A Hatch Day to Remember (Open/Justice)

[Stryker]

Stryker let out a small sigh. It was now the summer, a warm breeze blew by. Though not as warm as he liked it, he still shivered. It was only mildly warm. Bordering on chilly. With his beautiful emerald scarf around his neck, he flew on looking for someone, or maybe someplace so that he could mope in peace. Landing softly on a small building on the outskirts of the strange town, he sat. He told the pokemon back at his village to not worry about him, and that he was going on a trip for a while. Truth was he wanted to get away and relax and contemplate on his life. It has been a year. What changes I have seen. he thought, pulling out his bell from his treasure bag he was gifted. Only useful on times he went traveling, and only was able to hold five items at the most. There was only his soothe bell he requested from a fellow pokemon working in the forge. Perfectly round, green and had a nice ringing sound, melodic to his ears. 
He sighed and looked up at the sky in sadness. Another year he survived. Another year without his family. He looked down on his feet, his mind wandering back on the very first memories he had. The warm, kind smile his mother had when he hatched. How she nuzzled him to his feet and cared for him, how she had taught him how to find good shelter. How she had patiently waited for him to catch up with the swarm. 
Stryker sobbed, snatching his arm over his mouth to try and stifle it. I miss them so much. I miss mamma. I miss her a lot. he thought, unable to quiet his sobbing. 
His thoughts traveled over to his father, who was the best father any pokemon could ever have. Helpful, encouraging and a great leader, Stryker strived to meet his father's expectations. He wished that his family was still alive, reason of death still unknown to him. 
The wind began to blow, his scarf trailing the wind's direction. It barely bothered Stryker, he was absorbed in his thoughts. I wish they were still alive. I wish they were all alive. he thought, crying bitterly. What if I was strong enough to fend off whatever it was? WHy couldn't I do anything... he thought in his despair. He stuffed his bell back into the small bag and rubbed the tears away in vain, for they kept on pouring out. How he wished to be held in his mother's arms, and look at his father's fierce eyes full of determination for the best of his family. How he wished he could curl up and cry for a long while, cry his pain away. He wished he had the comfort of family still, yet the thing that attacked tore it away from him. 
His sobs seemed endless, tears a waterfall of pain and regret. He wished he was small again, back in those happy times of prosperity and luck. He sighed, depressed at how those bittersweet memories of the short days he spent with the company of those related to him. I want a hug. I'm depressing myself too much. he thought, trying to laugh at his poor humor. He wiped the tears on his face away with his arm, watching the tears fall off the tip of his blade in sadness. Woe is indeed me today. And for the next few days. I'm probably doing more harm than good having these feelings bottled up. he thought, letting out a sob again. 

[Justice]

TAGS: Stryker
WORDS: :I
NOTES: Poor Stryker

Justice Walks along, holding his bag in his hand. Justice has been shopping all day, buying different objects of clothing for the new members of the Savage Clan, he looks at his bag in which he holds his coins, which has slowly diminished. Seems I'll have to start finding ways to make money again.. he says before sighing. He continues to walk for a while, watching and paying close attention to everything around him. He looks behind him, watching as his seven Pokemon trail closely behind with Grace leading the group by sitting on Justice's head, pretending to direct an orchestra.

Justice hears something over the bustling and the noise, somethign that he recognizes almost immediately. Stryker.. Justice thinks, recognizing the noise as his aquaintance that is no longer just that. He realizes that his friend is apparently in some kind of distress, so he quickly pinpoints where the buy or boy-bug could be. He looks to the roof where the noise is coming from and sees a scarf flapping in the wind. Stryker is cold..in the middle of the summer? he thinks as he tries to figure a way of getting the boy's attention. He looks to Maple and speaks to her. "Maple, there is a bug type on that roof, could you get his attention and ask him to come down?" Justice asks, watching as Maple begins to make her heart shaped horn glow subtely. "Heraca!" She says as she makes a supersonic blast of sound that only bugs would understand, asking Stryker to come down, explaining that friends are waiting for him.

If Stryker comes down, he will notice Justice smiling at him with all of his Pokemon welcoming his presence.

