Set in the original region of Arciel, Legends Rising is a route-inspired, but not strictly route-based, Pokemon roleplay. Pick a faction, pick a class, and strike out into the wild to take on the League, master Contest coordination, research the mysteries of Pokemon and Arciel, and much, much more. Will you be a classic trainer? A criminal? A farmer? Choose your destiny on Legends Rising.
"Well, you guys are growing kids after all..." Technically he is too. "So don't worry about it... are you guys fine to move right now? Sitting and sleeping there would be bad for your health you know. The floor is cold," Azur commented. Thankfully they are. After guiding Ettie to their room, Azur can't help but to chuckle at her immediately tossing herself to the bed. Ah, well... "You should have took bath first before that you know... But I can understand how wonderful is soft bed... especially after being so tired..." Honestly, with jet lag? Added with few hours of testing and such? He's ready to conk, but it's probably a bad idea.
Azur indeed waited with Anne. "Would you like to take sand bath later, Anne? I think I saw sand sauna just now, but they're not in operation at the moment as it's too late. Maybe you can take some sauna there with Ettie tomorrow? It's good for curing fatigue, almost the same with regular sauna actually."
And soon Ettie came out, not alone at it! There's Duchess, being playful while Ettie chasing her. Yeah, this is quite healing in itself. Azur can appreciate this goofiness. Thankfully, Ettie managed to dry her off. Azur approached and pat their head. "Was it a good bath?" he asked. "Hot bath can be really nice to soothe fatigue. So if you feel like you haven't got enough, you can get inside again later. Just remember the cleaning hours. Sometimes the bath need to get cleaned after all."
Speaking of food though, whew, Ettie sure eat a lot! Not to mention her Pokemons too. In a way, Azur is glad that being a nurse means he could get discount and he could pay their food just fine... but imagine if he's a trainer instead! ...But as a trainer, he probably would have get roped in to this problem to begin with... so he guess this is fate.
When Azur was sleeping, he have no idea what transpired... but the Arcanine, meanwhile, opened its eyes idly when Ettie and her pack came inside. He was half asleep when she draped him with the blanket. He noted that Anne and the rest are on Ettie's side... They must be really trusting toward their trainer... It have a mixed feeling, but perhaps... perhaps he could wish the same with this man over here? The Arcanine gently pushed his head on Azur's hand, as if trying to get him pat him.
Azur mumbled, but his hand soon instinctively scritches the Arcanine's mane. The Arcanine let out a content sigh. He really missed affection. He really missed being with someone who could love him, no matter what his form are... His trainer has abandoned him, but perhaps... perhaps he can be hopeful that the future would soon change? He hope that this hand would be hand of someone who he could be together with until the end of his lifespan.
When the morning came, Azur felt something wet and sloppy on his cheek... guh... what was it?
He groggily opened his eyes. Thankfully the sunlight still haven't fully rose, so it doesn't feel so bad to his eyes. He really wanted five more minutes of sleep... He's tired from the jet lag! But the sensation on his cheek, the repeated licking won't stop. He finally shook his head to snap himself out of this stupor. When his vision finally cleared up, he saw... a big snout, and pair of eyes hidden under mop of fur. And immediately, he got assaulted with the same tongue right in front of his face! "Agh.... haaww... good morning..."
The Arcanine barked. He looked at Ettie next and approached her. Just like with Azur, he licked her up. Her cheek, her face... pretty much like a dog waking up their owner. After that, it licked Anne too, then finally Duchess. It seems to avoid Princess to not disturb her sleep. Azur stretched, pretty much awake now. He cleaned up his face before refilling the food bowl with food again. "...Looks like you're all better... Well, not entirely. You're still very much all bone, fella."
Azur gently brushed the Arcanine's fur. "For now, you have to eat alright? I'll be checking you again after I get some breakfast... or maybe we can just eat here?"
"I don't see why not," Nurse Joy suddenly came inside the room with her Chansey on tow. "Still, I can't believe you all just like that come here to sleep with him... But considering your act has made the Arcanine trust you, I think we can overlook that. I'll be holding the fort while you all get your food then. All I wish is that you all does not overload the Arcanine with too many Pokemons at once, alright?"
"Sounds fair. I'll feed my other two Pokemon in the cafeteria while I pick some food then."
