---

Oxytocin was a terrible hormone.

Sure, it had very little to do with him but still played its role in wanting to turn Geno around and go back home to their warm bed. Cuddle for the next couple of hours. It sounded like such a better plan than this at the present. Cold and surrounded by pine. Not to mention by himself. All the chatter of Pokemon in the trees had Geno on his guard. The distant soft caws of Pidgeys and Pidove were friendly and inviting but the occasional Murkrow wasn’t so. A rustle in the trees behind him caused Geno’s already jumpy attention to make him turn on his heels, hand at his belt. His options were limited were to keep his Pokemon on his person. The traditional belt had to do for now. The waiting game had started.

And it quickly ended. The tree had giggled a rather familiar giggle followed by Alvaro hanging by one foot with his wings flared. “QUE PASA!”

“Q-que....Que pasa?! What are you doing out here?!” Geno had barked. This was no place for Avaro to be. Unfazed, the Chatot had dove from his position entering a gentle glide to the Hispanic’s shoulder coming in for an equally gentle landing. In his clutches was a note and a box:

Someone has to be with you...and if I can’t be...Alvaro should. Don’t try to send him back.

This was sort of troubling, and in the tiny box resided Alvaro’s poke’ball that was equally old and faded as him, to the point of even being the same shade of pink. (I guess she sent it with him in case of emergency...) Geno rolled the poke’ball in his palm for a moment before putting it in his bag. “Don’t you wander off, understand?” Geno warned looking at Alvaro from the corner of his eye. The old bird gave a swift nod. Geno had to admit his presence was comforting. “If anything were to happen to you, I couldn’t live with myself...”

Alvaro wasn’t paying all that much attention staring into the trees. The memory was almost like yesterday, when him and Elysia had stepped out into the world on a similar path and now her son had finally done the same. The very thought had the silly bird contagiously giddy and had Geno shooting him curious looks which sent him into another giggle fit. Shaking his head,Geno’s overall plan was to leave Camber Town early and get to Pindle Town before nightfall. Well, that was the intended plan. He had to remember there would always be some sort of delay. Getting lost was definitely a possibility as every pine tree looked too similar to the next. Wild Pokemon on the other hand were a guarantee. Every shake of a branch, rustle in the bush, movement in the grass was a possible first encounter. Something Geno was actually kind of dreading. Even worse, another person; Something he nor his young team were actually ready for.

Geno and by extension Alvaro were good and misplaced by now. Saying lost would be wrong. They weren’t lost...they were on an adventure!

In accordance with the day's burgeoning hour, golden sunlight filtered through the shifting canopy, reflections of moving light and shadow creating a patchwork pattern upon the textured ground that lit your way through the grove. The occasional rustle of leaves and chirrups of wild pokemon sounded upon either side of the path, and the soft layer of pine needles made the ground easy to walk upon. Still, that didn't quite alleviate the not-quite-lost dynamic that guided your footsteps along the unfamiliar trail, the monotony of the evergreen foliage that surrounded you on all sides.

Despite your fears, however, you and Alvaro managed to maneuver your way a good distance into the treeline before you met up with anything nasty - and even that was a questionable delineation at best. The level 4 male Weedle that stared at you from an overhead branch might have had a crazy gleam in its eyes, but really, what harm could a measly little caterpillar do? >3>

“Look.”

Alvaro’s head tilted. The english was pretty basic but it got the point across. The Weedle did escape Alvaro keen yet hungry eye followed by a gentle rumbling his stomach. The only Geno heard it was because right in his ear practically. “I fed you....” Geno glared. “jejeje...” The old bird lowered head scratching behind his neck.

Maybe he was seeing things, but the Weedle had a slightly crazed stare in those beady eyes. “Maybe if we keep walking.... it’ll lose interest?” Admittedly, Geno wasn’t all that fond of the common run of mill spider that occasionally made its way into the house; What was his reaction to the bug type supposed to be? Geno’s hesitation was cause for action as the Chatot climbed his way down to his belt plucking one of poke’balls and placing it in his hand.

”Well,...go on.”

Not only had Alvaro abused another’s voice, in this case Stray’s, there was challenge in those eyes as well as in words exactly like how his wife had used them before. The old shiny wanted to see it. What could Elysia’s son do? Between the two of them Alvaro had far more experience. You know being a Pokemon and all. Even if Geno’s interest in the bug type wasn’t there, the potential experience was .Even if it had made him uneasy, Geno released Iris and the Snivy stood at the ready.

Restless, the Snivy was looking for a fight and didn’t take long for her to spot the Weedle in the tree. Professor Magnolia hadn’t lied when she had said the Snivy was a handful. Much like how Alvaro was testing him, Iris would test his skill. Or lack of. With a similar look in her own eye, Iris had glanced over her shoulder at her so called trainer. Geno, still thinking the best way to go about this still hadn't issued a single command. Alvaro even had given him a look that merely just repeated what he had said before.

Before it could come out of Geno's mouth, the Snivy had taken things into her own hands bringing the fight to the Weedle. The swift grass type made short work of scaling the pine tree. Alvaro with feathers ruffled began shout in what could best be described as the native tongue of Pokemon. "Alvaro...don't get worked up about it." Geno reasoned, the old bird might give himself a heart attack.

It was opportunity for Geno and Iris to feel each other out. Pushing the boundaries of what could and couldn't be done. All the while, Iris had begun without him, Leering at the Weedle from a branch above.

((Snivy is now known as Iris))

Quick to take the offensive, the wild Weedle seemed more excited than leery of the prospect of battling the eager Snivy - who even now was swiftly making her way up into the boughs of his precious tree. The bug type murmured to itself quite spiritedly, waving its poisonous horn back and forth in front of Iris like a taunting cloak held before a charging bull.

The grass-type was, of course, faster than the Weedle, and so her impromptu Leer hit the Weedle full on the money. His defense lowered by the Snivy's evil glare, the insect was still quite willing and able to spit a glob of sticky string towards the offending grass-type. Coated in the silky strands of the Weedle's String Shot, Iris's movement was hampered as the bug type whipped its deadly barbed tail towards her body. The poison-type move hit poor Iris for super effective damage! Fortunately, it didn't seem like there were any lasting effects from the poison. Yet.

Iris: :HP12: (Speed -1)

Weedle: :HP17: (Defense -1)

Watching the events unfold, Geno couldn’t help but feel like he had been through a situation similar before with someone else as equally bold and headstrong. She had passion in those eyes. Geno would give the Pokemon that, they just need a little focus. Iris had briefly reeled, the attack hitting quite hard. It didn’t stop her from quickly covering and to stare down the Weedle again. “If you waited...you probably wouldn’t be in the precarious bind you’re in.” Geno had said more to himself but it didn’t mean sharp hearing wouldn’t pick up on it. All this aside; now how to get Iris out this before she got hurt.

When in doubt, you pull a page out of your wife’s book: Why confine something to a small portion when you could take advantage of the whole? Hit and run tactics? So be it. They were still legitimate strategy. Even with her movement hampered, it could still work. So he hoped. “You got a whole tree to use! Don’t confine yourself to just close quarters!” Geno’s shouts were heard, but the Snivy had turned her leer to him briefly before turning her nose at him. They were indirect orders weren’t they? Looking at her self created mess without wanting to admit it...he may of had a point. A small one.

