Blessed User of Dragons

[dragon-dancing]

Battle Chatea--Oh, No || Cail / Clair

[cail-me-maybe]

Cail was tired of the same old scenery of Pyrite Town. Not that he hated it but it had really gotten boring since the red-headed kid left. Even though Cail usually hung out at the entrance he heard a lot of what happened. He also heard about a few other regions. One region seemed interesting enough, according to his sneaky tactics, or what most call ease-dropping, the Kalos region was very different compared to Pyrite.  Now that he was in the region he could see what they meant. Different was an understatement. The whole region seemed just as spotless as Phenac City. Not just the region but the people in it were also incredibly clean and fancy. Cail moved his goggles over his eyes, the people wouldn’t have bother him so much if they’d just stop looking at him and whispering amongst themselves. Sure he looked like a thug and was kind of a thug but that didn’t give them the right!

Cail walked down a long route with flowers that stretched down one side and a river on the other. It was beautiful but it didn’t make Cail feel any better about his situation. That was until he read a sign in front of a large greyish building.  "Battle Chataeu huh?" He looked up at the building putting his goggles back on the top of his head. "This could be promising." He smiled big. A place dedicated to battling which means no creepy rich people staring at him. At least that’s what he thought as he walked in. People were battling inside but they were wearing even more fancy clothes than the town before.  He wasn’t inside for long before the two by the door denied him access to stay inside any longer. After a bit of arguing Cail found himself forcefully kicked outside. Cail didn’t just stumble out of the Chataeu, he tripped and fell to the ground. ‘They are a lot harder to convince than Mr. Johnson is.’ He groaned and lifted his head up to see a woman with a Pokemon in her arms walking toward the building he was just so rudely escorted out of. She looked a lot different from the rich people inside. Maybe she felt out of place too?  "Hey, if you are trying to go in there be careful." He staggered up from the ground dusting off his  jumpsuit. "The people are crazy." He pointed back at the Chataeu behind him. 

[dragon-dancing]

Now that she was well away from the flower patches, the Gym Leader could breathe normally.  There was so much pollen here—the climate, too, was so unlike her mountains that this route played tricks on her sinuses.  I have not been here long, she reminded herself.  There are other places left unexplored.  Despite her reminder, she frowned just the same and stroked Deino’s belly again.  The small dragon hummed, content, and her joy allowed Clair’s mind to wander.

Her Pokemon had gained weight—she was sure of it.  The thought brought a smile to her lips; surely Deino was growing to accompany new strength!  Surely Deino was on her way to the next stage in her life!  Clair’s heart soared.  What she would not give for a Hydreigon of her own!  The immense, powerful, three-headed dragon with incredible dual typing…  Soon her Pokemon would no longer be limited to the ground; she would join her other companions in the sky.  The Dragon Master opened her eyes and looked down towards her Deino.

"Try your hardest," she murmured tenderly.  Deino lifted her head to stare at Clair, though she could not see, and gave a pleased hum, completely relaxing in her Trainer’s arms.  This happiness didn’t last long: no sooner did she relax did Deino tense up again, a deep snarl ripping in her throat.

Clair looked ahead, expecting an enemy, her eyes narrowing and a frown placed on her features.  But instead of an enemy, her gaze landed on a green-haired young man who was rubbing his backside.  Clair raised an eyebrow, her lips pursed.  "Why would I want to go in there?" she asked, her eyes flicking to the large stone building before resting on the man again. 

Deino's growls subsided, and Clair rubbed her belly scales with her finger.  "I have no interest in museums," she added coldly, frowning at the man again.

[dragon-dancing]

Parrotdise || Falkner / Clair

"Clair, you have to take us to Unvova.  Or Kalos.  Hell, even Sinnoh would do!”

"The Gym cannot be left unattended," Clair stated, crossing her arms under her chest and eying her Gym Trainers.  Paul brought his hand to touch one of Druddigon’s arm-spikes, but was stopped by a menacing Glare.  The blond stiffened, his outstretched arm curling slightly before going rigid; his fingers looked like claws—she’d told him that Druddigon didn’t like being touched by anyone but her.  And what did he do?  Get himself paralyzed!

Mike frowned at his partner’s stupidity but continued with the matter at hand.  “Can’t be left unattended, my ass!  I want another dragon.”

"You have a Gabite.  Is that not enough?"

