‘Experienced Pokemon Trainer Wanted’
That had been the title of the post he put up on the local forums for trainers. Most would assume he was just looking for advice. But pursuing further would see this was not the usual request. Reading it, one would find out that a 'Toby Morrison' was looking for a Trainer escort of sorts. Someone to guide him around as he did his studies on Berries and Apricorns. Why he did not do this alone was anyone’s guess. But he requested they meet him at Beautiful Breeders Inc. A small, family run contest-breeder type operation.
Actually rolling up on this building would find pokemon running loose in the backyard, most collared with different colors, as if to sort them by type. Be they Cool or Cute, it was easy to pick out the ones that would be good for rearing the next generation of contest pokemon.
Off to the side would be a somewhat large greenhouse and this is where they would meet. Toby Morrison himself was not an imposing young man. He stood at 5’5” and not an inch taller or shorter. His hair was dark and wavy, pulled into a ponytail at the nape of his neck, though some hair was left on his left side of his face. An attempt to hide a nasty scar, a set of claw marks that reached from his forehead down to his chin, the scars dark and aged, jagged in their appearance.
Glasses did their best to hide this, tired, dark brown eyes behind them somewhat cold and analytical looking. Though the left side was slightly foggy. Likely the scar damaged his eye as well. His skin was naturally tanned, ranging on the darker side of things. It was obvious why he needed a trainer. The guy was kind of thin and weedy, lanky with wiry muscle. The oddest thing was his attire. Olive shorts were baggy and loose, and his shirt was a simple black tank top that hugged his slim chest. There was not an ounce of pokemon memorabilia on him. Not a pin. Not a hat. Not even a lanyard. Gloves stained with soil covered his hands, though he was currently jotting down notes on one of his plants.
A few tattoos climb up his arms. Mostly botanical in nature. It’s obvious he loves what he researches. It takes a few moments before he looks up. He had obviously noticed the new arrival, he just deemed his notes more important for the time being.
“If you are here for pokemon, please speak to my parents. They deal with that work.” His words were short, and slightly accented. He sounded almost bored. Like this was routine.
...
Business had been so slow recently... Lucky for him he may have found the perfect solution! He'd be escorting some botanist from the sound of things. Sounded like easy work and regular pay would be a very nice change. And so he'd set off towards what would hopefully be his new much more steady job. Thankfully he hadn't been too very far so a few days travel later and hooves of his ponyta carried him right up to the little breeding center. Man... Living the dream... He'd be more pouty about it if he didn't enjoy traveling so much. He'd be sure to retire to a place like this someday...
For now, he was going to help someone ironically get away from here. Dismounting, he gave his loyal friend a nice pet before fishing out a little treat for the good boy. "You did so good! You can have a little rest now." He assured as the sweet pokemon happily took the treat from his hand. An affectionate kiss to the ponyta's velvety muzzle and he was placing him back in his pokeball before continuing on foot.
Coming around, he spotted the greenhouse, and there he saw a person, walking up to speak to them. Hopefully, they would be able to direct him to his hopefully soon-to-be employer. As he approached, he took in the other's appearance, just a casual look honestly. It was a habit he'd picked up while traveling, not everyone on the road was a good-intentioned pokemon trainer, after all. Not that he thought this particular person had any ill will, it was just habit. His conclusion? Guy was cute. He really wanted to get a better look at those tattoos too... He'd considered getting some himself, and wanted to, but he didn't want to scare off potential clients. Maybe someday...
"Hello there!" He greeted cheerfully once he'd gotten fairly close, but it took a moment to actually get a reply. Must be really engrossed in what he was doing. When he finally got a response, it wasn't one that he expected, but it made sense. Most people would probably be here for his parent's work, after all. "I'm sure they do great work with what little I saw in the yard on my way here, but I'm not here for them, no. I'm here for a job inquiry. I'm looking for Toby Morrison. Would that be you? Orrrr would you happen to know where he is?"
Toby now found himself face to face with a young man not nearly as devoid of pokemon memorabilia as he was. He was wearing a brilliant red and white hoody and had a matching red and white bandanna over the top of his head. The bandana itself was half red and half white with inverted shapes to form a pokeball. His hoody had a two way zipper which he had unzipped part way in both directions showing a sliver of his chest as well as a peek at a toned belly. He didn't seem to be wearing a shirt under it. Even his hands were covered by a set of red leather fingerless gloves. He wore black cargo pants and a set of yellow and black boots peeked out from under the pant legs. A brown leather holster circled his hips were six pokeballs were securely clipped on his right side. Across his chest was a matching leather satchel the bag itself resting on the opposite side.
While he wasn't explicitly dressed as a pokemon, the color scheme and pattern brought a delibird to mind and that was exactly the goal. As his most common job was that of a currier, looking like a currier pokemon appealed to people and he got more hires since he'd started dressing like this. Sadly it had been enough to get himself regular work recently. Oh well, hopefully, that was about to change.
The young man himself had silk black hair down to his shoulders, currently pulled back into a low ponytail. His almond-shaped eyes were an icy blue, though his expression was anything but. He seemed quite friendly in fact, his smile radiating a pleasant warmth in spite of the greeting he'd gotten. His skin sported a golden tan, a result of all the traveling he did. This also accounted for the amusing tan lines. It's not like he was traveling naked to keep the tan even...
...
He expected to be able to go back to his notes. So at first? He didn't give the other guy much of a look. Toby was not the most social person. Anxiety was kind of a bitch. That's why he liked his plants. He could talk to them about anything and they'd just listen. However, it looked like he might actually need to be social.