“You’re going to have to trust me!”

Bracing the branch she was on, aligning herself with the target; Iris launched her Tackle. This leap of faith’s intentions were to avoid the poisonous barbs, land square and springboard back into the safety of the upper branches.

Iris's independent Leer managed to again downgrade the Weedle's defense, but the smaller bug-type wasn't to be dismayed for very long. It spat out a mass of sticky String-Shot before Geno could convey his advice, and Iris found herself bound ever more strongly by the wild pokemon's stat changing attack. She could still move around, however, and she took full advantage of this capability.

Using the branch as a brace against her weight, Iris flung herself down on to the taunting Weedle. Still somewhat faster than the bug-type, though perhaps lacking the advantage due to the type mismatch, the Snivy nevertheless landed squarely upon her target. The Weedle reeled backwards, struggling to get out from under its enemy's sinuous bulk, thrashing its tail to and fro in desperation. Vengefully, it stabbed its posterior stinger into Iris's vulnerable body, doing some nice damage - but as Iris sprang back up into the relative safety of the tree, it was clear that the Weedle had not been unharmed, either.

Iris: :HP7: (Speed -2)
Weedle: :HP10: (Defense -2)

This wasn’t working. Why did he think it would? Geno, normally an optimistic person, just wasn’t right now. You’d think all of Iris’s own glowering at it would’ve done something more. The String Shots had nearly slowed her down to crawl. And Geno thought he had done his homework well enough when he chosen a Snivy to start here.“...I have no idea who I am trying fool.” Geno sighed staring at Iris now particularly exhausted looking. Feather ruffled,..well this was kind of Alvaro’s fault in the first place. He insisted but that was still no reason to say something like that.

Geno wasn’t stupid and knew when to call it quits, bringing Iris’s pokeball back out. The question was did Iris? “Come on back!” And though she heard the command, she had blatantly ignored it staying out of Geno’s physical sight. If he had a clear shot he’d most certainly recall her. There was a trump card that could give her a slight edge in terms of extra longevity even if Iris didn’t want to consume it. Out of sight of both her trainer and her enemy, the Oran Berry was gone as if she had swallowed it whole. Last chance, all or nothing.

The grass snake barreled down the trees leader, main stem, trunk what ever wished to call it. Geno had reached to recall her while he had the shot but was stopped by Alvaro landing hard on his arm, skewering his aim. “Wait!” the Chatot shouted. “What do you mean wait?!”

Iris had leered in possibly her last charge, the leer linked into another tackle.

[Sorry it's taking so long, Silver. I'm in the middle of finals week and a bunch of other projects. I'll try to update as often as I can!]

Out of sight of trainer and enemy, Iris consumed the Oran Berry that healed up the worst of her hurts. The action didn't cost her any time, but the sticky string shot that slowed her movements made her just the slightest bit less swift than her opponent. The Weedle spat another foul glob of impeding string at the Snivy as she barreled down the tree, simultaneously taking the effects Iris's debilitating Leer.

Defense lowered yet another notch, the Weedle propelled itself forward, poisonous barb digging deep into Iris's flesh for another super-effective impact - but Iris's momentum allowed for a powerful Tackle into the Weedle in the same moment. The bug-type teetered where it had fallen - and then sank to the ground, telltale swirls covering its eyes. Iris stuck her nose up into the air, giving you a superior glance. See? She could do it even without your help.

Would you catch the fainted Weedle?

Iris: :HP12: level up!
Weedle::HP0:

((I understand xD S’not a problem.))

With that Alvaro tossed Geno a ‘told you so’ look. The Chatot’s keener eye saw the Oran Berry was gone and knew what had taken place. It was a first and earned victory all on the Snivy’s shoulders. Which begged a certain question. Similar to what Iris had done five minutes before in the battle, she jumped with a target in mind. Geno. Before Geno could even start to congratulate her for a job well done he was hit with impact. The tackle had hit its intended area but Geno had been hit with harder punches in the past. Even with that said it didn’t stop Geno’s footing from shifting him over an uplifted root of a nearby tree in a failed attempted to keep him balanced.

And for a moment the world spun. Geno wasn’t staring at a pine needle laden path and a grove of pine anymore but rather the colorful morning sky. He picked himself up with a groan at least part of way. Tugging at the collar of his shirt was quite the annoyed Iris. Those eyes demanding some answers. “¿por qué?!” Alvaro shouted, he obviously managed to escape the fall. Wings were handy for that. Geno’s best hazy guess was that Alvaro exclamation of why more or less was just translation. The funny fact about Geno and Pokemon was that there were very few he actually understood. Given due time he may actually come to understand Iris but until then Alvaro would have to play the role as mediator. Especially in instances like these.

“I get it. You’re a little annoyed.” Geno’s statement may have been a slight understatement considering the increased intensity of the glare he was getting. “It’s not going to happen again. I promise that...but that’s not enough reason for you.” It certainly wasn’t. Promises were often than not empty. “I gave very little instruction to you because I wanted to see how you carried yourself, what your preferences are, so that I can give you better instructions in the future.” Geno paused to better formulate his next sentence. “...And in the situation that I find myself incapable of helping you, I know you can handle your own.”

Iris’s visible defenses dropped for a moment before turning her nose. She was supposed to believe all that? He could’ve made it all up just now! A fascinated Alvaro watched from above, the development was the peak of his interest. Iris stepped off the platform that was Geno’s chest not only to let him get up but breathe a little easier. She wandered off, staying within sight.

Geno brushed himself off, when he got to Pindle Town; Shower was officially at the top of his to do list. Alvaro left his perch to his usual one. Amusingly shaking his head, the bird began to preen through Geno’s hair removing a stray pine needle or two. “Thanks mom...” Geno mumbled. He watched Iris for moment, who was seemingly conflicted. Geno shifted his sight to the Weedle. He did feel guilty. “What do you think?” Geno asked glancing out of the corner of his eye, rolling an empty pokeball between his fingers.

“Do it!” It was hard for Alvaro to contain his excitement even more so when Geno threw the empty capsule at the fainted Weedle.

The capsule swallowed the fainted Weedle in a wash of red, snapping shut and wiggling only once before you heard a *ding!* signaling a successful capture. The ball went still, resting on the mossy dirt.

Snivy watched you from the corner of her sharp eye, still stand-offish and unconvinced by your previous speech. She occasionally shot a glance at Alvaro, but her expression was unreadable. A twig snapped to her left, and in an instant she leapt up, narrowly dodging the slobbering tongue of the gray streak of fur that burst from the undergrowth. Snivy nimbly landed on a branch of a baby pine tree a pace behind where the newcomer stood, alternating pants and barks as his fluff of a tail quivered in excitement. The level 5 Poochyena pup looked quite pleased with himself for 'treeing' his newest prey, and his excitement had him so worked up he didn't even seem to notice you and Alvaro standing behind him, watching the whole exchange.