[Stryker]

Stryker let out a few more sobs, absorbed in his turmoil, not hearing the sound wave until repeated again. Hearing a fellow bug pokemon call out to him distantly, he clenched his teeth. Oh darn, I shouldn't have been so loud. he thought, rubbing his eyes, sniffling slightly. I wonder who it could be. Justice? Maybe yes no, yes? he thought, thinking about whether or not to come down. I probably do need to talk about it. he thought, still very depressed. Oh all right. he thought, flapping his wings and flying down from his perch. 
He stood with shaky feet and looked through his blurry vision thanks to his weak tears. Falling to his knees, the strength to stand barely able to stay, he let out another sob by accident. "I miss them." he said in a barely audible whisper in between his sobbing, his throat almost completely sealed up. Normally he wouldn't want anyone seeing him cry, but right now he couldn't care less, he wanted someone to hug him, to be loved again like a child. He closed his eyes, looking down and crying a bit more. Why didn't they stay with him? Why was he left alone? Was he truly alone? Not quite. 
Treasure bag on his side, his bell fell out, rolling over to Maple's feet ringing gently. But Stryker didn't notice, he was because he was about to be trapped in his painful thoughts once again. 

[Justice]

TAGS: Stryker, #InNeedOfChester
WORDS: *Can't Count*
NOTES: So..much..depression..

Justice looks at Scyther who is obviously in some kind of mental distress, and he tries to figure out exactly what's wrong with him. Justice looks to Grace, who is now floating right in front of Stryker, humming lightly in an attempt to make it feel better. Maple grabs the bell and shakes it a little bit, making the entire area fill with a beautiful sound that soothes the soul.

Justice looks at Serenity, the little ralts that is clinging to his leg in what seems to be shyness, and he begins to speak. "Stryker, what is wrong with you? What's happened? You normally seem so happy and full of energy..And how did you get here? You know that now that Crystal and Diamond are one, the people of Diamond will have little problem getting a hold of those crystals that keep pokemon within them?" Justice pauses for just a moment to think about what Stryker had said before speaking again. "Who do you miss, Stryker? Your village? Or..your family? Friends?" He says, trying to figure out how to help his insect friend..

While Justice speaks, Vallens, the little Pancham is slowly climbing up Maple's back and onto the top on her horn, balancing himself on top, pretending that he is on top of the world in the most mature way possible..

[Stryker]

Stryker let out a shaky sigh, wiped away the tears and sat down, pulling his legs close to him. He looks to Grace, a small part of him pleased to see that she evolved, too small to show much emotion on his face, besides pain and grief. He looks to the heracross, holding his bell and sighed. I couldn't care less right now. he thought, looking at Justice. He coughed, clearing his throat and looked down, wondering where to start. "I could care less about the humans." he spat, resting his arms on his knees. He looked drained and appeared older in the light. "Well today is my hatch day. Fifth moon, fifth day. Also in a week would mark the day my entire family died. Reason for that bloody day is still unknown to me. Charred ash was what remained of them by the time I came to." he said, clawing up the dirt with his scythes. 
He rubbed his eyes, "Too much death in the first week of my life." he muttered. I've been through this for three years now. And I still can't help but feel guilty and robbed. he thought. "Plus I have three more years of living, if I'm lucky. Do you mind if I stay with you for a bit? I just need a few days." he said, looking up.

[Justice]

TAGS: Stryker, open,
WORDS: ehh
NOTES: I'M TRYING DARN IT

Justice listens patiently as Stryker speaks about his unconcern for the city's dangers, and he listens as he speaks of his "hatch day", which Justice assumes is the equivalent to a human's birth day. He listens as Stryker speaks of his family's death at his birth, and he listens to Stryker speak of his lack of remaining years.. Justice understands the creatures worries, and he can grasp his pain, and Justice has many words that he knows could help explain what the bug type feels, but Justice also knows that what Stryker needs, at this very moment, is someone to talk to, and lean on, not someone that will scold and explain feelings.

Justice hears the young creature's request and begins to speak, petting Serenity, trying to keep her from shaking, which she had begun because of her dislike for negative emotions. "Stryker, you pain is strong, and your suffering deep. I wish nothing more than to be rid of all of it for you, but I can't. So I will do what a mortal like me can do, and I will offer you a place with me, and I will allow you to stay as long as you feel you need to. Everything will turn out the way it should, Stryker, I know it." Justice says, noticing Serenity ease in her tension a bit as he speaks.