"A different dragon, Clair.”  The brunette shot a look at Paul before taking a step towards her.  “I’m—We’re—just as much a part of the Clan as you are.  How is it fair that you can get time off to travel the world and collect dragons?  How many do you have now?  Druddigon, Salamence, Garchomp… the list goes on!  Oh, and don’t let me forget about the babies—”

A muscle in her eye twitched.  “I said no, Mike,” Clair repeated, her voice icy.  She frowned as she countered his hard look with an intense stare of her own.  If she took one, she’d have to take them all.  No, it was best if they all stayed, especially since she returned from abroad just two weeks prior.  It looked as if he wanted to argue, but he closed his mouth and turned on his heel, grabbing the now-wobbly Paul and storming away to the far side of the Gym.

Druddigon was by her side when the pair left, nudging her arm with his head. They are brats.  Clair rolled her eyes but didn’t respond.  What was with the Clan lately?  Ever since she returned, Grandfather had been on her about this, that, and the other thing—that other thing including pestering her about dating.  Hmph.  He needs to get a grip on reality, she thought angrily, leaving Druddigon behind.  First Grandfather, now the upstanding duo of Mike and Paul.  Fantastic.

Clair’s grumbling continued as she made her way to the Gym’s entrance.  She spotted a shady figure keeping close to the entrance, who seemed to not focus on the extravagant and lava-filled Gym, but on Clair herself.  Said Dragon Master was not comfortable being looked at as if she were an alien or a superstar.

"What are you staring at?  Quit it!” she demanded loudly as she drew near.  She grit her teeth when the person said nothing.  Who did they think they were, to mock her as they did?!

[dragon-dancing]

Sandstorm Soirée || Lance / Clair

[just-lance]

Do you ever just get back from a party and feel wonderful? It didn’t happen often for Lance. Usually The Morning After was filled with headaches and porcelain thrones. But this morning he had felt like he could take on the world, especially since his hotel in Lilycove had provided him with such an outstanding continental breakfast. 

He didn’t want to leave Hoenn so soon, he realized as he let out Stacey. Maybe they’d just fly around and explore a little bit. He hadn’t seen much of the region besides its ocean on last night’s dinner cruise. But, to be fair, Hoenn was pretty much all ocean anyway. 

He flew west at top speeds. Riding his aerodactyl never failed to give him that perfect thrill. And, thanks to the lack of hangover, he could enjoy it.

He soared over Mt. Pyre, dipped down to touch the foliage in Fortree. When the air came to be too thick with soot for he and Stacey to handle they turned south, towards the desert. 

Not much was happening down there, unless you counted the sands whipping about at speeds that would make Stacey look like a shuckle. He wasn’t surprised that there wasn’t much activity. He wouldn’t be caught dead down there, no way.

Unless…

What was that down there? There was some movement, he could tell. He motioned for Stacey to fly closer for a better look. There was a girl down there, that was for sure. And she was flailing about- in distress, most likely! Oh, if only he knew a dashing young man on a mythical pokemon who could save her! 

Plot twist: he did. In the most heroic effort he could muster Lance called for Stacey to charge forward. This was going to be that damsel’s lucky day. And if he played his cards right, it could also be his.

As he touched down he struck a dramatic pose, more focused now on his entrance than the other human. 

"Did someone call for a rescue?" he announced, his hand brushing back his cape and resting on his hip. "What seems to be the pro-"

"blem."

When Lance’s eyes finally focused on the woman in front of him he knew exactly what the problem was. The problem was he was still here and not far, far away where she couldn’t reach him. 

But he was here now, and as much as he could feel Stacey underneath him, twitching and raring to fly off somewhere, Lance couldn’t resist making a show of this. 

Of course he’d meant to come down here for his dear, dear cousin. But not to rescue, oh no. They both knew she was perfectly capable of handling herself. And, on closer inspection, she had not been flailing about in distress but frustration. She was fine. Well, fine in the sense that she wasn’t in danger at least. There were still some things he could pick out. For example:

"I didn’t know you liked playing in the sand so much, cousin. Is that why you’ve switched to ground types? I like your bug, there." 

With any luck she’d call out that dragonite of hers and fly off in a huff.

[dragon-dancing]

Trapinch clicked happily behind her as she attempted to fight her way through the sandstorm.  Grandfather was sooo going to get it when she got back home!  She could have trained Trapinch anywhere--just because its home was in the desert didn't automatically mean she had to be there for their entire session!  Another gust of wind flipped her cape wildly behind her, and Clair roared with frustration, throwing her hand behind her to grab the whipping material before it strangled her.

Grumbling, she stood where she was, trying to find a way to keep her cape under control.  She couldn't take it off, she had no place to put it.  The old woman was right; she did need a backpack.  Tch, whatever!  Not having the patience to think further on the subject, Clair let the cape go.  It will have to stay like this until I get out of here.  

