There was something familiar about the girl as saw her face, heck even her voice seemed to tug on a memory he just couldn't recall. At the very least he had a cute partner to work with! He gripped her hand in a firm but not crushing handshake, standing up tall a few inches higher than her. His brows furrowed with confusion as she suddenly cut off her name "Something wrong? Is there something on my face?" He proceeded to touch the corners of his lips looking for a phantom piece of barbecue sauce.
He traced her gaze to the necklace he wore, given to his best childhood friend. The moment he heard his name, it immediately all came together as his blue eyes widened "Averi?" A feeling of excitement filled his body, making his smile only bigger "Yeah it's me! Too long I would say! I'm glad to see you doing well." His mind was flooded with fond memories of the two of them using donning their plastic toy hard hats and shovels to dig giant holes. Every time they got together felt like an a new adventure.
Ethan returned his hand to his side and smirked "There's no way I could forget." After all, there was a constant reminder hanging around his neck at all times. He rubbed the back of his neck with a small laugh "I've been travelling across the regions trying to learn more about the relationship between ancient civilizations and their Pokemon. The Foundation heard of my work and asked me to be a part of the expedition." He let out a chuckle "It's awfully convient too! 'Cause I was gonna come here anyway!" He adjusted the straps of the light backpack he had on. Of course he had more stuff but that was being delivered to the place where they would be staying "How about you? I'd love to hear what you've been up to."
Ethan let out a relieved sigh as he walked down the pier, for a couple minutes he'd thought he lost his lucky Charizard claw. It wasn't an actual claw, just a brass imitation of one that hung off a black leather necklace. He'd had it as long as he could remember and always felt better wearing it when going out into the field. If he'd lost it, that would have been a bad omen in his book. Ethan, with a crisis averted, was excited to meet his partner and get to work. The mysterious Hippowdon Temple surely held some secrets that were just waiting to be uncovered. Of course he'd also be searching for Z-Crystals and Mega Stones for the Poketopia Foundation, who paid for his expenses and the expedition.
The temperature quickly hit him like a wall as he made his way into the village to the meeting point. He had experienced intense heat in his travels but nothing like this. For once, he was glad his parents were such athletes and imparted that lifestyle on him. If he was in the great shape he was, this would have been terrible to work in! Thankfully the Poketopia Foundation had supplied him with a desert-friendly outfit, the khaki color and coherent style making him feel official.
As he neared the meeting site, he came from behind Averi in a direction that prevented him from seeing her face. Ethan had a pretty good hunch that the girl sipping tea in a similar outfit to him was his partner so he approached ready to say something but instead caught the end of her muttering "Ask me what?" A smile appearing on his lips "I'm going to take an educated guess and say you're the person the Poketopia Foundation wanted me to partner up with." He quickly added on waiting for her to turn around, a friendly tone accompanying his voice.
Ethan was born in Oreburgh City in the Sinnoh region to a pair of very active parents, both of whom were once prominent tri-athletes. He always ate healthy thanks to their influence so once he always rather skinny growing up. Oresburgh City was where his parents decided to settle down and start a family, a decision which shaped the entirety of Ethan's future. It in Oresburgh that he met his childhood friend, Averi Birkenhall, whom with he would go one many adventures. He remembers digging up rocks and calling them 'Pokemon fossils' very fondly, as well as some of the goofy names they came up with. It seemed like everyday the two of them would play together, looking for new mysteries to solve. The gym leader of the city soon became their idol, with his cool Pokemon and knowledge of fossils.
It was not long after Ethan received his first pokemon, a Bagon, that his parents decided to move to the Johto region and to Cherrygrove City. He was devastated knowing he would be leaving his friend behind but he made a promise that they would see each other again. While in Johto, studied the history of the world and its interaction with Pokemon. There was so much that was unknown about their partners in this world, that he couldn't just sit back. He decided to become a Archaelogist and travel across the regions searching for answers to all the mysteries involving Pokemon and their connection to Humanity.
