Enjoying the City

Hayden and Charmander were adventuring and traveling the world, (something they've wanted to do since they're friendship began) when they came across a beautiful city with lights and hoardes of tourists. It was night time and the city's tall buildings and breathtaking lights lit up the sky, accompanied by the moons shine and the stars twinkling above. They had just entered Vellum City, Charmander calmly holding onto Haydens shoulder. They walked around aimlessly for almost an hour, admiring every little thing of the large city. They saw an admirable lake and stunning skyscrapers, before stopping to rest. Hayden jumped off his skate board and sat down, leaning against a wall and watching as all the different people walking in and out of buildings, shops, and around the docks. They saw a number of boats with people boarding and getting off frequently. He wondered where they went, but didnt give it much thought. What do you want to do Charmander? Asked Hayden, with a bored expression on his face. Char Char Charmander. Replied Charmander, with the same bored expression. They sat around for a while, waiting for anything they could do to come along. Hayden took out his i-Pod and set the large headphones around his head and ears. Charmander hopped off Haydens shoulder and sat on his lap, curling himself up into a ball (much like a dog or cat) and started watching as all the people passed by with their Pokemon.

Vellum City, so far from home. Most people didnt leave Empyrean. They were born in the sky and they said they would remain in Sky, forever. Those who did leave Empyrean, however, often made it big in the ground world. People who lived at higher altitudes were often more physically fit, training up there past the clouds. And even though Leo preffered it up in his skyward abode, he often ventured to the surface world weekly, if not several times a week. Today he had come to Vellum to challenge a trainer. Any trainer would do, he just needed to gauge the general skill of the people. Something he did for his double life as a Vector Admin. The bay was a unrestful as ever. People passed to and fro; entering Vellum from the Seafoam Isles or some far away land. Or exiting towards Seafoam or the Moonlit Harbor. So, as you would imagine, this was the perfect place of eager trainers to hang around. Something about the atmosphere Leo would say. He approached a sitting trainer and his Charmander. They seemed happy, they seemed like friends. And most importantly they seemed determined. He wondered what their dreams were, their aspirations, and if they would ever see then. If they would ever grasp them in their hands. He stopped directly behind them and waited for them to notice him.

They sat for only a short while longer before they noticed that there was a man standing directly behind them. Charmander looked at him, as if challenging him in a way, as Charmander usually did to strangers. Hayden was a bit shocked as to why the man was standing over them, but Hayden was fairly friendly and enjoyed making friends with newcomers. Hayden stood up and started to speak. "Hello, do you need something?" He said it nicely, hoping for a friendly response in return. Charmander stood next to Haydens leg, still staring at the man, and beginning to grow angry as to why the man was standing next to Hayden. Charmander is extremely over-protective and any little thing makes him jealous and suspicious that the people around Hayden and himself are threatening. Hayden waited for a response, while analyzing the man up and down, for any clues as to why the man wanted to speak to him.

Leo hid back a smirk when the boy rose to a standing. His Charmander was as brave as Leo had expected him to be. A Champions status was all based on his relationship with his Pokemon. How he treated it, how he guarded it, how kind he was to it, all those things made a good Trainer. These were the basics that Leo looked for in a trainer. If he ran into someone who, he believed, lacked resolve he would simply walk away. Trainers such as them would never pose a threat to Vector. They were trash, the bottom of the barrel trash. Not even worth destroying. But when he ran into someone like this boy, he saw something that he took great interest in, potential. He both feared it and loved it, treasured it and hated it, wanted it and denied it. Seeing all the potential in the world gave him hope. Not only that he could continue to get stronger, or that people were steadily growing and getting stronger, but because he saw great worth in potential. He knew well enough that Vector had a good motive and that their cause was true. But trying to force ones will on others was never done without consequence. If its what the world wanted, then it would be done. But if it wasnt, if their dream was not the dream of all the others, the potential of the world would stop them. The world cannot change on one mans whim.

Leo let go a heard felt smile at the man, greeting him with a nod. It was nice to connect to others. Through a common purpose, a common love and passion. Thats what it meant for others to understand each other. Just by looking a man in the eyes, a man youve never met before, and to understand what drove him and what made his eyes light with such fire. That was how individuals began to understand each other want peace with one another, thats what made people empathize and do great things. But nothing lasts forever and everything thats made is made to be broken. And the kindness of the people was forgotten and people became poor and bitter once more. Leo's mind went off on a tangent for several moments before he snapped back into reality. Any trainer can train pokemon. But only those who understood pokemon, who felt their pain, and who trained themselves to be better and stronger people could become Champions. Without a moments notice Leo swung his arm at the kids head. Would he be hit? Or would he protect himself?

