Change (Mod/Open)

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] So there it was. The castle of the west or better known as the Riptide Castle. Kero had seen it a few times when he was younger with his father. Oddly enough he remembered it being much larger. Then again, he was much smaller back then. The place was still huge just… not as much. So why was Kero there? Well, he had heard of the bombing and simply broke his heart. It was causing so much pain and suffering. He felt as if all the work he had done over the past year was crumbling to his feet all because of one day. The people of Era needed help and with his current position in the west… well he just couldn’t do it. The 'Douchess' in his home area didn’t care about the people. His efforts had been ignored by her and so he had no choice but to take actions into his own hands. The posters had helped. The Duke of the East had helped a bit but it also wasn’t enough. His actions until now were small. Sure, people in the streets knew his name. A few villains feared him but he had nothing to back himself. His first plain of action? To talk to the people caring for the Riptide Castle. He knew they were loyal to there old master and it wouldn’t be an easy task but if he could at least get the thought in there head it would be a start. Second would be to talk to Felis and then he’d take it to the streets. He had confidence he could do it. How? By telling the truth of course. It was clear the Rebels wanted something and that these attacks wouldn’t end until their voices were heard. Fixing up Era. He was certain that was one of the many things they wanted. Since the late King , Era had been in falling apart. Gangs took over. The streets were no longer safe. It was time to clean it up. Not with wanted posters and the promise of rewards. No, that was petty. It was time to grow in numbers again. It was time gather the knights they had lost, to pick up the slack of the other dukes/duchess and fix Era. “Ready for this Charizard?” Kero asked, sucking in a deep breath as he forced himself to take the first step towards the castle. For once Charizard seemed just as determined as Kero. It seemed the pokemon knew exactly how important this was to the young man. After all, Kero Blackthorn had been working hard for Era all his life. This was his time to finally shine. Not for his families honor, or for his own, but for Era. It was time. With a heavy knock on the front door, Kero took a single step back and waited. His back was straight and posture a tad stern yet he kept a gentle atmosphere around him. He didn’t want them slamming the door in his face before he could get a single word out. At the very least he wanted to get the boats stirring. [/scrolly] [bg=brown]

[Admiral Striker General]

Seconds passed and passed some more, but there came no sound from within. Nearly a minute passed without so much as a 'just a minute', and it was beginning to look like no one was home at all. Perhaps there was some business to attend to, or perhaps with the castle's large size and the low number of servants still maintaining it, Kero's knock had simply gone unheard. Perhaps simply walking up to a building of this size and grandeur had not been the wisest of decisions, even with his moderately realistic expectations.

Then the door opened.

With no warning it opened. Slowly it creaked. The half of the set of great, grand, glorious double doors creaked open nearly half its available breadth, leaving a wide space, open, inviting. And within this space, the young Count from the Southern Wastes would see...

No one.

The space was completely empty. Or it would seem empty at first. If Kero happened to look down, he would find there was in fact one being in the grand foyer, and that the door had not in fact opened itself. There at its foot was a single Marshtomp, who smiled up at the newcomers but made no sound to announce herself. Visitors were a rarity, and all those within the palace walls knew little Anya, naturally keeping a sharp eye for her and all the other Pokemon who dwelled within. What reason had she to suspect that their guest may not?

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Kero waited. And… waited. Perhaps he hadn’t knocked loud enough, or maybe the rumours were untrue and no one was left to care for the place. None the less, Kero wasn’t about to turn around yet. No, he would, at the very least, try to knock one more time. The black haired man was just about to raise his hand to door once more when sudden small creaking sound caused him to freeze. Sure enough, the door had opened causing Kero to quickly fall into his proper stance once more. Yet as his pale brown eyes gazed into the room beyond the door Kero found himself looking at no one. Almost intimately Kero’s eyes slipped to the door as if expecting someone to be behind it but when he found no one there a rather confused look crossed his features. It was then that his eyes began to search a little harder only stopping when he suddenly noticed the little creature standing at the foot of the door. “Oh, hello there,” Kero smiled, looking down at the small creature, “Would your trainer be around by chance?” He asked before deciding to add, “My friend and I,” He motioned towards Charizard, “Would be interested in speaking with them if we could. Unless… by chance you are the one who cares for this castle?” He hadn’t thought of it before but now that he saw the pokemon it would make perfect sense. No one had ever said the servants taking care of the building were indeed human. [/scrolly] [bg=brown]

[Admiral Striker General]

The Marshtomp stared up at the man with the interesting attire and the very large friend and smiled at them both. His question seemed a bit funny to her, making her cover her mouth to suppress a laugh for a moment, but she supposed most humans were quite silly in this way. Such a strange and foreign species to the ingenious young mind. "Mar.." she cooed softly, then spun and began her voyage deeper into the palace halls.