With the ding Geno was satisfied. It was his first capture and it was pleasing. Still the Weedle wasn’t necessarily in the plans, no matter he’d have to think of name for it later. There was another matter to address wasn’t there? “I think you should go apologize.” He prodded the chatot in his feathery chest. In response Geno was given a sheepish look; it was kinda his fault wasn’t it? Before any apology could be made; there was a snap and rustle in the underbrush. Geno was turn on his heels but had missed the whole beginning. He only saw Iris sitting in a supple baby pine tree, gently bending under her weight, and an accomplished looking Poochyena.

It was a subconscious action upon seeing the Poochyena; Geno rubbing his right forearm. A long time ago an excitable young Poochyena had bitten him and wouldn’t release until told. He had tiny very light scars from the encounter but from the experience he wouldn’t have met Stray otherwise. And therein lied the sentimental value not a fear like one would think. Funny how life worked. It crossed Geno mind try a different approach. “You stay out of this one.” He whispered giving Alvaro a second prod. Thankfully Alvaro took the prods in stride.

Geno started kneel of course easier said than done when you trying to do it quietly as possible “Nice work.” He complimented now having to sit at the Poochyena level. “A job well done.” Iris’s opinion begged to differ and it couldn’t be more obvious shooting him a bewildered look. Chasing her up a tree was good work?!

((Now posted in the right place. too many tabs open))

The pup started upon hearing your voice, spinning around with back fur raised. But upon registering your posture as not intimidating, and hearing your praise, all excitement flooded back in full force and came out as a slobbering mess on your face.

Geno may not have known bug-types at all but the Poochyena was right up his alley. Doing what Poochyena did best Geno wasn’t fazed by the hackle raising or the sudden stance that quickly faded away. What he didn’t expect was getting lept and slobbering on. The excitement was contagious, giving the Poochyena a good rub down in the process.Geno was sure to get into all the sweet spots “You’re just an excitable pup huh?! Yes you are!” Geno’s English steadily went downhill from there. Degrading into a untangleable mess of sounds rather than words.

Iris rolled her eyes taking the opportunity to get down from the tiny pine tree hopefully unnoticed. Watching the train wreck unfold made her face-palm. You just...couldn’t look away. Even Alvaro had to tilt his head just a little. With every passing second Geno was getting attached. What would it take for this bundle of energy to come with him?

You got the feeling that it wouldn't take much at all. Poochyena continued to attack your face with his slobbery tongue, wagging his tail so rapidly that it stirred the dirt behind him. As you scratched and rubbed him, gibbering nonsensically, you evidently hit an itchy spot, as Poochyena suddenly froze and flopped over, an expression of complete bliss on his face.

Even though the pup flopped over contented with all the attention he was receiving, the Poochyena’s body was still alight with energy. Rubbing his belly, the fur wasn’t as coarse as one would think it would be. Scratching the Poochyena’s soft chest he caught the looks his Snivy had shot him. “How can you be mad at this? look at’em.” Geno had almost descended into Baby words again. “So he chased you. He didn’t mean anything by it.” Iris still wasn’t completely sold. Though somewhere deep down their interactions were cute.

Geno rolled his eyes much like Iris had, his eyes falling back on the Poochyena. It just seemed he would such a nice addition to the fledgling team despite his Snivy’s obvious standing. “How would you feel like coming with me? huh?” He gave the Poochyena belly a rough rub and a excited pat.

He wiggled in delight as you continued to rub his belly and looked up at you with adoring eyes. It was quite clear to you that he would love to travel with you. However, as if to emphasis this, Poochyena stood and yipped once at you before running quickly around you a few times and sliding to a halt in front of you with an excited 'play bow'. His tail wagged furiously and his tongue lolled as he watched you intently.

It was hard to keep an eye on the Poochyena as he darted around excitedly sliding to a stop in front him. Geno could only make a bold assumption but he wanted to be sure.“Sounds like a yes to me...But I guess if we want it to be legitimate.” Geno looked to Alvaro who gave him a swift conformation nod. “Iris....? Are you up for another round?”

The Grass Snake huffed; Did he have to ask? She took a spot to his right. Hopefully it wouldn’t end up like the first battle all over again and Geno would keep that weird promise he made. “Actually Iris hold on a second...” Geno paused routing through his pocket and pulling out a rather colorful Easter egg. A very strange claim was made about it...and he want to see if it was true. “Could you hold this for me...?” She shot him a quizzical stare from the egg to him and back to the egg. “I’ll take that as a no...?” Geno wasn’t all too sure. Rolling her eyes, Iris took the egg.

“Same thing you did before Iris, Use Leer, then Tackle it!”

Iris smirked actually she had a much better idea, but for now she'd follow commands as they given which was a vast improvement already. She tossed out a leer following it with a tackle.

Poochyena remained in his playful pose while Iris took her position, and didn't even make an effort to dodge as Iris leered at him, simply standing there, tail in the air wagging happily. You nearly missed it when he suddenly sprung into action, tackling Iris to the dirt. He jumped back just as quickly, but not before slyly licking her leafy cheek with his slobbery tongue. Iris rose, glaring at the pup. She roughly wiped the slobber from her face, then jumped him, tackling Poochyena hard. Poochyena, however, not to be put down, simply shook it off and threw back his head, howling merrily.

Iris: :HP13:

Poochyena: :HP11: Defense -1, Attack +1

Dawwkjhdfk; That tiny howl warmed Geno’s soul bring a flood of fond memories. But certainly not Iris’s soul. Not by a long shot. When sound escaped Geno, she him a look that begged the question; Whose side was he on?! The pups or her's?! Iris turned back to the fight with a paralyzing Glare which she didn’t mean to do at all. But when he had chased her up a tree, turned her 'trainer' into a babbling idiot, and on top of all that proceeded to slobber all over her just now, annoyance had taken over.

“Tackle!”

The word had barely left Geno’s mouth and she was already in motion for another onslaught, trying to catch the Poochyena off guard during his cute little howl. Oh, he was cute. For now.

(I <3 Iris! lol)

As the Poochyena lowered his muzzle from the air, ceasing his howl, he gazed happily at Iris--and froze. As in, not a single muscle on his body twitched, save for an involuntary one under his left eye, which quivered in an unreadable expression since the rest of his furry face went rigid. Iris wasted no time smashing into the pup again with a quick tackle, completely unfazed by his sudden transformation. She darted back in front of you just as quickly, waiting for your next command as if nothing unusual had just happened.

Poochyena, now knocked on his side from Iris' tackle, stiffly attempted to rock back onto his feet, but his movements were thick and slow, as if something were preventing him from moving. The pup looked utterly confused, as if whatever he was experiencing had never happened to him before, and he didn't know what to think of it. Iris crossed her vine-arms, looking pleasantly smug about something.

Iris: :HP13:

Poochyena: :HP4: Defense -1, Attack +1, Paralyzed

Though smug and calmly pleased, on the inside? Iris was ecstatic. It worked! It really worked! She had her doubts after a morning of failed attempts but finally the grass snake had done it. Iris froze her enemy still. Paralyzed them with just a look. Over her shoulder she saw Geno make a movement she could only assume was him reaching for a empty ball. Her work was done.

Geno watched the second round, confused himself. He didn’t seem to being in any physical pain but his movements had certainly turned sluggish. It was, and had to be something Iris had done. It was in their best interest, to capture the poor pup now before things got out of hand or worse. Geno had thrown the pokeball, and hoped that his Jolly spirit wasn’t broken.

