Breaking the ice

Nick wandered in the forest of mountains with a worried expression. He never did like dark and gloomy places. As if the ominous feeling that naturally occurs here wasn't enough, today had to be extra cloudy. Still, Nick had to brave the mountain range if he wanted to get that TM. A fighting type move would be great against rock Pokemon, and it can even break walls. That just sounds cool.

The Delibird wasn't so sure turning back was an option anyways. He flew over here, but this wasn't the ideal place for a take off with all the walls of rock and bad general vision in the area. Well, at least if he fell he could slow it down.

Mordred stood still, eying the many large, dark mountains called Black Spear. The rocky land forms loomed over the land, stabbing the sky with their ominous peaks. Intimidating would be an understatement, for it was practically terrifying in the eyes of ordinary pokemon. Luckily, the scraggy didn't consider himself ordinary. Shrugging off his growing fear, he began his trip through the mountain range. He wasn't going to let a few mounds of black earth stop him from his training. He didn't waste weeks trying to navigate back here just to chicken out at the last minute. It wouldn't even last long, just a few days to weeks of training then he'll be satisfied. The mountains would be littering with ground and rock types, so there would be nothing to worry about in terms of combat. He had the upper hand, and he would be damned if he allowed this opportunity to slip.

With his courage steeled, the lizard wandered through the mountains, alert and ready to fight. A few rumors had said that the pokemon in the area were awfully territorial, meaning a battle would be as easy to find as pecha berries in Pecha forest. He was, however, aware that some territories were occupied by packs instead of just a single pokemon. That would be difficult to handle, but surely he would be able to escape. Pokemon here were raised in strength and defense, the faster ones would be scarce, at least, he hoped. The scraggy watched as his vision became obscured by the thick forests that littered the floors of the massif, making everything all the more darker. 'As if it wasn't dark enough already.' He thought to himself. It would've been hard to see if it weren't for the fact he was born with eyes that could withstand even the blackest of nights. Sometimes, it was good to be a dark pokemon.

Going deeper into the forests, the scraggy was disappointed to find no other pokemon nearby. It was possible that there were no inhabitants due to the fact this path was frequented by travelers. He sighed, deciding that he'd have to go deeper in than he first planned. Breeze seemed to frequent, causing the nearby shrubbery to shake ever so slightly. It didn't help, as the dark pokemon couldn't tell if the rustling was caused by a pokemon or by the wind. His attention was easily caught by the moving leaves, causing him to lose focus on the path.

Nick was shaken up a little. He's been traveling on narrow paths and could have sworn he saw rocks moving at least three times. Then again, in this dark, it could have been his imagination. Still, what if it was a Geodude? Rock type moves really hurt poor Nicholas. Maybe he shouldn't have come here after all.

Suddenly, the already thin path below Nicholas crumbled and Nick shrieked as he started to fall. Luckily, he was able to slow his fall and prevent injury. It couldn't have been more than a few minutes, but it felt to the Delibird that he's been falling for hours. He couldn't see the ground below him until he was practicaly on top of it.

As Nick's feet finally touched land once more, he looked around once more. The bird hadn't been here before. Now he was lost. Even worse, what vision advantage he could muster up from being up high was gone.

Suddenly, a sound rang in the avian's ears. it was a rustling bush. He jumped away from the plant before he found himself unable to make a move. What if it was stronger than him or a rock type? What if it wanted him to run? After a bit of debating, Nicholas noticed something. Nothing was happenning. The bird crept closer to the bush. "H-hello? Anyone there?" He poked his head through and found a figure on the other side. It was too dark to make out details, but just seeing someone there brought a jolt through Nick's heart, causing him to stumble back and fall over.

To the lizard's surprise, he found something poke its head out from the bushes. The stranger seemed to be a bird from the beak, but it only added to the dark pokemon's shock as he saw the sharp appendage aimed at him as the unknown pokemon appeared out of nowhere. He nearly fell over from the abruptness, but was luckily able to keep his footing. He narrowed his eyes at the shrubbery where the hidden bird disappeared in, contemplating whether or not he should return the favor. If his sight wasn't tricking him earlier, then attacking the pokemon would be a bad idea. He may have been primarily a dark type, but he still had fighting blood that made him weak to the attacks of flying pokemon.

