Aozora no Namida: Part One

[xxZERO_Gravity]

[/i] family. Of course, it was the Long family in his case but, either way, he followed the traditions that the Lung set forth and thus -- he was up at the crack of dawn to begin his coming-of-age journey --

-- Now, while a coming-of-age ceremony was something that came only once in a life-time, it did not mean that the entire day would be devoted to it. No, in fact, the moment that he slipped out of bed this morning it felt like any other day -- and, like any other day, he rose out of bed and headed out to the back of the house. He was assaulted with the smell of the sea and of the salt, and he had to squint his eyes against the bright glare of the sun on the water -- and, after staring out across the water for a moment, he headed down the path and to the small patch of land that his father nursed as farm land.

He filled the bucket, and he watered it instead of bothering to wake up his parents' Pokemon -- besides, only lazy boys would depend upon a Pokemon to do a job that was easy enough for a human. Besides, he'd have a whole year of depending on a Pokemon ahead of him, right now -- it would feel nice to work by himself at something.

So, he watered the crops -- trying to coax the last of the summer squash to blossom and to thrive with the water he poured down upon it -- and then he turned to trot back up home where he was just in time for breakfast. Breakfast was a quick affair, the birthday wishes and all that had been over and done with awhile ago, so there was no reason to pay too much attention to him now.

With something warm in his stomach he turned and headed upstairs -- to wash, to change, to grab the pack he had set up just for his task and, without waiting for a good-bye from his mother (She was planning on seeing him off after the 'ceremony') -- he set the pack down at the front door and headed on out.

The sun again assaulted him, as did the sea breeze and the sound of the crashing waves -- but it was a comfort, a familiarity that he would be leaving behind in just a matter of hours.

No matter.

He trotted down the path, then, his house being one of the few that made up the village -- further up north and towards the area where the freshwater melt with salt but, either way -- he slipped on out and over towards the center of town. No one would be up right now, no one except for the fishermen that had been out since dawn (His father being one of them), but even then, almost all the boats in the dock were gone and out in the open water.

So, he trotted along -- past the dock, past the waves, past the small beach and down the stone road and to the center of the small town.

Now, up in the distance there loomed the impressive lab -- and, yes, h was aware that he would be heading for that building in a few moments but... There was unfinished business he had to do before he could possibly humor the idea of leaving the small town behind. So, he trotted up and around the center of town -- heading directly for a quaint little cottage that almost all the children (Of course, he wasn't a child but --) knew of.

He had been here many, many times before and -- it was that in mind -- that he stopped right at the front step and, checking to make sure that old Abigale wasn't prowling about -- he knocked on the door and spoke up in his most polite tone,

"Mr. Miller? Mrs. Miller? It's me, Shen Long, do you need any help this morning...?"

He squinted against the sun that continued to stubbornly shine down upon the ground -- but, he continued to stare at the door and -- whether he was turned away or not, he waited patiently for some answer. After all, who knew if he could do something like this ever again?

<< xD; Apologies, I mentioned that Long lived here so... >>
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[Ayra Calaenlen]

OoC:
Lol, no prob^^

BiC:
"Mreow," a small meow came from just inside the house and a Meowth pressed her way through the small cat flap that connected the inside of the cottage to the outside world. The gold coin that was situated on her forehead flashed in the bright sunlight, showing that she did well to keep it as clean as possible. After all, that coin was one of her most valuable and precious of posessions, that /was/ why she wore it like a sort of crown.

She looked up at Shen curiously, then slipped by him and disappeared into the denseness of Mr. Miller's vegetable garden. A loud squeak and a streak of purple showed that she had indeed found a Rattata scampering about within its depths, ruining the tomatoes and peppers that the Meowth's owners worked so hard to keep beautiful and healthy.

Looking rather smug, the Meowth hopped lightly up onto a small bin and then onto the roof of the house, where she sat licking her paws and then cleaning her face in the normal, cat-like way. Though her jobs around here were rather easy, it was second nature to a cat to wash whenever they could was it not?

