Village: Zlascow

[Dozle The Crusader]

 

Zlascow is one of the smallest villages on the map, surrounded by a beautiful pine forest. It is the place that Professor Ironwood calls home when he is not travelling. It tends to be the starting point of most young trainers. Due to its small size, it does not have a Pokémon centre but whenever the professor is in town, he is happy to heal any sick or injured Pokémon.

[Dozle The Crusader]

Professor Ironwood for once back at his lab checking how things were going for the pokémon there he was walking around not on top of his Metagross that was hovering in his lab. The crazy old doctor was overly excited to see his grandson before he goes off and be a young Pokémon trainer. “I can't believe my boy is going to keep his family blood and pokemon strong'.” He laughed to himself “Now where the hell is the blasted Golett? Get your little armored butt back here.” said the old crazy man trying to run around for the shiny pokemon in his lab. The Golett decked the professor in the nose but the Gardevoir used psychic to hold him in place for Ironwood to put it back in a pokeball. “Thanks for that.” He said, holding his now broken nose. He then placed the ball to be ready to be picked up as Gardevoir went to get the first aid for the old man's nose which he was now sitting on Metagross. “Too much running for one day.”

 

The younger man, Aldus la Dozle was just now getting up and ready for his first day becoming a pokémon trainer. He had his freshly buzzed cut dark black hair like his granddad, but he had bright green eyes from his mother's side. He had on his armor he picked up on a trip he had once, his helmet on his belt. “I so hope that old man is still alive in his lab or better be in his lab or my boot going up his ass out his mouth.” Has he was heading out of his mom's house and headed over to the lab where it was a good walk from his house 

[Neptune]

“Ahh! We finally made it, Caine!” Bronwyn exclaimed excitedly as she peered almost triumphantly at the village that was sprawled out before her. Zlascow. It was a strange name, but no more strange than the names in the Kanto region. She found herself pausing on the edge of the village, stretching muscles tired from walking. There was a bark beside her and she looked down to see her faithful companion, Caine, a Growlithe, looking up at her. She smiled as she stopped stretching and patted him on the top of his head, “I know, I know. Just let me have a small break, then we’ll head to the professor's lab.” She pulled a face as she added, “That is, if he’s there. Professor Oak did mention that he liked to travel a lot. So fingers crossed we get lucky, eh, Caine?” Caine barked again, his fluffy tail wagging from side to side. She chuckled a little as she started moving further into the village.

It was early morning, and she could see that already there were a number of people up and doing the first chores of the day. To her delight, many of them greeted her, wishing her a good morning to which she responded in kind. She loved friendly places like this. She certainly preferred it to the hustle and bustle of cities where people didn’t have the time for common courtesy. She paused by the fence of an old man who was trimming a hedge, “Excuse me, sir?” She asked politely.

“Hmm?” The old man hummed as he paused in his work to look up.

“Where might I find Professor Ironwood’s lab?” Bronwyn asked.

“Over there. Ya can’t miss it, lass.” The old man said, pointing to a building that was set on the edge of the village. With a smile, Bronwyn thanked the man before she moved off at a walk towards the lab, with Caine contently trotting at her heels. 

[Dozle The Crusader]

He was having an easy time walking to his grandpa's lab. “I wonder what that crazy old man got me for my starter.” Aldus said to himself as he stood outside Ironwoods Lab as he could see the old man and Gardevoir through the glass door going for the first aid kit. He sighed at that, “What did that crazy old fool do to himself this time.” As he stepped closer, letting the door open, knowing that they were sliding doors. Gardevoir didn’t pay him no mind because she was more worried for her trainer right now. He just followed her knowing she would take him to his granda.

