Someone's been working on the place

[seiko]

Seiko, after a harrowing trudge though what he could only assume was one of the best natural defenses of this place, a fetid swamp he wasn't sure if he ever wanted to trek out of, hopefully he wouldn't have to, had led to one of the best places in Remoor, in his book. He hadn't been everywhere, but this place recalled images of before the war, and better times for him. Times when he was a kid, and not having to worry about his father.

A short, wonderful trek later, he had reached what appeared to be a farmhouse. Well, that was interesting. Who would have built a farm house out here? It'd be a nightmare getting all the supplies from one place to the next, and heck, even for the novel factor, well, it'd still be a huge pain. Then again, maybe it was built before the war? It looked in a state of almost disrepair, as if someone was fighting it back, but it looked comforting.

Alexandria, looking around, had decided to be on her guard. This house reminded her far too much of the last time they'd seen a farm house, and that had ended badly for all parties involved. Especially since Seiko had gotten a good look at their face, and as such, they'd been easy to I.D.

Anthony was busy wondering what on earth had been back there in those grassy fields. They called to him, telling him that untold secrets were locked away in them, and most of all, food. Then they'd be shocked when he came home with food, and proceeded to eat it all in front of them, without them able to stop him. It nearly made him drool.

Ben meanwhile was perched on Seiko's shoulder, and was scanning the countryside, watching. It never had hurt to be vigilant, that was something he learned by being captured, and what humans had done to him before. He still was half expecting Seiko to suddenly grab him and torment him like the others had. It was a hard thing to shake.

[A-ub--re]

The little Dia was not the only vigilant one in the area. Even though the harsh sun tried its best to distract her, a much larger bird was perched on the eave of the barn, watching the quartet below. The Swellow's shadow blened in with the form of the weathervane, and the only sign of her not being another metal construct, was the gently rustling feathers along her spine.

Down below it appeared to be spring, the snow almost completely absent, and the ground covered with enough mud to make every place seem like a swamp, but there was a bitter cold to the air. It ebbed and flowed like a air current--taunting Remoor with false springs, before pulling away. So, all and all, it was chilly.

Yet--the Swellow wouldn't move, until she had some idea of these stranger's identities. The fact that there was a Growlithe caused a leaden weight in her chest--they didn't look much too dangerous, but that little mutt would send her poor trainer into a panic attack. After a few more seconds of quiet watching, the Swellow dropped from the roof of the barn, and dropped toward the group like a arrow. With a backward sweep of her wing, she came to a stumbling stop about three feet from Seiko, and his posse. The female's wings folded closely against her breast, as she turned her onyx, some what soft eyes to Seiko:
"Greetings sir . . .why are you out here . . .and who exactly are you ?"
The voice was sturdy, and determined. This "man" was not getting into the barn, without her judging his name--or knowing his purpose.

---

Inside the barn, the TV was quickly flicking through the channels, as a small pink Hoppip hopped up and down on the remote. Children's shows, to pornos, and basketball games quickly scrolled down the screen--currently he was alone in the living room bit of the den, the rest in the old house's kitchen, digging through the fridge.

Well--the rest if you do not count Arbori, and his trainer. The Persian was currently laid out in front of the bedroom door, his half-consious mass, a perfect doorstop--and block for anyone aiming to get inside. Occasionally one of his ears flicked lazily, but for the most part he was dreaming; of cuddling up in the rather small bed--with it all to himself, and sleeping like a rock. Not--that he was getting in the bedroom at the moment.

The normally ajar barn window was tightly shut, the only light coming from a weak camping lantern--it cast shadow's along Aubre's face, nearly bare shoulders, and scarred hands ..

Wait...BARE SHOULDERS?!

--

Aubre was currently in a simple dark tanktop, her hands brushing gently over the torn hoody atop her checkered bed sheet. The girl's lips were pursed, it appeared the thing had sprouted another hole--that would have to be sewn later. With a quiet shy, she grabbed a dark blue hoody from the back of the bed--hatingg the sensation as the stiff fabric brushed over scarred, and tight skin.

With a final yank, she pulled the hoody the rest of the way on--and was overwhelmed by a feeling of tightness. This thing, hugged her skin--which was a odd sensation. however, the red one was currently covered in small burns (from a long ago fight), and the tear needed to be fixed, before she redonned the black one. Otherwise, it would likely become worse. With a deep breath, the gently unlocked the door, and pulled it inward--walking into the hallway.

Currently, she was in her socks.
"Chiv-v-a !"
The girl called out , where had that bird gotten off to . . ?

[seiko]

Seiko had stopped for a second, having studied the house, then as he took a few steps then was suddenly stopped by a bird who asked him who he was, and then what he wanted to do here. He almost thought he was going to have to fight this bird, but then when it asked that, he sighed. She was too strong for his group, that was for certain. "Oh. I'm just exploring. I haven't been that far out of the city in a long time, and so I headed out here, hearing it was a nice place to be. " He smiled, then his neck twitched and threw his head forward, looking rather strange, as he attempted to play it off, rolling his neck as if it had just been a krick in his neck that had caused that, and not his problem.

Alexanderia walked over, and stood slightly in front of Seiko, and studied the bird. This would be a problem in a fight, she knew, so there was no point in trying to. Obviously it wouldn't end well, so best to not irritate her. Seiko was doing a good job of being nice, and not doing anything to weird her out, but as his neck twitched, she winced. People seemed to think that meant he was insane, even when he explained it to them. Well, people were stupid. That was something she learned a while ago, and took to heart. You had to, otherwise there was no reason for what had happened to Seiko's dad. "Yes, were just wandering. Is this your barn?"