After a few seconds of thinking, the scraggy decided he would confront the pokemon. He came here to train, mainly with rock and ground pokemon, but overcoming his weakness with flying types would also benefit him. He made sure to prepare a Sand-Attack, ready to blind the bird to turn the tables. He watched as his palm was filled with sand, before turning back to the bush. Taking a deep breath, he walked through. The shrub shook wildly as the scraggy forced his way to the other side. He raised his sand-filled hand, before opening his eyes to see what bird he was dealing with.

His movements came to a halt as he was met with a peculiar bird pokemon, one that he had only seen once in the past. A Delibird, a very cheerful and often mischievous pokemon that always carried around an odd sack that was filled with wrapped boxes. However, that was the least of Mordred's worries as he remembered that delibird were primarily ice types. His raised hand shook, the sand dribbling down from the openings of his grip. Soon, the sand had completely disappeared from his grip as he turned and ran, further and further away from the bird. No, he refused to fight with another ice type. He vowed never to fight one again, not with how he was reminded of his past mistakes.

Though he was a little shaken, the bird managed to pick himself up and stand on his feet. He managed to dust himself off a bit and then he had a decision to make. Should he look through the bush again, or should he just run? However, before he could decide on the matter, the same bush he looked through began to shake, again. Nicholas was scared. He tried to prepare himself for battle, but he knew little on how to do so. He stood his ground and tried not to look worried. It was a little hard as he had no idea what he was up against. Soon, the creature reveled itself.

The Pokemon that appeared before Nick was some sort of reptile, probably a lizard. It stood on two feet. The Pokemon's hand was raise. An attack was prepared. The bird was shaking at the impending doom. Still, he tried not to show his fear, holding his ground the best he can and thinking on an action. You think it would be easy to decide with so few choices, but sometimes such a factor is irrelevant. However, Nick soon noticed something, the other Pokemon was shaking too. Not only that, it didn't do much to complete it's attack. Even more shockingly, the reptile ran off.

That's when a thought came to Nick's mind. What if this Pokemon was also lost and scared? As an adventurer, it was Nick's duty to help a Pokemon in need, and even if it wasn't, he wouldn't sleep well for quite a while if he left that reptile out there like that. He was sure he could be of help somehow. "W-WAIT!" Nicholas found his courage again and gave chase. He was able to catch up, and could probably run ahead if he wanted too, but that might have scared the other Pokemon, so he stayed just a bit behind, but close enough that verbal communication would be easy. "Please wait. I won't attack you. I promise. I'm part of a guild, a-and if you're lost or something, well I might be able to help."

Mordred felt panic begin to rise as he heard the Delibird chasing him. Why wouldn't the bird just leave him alone? It was then the other pokemon talked, trying to state that it was harmless. Uncertainty reared its ugly head in the pool that was the scraggy's emotions, unable to decide whether or not he should stop or continue running. The ice pokemon was part of the guild, and was actually willing to help. But no, the dark pokemon didn't need help. Let alone from an ice pokemon, may they be from the guild or otherwise. He couldn't trust ice types, he couldn't risk being fooled by one. He couldn't risk being reminded of his past.

"No! Leave me alone!" He snapped back, not wanting to have anything to do with the ice pokemon. The scraggy continued running through the forest, not looking back as his eyes adjusted to the pitch-black. He could see his surroundings with ease, navigating through the woodland as he tried to lose the Delibird on his trail. Leaves rushed from under the dark pokemon's feet, being purposely thrown to the chasing pokemon in attempts of slowing him down. The dark forest remained silent and eerie as the duo ran under the shadow of its thick canopy, with only its breeze accompanying their commotion.

The Scraggy was unable to continue running as he found himself losing footing, tripping on the trail and falling onto the ground. Irritated, he hurried back onto his feet, not wanting to be caught up by the bird. He looked up, only to freeze in place. In front of him, hidden in shrubbery, were two glinting eyes. The ominous pupils watched the shocked scraggy with mild amusement, finding him pathetic yet pleasing. He would make for decent prey. The reptile watched as the hidden predator lumbered out from the bushes.

This dice is not existing.

