, if even.

"Duke!" cried Samantha, angry though not as furious as you would think she would be for attacking spontaneously. The canine stopped with a small whine, a few flames dying in his jaws. "I'm sorry, I don't know what came over him..." she apologized, though she didn't return the dog to its respective sphere on her belt. Was there the small hint of a smile behind her frown and scorn?

ooc; This post is.... such epic fail. D: Sorreh, jus' didn't want to keep you waiting for too long.

[E.nigma]

"It is over. Except for some degenerates who haven't realized it. Sometimes I wish it...hrmm."
What exactly did he want? All that commanding, and battling without rest got rather tiring after a while. But, occasionally it was fun to play with more than one dangerous adversary. The most fun he had in a long time was when Destinae was revived, and began to turn Remoor into a void of nothing. Sadly, he did not even have a chance to battle the giant beast, some stronger force had stuffed it back into its little dimensional rift, and left it to rot. Left him to rot.

When Samantha spoke again, Enigma allowed his dry lips to spread in a pale taunting smile. Ivory teeth glittered in the bright sunlight, the girl had spirit, she lacked a bit in the intelligence department, but she did have spirit.
" A-C -T -I -O -N. Now, now, you and who else? Pravus is not going to just roll over and allow you to pummel them to ... next Tuesday as you crudely put it. At least you don't wear yourself too thin, having a constant hero complex would do that to a person."
The pokemorph's smile grew to reflect Samanatha's, but no more words spilled from between his lips. Instead he merely glanced at her, his mind blank, but his eyes taunting her with nonexistent thoughts. A gloved hand reached up, and straightened his vest, and his hat.

--

Enigma blinked once, golden eyes swirling with laughter before he turned toward Samantha with a serious expression.
"~But why not? Would you rather I curl up in a shell and die like all these lifeless fools? Or take some of it in stride?"
N o doubt the spunky girl wanted him to curl up in a hole and die, but this was merely a metaphor, in no way did he mean the question about only himself.
"...you took it and turned it into fuel for a fire? How different is it from what I did?"
The rangers would not exist without a war, what right did they have to shout it down? If it never existed where would the group of rejects be living?
---

When Samantha exploded, Enigma found himself laughing. It was so fun to watch someone explode over semantics.
" They run and hide after attacking. They protest a group currently in power--how is what I said wrong? I said nothing about Pravus being superior. So please, no need to lose your temper, especially on a memorial meant to prevent arguments."
Now he was just being a cruel hearted little prick, and he was loving every minute of it.
" But, to address that second part Miss Samantha. Do you have any idea where Pravus came from, and how long its supported Remoor? Have you ever seen one of their "pet projects" in action?"
Silly girl probably didn't. The group was never mentioned in history books, Pravus was hidden behind a shield of boring words.

---

Someone really needed to cut her tongue out, she was going to say the wrong thing to the wrong person. Or maybe she already had.
" I see a brainless child with a big mouth....and sadly I can't be referring to myself. I hope you understand that openly preaching against Pravus can get you killed, as can giving out your real name."
The pokemorph took a single undaunted step toward the canine, and his trainer. The smile on his face was disarming, but more than a bit unnerving. It held a threat, while at the same time a promise, a threat.
"Thomas~ no need to play games. I am sure Ms. Samantha didn’t mean what she said. You haven't been the most courteous."
The Pravus member took a moment to comprehend that he was Thomas. Golden eyes slowly slid back toward the smiling Xatu, and the feral grin shrank into a tight-lipped frown.
"..I have been most uncouth, my apologies. I did not mean to get aggressive, I just don't often converse with people outside of my own home. You see?"
The administrator had reined himself in, hurting others in public was horrible. Especially, when it was just a silly loud mouth.
"Oh, as to answer your earlier question, I am just an enigmatic person by the name of Thomas. Nothing for you to worry about."
Unless she did something really stupid.