"That's me. I assume you saw my post?" He asked. There was no other reason for someone to seek him out. He never got custom orders on Apricorn balls, after all. He mostly just sold them online. Though he'd put his shop into hiatus mode for this trip. Despite his general air of slight annoyance and boredom, he was looking forward to travelling. Looking forward to seeing new things.
The other was given a more steady look. Toby of course, picked up on the theme. Delibird. Cute. While he was not a fan of pokemon, he could definitely acknowledge that some were downright adorable. The second thing he noted was he was rather cute. And not just because of his theming. It was no surprise that Toby didn't... Interact much. Let alone flirt or date.
Was he staring? Shit. No he shouldn't do that. So Toby looked away.
"Ah so. Payment. I know I did not specify, because I was not sure what to offer. I can, of course, offer money. As well as custom pokeballs, medicinal blends and berries while travelling, and uh. My parents offer you any pokemon you might want. We have several available. All carefully bred for contests, though there are ones that would also fit battle more."
...
"Ah, so it is you. Yeah, I'm interested in the position. My name is Yori Izanagi, it's a pleasure to meet you." Amusingly, there was a delay after that. Ah, he was being checked out. It happened fairly often. At the risk of sounding egotistical, he was aware that he was attractive, though he felt too much stock was placed on good looks. Still, he wasn't going to complain if it made finding work easier. The way he was being looked at was flattering, if nothing else. He didn't draw attention to it, simply allowing him to look as long as he pleased. It didn't take too long for him to catch himself anyway.
"New to the boss thing, huh? Alright, I'll help you out. Don't tell people that you don't know what to charge them, they'll rip you off and ask for more than the work is worth. Likewise, if you're ever looking to be hired, don't admit you're desperate for the job, you'll be underpaid. Next thing, you should ask a person what experience they have in the job you're hiring them for, push for proof, people lie. If it's commission work and you're not 100% sure you can trust them, never pay more than half up front and make sure that amount is something your willing to never get back, in case." He chuckled softly with another smile, reaching into his satchel to pull out his rotom infused smartphone. He pulled up the file he needed and presented the screen.
"Normally, I charge per day as it's hard to estimate how long a trip can take sometimes. If you give me things of value, that value will be deducted from my pay. So, let's say you give me berries for my pokemon or pay for my food, you would owe me that much less. Make sense? I'll admit I'm not the cheapest to hire, but trust me, you don't want to hire the cheapest, not for the job your asking. I charge this much because of the experience I have. I've traveled all over the world for my work and I have the pokemon to prove it. If you want more solid proof, I'm sure I could put you in contact with some of my old clients. This is the part where I stop trying to talk you to death." He wasn't fond of monologing, but it was hard to avoid when you're trying to explain something... "Questions? Concerns?" He prompted to make sure he hadn't knocked the poor guy into a stupor.
...
His brows rose as he started to give him tips. Well. Yori had a point. He definitely wasn't used to being a boss. In honesty, he had no real clue what he was doing.
"What would stop someone from lying? In this whole thing there is risk." He frowned a bit. Now he felt a bit foolish.
Yori... definitely seemed to know what he was talking about. Toby listened as he explained. This all seemed like so much. He had anticipated it, but... being faced with it was so much.
"Uh..." He trailed off for a moment. But then he caught himself.
"Daily fee? You know I will need protection, as mentioned." Toby was aware that his request was... odd. But the idea of running into a pokemon on his own still made his stomach twist.
"As long as your pokemon don't bother me, I think we will work well together."
...
"Mm, of course, there is. Even seemingly reliable sources can fall through sometimes. Being self-employed naturally comes with risk, but you should try to minimize it, ya know?" Oof. Yeah, he seemed to have stunned the poor guy a bit. It was a lot to take in, he knew, so he'd give him a moment to recover from the tidal wave of advice that had just washed over him.
"You're ad said as much. I have a variety of pokemon at my disposal and the team I keep on hand is balanced so there's little that I couldn't take on." He was about to continue when the pocket of his hoodie started peeping. He laughed softly and smiled down at his pocket as it wiggled and fussed. "Finally awake, are you?"
Careful fingers reached into his pocket and when it returned, sitting on his palm was a brilliant red chick. "My pokemon are all well trained and good-natured, I promise. This one here is the first pokemon I ever raised from an egg and only recently hatched her too. I'm not the breeder mind you. She was given to me as payment for my last job. Atsuko, say 'hi'." He cooed to the little fletchling which looked a little confused before sleepily peeping a greeting to Toby, clearly not fully awake yet.
...
Toby hated to admit he was a little out of his depth on this. He tried to recompose himself, however. Good he knew what Toby would require.
"Oh good. I personally do not care much for your team comp-" He paused as he heard the peeping. There was mild confusion as Yori proceeded to talk to his pocket.
He would watch as he reached in and withdrew a small chick. Brows raised as he looked at the small pokemon.
"Oh, she's lovely." He said with a hint of a smile.
"Hatching and raising pokemon is not easy. Even my parents have issues at times." So yea, he could admit he was a little impressed. Fletchling was not some fancy, rare pokemon. But he knew that things like that didn't matter.
"I believe that we would be decent travel companions, if you are so interest-" Again he was interrupted. This time by a middle-aged woman with similarly dark hair and eyes.
"¡Tobías, hijo mío! ¿Quién es tu amigo?" She was short and chubby with warm eyes and a warmer smile, wearing a jacket over an apron and some sturdy clothing that had the occasional smear of mud or berry juice on them.
...