In the cafeteria, Azur feeds Gusios and Tristan while he picks up foods to bring to the Arcanine's room. "...So, I think I'll be around here for like... two weeks or so," Azur told Ettie. "...Afterward, I think I'll move south to Cherry Town. What about you?" he asked to Ettie. "While I'm here, I can temporarily act as your guardian. I don't mind you staying together with me in that two weeks. I think the Arcanine also really like you being around too... so there's that. Hmmm, and well...
Azur put in some soup on a bowl and meat to his mashed potato plate. He also added some mixed vegetables, and egg. "...Frankly, I don't quite approve your way of thieving, and while I understand you love your freedom, I want you to try the "clean" life too. Working on jobs and eventually finding things you want to do, beyond this thieving lifestyle. Like I said before, crime builds bad karma. At first it might be light, but you can't stay in one place and keep repeating that... Keep that close to your heart, alright? I just hope that our meeting does not end simply in you living a new life for two weeks without giving any impact is all."
The notion of a sand bath would pique Anne's curiosity; the young Rockruff tilting her head. She'd think it over for a few seconds, before nodding in agreement to Azur's offer, barking! A sand sauna was a completely new concept to her (she did bury herself in the warm sand at the nearby beach once, during a sunny day; but this was probably different) so she wanted to give it a try..!
And then, there came the next day - Azur, Ettie, and the pups being woken up one by one by the friendly Arcanine. When he took to licking Ettie's face, the young girl would splutter a bit in surprise at first; blinking owlishly as she leaned back from the fiery canine. However, upon seeing just who it was that was licking her face, well.. Ettie would be unable to help a bright laugh; reaching her hands up to ruffle the Arcanine's mane. "Morning, buddy!" She'd chirp to the large canine, adding a bright and happy "Arf!" to him.
She was absolutely pleased with the Arcanine seeming to have had made a full turnaround in his behavior; happily greeting the both of them with his own little version of a 'good morning'. For how scared he had been before, he was now the complete opposite! Humming gently at this thought, Ettie would smile warmly - running her fingers through the Arcanine's fur, as she softly asked "How are you feeling?" with an inquisitive tilt of her head.
Anne, in response to being licked, would make a bewildered bark as she awoke; blinking blearily, her gaze snapping in every which way - Who what where when--?!? Another lick, though, would bring her attention back to the Arcanine - the perpetrator himself..! Anne, at first, would bring a paw up to wipe her face clean of any excess saliva - though her tail would be wagging as she nuzzled up to the Arcanine, softly barking in greeting.
Duchess, though, would be interesting to lick; her static filled fur meaning that the Arcanine's tongue was likely left quite tingly afterwards...! The Electrike in question would be quite happy to be licked, though; yipping to the Arcanine, and proceeding to try and lick him right back, her tail wagging happily all the while..!
Princess, meanwhile, stirred at all the noise; grumbling a little, at being disturbed from her sleep by all the ruckus. She'd tug a little on the blanket to wrap herself in it more tightly, before flopping against one of the pillows to try and get back to sleep.
As a Nurse Joy and Chansey both entered the room, Anne's attention would snap in the duo's direction; watching the nurse and pokemon alike closely. The scent was familiar enough - so Anne didn't feel quite as wary or on guard as when she first saw Nurse Joy. But, she still wanted to make sure that everything looked to be in order, for the Arcanine's sake. Though he was more active than yesterday, he still had some recovering to do; so she had to protect him!
Duchess, though, would greet Nurse Joy and the Chansey both with a yip, as she watched them; her tail wagging in a friendly fashion. She'd bounce up to the Chansey, and try to play bow - though a bark from Anne would remind her that she shouldn't bother a pokemon while they're working. Duchess, sheepish, would look a bit apologetic at this - though decided to direct her playful energies at the Arcanine instead, bouncing up and play bowing at him instead...!
Sure, the Arcanine probably wasn't completely recovered on a physical level; though Duchess didn't mind at all, if she had to be extra super gentle with him, or if they had to take lots of breaks! She just wanted to play, and she wanted to include the Arcanine in on it so that he wouldn't feel lonely at all!