When he grew old enough, he managed to study under the tutelage of Professor Elm. It was during this time that his knowledge of Pokemon greatly expanded and his desire to travel increased. After a couple years working under him, Ethan finally decided it was time to start fulfilling his dream. Before he left, Prof. Elm gave him a parting gift: a pokeball containing a totodile. Ethan set out first to the Hoenn Region after saying his goodbyes, with his partners Totodile and Shelgon.
There he battled with other trainers, made a few acquaintances, and even managed to catch his first Pokemon: a Beldum. He did quite a bit of research on the three legendary Pokemon of the region: Rayquaza,Groudon, and Kyogre. It was astonishing to look into the legends of each one but he felt a tad disappointed he never managed to see on in person. A few twists of fate eventually led him to Almia, where he was told of a impressive dig site at an temple in the sand. Eager to see it for himself, he took the next flight to Almia along with his three companions. Little did he know fate would also reunite him with a long lost friend.
Voltaire felt good seeing Koph return a similar expression, this was new kind of high that would take some time to get down from. He took the time to brush off some dirt and dust that got on his clothes as he moved closer to Koph. He felt like a little kid again roaming the streets with a crappy wooden sword. The main difference now was that he was no longer alone.
Speaking of which, Koph had gotten rather close..."What are you doing?" He asked confused, feeling her hand grip his head. A sudden heat seemed to rush through his blood. Pain? Oh she must mean the cut on his cheek "Nah, I don't even feel it." He tried remaining calm.
That went out the proverbial window with Koph's next action. Blood rushed into his cheeks, coloring them a bright red. The fact she did it so nonchalantly made it even worse! The half-elf expression was a mix of shock and disbelief "H-hey! You can't just lick someone like that!" He stumbled with his words at the start "I could have gotten it myself or at the very least you could have used your finger!" He sounded upset but he really how no idea how react to this so it was the first emotion he latched onto it. It sort made him feel like she was treating him like a kid.
Rath cherished the wide array of pieces he had collected. In truth, they would likely never know how much he cared for each of them...all except for Clairemont. She was more like his partner in crime than just a Queen, and yet the most ferocious in showing her loyalty. If he had wanted a harem, he would have had it. If he wanted a board of professional killers, he would have it. Nothing stood in the way of his ambitions. No, He wanted a household with just as much ferocity and ambition as he did...and each had their own ways of expressing it which came as a bonus.
A sharp laugh left him at Alisaie's bold declaration, that was was perhaps a tad too feisty "Oh that's right Alisaie. You have never seen me truly fight, have you?" A playful glare shined in his bold eyes. She was not the only one showing off, as Pan's statement clearly demonstrated. The rivalry between his two knights had been growing too big for its cage, so that is another reason he decided on this kind of training "Alison. Do you doubt my judgement? If this is how you react to Pan, how can I trust you to handle a fight with a true horror?" His voice was stern and authoritative. Rath then turned towards Clairemont with a grin "If I did give you easy jobs, you would only end up bored." The two had gotten to know each other well, perhaps too well as evidenced by her next sentence. He silently scoffed "Then prepare for a long journey." What could possibly be the goal that Rath wished to acheive? Why none other than the highest position in the devil hierarchy: the Devil King himself!
He rose from his seat and followed after the more rash two of his pieces out to a isolated part of the forest, free from observation. A small clearing was the meeting point where he stepped into its center "Now, to ensure we are not disturbed..." A protective dome encased the clearing and a large portion of the forest around it "Here are the conditions for this mock battle. Alison and Pan, your objective is to either disarm your opponent or put yourself in a position where the next strike would be fatal. You may also forfeit at anytime." He said to them. If they got too out of hand, which he expected, he would intervene "As for you, Alisaie....come at me with everything you got. You are my sole rook. I wish to see how long you can last in a fight." He rolled his shoulders and eased into a fighting stance "Now...begin!"
