Race into the Night

[Moonlight]

The young woman offered a small smile to Tyson when he experimented with the mindlink, nodding to encourage him. Mildly surprised at how quickly he seemed to adjust, but at the same time grateful. It would save him the complications, certainly. "We can. You're doing quite well for your first experience," Hannah returned, 'tone' quite friendly. Pleased to see he was enjoying himself thus far. While she was a bit worried about whether or not Kin would release the connection when he grew weary enough or not, without her telling him to, she felt that the connection itself would be and was indeed being appreciated by all of the participants.

But it was clear that everyone was enjoying being able to actually talk. Bane leaned into the affectionate head rub, tail wagging appreciatively. That he didn't know what he was only made it all the better, really. Less chance for bias. Topaz speaking seemed to make Tyson's world stop on a dime, though. Utter joy erupted between the duo, one that Hannah felt almost shy to observe.

Yet at the same time, she could appreciate the waterfall of affection. She could easily imagine how many times they'd both wished the other would understand their words, especially if they'd known each other almost their entire lives. It was completely understandable, even if enticing an odd glance from someone walking by the Center. Still, though; when they sheepishly pulled themselves back, she was startled by Ladon's words.

She squatted next to the dratini, arching a brow. But was appreciative of its soft cooing, a small smile curving her lips once more. "You're certain ...? Thank you for the thought, little one," she murmured, gently brushing her fingers against the young dragon type's head. Glancing up at Tyson after a moment, though, to see if he did not object. She did not wish to force her company on him, but if he wished to hang around it would be very welcome. Hannah was indeed enjoying his company, though.

(OOC: Bah ... So short. T_T)

[Australian Chaos]

Tyson looked back at Ladon as the Dratini posed his question, surprised. The dragon-type rarely, if ever, showed any level of trust with any human other than himself. But, as Hannah touched her head lightly, Ladon cooed happily once more, actually leaning into her hand, showing his trust.

Deciding that, now that Hannah's response that she could hear him in his mind had processed through his mind, he would try to use this mental connection from now on, he once more projected his thoughts...it took effort, but he knew he would get better with practice. "I, uhh...wow, Ladon, you really do trust her, don't you?" he commented, before looking up at Hannah. "I'll tell you what, Lad..." he continued, privately wondering how Hannah would take this. "If it's alright with Hannah, we'll at least accompany her to the PokeMart, and perhaps find out what our plans for the future are...remember, we have places we plan to be in the next few days."

It was at this point that Topaz spoke up. "Tyson, I know you want to visit Lavender Town...but we have plenty of time. Surely if Hannah is heading in another direction we could accompany her for a while at least." Despite the joy still radiating through her mental tone, there was obvious exasperation in her voice...she clearly thought Tyson should be more flexible with his plans, even if he wanted to visit Pokemon Tower for clearly selfless reasons.

Tyson smiled, reverting to his physical voice once more as he gave Topaz's neck an affectionate scratch. "Always the logical one, huh?" he commented humourously, before looking up at Hannah. "Well, if it's okay with you, Hannah, we can perhaps talk about this on the way to the PokeMart?" At this point, all three of Tyson's Pokemon turned to face Hannah, awaiting her response; Ladon with a hopeful look, Topaz was subtley eager, and Ryuu calmly indifferent...the Charmander wasn't too thrilled about additional company, but if it made Tyson happy, he could live with it.

[Moonlight]

Hannah sat back on her heels as Topaz and Tyson clearly spoke between themselves, although it was muted by Kin. Shrugging it off as a private subject or discussion, her other hand settled upon Bane's head, gently rubbing it. A contented sigh came from the dual type, leaning against it calmly. It wasn't long before Tyson spoke vocally again, and the mute on the slender persian was lifted. Offering a wry smile at his words, nodding. "That would be nice," she said, standing with Bane. "I've truly enjoyed your company thus far, though," she added quietly, although her tone continued to carry the welcoming air to it. Giving them time to recollect themselves, though.

It'd be a shame if they already had to part ways, given the circumstances. She rarely met someone that actually applied his level of understanding, open-mindedness. Still, though, he had made the offer. Perhaps they wouldn't have to. The Center doors slide open for the two trainers as they walked outside, gentle spring sunlight dancing across the ground. Not much dew was left on the ground or grass, but it was still rather nippy. Breathing a faint sigh, she smiled slightly upon noticing a flock of pidgey overhead. Migrating back from the winter.

