Atlas

About - Deep within the heart of Sinnoh, lives an Ancient Breed of Arcanine know as the "Tibetan" Arcanine. They are known to only inhabit the snowy peaks of Mt. Coronet, though it is not unheard of for these creature to venture down the mountain side to the lower areas in search of food. According to legend, this breed of Arcanine has been around since the birth of the Sinnoh Region itself, which makes them very sought after by Pokémon Trainers and Collectors alike. Though there isn't much of a notable difference from their normal predecessor, the Tibetan Arcanine's fur coat is twice as thick, allowing it safe passage through the harsh winter passes of the mountain. They also have remarkable amounts of intelligence and memory, resulting in them knowing every inch of the mountain, even in blizzards. The people of Snowpoint City are best known for using them as Sled Dogs, but if caught otherwise, will make the most Loyal of Companions.

Atlas was born into this breed of Ancient Creatures, but unlike the rest of his packmates, his coat was colored differently. If the sun hit him just right, his fur would sparkle a vibrate gold, almost like it was made of liquid gold itself. It wasn't unheard of to find Pokémon of different colors. This was actually very sought after among trainers, but to the rest of his pack, this meant putting an even bigger target over their heads. As soon as Atlas was able to walk about, the Alpha in his packed quickly chased him out, and he had to watch from afar as his whole pack moved on without him. Hungry and confused, Atlas spent many moons trying to survive the harsh cliffside he was abandoned on. As he moved around in the snow, searching for anything he could possibly eat, he stumbled into territory that belonged to a pack of Sneasel. Sneasel are notoriously vicious Pokémon and do not take well to other species walking into their marked territory. Without warning, the pack leader slashed at Atlas, taking out his right eye. Disoriented, he staggered as far as he could, before collapsing. Days without food had left him with no energy and no will to fight back. Seeing the weakened state of it's opponent, the Sneasel only scoffed and left the pup to die.

When Atlas awake, he was laying next to a warm fire with a bowl of food and water laying next to him. With the little amount of energy he could muster, he stumbled to the bowls, and began eating. As he was enjoying his meal, a hand slowly reached down and gave his head a gentle pat. Spooked now, Atlas leapt back and looked up to see the face of an older man. He had never seen a human before, but this hand was the only thing in between him and finishing his meal, so against his better judgement, he went back to his food and allowed the human to pet him.

Many days went by, and Atlas had started enjoying the time he spent with this human. He always had fresh food and water, and his human always let him go out into the world and explore. Never once did this human attempt to catch him in a ball, or hold him captive inside his house, Atlas was allowed to be free, but always had a place to call home. This went on for many years. Atlas did everything with his human, and had no intension of ever leaving his side. Eryn (still pronounced Erin), the name other humans had called his Master, taught Atlas how to Hunt and Fish. This was Eryn's trade, he would bring down meats from Acuity Lakefront, to Snowpoint City, and sell/trade them to the locals. It was also thanks to all this hunting and training that Atlas was able to evolve as well. Whenever they would both go into town together, the locals would always gather around Atlas, specially the children, who all loved to pet, or even ride him around the City. They had never seen a Gold Arcanine, it was definitely a sight to behold and he quickly became the talk of the town. It wasn't long before the people of Snowpoint City gave Atlas the nickname "Golden Lion" and he was always showered in attention, and sometimes even treats each time they made there way back into town.

Eryn wasn't young by any means. He was well into his age when he found Atlas, so as years and years went by, it got harder for him to go into town. Atlas though, however, would gladly pull a sled full of supplies down to the townsfolk, and bring back the traded goods for his Master. With each passing Winter, Eryn's health go worse, until finally, during the worst Blizzard Sinnoh had ever seen, he got deathly ill. Even with his best attempts to keep his Master warm and comfortable, Atlas had no means to get his master the medicine he needed. Even if Atlas would have went into town, there was no guarantee t hat the City even had the right medicine to help him, and no shipments would be able to make it through the Blizzard. On the third day of the Blizzard, Eryn passed and Atlas's sadden howls could be heard all through Mt. Coronet.

Several more years have passed since then, and Atlas has yet to leave the area of Acuity Lakefront. The people of Snowpoint City still bring treats and offerings up to the "Golden Lion" and place them at the cabin were Eryn and him use to live together. In return, Atlas protects the City, and the surrounding areas. When hikers go missing, or people get lost in the mountains, Atlas always returns them to the City, safe and unharmed. When the Blizzards get bad and the people lose power within the City, Atlas makes sure that no one goes without heat. It is even said that Atlas has enough heat stored up in its body to melt avalanches, and once used the move "Burn up" to save his people. Atlas will always show love and compassion to those in need, Human or Pokemon, just like his Master had shown him, all those years ago.