Laughter from a group of playing kids nearby delayed Amrec response, the streets were coming more alive as the sun rose higher in the sky "For an extra fee, of course!" He joked before replying seriously "I don't see it being an issue, other familias usually employ our blacksmiths on expeditions. You would have to talk to the captain or Kagu-Tsuchi himself to get permission however." The two of you were on your way to the Guild Hall, to quickly turn in your magic stones for the day.
The two of you spot Shihon as you enter the illustrious and open lobby of the Guild Hall at the magic stone exchange counter. He is youthful in appearance but is rather mature otherwise "I see you've completed your first day Kurvia...and look at that full bag of magic stones! Here, let me trade those in for you." He takes the bag underneath the metal bars above the counter. It is clear that as your personal guild advisor, he seems rather happy. Soon he returns with a similar bag filled with valis along with the original bag "Looks like you made quite a good haul. Your magic stones were worth 30,000 valis. Normally you'd need a five-person party of level 1 adventuers to earn that much but it looks Amrec here was enough." He smiled upon sliding the money back through.
Amrec took the bag with a grin "Kurvia here more than earned her share." A proud laugh left him as the two of you went outside. He turned towards you holding out a hand "Here, give me your bag.." After receiving it, he would count the valis with surprising speed. When he finished, it was clear he had some more that Kurvia but it looked to be almost a third of the money "This 10,000 Valis is all yours. You definitely earned it." He stated with a smile. The amount was quite a lot for a first time adventurer, let alone a supporter.
With Misha left in the care of Mare and his familia, you maneuver through the streets and alleys of Rezion with ease until you reach your familia's house after trading in your share of the stones. The total amount came to 10,000 valis, an impressive first day and one the goddess would likely give praise for. It wasn't as large as the Anubis or Athena mansions, but it was a beautiful home. Vines with white flower splashed with pink stretched across the white fence that surrounded its perimeter. The building itself was a work of art itself, with engraved stone lining the edges and heroic-looking statues appearing to hold up the entrance. A large garden was located in the back, including a hot spring, that was Aphrodite's favorite part of the house. After not finding her in the house, you decide to check there.
Flowers of different kinds and colors formed an almost maze-like puzzle, but you we able to find her rather easily. The goddess sat on the edge of the natural hot-spring, soaking her feet in the soothing water. Her body filled out a short white dress completely, allowing her silky black hair and striking golden eyes to stand out "Renji? Oh you made it home!" She turned her head as you approached, pulling her legs up from the water. Without warning, she pratically tackled you at the chest and immediately began fixing your hair "I just knew you were going to be mess. Honestly the dungeon is so filthy sometimes..." Her deft fingers moving in and out of your hair as she spoke with ferocity "So, please tell me about how it went." Her voice changed instantly to that of a caring mother as she stood on her toes.
You decide to trade in your share of the magic stones while Misha got treated, hoping that she would be awake by the time you got back. The amount you received was 10,000 Valis, a great haul for just three adventures on their first day. Just as you were finished collecting the money, a familiar voice called out to you "Mare!"
She quickly bounces over, looking excited to see you "You're still alive! I'm so glad!" Her name is Aki Tsunoko, a recent addition to staff of guild advisors with Mare and Misha being the first adventurers put under her care. The tone of voice sounds more like she is surprised than worried "Tell me how your first time went! You don't look too hurt. Um, where is Misha?" She asked appearing a bit confused. From your first impression, she tends to get excitable when in actuality she is worried.
Inside the Guild Hall there were a few other adventures, some trading in their magic stone like May was and some seeking advice from the Guild Advisors. It was the job of the Guild Advisors to collect information about the dungeon and exchange it with adventurers under their care. You trade your magic stones at the exchange counter, a black-haired girl leaving with a stout red-haired dwarf leaving as you came up to it. The elven boy smiles softly as you hand him your magic stones and examines them before putting them away and filling a bag with valis "You must've had a good day to get this much magic stones. Here is your Valis, 10,000 in total." He says sliding the bag through the slot in the metal bars that stretch across the counter.