Ettie would laugh a bit sheepishly at the Nurse Joy's comments, though; scratching the back of her head, smiling, and her cheeks flushing with that aforementioned sheepishness. Yeaaaah, maybe they technically shouldn't be sneaking into the Arcanine's room; though she had made a promise to the Arcanine that they'd be here for him, and she wanted to keep it..! So, she did! Not wanting to overwhelm the Arcanine with other pokemon made sense, though; and briefly, Ettie glanced to Anne, Duchess, and Princess as she stood - asking "Do you guys wanna come grab food with us?"
Anne would immediately respond with what was a clear no, though; sidestepping closer to the Arcanine. She wanted to stay with who she considered a new packmate, and make sure he was safe! Duchess, similarly, wanted to stay to keep the Arcanine company, and to even play with him a little; lightly nipping one of the Arcanine's ankles as she bounced about him.
Princess, though, only snored in response; having dozed back off, wrapped up in the blankets and pillows that Ettie had brought into the room.
Which meant that it would just be Ettie accompanying Azur, when they'd move for the cafeteria - gathering up food. At being questioned as to what she might do, Ettie would be quiet for a second; though... She wouldn't hesitate, in smiling up to Azur, and mentioning "I wanna stick with you for a bit! You've been really nice to me, and yeah - I wanna make sure that the Arcanine will be okay, so I wanna stick with him, too." It wasn't like she exactly had anywhere else to go, anyways; if she left them? She'd be back on the street, looking for a new hideout, scrounging for food as she always did....
... And for as much as she liked the idea of being free and transient, she didn't mind hanging around Azur if this was going to be a temporary thing.
But, then there was Azur's mention, of how he didn't approve of her thieving, and how he wanted her to find other things to do, such as jobs, to find herself a cleaner life. Ettie, once more, would frown at this - her mood drooping a bit as she fell silent. This again...? Quietly, she would dish up some food for herself and the pups - not responding to Azur's words right away. If she wasn't stealing from good people, or poor people, then was it really as bad as Azur made it out to be?
Certainly, she understood him being worried about her getting caught, but...
... Eventually, she'd slowly nod, murmuring a non-committal "Alright..." to him in response. She wasn't sure if she really wanted to give up the thing she grew up doing; but she supposed that she could still give more honest jobs a try...
Something about Ettie spluttering was so humorous to Azur that he pretty much trying to hold his laughter. That, added with more licking, definitely told her who's the culprit is. The Arcanine let her run her hand through him, whining, but not in pitiful manner. It's a whine of enjoyment as his tail idly wagged. At Ettie's greeting, the huge Arcanine barked at her. Arcanines aren't known for their indoor voice... they're big canines for a certain reason! The booming voice are their trademark, pretty much!
"Looks like he likes you," Azur commented. The question asking about how he's doing is answered with a booming bark once again, then a lick to the face... yet again. Poor Ettie, but she doesn't sounds like she would mind to be honest! Especially after she just laughed after all that slobber filled wet slap of tongue.
The big dog Pokemon then moved toward Anne... and again Azur laughed at Anne's reaction. It's so amusing! It's like when you're poking your dog awake and they suddenly just yips and gets up, then just look at you in offended manner... Discounting the last part in this case. Anne seem to be happy, really happy with the change in Arcanine's change. The Arcanine once again licked Anne, but this time on her back. After a bark of his own, the Arcanine nuzzled Anne back in response.
The Arcanine did not mind the tingly sensation on his tongue. He just continue to lick Duchess even! Perhaps this is his way of saying thank you? The Pokemon was really happy, to be honest! The hyper Duchess seem to manage to elicit a playful reaction from the Arcanine. He bowed down in a playful "play bow" that most dog would do. His tail might not wagging as fast as Duchess' does, but looks like he's interested in playing! He play nipped at her, and at time gently bunting her. For someone so big, he's definitely gentle with the smaller ones!
Princess' reaction cannot he helped. Azur just chuckled looking at princess... but even so... "Hey, don't get too spirited, alright? You're still weak after all."
The Arcanine plopped in understanding. Finally, looks like he'll be fine. "You can't play a lot before the IV is out, alright? Or it'll be bad for you!" Thankfully, that was all he need to make it to listen to him. Even so, he doesn't seem to entirely give up the idea of playing with Duchess. Even from his position, he attempted to play nip at the younger Pokemon!
"Looks like everything is fine here," Nurse Joy remarked. "I never seen a change this fast, but... I think you all have won his loyalty. It would be great if you all could stay with him until he fully recovered. This is more of a request, though, especially to you, young lady, and your Pokemons."