Justice holds out his hand to Stryker as he raises himself up, showing eyes that hold nothing but compassion for the poor boy without a blood family. Justice hopes that Stryker, like the lost king himself, will soon understand that he has family elsewhere; family that cares just as much as blood.

[Stryker]

How fortunate that I have such a friend. Someone for once I can tell about my problems and won't think less of me. he thought, looking up at Justice with unsure eyes. Hesitating, he sighed, and with a small smile, he gave the side of his arm to Justice and got up. Notes to myself, owe Justice a favor when I evolve. he thought. "Thank you." he said quietly, following in silence behind Justice. Feels like a weight has been lifted. he thought. Perhaps my former thoughts about humans were terribly wrong. To a degree. he thought, looking at Maple. "Can I have my bell back?" he asked, holding out both scythes. 
Looking up at the building as they arrived, a memory tugged at the back of his head. I must be delusional. he thought, looking around in the building. 

[Justice]

TAGS: name, open, mod
WORDS: ###
NOTES: short notes.

Justice smiles as he guides Stryker back to the Savage Inn, leading the depressed bug type into the parlor and lightning the fireplace dimly, as to not bother the bug type with fire. He looks at Maple, who gave Stryker the bell back after one last shake, who is now staring at Stryker intently, this being the first Pokemon of her own type that she's seen.

Justice looks to Stryker once again, as his seven Pokemon all pile onto the couch as if the floor had turned to lava.. Justice speaks, his voice filled with compassion, his demeanor one of care and kindness. "Is there anything I can do for you? Food? Medicine? I'll obviously give you a room whenever you wish to sleep or rest, and there is a wash room in between the two wings of the hotel, it's the fifth room down on the right if you are in the left wing, and fifth room down on the left if you are in the right wing. You may choose any room in either wing as long as it's not occupied; or, you could stay in the parlor if you'd rather do that. Whatever you decide, I just hope you feel better soon, Stryker, it's painful to see you like this, and I want you to know that we will always be here for you." He says, glancing at his group of Pokemon who are contently watching the fire.

Justice waits for some sort of response while watching Stryker's expression, looking for any signs that the lost king should catch onto..

[Stryker]

Mustering a tired smile, Stryker shook his head. "I'll be fine." he said nodding in thanks to the group. He holds the heracross' gaze with his, before turning to walk towards an empty room to situate himself. Closing the door behind him, he sighed. I suppose I should be grateful at least. Someday I'll return the favor. Not now though. he thought, looking around for anyone hiding. He pulled out a hidden map, laid it on a table and tapped a spot on the area labeled in unknown runes. It should be there. That stone. If I want to meet the expectations of my deceased parents, then it must be by that. Evolution and further evolution. he thought. I'll remain here for three days, then proceed to take my treasure. At least it takes my mind off of what's coming up. And I should at least get to know his pokemon. Especially that heracross. Ohhh! Maybe I should teach her something. Be useful if she ever needs to defend Justice. he thought, resting his head on the table, taking a seat on a wooden chair. He continued to examine the map, thinking about the routes to take, and what to avoid. A shame this map isn't much useful. At least no one can easily read it, I hope. Wouldn't want to ruin to surprise. With due time, with due time. he thought, swallowing dryly. 

[Justice]

The Pokemon on the couch finally organize themselves in a way that allows them to fit, and as they do, pancham climbs atop the fireplace, spouting some nonsense about being king.

Justice grabs some plates and trays out of a cabinet and sets them on the desk in the middle of the room, within reach of the entire group. He goes to the kitchen and prepares a dozen pimento cheese sandwiches from scratch in less than five or so minutes, asking Stryker to wait just a bit as he goes to do something, watching as he goes to his room. Justice tells Stryker it will be time for supper soon as he finishes the last preparations

During the time he was gone, Serenity and Grace had floated over to another chair and are now happily playing some sort of game, and Honedge is sword fighting with Pancham, who is holding a stick for a sword. Justice chuckles as he brings in the food, placing the sandwiches on the plates and trays, attracting the attention of the Pokemon. Justice motions for Stryker to dig in, and he listens to whatever it is the bug type has to say.