Off to your side, you spot a striking person with a lovely blue skin. He seems to be speaking with a guild advisor. Regardless, you have your reward for the work you put in today and can go back to your familia's household with pride. A day such as that would surely boost your stats up a bit!
Your speed allowed you to reach the Guild Hall before May and trade in your magic stones. Adventures seem to be in a constant flow in and out of the building. That is when you spot the captain of your familia, a Chientrope by the name of Arissa , carrying a large package leaving the building. She has also been your mentor since they took you in, training you how to fight and in many way acting like a pseudo-parent. Her knowledge of potions and alchemy is beyond anyone besides the goddess herself. Rumors have been circulating that she is close to perfecting a new serum with some saying it can even revive those who fall in the dungeon.
Whatever she is carrying seems to be quite important as she doesn't seem to notice you, appearing to move with extra care. Isis would be expecting you to return with news of your success as soon as possible and hopefully you would soon before other adventurers of the familia took up her time updating their falna.
You are just outside the Guild Hall when you see Priscilla leaving out its front doors. She must have left the dungeon sometime before you did, probably having finished what she came there for. Her movement as you noticed, seem to be less precise than in the dungeon but only just. Despite the fact you are standing well within her field of vision, she doesn't seem to see you. However, as you get close to the doors she turns your way "Ah Noctics, I didn't notice you. How did the rest of your time go?" She asks.
You notice that there a few cuts in the arms of her clothing, as well as healed wounds underneath the white fabric. Wherever she was, there must have been some powerful monsters down there.
Sharp determination glinted in Voltaire's eyes as he propelled himself forward, full power being sent into his legs. Koph was dealing with the kobold and it was his responsibility to deal a finishing blow. The two adventurers moved to a song unknown to Voltaire, their once solo acts moving into a single, powerful duet. With everything he had to give, he leaped into the air. Above Koph's head he flew, twisting his body into position to strike.
The tension built up to its climax, the drumming of his heart going wild in his chest. Koph timed her movement perfectly and left the kobold unable to react. With his dagger above his head now in its downswing, victory was assured. Voltaire's feet landed hard on the ground, the blade of the dagger slicing deeply into the front of the kobold. Voltaire's body seemed to freeze as the monster returned to dust and stone, the tip of his knife dripping slowly with blood.
His breathing was heavy, that had been a intense first fight but the adrenaline flooding his veins was all too sweet "We..we did it." A slight rasp gripped the words, as he regained his stamina. His body loosened as he turned back to his partner with a victorious grin.
Voltaire breathed heavily as he stood up from his kill, the back of his left hand wiping the small amount of blood that dripped down his cheek. A fair exchange he supposed, though not an acceptable one. He'd come back from brawls on the streets with worse wounds than this. His eyes just caught Koph rolling along the ground, the sight of his partner getting got him fired up for some payback.
His hands were raised to his chest as Koph made her way to him, his eyes glancing over her only briefly before returning to the incoming threat. She didn't seem to waste time with words as she stated their next move: a coordinated attack. Despite 'jumping' having a different context on the streets of Orario, he understood what she meant "With ease." He stated, confident in spite of having never done so.
Voltaire quickly took a few paces back from Koph to give himself the run up, he was nothing if not athletic. Between jumping rooftops and running for miles every day, this should be well within his ability "Ready." There was no room for insecurity. If he did not give it his all, he would not make it. His stance shifted into a lower position, power transferring to the muscle in his legs.
Alone, Reylan sat on a bench in the middle of the festival grounds as cheerful music played in the background and merry people danced to its colorful tune. His elbows dug into his thighs as he leaned over them, hands clasped tightly together as he looked off into the distance. He had met up with Aster but instead of walking around the City and enjoying the festival, he asked her to look after Kyo while he searched for this bastard. Reylan hadn't really given Aster all that much of a choice before he ran off. His eyes kept reading the new chat among guilds, but no one had gotten sight of him.