The doorknob of the deep green, wooden door finally rattled as it turned, and then it opened to reveal a cheery looking, though balding, old man. He smiled broadly as he noticed the visitor. "Well! 'Ello there Shen, good to see yeh before yeh leave lad!" Mr. Miller had lived in the village long enough to know about the traditions Shen's familiy held, when it came to leaving on their Pokemon journeys anyway. "And, as a matter of fact there is something you can help me with if you're up to it..." He scratched the back of his head and looked over his shoulder. "I think the missus is busy cooking, but I'm pretty sure she'll be out in a little bit, it's almost time for Abigale's breakfast, and that woman hasn't been late with it once yet!" he grinned and looked back to the teen in front of him. "Well now, if you'll just follow me..."

He stepped past Shen and made his way towards the backyard of the cottage, which, like the house itself was rather small. However, it seemed like the Millers had been busy over the last few weeks because a simple tool shed now stood there, complete with openings in which windows would be placed eventually. However, it was quite noticable that the actual shed wasn't quite finished yet, seeing there were buckets of red paint sitting nearby.

"If yeh don't mind, could yeh help me paint a bit? I'm afraid I'm not quite as young as I used to be!" he laughed heartily, folding his arms across his chest as he closed his eyes. "I don't know if it would be right making you work though, it is your special day and all, but, at least this way it will give the missus enough time to get out here and say good-bye. She has always thought of you like a son you know, course, she seems to think all the village kids are distant relatives or something!"

"Mreow..." Abigal seemed to shake her head slightly. She was rather used to the old man's cheerful disposition by now, she had lived with him for who knows how many years, but she did have to admit, he acted far younger than he should have at his age. However, seeing she wasn't involved, she went right back to licking her paw.

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[xxZERO_Gravity]

[/i] hear the squeak and didn't have to think twice about what had happened.

Abigail had done her job and was padding right back towards the house where she promptly settled herself down (Or, in her case, up on the roof) to do one of the main points of a cat's daily routine. She washed her face -- with much the same dedication and determination of someone who was really hard at work.

He couldn't help but smile slightly as he continued to squint against the glare -- this was nice, but he had to savor the moment while it lasted. After all, he'd be gone for a year -- who knew what could possibly happen while he was gone? His smile turned wry as the young man meditated on this, absently turning, now, to watch old Abigail finish up her washing. The cynic reminded him that Abigail and the Millers were getting on in years, what if by the time he came back they weren't --

"Well! 'Ello there Shen, good to see yeh before yeh leave lad!"[/i]

Ah, what good timing, Mr. Miller. Shen sent the elder man his usual smile -- normally, he would have found offense if a person used his first name so lightly. But, the Millers were a special case -- which was why, despite all the babbling, Long did not have any sarcastic comment floating about in his head as Mr. Miller talked on and on...

Eventually, he led him to the back -- Long following after the elder man dutifully. He then noticed the newly erected shed and, smiling still he spoke up absently, "Ah, so you finally did it..."

But -- that was cut off the moment that his eyes fell upon the paint and, before Mr. Miller said anything he had an idea of what he had to do. Ah, painting wasn't too hard -- it was relaxing, even -- and so, once he was given the command, he moved over to do his task but --

"I don't know if it would be right making you work though, it is your special day and all, but, at least this way it will give the missus enough time to get out here and say good-bye. She has always thought of you like a son you know, course, she seems to think all the village kids are distant relatives or something!"[/i]

-- ... Well, that was touching. Long did not have a good answer for that comment yet, and so -- he could only nod and smile over his shoulder at the elder man, squinting still as he did so.

"... I'm flattered, then, and I will do my best to work quickly but not too quickly so I can say goodbye to Mrs. Miller as well," Long replied promptly and, with that, he set to work on painting the shed. It wasn't too hard -- he had painted many sheds in his lifetime and he had even helped Mr. Miller paint a few other parts of his cottage when he was young. So, really, it was easy for him to pick up the brush -- set it in his hand just so, and then he swiped the bristles gently, up and down along the side of the shed.

Now, usually when Long was sent to work -- he wasn't one to idle about and chatter on, no, he was always focused on whatever task he had ahead of him and he worked dilligently at it. However, as the brush passed up and down -- up and down -- it was perhaps a wave of nostalgia that raised and crashed down -- so much so that it began to spark something in his mind.

And thus, rather abruptly, he spoke up -- tone almost wistful, too, as he murmured to the older man.

"... I wish I had time to catch one last fish for you, Mr. Miller."

And, with that, he went back to work. Now, the Millers knew the Longs (Lungs in the main family's case) very well -- and thus they should have been more than aware of the family's history as fishermen. Not only that but they were generous with their catches, and almost every day, Long would have been sent with some of his father's catch to the neighbors including the Millers -- and it was only recently that Shen had gone fishing especially for his neighbors and what few friends he had.

