welcome to calamity! we are an au pokemon site based in hoenn. we do not have canons so you can pick them as your fcs! we have a short one hundred word word count. and you get to also pick your own starter! calamity is going to focus on providing users with a good and stable plot line to follow. this helps each character progress and some might even have a play in affecting the plot! we hope you enjoy your time here and if you have any questions don't be afraid to ask.
hey guys! we've finally hit our three month mark! let's stay strong. the activity check and gala have ended, if your character has been archived and you need them back please pm one of the admins! unfortunately, noods has steped down from his admin position. make sure you say your goodbyes here!
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JUNE 18TH, 2015
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hello calamity! we're nearing the two months mark in a few weeks. how time flies! right now we have two things going on that need your participation. the first is an activity check! it is impotant that you check in so you don't lose your face claim. the second is the otm nomiations! we're doing it a bit different than last time. so please submit your nominations in. a vote thread will be up in the next few days. there will also be a formal event coming very soon, so keep your eye out for that. keep being cool!
we're currently about to host calamity's first contest in slatepor. trainers are flocking to the city to see, the city's been trying to get good pr since the gala, and it seems to be working! they're asking for both coordinators and volunteer judges to sign up.
CALAMITY is a roleplaying forum inspired by the popular franchise POKEMON, which does not belong to us. the skin was crafted by PHARAOH LEAP of GANGNAM STYLE. special thanks to SPIRAL for contributing ideas! all art on the forum does not belong to us unless stated otherwise, while all written works belong to the members who posted them. DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING that is not yours, please. thank you.
Post by Sylvester Blackburne on Jul 3, 2015 3:16:54 GMT
It had been awhile since Sylvester had some down time to himself, walking inside Rustboro's finest cafe this late morning in hopes of enjoying his favorite beverage. Compared to most everyone else, his tall slender figure and dark trench coat was a sight for sore eyes. Some of the patrons—mostly comprised of trainers, even made it a point to stare at him as he approached the counter for service. "I'd like a caramel machiatto. Can you make it a double shot of espresso? Thanks."
After exchanging money and a few words with the attendant working their register diligently, Sylvester took the beverage that was handed over to him, making certain to savor the first sip. Maneuvering over to a vacant table and sitting down, he noticed something, rather—someone in the cafe whom he recognized. Whether it was the caffeine or the guilt from their last meet carrying over, something prompted Sylvester to go over to them and say...
"Hey there, Syndra. I didn't take you for a coffee person. What brings you here?" It was probably the most horrid way to start their conversation, his expression suddenly going blank as his thoughts turned to 'What did I even have to open my mouth for? This is so unlike me...'
Sylvester's first thought was right. Syndra wasn't a coffee person and most certainly was not the type of person that would spend money on something she felt was so frivolous. That said she didn't actually pay for the frothy creamy beverage that she now held in her hand. Somehow in some way she had come across a free coupon for any beverage in this particular cafe and anyone who knew the girl knew that she could not resist free things. So she was here alone sitting by the window to look out into the sky as she sipped her drink. Taking a few sips in relative silence it wasn't until a familiar voice calling her name caught her attention.
Turning slightly in her chair to the person speaking, she looked up to the standing male. His question caused her to raise a brow as her lips parted from the straw that connected her to her drink. The hand that held the cold drink made a small motion to bring attention to the item, "Mocha Frappuccino?" she said this word with some uncertainty. It wasn't due to uncertainty of why she was being asked the question but more so due to the foreign nature of the word on her tongue. She knew what she ordered but she didn't exactly know what it was and was definitely not well versed in the coffee language. Syndra just knew that the drink wasn't that coffee like and tasted sweeter than it did bitter. She couldn't read Sylvester's expression at the moment so she glanced over to the empty seat across from her and motioned for him to sit. "Would you like to sit with me?"
Post by Sylvester Blackburne on Jul 3, 2015 17:27:10 GMT
"Ah, nice." Perhaps what Sylvester had been a little nervous about between them really was nothing more than self-imposed anxiety. Half-expecting Syndra to be unnerved by this sudden appearance, Sylvester smiled at the opportunity of taking the seat she willingly offered to him. "Yes, I would. Thank you kindly." Coffee was always best alongside company to enjoy it with.