It was hard for a heart to resist melting at the sight of his little friend. The fletchling was so young that she still lacked feathers, instead covered in a layer of adorable fluff. She shifted around on the palm she stood on, wobbly and little down-covered wings flapping in a vain attempt to keep steady on thin little legs still not completely ready to carry her about. If one looked close, they could see the first of her pin feathers was starting to come in. Dark, curious eyes looked up at the stranger, quiet little peeps leaving her as she watched him.
"There, see? He thinks you're pretty too." He cooed to the little bird, clearly caring deeply for the little one he'd been keeping warm in his pocket. "She's a sweetheart. In the future, she'll be helping me warm eggs as I hope to get into breeding myself. That's probably far off though. For now, she can just be my little baby." He looked up from the little bird then smile widening as the other agreed to hire him only to look startled when they were suddenly being spoken to, in a different language, no less. "Ora! Yo me yamo, Yori! Es un praser!" Oof. He was sure his Japanese accent was coming through there, but he hoped he didn't sound too foolish. He'd gotten pretty good at keeping the extra vowels out of his speech, but 'L's were still got him pretty often.
It seemed that the woman also snapped the fletchling out of her curious state and she remembered why she'd been peeping in the first place. And so she started up again, loud and rhythmic, staring up at the human that held her.
"Alright, alright. I hear you." He chucked down to her, reaching into his sachel and pulling out yet another pokeball. While the six at his waist were the team he was legally allowed to use in battles in terms of number, he had a few extra in his sachel, kept there so he couldn't be accused of cheating. Dropping it to the ground the ball popped open and there was the source of his inspiration. A delibird. She looked distinctly old, but in very good health and of good breeding, judging be her impressive tail. She crooned curiously, looking around at the humans around her only to look at the little one peeping loudly. She reached into her tail then and produced a small squeeze bottle and offered it to Yori.
"Thank you, Hyouga." The brunette said as he accepted the bottle, giving it a shake to make sure the contents were well mixed before bringing the spout to the little bird's beak which eagerly started to eat. "Sorry about that. She eats every six hours, give or take. Thankfully she usually sleeps through the night so she shouldn't be waking us up when we're trying to sleep so long as I feed her at bedtime." He felt a little embarrassed for the interruption, but it couldn't be helped.
...
"Ah, Mamá." Toby felt heat rise to his cheeks a bit. The woman beamed at Yori, seemingly understanding him.
"Aw, the pleasure's all mine." Toby would clear his throat a bit.
"Yori is here due to my post. We were just reaching an agreement."
The woman looked at Toby with a small sigh.
"So, you're gonna be leaving? Mijo..." She sounded worried, but she would pause as she heard the peeping get louder. Toby would as well. Her smile would return as her eyes fell on the fletchling.
"¡Precioso!" She would say softly. They would wait as he got the ball out and called Delibird out. Mrs. Morrison watching intently.
"It's fine." Toby replied with a shrug.
"Oh trust me, Tobias knows how to live with infant pokemon! He better not give you any guff. She is adorable though. Still so fresh and downy." There was a soft adoration to her voice.
"Anyways, yes. Uh, Yori and I were finalizing so... take care of my plants while I'm gone?" He sounded almost hesitan.
"Of course, corazónito. Will you please at least consider taking a pokemon? Just in case. I know you're... feelings. But I worry."
...
He smiled as he watched his little one frantically eat in the way of baby birds, thankful that she was already starting to peck at solids. She still begged to be fed much of the time though and he might be spoiling her a little in that sense. "Atsuko is a good girl too, I'm sure we'll all be fine together. I'm afraid she's grown fond of hiding in pockets for warmth though so try not to panic if you find yourself with a pocket full of chick. She's quite harmless. I mean that literally, I've only ever seen her growl when she's really angry. Can't even peck properly yet. Uh... Just don't grab her unexpectedly or something, she can heat up enough to burn." He warned, hoping he wouldn't spook the other as apparently, he seemed to have some sort of aversion to pokemon. It would explain why he didn't have any to defend him...
"I'll take good care of him, I promise." He assured the woman, honestly meaning it. Pay or no pay, he wasn't in the habit of letting people around him get hurt so he would keep him safe even if he found himself broke. A guy has to make a living, but pay wasn't worth a life or even just bodily harm. "My pokemon are very friendly too so I'm sure they'll watch out for him, even if I'm not there to direct them. Who knows, maybe by the end of all this he might come back with a new gossifleur." While the suggestion was playful, it was half serious. He honestly thought that pokemon would be a good one for him, from what little he'd learned of him so far.
When the chick finally stopped going ham at the bottle's spout, he gentle felt to make sure her gullet was full before handing the bottle back to his delibird. He laughed as she put the bottle away in her tail again only to look at him and theatrically fake a yawn. "Sorry for waking you..." He cooed returning her to her pokeball and then it to his satchel. He held the little bird to his chest and gently lay his other hand on top of her, stroking her head with a thumb as she contently peeped like before. "So! Any other details you'd like do lay out? Are you ready to set out or do you need more time to prepare?"
...
"Mom has an Infernape and Volcarona. Trust me, I learned young not to mess with fire pokemo." Not that he would want to grab the little bird type. He'd be happiest if she just left him alone. His mother would give Yori an apologetic look.
"Oh I do not doubt you! It is just, he is my baby." She laughed softly as Toby's cheeks darkened.
"Oh! I forgot to introduce myself, I am Eevee Morrison. Thank you for taking this job. I worry he gets stircrazy and starts talking to his plant." Toby only blushed all the more.
"Mamá, please..."
"If he returns with a pokemon I would be floored!" She continued.
This is where Toby would take control again.
"¡Mamá!" He would shake his head a bit.