And, since it had been almost like a chore to Long -- it wasn't until now that he realized that he wouldn't be able to fish for Mr. Miller and Mrs. Miller and Abigail again.

Now, it wasn't because he was going on a journey but --

"Of course, I can't do that," Long continued -- shifting over to the right to continue his paint job. "Family tradition, you know, I gave my fishing rod away -- you might see it turn up in the next garage sale if you're lucky."

Long laughed at this, then, before he resumed painting -- that the only piece of light conversation he had at the moment.
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[Ayra Calaenlen]

"... I wish I had time to catch one last fish for you, Mr. Miller."

"Of course, I can't do that. Family tradition, you know, I gave my fishing rod away -- you might see it turn up in the next garage sale if you're lucky."

Mr. Miller had to smile slightly at that comment as he picked up a brush of his own and began working on the other side of the shed. "Ah, yes, Abby's gonna miss you coming around," he laughed slightly. "You know how cats are, Abigale just can't get enough fish. I actually caught her trying to catch her own one or two times really, but she settles for Rattatas now if she needs a snack. They're a bit easier to catch for her. Though, she definately doesn't show it she is getting on in her years, the missus recieved her from the old professor, before Morwen, when she was ten I believe." He smiled fondly up at the cat, who was still perched on the roof. "Never found a better ratter, that's fer sure."

He turned back to focus on painting again. His balding head was already shining with beads of sweat. He was getting on in years himself, though he didn't like to think so. That was why he appreciated any help Shen and the other village kids could give him. He grinned slightly. "I remember when Morwen's boy Jenner used to come around, he definately had a way with cats that one... I think he ended up getting a shiny Firecub--"

He was interrupted by a loud hiss that came from the rooftop. Abigale's fur was standing on end and her fangs were bared, her tail twitching in obvious irritation. Her claws were even unsheathed, as if she was ready for a battle in a gym of somesort. She hissed again, yowling loudly, though she didn't budge.

Mr. Miller frowned slightly as he returned his gaze to the Meowth. "What's up Abby?" he called. "I've never seen ya act like that..." his friendly gaze shifted to the location the Meowth seemed to be hissing at, and he his cheery disposition immediately changed to one of a troubled old man.

A Murkrow was strutting proudly near the Millers' vegetable garden, cawing loudly and fluttering its wings. Its red eyes flashed like blood rubies and it seemed to be pecking at one of the tomatoes that Mr. Miller worked so hard to grow.

"Abby! Chase it out a here! Now Abby! It's a bad omen to see a Murkrow in Seaside!" Mr. Miller suddenly barked, getting to his feet and looking around for something to throw at the bird. "They haven't been seen here in over fifty years... Abigale quite hissing and start chasing it you lazy cat!"

The Meowth seemed to take some offense in what Mr. Miller just said about her, but at least it was enough to knock some sense back into her mind. She stopped hissing anyway and jumped to the ground, charging at the Murkrow with a loud yowl. "Mreow!"

"Krow krow!" the Murkrow screeched and immediately took off into the air, trying to get away from the Meowth, but found itself suddenly pinned beneath Abigale's larger, and of course, heavier body. It squirmed and cawed, trying to get loose as the cat quickly got a hold of the feathers on its neck and began to drag it out of the garden. Even she had enough sense not to eat something that was considered a bad omen, or kill it for that matter, she was merely going to get it out of the area, maybe drop it off on route one or something.

However, the commotion that cat and bird had caused brought an elderly lady rushing out of the house, looking rather startled. "Abby! What are you doing?" she exclaimed, her greying, curled hair bouncing as she stopped right outside the door.

"Merow..." the Meowth replied simply, before bounding away with the Murkrow still squawking and squirming in her mouth. She grimaced slightly, wanting nothing more than to spit the dark crow out and return to her perch on the roof, maybe her food bowl would be filled by the time she got back.

"Good ridance..." Mr. Miller sighed in relief, shaking his head. "We don't need any disasters like last time..." The troubled look in his eyes seemed to subside, and he turned a cheery smile towards Shen. "Sorry 'bout that son! I know I probably seemed like a crazy old geezer!" He laughed heartily.