 

Ironwood eyes lightened seeing his grandson walk in behind his Gardevoir and walked to get up and hug him but knew better how his pokemon was worried for a broken nose so he just sighed and waved to his grandson “Aldus my boy it's been too long. I would get up and hug you but you know how she gets.” He pointed at Gardevoir as you can see she was putting a bandaid on his nose “Oh, and there's a surprise in that pokéball for you my boy. Feel free and pick it up and see what you got.” he said with a lot of excitement 

 

He did what his grandpa told him to and walked up to the pokeball and as soon he took hold of it the ball opened and there was a shiny Golett, staring up at him. “Old man how the hell did you get your old sweaty hands on a pokemon like this?” You could tell he was overjoyed right now. His old man knew he always wanted a Golett. He always talked about wanting one when he was a small kid. He picked the Golett up and hugged it even if it was a little heavy to hug he didn't care.

 

Professor Ironwood was so happy seeing his only grandson so happy with his dream pokémon as a starter “Be careful with it, it has a mean right hook.” he just chuckled knowing that his own grandson was too happy right now.

[Neptune]

Bronwyn approached the doors of the lab, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. She took a deep breath, looking down as Caine barked at her. She smiled at him, “Don’t worry. I’m just nervous, that’s all. Come on, my friend.” She stepped closer to the door, pausing when they slid open of their own accord. She then went inside, hearing voices from further into the facility. One of them sounded older, much older. She hoped that this individual was the professor that she was supposed to deliver Oak’s package to. 

Curiously, she followed the voices until she came across a scene where an old man seemed pretty happy as he watched a younger man holding a strangely coloured Golett, while a Gardevoir looked on. Her eyebrows rose for a moment before she cleared her throat and spoke, drawing attention to herself, “Excuse me? Are you Professor Ironwood? I’ve got a package for him.” 

[Dozle The Crusader]

Professor Ironwood tapped Metagross to turn him around to face the young lass that spoke to him. He was eyeing her up and seeing a Growlithe by her feet and his Gardevior still in the lab and going to make the three trainers some tea as the three talked. The older man chuckled clearly in a lab coat. “Yes dear, I'm Ironwood. Not many people around here has one of these or rides on a Metagross and this young man here with this sweet shiny Golett is my Grandson and his first pokemon.” 

 

Aldus placed down his new friend on the ground letting the Golett go up to her and it was looking up at her and waved at her then going to hide behind its trainer to be the wall for it to hide behind. “What do you need to see from this crazy old man? Half the things he ends up doing end either crazy or blows up in his face.” He said being honest but not in a mean way about his granda. 

 

Ironwood turn to his grandson and put his hand over his heart like a fake hurt “Not my fault that one gift I got you blew up on you on your 7th birthday and ended you being built and staying in my lab for a month as Metagross rebuild your room “  He shivered the memory of his own daughter beating him in the corner for hurting her baby boy. And Gardevior was handing out tea for the three of them and a small bowl of fresh water for the Growlithe. 

 

[Neptune]

Bronwyn blinked at the comment about riding a Metagross, not entirely sure why he brought it up past the part that he was indeed riding on one. She knew nothing about this man, and thus had no idea that it was something that he commonly did. She then turned her attention to the younger man when Ironwood pointed out that the Golett was a shiny Pokémon. This caused her to look interested. She had never seen a shiny pokémon before so when Golett approached her, she waved back with a smile. Before she could open her mouth, the younger man spoke, causing her to return her attention to the two of them.

“Uh…” She uttered, feeling a little confused as she had little idea as to what they were talking about. The two of them seemed almost as crazy as each other. As she was handed the tea, she quietly thanked Gardevoir as Caine barked at the other pokémon to convey his gratitude. Holding her tea with one hand, she allowed her bag to slip off one shoulder before switching the tea to the other so she could get her bag fully off, “Uh, I don’t need anything from you, Professor. I came to deliver you something, from Professor Oak.” She flipped her bag open and pulled out a package wrapped in brown paper. She offered it to Ironwood, “I’m Bronwyn. I’m from the Kanto region. Since I was travelling to the Azure region, Professor Oak asked me to deliver this to you.”

[Dozle The Crusader]

Gardevoir took the brown package to Ironwood and soon it was in the crazy old man's hands . He started to giggle to himself “So Oak you old badger you. Where did he find this?” He unwrapped the brown paper showing what looked to be a piece of claw nail; it was all black. “Sorry for being rude to you dear, I got over excited on what you brought to me.” His eyes did not leave the thing in his hands and was grinning like a fool. 