Ben hadn't quite decided if that was just a very realistic wind vane, or a living thing,when the question was answered for him by the creature taking flight . It landed nearby, and asked them what they were doing, and Ben had looked at her for a second, figured she wasn't that big of a threat right now, and was busy looking for something else when he heard someone calling for Chiva, whoever that was. More important, was that it was a human voice. He had almost caught its location when Seiko neck twitched, throwing him off his shoulder with a squawk. He had gotten used to it, it happened, but it still was surprising. "Who's that person that's calling for Chiva?" He asked, after lighting down on his shoulder again.

Anthony was as of right now attempting to wander into the barn, but was stymied at how exactly he was to slip by unnoticed. Seiko never was good at distracting people on the fly, but it was worth a shot to see what was in there. Sneaking out to the side, so that the bird wouldn't see him as much, he attempted to creep forward, trying to get past her without being seen, a foolish task due to the fact he stood out like a sore thumb, but he didn't know that. He personally thought he was doing a fine job of it as of right now.

[A-ub--re]

At the statement the bird (young mind) nodded sagely to Seiko:
"Exploring is always a nice thing to do--just be careful--no one knows what kind of dastardly villains lay in wait."
The bird cooed, her mind flinging her back tio the far off times of warming campfires, and wonderful tales of Fairy-god mothers, and valiant princes. It was a long ways off from where she was now, sitting in front of a boy--and warning him of the desperate folks who now preyed on travelers.
"..Oh--any news from Nada--?"
Chivalri questioned quietly, they were planning on going later this week .. and if something was waiting, then she would have to be cautious.

Then Seiko's head pitched forward, and the Swellow blinked slowly.
"Are you injured Sir--errr---?"
Not knowing names made her way of addressing others sound odd, she wasn;t calling him her superior, merely talking to him politely. The little Dia was flung from his shoulder, but then the boy made it look like a crick in his neck, and the great knightly bird shrugged.
"Some might think you odd if you spazz like that . ."
The Swellow cooed, as she hopped over to check on Ben.
"no--it isn't my barn, no one's really--but we do live here."
Originally, Achilles had picked at the steadfast bird for being a squatter--but as soon as they found the real owner of the plac,e they'd pay all the backlogged rent.

If they were alive . . .anyway.

----

Then the Swellow paused, as the little Dia hopped back onto the boy's shoulder--and asked a question.
"Oh that must be Lady Aubre. I was supposed to wait for her to finish her errands, before running off to gather some food."
The Swellow went to swoop skyward, but paused, as a little poof of tan shifted in the corner of her eye. Cocking her head to the right, the bird turned toward the sneaking Anthony:
"What are you looking for down there . . Growlithe . . .?"
It was at that moment, that the barn door opened, Aubre poking a hooded head out the door, and slowly scanning the grassy lands around her impromptu home.

--

In a rather out of character scene, the normally composed Swellow panicked--in in the space of a few seconds, had her wings spread in a tent over Anthony. Then she started to figet--lying was wrong, but if she didn't hde the puppy, her trainer would freak out.

--

Aubre's head slowly swiveled, and paused as they met the form of Seiko. Instantly the fingers wrapped about the worm-rotted doorframe, twitched and tightened--and she let out a small whimper. The smile on her face (as she had seen Chiva), faded into a uncertain frown.
"He-hello . ."
Aubre muttered, her quiet word half carried away on the breeze. The girl had been about to ask the Swellow about her odd dance, but now she was focused on Seiko.

The pokemon around him, both of them, did not look too dangerous-but , he was a stranger, staring at her barn--and her Swellow was acting odd.

Call her paranoid . . but it didn't sit all too well with the skittish girl.

---
--

[seiko]

The bird had nodded, then said that exploring was fun, but that people were dangerous now a days, that he had to be careful. It was a lesson he'd learned all too well, and never would need to be reminded of. It put him on his guard around people who looked suspicious, no matter how foolish it seemed. Having your dad murdered trying to break up a simple fight does that to a person. She then asked any news from the city, and he shook his head. Nothing he knew of was brewing in the city, though he wasn't the best source of information. "As far as I know, that ceasefire is still going, though in my opinion, it's straining to break loose. I'd batten down the hatches, and stay out of there as much as possible."

Stupid neck. It has spasmed, and now the bird was wondering if he was injured. He shook his head, smiling, inwardly blushing, and said "No, no. My neck just cramped slightly is all." A bold faced lie, but people weren't always the most honorable, and he didn't want them to know about his condition. If he had a seizure here, well, they'd know soon enough that there was something wrong with him. He just hoped he wouldn't be immobile for that long should it happen. He'd hate to intrude on their hospitality. "Still, looks like it's been abandoned for quite some time before you moved in," gesturing to the state of the house.

Ben nodded as the bird said that it must be lady Aubre, and he nodded. So, she had a trainer. That was very good, She wasn't a total threat then, obviously. As long as pokemon have trainers, they were normally restrained, if only for fear of being locked up and thrown into an ocean, still inside their pokeball. As she explained she was to wait for her, he said "Well, it sounds like she's looking for you." He nodded, then as a human started to come out, he smiled. Wonder what Aubre was like. Must be nice.

Anthony had been sure he'd snuck past her when she'd turned to him and asked what he was looking for. "Um...I'm looking for mud?" He said, acting as if that was something everyone should look for, totally obvious. I mean, who wouldn't want to find mud. Then, suddenly, Chivalri was flying at him, to his surprise. He was covered up, and totally bemused. What the heck was this bird doing? He decided to play along, for now, and just sat there, hunching down so that the human didn't see him. Or at least, tried to make it that way.