The bird continued to chase after Mordred as he kept running. Why was he still running? Was he really that distrusting. "W-why are you so-Hey! You're getting dirt in my eyes!" It actually hadn't occurred to Nick that this was sort of the idea. He gave a grunt before he put his goggles over his eyes. At least it wouldn't sting any more. "H-hey! Slow down." The reptile slipped and fell, giving Nick enough time to catch up. The bird offered a wing for help, but it wasn't taken. As if Mordred needed a reminder, the air was cooler around Nicholas' body. "Are you ok?" He asked with a hint of worry. "That kind of looked like it hurt." It was then that Nick noticed the Pokemon was looking at something. He turned to face the same direction, soon wishing he hadn't.

Nick gave a gulp as another Pokemon emerged from the bushes. It was small, but Nick knew of it's powers. It looked like a rock with arms. It's name was Geodude. Had one been stalking Nick after all? Unlikely after his fall, but still could happen. Either way, Nick knew he was in trouble, and the same might be true for the Pokemon he just met. Right, it was his job to defend others, even if it meant risking himself. Nicholas stepped between Mordred and the Geodude, his body shaking quite rapidly. Still, he managed to stand his ground. "L-leave us a-along!" It wasn't really to bad aside from the stuttering. If he held onto the firmness of the tone a little more, he might have even came off as intimidating.

Sadly, close only counts when you play Ponyta shoes. The Geodude laughed at the bird's threat and readied a rock to chuck at the bird. Before the attack could be complete, Nick managed to throw small shards of ice. Turn's out he's quick on the draw. The ice shards hit the Geodude and it yelled out in pain, or perhaps it was more shock. Still, this resulted in some scratches around the rock's body. This also angered the Geodude, however, and now he finished his rock throw with more force than originally planned. The rock was heading straight for Nick and he was too gripped in panic to dodge it.

Mordred reacted immediately, jumping onto his feet as the rock was sent towards the Delibird. He pulled his foot back as quick as he could, using Low Kick and sending the large rock away from its course. He wasn't able to build up enough power, causing the rock to be sent just a mere distance away from them instead of towards the geodude as he intended. His foot ached a little from the sudden attack, not having enough time to build up the proper amount of power for it. He stood his ground, watching the Geodude intently. Having to protect an ice pokemon wasn't originally part of his training plan, but it wouldn't be much of a bother since he was dealing with a rock type. The dark pokemon glared harshly at the rock pokemon, his eyes glinting in the darkness of their surroundings.

The geodude, being a native to the area, was already accustomed to the darkness. He gave a low hum-like growl, taunting the scraggy as it used Leer. The dark pokemon reacted, running towards it with the intent of attack. The geodude got another rock, throwing it towards the incoming reptile. The lizard was able to dodge it, swiftly approaching the rock pokemon and using a Low Kick, sending the living boulder backwards. It gave a screech of pain, having a small crack on its side after the attack. It curled into a ball, increasing its defense and enduring the next Low Kick with more ease.

Mordred took a step back, his foot still aching ever so slightly. The geodude was now in a tough ball thanks to its Defense Curl, making it more difficult to harm it. Sand began to fill the scraggy's hand, and as soon as it was complete, the dark pokemon threw it at the tough rock. The sand seeped into the small openings of the ball, effectively getting into its eyes. The geodude finally uncurled, blinded, and began to use Rock Throw in retaliation. The lizard got hit by one of the rocks, being sent toppling backwards. He pushed the rock off him, seeing the enraged boulder throwing rocks hectically. "Hey, Delibird, watch out!" He said, not giving much mind to the ice pokemon as he continued dodging the lodged stones and trying to approach the enemy for another Low Kick.

Nick flinched a little as he saw the lizard block the attack that was coming right for him. Though grateful the Pokemon saved him, he was also worried that he seemed to hurt his leg. The Delibird shook his head to snap out of it. He was a little angry with himself. He let himself be the damsel in distress once more. If he wanted to be the hero he wanted to be, he had to focus and face his opponents, no matter if it was a Geodude, a Houndoom, or even a Golem.

Nick put on his game face once more. However, it would be some time until Nick got to participate again. There was quite a bit of fighting going on between Geodude and the other Pokemon. Eventually, the Delibird was able to jump in again, though it wasn't the open shot he wished for. Nick's alley throw sand at the rock type and managed to harm his vision. The Geodude was now throwing rocks blindly, causing Nicholas to have to watch his step, and on occasion, lack there of.

