3rd Meal

[keep_surviving]

((ooc; Diana got summoned to the base by Team Rocket and accidentally left her pack behind. Two of her doggos have evolved while she was away and they're pretty desperate to find her so after a few days of waiting around hoping, they've started heading south of Ecruteak. Feel free to bump into them or train off them if you want.))

Network Post

[The feed opens to Diana looking at the camera and trying to align it so the world isn't on a tilt.]

[On her lap rests a Salazzle's head that she pets the snout of, while a shiny Cottonee dozes atop the reptile's head.]

Hey guys. Diana here.

Listen, I kinda ended up leaving Ecruteak before I wanted to and I didn't get a chance to tell my dogs where I was going. So, I'm sorta, you know... worried about them.

[She mumbles that last part, as though she's having trouble admitting it to herself, let alone a bunch of strangers.]

I mean, they're usually alright by themselves but they like it when I check in on 'em and I can't do that right now.

[She tries to be casual and shrug.] If you see them will you let me know? [The screen shows severalphotosofdoggos.]

And maybe, I dunno, tell 'em where I am or something? I don't think they're really understand but it's worth a shot.

They're all pretty friendly. [She looks serious for a moment.] Apart from Merwin. Don't go near Merwin. [Then she smirks.] For your own safety.

 

Action; Route 35

A large Midday Form Lycanroc pushes her way through the latest patch of tall grass, shaking the grass pods from the bushy fur around her neck.

A few paces behind her, a little Rockruff tries loyally to catch up. She stops and waits, licking the top of his head affectionately when he reaches her. He wags his tail but she can tell her best friend is tired. It's easy for her to forget how much evolution has changed her stamina and speed.

The impressive form of a Houndoom strides past her, seemingly intent on continuing. She lets out a short bark and he stops but doesn't look back at her.

Ignoring his vague dismissal, she looks around for the last member of their pack. Nearby, a young Mightyena jumps in the air, snapping at hovering Yanma. She lets out a low call and the shaggy beast stops to looks in her direction, wagging its tail in a friendly fashion.

Deciding that the smallest and the youngest members of the pack would benefit from a rest, she sits back on her haunches, flicking her ear to let the other canines know they're taking a break. The Mightyena gives a cheerful yip before returning to her game, while the grateful Rockruff beside her lays down on the grass, but the Houndoom gives an indignant huff.

He starts looking in the direction they were traveling and tossing his head around impatiently. She ignores him pointedly with a yawn. This seems to aggravate him. His lips pull back in a low snarl and he turns away from the other three dogs to start walking again.

She's immediately back on her feet, growling at the fire hound. Reminding him who's in charge. He spins around, his own growl escaping from behind the bared teeth, taking a challenging step towards her.

The Rockruff scrambles to defend her but she pays him no heed, she doesn't need back up. Standing tall and tail raised, she makes her way towards the delinquent, her pace deliberate and unafraid.

Before long, the two hounds are inches away from each other. Snouts within snapping distance. Curved horns and sharp rocks gleam with potential deadliness.

The Mightyena has stopped her game and flattened herself against the grass, making low whines and licking her lips nervously.

For the longest time, the Lycanroc holds the Houndoom in her gaze. Piercing blue eyes looking straight at his brown ones. Not giving him an inch. The tension is palatable.

Eventually, he gives another huff and tosses his head once more. She doesn't flinch. He reluctantly lowers his head and tail, averting his gaze.

After a moment, she too looks away, but makes sure to keep her head and tail raised high. He takes her pardon begrudgingly and walks away a few paces to throw himself down heavily on the grass. The two spectating Pokemon roll onto their sides in relief and, at last, the pack relaxes.

It isn't until around 10 minutes later when the Lycanroc silently stands up and begins walking again that the others fall into pace behind her, making headway once again.

Comments

[dreamsofahero]

Do you know where in Ecruteak they would be? I could certainly have one of mine to help look for them, if you're worried.

