Destined to be the Best - Team Rising

At long last, they now stood before what Hidon assumed was where the Guildmaster stayed and where the Guildmaster was going to register them. The Charmander glanced to his side, where the shorter Taillow was standing. He had met him a little over an hour ago, surprisingly enough. Yet here they were, creating a team together. And to top it off, neither one of them were particularly fond of the other...but they certainly had to respect each other's strength. And it was that that caused Hidon to suggest forming this team in the first place. After all, if they didn't like being lower than the other, they'd fight harder to stay at the top and their strength would increase more quickly as a result.

The two had just come from the town, where they had spent almost an hour recovering from their initial encounter. They had gotten into a battle, with Pilot coming out as the victor...and Hidon with a newfound frustration with trees.

On their way into the Guild, they had been forced to ask around at the other, busy Pokémon in the Guild, who were wandering around and doing whatever the Guild Members did during the day. The Guild was somewhat straight-forward, but for some reason, Hidon had had a very tough time leading the two of them to the Guildmaster's Quarters, where he had been told was where teams were formed. But in the end, they had found the place...and that was the most important thing, right?

Truth be told, this was a moment Hidon had been waiting for ever since his arrival in Grassveil. Finally...he would get to join the Guild, get stronger, and help other Pokémon...and look great doing it!

"So, you ready for this, Pilot...?" he asked with a slight, excited grin. He had consciously avoided further teasing until their team was completely formed. The last thing he had wanted to do was cause Pilot to storm off in anger at this stage. Walking out of here, failing to even register a team, would have been rather embarrassing after all. Especially after all the help he'd needed to get in order to lead them here.

Pilot wore a smug grin on his beak as he watched his directionally confused "leader" attempt to guide him to the Guildmaster's Quarters. Every time Hidon had asked for directions, the cheeky bird had to suppress his own laughter. Was this guy really going to be leading him through dungeons? Pilot knew that he could do a much better job (at least, that's what he thought), but he didn't say anything. After all, it was really entertaining to watch the Charmander wander around.

Although he wasn't exactly fond of Hidon, Pilot didn't question why he had agreed to join his team. The Charmander was very close to him in terms of skill level, and the two had a heated rivalry that would push them to their limits. Being teammates with someone as competitive as Hidon would undoubtedly make him stronger in the long run.

Whether for the better or worse, being trapped inside of a building made Pilot feel uneasy. There was no room to fly, no trees to perch on... He didn't feel nervous about seeing the Guildmaster (after all, who wouldn't like someone as amazing as him?), but he certainly appeared as if he did. Once his partner's inability to find the Guildmaster's Quarters was no longer distracting him, the tiny bird was very fidgety and twitchy. When asked if he was ready, Pilot simply nodded in response, oddly not taking the opportunity to speak.

As the two traversed the halls, Hidon could just feel Pilot's judging gaze and smug grin piercing his back. He grew increasingly embarrassed that he couldn't find the Guildmaster's quarters, but decided to hold back on saying anything until they were all settled into the Guild. But now that they were here at the entrance to the Guildmaster's Quarters, he could hopefully put that behind him until they were done here. He quickly shook his head, trying to clear away his embarrassment and the nervousness that was slowly starting to creep up on him. He caught the Taillow's terse nod and looked back at the door in front of them.

"All...alright then," the Charmander murmured, hesitantly reaching up to the door, ready to push through. "L-let's...um...go I guess." He hesitated for a moment, though. He wasn't sure what was going to happen on the other side. Were they going to be put to some kind of test to determine if they were ready for the life of a team? However, he quickly swallowed hard, trying to shove all of his uncertainties down for now. They were here and they weren't going to turn back. He was the leader o Team Rising, after all. He needed to put on his confident front now more than ever!

With one final nod of certainty to nobody in particular, he pushed open the door, hoping the Guildmaster was behind it.

