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Who: Keith And Friends
Where: Around Sevii Islands
When: Throughout January!
Summary: Keith has an evolution, Skarmory races, learning to swim, and more. If you'd like something specific, let me know and I'll set something up!
Rating: E for Evolving Character Growth
Log:

1. Evolution of the fittest

[Keith had taken a break from training his pokemon, but even his lower levels need to be working out. So he's out by the beach with Torracat and Ralts, trying to strengthen his tiny Ralts' defense. Torracat, though, is acting a little different. Keith can't put his finger on what's different, but she's a little more aggressive, like she's trying to push for something more than just the attacks Keith is telling her to do.]

Torracat - you've got to calm down. What's going on with you?

2. The Mystery Knife Man

[It's been a while, but Keith feels like it's time to work on his project again. Around the Sevii island house, Keith is starting to gather supplies. Cardboard, his different wet stones and knife sharpeners, pan, water pitcher, roller, everything. Then the tripod with his camera to record just what he's doing with the ingredients, but angled so he himself isn't in the frame.

Time to work and make the sharpest cardboard knife this world's ever seen. The hard part is that it takes a week to do, but plenty of time for the cardboard to dry with the bricks.]

3. Skarmory Races- Shiro

Okay, so this is what we're doing?

[Skarmory is out, and Keith is patting and petting along her chin and her head. She keeps trying to rub against his face, but the sharp bits don't exactly welcome it.]

Racing?

4. Swimming Lessons ™Death Note - Armin

[He hates the water. It's wet and it gets everywhere. Keith grew up in the desert, so large bodies of water, or pools, weren't really readily available. And the Garrison? Please, going into space didn't require it. The closest thing they had to a pool was the diving pool to practice zero g work and he didn't really swim in that.

But the ocean? It's big and watery and has nothing else in it but fish and... who knows. He has his pants rolled up a little bit and has his feet in the water, but Keith refuses to go in past his ankles. He's eyeing the water suspiciously.]

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Yep. Sure is.

[Despite how flippantly he says it, there's a grin on his face. His own Skarmory is quite a bit less affectionate than Keith's -- opting to peck at his metal arm instead of show him any sort of love.]

[Shiro takes in stride.]

Unless you think you'd lose.

Oh, I won't lose.

[Though this would be the first time they race on living creatures and not their bikes. Who knows which Skarmory is faster. But he leans in to whisper to his:] Ten treats if you beat his.

I don't know. You've got the baby of the team...

[There's definitely some teasing there. The grin on his face hasn't so much as slipped. It feels good to rib him a little.]

We've practiced, even.

Oh, have you?

[Well, now his grin is determined. Fine, if they're doing this, then he's taking seriously. He gives his Skarmory another pat on the cheek, then starts climbing on.]

What's the finish line.

It's the only way I can get airborne here. So... yeah, we have.

[It's one of the few things he regrets about being here. He's basically grounded.]

Other side of the island? [As he slings himself up onto his own bird.]

Straight shot or around?

[It's an important question, and could shave off 15 minutes.]

What's the prize anyway.

Around, how about? Really see what these two can do.

[As for the second question, he grins. A little deviously.]

My respect.

[Shiro you shit.]

Pretty sure I already had that, but okay.

[He leans down his Skarmory's neck and pets it one more time.]

Count of three. One... Two...

[And he's off, the sand of the beach scattering behind them.]

Don't call me out like that.

[He laughs -- because it's true. It's been true even when someone stole someone else's ride. Before they even properly met.]

[But that was then.]

[Now that Someone is cheating!]

You didn't say three, you--!

[He's not far behind. And neither is his Skarmory. Leaping upward into the air with a screech.]

It was the third count!

[He calls over his shoulder still speeding away. He hasn't practiced flying with his Skarmory much for speed, but she's taking to it so well. Skarmory is loving being able to go full speed with no worry. She trills loudly as she speeds along the waterline.]

You better catch up!

I'll remember this!

[He leans forward. Bending down over the bird's neck almost unconsciously. He hasn't practiced racing them, yet. But as soon as he found out she could carry him? They'd been as high as they could go.]

[His weight shifts to one side, urging her closer to the shoreline. Minimum distance to travel and all.]

Don't get cocky!

Wouldn't dream of it!

[He leans down, his chin on Skarmory's neck and tucks his knees in tighter. He urges Skarmory faster, faster. They have to win this.]

Good!

[You know, as keen as he is to win this, as much as he’s determined to give it his all, part of him is elated to be able to do this again. To be able to be airborne with Keith again. Like old times.]

[He does start to angle his Skarmory upwards a bit more. It slows their speed a fraction, but if this works, it won’t matter that much in the end.]

[All throughout the week, Matt's been making sure that Keith's knife isn't bothered by anyone.