"So...how have you and your pokemon been?" Taking another drink, for a moment Sylvester felt it weird asking, but what else was there to inquire about for the moment? While he still felt urged to apologize for his behavior the last time they met, there was no trace of angst or grudge on Syndra's side. Apparently, she just genuinely cared about how Sylvester treated his pokemon. Seemingly more than he did, which was pretty sad when he considered it. "I only ask because...well, I think soon enough here I'll want a rematch."
Hoping she would not feel hurried by the least, Sylvester tried to cover his competitive nature with something more comely of him to say. "That is, if you don't mind and can find the time in your schedule. I understand if it takes awhile, but I want to battle you again sometime. Believe it or not, I feel like our battle helped my pokemon grow a lot stronger than before. Not only that, but I have a new pokemon that I want you to meet when the time comes."'Wow.' That was a lot to say. Worse off for Syndra, it was a lot to hear. Hopefully it didn't bring her too much grief, though.
As the male sat across from her the girl took a few idle sips of her frappe. The question she was asked was not surprising in the slightest. She half expected it after how Sylvester reacted last time they met. He left with a more introspective thought and mindset from what she remembered so she reclined back in her chair comfortably to respond. "I'm still kicking," she said in a positive manner as a smile illuminated her face to show this. "My pokemon are good too. All healthy and happy but some are pretty eager to move on to the next area," she had admitted sheepishly. It was mostly her more experienced pokemon that wanted more of a fight than her younger ones, the older ones believing that they would be able to if they got back on the road to travel again. They weren't exactly wrong but Syndra had little intention of doing so until her other pokemon had more strength. So it was relatively convenient for her that Sylvester was challenging her to a rematch.
"Oh?" she would hum curtly as she took another sip of her sweetened caffeine. The last time the two battled Syndra had come out a victor by a good deal but that was mostly due to typing and her own pokemon's experience. The fact that Sylvester had come to her so quickly could only be due to some competitive nature, the likes of which the female trainer understood. Syndra couldn't stand losing and it what spurred her to train harder so other trainers wouldn't be able to mow her down. While she had no intentions of losing a rematch she did want to train her less experienced pokemon so it might be more balanced in a way. Regardless the female could not even accept or decline as the male gave a mini speech. It surprised her and had her taken aback with a small pause. Yet this was not a bad thing as her smile grew larger. "Trainers are ready to battle anytime and anywhere. Don't worry I'm accepting your challenge. Whenever you are ready just say the word."
Her words were said with some manner of effortless grace as she absentmindedly began swirling the contents of her cup with the provided straw. The mantra she said was something that she remembered in a book. When two trainers lock eyes they have to battle right there on the spot. While at the time the idea was preposterous and even to this moment somewhat is, the female had taken it to heart. Plus her competitive nature wouldn't let her turn down the battle anyway. For a moment there was a pause. "I have pokemon that needs more experience anyway. That said I don't want you to think I'm going easy by using them." Until Sylvester challenged her to a full on battle though she wasn't going to move from her seat. The female was enjoying the small amount of off time she had at the moment and there was no telling if her company meant now or later.
Post by Sylvester Blackburne on Jul 4, 2015 0:06:19 GMT
"I'm grateful...thank you." The kindness Syndra always seemed to offer up free of charge was something to be admired. Taking a large gulp of his beverage, Sylvester listened to what more she had to say with an open mind. "Of course, I don't expect nor want you to hold back." To him, it was critical that they always gave it their all. Even if she picked different pokemon this time around, that didn't mean Sylvester already had the upper-hand.
Judging by how adept Syndra was as a trainer, her other pokemon were likely just as powerful as his stronger ones. Though, Sylvester always tried to keep them roughly balanced in strength. Likewise, each and every one of his pokemon received individual attention when it was necessary. For now, the Torchic of his that he had yet to inform Syndra about was the one requiring special treatment—which he was happy to oblige. "I am ecstatic to see what happens in battle with our other pokemon. I'm not so sure I want a rematch today, but I will keep in touch." Indulging in another taste of his drink, Sylvester impulsively decided to go against what he had said.
"Actually, I want you to meet my new pokemon now instead. He hasn't been exposed to a lot of people or pokemon yet. You don't mind, do you?" Retrieving the correct pokeball, he held it out and pressed the button for it to grow larger—waiting on Syndra's answer before summoning it's contents. Inside, the creature would be stirring at the chance to stretch it's wings and chirp the two a happy tune.