----

"I happen to be quite the master of words~ maybe I can loosen up that pink little tongue."
The Xatu had now shifted so he stood between Enigma and Duke. Not to protect his master, but to protect the dog. The thing was a bit hot-headed, not deserving of death.


--

The ghost's wide ears perked up at the words. With a shriek of glee he threw himself at the girl's legs.
"A light beyond the darkness of oblivion, a sweet persimmon in an orchard of crabapples, a beautiful wonderful soul."
Tears flowed over his wide cheeks, dripping to the ground in bright green streaks.

--

"Enigma."
'Innuendo."
The pair talked as if on a ate, their voices lacked any inflection even as the flame burst toward them. Golden eyes lit up bright blue, as the Xatu spread his wings. The Pravus official felt little more than a warm breeze as the flames split around them in a globe of heat.
"..pleasant."
The air was dark with smoke , and a single gloved hand waved the irritating substance away.
"..Now Dukey that was rude...."
" An apology would be nice, that might of hurt some people."

The ghost let out a hiss, that little demon had more lives then a Delcatty!

[YOURS WAS BAD? LOOK AT THIS GARBAGE.]

[Samantha Morino]

By 'degenerates' Enigma was probably taking another stab at her, but by now Samantha had realized that any attempts to point this out would be tartly denied with some beat-around-the-bush comment that would seemingly grant him instant redemption. She 'tch'd slightly in disapproval, but didn't bother rousing up another long, winding conversation on the road to nowhere.

"Yes, well, I wasn't particularly interested in what you wish so if you ever find an answer, you are welcome to keep it to yourself." she quipped, now beyond the point where she tried to at least pretend she didn't loathe this child. That last straw had finally broken the camel's back... or something like that.

You and who else? Really? Surely he wasn't so naive to the Ranger cause -- or was he trying to point out that very few of the mentioned Rangers would actually fight? She frowned, not so much over the boy's comment but over the fact that had risen to mind; it was true, most of the rangers were extremely pacifist. Samantha was surprised they had banded together and actually formed a rebellion when so many of them would never hurt of fly. Concerning.

"Well, if you were in my shoes, Mister Thomas," Samantha drawled, looking down at Enigma's petite yet probably very expensive dress shoes, "What would you constitute as A-C-T-I-O-N?" She mimicked his spelling of the word 'action', though she knew it was yet another bait as he challenged her comment previously; he wanted her to attack him, and she couldn't ignore the request for much longer. The boy had a talent for picking everything she said apart, yet never being detailed himself. To his other comments, especially the one pertaining to her so-called 'hero-complex', Samantha adapted an expression that could easily be read as, "Yeah, so?" Was it that much of a bad thing to had determination, passion? It was so lacking in this boy, who seemed to lack anything behind those fancy clothes but cogwheels and mechanics.

"Taking something 'in stride' and laughing at it are two different things," objected Samantha haughtily. "In fact, most would agree that twisting a terrible situation into humor is merely another form of denial. Don't tell me you can't take things at face value with out a little shrug and chuckle to brush it off?" Her tone transformed into a jeering, mocking lilt.

***

But then the boy was laughing again, this time at her outburst. She wanted to run up and dent the boy's face in, but found her feet firmly planted on the ground. No, some control would still be there.

"Better to run and hide than be entirely wiped out." retorted Samantha, though her heart personally disagreed with the statement. "As you said, they are... in power." Samantha seemed pained by having to admit it, though it was clearly fact. She knew she would stay fighting till the very end of this dreaded war -- but faced with the chance to flee and live, how would she respond? She had given herself the purpose of defeating Pravus, something that she couldn't fulfill if she was dead. But, at the same time, things would remain forever the same until you started pushing boundaries, limits. Perhaps even ones that couldn't be crossed back over again.

" But, to address that second part Miss Samantha. Do you have any idea where Pravus came from, and how long its supported Remoor? Have you ever seen one of their "pet projects" in action?"