Seeing Anne at guard like that, the Arcanine approached her and licked her once again in appreciative manner. Quite the cuddlebug isn't he?
Afterward, Nurse Joy checked up on him. She changed the Arcanine's IV liquid while making sure that the tube aren't tangled or filled with air. After done with it, she just smiled at Duchess. "Hello! Good to see you too, little one! You're an energetic one aren't you?" and the bark from Anne thankfully would settle her down. She returned to play with the Arcanine, who now returned her gesture back! When Azur was closing the door, he saw the Arcanine attempting to roll Duchess to her stomach then grooming her. Perhaps, he's trying to act like a big brother would? He can't help but to smile.
Hmmm, so it's just him and Ettie eh. Azur was glad to hear that she doesn't mind to stay with him for longer. Although... the response about the job probably soured the mood again huh. Azur opted to simply ruffle her head. "...Do what you please, but all I ask is to try it out, alright? Just a while. If you don't like it, that's fine. You're free to return to your previous life just fine."
Well, he hope that he listen to her, but... oh right! He suddenly grabbed ice cream container and put a scoop of chocolate ice cream, then a scoop of peanut butter ice cream. He put it on Ettie's tray, chuckling. "It might not be as planned, but I saw it anyway... so I thought, why not?" he himself scooped up two scoops of chocolate ice cream with brownies chunks inside of it. No soft serve ice cream machine sadly!
"Well, while waiting for Gusios and Tristan to be done with their food, why don't we just eat this ice cream for the meantime?" it might be a bad idea considering their stomach is empty, but Azur doesn't quite care. He scooped the ice cream and looked happy with the taste. After a while, he emptied it, just right as Gusios and Tristan done with their food.
"Well, then, let's return, shall we?"
Azur continued, walking toward the isolation chamber again. Over there, the Arcanine is eating. It's seem that Nurse Joy also gave similar food to the rest, to give them a sense of camaraderie perhaps? But either way, the Arcanine licked his lips clean. He licked Anne once again. Hmmm? Could this big guy perhaps being submissive to her? Or is it just an affection sort?
"Hey you all, how are you doing?" Azur asked. "Looks like you already fed by Nurse Joy, but if you got some more spot in your stomach for food, we got some for you."
The Arcanine looked at Azur and licked his cheek. "...Hmmm, come with it, we can't have you just like that stays unnamed... So... let's see... how about Zeit for name?" The Arcanine barked. It seems to like the name. Azur grinned. "Sounds you like it eh bud? You'll be sticking with me for quite a long while... sooo... let's get along, shall we? Zeit..."
Even as the Arcanine licked Ettie again, she would - indeed - simply laugh it off once more, smiling brightly as she wiped some of the dog slobber off of her face. "Yes he does, ehehehe!" She'd respond in agreement to Azur's comment; grinning as she hugged the fiery pooch, and ruffled his fur. She was just absolutely pleased, to see that the Arcanine was doing good now; he seemed so much more livelier now, compared to yesterday..! It gave her a warm and fuzzy feeling, to see a canine that was once down on his luck start to feel so much better; and for him to be in such a good mood, as a result of it!
Anne, though she was initially startled and bewildered from being awoken by licking, was indeed pleased to see the change in the Arcanine's demeanor. Her new packmate was starting to feel better, so she could relax a little bit now, and just focus on getting to know him. When the Arcanine licked her on the back, she'd respond with another lick of her own, against his neck - the only thing she could reach right now from where she was, with his head craned down like this. Her tail would wag in a calm and friendly fashion meanwhile, though her happiness was clear in how they'd gently nuzzle each other; the wag of her tail picking up in speed.
And then there was Duchess - who, while the Arcanine kept licking her... She'd keep licking him back, as much as she could, to try and return the favor...! Even though it probably was a daunting task to do so for the comparatively smaller pup, she appeared quite keen on grooming the Arcanine, just like how he was grooming her...! And even though he was able to cover more ground than she was with his comparatively larger tongue, Duchess simply decided in her head, that she'd just have to lick the Arcanine back even harder to make up for it.
