When Everything Falls(Kero)

[KARP KARP!]

It was a face-off comparable to that of the old west. On one side stood Ty, the young, trying-to-reform thief. On the other, Kel, Ty's father, and leader of a gang of bandits. Both men in a staredown that was seven years in the making...

Ty had been asleep in a clearing, when he and Blazer awoke to a black Taillow trying to snatch Ty's necklace. When Kel ran to meet up with his Taillow, whom promptly perched on his master's shoulder, the two men recognized each other in an instant, in a father-son reunion neither of them wanted.

Kel finally broke the silence. "So, I see yer all grown up. Sorta..." His eyes fell on the bag of fake jewels and the marbles Ty had kept from the day he met Sen. "I also see you're still stealing worthless crap. Disappointing..."

"Screw you...I don't want any part of your life. Ditching me was the best thing you ever did for me." Blazer growled, stepping towards the man.

"Was tired of you slowing me down. I have a gang to run, after all." Chuckling at the Arcanine, he added. "So, you wanna fight? I'll give you one...Goliath!"

Slaking came out with a yawn, not really wanting to battle, but hey, Kel fed him, so...battle it was.

"Hyper beam!"
"ExtremeSpeed!"

Goliath let loose a powerful beam of energy, but Blazer easily dodged, connecting with his own attack. Albeit, it didn't seem to do much.

"Fire Fang!" The fiery fangs bit into the Slaking, who didn't move an inch.

"Giga Impact!" Goliath rushed in at a surprising speed for his species, slamming his entire weight into the Arcanine, sending him flying back.

While the Slaking rested, Blazer slammed into it with another ExtremeSpeed, followed by a Crunch attack.

Kel smirked. Not bad. Not bad at all...

"Earthquake!" The ground shook, sending Blazer through a loop. He collapsed after taking the super-effective attack, but rose to his feet for more.

"Flame Wheel!" It landed, but the Slaking was far more durable than the Arcanine, it seemed.
"Fire Blast!"

"Hyper Beam! Both attacks met in an explosion that shook the otherwise peaceful part of the woods.

When the smoke cleared, Slaking was still standing, but Blazer was out cold. Ty called his best friend back, unable to speak. He'd just gotten the living crap beat out of him, proving his father right...

"You've grown a lot, kid. But you're still not worthy. Keep at it and maybe--"

"SHUT UP! I don't want to be like you, okay? I hate you! Why don't you just disappear again...only this time, don't find me."

The black Taillow on Kel's shoulder chirped angrily, but was silenced by a stroke to her feathers. "Shhhh...." Turning to Ty he said, "I don't care how you feel about me. If you ever want to be anybody, you gotta ditch those emotions, gain a little instinct. Otherwise, you'll remain a nobody."

Ty remained silent, tears streaming out of his icy blue eyes and down his face. Kel turned to leave; he was done here.

[Lady Leaf]

Red Hair / Purple Eyes / Pale Skin

Sen had just made it into ear shot to hear Kal's last words of 'You'll remain a nobody.' He recognized that voice from anywhere and didn't even bother altering his path as continued towards the man. He figured Kel had simply been talking to one of the other thieves. Most likely someone hadn't made their quota. However when he finally got a view of the blond hair he realized he had been mistaken. Now naturally, people in Sen's situation would have been rather disappointed to hear these words spoken to the very man Sen had hoped would be joining their group. However, Sen was incapable of that feeling. Perhaps it was one reason Kal liked him.

So why was Sen here? Well, it was nearing the time that they all had to meet with Kal for the assessment of the month. Sen was early and this wasn't quite the spot they normally met at. He had simply decided to take a stroll while he waited. After all, he was certain he had a good three to four hours to waste. He really hadn't been expecting to run into Kal yet and he defiantly hadn't been expecting to see Ty.

Though his eyes landed on Ty and noted the tears running down his cheeks, Sen instantly went to Kal first. He knew better than to ignore his leader. "Hey old man," He greeted Kal with a huge grin despite the tense atmosphere surrounding them, "Made the Quota plus some. No one else is at the camp yet.” he reported before his eyes drifted back to Ty, giving the man a smile. He really truly had no idea what had just happened. He figured Ty had asked to join them and Kal had so no.

[/blockquote]

[KARP KARP!]

"Figured as much," Kel answered, looking away from Ty. "Haven't let me down yet, son. I'll see you at the site." Then he whispered, "Make sure he doesn't see where you go when you meet me there."

...Son? That...this...

Ty's tears dried instantly. This was...ouch. As soon as Kel left, Ty spoke. "That's your boss? Him? And he called you son..." Ty's frown turned into a scowl. His entire world seemed to be spinning; this was just too much. His entire world was falling apart around him...