Hrm. A question she'd rather not answer. She'd seen the results of Pravus' experiments, these pokemon-human hybrids that went against all... normality, to say in the slightest. "I'm afraid the past does little to change their image in the present -- Pravus is a force whose industrious intentions have finally turned them into the public enemy. My enemy." she replied simply, dodging the question somewhat subtly. "...And no, I haven't seen one in action, persay. As I'm aware, Pravus keeps them all on a relatively short leash. I--" she stopped, realizing the cruelty behind the next words she had planned on saying; I can't blame them. Sure, those 'pokemorphs' were most likely once of the ordinary human variety -- but combining pokemon with human had created an unpredictable spectrum of variations, some less predictable and safe then others. Though she did not know it, exhibit A stood plainly in front of her.

"...Nevermind."

***

" I see a brainless child with a big mouth....and sadly I can't be referring to myself. I hope you understand that openly preaching against Pravus can get you killed, as can giving out your real name."

The insult was plain and open for the world to see, her eyes flashing with silent fury. She was the child?

"Rather arrogant for someone who can't see over the kitchen counter. Those are very big accusations for someone so... well..." she trailed off, as though trying to find the least offensive word though smiling sadistically all the while. "...pint-sized." she finished, looking the boy up and down with open disapproval. The boy wasn't the only one who could be unnecessarily cruel.

But the underlying tone under that comment... it concerned her, despite the way she snapped back as though the words could just bounce off of her hard exterior. She could tell there was a threat there, and shifted her stance uneasily. Though she doubted the child was a true danger, she wouldn't be caught unawares. "I'm sorry, I don't remember testifying that Samantha was my real name. Nor do I remember expressing concerns over anyone who would dare to stop me from telling truths." she said, bluffing the first comment yet dead serious about the second. "Besides, both 'dangers' are just words. The world rather glorifies the power of the word -- it is an excellent tool, but is overrated." They were not magicians. There words did no summon spells or place curses on people. Power to the pen only worked with swords and wars to back it up.

The boy took a step forward, a bold move within itself. Duke didn't hesitate, springing forward a bound himself and snarling. It wasn't a warning anymore, and held a new, deep undertone among the snapping and growling. He only matched the boy's advances, however, and wouldn't come forward any further unless, of course, the boy himself did. The Xatu, Innuendo, seemed to stop things from moving further by reeling Thomas in. It almost seemed the bird to be the true puppet master of the pair. Duke didn't drop his guard, but his snarls subsided to a deep, suspicious rumbling.

Samantha accepted the apology with a nod, though Enigma's actions were hardly forgiven. She did not call Duke to her side, who stood in front of his trainer as he was; a pokemon ready for the thrill of battle.

"Rest assured, I'm hardly worrying." Samantha said, smirking. Quaking in her boots, undoubtedly. It caused a smile to spread across her features -- the boy seemed to be more paranoid than she was. The true humor wasn't there anymore, however; something was really, really wrong here. "Though I'm starting to doubt your former comment, Thomas. Would you really give out your real name after chiding me for giving out my own? If you think it is so dangerous to reveal a name, why would you unveil it yourself?"

Really, he thought she was completely oblivious or something.

Innuendo, somewhat liked by both the Crusader and her pokemon, was at least acknowledged with no venomous, biting words. "You can try~" sighed Samantha to Inn when the bird spoke, looking down at Duke. Duke, whose ears swiveled every time the conversation hit the ball into another's court, seemed to follow what the bird wanted out of him. Instead of offering a couple of throaty syllables, he seemed to only want to go more tight-lipped, jaws closed firmly. He would not speak on command like a trained seal or a lap dog.

Janx was around her legs now, in a sobbing mess of poetic... er... well, she thought they were compliments. She smiled at the creature, though withheld any further praise -- no doubt the thing would be on her head or around her neck if she dared compliment it further. It was sweet, in its own little way. By annoying Enigma, Janx had won Samantha's favor. Duke, however, glared jealously at the creature. His fur still stuck up awkwardly from Janx's surprise entrance.

