Winds of Change [Kero]

[DJ Boomkitty]

X A V I E R



---

Another hot day... eh, what else was to be expected of the Summer? Although fall was fast approaching, the weather hadn't changed quite yet, and as the Sun found a comfortable spot to settle in the sky, a heatwave reigned supreme across Harmony Woods. Despite such temperatures, Xav still wore his forest green, button-up, collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a couple buttons undone... he made up for it with dark shorts, however, that fell to his knees. Also, fortunately for Xavier, the area had its pick of lush trees to lounge under, the largest being atop the highest hill, where the man had decided to settle for the time being. It had a simply wonderful view, something Xav adored beyond measure... nature in its finest.

Sitting next to him was a rather large Grass-type, a Meganium in fact, whom was content to hum somewhat as the pair enjoyed the view. A smile found its way to Xavier's lips as he looked over at the Poke'mon... she had a cheerful nature, something Xav could appreciate. He felt guilty, however... "Listen here Kimi, I don't mean to interrupt your lovely song." He began slowly, Kimi, as the Meganium was called, looking over curiously. Ahh, she looked so innocent...

His gaze fell somewhat. "I'm... sorry you've been cooped up so much, I've had a rather large influx of Poke'mon come in lately and... its hard to balance out social time." He sighed sadly, looking out towards the rolling plains. Kimi had remained silent, but gently nudged Xavier's arm, a small smile on her face. Xavier chuckled and rubbed her nose in response, his thoughts scattered somewhat. What could he do to better his Poke'mons' conditions? He didn't exactly want to sell them to the unknown... humph. A gentle breeze rattled the plains below, causing Xav's freshly trimmed hair to flow behind him somewhat. He... didn't know what to do.

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[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Now this was a forest. Perhaps not as lush and flourishing as the Glade had been, but it did the job needed. The day before and the morning had been well… rather busy for Lance. It had felt like all the work he was required to attend to had been piled up on him in one single day. What was worse, it all needed complete lying for the next morning. Luckily Lance had been taught from a very young age how to sit down and work from dusk to dawn. He had managed to get everything settled, organized and completed by the next morning. His sleep had suffered a tad but Lance rarely slept for long hours anyway. After his visit to the city and quick bite to eat, Lance realized he had nothing else to do. It always seemed to work out that way. On moment you’re over run by work and the next nothing… Not that Lance could complain too much. It gave him time to unwind a bit. Usually he would have gone to the Glade to sooth himself but since the day he had caught those Sawsnuck… He just had no urge to visit the place anytime soon. So instead he took it upon himself to explore Harmony Woods. Sure enough it had been a good choice. It was quiet, peaceful and perfect for an afternoon walk. For once, Lance Rossi actually wasn’t dressed up in a black business suite or any of his fancy attire. No, Lance had decided to wear his casual clothes. At times, usually when he knew he would be walking a lot, he put on a black undershirt, with his white jacket and white pants. Sure it was easy to get dirty, but Lance was aware of that. He had made sure when the set of clothes were made for him that they were made with an easy to clean fabric. Not to mention that he was never the one to wash them anyway. Anyway, part way through his walk he had taken his jacket off. Even with the cover of the trees and brush, the sun seemed overly hot. He almost wished he could take off his black shirt as well but decided against it. Even in a forest without any sign of human life, Lance could not master being outside topless. It just seemed so… wrong. After a few hours of walking, Lance found himself coming up to a clearing the lead up a hill. It seemed like it would have a good view over the forest below while still providing the required shade up at the very top. So, not paying too closely to his surroundings, Lance slowly made his way up the hill. Once he got to the top, his dark blue eyes finally lifted only to find himself looking at a tree, a man, and a pokemon. He had expected the tree but the other two he had not. What made him even more shocked was the fact that he recognized the man. Xavier, Felis’s friend. “I apologize,” He began before even saying hello, “I didn’t expect anyone to be up here… is… that your Meganium. She’s absolutely beautiful!” He couldn’t help it. Just like Felis, Lance loved the grass types. Not to mention that Meganium’s were one of the most respected of their kind. Probably due to some places handing them out as a starting pokemon for trainers. Heh, though Xavier probably didn’t know that being native to Era. Lance had only found out after his travels. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[DJ Boomkitty]

X A V I E R



---

Having been far too interested in the scenery and dwelling within his own thoughts, Lance's approach had gone largely unnoticed by the man, although Kimi had turned her head when he approached and offered a friendly smile and nod. Xavier blinked at the sudden apology, turning to face the source, his eyes widening slightly when his eyes laid on - of all people, really - Lance. He... never really expected the man to come out this way, or even bother with what appeared to be a walk, of sorts. He was dressed rather casually... well, casually for Lance, anyway. It was all just a shock, really.

Ahhhh, but his manners...