The Delibird hopped and jumped a little rythematicly, dodging stone after stone. However, he managed to miss a beat, causing a rock to hit him on the chest. It hurt so much that the bird fell. Still, he was high spirited and wouldn't give up just yet, even with how much rock type moves hurt. The Delibird managed to get back to his feet and throw more sharp ice shards at the Geodude. Luckily for Nick, Geodude were also ground types, and as a result were weak to ice moves, even if not as much as Nick was weak to rock moves. The Geodude yelled out as the ice hit him. His throwing was much more rapid now and aimed in the general direction as the attack that angered him. Nick was able to dodge for the time, but he couldn't get out of the general throwing range of the attack.

Mordred rushed over with ease, the Geodude putting most of its focus on the Delibird. With an evil glare, the scraggy used another Low Kick at the living boulder, hitting it in the forehead. The rock pokemon screeched loudly, having been hit in a vital area. It was getting weaker, but at the same time angrier. It gave a loud roar, slamming its fists down onto the ground, sending it flying upwards. The scraggy was taken back at the sudden jump, not expecting the rock pokemon to send itself flying. His eyes widened in realization, taking a huge leap away from where the rock pokemon was going to land and bracing himself.

The geodude landed onto the ground with such power that it created a small crater. With the magnitude of 9, the area around them began to shake. The ground cracked and shuddered, causing many of the shrubbery and trees to jar along with the tremor. The forest quaked to the attack, effectively ruining the peace it had. Rocks from the nearby mountains began hurdling down, making their way towards the ground below with frightening speed. The geodude laughed haughtily, feeling as though victory was already at its hands as it began thrashing about and using Rock throw again.

Mordred screeched as the ground shook, falling over from the intensity. His eyes widened as he saw one of the fallen rocks come towards him, hitting him hard on the abdomen. The rocks continued to pelt the battle field, the scraggy now having difficulty as he was trapped under the building rubble. He forced a kick up the rocks, causing a few of them to get off him. The rubble continued to build up on top of him, slowing his chances of escaping.

Nicholas watched in confusion as the Geodude jumped into the air. How did he even manage that? What happened when the rock hit the ground, was even less expected. The ground shook, a lot. Somehow, Nick wasn't having much trouble staying on his feet, however, he realized this wasn't true with his companion. As Mordred fell down, Nicholas ran over to help him. He was halted, however, as a rock flew by right in front of his face. He turned to see the Geodude with a confidant smirk on his face. He wasn't letting his victim get saved that easily. Rocks fell and began to pile up on the reptile.

This wasn't good. There was an avalanche on its way and his friend was already falling victim to it. Nick had to get the reptile out of there, but he couldn't reach. Come on, there had to be a way. Finally, it came to him. It was a bit of a risk, but it may be just what the doctor ordered. Nick reached in the sack like tail he had and managed to pull out what was a wrapped box. The wrapping had a polka-dot pattern and there was a green bow on top. The Geodude saw this and was very confused.

Quickly, Nicholas hurled his gift at the pile of rubble piling on the lizard. As it made its collision, there was a loud "KABOOM!" and in an explosion, a lot of the rubble flew off from on top of Mordred, giving him a second chance to escape. Mordred was out of the immedeit blasting range, causing minimal damage to him. It was a sacrifice, but probably one worth making.

Mordred saw the Delibird suddenly take out a present, and immediately put two and two together. If that present exploded then- "STOP!" The scraggy said, but to no avail watched as the present made contact with the rubble that piled him. The pile exploded, sending rocks flying everywhere. Although he was freed from his stone prison, the distance of the explosion caused one of the rocks to be sent to his face. He screeched in pain, feeling the sharp stone stab him in the eye. He continued screaming in pain, blood dribbling down from his injured eye. He grabbed the hood from his shoulders, nearly ripping it as he used it to dry up the blood. His breath became hasty and unstable, trying to calm his racing heart as he felt the unbearable pain shoot through his head. He got his blood-stained cloth, quickly wrapping it around his head as an improvised eye patch. He couldn't see with that eye now, so it wouldn't matter if he covered it.

