Kahiau heard Dan saying thank you and goodbye before before he had reached Sly. He waved at Dan before he had turned his attention to Sly. He was amused at Sly's reaction to that he had seen Sly catch Selene after Rapidash thrown her." No, see that kid over there? I had been talking to him when I saw y'all came out of the short cut. The two of you were in plain view from there all the way to the village. " Kahiau responded back to him about the spying on them.
" So I'm assuming that the two of you were already heading to the village before Amalthea threw Selene. So what happened for y'all to be heading to the village in the first place? Selene should have been in the Rangers office already this morning." He asked and said to Sly, wondering why of all times, Sly had to reappeared in Selene's life. 'Selene doesn't need him to complicate her life now.... Especially now with the pokemon contests and her job as a Ranger... 'He thought as he had a sinking feeling that his little sister wasn't completely over Sylvester even though she acts like she was...
~I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin I must confess that I feel like a monster~
Kahiau's mention of the Ranger office, combined with his question about Selene's injury raised a question in Sly's mind. "Why'd you let that sister of yours become a Ranger anyway?" He asked before continuing. "That Rapidash was the second of her Pokémon to throw her today, earlier that little pyromaniac Briaxen tossed her when she used psychic for..." The kiss Selene had given him flashed through Sly's mind again. "...some stupid stunt." He finished after a brief pause. "She hurt her wrist, then practically made herself sick pushing too hard to try and cover it up, so I had to take her to the Pokémon Center to see a doctor. If you want the whole story, why don't you go ask her? She probably needs you right about now."
~I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun I must confess that I feel like a monster~
Kahiau was doing his best not to throw a punch at some of Sly's remarks." It was her choice to make Sylvester, not mine. Believe me, I wasn't happy with her choice of job to begin with either. She has grown a lot from it and Selene is truly happy at her job. More so than when she was Kalos Queen as far I can tell. She does say it beats those modeling jigs she used to do. " Kahiau responded back to him about Selene's job choice.
" Amalthea throwing Selene was by pure accident. I saw that pancham surprising Amalthea. So that was a reasonable response to happen. I do thank you for catching Selene before she could get more injured due the fall there." He admitted to Sly as he wondered what the stupid stunt was... ' What the Arceus was Selene doing a stupid stunt for ??? ' He face palmed at one thought but decided not to ask if that was the case...
" Braixen has been acting up a bit of late, not excusable though." Kahiau had noticed that Braixen had been a little off of late. His guess that she was missing doing performances for the contests and didn't like being just a watcher... " That sounds like my sister, to hide her injury to try to still look stronger to her opponent or even her friends. It's her defensive mode kicking in. She was always good at hiding the self harm cuttings long ago. Still want to beat up Marguerite for tricking Selene into that habit..." Kahiau said and then wanted to kick himself for mentioning that to Sly. He didn't know if Sly knew about that or not already.
" For once, you're right about her needing me. I'm sure she would prefer have you to be with her than me in some ways, even with what happened back then. Still want to beat you up for leaving her behind like you did but now is not the time for that." Kahiau said with a sigh at the end of it as he looked towards the village and then back at Sylvester. Knowing his sister, she may not want him to be at the pokemon center....
~I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin I must confess that I feel like a monster~
Merrimack had been certain Kahiau would read him the riot act, drag him into a battle and punch him in the face. Ultimately, Sly was surprised by how reasonable Selene's big brother was being - in some ways. The Kahuna's concern for his sister clearly outweighed his desire to get back a Merrimack for breaking her heart, but on the other hand he was making excuses for her Selene's lack of control over her Pokémon, seemingly without realizing those excuses themselves were perfect arguments against allowing Selene to be a Pokémon Ranger.
"Yeah you're right," he said, "It is perfectly reasonable for a Rapidash to get spooked by another Pokémon jumping out at it, for most people. But what's a Pokémon ranger gonna do when she's regularly riding that Rapidash along the ledges in Vast Poni Canyon where Skarmory swoop down out of nowhere and the rocks she steps on could be Boldore? Look I'm glad she's happy, but a Ranger's Pokémon can't be throwing her around 'casue their frustrated or spooked." Before Sly had mostly been worried about Selene crossing Team Rocket, but the more he thought about it, the more he was starting to worry about her being alone in the Canyon. Guess Ranger Beall must've gotten to me a little. "There's lots of ways she can help Pokémon without putting herself in danger. Maybe she could work with her pal, Estelle, I'm sure she and that flame-brain Elio will keep Selene out of danger."