But where was out?  Frowning, she scanned the horizon, but there was nothing but sand, sand, and more sand.  If only she had her Aerodactyl with her!  Why had she left him at home?!  He was probably on sunbathing on a cliff off the side of Mount Silver, basking in its warmth, dozing as he did so!  "Now, if only you could fly," Clair muttered, glancing at Trapinch, who had buried all of herelf but her head in the sand, "then we could get home.  But nooo I can't get anyth--"

A whistling rang shrilly through the air, cutting her off.  She lifted her eyes to the sky, for there was nothing else on this Earth that could make such a sound.  And sure enough, she spotted it.  The creature flying towards them had massive wings furled inwards towards his belly to increase its speed.  Clair was at once reminded of her Aerodactyl, whom she'd been able to do daring aerial feats.  He was--

--Wait a minute.  The Pokemon flying towards her was an Aerodactyl!  Trapinch clicked worriedly and buried herself back into the sand, but Clair paid no notice.  As the Pokemon came closer, she frowned.  It was an odd sight, seeing an Aerodactyl in Hoenn.  Who owned it?  Perhaps, she thought excitedly, it was wild!  Perhaps it was coming for her because it knew of her prowess!  Allowing her frown to fade, she continued to stare curiously as the large Aerodactyl landed in front of her in a flurry.

Coughing the sand from her lungs, Clair rolled her eyes.  What in the world?  A wild Pokemon would not make such an entrance.  So who...?

"Did someone call for a rescue?" came an incredibly cheesy voice from the settling sand.  Several feet in front of her, the shadow of a man brushing back a cape and resting his hand on his hip stared at her.  "What seems to be the pro--"

And it was then that Clair recognized him.  Before her stood her estranged cousin, Lance.  What was he doing here?!  By the look on his face, Lance realized who she was.  "--blem."

Both cousins stared at each other quietly, neither one able to speak.  Lance looked as if he couldn't wait to get far, far away from where he currently was; Clair would have been happier if he did.  Why was he in Hoenn and not back in Johto attending his little parties and living up to the spotlight he oh-so-enjoyed?!  Her eyes flicked to the Aerodacyl, who she now recognized as Stacey, her uncle's Pokemon.

Affection for her rose in her heart, but Clair quickly shoved that aside in favor of absolute loathing for her cousin.  Of course he would rather be a pretentious asshole and go on a rescue mission for a supposed damsel in distress!  With a loud huff, she finally spoke.  "You can leave no--"

All signs of searching for a solution gone from his face, Lance cut her off with what must have been the smuggest smile he could muster.  "I didn’t know you liked playing in the sand so much, cousin.  Is that why you’ve switched to ground types?"  With a smile as wide as it was false, he glanced towards Trapinch, who had braved the situation to take a closer look at his arrival.  "I like your bug, there."

"If you must know," Clair exploded, taking several hostile steps towards him, her cheeks turning bright pink, "Grandfather sent me here to train Trapinch!"  She thrust her arm out at the Pokemon, who now clicked impatiently.  "And she's not a bug, she's a dragon!" she hissed, balling her hands into fists.  Of course he wouldn't know what their grandfather told her to do--he hadn't been to see him in years!  He hadn't been to see her--to apologize to her!

Clair glared at Lance with all the fury she held in her heart.  "This sand does not bother me so much as your being here does.  What, did your little floozies finally get it through their dumb brains that you're not as incredible as you make yourself out to be?"  She stepped away and crossed her arms under her chest, letting out a very bitter laugh.  "Of course, you become the company you keep.  I shouldn't be so surprised."

[dragon-dancing]

Party Favors || Proton / Clair

[atomicutting-blog]

Proton didn’t like returning to Johto, but he went where his work took him, and this week it was Blackthorn City.

He’d never spent much time in the town, but it was rather nice, he supposed. Pretty and all that. Perfect for walking in the woods, if you were into that crap, but he wasn’t really. He just knew someone who was.

Who…had been? Whatever.

As he walked through the town, he lacked the usual fluid swagger that he maintained, a stride that announced that yes, he could fuck your girlfriend all night and leave her begging for more, and she wouldn’t even bat an eye when he beat the shit out of you.  

Ahem.

Today, however, he walked with his hands in his pockets, his shoulders just slightly hunched. He didn’t particularly care about being feared today, he just wanted to be ignored.

He had a full flask, he had a hit that was taken care of, and he had 17 hours until he boarded his flight for his next destination.