Life in the Guild could be busy. New teams signed up constantly, new missions came in every day, old unfinished ones had to be taken down and touched up on so the old ink wouldn't fade completely... There was a lot to do, especially for a Guildmaster. Luckily there were hands around – and other prehensile appendages – to help, so the task was not impossible. Still, every little moment when there was a moment just to relax... Well, Faye didn't take those for granted and enjoyed them down to the last second. A cup of tea was waiting on the Meganium's desk until it was cool enough to drink, a wisp of steam rising from it lazily. The Guildmaster herself, meanwhile, was watering the plants and flowers on the shelves with a small can in her dextrous vine, humming quietly.

The door creaking ajar from behind her caused the Meganium to swivel her head around to take a look at the newcomers, her eyes widening before a gentle smile appeared on her face, her head tilted slightly. A Charmander was there, the flame on the Pokémon's tail bringing in a warm light wherever he went. And behind the lizard, a small bird... A Taillow. These Pokémon Faye couldn't remember seeing here before, but it certainly wasn't a strange thing to see new Pokémon in the Guild!

The small metallic watering can was placed down and Faye turned around properly, taking a few steps closer to the newcomers.
"Hello there, dearies. Is there something I may help you with?"

As Hidon pushed the door open, there stood who he assumed was the Guildmaster. After all, there wasn't much of a reason to suspect otherwise given that the Pokémon here was a fully-evolved, second stage Pokémon, despite the fact that she was spending her time watering some plants rather than anything that seemed important for a Guildmaster to do. 'A Meganium, huh...?' he murmured in his mind, quickly looking the flower Pokémon up and down for a moment, as though sizing her up. His immediate thought was about wondering how she would do in a fight. Obviously, since she was fully evolved and the Guildmaster of the prestigious Grassveil Guild, she was plenty strong...but he couldn't help but wonder just HOW strong. Perhaps he could see for himself sometime. But for now, he had a question to address.

"Hey!" Hidon replied, forcing a confident grin on his face and trying to swallow his uneasiness again. "I take it you're the Guildmaster, right?" Without waiting for a response, he continued. "See, Pilot here and I wanted to create a team here. And we asked around and were told that this is the place to go for that. So, can you make us a team, Guildmaster...?" Perhaps he hadn't needed to explain quite as much as he did, but perhaps that was merely the nerves he was still trying to fight down acting up again. Still, at least he'd gotten the message across.

Pilot simply watched as the scene went down. He felt too uneasy to speak, but luckily, it seemed that Hidon was going to be doing most, if not all of the talking. The claustrophobic bird tried to keep his eyes on the large Meganium, who he assumed was the guildmaster, but the feeling of confinement and suffocation was unbearable... He simply could not focus on the conversation. Pilot's eyes constantly darted to the ceiling, as if it was going to collapse at any moment.

It was difficult for him to ignore his gut instinct to escape the building. Pilot always followed his gut, but in this one instance, he knew that it was wrong...

Faye was smiling as she looked at the smaller Pokémon greeting her in turn, nodding to acknowledge it. She was questioned about her status, and unfortunately considering that she was in the Guildmaster's room – her room – she couldn't really hide the fact at this point. The Pokémon were here to create a team, how wonderful... Well, it wasn't that big of a surprise either, really, considering that they had come here all the way looking for the Guildmaster and new teams did sign up all the time! With a gentle chuckle, the Meganium nodded, looking at the pair.

"Well, you are in the right place, dearies," she smiled, moving closer to her desk to lift her cup of tea out of the way as she prepared the area for the heavy tome where she wrote down the information about the various teams. She didn't actually take the book yet, nor did she actually admit to being the Guildmaster yet... But perhaps it was obvious.
"Please, come in. I just brewed up a new pot of tea, would you like some?" The Guildmaster's eyes looked from the Charmander to the quiet Taillow.

Hidon couldn't help but let out a small sigh of relief when the Meganium confirmed that this was indeed the Guildmaster. "Thank goodness," he murmured with a slight sigh. "I've been walking around for what seems like an hour looking for this place." The Guild wasn't that big or complex...but that didn't matter when the Pokémon involved was so terrible with directions. Finally, the Guildmaster offered them some tea, but Hidon had to quickly and fervently shake his head. How could they have time for tea right now? They were on the edge of finally creating their very own team! The couldn't take a break at this stage just for a drink!