Hayden saw that the man was in great thought, thinking about important things, things Hayden was not sure of. Hayden saw a big friendly smile come upon the strangers face, so Hayden smiled back, unaware of what was about to happen. In less than seconds time the man had swung at Haydens head, but what this man was unaware of was that Hayden had been trained in the art of boxing for six years and had won several competitions and awards for excelling in the sport. Hayden moved his head back quickly, but still in the mans reach, so he put up both his arms and hands, covering his face and head. The strike had his Haydens arm, but Hayden had suffered much worse blows, hes fought with grown men in the street before. He had plenty of experience in street fights and wasnt about to lose one now, even if he was only 15. He immediately countered with a left jab, right straight punch, and a left hook, all in this order. When what happened had registered into Charmanders brain, he swiftly lunged at the mans neck, aiming to tear him to shreds. Charmander was angrier than he'd ever been, nobody would dare challenge Hayden in Charmanders presence.

The boy reacted very quickly. He immediately blocked Leo's first hit, to which Leo shot him a nice smirk. It was good to see that people trained themselves as well. Those who stood behind their Pokemon, using them as shields, were cowards. A Champion, a TRUE Champion, fought alongside his companions. Strong body, sound body. With a strong and sound mind. Leo required very little effort to dodge each hit, amateur punches thrown without any real intent. That either meant the boy was only attacking because he wanted to drive Leo back, and actually hurt him. Or he needed to get more space to analyze the situation. Their bond proved to be even greater when the boys companion came to his side. Completely unconcerned about its own well-being. Caring for something more then you care for yourself he quickly drew his Pokeball from his belt and opened it in the direction of the Charmander, matching its trajectory. When the ball cracked open and light shot from within, the silhouette of a Bagon became more and more intense. The form quickly came together and stood between HIS companion and the hostile coming his way.

When Hayden saw how easily his punches were avoided, he took the defensive. He backed up a few steps, thinking about what his next would be. He saw the smirk on his face, and was a bit annoyed by it, but didnt let the man know it. He then saw the man take out a pokeball and call out his Bagon. The Bagon appeared right in front of Charmander. Hayden yelled out to Charmander. Dont get too close to it Charmander! Charmander jumped out of the way of the Bagon that was summoned directly in front of him. Now use Rock Slide! Charmander did as he was told and hurled huge boulders right at the Bagon. Now that they were battling, he remembered he was still in a fistfight. Hayden stood in his fighting position and slowly edged his way closer to the man, keeping his fists up and his guard up, protecting his face. Hayden, with hate and determination in his eyes, waited for the man to strike. Hayden spoke to the man, calmly. Come at me, if you think you can take me on. Hayden said it so calmly, you wouldnt know how much anger he was feeling at the moment.

His opponent back up and put space between then, just as Leo figured. Well it was one of three random scenarios he considered, so its not like he's psychic or anything....or is he? He didnt move or advance to take the enemy. He stopped where he was, placed one hand in his pocket, and pulled a pack of cigarettes from his other. Battle was an art form. It was something to be enjoyed, something to be awe-inspiring and world changing. Heroes and Villains were determined by battles, the fate of nations and, in the grand scope of things, potential galaxies. He placed on cigarette into his mouth, the entire length still halfway in the box. He pulled his head upright, ripping it from its secure location, taking it from the box. And within a few seconds he flicked the bottom of the box and caused on more to jet out partially. He held it up for the other man to see he offering one. All the while his Bagon jumped too and fro to dodge the onslaught of boulders. Such a cruel thing, dont you think. Having these things fight out battles for us. Humans and Pokemon should fight together, alongside one another. This is what he was taught as a child. Not only did he train himself, his body and mind. Not only did he train his Dratini. But they fought together, 2 heads are better then one. Leo was surprised to see how many pokemon trainers lacked any actually battle skills.

Bagon... he said quickly before shoving a lighter up to his cigarette. The day was calm and the wind came in soft like silk. He could keep his lighter lit without covering it with his hand. The face ignited with a utmost ease, coming to life with a red burst. Smoke trailed upwards toward the sky, then disappointing into thousands of smaller particles. Egdeelbuod Bagon lowered its head and charged at his enemy, hell bent on striking him with intense force and vigor. Its skull shined with an unnatural sheen, like a mirror being struck by the rays from the sun.