Even if the Arcanine couldn't play too hard, Duchess was more than happy to play at his pace - understanding that he had to be careful, with the IV in him. With this in mind, she'd instead gently nip at him, and yipping softly to him - as if to say 'yay, you got me!' - whenever he'd nip her back! Sure, this didn't involve as much bouncing and wrestling and running about as she usually liked to do; but this was okay, too! She was just happy to see that the Arcanine was willing to play with her...!
Anne, amused at this, would watch the two play; her eyes occasionally casting in the hard working Nurse Joy's direction every so often, just so that she knew what the nurse was up to. Being licked once more by the Arcanine, though, would prompt an amused yip that might've been her version of laughter; tail wagging, as she nuzzled the larger pooch in return.
Ettie, though, would nod eagerly at the Nurse Joy's request; not even hesitating as she mentioned "Of course!" with a bright smile, and determined tone. "I promised him that we'd keep an eye out for him, when we met him - so I'm gonna keep that promise the best I can, until he's feeling all better!" As if to emphasize this, she'd stand up tall (or, at least as tall as a 4'4'' girl could) and puff her chest out in a determined fashion, crossing a fist over it.
On top of that, everyone was regarding the Arcanine as a member of the pack; so she was more than happy to consider him part of the pack, too! And the big thing about the pack, is that everyone looks out for each other the best they can! They were one big family after all; and they all loved each other like the family that they are, bunches and bunches!
As Azur and Ettie went to leave the isolation unit though, the Arcanine would suddenly nudge Duchess over - rolling her onto her back...! The playful Electrike wouldn't resist, allowing herself to be rolled over; though she'd still wiggle all about and yip playfully, gently booping the Arcanine on the nose with a paw, and attempting to lick him on the face in return, as he attempted to groom her!
Ettie, at noticing this as well, would be unable to help a happy giggle; glad to see that they'd be able to get along and look after each other, while she and Azur got food.
In the cafeteria though, Azur would gently ruffle Ettie's hair - prompting her to scrunch up a bit; though she'd attempt to smile in the older boy's direction, as much as it didn't hold her usual cheer. "I'll give it a try," She'd murmur, a bit more encouraged at being reminded that she didn't have to stick to it if she didn't like it. Ettie still didn't exactly like this subject right now, but... At least she could back out, without feeling like she was breaking any promises or obligations, if doing more honest jobs just didn't do it for her.
And it was hard to stay upset, when Azur would - suddenly - scoop up some chocolate ice cream and peanut butter icecream for her...! The prospect of getting some yummy sweets would make her eyes light up, as she giggled eagerly; sitting down with Gusios and Tristan, as she enjoyed her ice cream. "Thank you, Azur!" She'd chirp to him as she did; a grin across her face as she took a spoon, and scooped a little bit of both into her mouth, all at the same time.
Yessss; Ettie's expression would shift into that of relaxed delight, as she simply idly licked the ice cream off the spoon. This was just what she needed, to start the day off right...! "Ice cream is so gooood, and sweeeeet," She'd murmur to herself, all the while; looking as though she were on cloud nine. Meanwhile though, she'd notice Gusios and Tristan - the two pokemon having been eating their breakfasts, while they were all assembled here. She'd offer a friendly smile to them, and would turn to face them; asking "How're you two doing, this morning?"
Briefly, she couldn't help but wonder, how they'd get along with the Arcanine, if Azur ever decides to introduce them to each other. It'd definitely have to be when the Arcanine was feeling better, for sure - remembering what the Nurse Joy said before, about avoiding overwhelming him with too many new pokemon - but she certainly hoped that they could all be friends..! A pokemon as big and fluffy as an Arcanine was sure to make a wonderful cuddle buddy, for Gusios and Tristan both!
Before long though, they'd finish with their ice cream; and Gusios and Tristan both, too, would finish their meals. Smiling brightly, Ettie would glance over to the two young pokemon, and gently pat them both on the heads; as she and Azur both would return to the isolation unit, to check on the Arcanine and the others.
When they'd return to the room, they'd find that the Nurse Joy had fed everyone; the Arcanine, alongside Anne, Duchess, and Princess, all eating their respective meals. Duchess and Princess would both be idly nuzzling and idly grooming each other quite affectionately as they ate - lookling like proper sisters - while Anne, upon being licked by the Arcanine, would lick him back on the muzzle to groom up a few crumbs he missed.