 

All Aldus could do was sigh at how his old man was acting right now “That's quite a walk you took to come here to bring that thing to him. I'm Aldus La Dozle.” He was trying to infuse himself as his granda spinned around on top of his Metagross enjoy. Then he noticed her camera. “So you are a photographer. I bet you got a lot of awesome snaps. Well if you want to, feel free to take a picture of the little guy here not many people see a shiny.” He said picking up his Golett holding him by his chest his pokemon was holding onto him looking at Bronwyn and waved to her feeling more gutsy holding on to its trainer for dear life 

 

Ironwood tapped his Metagross to go over to another one of his random tables letting the two young ones to talk and pulled a sheet showing what looks to be a small model of a all black pokemon you could clearly see ice around parts of the pokemon.

[Neptune]

Bronwyn watched the professor for a few moments, looking a little bemused. When Aldus addressed her, she turned her attention to him and smiled at his comment, “I suppose so. I was heading in this direction anyway. Captured two Pidgey with one pokéball.” She replied, taking a sip of the tea. It was too hot to take a large sip from, but she found it rich and full of flavour. She wondered if it was the region favourite, as she liked sampling what teas the other regions had to offer. Her smile widened at his offer before her smile included Golett, “I will, when I have my hands free again. I’ve never seen a shiny before, so I would love to get a picture of him.” She said as Caine moved closer to the two, sniffing at Golett before barking softly in a friendly manner, quite obviously greeting them. 

[Dozle The Crusader]

Golett was still letting his trainer hold him because of its nerves but waved at Caine showing that it was friendly, but shy. Aldus bent down on one knee, letting Cain and Golett be leveled to each other and showing Golett to put its hand out with his so Caine would sniff it and help with his pokemon shyness.

 

Ironwood was in his own little world as those two were busy talking; his Gardevoir just sighed at how he was acting in front of guests. She brought over the pokédex that was meant to be given by Ironwood but knew he was too busy. It was silver and had a brass cross on it activated has soon it got close to Aldus and started to fly over to him

[Neptune]

Caine wagged his tail when Golett was brought closer. He sniffed at Golett’s hand, before barking at Golett with a big smile and his tongue hanging out. Bronwyn felt that the scene was too cute to ignore, and thus put her tea down on a nearby table so that she could use her camera. She took pictures of the two pokémon as they interacted with one another, “It seems like they really like each other. Caine certainly likes you, Golett.” She said, resisting the urge to coo at the two of them. She then paused when Gardevoir brought over a strange device for Aldus, “What’s that?” She asked, looking at it.

[Dozle The Crusader]

Without looking from where he was, Ironwood spoke up from his spot “That my dear is a rotom pokedex but I made that one just for him. It looks like the crusader helmet on my boys belt.” He said going back to what he was doing. The Rotom had glowing red eyes instead of its green floating around Aldus that took it in his hand and put it in his pouch.

 

Aldus then said, “Well would you like to go out and take pictures of these two out playing. It’s much better outside then in my grandpa’s dirty smelly dusty lab.” He was jabbing everything he could at his grandpa because, well, it was the truth. His green eyes were looking back at her. He was ready to leave this place and to start his journey.

[Neptune]

“Huh… It looks pretty cool. I only have one of those really classic ones from Professor Oak. I’ve had it for a few years, and it’s pretty well worn but still usable.” Bronwyn said, before looking back at Aldus when he suggested that they go outside. She eyed him for a moment before she smiled and nodded, “Sure. You must be really eager to get going. Your first pokémon and adventure after all.” She said, still smiling as she took a picture of Gardevoir before she turned and took a picture of Ironwood on top of his Metagross. She giggled a little before she looked at Aldus, “You can lead the way. I know very little about this region.” She smiled.

[Dozle The Crusader]

Aldus got up still holding Golett which the little guy was holding on to him was nervous right now as he walked out of his grandpa’s lab opening the lab's door. He was waiting for her to follow him. “If you like, we could travel together. I’ve been here all my life but this is the first time I’ll be leaving my own town alone. It would be nice have someone to talk to.”