Samantha and Duke were both disappointed to see the flames part to either side of the boy, filling the air with smoke but not even one singed hair on the boy's head to show any sign of success. An apology was in order, though Duke would not give it himself. Instead, Samantha acted as his advocate.

"Please excuse his mannerisms... he means well, really." she said apologetically. At least for my well-being...

[E.nigma]

The noise of criticism was met with a quick shake of his head. Tilting his head upward, the brim of the hat cast shadows along his face,
" I wouldn't dream of sharing it. "
Enigma murmured, his eyes held no hint of the rage that had consumed him moments ago. In fact they were calmer than when the conversation had started.

---

"ACTION: There happen to be 14 definitions. Allow me to pick the one most fitting for this situation."
The pokemorph's cool smile turned into a smirk.
"It can mean working energetically toward a goal, a realistic one. Or refer to battles fought in war. Both of which Pravus has experience in. Also, most of them are educated past the fifth grade."
It was not a personal stab at Samantha, but a good majority of Pravus members were college graduates. Most of the rangers were merely displaced children with nowhere else to go. It should have been codenamed an orphanage.

No more comments were made about her hero complex. It appeared the girl found being a foolish idealist a compliment. Whatever floated your boat, besides buoyancy, was your business. Instantly, thoughts of giant red crab pokemon flooded into his brain. How long had it been since those Crawdaunts had thrown him in the river? Did he even remember how good it felt to peel them out of their shells one by one? Or to watch scientists do it? A delightful tingling started below his waist, and he had a hard time laughing.

Sometimes, he was one fucked-up bastard. Unlike others though, he would never blame his family. What he became was his fault, or his achievement.

--

"Brush it off? I assure you I know more about the war than you do, and I never shove it under a rug. I also happen to be a very twisted bastard. "
The skin between his eyebrows furrowed at the ranger's tone. Was this another one of those teenager habits, to be so open with your anger?
" Now please, quit talking like that, it sounds most hostile."
Occasionally people took his calm, robotic voice as a challenge. How hard was it to piss him off? What would they have to do to hear anger? When they found out, they were in trouble.

--

"It appears that behind that rash determination there happen to be some brains."
Was Enigma complimenting her? The tone was not condescending, but he was not smiling either. Pausing for a moment he scrutinized the ranger, his eyes resting on a point a bit above her heart, which would be taken as perverted if not for the lack of lust in his eyes.
"Now.. ranger.. answer me one thing. Why do you not come here for help? Why do you insist on staying here, and quiet? Are you waiting to make a move until your forced to walk around on crutches?"
The spy inside him roared for information, it wanted to extract it from her with a pair of needle-nosed pliers. The man found himself staring at her eyes with hunger. It would be so easy to extract information from this loud mouth, so easy. Maybe too easy.
"Have you ever asked the public their impressions on Pravus? You can't speak for everyone. "
Pales lips slowly lifted upward, too-white , too-sharp, teeth glittered in a dare.
"Nothing..? Now please, finish statements when you start them. I enjoy plumbing the depths of your ignorance."
What this girl really knew could not fill a tri-fold pamphlet.



--

The words probably did not inspire the response Samantha was expecting.
"No need to worry, I can see over the counter just fine. Besides, me being this size is in now way something you can truly insult me for. It comes with benefits."
Frankly, if she was his subordinate in Pravus she would have found herself taking a wild ride out the stain-glass window and into the churning storm grey sea. The people that worked under him knew the unspeakable, the girl could not be blamed for ignorance.
".. .. .. .. .. .. and what does my height have to do with my intellect? I find no correlation."

---------

The Pravus member merely raised a single groomed eyebrow, before finding himself with a racing mind again. Was this girl idiotic enough to not fear honest threats? For someone who wanted to destroy Pravus he truly could not see a reason for her to do so. If she didn't believe that they could assassinate her, why did she care so much.
...True selflessness...huh...such a waste...