Ettie, giggling, would sit down with the assembled pups; mentioning "I've got leftovers, if anyone's still hungry!" She'd gesture briefly with the tray - which, indeed, had some leftover meats that she wanted to set aside for the pups. Plenty of meat would help them grow strong muscles, after all...!
Duchess was quick to pick up on this offer - barking eagerly, and bouncing up to Ettie. In fact, she was so eager, that she'd grab the edge of the tray - dragging it out of her trainer's hands and lap, and dragging it over to the Arcanine and other pups, so that they could all share...! They'd each take a piece from the leftover meat - chowing down on their share - whilst leaving the rest for the Arcanine, in case he wanted any. Ettie couldn't help but laugh at Duchess' endearing behavior; smiling brightly. "You guys really love looking after each other like this, huh?"
Once the pups were done eating though, it seemed that Anne and Duchess would begin to play with each other; play-wrestling, so that they could both burn up some pent up energy, from having been cooped up in the isolation room. Princess, meanwhile, would wander back over to Ettie - the sleepy Snubbull flopping onto her trainer's lap, and insistently nudging her head at Ettie's hand. The young girl, giggling, would take the hint; gently massaging Princess' head, and her back.
Meanwhile, Azur's attention would be on the Arcanine - the two seeming to be spending some time with each other. Ettie would watch and listen in as Azur decided on a name for the Arcanine - Zeit, to be exact - and the pooch seemed to like his new name, if the bark was anything to go by! Ettie, giggling and smiling widely, would nod to Zeit; mentioning "I dunno if the pups ever properly introduced themselves or me to you at all, but..."
"... My name's Ettie!" She'd sit up straight, and introduce herself to Zeit - figuring now was a good of time as any to do so, now that he was more than happy to interact with them. "And these three are Anne, Princess, and Duchess! Anne is my sister, and Princess and Duchess are both our baby sisters!" As she indicated the pups, she would gesture to them one by one; before concluding, with a wide grin "It's good to properly get to know you, y'know, Zeit; and I'm really happy to see that you're starting to feel better! I hope that we can all be wonderful friends, together!"
As if to confirm this, Anne and Duchess both would affirm Ettie's words with barks of their own, and Princess would give a wave of one of her paws.
Play nipping is fun! At least that's what Azur caught when the Arcanine did it with Duchess. There's this... strong image of closeness whenever they do it. It's fun! However, looks the the Arcanine also wanted to play with Anne, as he barked and play bowed while wagging his tail at her. At least before settling down to play with Duchess instead the moment he managed to roll her to her back! The Arcanine play nipped when he got booped! He licked Duchess' stomach, then her face, before gently booping her snout with his front paw! Arf! Looks like he really likes playing with them.
Azur admittedly is very amused at the sight of Ettie whose mood returned to all cheerful when he gave her ice cream. Well, everyone loves ice cream for sure! "Wanna try a bit of mine?" Azur asked, scooping a small spoonful. He also included one with the brownies chunk inside, just so she could taste the difference between the normal one and the one with chunks.
Gusios on Ettie's question answered energetically, but Tristan seem to look away, still moody. Does he have an inferiority complex? The moment the Bagon elbowed him, it looked like he finally answered something along the like of "good". Eh well. "Are you still angry that I was excessively worried about you?" Azur asked to Tristan, who just looked at him like saying 'it's given'. Hmmm... how to mend this...
"...Do you know why I named you Tristan? He was a knight who apparently blessed by the Hero duo of Galar. A peerless archer, a knight, a musician... He was a man of honor, who proven through trials that he can win over and over again. I have no idea if you would like to fight at close range or long range, but..."
Azur took out a small cape and a stick. "...Whether it's Gardevoir or Gallade, I'm pretty sure you'll be able to do your best."
Though skeptic of his trainer, at the very least this time around he'll take this as a sign of truce. Gusios meanwhile seem to be interested in getting body paint similar to Azur's tattoo as he keep slapping at Azur's arm. Azur laughed and muttered "maybe later" before sending two of them back to their Pokeballs.
Azur is not sure if giving them human food is fine, but Zeit doesn't seem to mind as he nommed down on the leftover left to him by Anne and Duchess. Oh right, that's true, Ettie never introduced herself huh. He haven't either. "Name's Azur... I'll be your trainer from now on." He scratched the Arcanine behind his ear, a gesture that Zeit was happy about.