~I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun I must confess that I feel like a monster~
Meanwhile far from Poni Island, in the coldest reaches of the Galar Region - The Crown Tundra
"WE ARE IN SO MUCH DANGER!" Cried a distraught Estelle in the face of a fearsome Regidrago.
"What are ya talkin' about? We got this! Elio answered confidentially. Don't we, Bud? he asked his Charizard, who snorted smoke in agreement as the Regidrago posed itself to attack. Check it out, when it does that it looks like a giant Charizard head!
"ONE THAT'S GETTING READY TO ATTACK!" Estelle shouted. CELESTEELA, HELP ME OUT! The young woman called, sending out the Ultra Beast from it's Beast Ball. Thank the Tapu for Selene, I'm so grateful she let me borrow Celesteela, especially now.
"Do you think it'll Gigantamax into a full giant Charizard?" The male trainer asked.
"I DON'T WANT TO FIND OUT!" Estelle called back as the Legendary Pokémon's Dragon Energy exploded behind her.
Kahiau couldn't help but laugh at his suggestion of Selene working with Elio being safe and out of danger. " Elio working in a safe job and no danger? You hadn't been keeping up with him to know that he's always going into danger where ever he goes. Poor Estelle putting up with his antics... " He said chuckling here and there. " Selene told me yesterday that the two were in the Crown Tundra, Elio is searching for a Regidrago. Knowing Elio's tactics, I don't think safety is his first priority either. It one thing if she was working just with Estelle...." He said before getting more serious mode.
"She was giving them hands on training, helping them adjust to the change of pace from performing to help protect and save others. They do need more training while off the job as well. I'll give you that one. I know she does have other pokemon that are better suited for this job. She really want Braixen to come around since it was the rangers that rescued Briaxen from some pokemon poachers years ago." Kahiau told Sly as he figured he didn't know that about the Braixen.
Kahiau was surprised at some of his words to a certain extend. 'I think Sly still cares for my sister more than he wants to let on... I wonder... Oh dear... Question is, is Sylvester in love with her? After all this time apart?? That would explain why he wants her to work somewhere safe but he could still want that with just liking liking her as a friend...' He thought to himself and almost wanting to ask Sylvester what his feelings were for his sister...
" You still care for her deeply after all this time. By your own words that you have admitted that indirectly. Do your feelings go beyond friendship for Selene?" He asked anyways against his better judgement and not sure if he wanted to know. ' How will he respond back will be interesting, either way he responds and/or reacts to it.' Kahiau thought even though he should be on his way to the pokemon center to check on his sister.
~I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin I must confess that I feel like a monster~
Okay, maybe I did forget how much that hot head gets into trouble and that little blonde just follows him into it. Sly thought to himself as the Kahuna laughed at the idea Selene would be safe with them. It still sounded to Sly that Kahiau was making excuses for Selene's Pokémon's undisciplined behavior, but at least he seemed to be thinking about it more. But before Sly could say anything about it Kahiau put him on the spot, asking about his feelings toward Selene. "I just want what's best for her." He said, looking away. "Even though that's got nothing to do with me. I don't - o-our paths spit a long time ago, if we were ever even on the same path to begin with. Running into her today was just a fluke, that's all. If she's so happy being a Pokémon Ranger, that's great, but maybe she ought to take some time to get her Pokémon really adjusted to the idea first." At least by then Team Rocket should be done here, and hopefully we'll leave Alola alone afterwards.
~I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun I must confess that I feel like a monster~
Kahiau studied Sly's body language as Sly spoke about how he felt about Selene. 'He's in love with her, there's no ifs, ands, or buts about that.' He thought to himself as he debated whether to say what he was thinking about saying to him. Considering he hadn't been in many romantic relationships himself but he knew there was love between those two before they knew it had been there long ago.
" Wise words and I respect you for wanting what's best for Selene. At one time, I would have considered the both of you being on the same path. So you are already willing to give up this second chance for something more for the two of you? Not that I'm wanting to encourage romance between y'all myself and yet a part of me wonders if the fates might be giving the two of you a second chance? I know she might think that if I had thought of it. Maybe not today but later on, it might cross her mind." He said, wondering if he should have said any of that to Sly just now but it was out...