“We’re going to have to have a long talk about this one...” Geno’s statement was geared towards Iris, though his concentration was focused on the results of the capture.

The pokeball flew through the air, tapping Poochyena on the brow, liquifying him into red energy, and sucking him inside as a red mass of light. The ball fell to the mossy earth, rolling jerkily and picking up some moister dirt on its clean sides. Finally, the flickering button dinged, and the ball fell still.

Iris stared at it a moment longer, just to be sure--yep, success. Poochyena was caught!

Freeform 002- Guidance

With the capture a success, Geno had picked up the ball and dusted it off on his jacket. He wanted to see if he was alright but it was best if he stayed inside his pokeball and rested. A name hadn’t dawned on him yet but it would. Alvaro fidgeted happily. He stayed out of it as promised. “Nearly forgot you there.” Like always, Geno was so used to his weight after all these years that he did have spans where he’d almost forget Alvaro was there. There was one more thing to address here. “About what you did there...” Iris wasn’t off the hook. Iris’s eyes darted for a moment, looking for a reason only to timidly shrug like she didn’t know. Glancing out the corner of his Geno eyed Alvaro just the same “....and what do you know about it?” Putting Alvaro on the chopping block he had the same panicked response as Iris had. “The two of you are up no good I give you both that.” And Geno knew up to no good very well. Believe you him.

Geno let it go for now. If they didn’t want to share their little secret fine. He selected Iris’s pokeball from his belt. It was nothing against her, but he’d really like to go ten feet without another encounter. And she was obviously a trouble magnet. Daylight was burning and he had an objective goal. If worst came to worst, he’d turn back, head home and try again tomorrow. “Alright Iri---”

“WAIT!!”

All three jumped at the excited shout, literally from the bushes. What surprised them from the underbrush was a tall lanky young man in what appeared to robes followed closely by a Xatu. He was quick to snatch up Iris like Geno was not even there, he wasn’t given the chance to protest properly. “I’ve never felt something so strong before!” The eccentric man commented, the Xatu behind him nodding in agreement. Iris shot them both confused looks, trying to escape. Noticing her distress he put her down “I’m sorry little one.”

“Mind informing me what’s going on here?!” What was Geno? Chopped liver? His voice went ignored however the man looking Iris dead in the eyes. So far everything else that done the same was met with an ill-fate much like his unnamed Poochyena and Weedle. But in this case, there was something strange. Mystical in a sense.

“I’ve seen others with a fire before...but they were pale in comparison my dear. Yours burns brighter than I’ve ever seen before.” He complimented. Iris grinned to herself. Smug like most Snivy. “Adlartok!” The Xatu didn’t react beyond twisting his head. His unblinking eyes staring into what was probably forever in both directions. For a bird pokemon, he seemed quite ratty looking. Alvaro was old but he didn’t look like he was chased ragged by Granbull or something. Summoned from the man’s bag with a subtle glow was a small device. Iris should’ve been more nervous then she was but instead she was rather intrigued ”This’ll only take a quick second I promise.” At first it seemed you could only put a pokeball inside until he pulled the sides of the device, revealing a disk at its core.

It all happened so quick and he wasn’t lying. The Technical Machine whizzed to life and then went silent. Geno’s movement to stop this scenario just wasn’t fast enough to beat the ™. “Hey!”

Now Geno had the man’s attention all too late. When he looked up and saw what he did, this went sour “...I did it again didn’t I Adlartok?” He whispered to the Xatu. Adlartok swiftly nodded comically waddling away without his notice. Standing between him and Geno was Iris bouncing a fire ball between her leafy hands, fascinated.

“What did you do!” Geno barked. This wasn’t okay. Or was it? You know what, It was principal. Alvaro fluttered to the ground to investigate the strange power “...Poder Oculto?” The Chatot murmured just as fascinated as Iris was.

The man cleared his throat “I am Toby the Traveling Tutor and Psychic! At your service, my specialty is deciphering the Hidden Powers of Pokemon worldwide. Always accurate guaranteed!” Toby explained with finesse. With hope Geno could be sold but by the looks of it...He wasn’t. It worked on the average idiot.

“I suppose you spit that story to every kid that comes through these woods.” Geno countered. For such a nice guy he had an angry streak that caused Toby to back up a step or two. That angry streak certainly had strength to back it up if necessary.

“I’m telling the truth, isn’t that clear?” Toby gestured to Iris, who still playing with her conjured flame. A grass type willingly playing with fire was an odd case but if it was her Hidden Power who could judge? “I got a little...excited and carried away...That’s all!”

“Likely Story. It doesn’t change the fact I didn’t ask for this...” Geno returned Iris to her pokeball so that nothing else could possibly happen. Upon being stucked in by the red light, the orb of flame she possessed lingered for only a moment before dissipating “You can undo what you just did can’t you?”

“...It’s...not that...simple Geno...” If Toby was going to come out of this unscathed he needed to use some underhanded tactics. He was caught but maybe with a little imtimidation could get away with from this one. Maybe. Geno hadn’t introduced himself properly anyway. That was kinda rude. Adlartok had waddled his way back. Apparently...they weren’t...running like usual? The Xatu twisted his head again in observation. Extending one wing he swiftly whacked Toby in the back of the head. “What’s done is done...I can’t undo it-- hey!”

“I guess you tell that story every--” When Toby had used his name, Geno was startled. He never introduced himself to this man...did he? He was pretty sure he didn’t. “Ho--”

“What part of ‘Traveling Tutor and Psychic’ didn’t you understand?” Toby wasn’t all smoke and mirrors. “I didn’t think people with degrees in Criminal Justice missed those kind of details...Not that you’ve been a real cop for awhile now. I don’t blame you after what happened...” Toby’s observation must’ve struck some wrong cords. Geno was now the one taking steps back increasing the distance between them. And that felt good. It felt much safer.

“How do I know you just didn’t read that out of a newspaper and recognized my face?” Geno wasn’t going to let that faze him. Besides that was past no matter how unsettling it was. It was too uncanny for Geno’s taste that was for sure.

“I guess you have a point there...” Only for a moment did Toby falter. “I guess a more intimate details will be more convincing...You were born November 14th 1984 in Ecruteak in the shadow of the Bell Tower. When you were six your family moved to Goldenrod where you stayed for the rest of your life. But you still could hear the bells. When you were ten your Mother passed away leaving your Dad to raise you by himself. Your next door neighbor was like your second Mother to you and her son Mark, was your best friend all the way to college where you were roommates--”

“That’s enough.” At this point Geno wasn’t amused. The mentioning of his Mother was even worse than picking on his former job title even Alvaro’s feathers raised. Elysia had no place in this ordeal, in fact none of the past had any place. Elysia’s heart failure was a long time coming and she refused most treatments. Even a pacemaker because it was no way to live. The Goldenrod Radio Tower Crisis was something that should’ve never happened. If someone had actually listened to Geno and Stray both it could’ve been averted. Instead they were overrun and Team Rocket was free to do as they wished in the city.