"I said you could call me Thomas, not that it was my name."
The nature of his real name was guarded as closely as the bloody president of Kanto. Everyone who knew who he was, was either dead, or nowhere near enough to pose any danger. Simply put, he no longer wished to be associated with his old name. That Enigma was gone, and replaced with a mutated, much more adult model. A model more monster than man.

The Pravus member did not back down in the face of the snarling Arcanine. In fact his own mouth contoured in a silent snarl. For just a moment, he allowed his foot to hover closer to Samantha before putting it back down. The troublesome Xatu now stood between him and the mutt.
"...watch where you drool Mr. Duke , my tie is priced at higher worth than that idle tongue in your thick skull."
The words lacked malice, and fear. No big brained mutt was going to scare him.

"No matter then~ if he wishes to be childish, then I will be the adult."
Innuendo for all his friendly appearance was a deadly beast.



---




The Pravus official slowly turned toward Janx, being sure to avoid Duke's rather empty gaze.
"...now. Janx. It's about time you went back, I am sure Mrs. Morino tires of your never-ending groveling."
Though the words spoke of a suggestion the deliverance spoke of an order. The ghost pretended he had not heard, and gently nudged his ears against the girl's leg. In a high-pitched voice, one that spoke of near hysterics, the ghost attempted to plead with Samantha. Jagged little claws clutched at his pants as he did so, leaving little black streaks. Across the way , his trainer flinched at the ridiculous voice.
"...Thomas.......is being mean again....Innuendo make him play niceeee~ I just want to come out from the darkness of loneliness and oblivion. That's nothing bad.. right Mrs. Samantha....?"
Large eyes sparkled in the sunlight, and the ghost attempted to turn his impish features into something resembling a puppy-dog. Sadly with the shark-like teeth, and the cold shining eyes it failed.

The ghost turned toward the Xatu next, and his ears slowly reclined against his thick skull.

The bird rolled his banded wings in a shrug, and decided not to press the issue any further. What was the point of sending Janx home after all? The ghost tilted the scales in their favor, and even if he was annoying Enigma no doubt knew that.
Let him be Enigma.
The Xatu turned toward his trainer, one wing raised in a silent plea. The bird's brain buzzed with cool resentment, and
..if he would stop trying to destroy my auditory processes.. actually it isn't worth arguing with him. The worthless annoyance.

--

Golden eyes hovered on Duke.
"One of many..."

--

Maybe in a few moments he would tell her his real name, and purpose. It would be fun to watch rage explode from her in rivers.


[Oh my god. He is being one slippery bastard--Enigma. I really need to write his profile over. Sorry about the useless length, and lack of continuity.]

[Samantha Morino]

The boy had previously described himself as enigmatic, an adjective that seemed to grow more and more fitting for the child. Hiding his features under that silly hat, he seemed full of more secrets than could possibly fit under that odd little fedora. Samantha's curiosity was piqued, though not necessarily by the boy's own wishes -- whining opinions and desires were rarely appreciated unless her own, so it was probably a good thing that Enigma would rather not share his true wishes.

Had the boy really bothered to memorize the definitions of "Action", or did he pull the number from a hat? It was an amusing show of bluff, or an alarming show of recollection. "I wouldn't call world domination a realistic goal." she muttered. "You do enjoy idolizing Pravus, don't you?" Beating common sense into a child seemed rather cruel, but the idea wasn't completely unattractive.

...anyways, she had passed fifth grade. Just because most of the Rangers didn't belong in an asylum didn't deem them totally unintelligent. Speaking of which, was the child himself old enough to be out of fifth grade? Maybe for an ordinary child, no, but the little monster had intelligence and spoke beyond his years.