"I have everything packed. I assume with raising Atsuko, you do not wish another pokemon at this time? The offer of course is always open as we work together... Or perhaps once it's all concluded, my family could aide you when you stare your own pokemin breeding venture."
...
"That'll do it. I'm sure you'll be fine." He mused only to nod to his mother as she spoke. "Of course. It's only natural to worry. I'll make sure he comes home to you safe." He promised, hoping he could keep that promise. He'd never gotten into a situation he couldn't get himself out of, but it was bold to say it was impossible. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Morrison and a pleasure to work for your son, I'm sure. Not to worry, we'll find plenty of plants for him to talk to outside the greenhouse. I'm sure they'd both enjoy that." He of course understood what she meant, but it was too good a chance to pass.
"Ah, a tempting offer with all those pretty pokemon I saw, but perhaps when Atsuko is properly feathered and a little more independent." He pulled a pokeball from his belt this time and released a new pokemon, this one rather larger than the rest. There stood a ponyta daintily on his hooves, fluffy pastel rainbow mane, tail, and feathers pulsing light softly though this fact was hard to see during the day.
"This is Watame. It was quite the trip to acquire him, but he was more than worth the effort." Cotton Candy. He named his ponyta Cotton Candy!! The cute factor was reaching unfair levels. With that said, ponyta, though cute, was much more capable of harm than some fluffy little red chick. A bite alone was pretty bad, but a well-placed kick could be lethal, not to mention the dark, spiral horn on his forehead. That wasn't even looking into whatever move set he had learned! The tiny bird was capable of hurting him if he carelessly frightened it, but this animal could seriously injure in general, if it wanted to. The trick was, of course, that Watame was as sweet as his namesake.
Yori approached and gently hugged the pokemon's head and stroked under his jaw, horn resting on top of his shoulder. "Grab your stuff and we can get going. Ma'am, could I trouble you for a place for Watame to get a nice drink before we go?"
...
Mrs. Morrison laughed softly at that.
"Even that is better than nothing." Toby just sighed.
"That is fine. There's no rush on this." He said, tensing a bit when Yori reached for a pokeball. He did his best to not seem too intimidated as he shifted back the moment the ponyta was release from it's ball. Those? Those were far more dangerous.
"I... Bet." Toby would say with a bit of hesitance.
"Oh he's beautiful. We do not see many Galarian varieties out here!" Mrs. Morrison would say, moving to circle the ponyta with a critical eye. Toby just shifted uncomfortably, until told to go get his stuff.
"Of course. I'll be back." With that he was off, jogging towards the main house. Mrs. Morrison watched him go with a small sigh, before looking at Yori.
"Of course! Follow me. There's a lovely little stream at the back of our property." She'd flash him a warm smile and start to lead him to the back.
Opening a gate, she would hold it open for Yori. The fenced area held a variety of pokemon, including a Volcarona sitting in a makeshift nest, surrounded by eggs.
"Thank you for this. I hope he has a good time. He's so... Isolated. The incident left far worse scars than the visible ones, sadly."
...
He noted the reaction his sweet boy got and it worried him. While he took no offense, it was clear that this trip would be a bit of an ordeal. It was one thing to just not like pokemon, but that was a fear response. There was something there. For the moment, he didn't comment, instead watching the woman happily circling his boy. Indeed outside of Galar he would be a rare sight.
"Beautiful, isn't he? I had been looking into pokemon that I could travel on comfortably and someone showed me a picture of a Galarian Rapidash and I knew I had to have one. Took some time, but I found this beautiful boy... He's been a dream to train up too, easily one of my sweetest pokemon, if a touch skittish. Sudden movements, loud noises, that sort of thing. He just starts and scampers off, but thankfully he comes back when called every time." He took the ponyta's reins in hand then, though there was no need to pull as he started to walk with him as soon as he moved. "Ah, thank you. I didn't want to give him water till he cooled down. The last thing I need is for him to colic over a drink offered too soon and too cold."
He smiled at the Volcarona as they passed, thumb gently petting his little chick's head. "That will be my Atsuko someday. I know it's a little early, but I'm hoping to instill nice broody behavior early if I can, make sure she doesn't leave any egg I give her." Once they were at the stream, the ponyta eagerly stepped up on his own to have his well-earned drink.
Yori looked back towards the house, sobering up a little with a nod. "I see... That does explain a lot. I assumed he just didn't like pokemon and that's easy enough to fix by introducing him to the right one, but this is a full-on phobia, isn't it? Only cure for that is exposure to the thing you fear and it doesn't work if the willingness isn't there. I hope he'll be alright... My pokemon are all well trained and the most ill-behaved could be classified as sassy at best. I know he'll be safe with any one of my pokemon with or without me there, but that's not going to change how he feels about it. I hope he can learn to trust them or this is going to be an uncomfortable journey for him."
...
"Mariposa was one of my first pokemon. She has taken to this job wonderfully." She would gesture to where an Infernape was playing with some baby pokemon.
"Diablillo was my starter. Both have found their own ways of helping." She said with a small laugh.
"I am sure Atsuko will do wonderful. It just takes a little work."
Mrs. Morrison frowned a bit, and nodded solemnly.
"Yes, he... He was young when it happened. His father and I have done our best to keep him around pokemon, to an extent, so it does not consume his life. But he still fears them to a degree." Yori would get a small smile.
"He will warm up to them some, I am sure. My Tobias is a sweet boy, he just takes a little... Understanding."
Mrs. Morrison would survey the yard, looking at what she and her husband had built.