Mrs. Miller looked rather confused on the subject of who exactly her husband was talking to, though then she noticed Shen and let out a happy little squeak. "Oh! Shen honey I didn't know you were here! Oh, please so forgive me, I'll go grab a few cookies out of the house, I just made a couple dozen!" she vanished into the house again, seeming to forget about the whole incident with the Murkrow already.

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[xxZERO_Gravity]

[/i] listening to the elderly man discuss such things. Although, he had heard this once or twice or more -- how Abigail failed as a cat to be able to catch a fish and thus settled on the rats that skulked about the area.

He did seem to chuckle, though, and he glanced right back up at the cat perched atop the roof now. It was hard to believe that the Pokemon was that old -- but, there were many unbelievable things in the world -- so, perhaps a Pokemon that was living for so long was not as farfetched as --

'-- As *Dah Geh being the one who sent me that letter.'

He didn't break in his work as the thought passed in his mind -- it was simply a passing thing like a daydream or something or other. Ah yes, for some reason The Letter was brought up again, and although he had told himself it was ridiculous -- his subconcious had clung to the idea that perhaps the letter was from his missing siblings. Yan Long had a fondness for riddles and the obscure -- and Chayenne Long had such neat handwriting, the letter that he recieved anonymously on his birthday was a combination of those two particular people but...

'It's too late for them to be wishing me a "Happy Birthday".' His mind bitterly reminded him and, behind his idle smile, he seemed to twitch. If The Letter was really from his siblings, they would have contacted him personally, wouldn't they?

'But people change.'

Ah yes, that was a factor he forgot to consider -- which, however, seemed to strengthen the chances that this mysterious letter came from his siblings. If people change -- perhaps the Yan and Chayenne Long that sent him this letter were in essence Yan and Chayenne but -- in a sense -- were not them because they had changed so much on their "journey", or better yet, their "exile" from the Seaside Village.

And, as Shen Long stroked his brush gently up and down -- up an down -- his mind was clouded and muddled with these thoughts. He forgot that he was helping Mr. Miller, he forgot that today was the day of his journey, he forgot that a Seaward was waiting for him at the lab --

-- And all he could remember was that his brother and sister were absent for his sixteenth year.

Abigail's growl, however, brought the young man back to earth and he glanced up at the feline. She looked frightened, yes, back arched and ready to strike -- claws unsheatehd and eyes wide --

And Mr. Miller, too, echoed her response --

"Abby! Chase it out a here! Now Abby! It's a bad omen to see a Murkrow in Seaside!"[/i]

Shen Long turned around as well, straining to squint and see the Murkrow. He had seen trained Murkrow on the television once or twice, but a wild one -- here at Seaside. Mr. Miller was not kidding when he said they were bad omens -- his father had despaired at one point when a flock of them sat on th family's house. That following season, they didn't catch any fish and would have fallen into debt if it wasn't for his mother's father who reluctantly stepped in.

He had remembered standing there with Yan and Chayenne and how the Murkrows seemed to be staring at them, or - in his case - him, the "unlucky" child....

But, back to the present, he watched -- transfixed -- as the Murkrow strutted about Mr. Miller's tomato garden, looking quite proud and full of itself... Only to be chased off and pounced on by good old Abigail who pressed the smaller Pokemon down into the dirt...

And then - out of the house darted kindly, old Mrs. Miller herself. Shen glanced over at hwith a broad smile -- he liked her as much as he liked Mr. Miller -- she was just like his mother in many ways but had a sort of wisdom about her. That and, she was almost always stocked with cookies -- there were many childhood pilgrimages to the Miller's house just for said cookies so, she was a comfort. Of course, she didn't seem to pay him any mind -- and that was fine --

"Hello Mrs. Miller," he spoke up cheerfully, although her gaze was directed upon Abigail and.

Once the commotion was all over, however, Shen Long turned away from it and instead over to the wall that he was painting ever so dilligently -- listening to Mr. Miller as he did so...

"Good ridance..." -- There was a sigh of relief -- "We don't need any disasters like [/i]last time..."[/b][/i]

His strokes did not stop, although he twitched again. Last time? He would have furrowed his brows if he wasn't squinting so hard -- was Mr. Miller making a reference to something? --

'-- Maybe there was a Murkrow around when they left.'

-- Those thoughts were pushed down into the realms of his subconcious. He was becoming paranoid, perhaps, what with the way he was able to make relations to his missing siblings. That or, he was reading into things too much -- and he quietly chastised himself for doing that.