'I'll think I'll leave now with that on his mind to think about. Right now, I'm ready to check on Selene herself. ' Kahiau thought even though he still wanted to fight Sly in a way. " I best be on my way to the pokemon center before something or someone distracts me from going there to check on Selene. Goodbye Sly." Kahiau to him before walking away from Sly to go to the pokemon center. He talked longer than expected with the male and surprised that he didn't end up punching Sly. A sigh escaped his lips as he made his way to the center, wondering what his sister has to say about her meeting Sly again.
~I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin I must confess that I feel like a monster~
"Yeah, you do that." Sly said as Kahiau excused himself to go see Selene, leaving Merrimack to start heading back toward the Vast Poni Canyon and his assignment. The older man had left without giving Sly a chance to respond to his final statements, but Merrimack didn't have anything to say about it. Did he seriously just encourage me to pursue Selene? He'd kick himself for saying that if he knew what I've been doing. After he kicked me, of course. Merrimack was still surprised at how civil Kahiau had been. It suited him though, as he'd already had enough trouble from Selene herself. The same path? I took the quickest path available to power. Always have. Someday, even Team Rocket's Boss won't stand a chance against me. He thought back to one of his early experiences as a new Team Rocket Grunt. As one of their Shadow Pokémon users he'd attended an event where the Boss himself had demonstrated the power of Shadow Pokémon, tearing through a Machamp, Hariyama, and Tyranitar all with just his Shadow Persian and making it look easy. It had left an impression on all in attendance, and really drove home to Merrimack how dangerous it would be to cross Team Rocket. Sly really had no choice but to work for them. At least for now.
As he approached the Canyon Merrimack pulled out his phone, he figured his Pokémon had had enough time to rest up, so he wanted to make sure they were all sharp and ready to go, so he opened an app that played a recording of a Poké flute. As if in response, Jury jumped out of his Pokéball, bright-eyed and ready to go. "All rested up from you're big morning, huh?" Sly said to his partner. "Let's get going, the trek gets pretty tough from this point." Jury looked off into a patch of tall grass. His trainer followed his gaze just in time to see a Pancham duck into the grass. "So that little trouble maker's still hanging around." The Pancham reminded him of Po, which of course reminded him of Selene. What path is she on anyway? She was just as eager as I was to go to Kalos, but first she just had to go to Galar first. And I know she wanted to spend way more time there that just two months. How long would she have stayed there if I'd just gone along with her? And where would she have dragged me to next? Unova? Like her brother? Sure, he went to Kalos, mastered Mega Evolution, and became a Champion eventually. But how many years did he spend wandering aimlessly catching whatever Pokémon caught his whim? And what good would I have been to her after a journey like that? Going here and there catching more Pokémon than I can raise properly, all the while blissfully ignorant of the Shadow Pokémon Team Rocket's been developing? How could I protect her like that? "I don't need a whole lot of Pokémon from all over the world, 'cause I already got the strongest ones, don't I, Jury?" The Dark-type smirked in agreement. He was just as proud of his power as his trainer was. Of course, Merrimack was dissatisfied with the result of his battle that morning. "I know I got sloppy in that battle earlier. I let my feelings get the best of me and made a lot of mistakes that kept us from showing your full power." The man said to his Pokémon. Jury brushed his tail against Sly's leg reassuringly. The Umbreon knew his trainer was going trough some tough feelings, but he also knew Sly would pull trough stronger than ever like he always did. "But we'll do better next time. I've jut got to keep my focus." Focus - that's what Selene lacks, going all over getting a bunch of Pokémon rather than fully developing the ones she has, and then trying to fight off Pokémon Hunters with a party of trained dancers. It's no wonder her Pokémon are throwing her left and right. But I've got to be focused. I've got to be strong.
Soon enough Merrimack found himself approaching the North end of Vast Poni Canyon, where he'd arranged to meet Harrison. Like he'd said, there was no one around - at least as far as Sly could see. This part of the Canyon was home to some of the strongest Pokémon in the Alola region. Those Pokémon might make conducting a secret rendezvous rather difficult, but that was part of why Merrimack had chosen this spot, because he planned to take care of that before Edmund showed up. "Okay come on out Judge!" He called, as the Steelix appeared he went on, "I know I failed to really bring out your best against Selene earlier, but I also know you've got what it really takes." For a moment the Steel-type looked at the ground. He felt like he'd let down his trainer and made a fool of himself in front of his original trainer and that beautiful new Steelix of hers. But Judge was encouraged as Sly continued, "Yeah, we've had some set backs, but we've overcome setbacks before, we've just got to focus." Merrimack pulled out his collection of TMs "Let's change up your move set, I've got some attacks here that will help us work off some of this frustration. We...won't need Thunder Fang for a while." Trainer and Pokémon alike blushed as they remembered the kiss in the battle earlier. Kisses for Sly, as his mind drifted yet again to the kiss Selene planted on him. Putting that aside for the moment, Merrimack began choosing the TMs he'd need. "We'll definitely want Ice Fang though." He said. "After all - Here, there be Dragons."