"Brush it off? I assure you I know more about the war than you do, and I never shove it under a rug. I also happen to be a very twisted bastard. "

Samantha was momentarily stupefied. It was such a blunt comment from such an elusive speaker. At least the last comment seem to hit the nail on the head. But again, there was that agonizing superiority. Why did he insist on always acting a notch above the rest. She rubbed one temple moodily, tired of rationing with the boy and being shot down again and again, though not because she found herself wrong but because the boy had an odd way of never, ever succumbing to any comment not from his own mouth.

"Why do you say that? That you know more about the war, that is. I completely agree with the fact that you're a twisted bastard part."

He always knew, knew, knew.

" Now please, quit talking like that, it sounds most hostile."

"Not everyone chooses to speak with the emotional value of a rock, I'm afraid." she commented lightly, "I hope that robotic little head of yours can compute that."

Was it so hard to understand? You didn't speak of death and destruction the same way you commented on the weather. You didn't call yourself a twisted bastard in the same intonation as you said hello to a relative. It was normal, after being patronized and insulted by a ten year old, to be slightly hostile.

The boy hid behind a facade, much like Samantha had noticed adults acted at dinner parties as a child. They might smile and laugh merrily, but their eyes would harden further with each faux pas. Her moods changes were less subtle than Enigma's, but the boy wasn't totally exempt from being hostile himself.

"It appears that behind that rash determination there happen to be some brains."

"Imagine that~"

Did being determined naturally make you illiterate, immature, incapable of intelligence? It was probably the most biased misconception Engima believed in, if that was the case. Aloof bastards who sat around using their intelligence as a tool only to show off were just as bad as the bench-warmer jocks who flexed their muscles, showing off like peacocks. Determination wasn't about glamor or strutting around spewing elongated, roundabout terms.

"Now.. ranger.. answer me one thing. Why do you not come here for help? Why do you insist on staying here, and quiet? Are you waiting to make a move until your forced to walk around on crutches?"

Samantha frowned in confusion, not understanding the statement at first.

"I wasn't really expecting help in a memorial, actually." she scoffed. "Our noble cause might be in need of some... support... but I'm not about to drag random miscreants into it. That would be... a waste of time." She originally was going to end the last sentence with "dangerous". Pravus was everywhere, shown by how easily they had found a handhold in Remoor. Though the Rangers generally had open doors, she wasn't going to be the one to lead in something that might be... unwanted.

"Have you ever asked the public their impressions on Pravus? You can't speak for everyone. "

"I'm pretty sure I can speak for most everyone, a few twisted bastards exempt, that constant thievery, murder, treachery--" she paused, realizing the boy would probably try to deny it. Her eyes dared him to try. "--is not what Remoor needs. Despite the perks of a war-ridden waste land, I'm pretty sure many would strive for a more stable environment." In other words? No, she never had. The people who were holed up were not worth asking... and the others? Well, they were usually already sorted onto a side, their destinies set.

"Nothing..? Now please, finish statements when you start them. I enjoy plumbing the depths of your ignorance."

"'I wouldn't dream of sharing,'" she quoted, mimicking the boy's words when he had spoken earlier. It wasn't very becoming to show a clear bias towards the morph populous anyhow -- unlike Pravus, she knew that they weren't all horrible. She just assumed so.

"I said you could call me Thomas, not that it was my name."

So she had been right, then? Was this some kind of game, his secrets and cryptic comments? He didn't seem the type to have a reason to hide all the things he did. In fact, had they just passed on the street, he would have only seemed to her the child of a rich family. Hardly worth a passing glance, unless you were a pickpocket.

An exchanged occurred between Duke and Enigma. For a moment, it felt very feral, very primal. It was like something on those animal documentaries, like the tense moment of standstill as two alpha-type wolves waited for one to back down. Enigma seemed to want to make the challenge, but did not. Did that mean Duke had won? Hardly. Sadly, things were slightly more complex than that.

At the insult, Duke merely closed his jaws and glowered at Enigma from where he stood. In retail value, Duke was just a mutt with a nonexistent pedigree. But in the face of scorching, leaping, hissing flames his own self had a much higher value than the tongue of the boy's own rather obscene tie.