The thanks led to a tilt of the head for the green haired girl as she tried to decipher why exactly she was thanked. She didn't do anything worthy of such to her memory in the last few minutes. For now she wordlessly accepted that it happened and figured that she would sort it out later if it was that significant. The female remained silent as the male continued on to speak. The energy in his voice when he spoke about their future battle was heartening. It was certainly better than their conversation previously during the midst of battle and she was sure that Sylvester had been conscious of that. One way or another she was thankful for that.
One way or another the battle was not going to be right this second or not even today. That fact did not bother the girl and the only thing it changed was elongating her downtime. "Let me know then. I'm not too hard to find," she said the last part half jokingly as she motioned towards her vivid colored hair. Lately more people had been commenting or pointing out the unusual colored hair she had yet to her it wasn't much worse than many of her peers. Nevertheless she did acknowledge the truth to those observations with the jab at herself showing that much. With an brief chuckle the female continued to take small sips of the cold beverage as she listened carefully to what Sylvester had to say.
To her surprise he changed his mind about wanting her to meet his pokemon now rather than later. There must have been some sort of reason. Pride perhaps causing him to want to show off his new acquisition. Syndra felt the same feeling with her Vulpix and so she gave a muted laugh at the thought. She wasn't one to say no to meeting new pokemon either. "If that's what you want, who am I to say no?" she stated with her same smile. "My vulpix is still young but I'm sure the fox would be happy to oblige if you want her to be a playmate for your new pokemon." The female took out the pokeball that contained her fire type and held it gingerly in her free hand. If Sylvester agreed to it she'd let the excitable fire fox out to play as otherwise it might have been more of a hassle than good.
Post by Sylvester Blackburne on Jul 4, 2015 22:07:45 GMT
"Yeah, I think that will help a lot. My pokemon just hatched here recently." He said, releasing the pokemon inside to reveal a small bird-like figure on the table before him. Allowing it to walk and tweet about their table, Sylvester slowly told more about his new pokemon, Syndra being free to bring out her own and do the same.
"I still haven't thought of a name yet for this little guy. He's called a Torchic, if you've never heard or seen of one." Though, Sylvester felt it was pretty likely she knew a little something about them. At least, that was his impression about her was, knowing first-hand that Syndra knew her pokemon well—particularly in battle.
"Do you usually name your own pokemon?" For Sylvester, it was a relatively crucial part in communicating with his pokemon. He preferred giving them names as to thinking they were a mere species. It made it feel a lot less like enslavement.
Upon the release of the small red bird onto the table, Syndra reflexively moved her cup away to give the pokemon more room to walk around. It was a cute little thing, not as cute as her Vulpix in her opinion, but still rather cute. Syndra plopped her pokeball open which called out her Vulpix to her lap as she placed the spherical device away. The fox gave a mild cry of her name to prompt some petting as she lifted two paws onto the table to peek over at the other pokemon. The Vulpix on the other hand was cautiously sniffing about to see if she should join the fire type. Seeing this the girl pet the pokemon's head softly. As the male introduced her and gave the basic name for the pokemon the girl chuckled. "I've read about Torchics. They're cute fire types but they grow up into strong Blaziken," she provided as she slowly inched her free hand over to lightly pet the Torchic. Being a person who studied pokemon before starting their journey for a few years Syndra certainly knew her stuff.
In terms of nicknames the concept always came up but the female trainer never took action on it. Shaking her head to indicate a now she spoke, "I don't nickname my pokemon. I'm not creative enough to come up with names." That was the simple answer but there was more to it than that. Nicknaming her pokemon meant that she was seeing them as below her, like pets, and that she was in charge and responsible. While she was their trainer that didn't meant that she didn't see them like equals and friends. "They don't seem to mind and nicknaming them would make me feel like they were subordinate to me because I named them."
She chuckled. Thinking on the personalities of some of her pokemon it wouldn't have worked well for all of them even if she did. Turtwig and Vulpix would have been fine with it certainly but her Sandshrew, "I'm sure if I even attempted to name my Sandshrew she would refuse to even listen to me anymore."