She thought little of the Charizard past merely acknowledging him. He'd said nothing to her, after all, and her only concern regarding his presence was whether or not passage through the halls may at times be slightly difficult. As with most things, however, little Anya decided they would simply cross that bridge if they found it.

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] “Thank you kindly,” Kero had replied to the small pokemon with a boy. Once he straightened himself again he gave Charizard a look as if to ask silently, ‘Staying or following?’ After all, the large fire dragon was rather use to this issue. In fact, most buildings he couldn’t fit inside. Most often he did end up staying. However the castle had rather high, wide rooms so there was a chance he’d be just fine. So with a small nod in return to Kero’s questioning glance, Charizard did follow. If they happened to run into a smaller hallway, well, Charizard would just have to stay behind. As Kero and Charizard followed the small pokemon, Kero couldn’t help but find himself looking around. The place was much different from all of the castles and mansions he had been in before. It was… well beautiful. And clean! It almost looked as if the master of the place was in fact still alive. However, Kero knew that was not true at all. No one was certain what happened to them but they knew they weren’t coming back. [/scrolly] [bg=brown]

[MCstorms]

Lucio was walking up to the castle when he noticed someone walk into it. "Hm?" was the sound that escaped the man. Lucio then walked into the castle following the other man. Lucio quickly called out to the man and the two Pokemon. "Excuse me ,but what are you doing here?"
Lucio's eyes were fierce and his stance was as well. The man was wherein a black cloak which covered both of his arms. It also concealed his weapons pretty well. Lucio assumed this man was a rebel trying to over throw the castle. If that were the case this would not end well.

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Kero had been walking with a small but rather cheerful smile on his face. He had a feeling it was going to be a good day even if his trip was unsuccessful. He knew Alvaro was waiting for him to return with the news and that seemed to cheer the young noble up considerably. That smile wavered some as he heard the voice call out to him. It sounded like... perhaps someone who worked in the building. Quickly, Kero had twirled around giving the man a small apologetic look before bowing. "I apologize if I'm intruding," Kero replied, still bowing rather formally, "But I wished to speak to those who have been caring for the building." With that Kero stood himself up straight and the small smile returned to his lips. "This small pokemon here was leading us to it's trainer. My name is Kero Blackthorn, I'm a Count from the South. Do you perhaps live here?" Charizard, who had also stopped walking and turned around had not been so formal. In fact he looked rather board and a tad annoyed. He hadn't liked the tone or the stance this other man before them had taken on. Naturally Charizard would have voiced his opinion on the matter, or rolled his eyes. However, Kero had told him to be on his best behaviour and so he held both back. [/scrolly] [bg=brown]

[MCstorms]

Lucio stared the man over a few times. Kero Blackthorn what is he doing here? Lucio sighed before answering Kero. "This castle has long since been abandoned. However I am here to occupy this castle. I'm here to keep it intact for the new Duke." At least he was in Lucio's mind. Lucio then shifted his eyes to the Charizard in the room. The Pokemon seemed powerful, but nothing he couldn't handle. Lucio hated to be this serious , but this was a serious situation. Lucio scanned Kero and saw a sword at the young noble's side. A sword huh? I wonder how skilled he is. The man thought to himself. "If you have something to ask or say then tell me." Lucio stated rather boldly.

[Admiral Striker General]

Anya had turned around to hear out the second newcomer when she'd heard him approach. ...Wait, had their first guest and his Charizard not closed the door?? She scoffed a bit to herself. How rude! Well, no sense dwelling... It was an okay day, or at least she thought so, though the tastes of a semi-aquatic mudfish Pokemon may not well fit those of a human.

At any rate, she was quite content just to listen with a smile after letting that go until Lucio claimed something confusing. Tilting her head, she responded with a little, "Tomp?" But but.. the castle was not abandoned! She'd lived here all her life- her egg hatched in one of these very towers!- and there had always been people here! Suddenly looking a bit pouty, she began flailing her arms. "Mar marsh tomp! Marshtomp!" She gave Lucio specifically a very huffy face, then, and crossed her arms. "Tomp."