 

Ironwood was to busy working on the project he been having in his lab and waited for his grandson to be fully gone for him to get ready.

[Neptune]

Bronwyn followed Aldus out of the door, with Caine trotting at her side. She gave him a smile at his offer, “I would appreciate that, thanks Aldus. I’ve never been to this region before, so I know very little about it other than a lot of it is cold. Damn cold. Even here it isn’t the warmest.” She shivered a little, pulling her cloak closer to her body to try and block out the chilly wind before she asked, “How old are you, by the way? You seem a bit older than the typical age Kanto kids get their first Pokémon.” 

[Dozle The Crusader]

Aldus was not bothered she wonder how old he was to start on his journey “I’m 18 and the reason the age is different my mom and grandad thought I better be ready for the world and train my mind and body and my mom did not want me to leave home till she felt I was ready and clocked my him there to make sure I got what I needed before that.” His mother is a very scary woman. Well to him, that is. His Golett was holding on to him the cold did not bother the pokemon to much

[Neptune]

Bronwyn blinked in surprise before she smiled a little, “Kanto kids are able to get their first when they’re ten, although I’ve had Caine here since I was six years old. He was the smallest of my father's Arcanine’s litter. He and I grew really close so he decided that instead of giving Caine away, that he could stay with me. We’ve been together ever since.” She smiled down at Caine who barked happily before nuzzling her leg. She then looked back at Aldus, “Although I didn’t really leave until I was fifteen. I’ve been around the Kanto region, Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh. I went back home for a little bit, and went to see Professor Oak who asked me to deliver a package to Professor Ironwood. I figured I would come and explore this region as well.”

[Dozle The Crusader]

Aldus was impressed on how long those two had a bond. “That's a heck of a team there, I bet you are tough too he has a good trainer.” He was thinking they should go and tell his mom goodbye or else it would be his ass. Golett let go of his trainer and it wanted to go walk on its own. The small ground ghost pokemon was staring at Caine and waved at the other pokemon. He stated to walk away when he was starting to get a feeling of dread going over him and Golett was holding on to his leg for its little life 

[Neptune]

“We’ve been through a lot, yes.” Bronwyn said with a smile, smiling down at Caine who wagged his tail. The puppy Pokémon then looked at Golett, responding to his friendliness with a small bark, before he fell silent and glanced around as he felt the same dread. He huffed a little, looking up at Bronwyn. She frowned and asked, “What’s wrong?” 

Her question was answered when a firm female voice, “You were not thinking of leaving without saying goodbye, were you, Aldus?” 

Bronwyn turned around to see a woman almost as short as she was. She was clearly in her late thirties, and still looked quite beautiful. She looked annoyed, though, even angry as she stared down at Aldus in an almost menacing fashion. At her heels was a Espeon who calmly watched. Bronwyn glanced at Aldus, wondering who this woman was. She wasn’t sure if she should get involved or not.

[Dozle The Crusader]

Aldus just sighed and a light chuckle to himself “Mom you know I would not do that to you. I know better than that; I was planning to head out close to our house to let you have you hug me goodbye.” The little Golett just waved at Aldus' mother, not really getting too much dread must be the ghost part of it. He was wondering how to say travel panter without being his ass on the line. The shiny Golett walked up to Anya and waved up at her not really knowing what's going on but felt safe around her for some odd reason. “This is a trainer from Kanto and she brought something for gramps in there and I thought she would like to travel with me because well, I know the way of the land because of you.” He was trying his best not to act scared 

[Neptune]

“I certainly hope so.” Anya told Aldus when he assured her that he wouldn’t leave down without saying goodbye. Her voice was still firm, as if she would not expect anything else. Her eyes were then drawn by the small Golett as he approached her with a small wave. She seemed to lose all hostility as she knelt down in front of it and greeted it with a friendly, “Hello there, Golett. I hope my son takes good care of you, and you take good care of him.” She gave him a sweet smile, petting him on the top of the head before she stood back up and fixed Aldus with a flinty look before her eyes moved onto Bronwyn who watched nervously, “And you are?” She asked.