Post by Sylvester Blackburne on Jul 5, 2015 1:31:26 GMT
"Huh..." It was strange for him, the way she looked at it. It wasn't even that it felt wrong, only that Sylvester felt differently about naming pokemon, but now almost regretted the decision to name his own. Remembering the looks on their faces when he called them by name, however, was enough to keep him convinced. "Wow, your Sandshrew sounds like a real pain. I guess you shouldn't."
Noticing the two pokemon getting more familiar, he watched his pokemon carefully, hoping it would not do anything unpleasant to Syndra or her pokemon. Surprisingly, it just wanted a little attention. "Vulpix seems to be doing well, as you said. Where out in the wild did you stumble across her?"
A chuckle escaped her lips at the comment on her Sandshrew. "I guess it seems that way huh?" she said lightly at the thought of it. Thinking back when she first met the ground type, she reminisced as she spoke. "She is a tough cookie and defensive by nature but she's a sweetheart. Still the idea of naming her wouldn't sit well." At that she took a drink of her mocha frappe to savor the moment. The Vulpix kept with the curious streak as she put more effort in interacting with the foreign pokemon, lifting a paw and pawing forward yet never touching the chick. It was a cute sight.
At the question the female paused. "I didn't," she answered curtly as the fire type looked up at the mention of her name. "I hatched this little one from an egg I got from the festival back in Petalburg. She was a few days old when she first battled you." The tone in the girl's voice exuded how proud she was of the small fox. The pokemon has now grown big and strong in perfect health under her care. With years of raising her little brothers Syndra was confident that she raised Vulpix right, even if the fox was a spoiled pokemon. "Your torchic is the same right? Or did you find him in the wild?"
Post by Sylvester Blackburne on Jul 5, 2015 18:25:39 GMT
"Actually yeah, I suppose they are very much the same then. I hatched my egg out in the wilds surrounding Petalburg. " Taking a drink, it was apparent his beverage was almost finished at this point. 'Guess I should try to wrap things up here soon.' Bothering people for conversation like this wasn't something he did often. It was likely just as unwelcomed by Syndra as it was by Sylvester himself, unfortunate as it may be.
Noticing his Torchic approaching the fox, it nudged it's head forward as to feel Vulpix's gentle paw run across it's feathers. A subtle purring sound escaped the small chick's beak, before the Torchic began chirping again, this time a lot more quietly than before. "Well, they seem to be getting along. I was hoping to see more of Torchic's good behavior-" Almost as if knowing what he was about to say, the Torchic ruined it by giving the Vulpix's nose a jab with it's beak. Albeit small, it was still likely harder than the other pokemon's nose.
"Wow, I'm so sorry about that." Grabbing hold of his Torchic, it kicked it's feet and began vocalizing something akin to a distress call. Securing the chick in it's pokeball, he looked back over to the Vulpix and Syndra. "Is your Vulpix okay?" Of course, seeing as it had already battled for the first time, it was likely nothing more than an annoyance. It rendered Sylvester with guilt, causing him to ponder why the pokemon had acted out in such a way. "Looks like I still need to train my pokemon more...heh." It was a hollow laugh, the kind that alluded the situation wasn't very funny. Aspiring to be optimistic about it, he tried his best to keep a straight face.
"Perhaps our next battle will help with that..." Though, it would likely be another loss to showcase what a bad trainer Sylvester was proving to be.
The small peck on the nose caused a bit of a sting onto the Vulpix, the fox jumping back at the sensation further into Syndra's lap. The female trainer giggled at this little display even though the fox was whining into her lap. There was no way that the fox was insulted or remotely hurt by that, she just wanted a little attention. "Vulpix is fine. Aren't you cutie?" After a few scratches behind the ear the fire type gave an affirmative cry. Watching Sylvester handle the young bird in his arms and the Torchic chirping loudly in an ear piercing way for help, the female's gave traveled to the surrounding tables. They had gained some attention. Once the Torchic is recalled Syndra finishes her drink with a final sip of what is left.
That said Syndra began to wave off the apology she was given as well as the assumption that he had to train his pokemon more. It may have been the case but worrying about such a thing wouldn't help. "They're still young so don't worry about it," she stated with a shrug. "Even Vulpix misbehaves sometimes. Most of the time she just gets spoiled though," she admitted this bashfully as the Vulpix jumped out of her trainer's lap to nuzzle against Sylvester's leg. The act made Syndra shake her head but she didn't stop the fox. Instead she got up from her seat and walked over to the trash can to dispose of the fancy plastic cup. Normally she would have taken it with her and reused it however not in the presence of others would she do such a thing. It was not that she was hiding the fact that she was conservative due to being unfortunate in the money department but she did not want to flaunt it about either.