*or several, it's not like he has any shortage of both flying types and canine ones...*

[keep_surviving]

I don't know. I mean, usually I could find them hanging about just outside the city?

I kind of let them do whatever they want.

[dreamsofahero]

Oh? Well, it certainly wouldn't be hard to keep an eye out. Ryner and I live south of the city, anyway, so if they come this way I'm sure we'd spot them.

[keep_surviving]

Really? Thanks.

Yeah, they're pretty clumsy and loud alot of the time. Dogs, you know? I'm sure you'll see them if you live close.

Any like I said, they're pretty friendly.

[dreamsofahero]

Oh? And I hear I thought dogs were supposed to be stalwart and loyal...

[keep_surviving]

Well, they're that too.

But Joy especially is just like a puppy that never stops.

[dreamsofahero]

*chuckles*

Well, if Ryner and I haven't spotted them already, I imagine we will sooner or later. Really, I imagine the only reason we haven't is that we make far fewer trips to town now that the gym's opened...

[keep_surviving]

Let me know, okay? [A pause. She doesn't want to sound to desperate.] I mean, I don't want then to bother you or something.

You guys have a gym?

[dreamsofahero]

Of course. If we come across them and they're so inclined, they'd certainly be welcome to stay with ours on our property, for that matter.

*since the two of them maaaay have kind of gone and bought several acres of land around their house and set it up to be basically a big outdoor pokemon preserve for their teams to enjoy when not needed to travel or battling or such*

We do, yes, part of the newly-established "Aurora League". It opened just a few months ago. We announced it at the time, though I suppose we haven't exactly gone out of our way to advertise...

[keep_surviving]

I don't remember it but then again I don't really do the whole gym thing so that's probably why.

[dreamsofahero]

Not the competitive sort?

Though we also have a library and classes, so perhaps we ought to do more to spread the word for those interested...

*because a library is exactly what heppens when two nerds make a gym*

[keep_surviving]

A library? How big is your place?

[dreamsofahero]

Fairly large, though the library is just on the second floor. We wanted it to provide a place for people to train and learn, so rather than elaborate trappings, we gave it a good deal of space, instead. The first floor has several training halls, for example.

Though you're certainly welcome to see it all for yourself sometime, if you'd like.

[keep_surviving]

Huh, yeh. I think we'll swing 'round next time we're nearby. [It'd be interesting to see at least, even if training and learning are of no interest to her.]

[dreamsofahero]

Let me know when you think you'll be in the area, and I can make sure I'll be around.

*since he and Ryner take turns doing the official gym things*

[keep_surviving]

Thanks. Is it alright if my friend comes with me? I can just ditch her back at the hotel room in Ecruteak if not.

[dreamsofahero]

Certainly; I rather doubt it would be a problem, in any case.

[badluckbabe]

Oh crap...

...they'll probably be fine. You hear stories all the time about dogs finding their way cross country right? So...so your dogs are smarter then most dogs.

[keep_surviving]

Well, I mean, I think Lana and Merwin are. But Joy and Ingno? Eeeeh.... Let's just hope they stick together.

Maybe I should write a book about it? I'll just plagiarize The Incredible Journey but change the names.

[badluckbabe]

Ooo you'll make millions. Or at least enough for a combo meal.

I feel like if we did a book about your animals it would be one hundred chapters of sarcasm.

[keep_surviving]

Are you saying I'm a one trick pony? [She pouts, trying to look indignant.]

[badluckbabe]

Well you know how much I love ponies.

But I'm starting to think we could spend years together and I'd never really learn all your tricks~

[keep_surviving]

You did make a very high pitched noise when the farm said you could buy that horse.

Well, aren't you a flirt?

[badluckbabe]

And she is the cutest fire pony and my childhood dreams came true that day.

[She also got a cow not long after so...win win.]

I'm trying, it helps I'm learning from the best.

[keep_surviving]

Well, it's important to have goals, no matter how unrealistic.

[badluckbabe]

Ooo so sassy.

At least I'm better at it now then when we first started traveling together.

[keep_surviving]

Debatable.