~I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun I must confess that I feel like a monster~
Rockruff wagged his tail happily as he was greeted by Dan's other Pokemon. He was almost overwhelmed but this made him feel excited rather than cowed. "Thank you. This sounds like it'll be a lot of fun!" It would be an adjustment for sure, as his short life had been spent entirely with Kahiau and he did not even know Dan, Jolteon, Pidgeot, and Lickitung until five minutes ago, but because he was so young and new to the world, this abrupt change would go a lot easier than if he had been an older Pokemon who had been with the same trainer for longer. And hey, if things did not work out or he decided he did not want to be with these guys after all, he could always run away and go back to Kahiau! So it sounded to him like he had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
"If you're gonna hang with us, you gotta learn to be fast and strong!" said Jolteon. "Let's start your training now. Try to catch me!" He touched Rockruff with his paw and then dashed off. Rockruff immediately took to the chase. Of course he would never catch Jolteon if Jolteon was running his full speed, but Jolteon was going easy on the little guy and after a couple of minutes of running, he allowed himself to be caught. By then, the whole group was running around playing tag, Dan and Jolteon and Pidgeot and Lickitung and Rockruff, all laughing merrily. Sometimes, when someone was caught, there would be a wrestling match before the chase resumed.
But Dan had not forgotten about Kahiau and Sly talked over there. He could not hear them, especially not with all the commotion of his crew, but he could see a tension between the two men. Then the men parted ways, with Kahiau going toward the Pokemon Center and Sly walking out into the wilderness. Dan watched Kahiau go until the Kahuna was well out of sight and showed no signs of returning. Then he gazed off to where Sly had gone. He was knocked out of his musings--and off his feet--by Jolteon. He summarily found himself beneath all of his Pokemon, even Rockruff who had grabbed onto his pantleg and was shaking his head side to side while growling 'viciously.' Dan did not defend himself, but laid there still staring in the same direction.
"Hey, guys," he said in a hushed way that indicated urgency. Jolteon, Pidgeot, and Lickitung immediately listened up, and Rockruff stopped to listen when he tuned in to that fact that everyone else was. "Let's go follow and see what he's up to." Jolteon grinned. "I like that plan! Come on, Pidgeot, we can go on ahead and check it out." "Alright, but we need to be careful. He looks strong." Lickitung looked nervous. Rockruff also seemed skeptical. "But Kahiau said he was a good-for-nothing heartbreaker. What if he breaks our hearts, too!" The young Pokemon had misunderstood the expression and had taken it literally. "And I heard him say that he had powerful Pokemon and anger issues!" Lickitung added with fright. Jolteon laughed it off. "We do all this stuff all the time, it'll be fine!" Rockruff seemed assured by that. Lickitung--who knew firsthand that they did this stuff all the time and that it did not always turn out fine--was not assured, but also knew that nothing he could say would stop them. Dan could only understand the gist of anything Rockruff said, as the Pokemon's body language and tones were new to him and he would have to learn, but he understood well enough what his other Pokemon were saying. "It's only a problem if we get caught. And we won't! Or if we do, we'll protect you guys." This was directed at Lickitung and Rockruff. "Ok... let's do it!" Rockruff agreed, wagging his tail. Lickitung was still nervous, and the clumsy Pokemon would surely have been unable to move stealthily, so Dan returned him to his Pokeball. He rarely put any of his Pokemon in their Pokeballs, preferring to allow them to roam freely, but it was necessary in this case. Then, as agreed, Jolteon and Pidgeot went on ahead to scout out. Dan looked down at Rockruff and smiled. "We'll follow behind. But we have to be very, very sneaky, alright?" Rockruff gave a single bark of affirmation.