Seiko looked at Chivalri's sudden movement to cover Anthony with the unexpected shock it deserved, then as he saw Aubre, tried to pretend his mouth hadn't just been agape with shock. She said hello, and he managed to stammer out a reply, saying "Ohh...uhh hi," accompanied by a jerky wave of his hand. What the heck was that bird doing? It then hit him. Oh. She was covering up Anthony so that the girl wouldn't see her. Deciding to try and buy Chivalri time, he smiled, and said "I'm Seiko! I was just walking around here when I saw this barn, and decided to have a look." He smiled, hoping to distract her from the bird who was at the moment covering Anthony.

Alexandria had the entire time watched this all with a bemused look on her face, but when Aubre had came out, nodded to herself, and walked over, bowing slightly and saying "We apologize for the intrusion. We didn't mean to disturb you." She was great at these formalities, as Seiko wasn't.

[A-ub--re]

The Swellow spoke with just the tiniest bit of apprehension, at Seiko's words.
"Thank you . . .It appears peace won't last much longer--Hnn."
The Swellow had watched a few news specials on the television, and judging by the fearful tones in which they spoke of anything that might be related to Pravus, or Mewtwo; that ceasefre was a joke. However, the bird did not truly value her own opinion on such important matters. After all--she was barely the age of a preschooled human.
"but . . .I think this peace needs to be dwelled in ."
What the bird truly wanted to do was scold all the evil-doers for their crimes, but she couldn't do that and keep her 'family' safe. Maybe, it was time that they left.

--

"Sleeping outside does that . . Do you happen to have a pillow in that bag sir?"
The Swellow replied sagely, she was not naiive--(she didn't believe ridicoulous notions), but she was not a good judge for liars. The bird could tell wicked from good, but not necessarily a harmless lie from the truth.
" I hope your neck feels better . ."
As Seiko continued to speak, the bird shook her head.
"A month or two , but this place was meant to be wild, and the war did not help.--Ooh no sir we don't live in the house."
Aubre, and the rest of her Pokemon had been fighting to repair some of the wear and tear on the barn. In some parts they had succeeded--but Aubre seemed to have had enough of it. They had not moved to help the house however.

Little did the bird know it was a self defense method. After all, who would think that someone lived in a abandoned like barn? While a house sat nearby.

---

"Yes . . I do wager that is why she called my na--"
Then the incident with the Growlithe occurred, and the bird was forced to ignore the canine's silly answer. After all--what would Aubre think if she saw her bird chatting about mud, to something hiding beneath her wings?

---

Aubre nodded to Seiko's returned greeting, half tempted to run back into the barn, and hide. Yet--even if she was chicken, she could leave poor Chivalri out here alone. The girl had thought about waving herh and--but she had been so surprised at Seiko's presence, that she didn't doubt she'd fall over.
"oo-h ok-a-y- . . .we-r-re you looki-ng-ing for someplace to stay?"
Aubre questioned quietly, hoping he'd say no, but her natural urge to be polite forcing her to ask.
"I-I'm Aubre."
The girl had caught the tail end of a conversation when she had opened the door--and had figured that Chivalri was taling to one of the Rattatas about.

"Chi-v-va .. you okay?"
The girl inquired quietly--to answer the bird gave a few jerking nods, and tried her best to smile big and wide. This instead ended up looking pained, and Aubre felt one of her feet slide back. Aubre allowed herself a thought:
The boy seems nice enough. .then again so did Leo . . .but what's wrong with Chiva?
The bird was very glad when Seiko spoke his name--the S-e thing made him sound nice and mellow , but she didn't like the 'o'.

In that moment Aubre's mind fled to barn burnings, and destructive hoodlums--but then of course Alexandria's feminine voice forced out another polite answer:
"n-no . .you didn't intrude."
After all, she had been doing nothing but getting dressed..by herself .. in the middle of the wilderness, with nothing but a cat to protect her.

Not a problem . . at all.

--

Chivalri was also very glad that Anthony didn't move--she wished to explain the situation, but couldn't. No doubt it would drive Aubre further into paranoia.

[seiko]

"Somethings going to happen. What, I don't know." Seiko said, shaking his head. It could even be a random factor. Who knows what might happen in Remoor, where you learned to expect the unexpected. That wasn't always in a bad way either. Sometimes you were pleasantly surprised with what might happen. She then asked if he had a pillow, and he nodded. "Though it goes flat far to easily." He shook his head sadly. Pillow's were his one vice, they never seemed to work well enough to help him sleep. His team had told him to just deal with it, but he couldn't! One had to have a good pillow if you were going to sleep well!

She then said she hoped his neck was better, and he nodded, saying "Oh its fine. Whats more interesting is why not live in the house? Surely its better than some barn!" He said. Especially since there had to be quite a few wild pokemon who weren't happy about that eviction. Still, he shrugged, saying "Well, to each his own I guess." People sometimes did that kind of stuff. Then that little incident had happened, and he had thought to himself "Case in point."

He hadn't stayed on that though, turning to the girl who had came out, and then he said "Oh no. I was just passing though." He definitely did not want to causes this girl trouble, she seemed nice, and bad luck sometimes had a way of following him. Of course, it was normally all or nothing bad luck, as in, nothing would happen for a long time, then he'd get kidnapped and beat. That kind of bad luck. Which, of course, really got to him after a while. "Thats a very nice name, Aubre."

Anthony had of course remained low, but his foot was ichy, and he wanted to scratch it. Still, he fought the urge, and stayed still, letting the bird continue to cover him. When was he going to be able to go? It was stupid having to crouch down in the mud, he was getting all dirty. That was just something he hated to do. Unless it was his own choice, but that was another story. Then he had a good reason to do it. Unlike now, where he was just humoring the nice bird. Which he didn't want to do forever, especially without knowing why.