Being there were very few bird pokemon in Sinnoh, due to the year-round temperatures that almost always were on the cool side, visiting Kanto had already been a nice change. It's spring, even if just barely out of winter, was far less frosty than their opening month. She idly shoved her hands in her pockets as she walked, pace matching Tyson's. Enjoying the quiet morning, more or less. She glanced over after a moment, offering a small smile to the dark haired trainer and his companions.

"So ... Have you anything in mind as to travel plans? I only know of the region's landmarks, but this is my first time here. Lavender Town sounds like it is an interesting place, though, and its not that far from here ... A day or two walk?" Hannah mused, tilting her head. Considering the distance, from what she could see the path between was tourist friendly. The map that they'd given her did say that the path was clearly marked. But it'd be a far better trip if she had someone to enjoy it with.

[Australian Chaos]

Tyson smiled as Hannah answered an affirmative to his request to talk about their future plans. "As have I, Hannah," he replied kindly, still using the mind-link, finding it easier with every sentence. "You and your companions are all very kind, and I simply appeciate you giving me the chance."

Tyson quickly fell into step beside Hannah as they group made their way outside, Tyson giving a slight shiver as the cold morning air hit his thin frame, causing him to zip up his brighly-coloured jumper, protecting his body from the cold as he raised his hood up. IT was early spring, but the last traces of winter were still clinging to everything, and Tyson could not help but glance at Hannah, who seemed perfectly comfortable despite the chilly weather. Realising that Sinnoh must have a colder climate, he glanced at her one last time, making sure her content look was not forced, before listening as she spoke through the mind-link again.

Tyson could not help but give her an astonished look as she casually mentioned going to Lavender Town. Sharing a significant look with Topaz, who also realised that the way she had spoken meant she had not heard their discussion over the matter...Kin must have blocked the conversation. But still, this was almost one coincidence too many.

"Uhh...yeah," his mental voice replied. "Yeah, Lavender Town's a couple of days walk," he said, nodding his head to the east. "There's a coast road that takes us directly there from here. But...I was intending on heading that way, as well. I've been considering visiting Pokemon Tower for some time...I've never lost any Pokemon, myself, but I thought it would only be the right thing to do to go and pay our respects there."

He finally looked at her properly as they walked, his mind-voice speaking up again. "I must say, the sheer number of coincidences we're finding here are starting to get really odd for me. We meet up, both of us heading for the Pokemon Center, and now today we both intend on heading to the PokeMart, and afterwards head out towards Lavender Town. It just seems weird, you know...not that I'm complaining, or anything," he added, giving her a sheepish smile.

[Moonlight]

Although the longer they were outside it started to raise slight goosebumps on the young woman's bare arms, she was at ease in the temperatures. Undisturbed and unbothered, in fact feeling quite a home. She heard the distinct sound of a zipper not long after they'd left, telling her without even looking that he was cold. Perhaps Bane's inner fire would help warm him up when they stopped? The young woman glanced over as he spoke, noticing the bemusement cloaked in his tone.

But his words soon showed just how close her offhanded guess had been, even if entirely accidental. It was indeed an odd strain of coincidences, even if a pleasant one. "It is odd how we seem to have much of the same thoughts, I will agree. But, I am not complaining either. It seems to have put us in a good position, at least," Hannah observed with a smile, nodding.

His mention of his reason for visiting Pokemon Tower were more than understandable, though. "I do understand your sentiment regarding the Tower, though. It is something that shouldn't be overlooked, at least in my eyes ... Those gone are never really nonexistent until people forget them. No one would want to be entirely forgotten ..."

She sighed after a moment, tilting her head back as they walked. Tall trees lined the roads, edge to a forest. But salt was in the air, suggesting they were near a beach as well. Due to the burn on her leg, though, she wasn't really much of a beach-person. Gawking made her uncomfortable. Because as large as it was, it wasn't something you could just glance over. At least for most people.

"Have you any other things you would like to do in Lavender, though?"

[Australian Chaos]

Tyson nodded slowly at Hannah's words, before his rather happy look faded slightly as she asked about any other things. There were a couple of things he had intended on doing, but one of them was not something he believed Hannah would wish to get involved in in any way...now that it seemed that he was going to accompany her there, he actually intended on putting it off.

