[attr="class","kiminoimg"]

[attr="class","kiminolyric"]

SO YOUNG

[attr="class","kiminolyric2"]

my light burning bright everlong till the thrill is gone love's my battle cry it's never wrong how I stay so strong i'll fight all my life i'm all like I can't go on when I can't go on...

[attr="class","kiminopoke"]

[attr="class","kiminolyric"]

A LOADED GUN

[attr="class","kiminolyric2"]

trapinch won. trapinch leveled from 40 to 41.

[attr="class","kiminothing"]

@someone

[attr="class","kiminoright"]

The first encounter appeared. [break][break]

Jenna found herself staring at a small bird–carrying two pompoms–as it scurried through the tall grass. It was coming her way. The Ranger blinked, once and then twice, as the bright yellow Oricorio came to a stop right by her feet. They were at an impasse. The bird did not seem confrontational, but that all changed when it realized Jenna was standing in the way.[break][break]

It raised its two pompoms, chirping with frustration. Even when Jenna stepped aside, freeing the space to the path it was following, the bird was not appeased. “You... just wanted an excuse to fight, huh?” It nodded, swinging its pompoms aggressively. “Figures.” Jenna sighed at the bird and its demands, letting her hand grace one of the pokeballs attached to her waist.[break][break]

Garnet was released from the confines of her pokeball. The Trapinch blinked at the familiar surroundings, glancing back to Jenna with a worry shinning in her beady black eyes. “It's just a fight. Don't over think it.” For Garnet, that gave her a reason to do the opposite. The pokemon turned to glance at her opponent, the Oricorio, and seemed ready to panic. “Hey, hey, calm down–”[break][break]

Garnet immediately used Rock Slide. Neither Jenna or the Oricorio were expecting that. “Wait, what are you–!” Jenna couldn't finish her question. Rocks from the distant hill were dislodged from their resting place, leaving them to tumble their way. Hurriedly, Jenna scooped up her Trapinch and made a run for it. Pokemon were able to withstand such attacks. But Jenna? Hell no. She'd be crushed.[break][break]

Out of the corner of her eye, she spied the Oricorio fly up from the rocks, but get clipped by one of the small debris. It sent it spiraling out of the sky where it landed next to the rock slide; defeated and not seriously injured. It would just have to worry about a sore skull when it'd awaken. [break][break]

“Garnet, what the heck were you thinking?” She said to her squirming Trapinch. “You can't act on impulse like that. I know you were overwhelmed, but you gotta be careful. For your own sake.”

[attr="class","kiminoimg"]

[attr="class","kiminolyric"]

SO YOUNG

[attr="class","kiminolyric2"]

my light burning bright everlong till the thrill is gone love's my battle cry it's never wrong how I stay so strong i'll fight all my life i'm all like I can't go on when I can't go on...

[attr="class","kiminopoke"]

[attr="class","kiminolyric"]

A LOADED GUN

[attr="class","kiminolyric2"]

capture attempt

[attr="class","kiminothing"]

@someone

[attr="class","kiminoright"]

With the Oricorio taken care of, Jenna could continue with her search... except, there was just one problem. Garnet's Rock Slide had likely chased off the nearby pokemon. If any of them were in the same patch of grass, all that noise would most likely convince them to head towards the surrounding forest for shelter. Garnet had stopped her squirming, calming down in her trainer's grasp.[break][break]

Jenna could only sigh, petting the red shell of the nervous pokemon. “Sorry if I raised my voice. I just worry about you, that's all.” The Trapinch nodded her head as if she were a disciplined child; she knew that Jenna cared. All of the Ranger's pokemon knew that the bun-haired girl only wanted the best for them. If they needed a role, she would try to fill it.[break][break]

“Come on. I'll let you ride on my shoulder. We'll try to avoid battling, okay? I'll let you get familiar with this place again.” Garnet perked up at the suggestion. She liked being perched in high places. It let her see the world from a perspective that her tiny legs could not provide.[break][break]