"Oh nono, you're fine... and yes this is Kimi." He smiled, patting the Meganium fondly. "I won her in a contest not too long ago but... I've been rather lucky with Poke'mon, my PC is getting rather full. I hadn't seen her in a bit... was a shame, really." He said somberly, Kimi blinking and nudging Xavier again. "Megaaaan." She chided cheerfully, trying to boost the red-head's spirits. It worked, and Xavier found himself chuckling rather easily.

Ahhhh, but his manners...

Blinking, he stood and bowed a polite and proper greeting. "Ah, forgive my manners. I've been in Lala Land, so to speak... the view here scattered my thoughts rather easily. And... I didn't expect to see anyone either, really." He admitted, standing up straight and flicking loose strands of hair from his view. "It is nice to see you, though." He smiled. "What brings you out here, eh?"

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[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Lance found himself nodding as Xavier spoke about the grass type, how he had gotten her and how he had been getting a few others of late as well. “Ah I see,” Was all Lance was able to blurt out as his dark blue eyes watched the pokemon. Despite being cooped up, she looked happy enough. Then again, what grass type wouldn’t be happy all the way out in Harmony Woods? Lance was certain even Vipin would like the place. When Xavier stood and bowed, Lance gave a small frown and waved his hand, “There is no need to be so formal. I’m no one of importance.” Because he had given that up and was grateful for it. It gave him time to do as he wanted, even if that still seemed to be work most of the time. Still, it was by his own choice and not someone else’s. “I was just… exploring I guess. It’s peaceful out here compared to the cities and towns. even the castle… But anyway, It’s a pleasure to see you as well.” Alright, perhaps not that nice to see the man, but it wasn’t a disappointment either Lance could think of many people he would prefer not to see over Xavier. Like that damn Kali girl. Though he would have to see her again at some point. To think she would dare mock him just because… Wait… he could prove her wrong. Xavier… he was rather well… good looking for a man. One could even say he was pretty. Especially with his new hair cut. It looked rather good on him. Heck, he would prove to her that he could tell other guys they were good looking without being… It wasn’t that he was attracted to them. No, it was perfectly normal for a guy to understand when another guy was pretty. He just… had to wait for a good moment to tell him. Yah. “So what were you doing all the way out here? Wondering?” He had claimed he was a wonder, right? [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[DJ Boomkitty]

X A V I E R



---

No one of importance? A sheepish grin came to Xavier as he shrugged sheepishly, his form relaxing visibly. "I was raised with a mother that enforced good manners as if it were a law... it just comes naturally now." He admit with a half-laugh. This was true... his mother had been his caretaker and mentor for all the years he spent at home, being both raised and schooled. Casey was gentle in her actions but sharp and to the point with her teachings; one false move by Xavier had earned him a rap on the head, followed by correction and a good laugh. It was a nice atmosphere, really... although his father was almost always absent. Xav sighed quietly as he recalled the man, a pensive look crossing his face... what was he doing nowadays...?

Kimi giggled and nudged Xavier's back, rousing the man from his thoughts. Ahh, he did that far too often. He quickly nodded to Lance, having half-heard what he had said. "You can say that again... cities can feel so choked sometimes. No breathing room." He looked out over the rolling plains, his face easing into a peaceful smile. It was places like this that held Xavier's heart... he could roam them all day, if given the opportunity. Well... technically he did that already, with his current lifestyle. What was he, a glorified homeless man? ... ... ... Oh Arceus. Xavier mentally slumped, his ego sliding into a pool of dangerous self-doubts and heartache. Ugh, that was exactly what he was! Why had he come to this epiphany now, of all times?

Externally he kept his cool, exhaling a held breath. He looked back to Lance, a brow quirked. "I was wandering, yes... letting Kimi out for a while." He paused, his gaze dropping and a frown touching his lips. "I was... thinking of releasing her, actually." He admit, Kimi blinking and looking around. Being released here...? "But from what I was told by the contest breeder I got her from, she's very attached to people and... I don't want her to be lonely." He looked over at Kimi, raising a hand to scratch under her chin. "So I was mulling over my options... and that's when you showed up." He sighed. "I was going to ask Felis if he would fancy another Meganium, but... the keyword is 'another'. I know he loves grass-types, but he has two and... I don't know." And that was it, truly. Xavier was at a loss.