He's also in the kitchen when Keith's filming to keep everyone out. This probably means you, Sasha.

When there's a pause nearing the end of filming, Matt grins.]

I just absolutely love these videos. Any ideas what you might do next?

[Keith is starting to put away the camera but thinks on that for a minute.]

... Not sure? Maybe noodles.

Ooooh, noodles. That would be awesome.

I could go out and get a bunch of pasta later if you wanted.

Maybe next month. I don't know when I'll post this and I want to give it time.

[A deep breath, but he smiles that Matt is still interested in helping him with these projects.]

Might be cool to get some materials from the mainland.

Yeah, that would be awesome.

[He thinks for a moment.]

Well, if you want some company, I could come in a couple weeks or so.

Are you going for a swim?

[Armin's voice is cheerful as he approaches Keith from behind. Armin, for one, looks perfectly attired for a swim. He's wearing the new pair of swim trunks Angel for him for Christmas, the ones patterned with Lapras, along with a wears a shirt that reads 'Don't Krill My Vibe' on the front. He's also got his arms full of wriggling, happy arthropod. Douglas the Anorith is happy that it is swim time, and he's making it more than clear by clicking his claws and waving the wings alongside his body.]

You can join me and Douglas if you want.

[He looks up at Armin, then back out at the water, already starting to take a step back to the shore.]

No, uh. Just wanted to get my feet wet.

Looks like you're ready to swim though.

I am. The water is great out there, even at this time of year. Besides--

[He hitches the squirming, claw-clicking mass of pokemon higher in his arms.]

It's time for Douglas to have his supervised swim time.

[Armin glances at the water too, but it is in considerably higher spirits than Keith.]

Are you sure you don't want to join us?

Edited 2019-01-20 02:32 (UTC)

[Keith looks down at Douglas, then up at Armin. This guy really does love the ocean.]

I'm... pretty sure. I can hang out here. Watch from here.

[He's not about to life guard or anything, but.]

[A childhood dream realised tends to have that effect on people.

Squatting down, Armin sets down Douglas in the water, laughing when the Anorith burrows into the sand in sheer joy, kicking up some water at Armin.]

Just don't go too far, all right?

[Normally he'd join Douglas, but with Keith standing there, that feels a bit impolite. Standing where he is, with his hands loosely clasped around his knees, he just takes a moment to enjoy the water and sight of Douglas slowly drifting over the sandy bottom. Eventually, he can't help but steal a few glances at Keith, hesitating for a moment, before saying:]

Do you mind if I ask you something?

[Keith is watching Douglas and. Well, the little guy is having the time if his pokemon life. It's hard not to smile! He digs his toes into the sand under the water and exhales heavy.]

Sure. What's up?

I was just wondering... do you not like swimming?

[It hasn't entered Armin's mind yet that Keith cannot. It's just that... it's very clear that when it comes to physical exercise, Keith is the sort of person who makes short work of that. He's probably not as strong as Mikasa (nobody is as strong as Mikasa) but they are very alike in that aspect. He's seen Keith work out on the beach from time to time.

Plus, Shiro and the others don't seem to be unable to swim. Lance would probably live in the water if it didn't prune his skin like something fierce. It has made him assume the same goes for Keith.]

It's just that... now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever seen you swim.

[Armin clearly hasn't seen Keith bench press a Graveler. But his arms are crossed and his hands tighten a little on his bicep at the question. He knew someone would ask eventually but.]

...I was raised in the desert. Swimming wasn't... really something I could walk outside and learn.

[He has not, but he is very interested in purchasing tickets.]

Really? That's amazing. What was it like?

[Growing up, Armin didn't just dream of oceans. He dreamt of deserts too. Not that he knew that was what they were called. His grandfather's book had just described them as lands made of sand. Still, he had always hoped to see one too. Alas, there are no deserts here. At least, not in Johto or Kanto. He's read that there is a desert in the Hoenn region, but so far, they haven't had the ability to travel there.

One day, he will though. One day.]

It was.... hot. Dry. Sand everywhere. A little further from my house, there were cliffs and plateaus, canyons and caves.

[He shrugs, kneeling down to put his fingertips to the water.]

There wasn't a lot to see, but it was within driving distance of the Garrison, so... I dunno, it worked out.

I've always dreamed of seeing a desert.

[There is something soft a dream-like as he glances at the water, recalling those many long afternoons Eren and he would've poured over his grandfather's book, talking about what the outside world might be like and how they were one day going to visit it. Later Mikasa would be included in that as well. Not necessarily as a participant (Mikasa had never cared about seeing the outside world as much as they had) but at the very least, present and happy enough to listen to them talk about something that made them happy.]

Of course, there wasn't one within the walls. My grandfather's book talked about them though. I didn't know they were called deserts until I got here though.