"I am sure he will eventually become used to them being around, at least. He has got used to the ones who stay in our home. And he does tend to help care for our pokemon in his own way. Making medical blends and such." She worried about him so much. But she also knew Toby needed this. He needed to experience more life, and more pokemon than just those his parents raised.
It wasn't too long before Toby was jogging their way, backpack slung over his back.
...
"My first pokemon was Tomomi. I probably won't be bringing him out too close to Toby. Tomo is small, but 'small' for a venusaur is still very large. About 61kgs in comparison to the average 100. Really paternal too. The soothing scent his flower makes might help, but his tendency to scoop up and cuddle people he thinks need comforting will definitely not." He smiled fondly at the thought of his starter, but remembered to focus on what they were talking about. "I'm sure Atsuko will do great once her mama bird instincts kick in. While I'm not quite ready to start breeding on a bigger scale yet, she will help me start breeding my own pokemon as well as take on jobs to hatch out eggs for other breeders that don't have the time at the moment. That or the rich that don't want to go through the trouble."
"I see... I can't imagine being afraid of pokemon, they're really everywhere. I'll do my best to help him as we travel. All my pokemon are well trained and have good temperaments. I've had to be very careful with how I raise them as I interact with many different types of pokemon and people of all walks. I can't risk having a cranky pokemon upsetting a client, after all." A soft smile pulled at his lips, nodding his agreement. "I've only known him for a few minutes and I can already he's kind at heart. Maybe a liiiiittle awkward." He chuckled softly gently petting his pokemon's neck when he lifted his head, apparently done with his drink. "I'm sure we'll have a good time on out journey, he just needs a little time to adjust is all. We'll be fine!"
Speaking of, here was his new employer now. "Ah, you thought to pack light! Good, not everyone has the sense to." Out came his rotom phone again, flicking open a program and then offering it to him again. "Our contract. I drafted it on my way here. It pretty much says exactly what I already told you. My standard fees, alternative forms of payment, and what's expected of me which is to guide you to the plants you need and to protect you as needed. Feel free to read it over anyway if you want, it's not a bad practice to have. I'm an honest businessman, but not everyone is. Always look for fine print and tricky phrasing. Here, let me take that for you."
While he let the other look over and hopefully sign said contract of employment, he took his backpack and secured it to Watame's saddle, doing the same with his own on the other side, the bags laying atop the already present saddlebags. "I assume you've never ridden before? Quick crash course. Always make sure they know you're there, move around them from the front so they can see you. You don't want to startle them, right? Watame doesn't generally kick but if you're going to move behind him where he can't see you, touch his side and then over the rump so he doesn't lose track of you. To get up onto the saddle, always on the left, left foot in the stirrup, step up and swing your right leg over. Don't put your foot too far in, just the toes. I'll be up there with you so don't worry, I won't let you fall. Think you can manage or would you like to walk for now?" While the information was important, it was delivered in such a way that was informative, rather than demeaning and the final offer was gentle. He honestly didn't want to push him to do something he wasn't ready to do, that wouldn't help him grow less fearful, after all.
...
"I don't require much." He said with a nod. Mrs. Morrison stepped over and cupped his cheeks.
"Be safe mijo. Call if you need anything, papi and Fearow can come get you at any time." Toby huffed.
"I'll be fine, mamá. I can do this." He says with a small, nervous smile. He broke away when the rotom phone was handed over.
Top adjusted his glasses, eyes scanning over the contract.
"Of course. I wouldn’t want to wander into something foul." He said with a small hum. Toby flicked lightly through the contract, brows furrowed as he read over it. Once he was done, Toby signed his name and handed it back.
"I have not." He admitted. He wasn’t going to pretend that he did. He listened intently. He had no desire to ride the ponyta, but he also knew he likely would have to at some point. So he'd like to avoid being kicked in the head. Once he got it, Toby nodded.
"Er, I'll walk for now, if that's ok." He said somewhat nervous.
"Unless you feel we need to ride."
...
"He's right, nothing to worry about. I'll make sure he's safe and if it makes you feel better, I can have him put your number in my phone so I can contact you in case. I can shoot you a message so you have my number as well." He assured, hoping to comfort the woman so she wouldn't worry herself sick. This was new and scary for both of them so it was only natural for there to be some nerves involved.
"Exactly. Fine print or backward phrasing is how they'll get ya so always give the whole thing a read, even if they tell you what's in it like I have. There's always the chance they're lying so it's best to be safe." He encouraged on. While he prided himself on his transparency and dedication to good work at fair prices, it was too much to hope that everyone worked like that. While he hoped for a repeat customer, he wanted to make sure he was prepared in case he did choose to go to someone else for any kind of work, not just this particular job. Once he'd agreed to the terms set, he took the phone back and they were officially working together.
"We don't need to ride. Many pokemon trainers to a lot of their travels on foot and we can do the same. It is, of course, slower. If you're alright with that, then the only time I would make you ride would be if we were to need to flee from a battle I feel is too dangerous. I've gotten good enough with reading the world around me to avoid situations like that so I haven't needed to run faster than my own legs could carry me in a long time. If it does come down to it, I'd rather you be angry at me for dragging you up onto one of my pokemon than you be seriously hurt or worse. It shouldn't come to that though." He assured, taking up the reins and starting to walk, the pokemon contently falling into step with him.
"Goodbye Mrs. Morrison! Take care!" He called back as they finally got on their way, heading back to the road. "So! Where's our first stop?" Apparently, he intended to walk with him and just lead the pokemon along rather than riding without him. The brunette didn't seem to mind it either, as friendly and good-natured as he'd been from the start.
...
