Koshitantan

[latani]

i'm waking up to ash and dust

Of course it would be raining as soon as he stepped foot onto Route 33. Just his luck. Or, rather curse his luck, as a loud clap of thunder made it apparent this was no simple rainstorm. The weather had been calm, peaceful on the other side of Union Cave... he regretted his rush through even more so now that his clothes were slowly getting sodden despite having an umbrella to dispel the worst of the rain. Head bowed against the wind that gusted now and then, Ashton sped through the short route as quickly as he could, making a beeline for the Azalea Town Pokemon Center. A quick change of clothes and team soon followed before he returned to the soggy outdoors, even if he much rather longed to sit and wait out the storm. However, his team couldn't raise itself (no matter what some thought otherwise), and he had aspirations of furthering his trainer career and growing reputation by challenging this town's leader in the near future.

Dressed in an obviously high-class jacket, more rain-friendly pants and boots, Ashton felt better about stepping back outside. As long as no lightning decided to strike anywhere near him, he'd survive a little rain to get some training done. The only downside to the weather was not having company, Ashton not willing to risk getting any of his Pokemon covered unnecessarily in mud unless battles got a bit rowdy. As he splashed through puddles on his way back to Route 33, he felt his phone vibrate, answering it with some confusion. "Hello?" Ashton inquired, jerking the phone away from his head when a burst of static answered him instead. "Ash--? Is-- you?" a fuzzy, yet familiar voice shouted above the din of the storm. Stopping under the slight protection of an old tree, some clarity returned to his phone, and he was pleasantly surprised to discover an old model friend was his mystery caller.

"Doing the whole trainer thing, huh? That's totally awesome, my dude," his friend chuckled after they'd spent several minutes playing catch up. "But are you ever going to come back to Unova? We all miss you something fierce." Ashton frowned, the question troubling him more than he'd suspected it would. Modeling was something he enjoyed, but his time was rarely his own, and the freedom he had as a trainer was a much more appealing path. Yet, something he'd spent nearly half his life doing wasn't so easily shrugged off. "I... I'll think about it. This trainer gig is pretty sweet, and it could open some doors for me here," Ashton said, not willing to give a definitive answer. Thankfully his friend didn't push beyond his earlier inquiry, and they signed off amicably after a bit more idle chatter. He returned the phone to his pocket, scanning the route with cautious amber eyes; let it be his penchant for gossip to be a good reason for something to sneak up on him.

▲

● (on route 33; astraea and quinley swapped for june and iki) ●

deltra of gangnam style

[Lamont]

The storm raged all around, pelting Azalea and the surrounding areas with cold water pellets. After all the dry sunlight the greenery around was quite enjoying the change in weather. Every tree and bush, every stalk of grass and stem of flower, gleaming a deep lush green under the grey sky. It was only made more bright by the darkening of bark and rock as the water covered the route, the slick sheen of natural oils gleaming starkly with every flash of lightning streaking across the sky.

Residents of the route, however, weren't quite as enthralled with the downpour. Many had taken to their dens or otherwise found a nice shelter to huddle in and wait out the chilling storm. It was rather counterproductive to Ashton's wish to get some training in preparation for the next gym match. Luckily he had old friends to pass the time with. Though, that had it's own risks to it.

As the soft hands of the budding trainer slipped the phone back to his pocket there was a notable... furry... feeling that brushed up against his digits. There was half a second where everything froze, adrenaline spiking. The pick pocketing culprit soon realized that it wouldn't be able to remain incognito just because it stopped moving and began a high pitched trill as it retreated back to the branch it had been hanging from. A flurry of fists beat the air down to its cream-furred chest, the Mankey bobbing lightly side to side as it declared the challenge.

With a smooth motion the fighter used its tail wrapped about the branch above to fling itself upside down once again and then kicked off to cut Ashton off. It raised its hands in its awkward fighting stance and danced in place, all the while emitting screechy grunts as if in attempt to seem intimidating. It didn't appear to have gotten anything from the model, but a look into the tree would note a few worthless baubles such as buttons, marbles, clips, and stickers set onto a square of cloth like a makeshift bag.