The geodude gave a roar, angry that his victim was now freed. The delibird was ruining his plans! He couldn't allow this to continue. He grabbed a handfull more rocks, throwing them towards the two in hopes that it would cripple one of them and even the score again. The rocks falling from the mountains had calmed down by now, so the living boulder had to deal with these two by himself. He seemed confident, seeing how he was able to at least blind one of them.

The bird was simply mortified when he saw the results of his present attack. At first, he couldn't say anything or make any movements. He just stared with wide eyes as he witnessed what he'd done... what he'd done. It wasn't the Geodude that did this. It wasn't some unlucky event. It was a direct result of Nicholas' actions. He had just injured another Pokemon in his not so clever attempt to help them. As the knowledge began to sink in, Nick's eyes began to water. Even though he knew it was useless, all he could do was muster a phrase. "I-I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I...I..." In a sense, Mordred would have his revenge.

Nicholas was so distracted that he hadn't even noticed the Geodude throwing rocks again. He got a direct hit with a heavy one and the boulder managed to pin the Delibird to the ground. There was so much pain, though it was still probably nothing compared to what Mordred was feeling. This snapped Nick back to his senses, though it seemed too late by now. The Geodude laughed as he approached the weak bird with a rock in hand. Nick tried to get the rock off, but he just didn't have the strength.

Mordred paid no mind to the bird, caught up in his pain and his growing rage. His eye. His freakin' EYE was stabbed. Gone, probably forever. He was half-blind now, weakened even further. How would he be able to become a great explorer and overthrow his clan if he could only see through one eye? He hated this, and he knew he was going to have to live with it to his grave. The excruciating pain on the right side of his head numbed out his thoughts, causing his mind to become a blur. He had a difficult time thinking, and he was bleeding due to his eye and the gashes on the right side of his face. He looked like a wreck, but he could care less now. Two pokemon had led to this, the Geodude and the Delibird. He decided to rid the geodude first, knowing he had the type advantage and the pokemon was probably close to fainting now after such a battle. He stood up, enduring his agony and began to build power.

The Geodude raised his hand, about to throw it down the Delibird and end him once and for all. It was cut off as a foot collided with its face, sending it a considerable distance away. It screeched in pain, falling onto the ground with an enlarged crack on its rocky exterior. It gave a growl, holding onto the quarter of its health as it continued to fight back. It raised its stone fists, about to send itself in the air for another magnitude. It smashed its fists down, sending itself up in the air. As it was air-born, it began building up power, hoping to get the maximum of its attack. As it neared the ground, it was met with an abrupt halt as a foot was sent under it, kicking it away from its course and cutting the attack off.

The scraggy fell onto one knee, the foot he had used to stop the Magnitude aching worse. It was of mere luck that it hadn't broken right then and there, and the reptile was pretty grateful for that. He'd much prefer not to lose any more of his body in a single fight. He watched as the rock pokemon gave one last glare before fleeing into the bushes, no longer able to continue fighting. He snorted as the wild pokemon left, expecting no less from a spineless egomaniac. The scraggy would've chased and finished off the geodude, but from the blood he was losing, he decided to save his strength. He looked over to the Delibird, narrowing his eyes. Should he help it? It was the idiot who blinded him. But it was by accident, he guessed. 'An unforgivable accident.' He thought, considering the option of ending the bird and taking his revenge as it was trapped. But that wouldn't be honorable, would it?

Nick struggled to get out of his prison as the Geodude approached him. He couldn't even get an Ice Shard with his wings pinned. As far as he knew, this was it. However, he hadn't seen his final day just yet. The reptile kicked the rock away. Just when all hope was lost, he somehow managed one awesome counter attack.

As the Scraggy turned to Nicholas, he turned his head away at first, but his eyes met with Mordred once more. He wasn't so much scared as he was remorseful. It was hard to look at what he had done. He haven't quite realized that Mordred was considering revenge.

"Um... Thank you... sir... How are... I mean how bad... If I... I'm really sorry." That was all he could think to say. He knew it probably wasn't even close to enough, but what else could he do? The bird sighed and looked to the ground again. He gave one more useless struggle and spoke again. "A-after I get out from under this rock... If you want... I'll go. You won't have to see me ever again and I won't be able to hurt you any more. I guess I should have listened to you earlier."