"Well, I guess..." he said, his nervousness causing him to revert to his physical voice once again. "I also intended on visiting that Volunteer House, where abandoned and sick Pokemon are cared for...I refuse to catch Pokemon who are happy with their current lives, and maybe there's one there that could use a friend." Despite the kind gesture, Tyson had planned on doing it, although he was not sure exactly what he was looking for. He had been told he would make a great Dragon Master, but he was not entirely sure of himself on that...even if Ladon seemed to think he was the center of their little universe.

"But...there was also..." Tyson tried to explain, but did not want to say it, not wanting to upset Hannah or something. In the end, though, Topaz intervened, sighing across the link as she stepped up beside her companion. "Fine, Tyson, I'll tell her, then," she said with a hint of irritation. "You really need to learn to open up more, though," she added, providing the source of her irritation to all those present.

Turning to face Hannah as they walked, she finally addressed her directly. "If you've been following the media around her lately, Hannah, you probably know that there have been incidents of Pokemon poaching near Lavender Town and Rock Tunnel. We kind of have a...personal interest...in these poachers, and more specifically bringing them to justice. Not killing them, just subduing them and handing them over to the proper authorities, since they seem too incompetent to do anything about it themselves."

Her last words were said with a steely venom. Apparantly the local police forces in the area where the poaching was taking place considered Pokemon poachers a low priority, which essentially gave them free reign unless someone else stepped in. Tyson had fully intended on doing that, but now, with Hannah around...he wasn't so sure. He did not want to part ways with her, at least until she had to return to Sinnoh, but he did not want to put her in danger, and nor did he want the poachers to continue their spree, either.

[Moonlight]

She tilted her head somewhat upon hearing his telepathic voice stammer into his real one, wondering what was bothering him. Had she impeded on his plans? Offering a small smile when he finished speaking about the Volunteer House, nodding. "That's perfectly all right. Aside from Bane here, who more or less adopted me, I've been with my team most of my life," Hannah explained, scratching the dual-type's ears. Steady panting was audible, the mentioned pokemon quite happy to be with them.

Pausing briefly at Topaz's clearly audible sigh, both mentally and physically. But her words did cause a brow to arch. "Err ... I only arrived yesterday morning, so I did not know that," she admitted, truthful. She hadn't bothered to turn on a TV upon arriving, wanting to get out an explore. But something like that was good to know. "Thank you for informing me, though ... I can understand your interest in doing that, though. If no one else will, it'll get out of hand quickly.

While her words were actually approving, they also carried the weight of extended thought. From what she had seen, they both had three companions, not counting Odol with her. They complimented each others strengths and weaknesses. What would happen, per chance, if they joined together? It seemed like Tyson's troop would at least stand a better chance at completing his goals. And since he was being kind enough to show her around, she could repay it somehow. Maybe with that. Hunting the poachers would more than likely be dangerous going solo, and she didn't want any of his companions hurt.

The young woman sighed after a moment, glancing over. "Considering the risks of that, doing it alone, would you like some assistance? I wouldn't really want anything to happen to your group. That aside, our companions do seem to compliment each others strengths," she added, making the point before it would be shot down. She may not have known the specifics about Tyson, but it was indeed clear he was a caring person. And one who would never allow his companions to be hurt unnecessarily. They had that much in common, certainly.

[Australian Chaos]

Tyson managed a small smile as Hannah made another pleasant comment about Bane...once Topaz had explained that he was a Houndour, things started to fall into place for Tyson. He had heard of them, even if he had never seen one...but personally had no issues with Dark-type Pokemon. He had been through too many issues stereotyping him for his dark skin to ever stereotype a Pokemon like that himself.

But when Topaz explained their plans in Lavender Town, Tyson winced slightly, waiting for the rant about how dangerous such a venture was...only to be once more surprised by the violet-haired friend of his when she actually seemed to show understanding about his reasoning. "You...you're not mad?" he asked, completely dumbfounded.

But his shock was only enhanced when she actually offered to lend a hand in his efforts. Of all the scenarios that had run through his head as to how Hannah would react, this one had never crossed his mind as even a vaguely possible outcome. Staring at her, actually stopping their walk unconsciously, despite being close to the PokeMart now, Tyson struggled to process Hannah's kind offer.