"That would be lovely dear, thank you so much." Mrs. Morrison said with a small smile. That would help alleviate her worries a ton. She was glad Yori seemed like a good boy, with a good head on his shoulders. She could appreciate how savvy he seemed.
Tobias was careful as he checked out the ponyta, looking it over. It was so beautiful, but also those hooves could kill him with ease. He was sure of that. Riding on said pokemon would... Definitely take some working up to. And he just wasn't ready right now.
"I'm fine with slow. Allows me to look over local flora better. Make notes on things that catch my eye." After all, Toby was a botanist. Yes, his focus was on berries, cultivation, and the potential crossbreeding of said berries, but he had a deep love for all plant life.
"Bye Ma, I'll give Yori your number when we next stop!" He called, waving to his mother.
"Be safe boys, if you need anything, don't hesitate to call!"
As for where to go? Toby fished his phone from his pocket, pulling up his mapping app.
"Uh, Hm. Well. Let me think."
Experienced Pokemon Trainer Wanted [Yori Izanagi x Toby Morrison]
- NicTheDjinn
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Experienced Pokemon Trainer Wanted [Yori Izanagi x Toby Morrison]
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- NicTheDjinn
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Re: Experienced Pokemon Trainer Wanted [Yori Izanagi x Toby Morrison]
"No problem. We'll walk as long as you want." They were in no hurry, as far as he knew, and if they took longer, he got paid more. Win-win in his book. They said their goodbyes and made their way to the road only to find out they didn't actually know where they were going. Well. This would make for a difficult trip of there was no destination. He thought it over a bit before speaking up.
"Well, if you've no place in mind, why don't we start things off big? Have you ever been to Floaroma? The flowers there are breathtaking. Don't know if you'll find much in the way of berries there though." It was the first place that had come to mind, but it was also the most obvious for someone that wasn't into botany. It was honestly the only notable plant-based town he could think of in the area so Toby would have to step up and direct them if they were going to make any progress. Yori could fairly easily get them anywhere they needed to go, but he needed a destination for that.
"Well, if you've no place in mind, why don't we start things off big? Have you ever been to Floaroma? The flowers there are breathtaking. Don't know if you'll find much in the way of berries there though." It was the first place that had come to mind, but it was also the most obvious for someone that wasn't into botany. It was honestly the only notable plant-based town he could think of in the area so Toby would have to step up and direct them if they were going to make any progress. Yori could fairly easily get them anywhere they needed to go, but he needed a destination for that.
Deku|266B53|Shouto|719CC2|Dabi|367F88|Baku|E7771C|Kiri|C72B20|Mina|A7637C|Kami|E5BD67|Sero|EBA43B|Jirou|D3464F|Toko|7A67B6|Shouji|709099|Tetsu|7B8191|Neito|8793AA|Kama|5A8A44|Shin|635EA1|Tenko|5C5B6B|Toad|80BF80|Sun|B4952A|Moon|322B63|Peter|03466C|TK|809A51|Mochi|FA53A6|Togi|87CEEB
Re: Experienced Pokemon Trainer Wanted [Yori Izanagi x Toby Morrison]
He looked at the map on his phone, frowning a bit. He looked up at Yori's suggestion. Toby thought it over a bit before nodding.
"Floaroma would be great. Honestly I thought I had charted something on here but..." Toby frowned. Damned technology. It could be such a pain at times. He likely accidently deleted the pathing or something. But Floaroma was far enough away that he could get quite a bit of research done. Plus? It sounded nice. He'd never been. After the incident? Toby didn't really travel much with his parents.
"I'm sure there will be plenty of berries and plants for me to research along the way." In truth, Toby didn't need a destination as much as he just wanted to explore. Not having pokemon made that... More than difficult. He honestly would not be bothered if Yori picked up jobs along the way. As long as he got to see different areas while being protected? He was good.
"Floaroma would be great. Honestly I thought I had charted something on here but..." Toby frowned. Damned technology. It could be such a pain at times. He likely accidently deleted the pathing or something. But Floaroma was far enough away that he could get quite a bit of research done. Plus? It sounded nice. He'd never been. After the incident? Toby didn't really travel much with his parents.
"I'm sure there will be plenty of berries and plants for me to research along the way." In truth, Toby didn't need a destination as much as he just wanted to explore. Not having pokemon made that... More than difficult. He honestly would not be bothered if Yori picked up jobs along the way. As long as he got to see different areas while being protected? He was good.
- NicTheDjinn
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Re: Experienced Pokemon Trainer Wanted [Yori Izanagi x Toby Morrison]
"Floaroma it is! If you think of another place you'd like to go, we can always add it to our route." Now that they had a direction to go in, he clicked his tongue, getting Watame going again and turning onto the road to get them started on their journey. It had been a long time since he'd been to Floaroma, what with his constant traveling to several different regions. Generally, he was always on the move, only staying at inns for short periods of time before moving on. Even then, he usually slept in a tent to save money, particularly when jobs weren't coming regularly like his recent dry spell. This job was helping lift a lot of the stress off his shoulders as he'd been running very low on funds.
"Of course. We can make as many stops as you'd like. We can even leave the road entirely and take a more scenic route if you prefer. You'll find way more plants off the road than on, but travel is tougher out there. Whatever you prefer, we'll do. I can help you research if you'd like, but I would have to help not do it for you. I know some basic stuff about berries and such for my pokemon, but not much else." He pointedly put himself between Toby and his pokemon in hopes of helping him relax a little. He was sure he'd get used to his pokemon eventually, but for now he wanted to make sure he felt comfortable. Pushing him too quickly would only make his fear worse he was sure.
