Playing with fire. {Tag; Jasper}

[maskerade]

(( ;D

So, if Dawkins is cool with it, other people can jump in if they can find a way/reason. Otherwise, this is just for them!

ENTEI.))


---



He had not been this way for a while, at least, in human terms. It had been a decade since his fires had completely burned Briar town to the ground. Ten years to the day, as a matter of fact. Perhaps it was cruel to wander the town that had suffered his supposed 'wrath' on any anniversary of the terrible event, but...his purpose was not malicious in any way. Entei did not come to gloat, or admire his handiwork. Instead, this was a somber event. Almost saddening, even.

The large beast's chest heaved, as a heavy sigh escaped the back of his throat. He remembered this place, and he remembered that day well. To the humans who had once dwelt here, it would probably come as a surprise that he bothered to reflect on the event anymore at all. To them, he was little more than a savage beast that had taken everything from them.

Entei frowned at the thought, as he began padding through the remains of the town. Sure, he felt a twinge of remorse every now and then, but it had been necessary. The town had been built in a dangerous area, and either the humans had been foolish enough to believe themselves invincible to the powers of nature, or foolish enough to not ensure their town was in a safe place. Regardless of which it was, the humans had to shoulder some of the blame, in his opinion. The problem was, they never would. They would never admit any wrongs, nor be happy unless they could blame it on him.

Besides, the wild areas like these had once been home to pocket monsters. They had lived freely, without problem. Humans had demolished the homes of the creatures they shared the world with, in order to make their own. Such things were fine to them, few of their kind ever seemed truly bothered. The hypocrisy of these creatures was unsettling at times, especially when it led to their violent attempts to get some kind of 'justice'.

Though it had not been the reason for the fire, Entei supposed he could regard what he had done as justice- revenge for the pokemon whose homes were destroyed by the town.

He stopped in the middle of the ruins, regarding the piles of ashes and blackened building frames. Not a pretty sight at all. But, at least there were no bodies. The humans had all escaped, and had he not allowed that fire to come...an even worse one would have been forced to rage through eventually. One with such force, that it would have been very likely to take their lives away.

Homes could be rebuilt. In better, safer areas. It was better for the humans that way. Lives, however, could not. He had their lives, the lives of the pokemon in the area, and his duties to uphold. Entei had been given a choice, and while he could have waited, could have allowed the more destructive one to go off four years after the one that had destroyed the town...he had chosen earlier, to give more chance for escape.

If only the humans could understand. If only they could grasp the concept this world was not theirs, and that the natural forces would and should not bend for them.

The pocket monster shook his head as he stood silently in the midst of the soot and ash. The day that happened, was the day Ho-oh finally returned to the tower.

[Dawkins]

Ten years.

Ten long, long years.

Jasper frowned to himself, head put to the side as he rubbed his neck. He could have stopped this. That, at least, he still believed. There had been something of a premonition, anyway, in his mind the very moment he set foot in the town. He could have at least warned someone, done something.

But he'd been far too distracted. He'd never forgive himself for that... but he wouldn't regret it either. Goodness knew, it was all Jasper could really hold onto when it came to Beryl. She didn't understand his chase, never had, and likely never would. And so, he let her be. Leave her to her - in his eyes - questionable 'friends' and her suddenly appearing child, with her damned poisons and that damned spider of hers that hated him so.

Still standing on the very edge of the smouldered ruins, Jasper hesitated again, calming himself mentally and soothing his psychic abilities, before stepping over the threshold. He gasped, then gritted his teeth.

Fire.

All he saw was fire.

That could, in Jasper's mind, mean only one thing. Teeth still gritted, this time in a determined sort of rage, he released one of his Pokemon... an Unown. The tiny psychic-type shrilled in a customary greeting, floating about his head. Unlike his other Pokemon, the Unown was small enough to flit about without being too noticeable, and unlike Butterfree, were not susceptible to fire.

There was the additional perk of the 'Swarm' technique he'd taught it. One wrong sign, and the whole damn alphabet would come to his aide.

The Unown trilled a note of interest, floating about ahead of Jasper, taking much interest in the ash and blackened ruins around it.

[maskerade]

Entei lifted his head, perturbed by something. A feeling, a premonition of some sort. It was minor, perhaps his imagination, but something he felt best to pay attention to. Just in case. One could never be certain, and in most cases, gut instincts were usually right. Most of the legendaries had learned that lesson well, over their extensive lifespans. Though he and the other two were fairly young in comparison to the more ancient legendaries, Entei had still experienced enough to pay heed to such things.

He turned his massive body slowly, taking in each and every detail of his surroundings. If even the tiniest thing was off, he would approach it with caution. Entei was curious, but he hoped not too impulsive. Especially not with the way things worked in the world these days.

The giant creature started to walk again, surveying the area in his attempt to find out what had caused such a feeling. His breathing became quieter, and his stare intensified as he focused. A quick inhale told him there was...something around the area. What, he wasn't entirely sure. The scent was still a little ways off, but whatever it was, it bore bits of familiarity. Entei wasn't sure whether to be relieved or concerned about it. But, he would reserve most emotion for when he actually encountered the source of the feeling.