A wild Mankey (LV 10) insists Ashton pays a toll!
Select a pokémon to battle?

[latani]

i'm waking up to ash and dust

Maybe it was a mistake to have come out onto the route for training when the weather was remaining consistently miserable. What Pokemon in their right minds would be out and about, let alone be interested in a fight? Ashton blew out an explosive sigh, amber eyes keen as they flicked about the sodden scenery, taking in the lush greenery that seemed to abound. It was a pretty sight, if one chose to ignore the chilly bite of the driving rain to really appreciate how verdant and lively everything was. The momentary feeling of peace wasn't to last, however, as a small furry hand brushing against his own rudely interrupted his thoughts to elicit a choked cry from the model. "W-what the-?" Ashton spluttered, jumping away at the same time as the Mankey did, staring up at the monkey with an expression that was nothing less than scandalized. His heart had kicked into overdrive at the unexpected contact, fears of some hyper fangirl sneaking up on him the first thing that had come to mind.

To discover it wasn't even human, but a rather devious Pokemon, and let alone it was trying to rob him... well, 'shocked' wasn't enough to describe his feelings. Mingled outrage, and some amusement at the bold approach, and he couldn't help but chuckle - deep down, anyways. The Mankey dropped from the tree to ensure he couldn't have a simple escape, but Ashton was already reaching for a ball to fight the sneaky thief with, glad for a battle to come to him despite the loud claps of thunder that continued to sound out overhead. "You won't be nicking anything from me, you little gremlin," he said, smirking before sending out his Espurr, Thistle. She shuddered as the rain instantly soaked her from head to toe, turning to give Ashton a very sullen pout.

"I'm not a god, Thistle. Can't turn off the rain with a snap of my fingers," Ashton sighed, hoping she wasn't going to have a diva moment and refuse to battle under such conditions. To his delight, however, Thistle instead turned her wide eyes on the Mankey and stared at it unblinkingly. If she were to usurp precious Anahera from Ashton's affections, then doing well in battle with little complaints would be a crucial step. "That's more like it. How about a Confusion to kick things off?" the model asked, clearly approving of her decision to fight regardless of inclement weather. Nodding her head, Anahera focused hard on Mankey as the power began to grow, wondering if she could direct a burst of it to its nose. Surely that was a weak point.

▲

● (Thistle used Confusion) ●

deltra of gangnam style

[Noerd]

With the model now quite aware of this Mankey's thieving tendencies, the Fighting type quickly became frustrated with him. It stood there, bouncing up and down on the spot and screeching loudly, seemingly still trying to scare Ashton into complying with it. However, the trainer was clearly not going to part with any of his valuables. This was made perfectly obvious once he replied, and this incensed Mankey. The name "gremlin" didn't appear to sit well with the pig monkey. It beat its chest furiously in lieu of an actual battle cry, leering angrily at its new opponent. Its breaths had become so laboured that Ashton would now be able to hear each and every exhalation. Then, without any more warning, it started to run forward, its right arm drawn back behind its body in preparation for some form of attack.

Thistle took her position in front of her trainer, staring down the irate ball of fur that was advancing toward them. Keeping a steady eye on the Fighting type, she immediately produced a powerful wave of blue-ish energy. The ripple of azure light slid through the air, connecting with Mankey's face before it could reach its intended target. With the successful strike to the nose, the mess of hair promptly tripped over its own legs and dove face-first into the ground. Mankey slid across the floor, sending dust and shards of grass across the floor. Coming to a halt a couple of feet ahead of Thistle, the monkey planted a shaking fist into the ground and righted itself slowly but surely. It continued to vibrate visibly, its rage apparently building further, while it made its own move. With one quick, jerky movement, it punched Thistle square in the face before grabbing hold of her arm firmly. It proceeded to slide its free hand across the Espurr's body, as if it were looking for something. When it found absolutely nothing, it slapped her swiftly and bounced back to gain a few metres' worth of distance. It was not happy. Just for a change.