"Shoulda known. Just my luck you'd be working for my father..."

[Lady Leaf]

Red Hair / Purple Eyes / Pale Skin

Sen really thought nothing of Kal calling him son. He saw it as their thing. Sen called him old man, Kal called him son. Sometimes a few other names depending on what they were doing. His eyes had returned to Kal when he whispered not to let Ty follow them. It made sense. After all, they didn’t want outsiders knowing their meeting spot in case they told others. It had happened before when some idiot brought his weekly girlfriend to the old camp. What a mess that had caused.

“Sure thing” Sen replied with a nod before turning away and making it towards Ty, his smile still plastered on his face. It wasn’t until Ty called Kal his father that Sen’s smile faded. He remembered the story Ty had told him about his father leaving him at a young age.

“He is the man who took me in when I was ten,” He explained, looking back for a moment before looking back at Ty, his smile returning, “Guess it’s probably good that he wouldn’t accept you into the group then.”

[/blockquote]

[KARP KARP!]

"I wasn't trying to get into the group. Not then. His Taillow tried to rob me in my sleep...Then I saw him. Things...escalated..."

Ty let out a long, shaky sigh. "He thinks I'm worthless. Not good enough. I'm starting to think maybe he's right..."

When Sen mentioned Kel being the one who had took him in when he was ten, it was like a slap to the face. Not only was Ty ditched and cast aside; he was more or less replaced. Everything was just too much for him.

"Look...I...I don't think this is gonna work out. I can't handle this...Any of it. I'm sorry, but...I can't do it. We should...go our separate ways."

At that, the younger man turned, beginning to walk away.

[Lady Leaf]

Red Hair / Purple Eyes / Pale Skin

Not going to work out? But why? Sen didn’t understand. Was it just because his father was Sen’s boss? He didn’t feel like that should make a difference. Though he didn’t realize that was only because he incapable of feeling the similar feelings as Ty. “But I don’t think you’re worthless.” Sen stated chasing after Ty and cutting in front of him, “I know it could be a bit wired because I guess if you look at it, we’re kind of like brothers but I don’t mind. I mean, we aren’t blood brothers, right?” There was still a smile on Sen’s face as he spoke, his words clearly indicating that he didn’t understand why Ty believed they wouldn’t work.

[/blockquote]

[KARP KARP!]

Ty sighed, looking at Sen; what was he going to tell him? 'Sorry but my negative feelings for him are stronger than my positive ones for you?' That would never work. And it sounded so...mean. That, and maybe...the thief was a bit...jealous.

The man was just so confused, torn. He didn't know what to do, he just didn't think this would work--he couldn't do it. "That's not exactly it. It's...complicated. I just...I can't. Not long term. Besides, I'm sure there's better out there for you." He turned, shimmying up a tree this time. Once he got up, he began gracefully moving from branch to branch.

At least until one of the branches broke, and he found himself lying flat on his back. "Just my luck..."

[Lady Leaf]

Red Hair / Purple Eyes / Pale Skin

Just couldn’t? Why couldn’t he? Sen watched Ty climb the tree, his mind still trying to figure out Ty’s reasons for wanting to break up. Perhaps Ty just didn’t like him because he worked for his father. He couldn’t help that though. He hadn’t picked the man who had saved his life. If anything, that man had picked him. He remembered as a child being told that any boy strong enough to live through the injuries he had survived would always be strong. Now, Sen didn’t think himself as strong, but he did his best to never let the old man down. He couldn’t just walk away from that man because of Ty.

Sen cringed a bit as he watched Ty fall from the tree and land on his back. He knew that had to of hurt. With a few quick strides Sen stood just above Ty’s head and kneeled down to look into the blue eyed mans face. “If not long term, then maybe short term?” Sen asked with a goofy grin.

[/blockquote]

[KARP KARP!]

Ty blinked, looking up at Sen. "Ow...Maybe," he answered, standing to his feet. "It's nothing personal. I just...let's just say I can't take it right now. It's all just too much for me. Confusing...Besides, I'll see ya around."

He gave a slight smile, though it didn't exactly show in his eyes. In his eyes, was the look of a troubled soul. A soul wrought with pain, turmoil, and misdirection.

[Lady Leaf]

Red Hair / Purple Eyes / Pale Skin

Maybe? So did that mean they were still dating or had they just… broken up? Well, at least with his confusion he was pretty sure he could now start up his one night stands again. Or was that cheating? Nah it couldn’t be.