Toby’s end of things didn’t fair much better. Geno obviously wasn’t intimidated by his psychic prowess. Normally his target’s were kids which he could easily con and sucker money from or even items as payment. Adults were trickier and failure was more often than success. Geno was one of the ones that couldn’t be bought. Again, he had gotten hasty, seeing a Snivy fresh from Magnolia’s Lab. In essence; Toby was telling the truth that he had gotten excited. Just not for 100% for that particular reason. Though he couldn’t lie. Iris’s Hidden Power was a strong one. It was clearer than usual whereas most Pokemon were difficult to decipher, but still he was never wrong.

There was only one option left. And that. Was to run. Quickly turning on his heals, Toby was a fair sprinter. By now a getaway master. He done goofed and Adlartok had the right idea from the get go. The psychic may have been quick but he obviously didn’t see into Geno too well. Did he know who Geno’s in laws were? He set his things down next to Alvaro, who glared up at Adlartok “no hay ideas divertidas...” He murmured The Xatu cocked his head and shrugged. He obviously wasn’t the brightest Lanturn in the school.

Running out of steam, the con artist looked over his shoulder. Sure the Hispanic was long gone, he grinned with a chuckle. “You win some and lose some Toby-boy. That is all there is to it and you’ll never see him again...sure...you’re down a T-M but hey you’re still in one piece and there's plenty of money to be made.” He reasoned with a relaxing sigh. It wasn’t the first time he had to run from a failed scheme before. Why wasn’t caught by now? He figured it was his good luck that kept him safe and sporadic inconsistent activity. He needed a break too ya know. The life of a psychic was a mentally tiring one. But unlike a normal psychic's life he was alone filled with paranoia. One small sound, caused to 360 and the only thing could see to explain the noise was a Pidgey Erupting from the underbrush like something had frightened it. "Take it easy Toby." He tried to calm himself. Geno ate his dust and would never be able to catch up for sure.

It happened as quick as he taught Iris Hidden Power. In the blink of an eye almost. Toby was blindsided and pinned to closest Pine with one arm wrenched behind his back. Another one of those tricks Geno picked up from his wife even a tactic used by Iris this morning using the Pine and Scrub Oaks as cover. All the S’s came into play swiftness, silence, slow and steady were key factors in Geno’s capture. Toby yelped and shouted in hope someone could hear him but there was sign anyone had locked into a staring contest with Geno at this point from the corner of his eye. Neither backing down. Geno shook his head and that was response was enough to this situation “...The TMs I use are duplicates, that way I always have Hidden Power on hand. Trust me they cost a pretty penny even to a regular customer like me!” He admitted. Tech was a shrewd businessman for a kid and Toby had no choice but to buy in bulk because getting to Cinder Oasis alone was an expensive multiple train stop trip.

“Why the sudden confession?” Geno was not even aware that TMs could be duplicated let alone there was someone somewhere in Sharma that could do such a thing.

“Ugh, You Lawful Good types are so thick.” Toby grunted struggling against Geno tightened grip. “Look! Let me go and I’ll do anything you say I swear!”

“You could do yourself the favor Toby and go legitimate!” Not like Geno had any real power in Sharma to do any sort of action to this poor idiot. “Why waste good talent trying weasel money of children that don’t know any better?”

“Because it’s easy?” Toby questioned. Hard to tell if it was sarcasm. None the less Geno smacked him the back of the head with a free hand, harder then probably intended. “WHOA. HEY. Police Brutality!” He cried.

“I’m not a real cop anymore, remember? Or did you forget already?” Geno mocked reflecting on a past statement. He loosed his grip on the twisted arm and let up on the pressure holding Toby to the tree. With a sigh and a final shove he let the young man go. There was no real use holding him still like this. He watched him rub his wreaked shoulder. Geno really did put a good number on it forgetting his strength. Muscle mass he still exercised but never used.

Toby stood in silence for awhile still nursing his shoulder “...There’s no way to unteach the move. But think about it. Hidden Power Fire is an excellent move for your Snivy to have. It’ll cover most the things she’s weak to...Bug types and Ice types. She can hit Steel types that resist her effectively. Other Grass types! All Pokemon can learn Hidden Power but very few can use it effectively and no one knows why...” He kept his eyes low. This was the only sincere thing Toby had said all day if not for a long time. “The only reason pitch it like I do is because the move is rare and the T-M for it is hard to come by...so when I got a hold of an original...I took full advantage of it. I can understand how you feel about having the move forced on and expecting to pay for it...Maybe you can accept it as an apology?”

Geno smiled at least on the inside. That. Sounded like the real Toby and not the con artist he turned himself into “What’s done is done buut...I’ll make you deal.” Geno said. In his pause Toby’s eyes lit up. “Give me the original. I don’t care what you do with your duplicates.”

“I can’t give it to you! I don’t know you from a hole in the ground!” Toby protested “It’s important to me...For curiosities sake...what’s the catch if I do give it to you?” Actually when he thought about it, he actually knew Geno quite well considering he blatantly looked deep into his past.

“You have my word I won’t use it. It’ll stay separate from my T-M case. I want to give it back you when you show me you’ve earned it. Because I know deep down you can do the right things you just choose not to.” Geno observed.

“Who do you think you’re trying to be? My Dad?” He brushed himself off before taking off the psychic robe get up revealing a t-shirt and shorts.

“Not at all. Like I said...it's a shame to see good talent go to waste..You’ve showed me you’re very smart...it’s all just focused into the wrong things. I want to see you do right thing for you.” Geno sighed. A ball of light captured both their attentions. While Geno had no idea what it could mean, Toby did. Slapping his palm against his forehead. Tumbling from the light was Adlartok followed by Alvaro and Geno’s belongings in a tangled mass that landed rather hard one the ground if not almost comically.

“Adlartok! You know better then to teleport without me!” Toby ranted picking up his friend. The Xatu patted him on the head and ruffled Toby’s hair. Though he couldn’t show it, Adlartok projected to Toby a smile via telepathy.

”uugghh....never again...” Alvaro slurred as Geno picked him up along with his things. Geno tried to not to laugh petting him on the head. Alvaro stayed pretty limp in Geno arm’s not wanting to move too much. “I know how jet lag feels, bud...you’ll be fine...” Geno chuckled cradling him. He watched Toby and his Xatu exchange looks, having conversation they couldn’t hear. If Toby wouldn’t listen to Geno then maybe Adlartok could convince him. He didn’t think he was asking for much. It T-M must’ve been real important to him for not wanting to give it up.

“Geno...” Toby sighed looking at him from under the Xatu’s wing. “I’ll give it to you,...but I never carry it on me...when you make it to Pindle Town, look me up. Just keep walking that way and you’ll find it eventually.” Adlartok pulled Toby close embracing him with his wings for support. For Adlartok it would be too soon to teleport again. Teleporting for the Xatu was a difficult task. It required to see into the future which he couldn't do but having scoured this grove a dozen times before made it a little easier. With Toby as support the pair slowly limped away.

"I'll take your word for it!" Alvaro had nearly turned green watching the pair vanish. Guessing Teleportation took getting used...maybe it wasn’t like Jet lag at all. Well they were gone. Geno messaged Alvaro’s collar ruffle in an attempt to make the bird feel better. It was up to Toby to keep his word. For all Geno knew he’d take off and never been seen again. But a part of Geno figured Toby may have been better then that despite what he had done.“You know what would make you feel better...? A Pecha Berry...you like those” It was the woods. How hard could it be find one? Just where did he start?