"I...uhh...well...look, I appreciate the offer, but I actually intended on letting the matter go for now...at least while you're around. I don't want to put you, or your friends, in harm's way...I feel bad enough putting my Pokemon in this mess...but we've already talked about that," he added a little hastily, catching Topaz's glare, letting him now that they were not having a discussion about the dangers of poacher-hunting again any time soon.

Deciding now was as good a time as any to tell his tale, he gestured towards a bench, while heading over to it himself, inviting Hannah to sit down for a moment, as he switched back to his mental voice, sitting down. "You see, the reason we are particularly interested in these poachers is because of Ladon," he said softly, as Topaz sat beside his feet, and the Dragon-type in question curled it's long body around his shoulders, cooing sadly. "Back when it was just me and Topaz, before I became a trainer, I worked at the Safari Zone, as I told you last night...tending to the dragon lagoon. Ladon was one of about three Dratinis there, and I got along fairly well with all of them. For some reason, the Dragon-type Pokemon seem to like me," he added with a small smile, patting Ladon's head affectionately.

"But one day, I went in to work, and found a group of poachers at the lagoon. Ladon was the only Dratini left alive, and he had gotten the wound you see now from the poachers, who at this point were ready to kill him. Topaz jumped in and we tried to fight them off, but they had a few companions of their own." He looked at his shoes at this point, as Topaz put a comforting paw on his knee.

"Don't worry, Tyson...there was nothing we could have done," the Persian said softly, showing a softer side to her, that was not often seen by anyone other than Tyson. "It was probably stupid of us to fight them in the first place."

Tyson nodded. "But still, those Dratini didn't deserve to die...and in such a gruesome way, too..." he shook himself out of his thoughts, and looked back up at Hannah, the sadness filling his expression as he continued with the story. "Anyway, a battle of sorts started up, but right from the start we could tell it was hopeless...there were two poachers, and they had three Pokemon each, against me and Topaz...alone...or so we thought."

He paused for a moment, knowing he was getting to the point in his tale that no-one who had heard it...which was very few people...ever believed. He pressed on, though, trusting Hannah. "Just as I was sure we were going to get overpowered, several Pokemon...many I have never see before, all came in and stopped the poachers and their Pokemon, making them flee in about two seconds flat. Needless to say I thought I was hallucinating when none other than Lance comes along as the trainer of those Pokemon."

He shuffled nervously, before moving on. "I won't go into the details...but suffice to say I was stunned when the Dragon Master actually spoke with me, saying those poachers had been targeting Dragon-type Pokemon for some time now. He was the one that convinced me to take care of Ladon, and become a Trainer...he told me he believed I was Dragon Master material...although I still struggle to believe that."

Tyson's last words elicited a reassurring coo from Ladon, along with a few words over their link. "Don't be like that, Tyson...I remember when you took care of us back in the Safari Zone...we all thought you were great...you admired us, but did not try to take advantage of us because of our type. Lance obviously saw something in you...and I do, too," he added softly, wrapping body a little more tightly around Tyson in a soft hug, nuzzling his chin, leaving the dark-haired trainer stunned.

[Moonlight]

The young woman shook her head when he asked if she wasn't upset, a small smile still playing about her lips. "Not at all. How could one begrudge even an offer of assistance when another means well?" Hannah queried kindly, though pausing as he stopped. Noticing Topaz's sudden glare at Tyson, the yellow-clad trainer seeming sheepish due to it.

Nodding after a moment when Tyson gestured them over to a bench, moving to join them after he and Topaz made themselves comfortable. Taking a seat on the edge of the painted wood, watching as Ladon twined himself about Tyson's shoulders. Listening quietly to the young man, making no comments as of yet. Her pale silver gaze falling to the ground as he wove his tale, one that grew darker with each bit of memory. The mindlink providing more than just words, but also the heavy emotion attached to them.

Slowly releasing a low sigh as the trio finished speaking, pondering silently. Gently reaching over after a moment, brushing the sides of her fingers against Ladon's head. "I'm sorry ... I didn't know what had happened ..." Hannah finally murmured, her 'voice' barely audible. Hesitantly meeting Tyson's gaze now, unsure if he would believe her words, either. "To be a Master would take bravery, however ... And it seems you've that in great amount. Not many would challenge a pair of poachers like that ... I believe you could be a Dragon Master, if you wished," Hannah added quietly, gently stroking Bane's head as he rested it on her knees.