At the Sableeye's plea, Samantha found it very pleasurable to make a friend out of "Thomas'" own pokemon. "No, leaving the darkness and, er, oblivion isn't bad at all Janx." she simpered, "Not unless you're a twisted bastard like your master."

The boy would soon come to regret coining himself in such a way.

ooc; BLARGHMARGHURGH. My brain is melted by scorching rehearsals and melted by chilly band bus rides home at 1 a.m. Please excuse any crappiness. D;

[E.nigma]

The smile on Enigma’s face for once was genuine, and he found his neck muscles slowly contracting. With a quick nod he began to speak to Samantha, the shadows playing across his face with each movement of his fine lips.
"Complete world domination is not a realistic goal, no. But, whoever said that was a goal? I do not foolish idolize Pravus, I can just understand their ideals. Not so different from yours really, get what you ...."
To Enigma the rangers were built out of the same stock as the rangers. They happened to be a small group who wanted to get something done, even if that thing went directly against his own side's interests it was understandable.

"That's not truly important....I didn't get to hide in a little refugee camp."
A single gloved hand [not the one with missing fingers], gently patted the brim of the hat. With the memories of war came the familiar ache of his torn ear, and shattered fingers. The Xatu beside him flinched as well, a single wing brushing across his marred skull. What had the girl been doing? Cowering in some sewer somewhere, watching hyperbeams color the sky with rainbows and streams of fire.
"..I never denied that my way of thinking was abnormal."
Why was he standing out here in the mud and damp when he could be inside Nada gambling, and relaxing in his sweet? Why indeed. At the very least, if he was going to play the part of story-teller, he should have brought a chair.
"If you want to be more accurate, it would be more android than robotic. "
It had taken Enigma quite some time to reply. In fact, by the time he replied Samantha was speaking again, a guttural growl rumbled deep in his chest. Once again however, his face lacked any inflection, except for the slightest wrinkling of the brow.


"Indeed."
It was hard to tell if he was being serious or sarcastic, but he was now leaning slightly forward, leather-shot feet lay at sharp angles to one another, the unmarred hand was splayed on one hip.
"A waste of time.. hmm...."
The hesitation was suspicious, but ti did remind him how much time he was wasting with this bristled conversation. Day off or not, he did not exactly have the time to rest, and recline in this useless drivel.

A few more moments wouldn't hurt, it was nice to practice being social.

Enigma laughed, it was a hollow slightly empty sound. To be honest, it was almost manic.
"...you act as if murder didn't exist before they did. W-They didn't poison Eve. All of that nasty things you blame Pravus for existed long before they were an idea in the molecules of the universe..."
Even the great Enigma needed to watch his tongue, he had almost said "we" when he was speaking, an d only when his mind caught up to his mouth did he stop himself and fix his wording. The laughter slowly came to a stop, the words ended with a controlled glare.
" I guess I should extend that courtesy to you as well. It is rather rude to be a hypocrite."
Event he Xatu found himself unable to resist a nod, he may love his master but sometimes even he found him too secretive. A spy with closed lips who constantly pulled words like rotten teeth, it was almost ironic.

--

The Pravus administrator did not balk either. The puppy wasn't the only one with dangerous jaws, and control of the elements.

"....."

THe man was obviously annoyed by his pokemon's behavior, but decided to let it go ....for now.

---

"More twisted then the depths of your small intestine...dark dark....and it is not bad to want friendship. He always says so ..always.."
The tears threatened to come back, brimming beneath the words before they were buried with a slightly sardonic chuckle.

Enigma and Innuendo were going to pay alright. Pay big time.

" Mr. Enigma 30314 needs to be nice to poor little Janx.. ghosties have no tongues to cut out.."
Bright eyes slowly swiveled t o Enigma, the man showed not a single ounce of emotion. Where was the shouting and the screaming? The anger? Instead, all he received was a conceded little smirk.

Why did his trainer refuse to play his role?