Name: Artemis Vincent Nines
Nickname(s): Caine, Blackfire, The Black Dragon
Sex: Male
Species: Arcanine
Age: 17
Height: 6' 4"
Weight: 246 lbs.
Battle Exp: Excellent
Avg. Grade: 90%
Ability: Flash Fire
School Year: 3
Hobbies: Weapon training, writing, singing in Viridian's Band, and Playing various instruments (Guitar, Flute, Violin, Fiddle, Etc)

Personality: Artemis is in many ways a typical Arcanine, proud and regal, but he does not allow this to think he is better than others. However there is more to him than just those facets, Artemis tends to be very friendly and kind to those he meets, though he will show open hostility to those who act superior and believe they are more entitled to others. Artemis also has a more sly and devious nature which is often mistaken for arrogance and even though he tries to keep it from happening his pride will lead him in a wrong direction. While open about his relationship to Nathyrra and Chloe, only those two really get to see his more gentle loving side.

Bio: Born in the Johto region to Duncan and Adena Nines, both of whom come from powerful families. Duncan, the son of one of Johoto's most esteemed technological industries and Adena, a literal princess of a small island in a near by archipelago. Both Arcanine loved one another deeply and after they had married began trying for children. Almost a year later under the red moon of harvest time, they finally managed to conceive. Nine months later Adena gave birth to a very curious pup, the small Growlithe had black fur with a small mane, tail, and stripes of the purest white. After initial tests on the pup's health it was discovered the discoloration was a minor "defect" of the birth. Despite this Artemis' parents loved him with all their hearts.

About 3 years later, business forced Duncan to move his family to a new area in the city near the popular Combat Academy, it was during this time a very curious event launched Artemis on a new path. A group of older bullies began picking on the Growlithe and rather than cringe in fear Artemis fought. Watching the sight from a nearby store Hades, a Entei rumored to have been one of the first of his kind, smirked at the audacity of the young Fire-type. Scaring off the trouble makers, Hades escorted Artemis back to his home and met with his parents. Telling them of what he saw and the potential in their son, he offered to take the four year old as an apprentice and teach him. Artemis understood enough that the Entei could make him stronger and battling was something Artemis enjoyed.

For the next ten years Artemis lived with Hades on the summit of a nearby dormant volcanic island. The Entei was wise and saw his pupil would need more than flashy or powerful attacks so he trained Artemis, honing his body and mind with various martial arts, teaching how to resist certain attacks, explaining how battles could be manipulated to be in his favor. It was during his ninth year at his Master's dojo that Artemis felt compelled to go outside in the night air, looking up at the crescent moon that shown like pure silver. Something sparked then and there in the Growlithe, howling like a primal ancestor, light engulfing his body Artemis changed from a short Growlithe to a tall muscular Arcanine. Training for one more year Artemis returned to his family who he had seen off and on for the time he trained, announcing to his mother, father, sister, and brother that he would like to attend the Combat Academy. That fall he was accepted into the Freshman class.

Meeting a few others who quickly became his closest friends, Artemis accepted the position of captain for their Team Viridian. Freshman year was typical for Artemis and the others. It was the following year as Sophomore’s that Artemis knew the full force of struggles and what it means to be a true captain. Talking his team mates into going and visiting Hades for training, all were shocked when the ancient Fire-type attacked, assaulting the group with his prowess. Beaten and bloody, Artemis and his friends managed to escape, but due to an injuries were forced to select two new team mates as alternates. The weight of that day still plagues Artemis as a failure as a friend and captain, and he still bars the scar on his face to remind him of his limitations.

Now into his Junior year at PCA, Artemis and his friends continue much as they always have. Rather than be obsessed with a ranking they fight only when challenged or have to. It is because of this that Team Viridian maintains a spot just inside the "Top 20." Work forced his family to return to Johto, but rather than tear their son away from his schooling and friends, they fully paid for the house and allow Artemis and his friends full use of it.

Attacks:
Freshman: Bite, Roar, Ember, Flame Wheel
Sophomore: Fire Fang, Take Down, Flamethrower, Helping Hand
Junior: Reversal, Flare Blitz, Fire Blast, Extreme Speed
Currently Learning: Heat Wave, Crunch, Endure, Dragon Pulse

(Art by the wonderful  januspeldragon )