Something told him it wouldn't be too much longer, anyway.

[Dawkins]

With the Unown leading the way, Jasper took his time to follow, marking each and every building in his mind as it once was. There was the Mart. There, the Pokemon Center. That one had been his childhood house, now a pile of ash and burnt wood.

And there was Beryl's Gym.

Of all the tragedy, he perhaps felt the worst about that casualty. She'd seemed so happy with being the gym leader, in the embarrassingly short time he'd spent alone with her. The next day, it was gone. All her life, as though it had never existed, and he was gone, chasing a living volcano. Jasper shook his head, making an irritated huffing noise. No sense spending time lingering over old memories. Not when there was something incredibly important here.

Not noticing it's trainer had fallen behind, the Unown floated along almost carelessly, trilling to itself as it breezed beneath collapsed arcs and over fallen beams. All until it came across a most unusual creature. Though not particularly privy to human lore, the tiny Pokemon nonetheless recognized the other, much larger one, as something to be respected, and gave it a width berth as it hurried by.

[maskerade]

Entei paused momentarily, as the other pokemon came within range. He regarded it respectfully, though carefully. It was small, and it didn't seem to be interested in causing any strife, but again..one could never really tell. The pokemon was prepared to protect himself if necessary, though he kept his mouth shut. One roar, as intimidating as it would be, would cause trouble somewhere. He would reserve that only if it were necessary, far more likely to bare his teeth and growl before that.

Not that he needed it here. Entei relaxed a little, as the smaller pokemon moved to let him pass. The giant creature dipped his head, a respectful move to help indicate his gratitude. Entei could be a bit of a loner most of the time, but that didn't mean he had no grasp on manners.

He continued along only moments later, feeling less concerned now. The other pokemon was probably the source of the feeling, he told himself. Good, good..The less he had to worry about, the better. Entei needed a moment's peace. From his duties, from any humans that would hound him. Other pokemon in the area didn't bother him that much, provided they never struck out at him.

Entei gave a sigh of relief, and trotted past a few trees that had manged to survive the fire; but soon wished he hadn't. The large pokemon came to a dead halt, as he saw a very familiar sight in the clearing he had just entered.

That human. It was that human, the one who chased after him. The one with those angry, hateful eyes.

A primal urge to flee boiled within him. He had ran before, every other time they had met. But this time, though he very much intended to leave at some point, Entei felt a flicker of annoyance course through his veins. This human was a nuisance- he was growing agitated by being hounded down like this. Perhaps it was time...finally time, for him to make his point. To scare or threaten the human enough, so that he would finally give up this insane crusade and just leave him be.

Entei stood his ground, though sunk his body a little lower to the ground. His paws clutched onto the ground, while every muscle tensed-ready for action. This human was not to be underestimated. Those motivated by hatred tended to be stubborn, and hellbent.

The irony of where and when this was to take place, however, was just sickening.

[Dawkins]

"You."

If anything, Jasper's angry eyes became angrier at the sight of the mighty volcanic beast.

And just where was his Unown?!

"Here. Now."

The irony was sickening to him as well, but for a very different reason. In his eyes, the burning of Briar Town had been a malicious act, not one of warning. The man took a hissing intake of breath, forcing himself to be slightly calmer. It had taken a long time, but Jasper had eventually figured out the best way to approach his pursuit of Entei; a calm, level head. Rage and anger had only resulted in the beast fleeing, time and time again. It would be different, now.

And indeed it seemed to be, with the fire-typed legendary sinking low in a defensive, ready pose. Watching it carefully, the man reached for a Pokeball from one of his pockets, wordlessly releasing his Hypno. There was no need for words. His own Pokemon, thanks to his psychic ability, could understand him clearly.

Entei would not.

Startling at the sight of his intended opponent, Hypno took a step back before he was prodded forward by Jasper's mental link. Like many people, Hypno did not entirely understand his trainer's incessant need to capture the legendary beast, but he was also a loyal Pokemon; so long as there was some reason, he would do as bid.

[maskerade]

Entei snorted, already debating whether this was the course of action that should be taken. He could easily put an end to this for good, if he applied the full extent of his power. Powerful as Jasper and his pokemon could be, only one of them was prepared to survive a volcanic eruption. It would only take a specific roar; a channeling of the energy to this direct spot.

But he wouldn't do that. He had every ability to, but it would be an inexcusable abuse of his powers to Ho-oh; the legendary that had 'created' him and his brethren. Regardless of the fact that he stood for the fires that had brought siege to Ecruteak's burned tower. The mighty beast merely huffed, glowering with the same dark intensity the human was showing. Entei hoped that all he had to do was intimidate the man. He wouldn't kill him, but if Jasper insisted on provoking him, then he wasn't going to get out of this unscathed. Unfortunately, there were those that required brute force to teach them any sort of lesson.

Jasper seemed like such a creature. Especially when he released another pokemon, for what reason the legendary presumed was the precursor to battle. So be it. If the man would not be deterred from this, then he would suffer the consequences.