And he decided to spend it staring at a river. 

It was almost poetic, in a sense. He liked to think of himself as forever moving, rarely staying in one place very long, and yet, he paused to watch something that truly never stood still. Even in the winter, when ice formed, the current would still rush beneath, sustaining the life that lived within.

Proton, of course, was not one for poetry, and so his mind was a mosquito sound of piercing silence. 

Every so often, though, he’d glance off towards Victory Road, wondering about what lay at the end of it. Two of his…ex-colleagues now made their living with the Elite Four. He’d seen them on TV the day it was announced, and he questioned the sanity of whoever was in charge for putting two criminals in that sort of position.

The purple-haired fuck he didn’t care about, but the other was a trickier situation.

He was pulled out of his stupor by an abrupt snap.

He looked over his shoulder to see a muscular and buxom woman in a blue gown and an expensive-looking bracelet.

“Hmph,” he breathed. If he could snatch that, he might be able to make a good amount of money off of it. If it was real, anyway. 

"What are you doing out here?"

He turned back to the river, taking a drink from his flask.

"If I answer you, will ya leave me alone? ‘Cuz that’s what I’m tryna do."

[dragon-dancing]

It was if she meant nothing to him; he turned his back on her without so much as an emotion passing over his face.  He answered her casually; did he not realize who she was?!  She was the Gym Leader of this town!  The last step for Trainers to climb before they went to Victory Road!  Was he an idiot, or did he simply not care?!  Frowning deeply, Clair adjusted the material in her arms and walked until she was standing a few paces behind him, her gaze fervently fixed on the back of his head.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you," she ordered, tapping her muddy foot on the ground.  Her eyes moved from the man's strange green hair towards his face, but still he did not move.  Clair moved to his side with a loud snort, her glare worsening.  "The villagers know this spot--the spot you're standing in--is off-limits.  Answer my question.  Why are you here?"

[dragon-dancing]

Little Miss Sunshine || Valerie / Clair

[fairyfashionable]

The gentle tug of Sylveon’s ribbon-like antennae around her arm had become a constant comfort to Valerie. As she strolled from Camphrier Town and to the Battle Chateau, parasol in hand, her beloved Sylveon was at her side as always. The sun was out and shining bright, but the gentle breeze kept it nice and cool. “It’s a lovely day, is it not?” the gym leader asked her companion, who gave a gleeful yip in reply. “I think Mawile should enjoy a bit of the fresh air too.” With another agreeing nod from Sylveon, Valerie produced a dusk ball from her pocket and allowed the other member of her team out to play. 

The oddly-colored Mawile materialized with a distinct glint, stretching every which way before taking his place at Valerie’s other side. “Are you two excited for our matches today? I do hope there’s a crowd at the Chateau today, it can be so boring when there are few people to challenge.” Mawile gave an eager click, but in an instant his expression turned serious and his attention went to a ruffling patch of flowers in the distance. 

Valerie was more interested in the woman standing next to the patch - there was something familiar about her. She knew her face, but after years of travel, Valerie knew thousands of faces and placing each one could be hard. The sudden attack of a Deino on the woman’s leg left her wide eyed at first, but seeing the way the woman handled it made it clear that she knew what she was doing. And the tender look about her as she cradled the little creature showed that her skills weren’t limited to control.

"That’s a playful little miss you have there," Valerie greeted with a warm chuckle as she approached the pair. Sylveon stared up at them with a curious look. He always loved meeting new people, and was probably itching for Valerie to introduce him. Mawile on the other hand was more reserved, making sure to stand separating Valerie from the strangers. "Is your leg alright, though? I believe the Chateau keeps a few first aid kits around if you need one."

[dragon-dancing]

Now that she was well away from the flower patches, the Gym Leader could breathe normally.  There was so much pollen here--the climate, too, was so unlike her mountains that this route played tricks on her sinuses.  I have not been here long, she reminded herself.  There are other places left unexplored.  Despite her reminder, she frowned just the same and stroked Deino's belly again.  The small dragon hummed, content, and her joy allowed Clair's mind to wander.

Her Pokemon had gained weight--she was sure of it.  The thought brought a smile to her lips; surely Deino was growing to accompany new strength!  Surely Deino was on her way to the next stage in her life!  Clair's heart soared.  What she would not give for a Hydreigon of her own!  The immense, powerful, three-headed dragon with incredible dual typing...  Soon her Pokemon would no longer be limited to the ground; she would join her other companions in the sky.  The Dragon Master opened her eyes and looked down towards her Deino.