Alexandria nodded to her, and walked back over to Seiko, having gotten her mind off of the bird, hopefully. "So, what makes you live out here?" It was best to keep the questions on her, so she didn't have time to wonder why she was acting so odd. Chivalri that was. Still, it probably wouldn't work, she knew, but hey. Who was to say that it wouldn't? It was worth a shot, no doubt. Besides, whats the worst that could happen? Surely nothing worse than what they were trying to prevent, whatever it was.

[A-ub--re]

At his comment the knightly bird shrugged, and cooed:
"Well one can't read he future, but yes. . it is on the wind . .bad tidings."
However, Pokemon still were very in tune with their animal instincts. Some deep, feral part of Chivalri, the Swellow, encouraged her to take wing and fly far far away from this war-torn region. The coming danger was almost tangible, at least to most Pokemon. Then again, some would call this leftover from the recent war.

However--Did not a knight know when a battle was coming? this bird was one who didn't dwell on the negative, with a quick shake of her head she returned to the present--and shied away from the ominous future.

----

the bird hung her head in a grave manner:
"I am sorry about that--maybe you could stuff it with some leaves..."
Swellow's didn't use pillows, so she knew nothing, truly little about their comfort levels--but going flat seemed negative. All she knew was that it must be tortuous to lie under someone's head all night.

If only Chivalri knew what was used to stuff most pillows . . .
---

"---I feel like a thief if I lived in someone else's home."
The Swellow mumbled with her head hung, sure it was abandoned, but she didn't feel justified because of that. The bird's beady black eyes peered into Seiko's lighter ones, trying to determine the meaning of his words, and if his statement of wellness had been a lie. Nothing.
"The barn is quite a bit better then it seems dear sir--and yes, each person is a unique individual"
The bird then echoed his later statement, to each his own.
--

The normally mellow Swellow was watching her trainer like a frightened rabbit. Each muscle in her wings twitched as she remained huddled over the Growlithe--and a slight ache arced down her spine. With a open-beaked sigh, she waited until her trainer turned to Koal, before stumbling forward toward the bush covered fence (the action made her look like a walking tepee, on stubby legs), and as she moved Chivalri gently pushed the Growlithe forward.

"Chiva-a . . where are you goin--g?"
Drat. The bird didn't like lying, so came up with this:
"To the fence . . ."
The bird held her breath in as her trainer mulled over her answer, before nodding, her normal smile a ponderous frown. What the hell was the bird hiding? Nevermind. It was not her place to ask-and beside Chivalri wouldn't hurt her: unless the Swellow was angry, or had some mental disease......

Instantly thoughts of little hooded girls being carried off to big bird nests flashed through her mind, and Aubre shook her head to rid herself of the rather ridiculous image.

Now, the teenager replied to Seiko, withdrawing into the barn another step as she did so (though her words were nice her mind went: Passing through to where? Pravus Headquarters, a theft job?):
"O-oh okay. Sorr-y we -e stalled you."
The girl murmured, as her green eyes seemed to spasm. One part of her wished to watch her Swellow's out of character actions, the other was determined to watch Seiko--and she found she couldn't do both. At his second statement she mutely nodded, letting out a mouse like squeak as she replied:
'uh-huh . . thank yo-u-u mr. Sei-ko."
Mr? Well there was no harm in being extremely polite.
---

Aubre paused for a moment before answering Alexandria with a question:
"--w-well . . where else is there . .away from the cit-ty?"
The girl didn't wish to be live in the city, if war happened it would happen there. So why endanger herself when there was a nice, standing building out here?

--

The Persian was now standing beside the girl, his broad head jammed against the door-gap, and peering outside.

--
Inside the Hoppip continued his remote hopping, and happened to hit the volume button. Instantly a awkward soap opera scene echoed across the empty plain, causing Aubre, her Swellow (who spread out her wings), and the Persian to jump.

--

With a loud squawk the Swellow wrapped her wings over Anthony again, but she had seen her trainer's face . .
it appeared she had guessed, from one view of orange.

Aubre's lip turned inward, as she latched down on the soft flesh with her teeth to prevent a cry from tumbling out. No way would Chiva hide a Growlithe from her.

--

Behind the girl of overwhelmed/torn senses the blaring sound of the soap opera continued . However, she was much too scared to turn her back on Seiko--and turn the damn dial down.

[seiko]

She seemed to feel it too. She probably in fact felt it stronger than he did, that edgy feeling, like watching two predator's circle each other, slowly, waiting for the time to strike. Tension was building, and something was going to happen. That was decided. "Lets just hope it ends quickly." That was all one could wish for in this torn up piece of land known as Remoor. The spirt of adventure that had once been here was swamped by war. Still...still, it was there. Life wasn't over yet, and as long as there was life, there was hope.

"Leaves?" He said, considering then rejecting the idea. It was smart, but the pillow would get far too dirty for his liking. It was a good idea other than that, but it just wouldn't work. "Sorry, but I think that would make the pillow far too dirty." He said smiling slightly. Nice idea, just not practical. Not that he expected such an idea, just thought he'd let her know.

She then said that she'd feel like stealing if she went into the house, and he nodded. It was a bit odd, but hey, moral's were morals. Personally, he applauded her stance, it was rare to find someone in these times who wasn't immoral, or willing to do whatever they had to do in order to win. It was kind of refreshing really. "Well, I applaud your morals. I wish everyone had them." Once again, his dad's death cast a pall over his demeanor, seeming to quiet for a bit, before he shrugged, as if casting it off for now.