Hm. I'd say you weren't missing much but... [He looks back out at the water. Thinks back to those mornings and evenings with his father, and then alone.]

...The sun behind the hills and cliffs were nice. Wish I still had my pictures to show you.

That would've been nice.

[Keith sharing his photos, that is. Sure, he can look up photos in his atlas or online, but there is something more personal about someone sharing photos of their home.]

Honestly, sometimes it feels like... it could be the most boring place to see to most people, but I'd still want to see it, you know? To say I did.

[He nods, eyes locked on the waves. They're almost rhythmic, washing in and then sliding back out.]

Everyone has some place they like others don't. You'd probably like it for a while.

[It is absolutely rhythmic. At least, to Armin it is. Sometimes he gets caught up just watching the water roll onto the beach before retreating. It is meditative in a way.]

I guess if you grew up in a place like that, having this much water around must be strange.

It is. [No beating around that bush or sugarcoating it.]

I... don't know if I can get used to it.

[The honesty is appreciated.]

Does that mean you dislike it here? On this island, I mean.

The island is nice. I like the quiet.

[He pushes his hair out of his eyes watching the water.]

It's the ocean I'm.. not sure about.

It can be a little intimidating, I think. It was to me. I dreamt about it for so long, so it was really amazing too, but seeing so much water... it makes you feel small, doesn't it?

[Tiny. Insignificant. Easily swept away.]

And I couldn't swim, at all, so that didn't help.

Edited 2019-01-24 01:39 (UTC)

Hm.

[Well. He's gotta wash clothes anyway. So he plops right down in the water and sand, shivers with the cold but settles.]

Space did the same thing, making you feel small. Doesn't bother me too much.

[When Keith plops down, Douglas abandons his scooting around Armin's feet to mosey over to Keith, plucking curiously at his toes and clothing with his claws.]

I don't think using 'bothered' is exactly right in my case. It's more like... a very visceral reminder. But I don't think it is all bad either. Honestly, I think it is good to have a reminder like that once in a while.

[Armin doesn't look at Keith as he drifts his fingers through the water, plucking up a small, half-fractured shell off the sand and holding it up.]

Edited 2019-01-24 02:41 (UTC)

[Keith is being watched by a creeper in the ocean. A creeper named Lance who only has half his face sticking out of the water as he's in the middle of one of his many daily swims.

Okay, no, he's just curious on Keith's training strategies, hoping to pick up some tips for his own crew. Unfortunately, it looks like Keith is having a bit of trouble and once he scolds Torracat, Lance can't help but speak up.]

She's a cat, dude. What isn't wrong with a cat?

[He'd noticed Lance out there, but figured he was minding his own business. Should've known. Keith is kneeling by Torracat, whose fur is standing on end like she's ready to attack the air.]

She isn't like this! You just don't like cats. C'mon, what is it...

Hey, no one said I didn't like cats. I've had cats before. I have one right now. [And Jean-Clawed Van Damme is the very best, like no one ever was.] I just know cats have attitudes sometimes.

[Lance moves towards shore slowly, a curious look on his face.]

Is she sick? [She doesn't look sick. She looks pissed.]

[Keith shakes his head.]

No. She just... wants to fight more. She's never been like this.

[She's kept her eyes squarely on Ralts, who has only been on the defensive.]

Maybe... a little more? [She lets out a happy yowl and gets in a ready stance.]

[Lifting one bony shoulder in a half shrug, Lance stops when the water gets waist high, not exactly sure what the problem is. If Torracat wants to fight, then shouldn't Keith let her fight? Pokemon battle, that's what they do.

Though even from Lance's stance, he's not sure that Ralts wants to keep going itself.]

She's so violent. She reminds me of you.

[Well, not so much anymore, but hey it's all in good natured teasing.]

[Uncalled for really, but Keith doesn't say anything.

Instead, he watches as Torracat attacks Ralts, who doesn't have the best defense. She goes down and Torracat mewls proudly.

And then starts glowing. Keith's eyes go big and he steps back.]

Hold that thought - I haven't seen this in a while.

[Lance has said worse in the past and probably meant it way more than he does nowadays. In any case, he grimaces at Ralts goes down hard and easy once Torracat has her way with her opponent.

Damn, cat. Could have went a little lighter on the tackle there.]

Seen what?

[The sudden glow should be familiar to all trainers by now, but it still catches Lance off guard where his mouth is moving far beyond his brain.]

Shit, dude, is she gonna explode?!

No. [There's a bit of force behind the single word, even though he's smiling.]

She's evolving.

[He's standing fully upright in the water now, giving Lance a better vantage point of what his dumbass thought was a cat exploding. He's seen the giant fire cats rumbling and bumbling around the house, but watching the transformation is always a sight.

Pumping his fist, he shouts out from the sea.]

Oh. Ooooooh, sweet! Go Torracat go!

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