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Did this man not realize he was speaking to a noble? He certainly did not look like one himself yet he dared talk that way? It took a lot of will power not to snap at the man but Kero kept himself in tact. Since the day he had began travelling he had slowly began to learn that many people had reason to be rather snappy and impatient with others. After all, they themselves had been pushed around and stomped on enough as it was. So, instead of snapping back Kero kept that smile on his face reminding himself of the teasing words Alvaro would give when did snap at others. “The new Duke? I’m afraid none have been appointed yet and that my friend is one of the two reasons I am here.” He replied calmly, his smile never wavering. “But before I explain myself I think it would be wonderful if you could show some hospitality and tell me who you might be.” If was going to be rude and snappy than Kero was going to be polite and cheerful. “I-” He was about to add that he didn’t recognize the man but before he could the small pokemon who had greeted them at the door spoke up. It seemed she didn’t agree with man before them. At least, that’s what it sounded like to Kero. Kero’s guess had been right, as Charizard grumbled and growled something along the lines of, ‘Marshtomp doesn’t seem to know this man.’. That statement of course confused Kero. If this man was looking after the building for the new Duke, then wouldn’t this Marshtomp know him? Something was wrong about this man. [/scrolly] [bg=brown]

[MCstorms]

Lucio looked at the Marshtomp who was flailing about. It was a rather cute Pokemon Lucio was smiling on the inside just looking at it. "The new Duke has claimed this title on his own accord and is currently trying to get blessing from the other three Dukes." His name? Lucio was not entirely sure he should give it, but what could be the harm. "My name is Lucio. I am the new Duke's personal soldier."

Lucio then looked to the Charizard then back to Kero. "A few months back a news report claimed this castle to be abandoned. It was raided by two bounty hunters one of them whose name is Michael Marx." Lucio spoke clearly and his voice was stern. "Of course Pokemon walk in and out of this castle , but this place is free of human's to the best of my knowledge."

[Admiral Striker General]

The blond man's claims were almost more than Anya could take. Daring to accuse her of being some sort of... wild animal! .. Well, wild Pokemon, but still! "Mar--" Her protest was cut off, however, as she suddenly sensed the vibrations of footsteps coming closer. She quieted herself to 'hear' better, trying to determine who they belonged to, and a few moments later perked up. Ah, yes~ Turning, she waved to a nearby corner as if the approaching person could see through it. "Marmarsh Tomp~!" she called to her trainer.

A few moments more, and a woman of average stature (if perhaps with somewhat broad hips) rounded the corner. "What is all the ruckus?" she demanded sternly, having only caught bits and pieces of the men's conversation upon approach. "And what's this about a Duke, now?" Despite the more curious tone in this, and despite her pink hair and eyes, the woman carried herself in a manner which commanded absolute authority. She wasn't concerned with who the newcomers were; they were in her home, and she would be the one asking the questions until they showed her they worth her respect.

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Kero couldn’t help but chuckle at this man’s words. “Giving himself the title is fair from the real thing. He is no Duke yet. He’ll need support from more than just himself, you and the other Dukes. He’ll need support from the people and other nobles as well. I certainly wouldn’t give him some no name man support just because he ’claimed’ it on his ‘own accord’. He’d need to prove himself in my eyes and I’m certain others would agree.” Besides, Kero was ready to give the man a run for the title. He may have not been from the west but he was certain he had been doing his share of work to at least be a challenge. After all, he had been the only Noble active in trying to take down the crime and change the path Era was taking in the last six months. As the man claimed the castle was empty, a rather confused look crossed Kero’s mind. Wasn‘t the tiny pokemon who greeted him at the door taking him to her trainer? He was certain she was. “But I was certain this helpful Mar-” He too was cut off by the sound of footsteps causing him to look up as he anticipated the appearance of a new face. Sure enough, a woman finally appeared and Kero quickly found himself giving her a small bow in respect. “I apologize madam. I was here to speak to the people of the house and assumed this man lived here.” Apparently Lucio needed to get his facts straight. This house was certainly not abandoned. Kero would certainly have to speak to Felis later and discuses this man’s behaviour. “As for a Duke, I’m afraid you’ll have to ask this man.” [/scrolly] [bg=brown]

[MCstorms]

Lucio's eyes became filled with rage as Kero dismissed him. "You worthless piece of trash. I swear I should kill you right now." Lucio began to walk over to Kero as he heard other foot steps. Looking at the pink haired women Lucio's eye's grew wide. Who was she? This castle was supposed to be abandoned. Lucio let out a sigh and spoke out to the women. This castle is now under control of Hope Ackmen. You Madam are more then welcome to stay, but Mr. Blackthorn must go.

Lucio the raised his hands and then cracked his knuckles. He was whereing weird gloves made of leather and Iron. Iron covering the fingers and leather reaching to a curricular metal plate in the backhand. There was also iron on the inside of the palm area , but one could not tell simply by a glance. "I'll give you a handicap. I won't use my swords or guns." Lucio smirked in a mocking tone. Looking back to the pink haired mystery women. Lucio became rather cheerful and smiled. "Now ta ta what comes next shouldn't be seen by a lady." Then in a split second Lucio became firm and was ready for battle.