“I got an idea...” He had to hold Alvaro with one arm. He fished from his belt the Poochyena’s Pokeball. Materializing from the red flash, his body not up to par with his high spirit that a still very much a lit his eyes. “Hey Buddy...” Geno smiled fishing through his bag for one of the Sweet Hearts he had. “Could you do me a favor help me find some berries? You know the grove better than we do.” He offered the Sweet Heart just to ease Buddy’s pain which he promptly woofed down. No pun intended.

Licking his jowls with a happy nod, he got sluggishly to his paws waiting for when they ready. After readjusting his hold on Alvaro. He nodded at Buddy.


((....I may..or may not be done with this.))

(Excellent read! I really like your distinctive characters, and getting to know more about Geno's background was a treat. Also, props for researching the site and knowing about the Techy in CO! Take 8.5 levels for this freeform.)

Re-energized from the sugar rush, although still a bit stiff from paralysis, Poochyena bound-wobbled into the woods, abandoning the trail. At least he was still heading in the general direction of Pindle Town. Following after him at a reasonable pace, you soon realized that you were on what looked to be an old path overgrown with ferns. Peering through the pine boughs, you made out what looked to be an old, deteriorating log cabin up ahead. The roof sagged dangerously, and the porch had completely rotted away, but the door still stood loosely on its hinges, and some of the glass remained in the windows. Buddy led you around the cabin to the side, where a small patch of ground had once been cleared but had long since been reclaimed by the forest. You could still make out the general shape of what may have been a garden, and, sure enough, growing in the section of land were several volunteer berry plants. Most of them were flowering or in early growth stages, but to your delight, you saw one ripe berry hanging from a stout looking plant. It was green, hard, and round, although slightly ridged. Lum berry came to mind. Buddy barked at it happily, proud of remembering the place and leading you to it.

((I’ll hold on to the levels I don’t know how exactly I am going to use’em yet xD))

It was nice to know that out of the three one knew where he was going as Geno waded through the thick overgrown ferns. He didn’t realize they even heading for the log cabin hidden in the pine. If was going to follow Buddy he was going to have to shake the horror film vibe. As Buddy bounded ahead, Geno was a little more cautious. He didn’t think a Log Cabins deteriorated like this. “Kinda reminds you of the old house huh?” Toby had gotten Geno into thinking about his childhood. He was tempted to go inside and until Bud’s padding around back reminded why they were really there.

Geno picked up the pace when he heard Buddy bark. He was no botanist but these berry plants were thriving here and healthy looking, the Forrest taking excellent care of them on it’s own without human influence. “Nice job, Bud.” Geno roughly collapsed his hand on his tiny head giving him a rough pat. The praise alone was enough to send his tail into a frenzy. It was a shame he could only find one Lum berry out of everything that was in bloom here. Alvaro was going to be fine, Geno just figured the pecha berry if they could find one would help him feel better than what he was feeling. Geno weighed the other two options he had on his mind. He could give it to his excitable Poochyena or plant the berry and grow more. Geno pocketed the berry for now til he could make a choice. It shouldn’t have been this hard to make a decision but that was Geno for you. If worst came to worst he would give it Bud...he’d could always get another.

Still petting both the Pokemon, Geno eyed the house again. Against his better judgment, he wanted to go inside. Curiosity killed cat. Or how Stray’s ex would put it ‘Or could find it well rewarded.’ He stood peering into one of the shattered windows looking for a safer way in than pooch. Finding that a back door was lost in the overgrowth of the garden. Geno didn’t really like breaking out the switchblade since in all honesty he shouldn’t have been carrying it around in the first place. He cut some of vines and growth loose but when this didn't loosen the door he attempted to shoulder it open.

The door groaned in protest, and you got the feeling it hadn't been opened in years. Rust ate at the hinges, and the wood was barely stable enough to support the vegetation snaking up it. Nevertheless, after a good shouldering the door gave way, scrapping open across the uneven interior floor to reveal a dimly lit back room. Yet even as the sunlight poured down on the dusty floor, you realized the house wasn't as abandoned as originally thought.

Scuttling.

Tree-spotted sunlight landed on a yellow leg just before it vanished from sight into the shadows of the room. Standing in the doorway, you could make out another door in the far wall, this one presumably leading to the front room of the cabin. Thick cobwebs laced the ceiling and corners so densely, the entire room had a milky hue to it from the webbing, the pale tone giving the otherwise lightless room its dim look.

Alvaro's feathers bristled suddenly as a sticky string of white shot out from the darkness, latching to your pant leg. Buddy began barking in alarm, and a hiss escaped from the cabin's shadows. The string violently tugged at your leg, nearly throwing your balance as something tried to pull you inside...!


(Btw, you're the first to enter the cabin from the back... so I plan on having fun with this. mwahahah. You've been warned. >=] )

Geno had to catch himself lest he wanted end up through the floor. The horror film vibe took a solid hold when the door swung open. This wasn’t abandoned. It was very much occupied. And someone had been very busy decorating the place. The ceilings and corners laced with elaborate webbing that couldn't have been done by your run of the mill spider and Geno’s mind could only link it to one thing. Bugs types. Something he already had one run in with. Alvaro retreated from Geno’s arms to higher ground, to his shoulder. “Well...it’s not exactly like the old house.” Geno whispered giving him a glance. Alvaro quickly shook his head. This was very far from the childhood home in Ecruteak. There was warm memories there and this held none.

Geno wandered from the back room into the main hall the probably lead into the living room of the old home. Alvaro’s faded pink feather’s bristled against his cheek. “It’s nothing to be to scared of-ff” The shot was to quick for Geno to avoid that as if it was shot by a true marksmen. It had nearly thrown him off balance and was still trying to do so. It was partially instinctive that Geno use the switchblade, throwing it at the sticky white string careful not to throw it at his own foot which he had near done in the past. The seemingly delicate yet taut thread snapped a piece still attached to a portion of Geno's leg, the other end quick retracting back into the darkness of the front room. Buddy bounded after it only part of the way stopping mid way down the hall to howl his discontent ready to defend them from the invisible threat.

((5 points to Gryffindor! Also, what’s the verdict on Iris learning the Hidden Power? o: If not I’ve thought of a reason why it doesn’t work.))

A clicking hiss met your ears as your knife severed the string shot, although retrieving the item might prove difficult. It clattered across the dusty floor with a metallic thud, lodging somewhere in the shadow of the room. As you stared into the dark corner where the string appeared from, more soft scuttling could be heard. Finally, two glassy black eyes could be made out, haloed by a mass of yellow legs. Even as recognition of the male Spinarak dawned on you, a frowning green face dropped inches from yours, followed by another irate hiss as a second Spinarak, this one female, hung from her web so close that Alvaro nearly stumbled from your shoulder in alarm. Buddy yelped in surprise, trapped between the two Spinarak and separated from you by the hanging female.

Both arachnid bug *cough* pokemon were level five, and neither looked to happy to have company...