And so the group crept along through the Wilds and into Vast Poni Canyon--not that they knew that was what this place was called. Jolteon moved swiftly and quietly through the underbrush and around rocks. He had quickly caught up to Sly and from there made sure to hang back, always keeping the man just barely within sight so that Jolteon could hide effectively if ever the man looked his way. He watched as Sly let out an Umbreon. Jolton bristled at that simply because the Umbreon reminded him of someone from his past. Then Sly had walked on further, and the terrain got rougher but Jolteon was able to cross it easily. When Sly next stopped, he let out a Steelix and was talking to it about switching out its moves. Pidgeot avoided the terrain and any encounters with other Pokemon by flying, of course. She stayed near top of the canyon though, above the rim, because if she had gone high overhead to circle she would have been noticed. This meant that she only glimpsed Sly now and then. Dan and Rockruff arrived later. Dan was moving as quietly as he could. He was used to sneaking around but he was still only a human, so he was nowhere near as quiet as a Pokemon could be. Rockruff had a lot to learn about stealthing, but he managed to be quieter most of the time than Dan, and being that he was a small Pokemon he was nearly always hidden behind obstacles by default. He found this game fun, to creep along and try to spy on Sly... although he was also hoping for some kind of excitement or action, because just creeping around was quickly getting boring.
When Dan and Rockruff sighted Sly, it was when he was talking to his Steelix. Dan dropped onto his hands and knees to hide behind a bush, and Rockruff stayed at his side and peered out around the leaves to see what was happening.
Location: Vast Poni Canyon, spying on Sly. Wearing/Possessions: Dark blue shirt, dark blue jeans, black sneakers with white trim, small black pouch of supplies.
Calvary_Red
Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2022 6:34 pm
Pancham
♪~You fell it time and again~♫ ♪~That Something's coming, but when~♫ Will be the moment that leads to greatness?~♫
Pancham scurried along through the Vast Poni Canyon, following Sly. He noticed a group of Pokémon with their own human doing the same, but Pancham avoided them for now. They seemed like a fun group, but the young trainer that lead them lacked the fighting spirit Pancham had seen in Merrimack. Plus they were all taking the long way. From what Pancham could tell, Sly was going toward the place where the Hakamo-o sparred, and Pancham knew a shortcut to get there. Sure enough Merrimack arrived shortly after Pancham. The little Fighting-type watched from behind a rock as Sly talked to his Steelix and prepared for battle. He already knew from talking to Po that Sly worked hard to bring out his Pokémon's full strength, and Pancham would love to have such a partner. It was clear he cared deeply about his Pokémon. But Merrimack had a darkness to him as well, and while that had some draw in itself, Pancham could see that Merrimack was allowing that darkness to consume him. Pancham hoped to find a partner that could help him get as strong as possible, but there were lines he would not cross, and if Merrimack went too far, Pancham would stop him himself if he had to.
♪~All you need is a friend~♫ ♪~Together you'll demonstrate what strength is!~♫
~I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin I must confess that I feel like a monster~
"That should do it." Merrimack said, as he finished teaching Steelix the moves he thought would be most effective. "Now we'll see what you can really do, Judge. Jury, you're on stand by." He added recalling the Umbreon to his Pokéball. At the North end, The Vast Poni Canyon came to a narrow part, where a handful of Hakamo-o were training. Normally Hakamo-o train by themselves, but the strongest of them sometimes gathered here, the site of the oldest Island Trial, to spar under watchful eye of the Totem Kommo-o. As Sly entered with Steelix he announced, "EVERYONE CLEAR OUT! I'LL BE TAKING OVER THE TRIAL SITE FOR TODAY!"