Anthony walked slowly backwards as the bird pushed him towards the fence, and hoped that he could make it out. He almost had gotten to an area where he could bolt, but she had to stop, and that was just no good. He waited, watching, hoping that nothing bad would happen now that they were getting so close to freedom. Or what freedom amounted to. Not freaking out the human who he didn't know, but was sure would not be a good idea.

Seiko looked at the girl, wondering why she seemed to be scared of everything. Surely she hadn't gone though so much terror as to make her stutter like that. Inwardly shrugging, he looked at her, and said "Oh, no. I was just wandering around the field, enjoying the scene, so no need to worry." That would have sounded suspicious to him, but since thats what he was doing, he didn't realize it. There was no reason for him to try and hide anything, or anything that was not already being hidden. "So, how's life out here?" He was trying to distract her, until a loud blaring sound caused him to jump.

Alexandria nodded, saying "Ah. I see." She was either a recluse, or someone who just was afraid of things. Either way she was obviously not a threat, though that did make her want to protect her. She was a mothering creature, she had to take care of Seiko, and having been raised to do that, and fight for him, she was of course very protective. The loud noise made her jump, but more frightening was the look on the girls face when she saw a flash of orange.

Just then, Seiko's leg had a spasm. It tweaked violently, pushing against the ground and throwing him off balance, and while he normally would have caught himself, a patch of mud was all his foot gripped on, and he fell, hitting the ground. Ow. He winced, and picked himself up, mud smeared all over his arms, which he'd used to cushion his fall. He was used to it, in fact had developed a technique to deal with it, but it still wasn't fun.

Ben squawked loudly as Seiko started to fall, and flew off his shoulder, doing circles for a bit before landing down nearby, saying "Oh. Whats the matter?" Of course he knew what the matter was, he just wanted to put on a show.

Alexandria rushed over, and helped pick him up, totally unnecessary, but try telling her that and you'd get a swift foot to the face. "You ok?" She asked, before he was steady on his feet again, then turned back to Aubre, smiling painfully. Oh great. First she was freaking out about the growlithe, and now Seiko just had to spasm. Perfect.

Seiko nodded to them, and smiled nervously, blushing like mad. He hated this. He absolutely hated this part. "I'm fine." He said, fighting off a curt edge to his tone, and stood, brushing himself off as best he could right now. Great. Well, at least it wasn't a seizure. That would have been much worse.

[A-ub--re]

The bird's eyes tilted downward, as she muttered quickly:
" . . .let's hope it doesn't just . . .end."
Chivalri was not one who handed herself over to defeat, such as was the apocalyptic statement above. Even if the end seemed near she would fight it--or pray to Arceus (and god) to save them. Never would she lay down and take it. Which was why a slight blush colored her white feathers, and she shifted position. Thinking that would jinx them, things didn't just end. Never.

Turning her sharp, intellectaul gaze back toward Seiko, she nodded.
"If you incline it so--"
Humans, and dirt. How very odd this little bird found their dislike. Humans played in it as children's, and could easily wash things off--but they preferred danger to gettign dirty in the first place. The bird decided not to criticize however; it was truly not in her nature, seeing as their was nothing wicked around Seiko's words.

---

At the praise, the solemn bird nodded, and quietly thanked Seiko for his words. Upon seeing his depressed face, she instantly went into shield mode:
"Is there something troubling you . .?"
Then like a passing shadow the look dissipated, maybe she had merely imagined it? Any other comments she had meant to make about his praise, for the sake of modesty; had been forgotten.


-------------------------

Upon reaching the fence the bird let the Growlithe out of her tent like embrace, and gently pushed him into a soft hollow under the bush.
"Stay here little one."
The bird cooed softly, before hopping away from the fence, and turning toward her trainer. The look of sheer disappointment, was enough to make her heart break. The bird however put on a brave face, and hopping atop the broken fence, glided back to her trainer's side.

'Chiv-a-a ... are you alright?"
" . . .Yes, Lady Aubre."
The quiet conversation was filtered with suspicion on Aubre's part, and obvious guilt on the Swellow's part. The thinking part of Aubre, decided that going to see what lay under the berry bush was a bad idea, and instead kept her eyes focused on Seiko--trying hr best to ignore the TV in the background.

It racked her nerves, and bothered the hell out of her--but she would let it be.
"Wandering out here.... . what sc-scene?"
All the girl saw was grass for deceiful foes to hide in, she didn't see anything beautiful. Besides that--why stop at a dillipadated old barn? The more Seiko spoke with a smile, and stood there; the more suspicious the elder girl became.

What kind of question was that?
"F-fine."
Safe. Quiet. peaceful. It wasn't as if she walekd up to random people, like those in homeless shelters--and asked ow their digs were. That would be rude...but he was trying to distract her from what was in the bush.

Inside her chest, the girl's heart beat a accelerated tempo.

--

When Seiko moved, Aubre leapt back into the barn, knocking the back of her head against the stout metal door. Whether it was the bump, or otherwise--she took a few steps toward Seiko:
"You okay ....?"
Then she took a deep quaking breath, and slid backward. The boy was covered in dirt--but he seemed unharmed. The two pokemon at his side seemed to have it all handled..

Something in her wanted to offer him a shower---but the second she opened her motuh, the girl screwed it shut.

--

At that moment, there was a loud snarl--followed by a slamming door.

Shit. Achilles.

[seiko]

Seiko listened as the bird said to hope it didn't just end, and Seiko said "I meant the conflict. I hope that ends quickly, and we can get on with our lives." He didn't mean to have everything end. That was not something he would allow. Even if he had no power over much at all, he'd do whatever he could to prevent such things. Besides, nothing bad as of yet was happening. Or he didn't think anything bad was happening. Life was still going on, and it always would. It had a habit of sticking around despite all odds, which was good for them.