“Ok.” Sen replied to Ty, watching the expression on Ty’s face. He could tell that the boy was upset and knew he wouldn’t be much help with what ever was causing Ty pain. He just wasn’t sensitive enough to help. Right now Ty needed someone he could talk to and synthesise with and Sen clearly was not that. At least his good bye sounded as if they would be seeing each other again. “Don’t let the old man bother you so much. He is still just a man like you I.” Sen gave another smile after his attempt to cheer Ty up before turning to find his way back to the camp and Kal.

[/blockquote]

[KARP KARP!]

Usually, Ty was the one being broken up with, not the one doing the breaking up. The man could only hope--especially in his confusion--that he'd done it right.

Saying nothing, he turned around, heading in the opposite direction. "I like to think I'm not an uncaring, selfish bastard," he said to no one. The thief walked on, Blazer resting in his Pokeball, and his heart felt like it weighed a ton.

Meanwhile, back at camp, Kel was finishing up a few minor details before Sen got there. Namely, taking half of the dues he'd already collected as his own. Sure, the man set a quota, but each man's quota--which was given based on skill, higher skills=higher quota--was really about double what would take care of expenses.

So, the other half went straight to Kel's pocket. Once that was taken care of, he tightened his bandana. The group had no real name. Each member went by their own nickname of no more than one syllable, usually three letters in length. The only visible link they had was very subtle. A thin leather strap, brown and green in color, on the left wrist.

Lil' Bit was perched happily on his shoulder as the two of them waited for Sen. He was usually early, which was good; Kel had something to talk to the man about this time; something that rather unnerved the old man.

[Lady Leaf]

Red Hair / Purple Eyes / Pale Skin

It hadn’t taken Sen too long to reach the camp. He had been no hurry and he was certain that Ty wasn’t following him so he didn’t bother looking back. By the time he had made it to the camp Kal wasn’t doing much else but wait.

“That’s new” Sen pointed out once he made it into hearing range, “The bird on the shoulder.” He twirled his finger in the air towards Lil’Bit before looking up at near branch and reaching out to grab hold of it. Without another word he pulled himself up onto the branch, draping his legs over the side, setting his elbow on one of those legs and his head in his hand. With his free hand he grabbed the rather full bag on his waste and tossed it down to Kal. That was the money he owed the group this month.

[/blockquote]

[KARP KARP!]

Kel gave a sly grin. "Yep. Just got 'er the other day. Beauty, ain't she?" The man stroked the black Taillow's feathers, and she chirped happily. "Was packing up camp, and hit the jackpot. I just love Lil' Bit though. She's as good a thief as she is adorable."

Swiftly, Kel caught the bag. "Impressive as usual. But on that note, I saw something in town the other day. You know you got your mug on a wanted poster, son?" The man sort of frowned, something he rarely did to his 'son.'

[Lady Leaf]

Red Hair / Purple Eyes / Pale Skin

Sen instantly looked away, lifting his head off his hand as Kal mentioned the wanted poster. “Yah, I… ummm, well…” It was clear by the slight nerviness in his voice and the obvious guilt on his face that he knew this conversation would end up popping up eventually. He had just been hoping it wouldn’t have been brought up until after he had thought up an excuses. “I screwed up.” There was no point in making up excuses to this man anyway. Most likely Kal would see through any lie Sen made up. He could claim he didn’t even know how his picture had been taken or who had caught him but… well those were excuses. He had still ended up getting caught regardless.

[/blockquote]

[KARP KARP!]

The bandit nodded; he had to agree there. "That's true; ya did. But here's the thing. Well, a couple; for one, you admit your mistake. And two, how many times have I ever had to correct ya? I can tell ya it ain't many. Long as ya keep up what you're doin', I got yer back. And as a result, the other boys have yer back."

"Just watch yer step, and don't get caught. Ima be honest here, son. Yer the only human being I ever trusted. This legacy is gunna be yours one day. Besides, I ain't sayin' I never had my ugly mug plastered on a wall. It's somethin' every thief, regardless of skill, usually goes through. It'll pass."

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] “Only when you’re teaching me something, old man.” Sen replied before listening to what else Kel had to say. He was relieved by Kel’s words. For some reason he believed the man may have been disappointed in him but it seemed he had thought too much on it. After all, it was first and only strike he had received since he joined the band of thieves. “I wont get caught unless they send an army on me” He had escaped many close calls before and he had faith in himself that he wouldn’t start having any more issues escaping than he ever had before the poster was put up, “Learned from the best after all. But something worries me about them. That noble guy, from the west. He put out dozens of wanted posters for criminals big and small all over every city I’ve been to lately. I don’t know how he got his information. I know I haven’t stolen anything from him and even my mugs on the wall.” To Sen it meant the nobles were starting to try and take control of the streets which would start making issues for not just them, but every group out there like them. “Not that it’s any of my business but… shouldn’t you be a bit worried about that boy?” by ‘that boy’ Sen was referring to Ty. He had no concept of worrying about someone but he knew most parents had an emotion called ‘worry’ when it came to their children. [/scrolly] [bg=4f2a66]

[KARP KARP!]