Geno bit back what the curse he wanted to shout. The switchblade was one of the many personal items on him that if he lost he’d hate himself. His heart sunk when it skittered into a dark corner. The knife wasn’t only part of a matching pair, it held value equal to his wedding ring if not more.He performed that stunt several times, why Murphy’s law thought now was a good time to torment him was beyond him. The only way Geno’s mind could conjure this happening was the blade wasn’t locked in all the way into the handle on the flip.

There wasn’t any real time to ponder on that further, when the male spinarak showed himself. For a brief moment Geno’s thought leaned toward ‘hey, I can handle this’ until Alvaro let lose an ear splitting scream literally when the female dangled in front of them. “HEY!” Geno barked the ringing in his ears way too sharp for his liking. Unlike Alvaro, he began to climb down Geno’s back knocking a pokeball from his belt by accident. “I don’t think talking our way out of this one is an option Alvaro.” Geno observed getting hissed at by the female. Heck, apologizing seemed out right out of the question. He could only assume this was their nest and he had broke his way into it. They were going to defend it. He would. If Jack busted into his house and started walking around for sure he’d made quick work of it. Little did he know that something like had already occurred without him.

“Pequeño...” the chatot whispered hiding behind Geno, only poking his head out between his forearm and waist.

Upon release a ball of brown fur began to roll beside Buddy and it excited him in this moment of peril. Popping from the defensively tight ball, was an Easter Buneary. “...Bianca?” Geno blurted actually kinda flabbergasted. Why did I think he left that pokeball home? Happy to see a friend, Buddy howled his delight and gave her puppy kisses which weren’t well received. Bianca composed herself, straightening out her fur. She was, in fact, a Lady.

The female Spinarak dropped from her hanging position to land between you and your pokemon, so that Bianca and Buddy were trapped between the two bug types. Without wasting time, the female proceeded to glare intimidatingly at Buddy for howling, startling the pup and causing him to falter.

Bianca was faced with the male Spinarak, who shot a sticky string at her foot as soon as she unrolled from her ball. The string shot clumped in her fur, messily gluing her to the floorboards, much to her distaste.

Your pokemon looked to you, wondering how to get out of this mess...

Bianca: :HPfull: Speed -1, Defense +1
Buddy: :HPfull: Speed -2, Attack +1, Paralyzed

Spinarak :male: : :HPfull:
Spinarak :female: : :HPfull:

A problem presented itself. This was the first time Geno had ever used Buddy or Bianca before and this wasn’t the time or place to let them fight on their own. When they looked back for answers, Geno didn’t have any for them. Buddy was disadvantaged and he knew it. Buddy would never keep up but at least he could be slow but hit like a truck “Buddy, Howl again! Keep it short and sweet then follow it with a Tackle!”

Geno looked to Bianca puzzled. He still could of swore he left the Buneary home with Stray. The String Shot had obviously annoyed her more so than the Buddy’s friendly licks. She searched her fluffy patch of fur pulling out a brightly multi-colored egg. That was an Easter Egg wasn’t it? She took aim and lobbed it at the Male Spinarak. Could he comprehend how long this was going to take to remove her luxurious fur?!

The male Spinarak promptly turned Bianca's fluff into a pin cushion, spraying her with poison sting. She retaliated by blowing up a pretty pink egg in his face.

Buddy's nose also met with a spray of needles, causing him to yelp mid-howl in surprise. He tried shaking the needles free, but a few remained subbornly stuck in his snout. His eyes watered a bit from the sting, but it didn't look like any poison seeped into his system, so that was a relief. He then rammed into the female Spinarak for double the damage thanked to his pumped up adrenaline, and both he and Bianca braced for the next round, ready for more...

Bianca: :HP15: Speed -1, Defense +1
Buddy: :HP14: Speed -2, Attack +2, Paralyzed

Spinarak :male: : :HP11:
Spinarak :female: : :HP10:

This battle could be fast or extremely slow and Geno was aware of it. Overall, Buddy and Bianca’s longevity for this fight was beyond good. He wanted the pair to switch targets but a deeper thought arose. A natural one to him. “Focus your attacks on one of them, we’ll finish this all that much faster.” He felt no need to bark out orders. Alvaro had crept out from behind Geno affected by his growing confidence.

Bianca and Buddy both looked back and gave an affirming nod, turning back to the Spinarak. Out of the male and female pair; it was the female who was worse for wear. The Buneary lept into the air drawn back for a swing followed close behind Buddy who charged after her for the same target.

(I can't remember... was Buddy's paralysis cured earlier? Or is your profile accurate?)

The male Spinarak looked a bit thrown off when no one charged him this time, but it gave him ample opportunity to spray Bianca with a poison sting, one catching her a bit deeper in the fluff than the others. Bianca shivered. She was poisoned!

Buddy barked in alarm, but even as he did, Bianca still pounded the female Spinarak on the noggin, throwing extra umph in her blow for good measure. The female Spinarak, finding herself tag-teamed, glanced to the male for help, but he was on the opposite side of the pair and unable to aid her. She sprayed Bianca's feet with more goo as she bounced away for Buddy to strike, and the determined pup's gray fur was the last thing she saw once Buddy rammed into her, knocking her unconscious.

The male Spinarak hissed angrily as his partner fell, and scuttled up the nearest strand of webbing. You watched as he reached the ceiling webs within seconds, and Alvaro clacked his beak in alarm as you realized the Spinarak was headed, not for your pokemon, but directly over them, toward you!

Bianca: :HP13: Speed -2, Defense +1, Poisoned
Buddy: :HP14: Speed -2, Attack +2, Paralyzed

Spinarak :male: : :HP11:
Spinarak :female: : :HP0: Levels updated!

((It's accurate :o I held on to the lum berry and didn't use it...yet. Annnnd not the best post.))

It was one down and two to go. If there was a more peaceful solution Geno probably would've sought it. What was done was done. Neither side fairing better than the other. The Male had temporarily lost his partner and for the opposite...out of all the status conditions poison was one no one wanted. Turning to face the remaining Spinarak, Bianca winced. The Easter Buneary in the thick of the action hadn't felt the Poison Sting until it took its toll. So far, Buddy's luck concerning his semi-paralyzed state was holding but his luck couldn't last forever.

Slightly faster on her feet, Bianca spun on her paws to face the Spinarak only to see it was gone before her eyes. Buddy slid to a turning stop by bearing most of low weight on his left paw and letting the rest swing behind him. With a sharp eye but mostly smell he pinpointed the Spinarak with a surprising Snarl. Buddy's brief aggression had given Bianca the tip off she need to take aim and ready another Egg Bomb.

Geno didn't know what to be surprised about more; The fact that Buddy had actually growled (or at least attempted it) or the fact that a Pokemon was coming straight for him with intentions not so clear. If it was human and had approached him in such a fashion he could handle it by several methods but this had left him confused. Why would a Pokemon come for him? He could only assume the worst but hope for best.

The Spinarak winced in his climb as Buddy's snarl reached his ears, and thankfully, the lack of movement required for the move left him unrestrained by the paralysis. Bianca's egg bomb was only milliseconds behind the vocal onslaught, and exploded mid-air only inches from the Spinarak's back.