"Just bad memories." He said quietly to her as she asked if anything was wrong. There was a lot wrong, but that was not for him to bog her down with. She didn't really want to know his life story, most people just pretended to care. They didn't expect some story about a kid seeing his own father murdered, and nearly burning to death in a barn that had collapsed on him. That was mainly the reason he had even stopped, for a second it reminded him of that barn. Of course, that couldn't be, as it had been burned down, in an attempt to kill him and his father, but still.

Anthony did just that, slinking back into the bush while looking though it. He was almost completely obscured, you couldn't tell what he was, but he could see out pretty well. Watching this scene, from the distance, he saw that apparently, she was unnerved by him. Why would someone hate something as cute as him? Still, he hid in the bush, careful not to do anything as to draw attention to himself. No need to be careless now.

Seiko looked at her and as she asked what scene, he said "This. I haven't seen anything really natural in a long time. Most all the land around here...is barren, void of life. This place is one of the few natural spots left in Remoor. Its nice really." He was having trouble not seeing the beauty of this place. The city hadn't brought anything but death to him, and this was the counter of the city. It was a invigoratingly alive place, somewhere that the war hadn't managed to completely screw over. Besides, if she knew why he'd stopped at the barn, she'd likely not find anything suspicious about it.

She then said that life out here was fine, as he felt he was making her nervous. This girl seriously needed to talk to different people more. She was too skittish. Paranoia got you nowhere in life, he'd learned that from the fact that despite said paranoia, life still managed to screw him over. Might as well enjoy the things you had, instead of trying to avoid harm. Of course, that was just his view. That, and that twitching randomly was a bad thing. That was another world view he had, very important to him.

Aubre seemed shocked by his sudden face planting, which made it all the worse in his mind, and as he looked down at his muddy clothing, he sighed. Just his luck. Now he looked even worse, and his clothing was going to be ruined if he didn't wash it soon. Worse yet, where was he going to find the place to wash this clothing? Not like he could ask Aubre for water. Well...he could, but then she'd probably freak out and think he wanted to poison her water. So he smiled at her as she said he was okay, and said "Yeah. Its a nervous disorder, I randomly twitch body parts. As well, I have seizures, which leave me immoble for a few days. Heh."

Great. He hated having to explain why he was twitchy, and not only that, he just told a complete stranger that at times, he was nearly immobile whenever he had a seizure. It'd be like telling a random person the secret to your super powers. While his disability was definately not super, it was still something you didn't go and tell everyone about. Especially people you didn't know. And now he had just her. Perfect.

Alexandria nudged Seiko slightly as she saw the signs of him inwardly beating himself up, and said softly to him "Hey. You had to tell her." She knew how much he hated spilling the beans on that, but it was important so she didn't think he was some sort of crazy freak. Hopefully she wouldn't at least. Some still did.

[A-ub--re]

As Seiko spoke again, the bird echoed his tone with:
"Who wouldn't?"
Surely everyone wanted it to end--no one profited from a war. At least, that was what the little bird believed, she had no idea of the businesses that profited, or the government. To her (like most) war was a horrible occurence that needed to end quickly and completely. In a soft, tone she added:
"My utmost apologies, if it seemed as if I misintrepeted your words."
The Swellow bowed from the waist at that, the crest upon her head lowering in a apologetic gesture.
"but, no more speaking of the future . ."
The little bird ended.

---

"Ah--I understand."
The Swellow mumbled sagely, at Seiko's reply. Everyone in Remoor had their fair share of those. It would be rude to ask any furthetr questions, since these were memories there was very little she could do to help the boy.
----------

Why did this boy go around visiting barren , lifeless places? Did that say something about his personality--that he was morbid, or that in some ways he had made those places lifeless? The girl answered with a noncommittal:
"ooh . . Okay."
Hopefully that wouldn't be offensive, to this tourist of dead things. Stuffing both her hands into the deep ppocket of her hoody, her eyes bored into the bush where Anthony hid out. At the same time she was observing the environment more closely, true, it was more natural then the Swamp.

But,. she didn't see pretty--just in the distance one could make out the Spruce desert. Why oh why, had not this boy gone there instead?
"Ar-e-e you goin' to Na-da?"
Aubre questioend with a gulp, sure he was sihgtseeing--but if that was his ultimate destination, it was far away from here. The girl's heart still hammered in her chest, but her Persian helped reassure her--maybe the Swellow was just hiding some trash in the bush . .

Hopefully . .

---

As the boy explained his condition, Aubre listened in rapt silence--but not to him. Instead her ears were focused on the muffled words on the other side of the barn.
" HOW DEH FUCK DO YOU BURN SOUP!"
The deep voic was obviously that of her dragon, it was then replied to in a lyrical voice that could only belong to the Butterfree, Vermi. The words were indistinguishable.

The girl hesitated, turning rapidly from Seiko to the side of the barn, where Achilles was rapidly approaching--just out of sight. The boy was sick . . or something . . . but if Achilles saw him lying there all muddy --what would go through his head?

Should she let him in, and get him away from Achilles--or . .?

"Who the fuck is that ?"

Shit. Too late. Aubre whimpered, before ducking back into the barn.

--

The Dragon realeased Vermi from his grasp , and stopped his scorning of the idiotic bug , and instead narrowed his eyes at Seiko.
"Who the fuck are you?"
Red streaks of anger blushed the dragon's cheeks, and his claws clenched and unclenched, residue rage from the Butterfree's issue. Why was this boy on the ground, and why was Aub so tensed up--well, more so then usual?