Wild Battle

---

Weather: Rain

Wild Mankey | Level 10
HP: 41% (13/31 HP)
Status: Normal
Mankey used Covet!
"IF I CAN'T TAKE THE TAX FROM YOU...
I'LL TAKE IT FROM HER!"

VS

Ashton's Thistle | Level 9
HP: 65% (21/32 HP)
Status: Normal
Thistle used Confusion!
"Will the toll get rid of this rain?"

[latani]

i'm waking up to ash and dust

The reaction to his firm declaration was, well, perhaps a bit overblown. Like his fans simply screaming at the sight of him even if he'd done nothing more than just appear before them. That scenario was a lot more appealing than the rage-fueled Mankey he was facing in pouring rain, bringing a feeling of nostalgia that almost chased away the misery of his current predicament. At least he had Thistle as a barrier between him and the sticky-pawed miscreant, with her psychic powers an extra deterrent, hopefully. He couldn't blame her fully for her clear annoyance with the conditions, and made a mental note to offer some compensation later on for having to not only deal with the weather, but the Mankey as well. Ashton frowned at the Mankey's overloud snorts, wondering idly if what he'd said had crossed too far a line for the Fighting-type. It wasn't the first time he'd spoken and drawn ire for it, and certainly wouldn't be the last.

Annoyed even more by the Mankey's breathing, something she could easily pick up on despite her tucked ears and the relentless rain, Thistle quickly struck out at her foe. The resulting trip and crash had her skittering back a few steps, unwilling to let the wave of sodden ground mixed with mud and grass sully her already bedraggled fur. Her distraction was enough to give Mankey ample time to retaliate, its sudden punch leaving the Espurr reeling with a loud cry of pain. Ashton froze, concern for Thistle causing him to take a step forwards with intent to intervene. But the Mankey let go after a moment of frisking the stunned feline, looking disappointed despite leaving Thistle alone after a rather rude backhand across her still smarting face. "Are you okay?" Ashton called out, relieved when Thistle turned her head and nodded.

And he was surprised to see the flames of fury in those usually calm lavender eyes, but it was to be expected after the man-handling - Mankey-handling? - she'd just been subjected to. It would have been weirder if she'd reacted like nothing had happened at all. She grumbled, wishing her paws were a little longer so she could assuage the pain in her nose to some degree. "First you try to steal my stuff, and now you get all rough and rowdy with my Espurr? I'd cut you some slack, but I think another Confusion should cool that hot head of yours," Ashton said to the Mankey, mouth set in a grim line. Maybe he'd relent after the battle was done and give the simian something, if only to keep it from pursuing him again as he resumed training. Thistle wasn't feeling so magnanimous, her eyes already taking on the blue glow that accompanied use of her psychic abilities.

((Could I also trouble someone to do party swaps I noted in my first post? :3))

▲

● (Thistle used Confusion) ●

deltra of gangnam style

[Noerd]

(Ah, Lamont, ever vigilant and reliable. Beating the rest of us to the punch. :P
Side note: I have no idea why I had Mankey moving first last round other than maybe it flowed better as a whole. Just to defend it suddenly going first here.)

The Mankey jumped up and down on the spot as Ashton continued to trash-talk it. This human was getting quite irritating, and it wasn't even coughing up any kind of payment either. The irate ape continued to snort and wheeze, its temperament only growing worse as the match drew on. It didn't seem to be paying any mind to the rain falling at all; in fact, it might not have even noticed the poor weather conditions. What was certain is that all this water was doing nothing to cool it. More to the point, beneath its mess of beige fur it appeared as though its skin was growing a little red from all of the unnecessary frustration that it had managed to build up. Mankey twitched and ticked every so often while it worked out its next move, Thistle simply watching it and waiting for her chance to strike.