With Garnet successfully position, Jenna held up a hand to help support the tiny ground-type as she resumed their Safari trip. Just as she feared, the patch of grass she had come to investigate was now quiet. There wasn't a single sound. Not even the grass swayed with movement. It seemed to be deserted. That meant she'd have to change tactics and move somewhere else–[break][break]

A deerling crossed their path. The gentle pokemon had been so quiet, Jenna only noticed it when it walked out in front of them. Jenna found herself freezing in place, watching the small grass type as it stared in their direction. They always talked about a deerling in the headlights–Jenna felt like she was replicating that.[break][break]

It was limping. The girl felt her eyes flicker to its raised leg, noticing that it seemed... burned? “You okay, sweetie?” Slowly, the Ranger dropped to one knee; a posture that was similar to what the Safari Employees did when they encountered pokemon in the enclosure. While the Ranger was not wearing their traditional uniform, the deerling seemed to understand that she meant her no harm.[break][break]

Gently, the deerling limped closer and held its leg up for Jenna to inspect. Gently, the girl blew on the wound, clearing it of any dirt before she fetched her water bottle and gently flushed it with lukewarm water. “That feel better?” The grass-type shuddered but nodded, letting her continue with her first aide. With a thick slap of antibiotic cream, she could properly bandage the burn and keep it out of sight. “There we go. All done.”[break][break]

The Deerling still seemed hesitant to put pressure on the leg. “That'd be for the best. My solution isn't an instant cure, but it'll clear up in an hour or so. Pokemon heal so quickly.”[break][break]

It could have run away, but instead it... lingered by Jenna's side. Recognizing the gesture, the girl gently fetched her Safari Capsule and tapped it against the deer's bright yellow flower, wondering if it wanted to come with her.

[attr="class","kiminoimg"]

[attr="class","kiminolyric"]

SO YOUNG

[attr="class","kiminolyric2"]

my light burning bright everlong till the thrill is gone love's my battle cry it's never wrong how I stay so strong i'll fight all my life i'm all like I can't go on when I can't go on...

[attr="class","kiminopoke"]

[attr="class","kiminolyric"]

A LOADED GUN

[attr="class","kiminolyric2"]

herdier won. herdier leveled from 46 to 47. herdier evolved into stoutland. stoutland learned ice fang.

[attr="class","kiminothing"]

@someone

[attr="class","kiminoright"]

Jenna pocketed the Safari Ball. The Deerling would have a chance to relax in the solitude of her capsule. Sometimes, the Ranger pondered what it was like to reside inside a pokeball. Was it spacious? Was it comforting? The girl had no idea, but she imagined that no pokemon would like to dwell in one for too long.[break][break]

Garnet was still sitting atop her shoulder. Despite Jenna's reassurances, the Trapinch remained anxious. She glanced from one direction to the next with an urgency that could make anyone feel uneasy. “Hey, we're fine.” Sometimes Jenna wondered how a predator could adapt such a mindset. Wasn't she supposed to be the kind that laid in wait? Why was her mind always abuzz with worries as if she feared being preyed upon?[break][break]

Jenna could only muse her pokemon and her quirks for so long. A new encounter made itself apparent. The bunhead turned to spy a Buneary watching her from the tall grass. The moment the normal-type realized she was spotted, she charged out from the grass and prepared to attack–[break][break]

“Giga Impact.” Her Herdier was released with a lazy tap of the finger against the pokeball around her waist. Bonnie lunged upward into the air, crashing down upon the bunny before it could think of assaulting her trainer. Jenna had to take several sharp steps back to avoid the force of the move that crushed the ground beneath it. It was a show of power and aggression that did not match the cheery expression of the dog as she turned back to face Jenna, her tongue lolling out of her mouth and her tail wagging.[break][break]

Jenna gave a nervous chuckle. “Good job, girl.” She had somehow aquired dogs that were friendly and social... but downright terrifying to battle. The visage of her Houndoom, Jenever, coated in flames always seemed to arise in her mind. With Bonnie, the frightful crunch upon the release of Giga Impact also joined that memory.[break][break]

Bonnie was glowing. Before Jenna could even have the chance to react to the sudden evolution, the dog crashed into her as its body morphed right beneath her hands. The light was blinding. So bright, Jenna had to close her eyes... and Bonnie grew heavier and heavier, to the point where the Ranger felt as if she was being crushed.[break][break]

Opening her eyes, she looked upon the giant, happy, and dopy looking Stoutland that proceeded to assault her face with kisses.