'They're all probably fanficul imaginations of the old -- nothing more. It has nothing to do with those two.'

And that thought seemed to settle it all -- which was good, for everyone present.

"Sorry 'bout that son! I know I probably seemed like a crazy old geezer!"[/i]

Shen waved off Mr. Miller's dismissal of his own superstitions -- smiling thoughtfully as he continued to paint, "Don't worry -- my family is superstitious as well. Murkrow are bad omens."

It was then that Mrs. Miller took notice of him, and before he could stop her -- she was gone back inside of the house... Shen paused and stared at the door, and then glanced back at Mr. Miller and then right back at the shed and then...

"Either way -- a Murkrow decided to come while I was here -- it must be an interesting sign, hm?" Shen began with a light laugh --

'Or - it means I'm still bad luck. What a wonderful time for that trait to pop up. What's next -- the lab will be out of Seaward?'

He continued to smile, at least on the outside as he glanced over at Mr. Miller. However, he wouldn't leave until he was dismissed and -- although he told himself he wanted to leave because he wanted to get a move on, he knew he was in a rush to leave lest something bad befall the old couple thanks to his presence. One Murkrow while he was there was bad enough -- what would possibly happen if he tarried any longer?

"... Anyway -- I must get going, I have to pick up my starter Pokemon after all."

<< *Dah Geh = older brother, fear my bootleg Chinese xD >>
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[Ayra Calaenlen]

"Don't worry -- my family is superstitious as well. Murkrow are bad omens."

Mr. Miller sighed at that. It wasn't the superstition of the Murkrow at Seaside, it was the known fact. Really, it was such a long time ago you'd think such a man as Mr. Miller would forget about it, but he just couldn't, he couldn't forget the last instance a Murkrow had been seen in the small oceanside village. He shook his head slightly, as if to clear it. That was all they needed, a repeat of the past.

"Either way -- a Murkrow decided to come while I was here -- it must be an interesting sign, hm?"

"Yes, interesting indeed..." the old man muttered quietly. "But not because you're here, there's an old story, maybe Morwen'll tell you when you get to the lab if you ask..." The way he spoke was so quiet, it was quite obvious he was still slightly troubled. No, not slightly, very... "Most of the younger folk don't believe it... of course, they didn't see it happen...."

"... Anyway -- I must get going, I have to pick up my starter Pokemon after all."

"Hmm?" Mr. Miller seemed to have forgotten Shen was just visiting before he left the village to beging the tradition that not only his family followed, but really, quite a few did. Most just left a bit younger. "Oh, yus yus, 'ere, maybe this'll help you... obviously don't have any need for it at my age, I'm no trainer anymore. Quite fortunate I kept it all these years. It was supposed to be for old Tries, my Lapras, but well, she isn't 'round anymore is she? She was on in years when I caught her, I suppose it could have been expected..."

He suddenly dug into the pocket of his slacks and pulled out what looked like a small blue disc. "It's the TM Brine, I never got around to using it so, I figure, maybe you could put it to some better use than just laying 'round in an old man's pocket." He smiled and held out the TM for Shen to take. "Anyway, ya deserve it for helping me with the shed, looks grand to me!"

Event!
Shen recieved the TM Brine from Mr. Miller!


Abigale was just returning from her run with the Murkrow and promptly returned to her rooftop perch, trying to lick the small spots of blood off her paws. She had accidently bit too hard and had cut the Murkrow's neck as she carried it. It was fine, but, well, now her spotless cream fur had an ugly bloodstain on it.

Mrs. Miller bustled out of the house, carrying a small tin. She beamed happily as she came up to her husband's side and held the tin out. "Here you are dear!" she said cheerfully. "If anyone's ever told you Lava Cookies are only useful to Pokemon they are quite wrong! My old friend in Lavaridge from Hoenn taught me how to make them, they are really quite good, especially with just a dash of cinnamon sugar in them!"

Event!
Shen has recieved six Lava Cookies from Mrs. Miller!


Mrs. Miller was quite obviously a very bubbly and cheery woman, who seemed to have already forgotten about the whole Murkrow incident. Quite unlike her husband, she seemed to be more intune with tending to whoever walked in her door almost instantly, yes, Mr. Miller did help others quite often, but he was nowhere near as bubbly as his wife. He was a bit more thoughtful.