"Try your hardest," she murmured tenderly.  Deino lifted her head to stare at Clair, though she could not see, and gave a pleased hum, completely relaxing in her Trainer's arms.  This happiness didn't last long: no sooner did she relax did Deino tense up again, a deep snarl ripping in her throat.

Clair looked ahead, expecting an enemy, her eyes narrowing and a frown placed on her features.  But instead of an enemy, her gaze landed on a young woman dressed in something incredibly frilly and incredibly feminine.  She had to suppress a look of disgust as the black-haired woman addressed her.

"That's a playful little miss you have there," the stranger commented with a small laugh.  Deino's aggressive growl subsided at being addressed, although she still remained alert.  The woman adjusted the parasol in her hand and looked towards Clair's bite-marked boot.  "Is your leg alright, though?  I believe the Chateau keeps a few first aid kits around if you need one."

"My leg is fine, thanks," Clair replied testily, eying the woman.  What was she wearing?  Her long sleeves nearly touched the ground, and the bow at the back of her head was massive--and how in the world could she walk in those heels?  They had to be several inches, at least!  The Gym Leader's eyebrow raised.  What, was she some kind of celebrity, or was she just some girl wanting to make a fashion statement?

Either way, the Dragon Master of Tohjo wasn't impressed.

"Your concern isn't necessary," she added, noting the look of concern on the other woman's face.  Clair adjusted her hold on Deino and stood a little bit straighter.  She would be the one doing the impressing.  "Deino's nibble was just that--a nibble.  Dragons are my specialty; what kind of disgrace would I be if something as small as a nibble hurt me?"

Just then, a long, tan ribbon snaked its way up the girl's wrist, its blue-and-red tipped end tapping gently on the back of her hand.  It was here that Clair nearly stepped backwards.  Her blue eyes traveling down the ribbon and to its owner, she noticed something very strange.

"What is that thing?!" she said aloud, her face twisting with disgust.

[blackdragonofransei]

Ancient Clans, Modern Heirs [Nobunaga x Clair]

Sands, made of mythos My feet carry me through time From present to past

The journey had been difficult, but the journey itself was perhaps worth just as much as their intended destination. In hopes of new lands to see and settle, Nobunaga had reached out to practically ancient connections - sending a letter out by Dragonite, the surest way any contemporary member of the Dragon Clan in other lands would discover it.

My name is Oda Nobunaga, of Clan Nobunaga, still living in the pristine lands of Ransei. War and conflict at last quelled in these lands, I wish to regain familiarity with the ties of the past, and re-acquaint myself with the current leaders and caretakers for the noble Dragons. My boat is ready; my helm need only a direction. We will find you.

Nobunaga wouldn’t actively admit he’d been surprised to actually hear back from this strange clan, and not only that, but to be told which heading he’d need to take to land on distant shores. The journey would be long on any normal ship, but the power afforded to him by Zekrom shortened its length considerably; they devised an engine that made the task simple, powered by the Legendary Dragon’s boundless electricity.

Waves broke upon the shore, dissipated by simple stone constructs lining the familiar shape of a port, though obviously different to the eyes of someone from a foreign nation. As captains of great vessels are wont to do, Nobunaga stood near the bow, arms folded firmly before him as they approached shore.

Yamata roared, and the pier trembled. It would never have occured to the Warlord that it was not, in fact, acceptable to have his great companions flying alongside the ship - his Hydreigon and the black Rayquaza, with Zekrom below deck, comfortably applying power to the vessel. The dock workers stared, and they had the right. The ship was massive, ornate, lovingly made of the finest woods and metals that Nobunaga’s prestige could entice; the best of the best. And the jet black dragons, utterly foreign to this region, were of even greater wonder.

The ship prepared to dock, and Nobunaga left his forward roost, walking across the deck to quickly command the few members of the crew not already fulfilling their duties.

Landfall in Olivine. It did not look so alien from home. The lighthouse, the buildings - he’d been told, in his response letter, that Johto was a region still clinging tightly to the old traditions. The thought of it frustrated him. Tradition only served one so well. He would see how well it served Johto. First-hand.

"…Hunger. Ask the dock master about resupplying the ship while I’m out. I need to meet with an old ally…and get fresh food to eat." Sea voyage food was not the most appetizing of foods.

[dragon-dancing]

Clair was not in the best of moods.

Two weeks had passed since her grandfather had supposedly been in contact with a man from a distant region, a man who wished to "regain familiarity with the ties of the past" and "re-acquaint" himself with the "current leaders and caretakers for the noble Dragons."  He obviously knew who this man was--Clair didn't.  Upon learning of this "Oda Nobunaga"s extended visit, the Gym Leader threw a fit.