---

[seiko]

"No need to apologize. An honest mistake." He said graciously, not wanting her to get worried that he was mad at her or something along those lines. No, there was no offense meant at the correction, just, he didn't want to seem weak. He would fight for what he wanted, and he'd fight to the end, he just wished, well, there wasn't any more fighting to be had. Fighting caused death, and he'd already had enough misery and pain in his life to last him forever. She then added that they shouldn't speak of the future anymore, and he gave a nod. That was best. The future was unknown, and until they could foresee it, there was no use worrying about it.

She said she understood, Seiko gave a curt nod, and dropped the subject entirely. If they wanted to know, they could talk inside their barn, he wasn't about to bring up those memories out here to some random bird. Even if talking did help. Some. Seiko knew bottling it up did him no good, but, neither did broadcasting his weakness's over everywhere. Besides, he was already vulnerable enough as it was. With his condition and all.

Aubre seemed to feel he was out here for some sinister reason, but he had gathered from just this short meeting she was rather paranoid. Which made him wonder, slightly, why she was so paranoid. Was it a bad past? Maybe the past was never good around here. At least there was the fact he was never alone in having a horrible history. He wouldn't press for an answer, it could lead to something, unpleasant. No need to draw this into a conflict, especially with the fact they were already attempting to hide something. For whatever reason.

"I left Nada. I needed to get away from, from there." He said, seeming to grow a bit depressed. His past never seemed to leave his shoulders anymore, hanging over him like a thick cloak, attempting to smother any happiness he had. But he'd cast off that specter, and he was starting anew. It was time to stop dwelling on his inaction. Still, that was easier said than done with such personal memories. He then realized that he probably sounded suspicious, and sighed inwardly. Everything probably sounded suspicious though.

She seemed to be sidetracked by something, he wasn't sure what, considering that she hadn't said anything about his condition. Not a word. Either she didn't think it remarkable, highly unlikely, or she wasn't paying much attention to what he was saying. He heard something though, a faint yell, though he couldn't tell the words. Was something going on in there? Seemingly there was, as she turned, to face both him and the barn door. Then, his question was answered for him when the creature in question burst though.

Seiko heard the words, then saw the creature, and looked at it, interested. It released a butterfree it had held in its grasp, and then asked who he was. He probably looked dashing, muddy clothing, his hat laying crookedly across his head, something he remedied when he realized it, and he just said "I'm Seiko. Who are you?" No need to be so polite to something that was intent on swearing at him. Of course, people and pokemon swore a lot, but, that didn't make it any less dirty. "I was just wandering here, and Chivalri and I started to talk together."

Alexandria just looked at the creature, she scowled, obviously displeased. This creature needed to have its mouth washed out with soap. Nothing talked like that to Seiko, and while she wouldn't stress that fact, for Seiko's safety, if she had her way, he'd be sent packing in a heartbeat. Still, she just stood there, next to Seiko, looking at the yellow dinosaur intently. She hid her distaste, something she'd learned to do, but if one could see a hint of dislike on her face. Of course, that was only if you cared enough to try and read it. "Hello." She said curtly, attempting to appear polite.

[A-ub--re]

At Seiko's words, the bird slowly nodded--before blinking, and assuming a face of concentration. The skin outside her beak was turned down slightly. What a odd string for words, a "Honest mistake", if a mistake wasn't honest was not it done on purpose? Did not that mean that it should be a 'understandable' mistake, and not a true one? All mistakes were truly that--unless you were lying. Correct? Splaying her wings a her side--the bird slowly lifted them up--white wingtips folded out; her version of a shrug.
" I apologize for whatever villain allowed you to make faces that sad, Sir Seiko."
In reality it was just her interpretation of his curt, disconnected nod.
----

"T-o lea-ve . .?"
Why would someone leave the safest place for Remoor, for a little outlying area? Had he stolen something? Was he looking for a hideout? Maybe he'd assaulted someone, or mobbed someone with his Combusken? Then the girl's green eyes perused the boy again--and remembered his rather clumsy fall into the mud--which still dampened his clothes, and dripepd from the brown hair visible under his stained hat. If he was sick . . .well it would be hard to do a crime, and get away with it. Besides, the Swellow trusted him--unless he was just acting, so he could get into the barn . . alone . .with her . .and her Pokemon.

Well . . .Chivalri seemed to find him okay--and besides a few bumps, she was usually a good judge of character. If the 'boy' attacked her. . well . .Achilles could easily keep him way.

But the girl couldn't help but wonder . . why had he left? Now that the paranoid thoughts had been slightly muffled, she was able to see the sad play of his shoulders, and his downcast face . . .it was oddly familiar.

------

Everything else said by the girl--was altered by the giant slab of wood inches in front of her face. With Achilles dominating the conversation though--that was basically nothing. The girl's pale hands began playing with the new clean hem of her blue hoody--and picking at the close clinging fabric. Even under all these layers of cloth . . without her black, baggy hoody, she felt utterly naked. But--she wasn't going to mention that.

The infuriated Achilles took the rather simple words as a challenge, and the rough tone in which he spoke, made his annoyance obvious:
"Alright Puddle duck--The Names Achilles, and you'd do best to remember that, fore I drown ya in that damned puddle."
Not that he ever would. One look at the dragon's flashing pumpkin colored eyes was enough o make you think twice, and made your skeptical, daring thoughts quiver in uncertainty. Usually.
"But--I think we both know, I meant "What the Hell are you doing here Duck?"
Behind the dragon, a tail coursing with static waved back and forth--as a fang filled muzzle, scrunched in distaste. Disgusting mud, dirt--so close to his feet.