Hayden saw the man stay in place and pull out a cigarette from the box, and put it in his lips. He offered Hayden a cigarette, Hayden merely ignored his offering and stayed in his fighting form. Stop fooling around. Said Hayden quietly. He lit the cigarette, when Hayden turned to the side and watched as the Bagon avoided all of the boulders. Through all this time Hayden could see the man was greatly complex man. He always seemed to be in thought, thinking about everything around them, and analyzing every situation to its fullest. Hayden could tell that this man enjoyed fighting side by side with his pokemon, which is something that Hayden agreed with, but wasnt sure if everyone would agree with those rules.

Not everybody enjoyed a fistfight much like Hayden and this strange challenger. He watched as the man talked to his Bagon and told him to use some move he was completely unaware of that even existed. But before he could blink the Bagon was charging the Charmander, and he didnt have much time to avoid it. Charmander dodge it, then use. He called out an order to Charmander, and sure enough Charmander jumped in the air, allowing the Bagon to pass under him, and landed on the other side of him. Shortly before landing, he had started to use Flamethrower.

Huge amounts of blistering hot flames spewed from Charmanders mouth, aimed directly at Bagon. Charmander was extremely intense in his attitude and in his want to attack the Bagon. Charmanders face intensified as the flames shot out of his mouth and as he strived his hardest to protect Hayden. Hayden still waited for the man to attack. He was going to be smart, and going to wait it out because if he went crazy and tried to hurt this guy, he could easily lose the fight.

Leo made no inclination to the man's rejection of his offer. Whether he accepted the cigarette or not didnt really matter, Leo simply thought it to be a kind gesture. He slid it back into the casing and placed the pack into his pocket. From his peripherals he noticed that his Bagon's attack missed and it missed miserably, driving the animal head first into the floor. The Charmander then took advantage of this and attacked the Bagon while his head was buried into the floor. That didnt seem like it would be much of an issue. Bagon ripped his head from the floor and managed to roll away from the flamethrower, the scorching flames barely missing him. He needed to work more with Bagon. He was sure this battle would be easier with his Dragonair or something. It was his fault, though. It was Bagon's fault that Leo didnt use him very much. He decided not to give Bagon any orders this time, but allow the pokemon to do as he wished. He slowly unbuttoned his jacket. Eyes on me... he pointed his index and middle finger towards his eyes. If you take your eyes off your opponent, then he will strike you when you are blind. Use your peripherals he then pointed towards the corner of his eye You can see just fine with them, and you dont need to look away when you're in as much danger as your comrade the jacket finally slid down his arms and into his hands. Well, not a jacket. A suit. And without giving any kind of warning, Leo tossed the jacket at the man. He then went to serve a very powerful straight kick towards the man's chest, using the jacket as cover.

The man put the cigarette back into the casing, understanding that Hayden wasnt interested. Bagon jumped out of where he had landed on the floor, and managed to slyly dodge Charmanders flamethrower attack, which surprised Hayden a bit, he thought he had him for sure that time. He listened to what was being said to him, telling him to keep his eyes on him. Through all this, Hayden was figuring out his battle strategy, for the Pokemon and the street fight.

Charmander use Brick Break. Said Hayden calmy. Charmander charged the Bagon, keeping his defense up, and aiming for a good hit. One thing led to another, and before he realized it he had a jacket thrown straight into his face. He managed to knock the jacket out of the way as it hit him. He had experience things like that before, articles of clothing or items as distractions.

When the jacket was out of the way, the man had thrown a kick towards Haydens chest. Hayden put both arms out in front of him, allowing the man to land part of the kick, but now holding on to his leg. Hayden felt the impact of the kick, slightly knocking the air out of his chest and pushing him back a bit.

Hayden swung his elbow into the mans knee, hoping to greatly injure it, a well executed strike like that could easily break a leg, but thats not what Hayden was aiming for. Hayden wanted a fair fight, even if it was a streetn fight. After that, he aimed a decent blow to the stomach with his left, right, then left arm.

His enemy took a good hold of his leg, grabbing it tightly so he could deliver his own strike. His elbow closed in on Leo's knee, but the man could not break free. The elbow sunk into his knee and caused Leo to grimace, pain shot along his leg and tried to wash away his cool distinction. He stopped doubt and anger from overtaking him, broke the hold, and planted his foot on the floor. Would it be wise to keep fighting? He was already at a disadvantage, due to his leg, and his opponent was more then skilled enough to take him on. His Bagon continued to fight, using the same attack her had used before on his coming enemy. From the looks of it it would be Brick Break vs. Double-Edge, both of them smashing right into one another. Lucky for Bagon, and Leo, Bagon had a heard head. That was one of the only reasons Leo taught him Double-Edge, so the knockback wouldnt effect him. He switched his stances so he could fight using his other leg dominantly. It was strange. He had yet to learn how to fight with both sides evenly, but favored one or the other. You're really good... he pointed his finger at Hayden, smacking away the ash from the tip of the cigarette, the smoke trailing off towards the sky. [color=green]Better than I expected. So it appears I owe you an apology for underestimating you./[color]

Hayden heard the crack the mans leg made when Haydens elbow struck it with such force. Hayden enjoyed a fight but never liked it when it went too far, he never cared about beating the piss out of somebody that seemed to deserve it but never took advantage. He realized he was at an advantage at this point in the battle.