"I do hope you do well," Mrs. Miller continued. "We'll be sure to go an see whatever Pokemon you catch and can't fit on your team at Morwen's lab. We go and visit Jenner's as it is, it'll just be even more pleasent to see more! Right?" She nudged her husband slightly in his ribs, he had seemed to drop into sligtly thought.

"Hmm? Yes, yes, quite right, oh course!" he nodded quickly. "Though, the missus has a habbit of rather pampering Pokemon. If Abby wasn't so aloof she'd be more of a house cat than a ratter!" he laughed heartly. "Don't worry though, Morwen doesn't let any of the Pokemon staying at her lab get out of shape." he grinned.

"We'll both miss you m'boy, as will Abigale though she doesn't show it exactly," Mrs. Miller smiled, spreading her arms slightly. "Do you mind giving this old lady one last good-bye hug?" Her eyes seemed to be slightly watery, though she looked very happy all the same.

OoC:
I feel ashamed of meh short posts xDDD

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[xxZERO_Gravity]

[/i] better -- xD 'Cause, you know, you don't ramble on -- I do xD; *Shot*>>

"Yes, interesting indeed... But not because you're here, there's an old story --"[/i]

Mr. Miller completely missed Shen's pause, which was as close to a sigh of relief as the young man could manage while listening to the elder man. Thank goodness -- it wasn't because of him -- and although he had earlier written off that earlier stroke of completely bad luck as coincidence, a part of him didn't think of it completely as coincidence but -- either way...

" -- Maybe Morwen'll tell you when you get to the lab if you ask... Most of the younger folk don't believe it... of course, they didn't see it happen...."[/i]

Now, here was territory that Shen Long did not want to walk into. His father and his grandfather and his uncles used to tell stories and -- there were many times when their eyes would become misty -- and they would fall into an uncomfortable silence so -- no, Shen Long did not want old Mr. Miller to continue, because he truly did not like it when the elderly and wise grew misty-eyed whenever old tales were brought up.

Yes, he was just like the other 'younger folk' of the town -- in that he didn't want to believe in these things because he was already living a family "curse".

'Breaking away from tradition - look what's happened!'

Happily, before things could go from bad to worse -- Mr. Miller was soon out of his reverie and he was speaking again. Shen Long did not blink but squinted and continued to listen to him as he spoke of his old Lapras -- he remembered that old Pokemon used to cart the children around the shallow water if they asked permission from Mr. Miller nicely. And -- before he knew it -- a TM was shoved into his hands and, blinking, the trainer glanced down at the sea-blue disc --

"It's the TM Brine, I never got around to using it so, I figure, maybe you could put it to some better use than just laying 'round in an old man's pocket."[/i]

Shen Long nodded and -- as per tradition -- he managed to bend his head in a bow and cup his hands out, even though the disc was already in the palms of his hands. It was simply a good gesture to accept things with a deep bow -- or at least, his father taught him that but...

"Anyway, ya deserve it for helping me with the shed, looks grand to me!"[/i]

"The pleasure is all mine," Shen Long responded with a smile before he gripped the disc in his hands and stood back straight. He squinted over at Mr. Miller -- watching the old man for a short time, as if expecting him to say something more when Mrs. Miller arrived back on the scene --

-- And promptly shoved a cookie in his hand where the disc once was. Long did not have the time or oppurtunity to cup out his hands as he did with Mr. Miller, for fear of breaking the cookie, but -- he did bow a few times, just while Mrs. Miller explained the ingredients inside of the cookie which Shen thought was merely Pokemon food...

"... If anyone's ever told you Lava Cookies are only useful to Pokemon they are quite wrong! My old friend in Lavaridge from Hoenn taught me how to make them, they are really quite good, especially with just a dash of cinnamon sugar in them!"[/i]

He smiled at her chatter and -- when given the chance -- he bowed again, and again to show his thanks to the old couple. He was well aware that the sun was getting higher and higher with each delay he took, but, he just had to show his gratitude to them -- and, as he did so, they offered him their best wishes. Shen Long smiled as they both said their piece and, at the very end he chuckled lightly before he did the only thing he could do again -- and that was bow, long and low to the pair. Although, he did begin to chuckle to himself...

It was quite funny, actually, since his parents were not able to see him off, but instead, two elderly neighbors of his had the honor of doing this...