You never did learn the spider pokemon's intentions. A thick *crack!* cut the air, and dust suddenly exploded in the room as rotten boards, old nails, and clouds of cobwebs collapsed. The minor explosion upset the delicate balance of the old ceiling, causing the upper floor to cave in. In the chaos, you heard Buddy yelp. Alvaro cried out in alarm, hunching close to your neck for shelter, and a moment later, everything fell silent.

As the dust settled, you saw several split boards lacing across the green forms of the two fainted Spinarak, and beneath a rotted section of rug that must have fallen through poked out Buddy's nose, which quivered slightly from the excitement. Thankfully, all the wood was so old and rotten, it didn't weigh much, and Bianca managed to kick the piece impeding her off without difficulty. She winced again, however, as the poison seeped deeper into her system. Buddy stiffly wobbled out of the debris to where you stood, on the edge of it all, and glanced back at the two fainted bug types, as if wondering whether you'd catch either or not. Bianca dusted the debris from her fur, also hopping over, and looking around the place with less and less liking.

Through the new skylight, you could make out patches of clouds visible through the crippled roof, and more cobwebs laced the walls and corners of the upper room. The old door you entered still stood behind you, and the door to the front remained upright. At least the foundations of the house were still sound, even if the upstairs floor took a beating. Your pokemon looked up at you expectantly.

Instinctively Geno had grabbed Alvaro as he himself hunched over to better protect himself and Alvaro. He winced hearing Buddy yelp as everything fell around them. When it all started to settle Geno tried to shout. It only came out as a cough. Amidst the dust and debris Buddy had wiggled himself happily free. Bianca had also surfaced if ablit grumpily. He could tell by her haggard sickly appearance that she was under the weather could also assume a sting had hit its mark.

Deep down he wanted to hold on to the lum berry in his pocket, but emergency had arisen. Though he wanted to give it to Buddy initially, Bianca was in dire in need of it. He taken it out of his pocket and offered it to her. At first he pride wanted to reject it but the poison changed her opinion. While she munched away on it, Geno had dug into her fur to pull the barb from her side. It ease some of the pain while natural cure took effect. “I’m glad you two are alright.” He patted Buddy on the head since he had nothing to give him. And Buddy was fine with that.

Geno mentally sorted his priorities. He unburied the pair of spinaraks. Geno was of course terribly sorry for the outcome. He scooped them up in his arms cradling them safely. Which was weird. “You guys can stay down here a minute...I’ll be right back.” Geno looked over his shoulder briefly only to see Buddy looking at Bianca begging for a small bite of the small prize he found earlier. When she had finished and began licking her paw clean he look sullen and heartbroken.

Geno was careful making his way up the old stairs. Last thing he needed was to fall through himself and limp his sorry self home. Searching the upstairs for safe, stable place to settle the pair. He considered catching one but he knew all too well what getting separated from someone was like and he didn’t have the heart to do it to another. Even if they were Pokemon. He picked a corner far from any door or the brand new skylight as to keep them safe and unseen till they recovered. And though it jumbled up the order at which he wanted to things, he explored the upstairs a little peered down at the gang below. Buddy trying to get some play in with Bianca which she would not have at all. All the while Alvaro cackled at the pup’s antics. It was good to know despite everything Buddy was still good spirits to the point of contagious. Geno thought he might’ve been seeing, but he was sure the Easter Buneary smiled just a little.

Geno used his vantage point to search for his knife with little success. He sighed heavily. There was more than one person that upset with him if he didn’t find it.


((I want spread some freeform levels around if I can. Out of the four points. I want to give two the Weedle, One to Rufflet and to Buddy.)) updated~

The floor boards quaked dangerously under you a couple times, but you managed to maneuver across what remained of the upper floor, and to your pleasure, you found the remains of an old cradle in the corner nearest the stairs. The unlikely furniture still had its crib walls in place, and although it was dusty, there was even an old thin mattress pad on the bottom. A human would find little to no use for it now, but it would make an ideal recover spot for the two Spinarak until they came to again.

The rest of the upstairs was barren. Dust coated everything, and the corners sagged thick with white cobwebs. As you scanned the open space for anything else of note, while keeping tabs on the activities of your pokemon below, something red caught your eye.

Across the room, on the opposite side of the newly gaping hole in the floor, you saw a larger chunk of missing roof. Leaves from an overhanging birch shaded the spot, but that wasn't what held your eye. You recalled the cabin having a mossy-coated roof, but this was almost enough to elicit a laugh. Enough earth had built up on the decayed area to allow for a plant to take root--but not just any plant. This one was small, and several delicate blossoms still tipped the ends of its few stems, however, one plump, red berry hung heavily from a lower stem, which from its less shaded spot, had matured faster than its sibling branches. You recognized the fruit as a cheri berry, and if you could navigate around the hole in the room, then that berry would be all yours.

It took a moment for him to realize just where exactly he had placed the two spinarak and it had left Geno with a sinkhole in his emotions. A reminder of the very thing he was setting out to forget, at least momentarily. There was no use dwelling on it so Geno was told by the people he confided in. People like his childhood friend Mark always took great strides to remind Geno that he was in fact an excellent provider and that this tiny road bump was something he shouldn't let get to him. "Mmmff..." As turned to leave pair be, Geno had set the old rocking crib into gentle motions.

The old crib left him to ponder the history of the house. Something about his childhood made him appreciate older things. It seemed like such a nice house to him. What would cause the previous owners to just abandon it? Geno shook the questions and his curiosity. He continued his search until something had caught his eye across the way.

Seeing the Cheri Berry hanging there, it almost seemed to call out to him. Like a male cardinal after snowfall. It would be his and Buddy’s luck day if he could get to it. Yet again, as he looked through the gaping hole in the floor that blocked his path; he wasn’t so sure he wanted to risk his personal safety. Sure, the support beams were still rather sturdy but the rest of it seemed so, so. He would’ve asked Alvaro for his assistance but he’d rather have a second set of eyes watching the others. Geno general census earlier was that older homes like these were made of sterner things then most. Especially log cabins. They had to be for numerous reasons. Geno’s plank walk was as physical as it was mental and emotional. Even spiritual to a degree. If this went wrong, the end results were not pretty. Again he’d have limp his sorry self home, and explain what stupid thing he had done not only one person but probably to a couple. The task seemed so daunting but in reality was it really?

No matter the case Geno took it slow and steady to reach the opposite side as he reached for his goal. In the end he didn’t have to be on top of the berry to reach it. Though Buddy was oblivious. Alvaro’s attention had been grabbed. ”Oui!” He hollered, in the voice of his wife’s Ex. If he needed help why didn’t he just say so? Still, common sense told the bird to stay put in the long run. Too much movement or excitement could bring the rest of roof and what then? Well, the old shiny certainly wouldn’t have a brother anymore that was for certain!

As you inched across the old crossbeam, you paused. A loud, groaning creak emitted from the aged wood. Nothing noticeably shifted beneath you, however, so you proceeded. With a sigh of relief you reached the narrow strip of remaining floor forming a jagged wood line on the opposite side of the room, and after testing its durability with your foot, you were able to take the last step needed to reach your prize. Your fingers gripped the small, plump berry, and you fell the ripe fruit easily fall from its branch into your grasp. Turning back toward the crossbeam, you figured if you simply retraced your steps, you'd be able to reach the creaky stairs again and return to the main floor without incident... so long as you treaded with care.