"Of course. We can make as many stops as you'd like. We can even leave the road entirely and take a more scenic route if you prefer. You'll find way more plants off the road than on, but travel is tougher out there. Whatever you prefer, we'll do. I can help you research if you'd like, but I would have to help not do it for you. I know some basic stuff about berries and such for my pokemon, but not much else." He pointedly put himself between Toby and his pokemon in hopes of helping him relax a little. He was sure he'd get used to his pokemon eventually, but for now he wanted to make sure he felt comfortable. Pushing him too quickly would only make his fear worse he was sure.
Deku|266B53|Shouto|719CC2|Dabi|367F88|Baku|E7771C|Kiri|C72B20|Mina|A7637C|Kami|E5BD67|Sero|EBA43B|Jirou|D3464F|Toko|7A67B6|Shouji|709099|Tetsu|7B8191|Neito|8793AA|Kama|5A8A44|Shin|635EA1|Tenko|5C5B6B|Toad|80BF80|Sun|B4952A|Moon|322B63|Peter|03466C|TK|809A51|Mochi|FA53A6|Togi|87CEEB
Re: Experienced Pokemon Trainer Wanted [Yori Izanagi x Toby Morrison]
Toby would nod. That made perfect sense.
"Sounds good to me. I'm sure we'll find plenty of places to stop along the way." Toby was sure he'd end up dragging Yori off the roads to check out something he caught a glimpse of. The suggestion of going off the road completely had him thinking. He was right, he would find more plants off the road. But that also meant far more chances of pokemon encounters.
"Oh I don't need much help, at least when it comes to notes. But perhaps on some of my more medicinal blends, if you're willing to have your pokemon try them, I would be appreciative." He wanted to find more natural cures for things. As well as blends of plants and berries to do things like energize pokemon. It was funny, much of his work revolved around the one thing he feared the most.
"If we were to go off road... I would be protected, right?" He asked. He had to make sure.
"Sounds good to me. I'm sure we'll find plenty of places to stop along the way." Toby was sure he'd end up dragging Yori off the roads to check out something he caught a glimpse of. The suggestion of going off the road completely had him thinking. He was right, he would find more plants off the road. But that also meant far more chances of pokemon encounters.
"Oh I don't need much help, at least when it comes to notes. But perhaps on some of my more medicinal blends, if you're willing to have your pokemon try them, I would be appreciative." He wanted to find more natural cures for things. As well as blends of plants and berries to do things like energize pokemon. It was funny, much of his work revolved around the one thing he feared the most.
"If we were to go off road... I would be protected, right?" He asked. He had to make sure.
- NicTheDjinn
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Re: Experienced Pokemon Trainer Wanted [Yori Izanagi x Toby Morrison]
"You're the boss! We'll stop wherever you want us to. I'll call to make camp if it's getting late and I don't think we can reach the next town before sundown though. Traveling in the dark can be rough and we need to sleep at some point." He'd traveled enough to know that you only traveled at night if you needed to. Ghost pokemon tended to be more active at night and it was harder to see in general. Best to rest up and wake with the sun.
"Of course! I'm sure you wouldn't hurt my friends and the less we have to swing into towns to have them healed, the better, at least for what you're looking to do." From the conversations he'd had with Toby's mother, he was fairly confident that anything he made would be safe. It seemed the advice he was offering was being seriously considered too. "Of course. I'll be right there with you, anything we encounter would have to get through me first and even then, Watame can ourrun most any pokemon so we should be safe regardless. I'll keep us safe and if I feel like we shouldn't be in a particular area, I'll let you know that we should move on. We can take it easy at first if you want, keeping the road within sight. Even at that distance the plants should be more lush than right up on the road."
"Of course! I'm sure you wouldn't hurt my friends and the less we have to swing into towns to have them healed, the better, at least for what you're looking to do." From the conversations he'd had with Toby's mother, he was fairly confident that anything he made would be safe. It seemed the advice he was offering was being seriously considered too. "Of course. I'll be right there with you, anything we encounter would have to get through me first and even then, Watame can ourrun most any pokemon so we should be safe regardless. I'll keep us safe and if I feel like we shouldn't be in a particular area, I'll let you know that we should move on. We can take it easy at first if you want, keeping the road within sight. Even at that distance the plants should be more lush than right up on the road."
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Re: Experienced Pokemon Trainer Wanted [Yori Izanagi x Toby Morrison]
"Oh I wouldn't. Everything I use is already verified Pokemon-safe. I just can't guarantee they'll do exactly what I'm hoping for. I didn't get many chances back home to try healing various effects." Which made sense. The pokemon raised by his parents weren't exactly for battle. But Toby definitely knew what was ok for pokemon to eat. Helping make food had been one of his chores for many, many years. It didn't involve directly interacting with the pokemon, so he'd never minded.
Toby would nod.
"Alright, That sounds good to me." He said with slight hesitance. He wasn't great at trusting people, but he was paying Yori for this. He knew he could at least trust that he wouldn't let him get in danger for that alone. A glance was given to the Ponyta, and he studied him for a moment. Ponyta were very good at running. So that did make sense.
"Taking it easy at first sounds best."
Toby would nod.
"Alright, That sounds good to me." He said with slight hesitance. He wasn't great at trusting people, but he was paying Yori for this. He knew he could at least trust that he wouldn't let him get in danger for that alone. A glance was given to the Ponyta, and he studied him for a moment. Ponyta were very good at running. So that did make sense.
"Taking it easy at first sounds best."