[attr="class","kiminoimg"]

[attr="class","kiminolyric"]

SO YOUNG

[attr="class","kiminolyric2"]

my light burning bright everlong till the thrill is gone love's my battle cry it's never wrong how I stay so strong i'll fight all my life i'm all like I can't go on when I can't go on...

[attr="class","kiminopoke"]

[attr="class","kiminolyric"]

A LOADED GUN

[attr="class","kiminolyric2"]

trapinch won. trapinch leveled from 41 to 42.

[attr="class","kiminothing"]

@someone

[attr="class","kiminoright"]


Jenna kept a hand on the nape of the Stoutland's neck as they resumed their journey through the safari. She was still wiping her face, trying to dry off all the saliva from Bonnie's endless kisses; the woes that only a dog-owner could understand. The newly-evolved dog had calmed, but her tail was still lazily wagging from side to side. [break][break]

“How am I supposed to keep all this fur from getting matted?” She asked as she brushed through the gorgeous locks that streamed off the sides of the Normal-Type pokemon. Wasn't there a groomer in Kogane? Maybe she could try her luck there... or, if worse came to worse, the Ranger could make the investment and buy an electric razor. Didn't have to brush her hair if she gave the dog a buzz cut. [break][break]

She'd remember that when Summer returned. For now, the shaggy dog would be just fine. [break][break]

Garnet was still resting on her shoulder. The Trapinch shuddered and clicked her maw rapidly like she was trying to communicate. “Something up?” Bonnie sniffed at the air. If both pokemon were reacting to something, then Jenna knew that something was coming. [break][break]

A munchlax wandered out from the tall grass. The chubby pokemon was licking its fingers, trying to get the last drop of berry juice that stained its fingers. Jenna blinked at the robust pokemon and the sickly sweet smell that seemed to radiate off it. Had it raided an entire berry bush? [break][break]

Garnet seemed to panic at the sight of the new pokemon, almost falling from Jenna's shoulder. “Hey, hey. You're fine.” She scooped Garnet off from her shoulder and set the ground-type back onto the ground. “How about you try again? Another battle. No pressure... no rush. Okay?” [break][break]

Before Jenna could continue to converse, she used Dig. At first, the Ranger thought that the tiny ground-type was hiding... but then it sprung up from the ground, attacking the munchlax. It tried to retaliate, but Garnet had already, in her panic, proceeded with her next attack; crunch. [break][break]

She actually managed to win. Jenna blinked in confusion, staring at the trembling pokemon.

[attr="class","kiminoimg"]

[attr="class","kiminolyric"]

SO YOUNG

[attr="class","kiminolyric2"]

my light burning bright everlong till the thrill is gone love's my battle cry it's never wrong how I stay so strong i'll fight all my life i'm all like I can't go on when I can't go on...

[attr="class","kiminopoke"]

[attr="class","kiminolyric"]

A LOADED GUN

[attr="class","kiminolyric2"]

capture attempt

[attr="class","kiminothing"]

@someone

[attr="class","kiminoright"]


Jenna smelled the next encounter before she saw it.[break][break]

“Ugh!” She had to suppress the urge to gag. Something smelled like rot and refuse. The moment the scent greeted her senses, the Ranger had to rear her head back. She glanced in the direction of Bonnie, who had to suffer through the stench with her sensitive nose... but the dog seemed unfazed. Actually, she seemed curious about the disgusting stench. “There's gotta be a Trubbish around here...” and she was right.[break][break]

The small trashbag pokemon dragged itself into the middle of the road, looking downright depressed. Jenna supposed if she was a walking trash pile, she'd feel the same way.[break][break]

