Anticipation

We're painted red
to fit right in

It was funny how the strangest of things could make you stop and second guess yourself.

Dressed in her black shirt, boots and jeans which were sharply offset by both her bright hair and crimson coat, the Pokeballs on her belt would confirm most peoples' suspicions that Elinda was exactly what she looked to be - a veteran trainer, although few were likely to guess exactly how many years she had under her belt. Hardly someone that looked out of place standing in front of the town's local Gym as it was likely a popular location even if it was just for younger trainers to get in a bit of practice.

Dracul tended to inspire that quality in people, the urge to improve and grow. At least from what little Elinda could remember. She'd lost count of how many years it had been since she had last seen the man, but he'd left a powerful and long lasting impression. Would have even were it not for familial ties, although the latter was what concerned Elinda now.

Had she just been there for the battle and for the attempt at earning the Gym's badge it would've been a fairly simple matter to walk in and speak to him. Maybe a bit awkward, perhaps, but that had never been the kind of thing that had stopped her when Elinda wanted to do something. Rather it was the other topic she wanted to discuss that gave the older trainer pause - she knew quite well how he was likely to respond to her thoughts on the matter. What she didn't know, however, were his plans or how much he knew about the problem. It put him in an interesting if unenviable position. Gym Leaders were supposed to serve as central pillars for their communities, something which the old man probably found fairly easy. They were also, however, supposed to protect said communities if it came to that, and as a representative of the Pokemon League she had to imagine that their policy might have run into direct conflict with Dracul's hard earned life lessons.

Given Elinda's own past decisions she wouldn't have blamed him, and it was those thoughts that gave her pause now.

Why couldn't things just be easy every now and then?

---

Metang - Level 20. Take Down, Confusion, Metal Claw, Magnet Rise.

Ferroseed - Level 10. Tackle, Growl, Rollout, Curse.

Skarmory - Level 5. Peck, Leer.

Aron - Level 10. Tackle, Harden, Mud Slap, Headbutt, Metal Claw.

Staryu - Level 10. Harden, Tackle, Water Gun, Rapid Spin, Recover.

Scizor - Level 13. Vacuum Wave, Quick Attack, Leer, Focus Energy, Pursuit, Bullet Punch.

@tag