“Er- I-I’m Bronwyn. As he said, I’m from Kanto. I’ve been travelling myself for a few years, and I’ve only recently arrived in the Azure region. Aldus offered to show me the way.” Bronwyn said nervously.

The woman eyed her for a few moments before saying, “Not in those clothes you don’t. Where are your cold weather gear?” 

“What? I… don’t have any.” Bronwyn responded, sounding confused.

Anya shook her head, “Come with me. The both of you.” She said, before looking at Aldus and admonishing, “You should have made sure she had some.” She then turned on her heel and walked off towards their home. Espeon stood up and trotted away, following her. Bronwyn looked at Aldus, a little confused. His mother had a very strong presence, and she had a feeling that it was unwise to ignore her orders but even so, she glanced at Aldus to silently ask if they should follow her.

[Dozle The Crusader]

Aldus just sighed knowing his mom was right. “She just cares a lot is all. We've been through some rough times.” He said picking up Golett “Now knowing my mom, she probably has some pokemon treats at home.” Telling Golett and her pokemon to get them hype to go. Aldus then asked, “Hey mom, how long were you out here waiting for me?” He probably guessed as he got in there.

[Neptune]

“Not long since you went in to get Golett.” Anya responded as she lead them through the streets of the small village, passing well tended gardens. She looked over her shoulder at the two of them, “And you aren’t leaving with an empty stomach, either.” She told them firmly. 

Bronwyn looked at Aldus with a little worry and yet she couldn’t help but to feel a little amused at how forceful this woman’s caring was. 

It didn’t take them long to reach a neat cottage that had a lively garden that was sprinkled with beautiful flowers. Anya entered the house, removing her coat and hanging it on the peg as well as removing her shoes and putting them on the small shoe shelf, indicating for the two of them to do the same. Hesitantly, Bronwyn followed her example, removing her coat and shoes before following Anya into the kitchen where the woman had started making what appeared to be a full fry up meal. She smiled at them and asked, “Do you have any other Pokémon, dear? I won’t let them leave hungry, either.”

Bronwyn paused for a moment before shyly saying, “A-ah, yes. Iris… just please excuse him if he’s a bit shy.” She took out a small pokéball which enlarged in her hand. It opened up and a Leafeon emerged to sit beside Caine who wagged his tail happily. Anya’s Espeon approached and sniffed at Iris, who returned the sniffing warily.

“What a beautiful Leafeon you have.” Anya complimented from where she was frying sausages. 

“Thanks.” Bronwyn said with a slight slush, “I’ve had him since he was an Eevee, abandoned by his previous trainer. It took me a long time to gain his trust.” She said.

[Dozle The Crusader]

Aldus took a bit longer with his shoes because his armored greaves took longer to take off and place them inside his spot. Golett went up to where Anya was, looking up at her and wondering what she was doing. Aldus said “Hey mom looks like Golett must trust you alot or must feel safe around you “  He said walking in just notice he Leafeon “You do have some healthy pokemon there just hope i can be that way with Golett some day.”

[Neptune]

Anya smiled down at Golett before she looked at Aldus and said, “Of course. He senses that I’ve kept you safe all these years.” She then winked at Golett before she returned to her cooking, causing the air to thicken with the smell of frying sausages and bacon. Leafeon moved so that he was standing behind Bronwyn, peering out at everyone warily. Before Anya could respond to Aldus’ wistful comment, Bronwyn was quick to try and cheer him up, “Oh, don’t worry, Aldus! You and Golett already get on great! I’m sure that you will make an awesome team! I can teach you all kinds of things about looking after your Pokémon! With the right food, exercise and love, a Pokémon can be super healthy! All it takes is hard work and dedication. I know you have those in spades.”

Anya looked steadily at the young woman for a few moments before she looked back at her cooking once again, “She’s right, you know.” She said, likely shocking Aldus with her agreement, “As long as you don’t falter, son, you can do it. You owe it to Golett and you have a responsibility to him.”