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Re: Experienced Pokemon Trainer Wanted [Yori Izanagi x Toby Morrison]
"I know, I trust you." He assured casually as they made their way along. He honestly did to, at least in this. So far he'd been nice and his upbringing was reassuring. If Toby would hold his ground or run the moment there's danger is another story. That's probably going to be the scariest thing to find out. If he takes off suddenly while Yori is caught up in defending them, he might run straight into even more danger. With any luck he would stay at his side instead.
"Nice and easy it is." He confirmed, leading the way till the buildings thinned out and forest opened up around the road. Once they had the space, he turned them off the path, keeping a sharp look out as it was obviously less safe here than on the road. With that said, strong pokemon tended to avoid humans which left the weaker ones pushed out of those territories and closer to humans. If they did encounter anything, he was sure it wouldn't be difficult to deal with.
It was much nicer to walk under the trees too, shaded from the sun in a way the road couldn't provide. The sounds of the various fauna filtered in under the gentle rustle of leaves overhead. Everything sounded safe enough, just forest creatures peacefully living their lives. The fact that they could hear the native pokemon among those sounds would hopefully not put Tody too on edge... Still, what Yori said was true, there were many more plants here in a greater variety and looking more lush and healthy than the ones around the well-used road.
"Nice and easy it is." He confirmed, leading the way till the buildings thinned out and forest opened up around the road. Once they had the space, he turned them off the path, keeping a sharp look out as it was obviously less safe here than on the road. With that said, strong pokemon tended to avoid humans which left the weaker ones pushed out of those territories and closer to humans. If they did encounter anything, he was sure it wouldn't be difficult to deal with.
It was much nicer to walk under the trees too, shaded from the sun in a way the road couldn't provide. The sounds of the various fauna filtered in under the gentle rustle of leaves overhead. Everything sounded safe enough, just forest creatures peacefully living their lives. The fact that they could hear the native pokemon among those sounds would hopefully not put Tody too on edge... Still, what Yori said was true, there were many more plants here in a greater variety and looking more lush and healthy than the ones around the well-used road.
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Re: Experienced Pokemon Trainer Wanted [Yori Izanagi x Toby Morrison]
Toby was, thankfully, used to being around pokemon. He didn't like them. But he was used to having to deal with them being close. He breathed a small, happy sigh as they walked. The sun on his skin, the scent of the outdoors, earthy and green. It was all so nice. He honestly loved being outside. There was a reason he was so into botany. Tobias adored the outdoors.
When they broke away from the main path, Toby hesitated for a moment, glancing around, before following. He just had to make sure. Vigilance was part of anxiety. But once they got going? He found it was far nicer than being on the regular footpath. Sunlight streamed through leaves, making him smile just a bit. Even the sounds of pokemon didn't bother him. Living at a nursery was not quiet. And it looked so much nicer.
"So funny how this is just a few steps off the beaten path. But it feels like a world away." He said with a small hum. Toby enjoyed this. And he was putting his faith in Yori to keep him safe.
When they broke away from the main path, Toby hesitated for a moment, glancing around, before following. He just had to make sure. Vigilance was part of anxiety. But once they got going? He found it was far nicer than being on the regular footpath. Sunlight streamed through leaves, making him smile just a bit. Even the sounds of pokemon didn't bother him. Living at a nursery was not quiet. And it looked so much nicer.
"So funny how this is just a few steps off the beaten path. But it feels like a world away." He said with a small hum. Toby enjoyed this. And he was putting his faith in Yori to keep him safe.
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Re: Experienced Pokemon Trainer Wanted [Yori Izanagi x Toby Morrison]
The difference was like night and day. The way he relaxed as soon as they were in the shade of the trees and enveloped in the natural world. They weren't very deep in, as promised, but it was still enough to make a notable difference in the density and health of the plants and the abundance of animals. In spite of the fact that there were certainly more pokemon out here, Toby seemed to relax more out here in nature than the safety of the road. He really did feel more at home among plants...
"It is. Just wait till we get out into wilderness propper. It really does feel like you're in a completely different world. Some people feel isolated in places like that, but that's where you want to be to really connect with the natural world. The untouched places where people haven't changed it to their liking. Nature like that doesn't care if you're comfortable. It doesn't adapt to your wants and needs. You have to adjust to it, flow with it to find your place there. It's not easy and you won't be pampered in those places. I'll take you there when you think you're ready, but for now, this is perfect, I think." Well, there was no question now that Yori enjoyed being out here and didn't just do it for the money. The way the sweet pony carrying their things picked his way through the roots and underbrush also made it clear he was used to being out here as well.
"It is. Just wait till we get out into wilderness propper. It really does feel like you're in a completely different world. Some people feel isolated in places like that, but that's where you want to be to really connect with the natural world. The untouched places where people haven't changed it to their liking. Nature like that doesn't care if you're comfortable. It doesn't adapt to your wants and needs. You have to adjust to it, flow with it to find your place there. It's not easy and you won't be pampered in those places. I'll take you there when you think you're ready, but for now, this is perfect, I think." Well, there was no question now that Yori enjoyed being out here and didn't just do it for the money. The way the sweet pony carrying their things picked his way through the roots and underbrush also made it clear he was used to being out here as well.
Deku|266B53|Shouto|719CC2|Dabi|367F88|Baku|E7771C|Kiri|C72B20|Mina|A7637C|Kami|E5BD67|Sero|EBA43B|Jirou|D3464F|Toko|7A67B6|Shouji|709099|Tetsu|7B8191|Neito|8793AA|Kama|5A8A44|Shin|635EA1|Tenko|5C5B6B|Toad|80BF80|Sun|B4952A|Moon|322B63|Peter|03466C|TK|809A51|Mochi|FA53A6|Togi|87CEEB