'Must be because they're afraid you'll disappear -- just like --'

His thoughts were sileneced, however, when Mrs. Miller made her last and final request.

"Do you mind giving this old lady one last good-bye hug?"[/i]

"Of course," he breathed, the words falling from his lips even as he moved forward.

Immediately he rushed forward and embraced the old woman in a tight embrace. She smelled of the sea and of the salt air -- this was probably going to be the last hug he'd have from someone familiar -- at least, for awhile. Yes, he was planning on returning, unlike his siblings and -- with that thought in mind -- he lingered for just a moment longer before he parted away from her.

"... Well, then, I best be off to the lab."

And, with that, the "victorious dragon" (That is a rough translation of his name, after all) turned -- to wave to Mr. Miller and to glance back at Abigail -- watching the old cat for just a moment as his mind drifted off.

'Funny, that sour puss is going to miss me too, hm?'

But -- as the sun was high enough already -- he turned and trotted out of the gate and back to his home. He was quick to grab his pack and the supplies he had earlier set out for him and, once he took these, he trotted down again -- but, unlike this morning, he did not waste any time to enjoy the old memories of his home.

He was leaving -- it was best to get it over with and not linger behind.

And, with that in mind, he continued at a rather fast pace -- trotting along and waving to neighbors as more and more people began to emerge as the sun rose higher. And, soon enough, he passed by the Miller's house again, but he did not stop to glance back at it. No -- his gaze was on the lab and only the lab and, once he was there, he stood at the top of the steps and stared over at the door.

And -- promptly -- he knocked on it once, twice -- before he took a step back and waited. After all, he knew what he wanted -- he was sure the Prof. knew what he wanted as well and thus -- he didn't think it would take too long to grab his "destined" starter and begin on his journey...

'A journey to where? Hmm? Chayenne and Yan always said they wanted to go somewhere but...'

He glanced back over his shoulder, then, to stare out at the lands that made up the Seaside Village and at the familiar blue that crashed and roared in the background. Whatever journey he was going on -- he'd always, always end up back here.
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[Ayra Calaenlen]

OoC:
Aww, but rambling's fun xD And I like reading posts that ramble xDDD

BiC:
Soon after Shen had left their cottage, the Millers had returned into the coolness of the house, sitting at the dining room table in the cool air conditioning. It was definately a fairly warm day, but that was to be expected of a village like this, after all, it was right near the sea.

Abigale had slipped in through her cat flap as well, and was now lounging in the living room on one of the several flower patterned couches. She was purring loudly, her head resting on one of the frill rimmed pillows that sat there as decoration, curtesy of Mrs. Miller.

"Is something wrong dear?" Mrs. Miller put the tea she had been sipping down on the table, giving her husband a concerned look. "You look worried... and don't try to hide it, you can't hide those things from me you know..."

Mr. Miller groaned slightly and he suddenly had the look of an aged old man, his eyes which normally sparkled with life and eagerness were now rather dim, as if with age. "That Murkrow... there hasn't been one around here in over fifty years and last time one was spotted, well, 'it' happened... we have the League organized now, sure, but..."

Mrs. Miller looked confused for a moment and then realization spread across her aged features. "Dear, you honestly can't the the embrace of twilight is going to happen again in such a short time. Maybe a few hundred years but not within fifty..."

"That's the point, it shouldn't, it just seems wrong for things to repeat themselves so quickly but a Murkrow was never seen in Seaside until that day fifty years ago, and then within a month or two the embrace happened... a Murkrow was not seen again until now, other than the ones trainers have caught and Morwen keeps at her lab, but no wild ones..."

Mrs. Miller sighed, shaking her head. "You can't be getting worked up over this, you aren't a trainer anymore, you have to accept that. Morwen's the overseer of the Lanorae Pokemon League and the head professor and Pokemon researcher of the Lanorae region. You know how involved she is with everything in the continent, I'm sure she won't let things go to the extent that they did last time. Plus the Pokemon League has finally been made and organized and the current Elite Four are all powerful trainers from Johto. Even if the embrace of twilight does happen again, and that's an if mind you, I'm sure they won't let anything as horrible happen as last time. Plus there's still the gym leaders. You know they have that law now, any gym leader has to have a higher level Pokemon helping them take care of their gym along with their gym team. They're making sure another thing such as last time is going to happen again." She smiled slightly, taking another sip of her tea.