It didn't take long for the Fighting type to start its assault, tearing across the boggy terrain beneath its feet expertly. A glint of stubborn determination was present in its eyes as it approached Thistle, ready to strike. There would be no messing about this time, for Mankey knew it had to make every second count now. With one quick flick of the wrist, the primate slashed across Thistle's face. The Espurr barely flinched this time, her unwavering stare fixed firmly on her aggressor. Mankey stopped in its tracks, a hint of uncertainty showing across its furious visage due to Thistle's unnerving glare. That uncertainty would prove to be well founded, as the little Psychic produced another Confusion attack much the same as before. Eyes glazing over immediately, the Mankey's entire body crashed down to the ground with a soft splashing sound. Thistle breathed a sigh of relief, perhaps noting that she would no longer have to fight in this weather.

Wild Battle

---

Weather: Rain

Wild Mankey | Level 10
HP: 0% (0/31 HP)
Status: Normal
Mankey used Scratch!

VS

Ashton's Thistle | Level 9
HP: 43% (14/32 HP)
Status: Normal
Thistle used Confusion!

---

Congratulations!

---

Ashton has beaten the wild Mankey!


Thistle gained 3 levels for her fighting, reaching Level 12!
She also gained 1 Happiness (up to +2)!

[latani]

i'm waking up to ash and dust

Watching the Fighting-type as it impatiently waited for the next round to begin was interesting, Ashton noted with a twinge of amusement. It seemed to be anger incarnate, or perhaps just driven by some restless energy that was easily turned into frustration when things went only a bit awry. There was no denying it had some spunk, even if it had introduced itself by not so innocently trying to swipe something from his pocket. If Ashton hadn't been annoyed by that 'small' detail, perhaps he'd have captured the Mankey solely for almost impressing him. Thistle wasn't at all charmed by her foe, especially when it came at her again and swiped out a hand to rake her rather hard across the face, just glancing off her still-pained nose. Perhaps that was why she hit it a little harder than she should have, finally putting an end to the manic Mankey menace when it collapsed onto the muddy ground before her.

"Excellent work, my dear," Ashton praised as he walked over, crouching down to pat his Espurr carefully. She let out a sound that was oddly close to a purr, leaning into his touch and being thankfully oblivious to his slight grimace as her wet fur slid against his palm. "I hate to bother you again, but could you use your power to put this thing back up on that branch? It'd be a shame to let it be snatched up by some passing Pokemon," he murmured, reaching into his pocket to pull out a shiny medallion. Nolan had sent it along, saying it was a gift from one of Ashton's fans that had come through all the way from his home region of Unova. While certainly pretty, it was a bit garish for his tastes, and he felt no sorrow in gifting it to a wild Pokemon. Tucking the palm-sized bit of metal in the Mankey's paw, Ashton stood up and moved back a step as Thistle lifted her former foe the short distance to its branch.

Thanking her, he recalled the sodden Espurr to her ball and, after a lingering glance at the tree, departed for somewhere else down the route. As he walked, the model decided to play it safe and let one of his Pokemon out to play, that Pokemon being a very young Rockruff he'd named Iki. Another Pokemon from the Alola festival, Iki's appearance had intrigued Ashton's style senses, wondering if the furry mane around the pup's neck could be tweaked in some way. After being poked by the rocks that protruded from it, he'd given up aspirations of styling the unsuspecting Rock-type, and decided to train him instead. Iki was playfully splashing through some puddles, not too bothered about the rain despite his typing. "Don't wander too far!" Ashton chided as the Rockruff almost disappeared into a bush with his ears perked up high.

No amount of rain could completely wash out all the interesting scents, and Iki was having the time of his life exploring freely as they roamed. Even when Ashton decided to stop and try to check his phone, the pup happily wandered about until a new, foreign scent intruded, likely having been blown in by the wind. Glancing back at his owner, Iki pondered for a mere second if he should investigate, though he'd already decided before the thought had really formed. Letting out a loud yip, Iki narrowed his blue eyes in his best intimidating manner and undertook a short burst of speed as he went to pounce on the source of the unknown scent.

▲

● (Using Running Shoes to Leer and Tackle whatever appears) ●

deltra of gangnam style

[Lamont]

Leaf and twig snapped and shuddered as the rocky pup burst through the shrubbery and into the unknown. An angered squeal and yelp from the excited canine was the immediate follow up for the young rockruff's paws had found themselves pouncing onto a rather spiny target. Further rustling in the bush occurred before the pair escaped the protection of the wood and back into the route where Ashton had an easy view of what new friend his curious pokémon had found.