"Why do I have to show him around?!" she'd complained.  But the Clan Leader dismissed her with a chuckle and a wave of his hand; of course she would do as she was told.

Instead of her normal routine of taking care of the dragons in the Dragon's Den, ensuring the balance of Holy Lands, and whipping her Gym Trainers into shape, she was instead entrusted with another, and most certainly long-lasting job: babysitting.   

In Olivine City, Clair stood by the shore, her boots half-sunk in the sand, with her arms crossed under her chest and a frown firmly planted on her lips.  She scanned the ocean like a Fearow in want of prey, on watch for the ship she was to greet and the man she was to babysit.

I'm sure they will arrive soon,Dragonite said pleasantly.  He seems like an ambi--

"I don't care what he seems like," Clair snapped, shooting her a fierce glare.  She shifted her stance and placed her hands on her hips before looking out to sea once more.  "He's late."

With a loud huff, the Dragon Master proceeded to ignore her partner's kind, assuring words.  What was with these foreigners, thinking they could waste her time by being late?  If you have a schedule, keep it!  How hard was that to understand?!

At long last, a large, black shape appeared on the horizon.  Clair pursed her lips as it sped forward with more speed than what was allowed in the harbor.  The ship came into view, and it was then that her judging nature went into full swing: black, with ornate gold trims, the ship was massive: whoever owned it had wanted the best, and the best was what he got.  Clair disliked the owner immediately.

At least he knows what he wants, she thought with a snort, crossing her arms under her chest once more.  Her eyes flicked over the masts and the crew with distaste.  But something caught her attention--whether it was the crowd forming on the beach or how all life seemed to stop in that moment, she didn't know.  Accompanying the ship was a large, swirling, black-and-gold dragon that had no place in Tohjo.

Rayquaza.  The man had a Rayquaza!  Stunned, Clair watched as another black dragon joined his companion--a Hydreigon.  The crowd ooh'd and aah'd and several children shrieked with glee.  Dragonite nudged her Trainer with a large paw before taking the skies to address the newcomers.

Who--what--his Pokemon were--dragons, really, truly, dragons!  A dragon of legends that she thought was only in Hoenn, and a Hydreigon, powerful and vicious as she had learned from her own Deino!  Although Clair would never admit it aloud or to herself, she was impressed by the entrance.

A man who she assumed was Oda Nobunaga emerged from the ship and stood, calculating the crowd with disinterest in his features.  The Dragon Master strode forward with the overflowing confidence of her Salamence to receive him.

"My clan sends their greetings," Clair began, choosing her words carefully.  Her grandfather had promised to punish her with what he deemed fitting for something as important as meeting with an ancestral tie.  "We have been expecting you.  The Elders are eager to make your acquaintance."

It pained her to be so, so, polite to some random person who happened to write, but if polite was what grandfather threatened, then polite was what this man would get.  Clair didn't know--or care--how the Elders really felt about his presence, she just wanted to get this over with as quickly as she could.

[emporerteddy]

"Everyone knows that the Kanto League is for chumps, /especially/ you," Clair said with a sneer. "You don't see challengers getting past /me/."

"Oh? I’m certain I met a kid awhile back who had all the Johto Badges way before getting any Kanto Badges. What was his name again? Gold I think? He got past you rather fast." 

[dragon-dancing]

"That kid’s win was a fluke,” Clair seethed.  ”His win also happened years ago—I have gained much strength since that time!  Do not underestimate me!”

[dragon-dancing]

Who was the first dragon you trained?

"Dragonite," the Gym Leader replied simply.  "She’s been my partner since we were very young.  I couldn’t possibly imagine my life without her.”

[dragon-dancing]

So which dragon is your absolute favorite?

"Each dragon species has their own charm," Clair responded with a smile.  "I love them all for who they are, not how they compare to others.”

[dragon-dancing]

Sandstorm Soirée || Lance / Clair

Go to Hoenn, he said.  It’ll be lovely, he said.  Trapinch will grow much stronger in if you train her in her natural environment!  Yeah, right.  Clair lifted her boot out of a sand pit and shook it off with disgust.  Grandfather sent me to a desert.  Sand whipped around her head like a vortex, the fine grains burying themselves within her hair.  The Dragon Master grumbled to herself as she went along the somewhat sand-less path, her cape billowing in complicated ringlets behind her.