Shrugging at the comment about battling, she walked back to the table though not sitting back down. "As I said whenever you're ready."
Post by Sylvester Blackburne on Jul 6, 2015 0:15:02 GMT
"Yeah...you might be waiting awhile." He said, almost as if concerned about it. Lazily drinking the rest of his drink, Sylvester noticed the Vulpix nudging him. He reached down and gave it a gentle scratch on the back of it's neck. "Thanks." It was mostly to the Vulpix, but partially intended for Syndra as well.
"You're a great friend...well, if you would call it that." He began to feel slightly awkward, but resumed speaking to Syndra irregardless of that. "It makes me wonder, though, how I can ever repay someone as nice, when I am so awful." An honest piece of his mind—which was rare.
"I know it doesn't sound very promising, but if I can ever help you with anything, please don't hesitate to ask. You've done a lot for me, I'd like to be able to settle the score." Taking a stand, Sylvester made a brisk pace for the trash unit before pitching his cup into it. Turning back around, he finished what he had to say for now. "Especially if I can't settle the score with you in our next battle. It probably sounds weird but...I kind of idolize you. You're the strongest trainer I've ever met. I hope to be as strong someday."
This was likely starting to get awkward for Syndra.
The thanks she attributed to her Vulpix but for what reason evaded the female as she sat back down in her seat. The fire type gave a cute cry as she got the attention she wanted and stayed there for as long as he continued to give her said attention. The male's next words however created a sort of unusual atmosphere. Syndra's whimsical smile waved into a more questioning look. "Of course I'd consider you a friend. I don't know what would make you think otherwise," she offered to support him. There were words of praise towards her afterwards but also self reprimand.
Effortlessly those words caused the female trainer to freeze up as if her mind did not comprehend what he said. Her eyes narrowed into a squint as if trying to process what was going on or if this was really happening. No part of her thought that she had helped the man so much to warrant such an extravagant thank you or offer to help her in the future. As a trainer she knew she was at least somewhat decent but the point of being idolized scared her. All she wanted to do was travel with her pokemon and see the region. Being idolized was a coordinator's job and she definitely was not that powerful. Still it was nice to hear and it helped her ego grow ever larger.
For a moment the female sat there speechless unsure of what to say. Her mind eventually understood what was being said and her body attempted to relax back into the chair. For the most part none would be the wiser of what was running through her mind as the young woman kept her outwards composure. "I don't know what's come over you but you don't owe me anything." That was how she started and she honestly continued to wonder this. Nevertheless she continued, "I'm also flattered that you think so highly of me but you may be giving me too much credit. We're both strong trainers in our own rights and we both still have much to learn. You're being hard on yourself again I think."
Post by Sylvester Blackburne on Jul 6, 2015 23:14:39 GMT
'I thought so...' It was relatively obvious that what Sylvester said was a bit off-putting for Syndra. Even to him, it came out of the blue, which is why Sylvester almost regretted what slipped through his lips. "Maybe I am...but..." Petting the Vulpix for a time, he gave it one final scratch behind the ears before gesturing for her to return to Syndra, looking up towards the green-haired girl with a reluctant smile on his face.
"I don't say that because I think of you as the strongest trainer. I've always wondered about trainers—the strong ones, and how they treat those inferior to them..." Scratching the back of his head, Sylvester aimed to put this as simply as he could. "I've always thought they would be arrogant, or obnoxious—but you? No, you're not like that...not at all." He looked down at the table, where his hands now rested.
"I've never been a very joyful person. I've never gone out of my way to socialize with people, either...but you've been a great influence to help me with that. That's all I meant to say." Even Sylvester realized that, with every word the conversation felt a bit more awkward. Especially when thinking about it from her perspective.
"Which is why I feel indebted to you...you've given me something I thought no-one could give..."'And that is hope...' Now that his social comfort zone was being encroached upon, albeit willingly, Sylvester began to tap his fingers to relief his subtle anxiety. "I suppose I have taken up a lot of your day already. You want me to go?" His hands swiftly checked for his possessions, ready to pick up and leave at Syndra's own whim.