Kel chuckled; Sen was the only one alive who could get away with calling him 'old man.' "I may be gettin' old but I can still kick yer ass." The man smirked; he was almost forty, but in his mind, he was still in his prime. And he actually was pretty fit for his age.

The man nodded, thinking deeply on the situation at hand. "That could pose a problem. As long as the rest of us stay off of the wall, it should be fine. But see, I don't think an army could take ya in. I mean, look who's got yer back. Anyways talk of this noble got me thinkin'. They're tryin' to cause trouble fer us. Maybe gimme a few days, and I'll see what kinda trouble we can cook up for him."

That boy...Kel winced, knowing exactly who he meant. "Nah. He ain't cut out fer us; he'd be of no use to me or to any of us. Ain't got the right mindset for this deal. But on the other hand, I gotta give it to 'im. I may've wrote him off as worthless, but he's lasted this long on his own. The kid's got heart, and potential, but not in thievin'. Nah, I ain't worried. Long as he finds his purpose--and doesn't get in our way--he'll be just fine. Thing is, I don't need him. And we're a team, all of us. A team is only as strong as the weakest link. Only as fast as the slowest. Only as smart as the resident idiot."

Okay so maybe the man had somewhat of a heart. Kinda.

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] “You have to catch me first” Sen teased, grinning from ear to ear/ He knew all too well never to actually challenge Kel. If he did catch him, Sen had no doubt in his mind that he would be able to kick his ass no problem. On top of that, Kel knew enough of Sen’s tricks that he, out of all people, would most likely be the only person with a chance of actually catching him. “A warning not to bark up the wrong tree” Sen replied to Kel’s statement about giving the noble ‘trouble’. Though he wasn’t sure what kind of trouble a gang of thieves could cause to a noble. Stealing from him most likely would only pose as annoying and more of a reason to have there heads hunted. Unless, perhaps they took something of great value or… went away from the thieving… Eh, Sen was certain Kel already had his mind working away on some sort of plain. As for having everyone’s back? Well, that was one reason Sen stayed with the group. He had never needed it, but he was proud to know someone would be there when needed. To him, it was his family. The only one he had or could remember. He didn’t have to view them as friends that way either. Family was just there if you liked it or not. Friends… well that was your own choice. Perhaps it’s not what Kel meant, but Sen saw something through Kel’s words that made him smile. Perhaps he was being too bold about thinking this, but he felt he understood now. Perhaps something even Kel hadn’t realized or admitted yet either. “You want a different life for him.” He stated as he lifted his feet up, on the branch he had been sitting. They way Sen saw it, Kel was either intentionally or unintentionally trying to protect Ty. Perhaps force the boy into finding an honest life by pushing him away. After all, what kind of son would want the same profession as the father who denied him? [/scrolly] [bg=4f2a66]

[KARP KARP!]

"Ya forget I took ya under my wing. I don't think it'd be much of a problem." Kel grinned, then considered Sen's suggestion.

The man smiled, already coming up with an idea. His eyes lit up mischievously. "I think I got a little somethin' but it ain't nothin' for no band of thieves. But just in case, I wanna scout things out first. So, I need ya to tell me all ya can about this spoiled brat. From thar I can figure out the rest o' what I need."

His brain was working overtime, already having the main idea of what he wanted to do. "I'll show 'em exactly why money don't make the man." The grin that spread across his face was very similar to the one Ty sported when he had an insane idea. Only this one was on the face of the man who perfected it.

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] “Give another year and you’ll end up hurting your back trying to catch me.” Sen teased, making sure to stay out of reach of the man in case he decided to get a bit of ‘pay back’ for claiming he was getting old. In all honestly Sen really couldn’t see Kel getting old. At lest, not for the job. He knew the day would come at one point, perhaps a good ten to twenty years from now but he couldn’t picture it. He imagined it would mean Kel would slowly start doing less of the field work and Sen would do them for him. He had no issues with that but he hoped that day wouldn’t be for a very long time. So what did he know about this count? Not much actually. He only knew the name because of the posters and what he heard about the count wasn’t much either. He didn’t even know what the man looked like. Or at lest, he didn’t think he did. He had actually seen the count before but didn’t realize it. “His names Kero, ah, Blackthorne. He’s a count of the southern wastelands. He’s a new count from what I’ve heard. They say he has a Charizard who protects him but that’s about all I’ve found out about him.” Sen listed off the little amount of facts he had over heard, “Sorry pops, I should have done a bit more poking around about him.” [/scrolly] [bg=4f2a66]