[Admiral Striker General]

The woman's jaw fell slack and her eyes grew wide and hot at the blond's insolence. She had thought for a moment to ensure the brunet that she'd never seen the man before, but then he'd had the nerve--

Vendela became every bit as firm as Lucio if not moreso, her glare like a pair of harpoons, and was not at all charmed by his smile. In fact, the words to follow only enraged her more. That was the final straw. Anya, too, was growing quite huffy over the actions, but before she could do anything her trainer was already acting. She'd just almost been content to simply tell him off, but treating her like some sort of pet on top of everything else was simply more than she could take, and in a few swift strides she had closed the distance between them, raised her hand, and delivered a rather powerful slap right across his face.

Immediately, she took a defensive position, glare unfaltering, just in case he thought to try anything in return. "Now listen," she hissed. "This castle still belongs to The Lady, and no two-bit excuse for a noble is about to change that on a little whim." She knew good and well Marcella wasn't likely coming back- or alive for that matter- but that didn't mean someone could just walk up and replace her.

"And I am the mistress of this castle in her absence. I'll decide who goes and stays, thank you very much." Where was Juan when he was actually needed? Worthless butler... If things got too nasty, Anya knew to flee to find some backup, even if it was only little Tim, but even that was assuming she could get away. Well, the hostile blond didn't appear to have any Pokemon out, at least, judging by the Charizard's little reactions and proximity to the other man, and said Charizard certainly didn't appear hostile either. That much was good.

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Oh did this man get on ones nerves. Yet where Kero would normally be angered by the man’s words, and he was, there were few things that humoured him. He found it humorous that man grew so angry having to hear the truth. To know that one could not simply claim a title and think it was true. He certainly wasn’t doing any good by threatening another noble. Even if it was not Hope himself saying these words, it truly did not look good to be threatening a noble when requiring respect. Ackmen? That family had been murdered last he heard. All that was left was the daughter and he assumed the son who had abandoned there family years ago. Perhaps this Hope was him? Either way, that would mean the man was hoping to go from ground zero all the way up to Duke. That was rather far fetched. Charizard on the other hand did not find any of the man’s words amusing. He had instantly lowered his body and let out rather low growl at the man as if daring him to come closer. However, Kero quickly held out an arm, giving his dragon a rather stern look. “On your best behaviour, remember?” With that the fire pokemon let out a rather loud snort and straightened himself again. “From the words of this woman, it sounds as if you are the one who does not belong here.” Kero announced, looking from her then to Lucio. “Firstly, I am a noble and you are not. You have no place to order me around without your master. Secondly as a representative of Hope Ackmen you should be trying to defend his honour, not making him look worse. There is enough fighting going on between the nobles and rebels. It certainly not your place to begin a fight between nobles as well. If that is your masters wishes, I’m certain he wont be receiving any blessings from the Dukes.” With that said, Kero took on no fighting stances. He had no intentions of fighting anyone when he came in the building and he no intentions of fighting anyone now. “Lastly, I know of the Ackmen family. The Ackmen family had been brutally slaughtered in their own home a few months ago leaving the only hire of their family name to a young Aurora Ackmen. They had a son, Rain Ackmen, but he abandoned his title the day he left home. A man with no status or title has a very long ways to go from zero to Duke. Even if his sister were to hand the title she held back to her brother, as I’m sure she has done, it is still a large leap to Dukedom. Instead of threatening me, perhaps you should be taking my advice and winning me over. I will be reporting everything you do here today to the other Dukes. Understood?” Like the Duke of the South would care. [/scrolly] [bg=brown]

[MCstorms]

Lucio took the slap and barely flinched he had suffered much worse before. Who did this women think she was? she was basically is saying she is the duke? the duke had been gone for over a year now. Ignoring her and looking straight at Kero. Report him? Lucio couldn't help help but chuckle. "What would that accomplish? I'm positive that Adrian wouldn't have a care in the world, come to think of it the only one that would probably care would the eastern duke. Als-"

"Enough! Lucio I would have hoped you would be kinder ." Hope walked into the castle closing the door behind him. Lucio's eyes grew wide what was Hope doing here? Wasn't he supposed to be with the eastern duke? Hope glared at his friend. He then walked over to Lucio and grabbed his ear. Pulling hard downward he brought The 6"2 blonde to his knees. "Ow stop it." Lucio exclaimed. Hope looked at him and told him to say sorry to both the woman and the noble. "I apologies for my actions they were improper. " The dark haired boy then let go of Lucio and helped him to his feet. They were close it was easy to tell, but Lucio still worked for Hope. Hope then turned to the women and Kero then bowed. "My name is Rain Ackmen. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I would like to apologies for my subordinate again truly I am sorry."