Nidoran♂ threatened the pup with his large horn, making aggressive jabs as Iki withdrew from each as if it were a game. This only irked the wild pokémon further. Iki bowed down when Nidoran♂ finally ceased his fruitless attempts to ward the intrusive hound off; prime pouncing position. But instead of moving he locked eyes with the other, a gleam sparkling in those bright big puppy dog eyes. The poison type stilled for a second as he lost itself but soon he was snorting loudly and shaking his head to get back to his senses. A paw scratched the ground a couple times before the nidoran♂'s form lit up with a flash of red. He reared up and let out a battle cry -- and that's when Iki acted.

Bursting forth the playful pup closed the small bit of distance and made to tackle his new playmate. The two rolled back with the force, a mashup of brown and purple as the attack followed through. Nidoran♂ writhed, pecking Iki right in the neck a moment before he freed himself. For half a second the wild pokémon was pleased with himself, snorting in display of his might. But when Iki merely gave himself a shake and went right back into play mode as if nothing had even happened Nidoran♂ reconsidered his position.


Wild Battle

---

Weather: Rain

Wild Nidoran♂ | Level 9
HP: 73% (22/30)
Status: -1 DEF
Used Focus Energy!
Used Peck! Critical Hit!

VS

Ashton's Iki | Level 8
HP: 85% (23/27)
Status: Normal
Used Leer!
Used Tackle!

*Running Shoes Exhausted

[latani]

i'm waking up to ash and dust

Shielding his phone from the worst of the rain, Ashton was oblivious to Iki finding an unwilling playmate and drawing it into battle, a deep scowl marring his face as the weather continued to render cell service for the area non-existent. Tucking it back in his pocket with an aggravated sigh, the model looked around for his wayward puppy, just in time to see Iki emerge from some bushes with something in tow. "Damn the luck," Ashton muttered, though he wasn't inclined to intervene just yet. Maybe this was just how Iki chose to fight, more play than true brute force. The Rockruff didn't seem to mind that his 'foe' was a little more than annoyed, the quick jabs of its horn seeming more like a game to him than threatening gestures. His tongue lolled out, giving Iki a goofy look that almost took away from the gleam in his eyes.

No, despite all his playful demeanor, Iki could fight - if he really wanted to. A fact proven when he threw himself bodily at the Poison-type and they went tumbling, much to Ashton's dismay. Mud splattered the tussling duo, specks flying towards Ashton, who hastily backtracked to avoid it. Iki then chose that moment after making some space between himself and Nidoran to shake himself energetically, sending more mud and rain everywhere with aplomb. "Iki!" Ashton spluttered in outrage, backing up even further and fixing the Rockruff with a look of utter indignation. Iki's response was to prick up his ears at mention of his name, tail wagging excitedly and completely ignorant of Ashton's annoyed tone. Pinching the bridge of his nose, the model counted to ten before looking over the Nidoran his Pokemon had cajoled out into the open.

It wasn't a very pretty looking one, but looks weren't everything with Pokemon, he was starting to learn. Maybe this would just be another training opportunity, unless something interesting happened to change his mind. "Ugh. Fine, if you want to go sniffing out battles, you finish the job. Tackle it," Ashton ordered firmly. Iki barked in reply, his eagerness to 'play' bringing a reluctant smile to his trainer's face. He couldn't fault the pup for exploring, couldn't bring himself to break Iki's heart by telling him no. Bounding forwards uncaring of the muck that splashed beneath his paws, Iki charged at the Nidoran with unhidden glee.

▲

● (Iki uses Tackle) ●

deltra of gangnam style

[Noerd]

(Would like to apologise for the laziness here; have nicked Lam's battle template because frankly I need to avoid as much work as I can. Is late but I need to get stuff done. Have tried to keep up a decent standard.)