After non-stop searching, Reylan finally accepted the fact that the killer, Valentine, had escaped the city. That is what up to this point with Reylan looking out of place with a serious look among the happiness around him. He had been so caught up in chasing this Valentine that he hadn't even sent out a message to the other members of the guild, so hesitantly he pulled up his menu:
"Legion of the Wolf. It pains me to say this but...Karma was murdered. I am not sure when, but this bastard named Valentine is responsible. His name tag is red, possibly black now, and if you see it anywhere...bring him in. We will find him and he WILL answer for his crime." He sent the message without a second thought, his anger and grief seeping into the words. A heavy sigh left him as he straightened his posture, looking towards the clear, blue sky. The weather was far too nice for today.
He slowly rose out of his sitting position, an almost blank expression on his face. There was nothing to be done. Nothing he could to bring Karma back and nothing he could to bring Valentine to justice right now. Still, he couldn't bring out the energy to enjoy the festival anymore. Instead, he would try to pick up a few of the special items that were for sale. The first item he had his eyes on was the 'Solace Cloak', it would be useful to have fighting at a distance. Few words were exchanged between him and the merchant who sold it, the energy to hide his feelings was failing.
The special arrows felt like they were just for him, as comforting as that could be. For that reason, he had no choice but to buy 40 of them. It would have been more but the two purchases left him with only 110 renn, which he had to save for food and drinks....though he really wasn't hungry even though he had little to eat so far today. The festival...lost its appeal to him so he decided to go back to the inn and work on the Guild's strategy for the upcoming Dungeon raid. It was tomorrow after all. He hoped that the rest of the guild could still find time to have fun today.
Voltaire grew up on the streets of Orario as an orphan, owning almost nothing except for his name. The few possessions he did have growing up were either donated by some charitable indiviual, which was very rare, or he stole from other kids. Needless to say, he sometimes found himself getting into fights which he didn't always win. Worse than the defeat was getting scolded by the Orphanage caretaker when he got home.
Once he was old enough, he would pick up odd jobs in order to make some money for himself. Every morning he would watch the adventurers gather in front of the tower before heading in, his eyes filled with amazement at their equipment and aura. The first purchase he ever made was a wooden training sword which he practiced with every day, pretending to slay ferocious monsters. One day he bumped into a drunk adventurer leaving a tavern and was berated and mocked. The adventurer confiscated his precious wooden sword after declaring that a street urchin like Valtaire would never make it pass floor 1.
Hot tears fell down his face as he tried to fight for it, only to be beaten down again and again. Despite his body aching from the hits, Voltaire now viewed his childhood dream in a different light. It was not enough to pretend. He needed to train so he could be strong enough to join a familia. Every day after that incident for four years he would train his body, going on long-distance runs through the city and performing exercises where he could. He eventually became obsessed with the training, pushing himself more and more each time. That was until at last on a bright, sunny day he passed out.
When he awoke, Voltaire was in a strange building he did not recognize. This was the residence of the Amaterasu familia, and the one who carried him there was none other than Solome. After giving Voltaire some water, He introduced the goddess to him along with the offer to join. Awed by the goddess's beauty coupled with the culmination of years worth of dreaming, he accepted the invitation. Life as an adventurer began right there for him.
𝒫𝑒𝓇𝓈𝑜𝓃𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓎:
Voltaire as his core is sarcastic, hard-working individual. He is willing to go through anything to become a better adventurer. Life as a poor orphan has made him obsessed with the more luxurious aspects of life. At the same time, he knows how to make the best of the bare minimum of supplies. While he tries to be a decent person, he is not afraid to get his hands dirty.
Fetzen
CitrusArms
princess
The Otter
SilverSpring
Not a Sayan
Oso
Luluna