The man complimented him on his fighting strategy, which at that point Hayden responded with Thanks Said Hayden, getting a small grin on his face. Right after the hit on his opponents leg, it seemed that Charmanders Brick Break would meet with Bagons Double Edge, and this is when Hayden started to worry a bit (for the first time).

Both attacks hit at the same time, causing somewhat of an explosion between both attacks. Bagons solid head didnt feel the attack as much as Hayden was hoping for, but Charmander took the first real damage of the battle. He was sent flying back in a flurry of smoke, he landed a few feet back. But he was determined to win this battle.

He stood up slowly, feeling the pain surge through his body, but not giving up. Charmanders eyes lit up when he made Hayden proud and he certainly wasnt planning on letting Hayden down now.

He stood straight up, showing he wasnt defeated yet. Hayden remained in his stance, looking back and forth from his injured Pokemon and his injured opponent, with concern and worry inhis eyes for his Pokemon.

Leo gave Hayden a nod as he thanked him. It was good that the child had some manners. He didnt like rude people, he always hurt rude people. That was one of the last things this world needed, people to be rude to one another. Leo walked, or rather limped, his way over to his Bagon, who had suffered severe trauma in the wake of the clash. Maybe going head to head with a Fighting type move, while using a Normal type, wasnt very smart. Bagon's eyes swirled around his head, his consciousness had been taken from him by the impact. Leo too a drag, closed his eyes, and blew out the smoke. He picked Bagon up and help him in his hand. Like he were fisting a basketball. It would appear that ive lost. Both with my Pokemon and myself he could feel the deep throbbing in his leg. Waves of pain washed over him. I wonder... he turned his gaze to the sky above. He considered it long and hard, but soon decided that he didnt really care. The child won fair and square. He reached into his pocket, pulled out his Gymbadge, and tossed it to the youth. Your first badge, right? Wear it well, you earned it. he placed Bagon back into his Pokeball.

The man nodded back in response to Haydens previous "thank you". The man gradually limped his was to his Pokemon, who had taken more damage than previously thought. The fighting type move had actually damaged the Pokemon a great deal and knocked him out cold, which surprised him a bit. He had always thought of Charmander as rather powerful for his size, but never expected such strength to show from the tiny fire type lizard Pokemon.

Still the man smoked his cigarette, which Hayden never took a liking to, and picked up his fainted Pokemon in his hands. Hayden, at first, was feeling a great deal of anger and hatred for the strange man that had swung at him for no apparent reason, but Hayden had a heart like no other and began to feel sympathy for the man who seemed to be in terrible condition and for his Pokemon who was injured as bad as it was. "It would appear that i've lost, both with my pokemon and with myself" Said the man. Hayden could clearly see the mans wound was hurting, and that maybe he took it too far in that street fight.

Hayden had no idea what this mans intentions were, so what he did was what anybody would have done, protect himself and more importantly, his Pokemon, who he cared a great amount for. Hayden cared more about his Pokemon than his own well being, and it drove him crazy to see his Pokemon being injured or taken advantage of. The man looked up to the sky, and seemed to be in a state of great thought, and after a short while, he reached into his pocket and grabbed something that was the least expected, at least for Hayden.

He grabbed a shiny gym badge, one that Hayden was searching for. Haydens dream was to defeat all 8 gym leaders and the elite four, and hopefully one day defeat the champion. Haydens eyes lit up bright. The man asked if it was his first before tossing it in Haydens direction. Hayden caught it joyously, admiring it for a few seconds before thanking the man, even after all that happened. Thank you very much. This means a great deal to me. Said Hayden, trying to keep it cool but bursting with joy. I hope we meet again one day, when we are both much stronger and can have another battle. Said Hayden. Hayden walked over to Charmander, picking him up and putting him on his shoulder, and smiling at him. You did a great job Charmander. Charmander was too tired from the battle for too much excitment so he merely said Charmander Char.