---

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] A mother who was strict on manners. “Ah, as did mine, and a few other many things.” His parents had been good strict on him for just about everything. So much so that he had felt suffocated by it every day he woke up till the moment he went to bed. Though he was certain that unlike Xavier, he had been the only one to rebel on his parents for it. Yet despite this, he had kept his words light and somewhat cheerful. It had been a peaceful day for him so he was not in one of his usual bad moods and he had no reason to dislike Xavier. As of yet. Perhaps if he knew just how close he was getting to his younger brother… He probably end up exploding and punching the man in the face. But hey, that wasn’t something he had on his mind at the moment at least. Thinking of releasing her? That simply would not due! Who could let go of such a beautiful grass type? That was just foolish. Felis? Heh, knowing his brother and the love for grass types he also had, the younger man would have taken the Meganium on top of his two. But… Oh there was no way Lance was going to let a chance like this slip by. A pokemon who was already well trained and behaved? He’d be a fool to not say something. “If you are running out of options, I wouldn’t mind… taking her off your hands.” He suggested with a slightly saddened smile, “I have a young chickorita I’m certain she would enjoy meeting. Along with many other grass types. They are by the most beautiful creatures of all the pokemon out there. So graceful and delicate looking yet powerful and wise. Ah, and not to mention the soft, soothing sense they seem to bring with them.” [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[DJ Boomkitty]

X A V I E R



---

Xavier's head snapped up as Lance offered to take Kimi, looking from the man to the Meganium and back. It... well... Harmony Woods was a wonderful place, and he was sure Kimi could figure out her own path here, but as he stated... she was rather attached to humans. Xavier was reluctant to just up and release her without any warning; he knew Poke'mon were sensitive to such dramatic environment shifts... just like people were, really. He was silent for a moment, considering everything... Lance was Felis' brother, it came as no surprise that he loved Grass-types too... and he seemed like a reasonable man, he would treat her well...

Kimi had approached Lance, inspecting him carefully. He was... pretty! And very polite and nice. "Meganiumm~" She chimed in approval, looking back to Xavier with a smile. Xavier blinked, watching her carefully. "You're okay with the idea, girl?" He asked pointedly, Kimi nodding eagerly in response. A relieved sigh escaped Xavier then; this... was probably the best option for her. He was glad. Unhitching a Poke'ball from his belt, he held it out to Lance, a broad smile on his face. "...Thank you, honestly. I wanted her to be happy. I'll be able to rest easy knowing she is." He said earnestly.

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[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)]Lance’s eyes actually seemed to light up and almost sparkle with excitement when Xavier held the pokeball out to him. In all honesty, he had thought it would be a long shot in asking to take the pokemon off Xavier’s hands. Yet there he was, standing before the red head with the Pokeball held out to him. It was almost hard to keep himself from giggling like a little child in a candy shop, however, he kept his posture as best as he could. Instead of giggling he gave a small smile and reached out to carefully take the pokeball from Xaiver’s hands and into his own. For a short moment afterwords, Lance found himself in a daze as he held it in both hands and studied it. He truly was a child in a candy shop. Luckily that moment didn’t last too long and something else crossed Lance’s mind. Xavier’s skin. He had grazed the mans hand with his own when he took the poke ball. His skin was oddly… soft and rather warm. It only added to a thought he had before on the man’s beauty. After all, beauty was not simply by glance but put together delicately by every little feature within the body. This man, Xavier, he truly did hold that beauty within him. Well, at least that settled one more thing in his mind. He had to do it. He had to prove to Kali that could be done. But how? Should he just out and say it? The more he thought on it the harder it would get to actually follow through. Then again, he didn’t care to act before thinking. It often caused mistakes. None the less, he had just received a pokemon by allowing his mouth to speak before thinking. Alright. He could do it. “Xavier…” His dark blue eyes slowly rose from the poke ball, falling upon the red heads features, “Has anyone ever told you, you are a rather stunningly good looking man?” There it was. He had done it. He had told a man he was pretty. Well, with much fancier words, but pretty none the less. Ha! It wasn’t gay at all. Right? Right. In fact, he was proud enough that a small smirk came to his face and before long he found himself looking back down at the pokeball. It was turning out to be a rather good day indeed. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[DJ Boomkitty]

X A V I E R



---

As the Poke'ball was taken, an immense wave of relief crashed over Xavier and the man sighed, relaxing visibly. His gaze perked up towards Kimi- well, Meganium, as she turned on her heel and stood tall next to Lance, happiness etched onto every crook in her face. He would have to admit, the girl looked rather fetching next to such a regal man. Perhaps his kind of lifestyle was really her calling after all.

He waited a moment then, watching bemusedly as Lance studied the Poke'ball that was now his. He seemed so fascinated by it, a look on his face akin to when he first met Wish; awe. Was his love for Grass-types really that booming? Not that Xavier could say much with his adoration of Water-types; he was sure he'd have the same stricken look on his own face if someone handed him a Gorebyss Poke'ball. Or any water-type, really. But... ah, there he was, snapping out of his stupor to thank... wait. Wait. Just wait.

...What?