However, one quick glance to the Taillow at his side told him that it might be for the best. He quickly recalled that tea was supposed to be rather calming. And he was still feeling a bit nervous himself. "...W-well...okay, I-I guess maybe a little couldn't hurt," he murmured. Truth be told, though, he'd never drank tea before. They didn't have it back in the mountains where he grew up, and he hadn't ever had the chance or desire to have a cup while he was in town either. "What d'you say, Pilot?" he asked.

The walls were closing in. Pilot's breathing became slightly heavier, and he could feel his tiny heart beating faster and faster. Things were getting worse. It wouldn't take long before he finally cracked... Keep it together, Pilot... He told himself, shuddering due to nervousness. The bird tried to zone back into whatever conversation his partner and the guildmaster were having. He only picked up a bit of what they were saying. Were they talking about tea..? A questioning look from Hidon, along with the pot of tea, told him all he needed to know.

Maybe the tea will help calm my nerves, The anxious avian thought to himself, desperately trying to keep his composure. If he freaked out now, his chances of being accepted into the guild were slim to none. Who would put the lives of other Pokemon in the hands (wings?) of some loon? The last thing he needed was to look like he belonged in an insane asylum. "S-sure, that sounds good..." Pilot said with a twitch.

Faye just smiled happily as the Charmander sighed in relief – perhaps he hadn't asked for instructions? The Guild did have many doors to stumble upon, finding her quarters could be really difficult if one did not know where to go. She did understand, but this was why pretty much every Pokémon in the Guild was more than happy to show others around. Perhaps she should arrange someone to stay near the entrance as a guide for newcomers...

She just nodded as the Charmander refused the tea with a shake of his head, looking at the quieter bird to see what he was thinking about it. The poor thing seemed to be a bit tense, but the answer to her question did not come from the Taillow. Suddenly the Charmander chimed in with a stutter, requesting tea and getting the bird to agree as well. The Meganium smiled and chuckled gently, turning to her pot of tea.

"Just give me a moment dearies," she looked over her shoulder as she poured some steaming hot herbal tea into new cups, her vines then gently picking them up and extending to hand them over to the pair of Pokémon to drink.
"Be careful, it's very hot," Faye laughed quietly before getting ready to handle the more official Guild businesses. Her neck straightened as she looked at the books on the shelves, picking the one she needed with her vines and putting it on her desk carefully. The heavy book still managed to create a small thump sound as it hit the wooden surface.
"Now, all we are going to need is your names as well as your team's name..."

Hidon noticed the Meganium's chuckle, but was glad that she didn't say anything more. She could probably already tell how nervous the two of them were. And that might have even been why she had offered the tea in the first place. Although it could merely have been an act of kindness as well. But hey, why couldn't it be both, right? When Faye finally spoke up again, he nodded to her. "O-oh, okay," he replied, trying as hard as he could to keep his nerves from forcing further stutters. The Charmander watched as she poured the tea into some small cups that she had nearby, then wrapping some impressively dexterous vines around the drinks and handing them over. He supposed she didn't have much of a choice, though, having no actual hands to work with and all.

Hidon looked down at the teacup that was held out to him and he smiled slightly. With a quick nod, he reached out with his claws, taking the tea from her vine's grip. "Right...thank you," he said, giving her a slight bow of gratitude. It had been something his mother had taught him to do. If he really wanted to be nice to somebody, especially a girl, he should be as polite as he could. Though it certainly as not his style, so he had never actually expected to use it....

He glanced over at the Taillow to see if he was going to have any difficulties before bringing the cup to his mouth and taking a small sip of the warm liquid. He had to admit, though, he was quite curious as to how Pilot planned to drink. Was he going to hold the cup with one of his talons, or would he leave it on the ground or table and drop his beak into it?

The Charmander's thoughts were interrupted b a sudden thump from the table. He turned to see that the Meganium had pulled out a rather large tome of some kind. "Ah...right, of course," Hidon said, taking another quick drink of his tea. "Heh...my name's Hidon. And I'm going to be the leader of Team Rising." He allowed a confident smile to cross his face again. "After all, we're going to be rising to the top of this Guild some day. And when we get there, we'll rise even higher than that. I think it fits us perfectly."