While Iki was quite happily playing with its new rival, Nidoran looked less than impressed with the assault. It growled at Iki - well, if Nidoran growl at all -, trying to scare the little Rockruff off or at least gain a little distance. However, the pathetic attempt at intimidation likely did little to put the puppy off. Iki bounded straight into the Poison type's face, ramming it with similar force to before and knocking it off its stride. Nidoran staggered backward into a puddle, splashing loudly. This opponent was most certainly going to be a difficult one to overcome, even if it was just a playful dog. Nidoran once again retaliated with a Peck attack, trying to leave a little more of a mark this time. However, just as before, Iki seemed to completely disregard the move and continued to bounce around happily. This would probably not be a pleasant encounter for Nidoran to be dealing with. Especially not in this miserable weather.

Wild Battle

---

Weather: Rain

Wild Nidoran♂ | Level 9
HP: 50% (15/30)
Status: -1 DEF
Nidoran used Peck! Critical hit!

VS

Ashton's Iki | Level 8
HP: 70% (19/27)
Status: Normal
Iki used Tackle!

[latani]

i'm waking up to ash and dust

No, this Pokemon really wasn't his style, but Ashton gave it some kudos for putting up - albeit a little poorly - with Iki. Despite its grouchiness, it was at least trying to fight, even if its attacks didn't seem to be doing much to the over-eager pup. Ashton was still mildly amused at the fact Iki was a Rock-type; aside from the pointy rocks in his ruff, there wasn't much that suggested the typing otherwise. Perhaps it was this that allowed his Rockruff to be a little more lackadaisical about this battle, not feeling the blows Nidoran was dealing him enough to believe it was playing with him. Either that, or the pup was just plain excited to be out and about, with this fight just a natural extension of that excitement. "Ease up there, Iki. Don't want to wear yourself out too early," Ashton called over the rain as Iki renewed his splashing about in the mud.

Soggy tail still waving at top speed, the Rockruff obliged with a short bark to convey he understood, taking the small break to gaze at Nidoran with guileless blue eyes. He hadn't spent much time roaming about his home region, but he'd definitely never seen anything like this. The smell, the strange pecking it had assailed him with, its funny noises - too much fun! Iki padded about in a small circle, an impatient whine slipping free as Ashton debated the next move to call out. "Keep going with Tackle. Try not to get mud all over the place again," Ashton added in a disdainful tone, still keeping a wide berth from where the two Pokemon were battling. Yes, he was dressed in high-end foul weather clothing, intended to get a bit dirty, but that didn't mean he wanted to get completely filthy and ruin them.

Iki, meanwhile, cared nothing for getting a little muddy - heck, he rather enjoyed it. The rain was a bit uncomfortable, but it wasn't enough to stop him from reveling in the mud-slicked ground it created. That kind of play would have to wait, since Iki definitely didn't want his friend to bolt away back into hiding while he was rolling about in the mud. Buoyed by that though, the Rockruff raced towards Nidoran on steady paws with a bit of urgency in his pace. Nidoran running off in the middle of all the fun was a mournful thought, and Iki was determined to not let such a tragedy happen. "The things I do for furthering my reputation," Ashton muttered under his breath, amber eyes cool as he impatiently flicked pooling rain from the hood of his jacket.

▲

● (Iki uses Tackle) ●

deltra of gangnam style

[Lamont]

Splashing his entire way over, Iki ran straight for his pointy playmate to engage in another hardy tackle. This time though the pup had at least enough self control to keep the pair from going for a moisture wicked tumble through the grass and mud. Instead, the rocky canine half turned and did more of a body slam right into Nidoran♂'s side. Of who responded with an annoyed hiss.

No, it was more than annoyance at this point. A red flash sparked in the the wild pokémon's eyes once it had recovered from the short stumble backward. Its stout legs aiding in keeping it from shaking despite reaching the end of its stamina. The poison pokémon wasn't out yet though. It still had plenty of fight left. The ineffective pricks weren't cutting it so it only had one other option.