[Stryker]

Looking up from the map, Stryker supposed it was time to eat. He was feeling rather hungry. I'll probably go play with the pokemon for a bit after eating. Wonder what human food it'll be. he thought, forgetting about the intricate map as he moved to go eat, leaving the door slightly ajar. He smiled slightly as he saw the pokemon. Sword play, king of the hill and more games. So young and small. he thought, watching with his arms behind his back. 
Looking up, he saw the food prepared and moved to sit on the floor and stare at the strange food. How odd. Well, he did say raw fish was odd, so who am I to judge. he thought, before slicing the food stuffed between pieces of what looked like baked wheat. He ate it, and what flavorful and delicious meal treated him. Delicious cheese. Mmm, note to self, get some meat tomorrow. Best not to go insane and crazy in the head while in the hospitality of a human with young ones. he thought, finishing it. 
"I'll be staying for three days, and three nights. I did come here looking for something after all." he muttered, looking at the children.

[Justice]

Justice looks at the Pokemon in the room and smiles. Such innocence.. it's precious.. if only..just once.. if only.. he thinks, watching the group, hoping the food is satisfactory for the bug type visitor. Serenity looks at Justice, her Purple eyes locked with her master's. She uses her abilities to lock her thoughts with his own, and he hears Stryker's thoughts.

Well, at least he didn't hate it Justice thinks as he bites his own sandwich. Listening to what the male Pokemon has to say, he grabs Vallens off of the fireplace and pets him affectionately, listening as he purrs, something.. less than normal for a bear..

Hearing Stryker's comment about his apparent search for something, Justice sits up and pours everyone some tea, sipping on his own as he speaks. "Searching? What for? Is it here in Fraer? I'm sure me and my partners could help you find whatever it is you seek for, unless of course you wish to search alone." he says, almost intrigued.

Grace floats over to Justice, landing on his head as she often does, her warm body lightly glowing in the dimly lit room. Justice waits for a response as he looks at Maple, who is now scraping her horn on Honedge, sharpening it as best as she can.

[Stryker]

Stryker looks quizzically at the cup of tea, before gingerly picking it up and sipping, washing down the weird human food. Hm, perhaps I'll make it a mind game. Hadn't had the chance to play them. Might as well. he thought, feeling the tea warm him up. He places the cup down carefully, and props his chin with the tip of his arm. "What I seek will be a treasure, hidden deep within a certain place. A certain object, possibilities held within. That's all you're going to get out of me, and if you can't find out within three days, then I may tell you. No peeking into my mind, that would be cheating." he says, looking at the ralts and togetic. "Have fun with that vague borderline riddle. Now if I may excuse myself." he says, moving towards the exit. "I'm just going to be outside for a moment, don't worry about me." he says as he leaves the building. He flutters his wings, taking up into the air and landing on the roof to watch the sunset. 
"How I see my dead relatives in the stars. Watching over me. The stars, they seem so close yet so far. The same can be said for them. Mother, father, if you are watching me, I do wish you were here. It is lonely sometimes, being a leader. Have to try and please everyone, even if it is impossible. I am making many friends, but that still doesn't fill the void you left me. Shouldn't get too mopey now should I?" he says, chuckling sadly to himself.
"Bridges burned and broken on different sides, we start anew. Being chased by monsters, to face head on, or be consumed. Reaching out for something grasping onto, nothing to lose. Paybacks left too long unpaid but today, to day we got to...." he says, almost singing. A long ago song, a very close memory to him. 

[Justice]

Puzzles now, hmm? he thinks as he listens to what Stryker had to say. He doesn't really ponder over it much as he watches the bug leaves be and his Pokemon's presence. Justice takes all of the dishes and puts them in the sink, rinsing them off lightly before washing his hands and returning to the parlor.

He sits at a chair and watches as his Pokemon play and chatter with each other. Justice patiently waits for his bug type friend to return, letting him have as much time as he leeds to do whatever it is he needs. Justice watches the fire in the fireplace burn, and he watches the way it moves, wondering if one day the future will be quite as bright..