The dual type canine, much like Kin, had been listening to the tale silently. Refraining from making a comment still, although it was clear a new level of respect had taken root in the human and pokemon trio. Bane balancing on his his hind legs after a moment, placing his paw on Tyson's knee as well. "That you intervened at all was very brave. You could very well be a pack leader, were you a pokemon."

[Australian Chaos]

Tyson kept his gaze firmly locked on the pavement in front of his feet, struggling to reign in his emotions in the aftermath of his tale. He did see Hannah's hand brush over Ladon's head out of the corner of his eye, though, and looked up, noting with some surprise that Ladon relaxed at the contact...the scarred Dratini was usually very wary of any sort of contact with humans...most terrified him. But he seemed to have taken a very quick liking to Hannah, judging by his actions today.

He turned his gaze to Hannah as she spoke up, giving her a small smile at her initial words. "It's okay..." he said simply, unable to form more words than that, as he was still calming himself down from the emotions of his tale. But when she continued, quietly adding that she believed he could be a Dragon Master, Tyson's calm stare was replace by a look of stunned disbelief. "I...but..." he stammered, one again reverting to his physical voice, only to lose it as Bane jumped into the conversation, adding the idea of him being a pack leader, were he a Pokemon, to the mix.

For several moments, Tyson was unable to form so much as a coherent though. He had never had so many creatures outside his own Pokemon companions believe in him so much...and it was rather overwhelming. Hannah soft gaze, the mild look of respect in Kin's features, and Bane's gentle paw on his knee, all combined to overwhelm the young man, as he struggled to regain his senses.

But before he could regain his voice, Ladon pulled his head away from Hannah's touch, and turned to face him, speaking up. "Tyson, please don't deny what they say. They speak the truth...even before the poachers came along, there was something about you that I, and my brothers in the lagoon, saw in you. It takes someone special to have that effect on us Dragons. You protected us, when you could have fled...I can never thank you enough for that...you saved my life."

Tyson opened his mouth to argue, but Topaz butted in first. "I know what you're going to say Tyson...yes, Ladon's brothers were killed, but the point is that you stayed and fought for them when you could have fled...we both did. You fought because you believed it was the right thing to do, not because you were forced to. I know you don't like attention...but please believe that we see things in you...all of us do," she added, looking over at Hannah and her companions, before turning back to Tyson. "Now stop being so modest and accept what we're all saying!" she added, a light-hearted harshness to her voice, her old, blunt self coming back to bear after the emotional moment.

Tyson looked at his closest companion for a few moments, taking everything in, before sighing. "Thanks, Topaz," he said, scratching the large cat behind the ears, drawing a contented purr from her, before turning to Bane, giving him an appreciative pat and scratch across the head, too. "That was really nice, Bane, especially since we haven't known each other long."

He then looked up at Hannah, smiling a more genuine, full smile, as he reverted abck to his mental voice. "I still don't think I'm any sort of Dragon Master...I simply don't want to be one. But thank you, anyway...I've never really had many people believe anything of me before." He then stood up, looking up at the sky, which was currently fairly sunny, but showing signs that the afternoon might be a little wetter. "Come on...I've held us up long enough, you wanted to get to the PokeMart before we head off...besides, I think we're going to need to prepare for a wet afternoon," he added, frowning up at the sky.

Topaz grimaced at Tyson's last comment. "Rain...great..." she muttered dryly. She was by no means afraid of water...she had handled enough Water-type Pokemon in battles to disprove that theory...but she still didn't like getting wet if she could help it.

Ladon, meanwhile, seemed a little happier, staying wrapped around Tyson's shoulders even after the dark-skinned Trainer got up...it was his favourite resting spot. Dratinis were at home in the water after all, so the prospect of rain was met with calm anticipation from the blue Pokemon.

Ryuu, meanwhile, gave the distant rain clouds a harsh glare, as if he could scare nature off with a look alone. Rain meant an afternoon cooped up in his PokeBall to keep the rain away from his tail flame. While said flame burned far bigger and brighter than the standard flame Charmanders possessed, it was still suspectable to the effects of rain, and Ryuu would rather be stuck in the ball all afternoon than dead because the rain smothered his flame.