Nidoran♂ huffed and barrelled forward. Iki dipped down, tail in the air wagging rapidly, and prepared for the incoming retort. But this time wasn't like the last two. The pup sprung up to avoid getting a poke in the eye and in doing so was miss positioned to react when the wild nidoran♂ skid and spun. Its back two legs lifted into the air and caught the rockruff right in the tummy. Iki would have yelped if he hadn't just had the breath knocked out of him. What had been playful fun times swiftly turned as the hound was thrown to his side and another set of kicks beat down on him.

He laid still.

The rain continued pounding. Ears twitching in agitation Nidoran♂ snorted loudly and turned its fierce eyes upon the trainer.

Wild Battle

---

Weather: Rain

Wild Nidoran♂ | Level 9
HP: 23% (7/30)
Status: -1 DEF
Nidoran used Double Kick!

VS

Ashton's Iki | Level 8
HP: 0% (0/27)
Status: Normal
Iki used Tackle!

---

Iki fainted! He lost a Happiness point

---

Will Ashton send out another pokémon to rectify the situation?

[latani]

i'm waking up to ash and dust

Iki and Nidoran continued their fight with little care for the rain that continued to cascade down, their moods unchanging but Ashton's slowly slipping away with each passing minute. He stuck it out, however, to spite some of the sneaky tabloid articles he'd come across. Naturally some outlets had learned of his Johto journey as a trainer and to drum up sales, they'd painted him as a ninny who would run back for the safety of civilization as soon as nature got a little rough. Brow furrowing as the model grimaced, he wished he could call those tabloids and invite them out to follow him along, through rain, shine, heat and bitter cold. Ashton Jace Reid was no sissy, and allowing them to try and sully his sterling reputation was an insult too great to ignore. So caught up in his internal monologue, Ashton almost missed the next round of the battle, only glancing up upon hearing the loud hiss from Nidoran as Iki tackled it once more.

Iki was confused but excited when the Nidoran charged at him this time, wondering if it was going to try that funny pecking again, moving about to avoid getting his eyes targeted. But the rodent changed tack halfway through, spinning neatly to deliver a jarring kick right to his center. Whimper caught in his throat, Iki was unceremoniously sent splashing messily into the mud, where he didn't stir. Ashton waited a scarce moment, amber eyes dull with shock as he realized Iki had actually fainted, and now the uppity Nidoran was giving him the stink eye. He felt a fine tremor of rage flicker through him, but Ashton clamped down on it hard, needing a cool head to keep from doing anything ridiculous. "You've made a big mistake," he hissed in a strained voice, returning his poor Rockruff to his ball with a shaky hand.

Maybe it was his fault for not paying the battle more attention, or just not suspecting the Nidoran to have been hiding an attack like that, but regardless, he knew what he had to do. And Nidoran was going to pay for it. He sent forth Thistle once more, and didn't flinch when she let out a shrill cry of outrage from being called out into the rain. "Can it, Thistle. This little pest needs a firm lesson to not mess with Ashton Reid's Pokemon. Confusion." The Espurr peered up at her trainer with wide eyes, wondering what exactly had put that tone in his voice. Knowing it was best not to argue considering his mood, the Psychic-type focused her renewed irritation on her foe and let that empower her incoming strike.

▲

● (Thistle used Confusion) ●

deltra of gangnam style

[Lamont]

The chill from Ashton's voice could have changed the rain into spears. Nidoran♂ held his ground, dipping his chin in to threaten with the long horn protruding from its forehead. He was committed now. This pup and his trainer invaded the poison type's home, bashed it around and made light of it, Nidoran♂ only had the option to keep up the strong display; and certainly had the pigheadedness to keep it up. The odd hound was returned in a flash of light, getting a snort from the territorial pin pokémon. If it wasn't for all the damage it had sustained it would probably be making more intimidating motions but for now it was best to conserve its energy in case more fighting ensued. Which of course it would.

Not only was it the way of most trainers, but this had gotten personal. The rivalry of the hotheaded wild 'mon was returned by Ashton, a dark gaze falling onto Nidoran♂. It didn't matter what was sent out, it would need to be dealt with in the same manner; if he could manage such a thing. Though, unbeknownst to the nidoran♂ he wouldn't have stood a chance in peak condition against what Ashton called out. Thistle reigned in the sass upon catching the serious tones of her trainer's words. It was time to make him proud.