It was windier than she’d expected in this godforsaken place—everything was nothing like she’s expected.  Grandfather mentioned an “arid” climate—this wasnothing like that!  This was a desert!  A desert!  And this wind…!  As if on cue, a sudden gust of wind rushed over her: Clair’s cape caught it like a sail.  She was knocked off her feet in an instant, blown backwards on her behind and sent tumbling through the dunes.  Her limbs flailed as if she were drowning as she fumbled to grab her whipping cape.

The muscles in Clair’s jaw twitched as she clenched her teeth and tasted the fine grits of sand.  She tried to spit out the loose particles, but as she did so, more flew into her open mouth; Clair coughed and reluctantly clamped her mouth shut.  I hate deserts!  She staggered to her feet and held her cape close to her body.  Blue eyes not unlike daggers glared at the expansive, all-encompassing brown of the desert, cursing both it and her Grandfather for her current situation.  For a Dragon Master to be drenched in a foul substance such as sand…!  It was unthinkable.  Clair felt an overwhelming urge to return to her precious mountains.

She grumbled once more and spat a wad of sand-infested saliva on the ground, happy to have gotten some of the annoyance out.  The Gym Leader continued walking, keeping her eyes squinted and her head low.  Her boots shuffled through the semi-packed sand as she continued up the path.  There was absolutely no-one in sight.  Only she was foolish enough to roam through a desert!  He’s made me look like the fool for the last time, Clair thought angrily, vowing to give him a piece of her mind when she returned to Johto.  Grandfather was a sneak who couldn’t be trusted.

She passed a large boulder with a disdainful look, sidestepping smaller rocks with ease.  Where was everyone?  She hadn’t seen a Pokemon since she’d arrived.  Now that she thought about it, where was Trapinch?  Clair frowned and glanced around.  Seeing nothing yet again, she took another step forward, only to sink knee-deep in the sand.  “Woah!”  She let go of the cape and stopped her fall with her hands, only to cringe in pain as something clamped against her leg.

Clair pulled her trapped leg out of the pit with immense effort.  “You have got to be kidding me!” she cried with a shake of her leg, feeling sand move against her calf.  Attached to her boot was Trapinch, its large pincers locked in a vicegrip.  “Trapinch, stop that!"  She shot the Pokemon an intense glare and seized its soft body with a rough hand; it reluctantly released her.  This was not a dragon. 

[dragon-dancing]

Do you and Lance go cape shopping together?

"No, we don’t," Clair said with a note of finality.  They didn’t do anything together—anymore.

[dragon-dancing]

Have you ever considered an outfit that is less...tight.

It appeared as if some people didn't realize that when training dragons, mobility is a must.  "As a matter of fact, I have," Clair replied harshly.  "It just so happens that my jumpsuit is the most appropriate outfit for what I do.  It is breathable, fire-proof, and allows me to move any way I want.  What's it matter to you?!"

[dragon-dancing]

Party Favors || Proton / Clair

I can’t believe he’s making me go to this stupid thing, Clair grumbled, removing her favorite Dragon Fang earrings from her ear and setting them on the dresser.  I hate parties, he knows that!  She looked at herself in the mirror, at her made-up face and styled hair, and scowled.  There was a reason she wore it in a ponytail—it was long, and therefore it got in the way.  But now, thanks to one of the Elder’s wives, her signature bangs were braided back intricately into meticulously-curled ends.  Clair snorted, grabbed a loose piece, and pulled it forward.  At least some of herself would show tonight.

"Come along, dear.  It’s time to get dressed," the elderly woman said, putting her hand on Clair’s arm and turning her around.  The Gym Leader complied with a groan, doing everything she could to make putting on that ridiculous dress as hard as she could.  “Miss Clair, please behave… You’ll rip it if you keep thrashing so.”

"I’m not going, Elizabeth," she asserted, crossing her arms under her chest as Elizabeth zipped up the last of the dress.  Clair raised an eyebrow, twisted her torso and lifted her arm to see the back.  What?!  She rushed to the mirror and looked at herself from behind.  No!  Impossible!  "Elizabeth, I am not going out in this!  You can tell Grandfa—”

Elizabeth tutted and shook her head.  “I’m afraid you have no choice,” she interrupted with a small smile.  She removed a box from a pocket in her robes and handed it to the shell-shocked Clair.  “You look wonderful, dear.  Put these on—there.  You’ll make the whole Clan proud!”

Clair rolled her eyes as she fastened the diamond bracelet around her wrists.  What was she, some kind of plaything for their—for Grandfather’s—entertainment?!  Was he making some kind of statement, making her wear this?  What, did he think—

—Wait a second.  That’s exactly what he’s doing!

