[001 | Action | Backdated to 1/13]

[struckbylightning]

[ACTION - The Lake Shrine]

S'been a while, huh Shiva?

[The question's directed at the small Eevee trotting alongside him, made distinguishable from any others by the little black bandana that Snow's tied around its neck.]

'Vee?

Y'know, since we've done a little exploring.

[Seems that's been a pretty big buzzword these days. If the Rangers are planning on an expedition to the caverns, that means that Snow and Shiva can't afford to let themselves get too soft. Which is why the two of them now find themselves at the very edge of the Lake Shrine. Snow pauses a moment, just to take it all in.]

Pretty cool, huh?

[Did he really need to ask? The Eevee looks pretty thrilled to be here, as does Snow.

Ahh, uncharted territory. Just like the good ol' days...]

Comments

[thehandhungers]

[Where as Snow might be diligent in his exploration of this land, Owain is a bit less in command of his destiny.

Lost, he ends up at the Lake Shrine mostly by accident. Missletainn had a hand in that by disturbing bushes and snapping branches to keep Owain on his toes. Also because it enjoys his dramatic declarations at whatever hidden foes might be around.

Still, Owain ends up at this lovely scene to find out he is treading on the path of another. Seeing the other ahead, he waves and shouts to avoid sneaking up on Snow.]

Hail! Is it fate or some other hand that steers us along the same path? Well met!

[struckbylightning]

[Oh hey, look who it is! Sup, new hero buddy?]

Yo! [Snow grins at Owain, waving back at him.] I'm guessing you must've had the same idea, right?

[thehandhungers]

[Owain has to wonder just what idea that was. Still, getting lost isn't too heroic so he runs with it.]

Of course. Great minds think alike and in these dark times it will take all the wit of great minds to see this through.

[struckbylightning]

[Oh, you.]

Yeah, you've got that right. But it's gonna take a lot more than brains to see that expedition through. We're gonna need brawn, too.

[He pounds one fist against the other for emphasis.]

Lots of it.

[thehandhungers]

Then you have met the right ally this day. My sword hand is unmatched and no foe dares face its wrath.

[struckbylightning]

Oh yeah?

[This just gets better and better.

Snow exchanges a knowing glance at Shiva before returning his attention to Owain, sizing up the friendly competition.]

Suppose I dare, hmm? What do you think? Up for a quick spar?

[bravenewmods]

[The Lake Shrine is a very calm place, with a lot of interesting architecture to take in. Outside of the sound of flowing water and the occasional chirp of some far-off Pokémon, nothing stirs. It is the very definition of calm.

But what is that strange buzzing sound? It sounds like it's coming from behind the shrine.]

[struckbylightning]

[Shiva's quick to pick up on that buzzing noise, scampering off ahead of Snow. She lets out a soft sort of barking noise to signal her partner. The hero understands, and he follows suit.]

What do you think it is...?

[bravenewmods]

[Unfortunately, poor Shiva will find out first what that strange buzzing sound was coming from.

A wild Yanma buzzes over its head, heading straight for Snow. It must be your bright personality, because it's heading straight for your face like a moth to a flame.]

[struckbylightning]

[Shiva watches it whiz by overhead, powerless to stop its charge.]

Whoa!

[Normally one shouldn't be that worried about a bug flying at one's face. But then, most bugs don't weigh roughly 83 pounds. But Snow still doesn't run. Firmly planting both feet on the ground, Snow raises both his arms and extends them out a few inches in front of his face, crossing them in a sort of "X" shape to try and stop the Yanma in its tracks.]

[bravenewmods]

[And it does stop, tilting its little big head from side to side. But it just wanted to say hello, human D:

They've been getting more human visitors lately, and it was curious what all the hubbub was about, and then you showed up, so obviously it had to greet you. Instead, it proceeds to circle around Snow instead. If he doesn't want it landing on him, it will at least get a good look at you.]

[struckbylightning]

[Huh...?

Snow blinks back surprise when the little guy slows to a halt, gradually lowering his arms (and his guard) once it starts circling 'round him. Maybe it's not so unfriendly after all. Talking to it might be worth a shot.]

Hey there... [So far, so good. He laughs a bit sheepishly, letting some of the tension go.] You know, you really took me by surprise.

[By this point, Shiva's meandered back to the two of them as well, staring up at the Yanma with a look of wonder and curiosity that could rival Snow's.]

[bravenewmods]

[It didn't mean to startle you, human. Still, you're really big for one, Yanma is amazed. What have you been eating to get so big, must be a bunch of berries. It begins to contemplate this for a moment, going in to sit on Snow again so that it can get its think on.

Oh, but wait, the human wouldn't like that! It made the X thing, and that's bad right? It hovers back up and settles for just staring at him.]

[struckbylightning]

[That second attempt to get closer doesn't go unnoticed, fella. Snow shakes his head.]

No, no, it's okay. Here...

[Without hesitation this time, Snow raises a big, beefy arm up and keeps it level, offering it as a potential perch for this newfound friend. Shiva watches on, in awe.]

There, y'see?

[bravenewmods]

[You'll let Yanma perch on you? You're good people, Snow! It lowers itself gingerly on his arm, wings moving a bit before it finally settles. This is much better, it can sit and take a better look at this human. Win win!

But what is that weird band thing on your arm, Snow? It uses one of its arms to try to reach at his warp band.]

[struckbylightning]

[Those little arms of Yanma's kinda tickle... Oh hey, it's pawing at the Warp Band.]

This must be your first time seeing something like that, I bet. Pretty cool, huh?

[bravenewmods]

[It's super cool!

...

What is it?]

[struckbylightning]

Lots of people have these back where I come from. We call 'em "Warp Bands." They help make it easier for us to talk with Pokémon. You know, to make new friends.

[Kinda like now.]

Wanna give it a shot?

[bravenewmods]

[So this weird thing would help the big human understand Yanma better? Whoa! You humans have cool stuff!

It starts tapping at it now. Yeah, let's try the thing!]

[struckbylightning]

Heh, guess so! Okay, here goes...

[He reaches with his left hand to activate the Band.]

[bravenewmods]

[The band glows and Yanma flutters its wings in response. Hehe, that feels funny.

Congratulations, you have bonded with Yanma! It is level 5, and its stats, nature and characteristics are up to you to decide.]

[struckbylightning]

[Victory!]

Hey, all right! It's nice to meet you, buddy!

[He hikes his thumb up to introduce himself.]

My name's Snow. Snow Villiers. And this - [He lowers his left arm and extends it towards the Eevee on the ground.] - is Shiva. Come on up and say hi.

[Shiva takes a running start and leaps atop Snow's other arm, darting up and around his shoulders so she can meet their new friend at eye level as well, purring in excitement.]