The volcano pokemon bore his fangs, uttering a threatening growl, one of warning, as flames billowed at the back of his throat. The human still had another chance to back down- the question was, would he take it?

Entei wasn't about to hold his breath on this matter.

[Dawkins]

"Think that scares me?"

It was an impressive display, he would grudgingly give the beast that. It was the only grace he was willing to give it, really. It was impressive, and powerful, and he had seen that power many times - thanks to his dogged tracking of it.

"You'll have to do better than that."

Jasper had lived with visions of fire in his sleep for years, ever since that night. Many people, including Beryl, had posed the possibility that Entei had merely been nearby the town, and had not burned it to the ground. That old 'rampaging Rapidash' rumor. But, oh, he just knew it was the beast's fault. He couldn't explain it to anyone, but he knew. It was a second nature sort of thought.

Hypno was less than sure.

The Pokemon - eyes lit in the same fashion as it's trainer - did not think that provoking what was basically a force of nature to be a wise idea. It would soothe Jasper's mood if it could, and as it had often done without the psychic's knowledge, but now it would have been impossible. He was too focused, too determined.

Too angry.

[maskerade]

As Entei had suspected, the human refused to be moved by his threats. Perhaps he found them idle? Well, if that were the case, then it was very likely Entei would have to give him a real reason to back down and leave him alone. In fact, that seemed unavoidable, as the man shot back with a snide remark. Entei glowered at him, and closed his mouth. That trick had not worked, obviously, and he had to restrain himself from roaring too loudly- no matter how much he wanted to at the moment.

Entei wondered if the human regarded him clever enough to have understood their language, or simply believed that his own body language was enough to indicate a 'puny growl' was not enough to chase him away. Entei understood both, of course, but what Jasper thought probably didn't matter in the grand scheme of things. No, scratch that, it obviously didn't. The only thing that did matter was how stubborn and furious Jasper was. It told Entei he would have to get rough, moreso than he had with any human before. But, if it was the way things had to be...Then it must proceed this way. He was getting tired of their peace being ruined, anyway.

Entei righted himself, doing nothing but stare for the moment. And then, he opened his mouth again- launching a weaker, ember attack at the man. The legendary would give him a few more chances, here and there, but if it was a fight Jasper wanted...He would find his enemy did not go down so easily.

[Dawkins]

A loud, hissing intake of breath as the man tried to deflect the ember using his psychic capability. It was difficult, especially when he was berating himself mentally. He'd almost expected the beast to aim attacks toward his Hypno, like in every other Pokemon battle. Well. Entei wasn't the only one who could play that game. The ember dispelled, though Jasper shook his hands - held up from second physical nature - and instead redirected his gaze to the beast's eyes intently. Given the sheer will of the creature, Hypno would have to protect him from any other incoming attacks, and though the Pokemon had been thrown off by the fire heading straight for his master, the psychic-type would now expect such things. The Pokemon moved in order to block any further attacks from the fire-type.

Instead, the man focused entirely on Entei, eyes lighting up almost painfully as he tried to edge into the beast's mind, ignoring the visions of flames he instantly received. Attempting to take control of a strong Pokemon - and a legendary at that - would have seemed to be a thoroughly foolish move on his part, but... he'd moved far past caring.

[maskerade]

The human was strong- in both mind and heart. Regardless of the fact Jasper's heart was motivated by rage and hatred, the volcano pokemon would give him that much. For the aggravation he was, Jasper was almost a worthy adversary..If Entei were the type to consider such things any sort of positive, that was. The legendary did not follow the ember with another attack while the human worked to deflect it- instead too curious about what on earth the man was trying to do, and not looking for to inflict murder just yet.

He growled again, when Jasper had managed to cause the ember to dissipate. Entei could have attacked the human's Hypno, but saw no reason to just yet. The pokemon had not attacked or threatened him yet, after all. It was the human, Jasper, who had done this. In Entei's eyes, Jasper was the largest threat he had to consider. And the Hypno, he pitied, to have a master as obsessive as this one. Entei believed the man would probably command the psychic pokemon to attack him at some point, and then he would have to fight back. A shame, really. He had no quarrel with the Hypno, not even by association.

Things like these, were why Entei was not fond of pokemon trainers. There were those out there with good spirits, who treated pokemon as equals, so he had heard. But, the fact of the matter was, most did not. Most humans used them as tools, and even if they never meant it in such a way, Entei found it cruel. Humans had grown too smart and power-hungry for their own good, and the good of pokemon.

Entei snarled this time, as he felt the intrusive presence within his mind. When Jasper's eyes had lit up and stared directly at his own, the legendary hadn't expected what came next. He stumbled a little, from the surprise and the flicker of pain that was raging through his head. Entei tried to will the man out through his own thoughts- but Jasper was too determined. The feeling was still there, and Entei knew thought alone would not work.

Instead, he opened his mouth and fired a flamethrower at a nearby tree. Hoping it would startle one of them, or catch a limb on fire and run the risk of falling on the man, so that his attention would be diverted.