Upon seeing her recognition, Elizabeth hurriedly exited the room, leaving Clair to seethe by herself.  The young woman thrust her arms to her sides, her knuckles as white as bone.  “That horrid man!  Grandfather, I’ll, I’ll—This is the worst—How could you possibly expect me to get a, a, a date at this dumb, ridiculous event?!” she shouted to no-one in particular, her voice echoing through the halls.

She roared in frustration and strode to the door, nearly tripping over the folds of her dress in the process.  Clair growled, picked up the ends haphazardly, and, without wearing any shoes, left her house on a rampage, muttering and cursing the entirety of her clan.

Her dress swished in front of her in a way so similar to her cape, but yet so different, that it infuriated Clair.  She’d been forced to go to the past "get-together", but, as it was known to all of the other "exclusive guests," she easily was able to make a mistake after being counted as present.  Now that it was being held in her hometown, her Grandfather had done his utmost to make sure she stayed put.  And to top it all off, she was in this lovely dress that was sure to grab as most attention as possible.

"Despicable man," she muttered darkly, wandering off the path and heading towards the stream.  Her toes slid into a small puddle of mud, and for the first time since this morning, Clair felt somewhat comfortable.  Remembering the dress in her arms, however, Clair rolled her eyes and lifted it higher, raising it above her knees to prevent any of the beautiful material to be ruined.

Just as she was about to make it by the riverside, the young woman spotted someone standing by the bank.  Nobody traveled this far south of the city to be by the river.  Nobody except for her, that was.  Frowning, Clair tried to sneak up on the figure, but to her dismay, she stepped on a stick, breaking it in half with her heel.  Great, she thought with frustration.  Just great.

The stranger turned his head, staring at her from the corner of his eyes.

The Dragon Master walked closer, trying to figure out who it was that was by his lonesome in a secluded spot she normally occupied.  Suspicious, Clair came forward, her eyes narrowed.  “Why are you doing out here?” she asked, frowning.  He was in her spot, and she did not want company on this foul evening.

[dragon-dancing]

So, what size cup are you?

"My activity level requires that I drink a copious amount of water," Clair responded literally, her cheeks tinging pink.

[dragon-dancing]

Make Clair super uncomfortable.

[dragon-dancing]

Open || ___ / Clair

"Geeeeiiiuuuu," the small dragon cried, happily bounding into the large flower patch.  Petals of orange, purple and white sprang into the air and were lifted by a gentle breeze before settling on the ground.  Unamused, Clair put her hands on her hips and glared as the tall stalks swayed noisily.

"Would you get over here," she hissed, motioning with her hands.  Once again, Deino wandered off, curious about everything despite her visual blindness; Fraxure could keep her in line, but keeping more than one young Pokemon’s attention—especially in a new region—was difficult enough as it is.  Clair frowned and moved towards the very edge of the patch, her nose tickled by their pollen.  She sniffed once before continuing, “It’s not time for play!”

Deino cried out again, her voice unintelligible.  Despite being capable of communicating with dragons, the Gym Leader couldn’t understand what she was saying.  With a frown, Clair entered the flower enclosure.  “Come along, Deino,” she called, covering her nose with the back of her hand.  “It’s time to practice.”

The grass rustled and the Gym Leader’s ears perked up, her attention honing in on the noise faster than the beating of a Yanma’s wings.  To her left?  Right?  Clair surveyed her surroundings; there was little to see.  A branch cracked, and the woman wheeled around, her hands held out in front of her and her cape swishing, but there was no-one there.

Deino burst through the underbrush with a gleeful growl, her maw clamping down on her Trainer’s leg.  “Waagh—Deino, let go!” Clair yowled, moving her leg slightly to test the dragon’s grip.  She winced again and bent to stick her hand in Deino’s mouth, her fingers pressing deeply into the fleshy gums; an effective pressure point.

The young dragon immediately let go with a whimper, smacking her jaws and tongue together as if she’d tasted something foul.  Ignoring her throbbing leg, Clair scooped Deino into her arms and forcefully carried her out of the flower patch.  The young dragon was heavier than she’d normally been—had Deino been gaining weight?—and so, with a slow walk, Clair made her way towards a large castle-like building, making sure to stay a safe distance from the river’s edge. 

Deino grumbled loudly, but soon quieted when Clair stroked her belly.  What a handful, she thought to herself, more with affection than with irritation.

[feelsgirling]

Myself as Clair

There’s no way you’re getting that Rising Badge!