"You worry too much Harold... you know you're too old to get involved in things like this, you just have to accept that it's time for us to settle down. Your whole life has been dedicated to Pokemon training and I've put up with it. We never even raised our own family, to watch our own children set out on their journeys, because we traveled so much. Just relax a bit and live the rest of your life without the stress you seem to bring on yourself."

Mr. Miller actually grinned. "I suppose you're right Bertha, tomorrow I'll pick the last of my tomatos and peppers and then I'll take a break. I suppose it's time I passed on the torch..." he took a sip of his coffee. "Anyway, the way you act towards the village kids I'd say we've seen off at least twenty or thirty of our own... and another one just left about a half hour ago..."

Mrs. Miller giggled slightly. "Yes, well, being around kids makes me feel young again," she smiled. "I just wish Jenner would stay in touch... his mother's worried, you can definately tell. What's it been, three years since he last contacted her?"

"Aye, but no need to worry about Jenner," Mr. Miller said simply. "I'm pretty sure he's fine, he's just rather forgetful you know that. Knowing him he probably dropped his cell phone somewhere and forgot he could just call from a Pokemon Center."

"I suppose you are right... though he was definately one of the most outgoing boys there were... I just hope he didn't get himself into trouble..."

+++++++++++++++++++


The door was opened almost immediately after Shen had stepped away from it. A tall, slim woman peered around the edge of it and smiled slightly, straightening herself up and just pulled the door open wider. A Riolu almost immediately darted out and began to play happily in a patch of sunlight. She was squeaking happily, doing a sort of dance.

The woman merely smiled a bit wider. "I'm afraid I haven't let her outside all day today... I've been busy..." she pushed her bangs back behind her ears and away from her bright, icy blue eyes. Her hair was pulled back in what one could call her 'normal' style. Indeed, she wore a different hair style almost everyday, the one she wore the most often was a type of oriental bun, her hair held back by a clip with the very ends of it sticking up into the air.

"I've been expecting you Mr. Long," she turned her attention back to the young man that had knocked on the door to the lab. Her white lab coat was hanging loosely over her shoulders, not exactly hiding the casual attire she wore beneath it. Though her soft voice was filled with only the upmost politeness, her pale blue tank top and casual blue jeans with the rip in the left knee, and her rather worn white sneakers showed very clearly that she thought nothing of what others thought of her appearance. "I already have a Seaward out for you," she closed her eyes in a cheery way. "And quite hard are they to catch, I let them out into the enclosure out back and of course they headed straight for the enclosed bay."

Quite right, m'lady... a patch of air that seemed to be quite ordinary suddenly solidified to reveal the woman's second and final Pokemon, a Froslass that seemed to be quite able to talk using telepathy. That was quite a skill really, seeing her elements were ghost and ice with no hint of a psychic element. But you know that all Pokemon here have a respect for you as the head professor of the region...

"You flatter me Kiana, but I can assure you the respect they have for me is no greater than the respect they have for their trainers," she waved the Froslass' comment away and then turned back to Shen again. "If you'll just follow me inside Mr. Long, I already brought your Seaward in. I believe the little one was taking a nap when I last left him."

The professor, who could be no one other than Professor Aspen, turned and strode back into the cool air conditioned lobby of her lab, leaving the door open for Shen to follow. The inside was rather typical of a lab, having tiled floors, a computer and desk in one corner, and of course a heavy array of books. However, it appeared that the book shelves seperated the lobby and the main research area, not walls persay. Not only that, but this room looked a bit more 'homey' than like a research center, which was probably helped along by the two couches and coffee table that sat in another corner and the numerous drawings that decorated the walls. They all had a photographic realism to them, but were quite easy to identify as artwork by the signatures that were on all of them, which happened to be of the professor herself.

OoC:
I absolutely <3 Kiana and the way she calls Aspen 'm'lady' xD I love Ria too, meh, I like all Pokemon xDD

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[xxZERO_Gravity]

[/i]D I hope you realize that I feel very honored right now. *POKES THE MILLER DIALOGUE* DO I SMELL... PLOT?!??! -- And yeah, this is random OOC :x I promise to get a reply ASAP but... xU>>
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[Ayra Calaenlen]

OoC:
Yay for random OoC! And yesh, that may very well be the plot *cough* Should be starting any time now... *shifty eyes* Actually I'm already planning the second one so soon, very soon...

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