Pilot watched as the Meganium set a cup of tea in front of him. Upon seeing it, the bird knew that it was going to be a challenge to drink. Oh geez, how am I going to do this? He thought to himself, cringing. Why can't they make cups for Pokemon without hands? How am I supposed to hold that thing? Great, now I get to look like a complete moron in front of the guildmaster... And Hotshot McGee, there. After a few moments of thinking, Pilot came up with a bright idea. Maybe I can... Just dunk my beak in there? If it'll even fit...

The bird Pokemon lowered his head to attempt to sip some of the tea. The aromatic liquid's scent enticed him, drawing him closer, until he felt a searing pain in his maw! He had completely forgotten that the tea was still steaming hot! Pilot recoiled, squawking loudly and holding his beak in pain. If his goal was to not cause a scene, he had horribly failed. Utterly embarrassed, he looked up at the guildmaster to judge her reaction. "Hee... Sorry about that." Pilot rasped wearing a nervous smile.

Faye was smiling as she flipped through the pages of the book, happy that she was dealing with such polite Pokémon. She was certain that Pokémon like that would be a great addition to the Guild, though she was happy to have many kinds of personalities in it, not discriminating unless they were clearly up to no good. There was so much text on the pages, so many names of various Pokémon that were withing these very walls... But finally after a moment of browsing, the Meganium came across some empty pages where she could fill in the information.

"Oh, I see," she chuckled as her eyes flicked from the pages to the Charmander – introduced as Hidon – who told her more about the team the two of them wanted to create. Team Rising... She was certain it fit both of the Pokémon. The Taillow had yet to say his name, but the Meganium already took the quill on her desk with her vine and dipped it into the ink bottle, quite ready to start working. She did want to ask if the Taillow was fine with the name, as well, and his name...

The loud squawk caused Faye to flinch, her yellow eyes opening wide as he quickly turned her face in the direction of the sound. It was the Taillow, holding his beak in pain... Oh, the tea. Perhaps he hadn't remembered that she had warned the two about it already! The surprise turned into concern, the Meganium's eyes full of worry.
"Are you alright, dear...?"

"I'll be fine," The bird mumbled, rubbing his beak. He lowered his head in embarrassment. Great, now she probably thinks I'm an idiot. And now I have to introduce myself, too. She's going to remember this, and be like 'oh, that's the bird-brain who burned himself with tea...' "My name's Pilot, by the way..." He added, before sighing heavily. Who would've guessed that his time at the Grassveil Guild would start like this? Oh, well... I guess things can only get better from here, The Taillow optimistically thought to himself, trying not to be too harsh on himself.

I bet Hidon's gonna give me flak for this, too... Pilot thought to himself, frowning. After all, he was making his team look bad. All because of his claustrophobia... What would happen if the two were assigned a mission in a cave? Surely, that would be disastrous. I need to find a way to get over my claustrophobia... But is that even possible? The Taillow pondered to himself, until he had an epiphany. I've got it! I could go see a psychic! Maybe they'd be able to help...

It took every ounce of willpower that Hidon had to prevent himself from snickering at Pilot's unfortunate accident. They were a team now, after all. They couldn't very well be making fun of each other in front of the Guildmaster. That said, though, the burn itself was still the most hilarious thing he'd seen in a while. However he was successful in maintaining what he figured was the proper demeanor for a situation like this. Although he certainly couldn't stop staring at the Taillow that now had his beak in his wings. He swallowed down another chuckle for the moment and turned to look back at the Meganium again.

"Heheh...yeah, I wouldn't worry too much about Pilot," Hidon said, looking as overconfident as before. "He's plenty strong, so it'll take more than that to really get to him." He then flashed the Taillow that same grin for a moment, almost as though he were trying to actually reassure him that the error was nothing that bad. "And he's definitely not the type of guy who'd get beat by just a little heat either."