Bonnie immediately investigated the wild pokemon. The Stoutland approached it without any hesitation and gave several cautionary sniffs. The Ranger should have known that a dog would not be fazed by unpleasant aromas. Bonnie, ever since she was a Lillipup (which was not long ago), would happily carry all sorts of items to her trainer for her to inspect... appealing or not.[break][break]

The Trubbish seemed surprised by the Stoutland's eagerness. It was used to pokemon recoiling at the sight of it, not... saying hello. The poison-type hesitantly returned the greeting. From a safe distance, Jenna pinched her nose and watched with interest.[break][break]

They were getting along. With a grimy hand, the Trubbish reached out and stroked at Bonnie's long and beautiful coat. The sight of something so nice only seemed to make the trashbag more depressed, until the Stoutland licked at its plastic, trashbag face.[break][break]

Jenna had to refrain from gagging. Smelling the pokemon was bad enough, but licking? The Ranger had to grit her jaw and refrain from reacting, not wanting to spoil this moment...[break][break]

Overjoyed, the Trubbish hugged what might have been its first actual friend. Even if the pokemon was disgusting, even she had the moment was sweet. The smelly Trubbish finally found someone that could look past its smelly appearance. Bonnie was, most certainly, a good girl.[break][break]

Jenna gave a long sigh as she fetched her Safari Ball. After watching those two interact, she couldn't refuse the chance to have the small garbage pile join the team. She chucked the second Safari Ball and look at Bonnie with a pointed look. “No more kisses until I brush your teeth. Okay?”

[attr="class","kiminoimg"]

[attr="class","kiminolyric"]

SO YOUNG

[attr="class","kiminolyric2"]

my light burning bright everlong till the thrill is gone love's my battle cry it's never wrong how I stay so strong i'll fight all my life i'm all like I can't go on when I can't go on...

[attr="class","kiminopoke"]

[attr="class","kiminolyric"]

A LOADED GUN

[attr="class","kiminolyric2"]

trapinch won. trapinch leveled from 42 to 43.

[attr="class","kiminothing"]

@someone

[attr="class","kiminoright"]


Jenna could finally breathe without smelling garbage. Shortly after capturing the Trubbish, she returned Bonnie back to her pokeball and resumed her Safari expedition. With only one capsule left, she could browse without worry. There would be enough time to find what she wanted...as long as the pokemon she encountered were not too persistent.[break][break]

Her Trapinch had seemed to calm down. Garnet finally stopped glancing in every direction. While the red pokemon remained alert, it was far less panicked than it was before. Maybe she had finally grown used to their surroundings? Jenna knew this peaceful moment was only temporary. The minute the Trapinch heard something she didn't like, everything would revert back to normal.[break][break]

Which happened the moment a Buneary stepped out from behind a tree.[break][break]

“Woah!” Trapinch immediately jumped to attention, causing her to tumble off from Jenna's shoulder. She hit the ground ungracefully, legs dangling, as she tried to get back onto her feet. Jenna had to give a small nudge just to get Garnet back into fighting shape...because the bunny was ready to throw down. The moment the normal-type adapted a defensive stance, Garnet's concerns only seemed to balloon; ready to pop.[break][break]

The Ranger had to get down on one knee, resting a hand on the ground-type. “Dig.” Might as well incorporate the same strategy she had used last time, right?[break][break]

When the Buneary lunged to attack, Jenna had to step kick to the side as her Trapinch burrowed into the softened soil. The bunny's jump kick had missed...and it found itself glancing at the ground, trying to find a trail to follow to root out the ground-type.[break][break]

But Garnet had already been underneath the Buneary when she lunged up from the ground, grabbing the normal-type by the leg in her wide jaw. The Trapinch shook her head, biting down harder with a pressure that crunched. Jenna flinched in sympathy and watched as the bunny went limp, driven unconscious from the vice grip.[break][break]

With the foe defeated, Garnet released her bite and scuttled back to Jenna.