Before her opponent could even begin to decide on an attack her eyes lit up with energy, a flow radiating from her being as she summoned from her well of power a swift strike. Catching Nidoran♂'s eye wasn't difficult thanks to its determined stare. It was almost child's play really. With their eyes already locked the disorienting psychic energies that rushed forth enveloped the poison pin pokémon wholly. So swift it didn't even know what was happening, the wild pokémon stiffened and motionless for a few moments before simply toppling over into unconsciousness.

---

VICTORY!

---

Thistle grew to LV 14 and gained +1 Happiness (+3)!
She would like to learn Light Screen; delete an old move?

[latani]

i'm waking up to ash and dust

((Dropping Leer for Light Screen. Would like to box Silvius for the Heracross egg currently in Ashton's PC, and swap out Thistle for Hyperion. Word count [if applicable]: 617))

He wasn't the kind to take satisfaction in watching the Nidoran fall to Thistle's concentrated strike. No, this was for Iki's sake, to repay what had been done to his Rockruff when all Iki had wanted to do was roughhouse a little. As the Poison-type fainted, Ashton inclined his head to Thistle as the small feline faced him again, her expression timid. "Thank you. I'll make it up to you for battling out in this rain twice today," the model promised, looking up at the sky as the rain seemed to lighten somewhat. The gunmetal gray clouds didn't seem quite so heavy; perhaps promise of better weather for returning to training. Spirits lifting at the thought, Ashton recalled Thistle to her ball, not sparing a glance for the fallen Nidoran as he turned and retraced his path back to Azalea's Pokemon Center. As he entered the building and headed straight for the nurse, he caught sight of something rather unusual sitting on the counter.

"Is... that an egg?" Ashton asked, unable to resist a curious glance at the object in question as he handed over his team's Poke Balls. "It is. We're not sure who left it here, but I was going to contact Bugsy and see if he would want to take it in. Or if not, find a trainer willing to do so," Nurse Joy explained, stepping away to heal his team. Ashton was drawn to the odd blue egg, remembering the time he'd obtained Anahera's from what seemed like aeons ago. A thought occurred to him, sudden inspiration leading him to blurt out, "I'll take it." The nurse looked up in surprise, but she composed herself with her usual grace. "Well, if you're absolutely sure, I don't see the harm in it. You'll have to make room on your team first."

Accepting his Poke Balls back, Ashton hurried over to the PC and made the necessary changes to his team. Taking the egg with stern instructions from Nurse Joy on how to best care for it, Ashton found a safe spot to tuck it into his bag, reluctantly surrendering some of his clothing to keep it from being damaged by any loose objects floating free. He'd always been a bit on the impulsive side, but there was something about this egg he couldn't quite put a finger on. Maybe something rare would hatch from it, or something strong enough to tide him through his journey across Johto. Regardless, it wouldn't be any time soon, especially if he kept dawdling instead of striking back outdoors. Ashton had already shed his rain gear, having seen the sunlight streaming in through the windows, and was back on the route in record time.

Iki was with him again, and Ashton was kneeling down, mindful of the earth still being rather moist, speaking to the Rockruff in an apologetic tone. "I let you down Iki, and I'm sorry for it. I won't stop you from playing, but I can't let you get hurt like that again," he said, heart heavy as he started into Iki's guileless blue eyes. Emitting a soft yip, Iki put both paws on Ashton's knees so he could lick at the model's nose, tail wagging happily behind him. That one lick, simple acceptance from Iki that he didn't hold it against him, froze Ashton in place. It was strange, he thought past the shock, that it was a Pokemon that so readily forgave him for a mistake. More than could be said about his human 'friends'. Patting Iki's head affectionately, he chuckled and stood back up to let the Rockruff roam about, amber gaze more watchful as he waited for something to come to them.

▲

● (On Route 33) ●

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