The Hakamo-o paused their sparring and turned their attention to Merrimack. One lone Hakamo-o approached him, eager to take on this new challenger. The Hakamo-o charged at Judge an struck him with a Drain Punch. "Is that all you've got?" Merrimack called out as Steelix shrugged off the attack. "Use Ice Fang!" The trainer commanded. A layer of ice coated Judge's teeth forming jagged icicles, which the Steel-type closed viciously around his Dragon-type opponent, knocking him out, instantly. Steelix then lifted the Hakamo-o's unconscious body and tossed him back towards the others where it landed limp on the canyon floor. Steelix gave a roar as Merrimack shouted, "COME ON, WE'RE LOOKING FOR A REAL FIGHT HERE!" The remaining four Hakamo-o approached together, charging straight at the Steelix. "Use Dig!" Merrimack called, and Judge disappeared underground. All the Hakamo-o approached the hole, looking for the Iron Snake Pokémon, who - without warning - erupted from the earth behind them sending the two rear-most Fighting/Dragons crashing into the canyon wall. "Ice Fang!" Sly called again. The Hakamo-o now facing Judge used Iron Defense in a desperate attempt to protect himself, but even with his defense boosted, when Steelix's massive frozen jaws crunched into him, the young fighter fell to the ground knocked out not by the pain so much as the bone-chilling cold. Now only one Hakamo-o was left - the Totem's star pupil and successor. The Totem-Pokémon-in-training unleashed her full power, a Totem Aura blazed to life around her as she drew natural energy into her body, raising her Attack power. The Hakamo-o leapt at her opponent, striking the Steel/Ground Pokémon with a super-effective Sky Uppercut. Judge smirked as the attack connected, showing no sign of even having felt it. "Let's finish this, Ice Fang!" Merrimack commanded. Once again the Iron Snake Pokémon closed his icy jaws around his target, leaving even the star Hakamo-o helpless. "Now Dig!" Came the nest order. Judge dragged Hakamo-o underground with him, only to send her flying amongst a storm of earthen debris as he violently resurfaced.
Now with all the Hakamo-o knocked-out, The Totem Kommo-o appeared before Judge and Merrimack. "You and this human each passed this trial long ago." he growled at Judge, in Pokémon language. "Why are you facing us again, now?" "Because I need to get stronger." Judge replied "To protect my trainer, and the ones we care about." Selene and Cœur D'or went trough his mind as he answered the Totem. Judge only hoped he'd be able to see them again soon. Though he understood Sly's new associates made that unlikely... "I sense dark intentions in your human." The Kommo-o replied. "So I face you not as a Trial, but as a defender of this island!" He roared, and his Totem Aura flared to life. Even among Totem Pokémon few could weld the Natural Energy of Alola like a Totem Kommo-o. The Aura that enveloped him boosted every one of his stats. "Looks like he's ready." Merrimack observed. "Lets do this, Judge! MEGA EVOLVE!" He called, reaching for his Mega Earring. Mega Energy flowed to Judge, transforming him into Mega Steelix. The serpent and dragon faced each other ready to begin their showdown.
~I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun I must confess that I feel like a monster~
Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 3:20 pm
Dan
Dan and his Pokemon watched from their hiding places as Sly and his Steelix fought a den of--actually Dan did not know what the draconic looking Pokemon were, nor did he know what Totem Pokemon were, but whatever these creatures were, there was an entire nest of them and Sly challenged them. Steelix proceeded to defeat all of them, all but the final one, who was larger and looked different than the others. OK, this guy's scary strong... we'd better not get caught, we won't stand a chance. Dan thought. None of his Pokemon would be of any use against that Steelix... and then it went and mega evolved and got even stronger! But at least, with all the commotion, it was unlikely that Dan and his team would be seen or heard.
Rockruff was also growing concerned after seeing all those Hakamo-o get thrown around. He was familiar with them and how strong they were, but they might as well have all been sticks and pebbles before a storm, they way they were getting tossed around. He was starting to get nervous. If he turns to attack us, then I'm running. Maybe he can't catch me! He would hate to abandon his new trainer like that, but what good would it do for both of them to get killed? And if it came to Rockruff having to flee, perhaps he could find and bring help.
Jolteon watched with awe. Man, I wanna be that strong! he thought. He was not much concerned for himself, for though he could not stand against the Steelix, he thought he could easily escape if it noticed him. He was eager to see what would happen next. The remaining Pokemon, the big one, spoke to the Steelix. Jolteon could hear them from where he was. That Pokemon said he could sense darkness in the trainer. Then the fight was about to begin.
Pidgeot had alighted on a rock near the top of the canyon in order to watch the fight. She used her sharp avian eyesight to search the canyon below to find her friends. She spotted Jolteon's yellow fur as he crouched behind a rock. And there, behind a bush, was Dan and Rockruff. Pidgeot trusted Jolteon to be able to extricate himself if things got hairy, and so her plan was to swoop down and grab Dan and Rockruff if need be.
Location: Vast Poni Canyon, spying on Sly. Wearing/Possessions: Dark blue shirt, dark blue jeans, black sneakers with white trim, small black pouch of supplies.