At the mention of Chivalri, the dragon snorted, eyebrows raised slightly in cynical amusement.
" That gossiping feather-brain would stoop low enough to talk to a duck--but, why not go "wandering" somewhere else."
The Swellow's eyes narrowed, and she called out loudly:
"Watch your tongue Achilles! My honor has been offended! Do not be so rude to Sir Seiko."
"Yah--I'm sorry Featherbrain--Chiva. To you as well Puddle."
sarcasm laced the dragon's voice, but Chivalri ignored it. That was close enough.

--

Then from the barn--the same lyrical voice of earlier called out:
"FOODS DONE!"
With a final snort, Achilles hunkered low on his feet, scrunching his eyes as if he had a hard time seeign Alexandria.
"Yo."
With a final wave of his tail, the banana colored dragon ducked inside the barn--careful to avoid knotholes in the wood, so as not to trip. On the coffee table--a simple bowl set sat, filled with soup, and nearby a small basket held premade bread. It was a wonder no one had smelled it earlier. Laying about the table in various fashions were: a straw holding Butterfree, a long finned fish, a single leafed Hoppip, and a bent headed Persian.

--

The Swellow paused, and with a hop into the barn grabbed a extra soup cup, and filled it from a nearby pot--gliding out the door (careful not to spill it), she landed next to the bush, and shoved it toward Anthony.

Aubre turned to go inside--thinking the Swellow had chose to eat outside, for it was a nice day. However, as she stepped inside the threshold, the polite, servant-like part of her; forced her to turn around to Seiko. In the shadows it was truly difficult
'please don't' expression on her face.
" . .You wanna come in . . ?"
No . .don't . . go find something else to do . .

But, what if he caught cold being wet like that and declared vengeance? It was better to allot him a few minutes to clean up , and eat.

Inside the barn, Achilles raised his large, spade-shaped head, and glared at the open doorway. The three-taloned claws tightened about the spoon, as he cupped the steaming bowl in his opposite hand.
Son of a bitch . .

[seiko]

Seiko turned to the bird as it apologized for what villain was responsible for his expression. What he looking depressed? He was tempted to try and look at his face, but stopped himself, lest he go cross eyed and seem foolish. He didn't want to look foolish. But he didn't think he looked depressed. Not that he hadn't reason for those looks. "You don't know the half." He muttered to himself as he wondered if maybe he was looking depressed. He had to stop that, he didn't want people thinking he was a mope. That was past, ancient history as far as he was concerned. Now only if his mind would stop dragging it back up.

She seemed surprised that he would want to leave, and Seiko had to admit, she had a point. It'd be like leaving a safe zone in the middle of war, because it was dangerous. Well, not exactly, as right now, surrounding Remoor seemed safer to him than Nada, with its people, and their tendancy to get cagey. Too many people lived in Nada, all the refugee population, and it was just getting too big. That had to be the cause of it. Now only if he could do something about that, his problems would be solved, and he could go back to living there. Or...not. It still held painful memories.

Achillies might have scared any ordinary person, with his demeanor, but Seiko was far from ordinary. This trumped up excuse for a pokemon seemed to think himself rather terrifying. He was, in fact, rather scary, but Seiko had a different perspective on things than most people. While others would have been concerned, Seiko just didn't care. He wasn't a truely dangerous threat to him. Somewhere between the brutal beatings recieved by kidnappers, and the death by knifing of his father, he'd lost fear of intimidation. Staring death in the face led one to stop caring about threats. He just looked at Achillies, raising an eyebrow but otherwise, not saying anything.

At his next comment, at what in the world was he doing, Seiko pondered it for a moment, then shrugged, and said "Either swimming, considering your lovely comparisons of me to a duck, or standing here. Either one seems right." He shrugged his shoulders, letting them fall as he met his gaze squarely. He was in no mood to deal with thing trumped up kangaroo. He was muddy, and really right now wanted to walk into the barn and ask for a wash, and then the room to change. His muddy cloths needed washing too, but he wouldn't impose that much. Just would rather get out of his muddy stuff, and hopefully wash himself off. Wasn't a very good watering hole around here. In response to his last question, Seiko shrugged, and added "Why not here?"

Alexandria heard the voluminous yell that the food was finally prepared, and then Achillies, seeming to have enough of the entire thing, stalked off but not before saying yo to her. Well, he really needed a course in manners, fist to face style, but she was not going to be the one to do it. Yet. Maybe when she was a blaziken, and they met again, she'd show him the what for. No one disrespected Seiko. Sure, he'd handled it well, enough, but she'd rather send the message across with a astute kick to the head. For some reason, people remembered those kinds of messages better. Amazing how that worked.

Anthony saw the bowl of soup being shoved to him, and he smiled, attacking the food with gusto, while managing to make sure he was quiet, and only getting half the food on his face. Alexandria wasn't here to make sure he was eating properly, so why not indulge and have fun with it? He was soon finished, as even though it was hot, he was a growlithe, and licked his lips, saying "Thanks. Delicious." Inhaling his food was a trait the Growlithe was used to, and despite Alexandria's stern attempts to stop it, it had perservered. He had to be ready for his thievery, and eating quick was good.

Seiko was torn as she asked if he wanted to come in, and it showed. He had to change, and wash up, otherwise he'd not only ruin more clothing, but be amazingly dirty. Still, she would hate to have him in, he knew, and gosh. It was hard to chose, but he realized that it would only take a few moments, and that she'd likely not mind if he was quick and didn't intrude. Sure, that was probably wishful thinking with him, but he had to try anyway. "Well, I wouldn't....mind coming in...just to wash up and...change. If thats okay?" he added quickly, wanting to give her a chance to refuse.