As his head ran miles to catch up with the conversation at hand, Xavier's cheeks betrayed him and dashed pink, a nervous cough working itself up from his lungs. That was... far too specific to be a mistake. I mean, he used his name even... but... 'stunningly good looking'? Him? And of all people, dubbed by Lance? But... why...? Sure they first met back in Forest Castle, yet that had been a less than favorable meeting, so Xavier was sure he hadn't implied any kind of feeling to deserve such a compliment... unless Lance was just... into looks... of... men?

Realizing he had been silent for far too long, Xavier coughed again, rubbing the back of his neck while averting his gaze forcefully. "Uh, well... not... quite, no..." He stammered out, becoming heated in embarrassment. But his manners... "I mean, uh... thank you very much... you are too?" He replied, finally looking up at the opposite man. He was definitely good-looking in his own regards, yet Xavier was not one to be taken solely by physical traits alone. Although... hmm. Xav supposed he could be considered eye-candy, despite how extremely awkward it was to imagine such things when he was fancying... his brother... oh Arceus...

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[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)]Lance had still be looking down at his new poke ball rather proudly as Xavier spoke. He hadn’t even registered the awkwardness Xavier was displaying before him. Instead his ears seemed to pick up the last bit, and finally he lifted his chin back up with a, “Hum?” followed by a smile. “Ah, yes, I am, aren’t I?” A sly little grin crossed his features at that moment as he turned on his heal and looked down at the pokemon beside him. She was more lovely than them both by a land slide. Of course, that was something he wouldn’t speak aloud. “I take great pride into making sure I stay healthy… other than a few bad habits…” He let out a small sigh and reached into his pocket to pull out a small silver case. Inside were a few cigarettes, though he didn’t open the case. He was certain Xavier would figure out what it was without him pulling them out. “A habit I picked when my father was still around. I was trying to annoy him. Now I can’t seem to quiet.” He slowly shock his head after that and placed the silver tin back into his pocket, “My pokemon have been helping with that though. They seem to know that it’s bad as drinking.” Which he also had a habit of doing. Luckily his drinking habit wasn’t as often as smocking and could often be substituted for tea. Lance Rossi was truly a sucker for tea. He simply loved it. Unless of course that tea had Earl Grey in the name. It wasn’t so much that he didn’t like the taste over the smell. It reminded him too much of Fruit-loops and he simply did not like fruit-Loops. “How about you, do you h-” Lance was about to ask a question when a small white flake slowly drifted down from the sky landing right on his nose. Lance had known it was a tad chilly out but snow was not something he had been expecting so soon. Sure enough, many more snow flakes followed the first, drifting down and scattering across the forest grounds. Without even thinking to ask Kimi first, Lance lifted the Pokeball and returned her. He knew very well that Grass types did not often favour the snow. “Snow. We are lucky it’s cold enough for it, otherwise I would assume we would be soaked by the rain by now.” He let out a small laugh after that, turning to look down the path he had come from. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[DJ Boomkitty]

X A V I E R



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[img]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/4/40/Spr_5b_154_m.png[/img]
Name:
Species: Meganium
Gender: Female
Ability: Overgrow

This is a rather excitable Meganium, the smallest bit of good news enough to send her into a spree of cheers and prancing. She always tries to think positive, look positive, act positive, and thus has become a role model for younger Poke'mon. She adores children (human and Poke'mon alike) and will often give them rides on her back or head. Despite her excitable nature, she is otherwise very elegant and relaxed in her ways, content to make friends at leisure. However, if anyone she loves becomes threatened, look out! She will defend them until the bitter end.


It was then Xavier realized that Lance truly didn't have a clue, did he? Xavier could have died right then and there, but swallowed his pride and simply nodded dumbly as the blonde complimented himself. Perhaps he would... wake up... and come to find out this all had just been one really, really weird dream. But... good-looking, eh? ... despite the mental scars and confusion that came from hearing Lance speak them, of all people really, it did... feel nice. He supposed, anyway. ...Best to try and forget that ever happened.

With a stern shake of his head, Xavier roused himself and observed the silver case within Lance's grasp, nodding somewhat before laughing at the reasoning behind it. "Annoy him, eh?" He mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "My own father seems to indulge in cigarettes as well... hmm?" He blinked as the question was posed to him, yet blinked again as the subject finally shifted to the weather.

With a sigh, a slight shiver ran down Xavier's spine at the snow's touch. "I dunno, I think I'd rather have rain. At least it'd be warmer." He sighed, rummaging through his bag, only to discover he had left his hoodie with his mother. 'Wonderful...' He mentally groaned, before standing straight and turning to Lance with a bow. "I seem to have forgotten my apparel at my mother's, so I'm booking an inn tonight. I'd better get going before it gets dark. But... thank you, again, for taking Kimi off my hands. I'll be able to rest easy." He smiled, standing up and reaching out to pat the Meganium. "We ought to have lunch or something, sometime." He then politely suggested, smiling over at Lance.

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