~I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin I must confess that I feel like a monster~
The Totem Kommo-o wasted no time launching his attack, assailing Steelix with a thunderous Clanging Scales. "Looks like the real Battle starts here." Sly stated. "Use Dig!" Once again Judge vanished into the earth. The Totem Kommo-o responded with the graceful movements of a Dragon Dance, further boosting his power and speed. When Judge resurfaced, Kommo-o avoided his strike without missing a step and threw a Sky Uppercut that sent the Steelix reeling. "We won't take that laying down! Use Ice Fang!" Merrimack called. Judge lunged at Kommo-o with a mouth full of jagged Icicles. The Scaly Pokémon responded by raising his left arm, allowing it to take to brunt of the attack. Once Steelix's icy jaws closed around the Kommo-o's arm, the Totem Pokémon struck back with Close Combat, using his free arm, legs and tail to land a series of brutal strikes that forced the Judge to release his grip on the Dragon/Fighting-type's arm as the super-effective move drove him back.This could work. Sly thought. "Another Ice Fang!" Again Judge charged at the Totem and again the Totem raised an arm to block, the right one this time. "ON HIS LEFT!" Sly called. At the last second, Judge whipped his head past the raised right arm and sunk his freezing fangs into the left arm again. Having already been damaged by previous attack, the repeated hit caused Kommo-o to flinch in pain. "NOW'S OUR CHANCE! POWER TRICK!" Two spheres of light - one red the other blue - swirled around Judge. Few Pokémon could match a Mega Steelix's defensive capabilities, and Power Trick converted that defense into raw offensive might. "OUTRAGE!" Sly called. The Iron Snake Pokémon crashed into his opponent with a draconic fury, delivering a series of blows with his head, tail, and even the crystal spikes on his body. The savage assault sent the Totem Pokémon flying, crashing to ground beneath the pillar of Dragonium Z. "Don't let up! Finish it!" Merrimack ordered. Judge had no intention of letting up. All he wanted to do was see Selene and Cœur D'or again - for him and Sly to be with Selene the way they were before he'd joined Team Rocket. But he understood that put them in danger from Team Rocket and their Shadow Pokémon. If he was going to see his original trainer again, if his current trainer was ever going to feel safe again, Judge had to prove he could protect them. He had to be able to crush anything in his way. Even this Totem Kommo-o. As the Scaly Pokémon struggled to get to his feet, Steelix closed in for a finishing Outrage.
~I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun I must confess that I feel like a monster~
Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2022 11:59 pm
Pancham
♪~You fell it time and again~♫ ♪~That Something's coming, but when~♫ Will be the moment that leads to greatness?~♫
Pancham knew he couldn't let this continue. The Totem was beaten and Merrimack was taking it too far. Clearing the trial was one thing, but forcing the Totem Pokémon out of his Trial Site was another. The little Fighting-type rushed from his hiding place and toward the battle field, glancing at Dan, Jolteon, Rockruff as he did, wondering what they might do. Charging onto the battle field, Pancham ran right up to Steelix and bit the tip of his tail with a Crunch. Judge barely felt the move, but turned his head to see it's source. "Do you think you can stop me?" The Huge Steel/Ground-type asked the Pancham. "I don't have to!" Pancham answered. "It only takes a moment!". He declared Totem Kommo-o was back on his feet now, still shaking he let out a loud bellow - not a battle cry, but a call for help. Alolan Pokémon formed very close communities. Pokémon who found themselves in danger could call for aid and and other Pokémon would come to lend a hand. Totem Pokémon exemplified this. They sought out powerful allies - allies who covered the Totem's own weaknesses, allowing Totem Pokémon to push even the most well prepared trainers to their limits. "NOW YOU'LL GET IT!" Pancham cried, scurrying off the battle field with a Parting Shot.
♪~All you need is a friend~♫ ♪~Together you'll demonstrate what strength is!~♫
Hazel blushed and sheepishly tapped her fingers on the top of the computer, "Psh, famous? No. Me? If only." Whimsicott, meanwhile had slipped down from her perch on the backpack and was wandering about the office. It was odd that Selene wasn't available. She was usually there at this time of the year at this general hour. That was how it had been before. It seemed she would have to get to know this new person. So new. So person. She wondered at an individual who didn't have a Pokemon pal running around the office. "Well Ranger Harrison," Hazel finally continued, "I'm here for information. Is there anything significant happening on the island? News I might not have caught? Is there perhaps a youth who is looking to head out on an adventure? The usual things of interest."
