It wasn't too long before they came across the source of the noise, a strange clicking that sounded like two pieces of stone being dragged against each other. The source appeared to be a nosepass, which was standing as still as can be as the two intruders stared at it. If Frederick didn't recognize the creature he would have assumed it was some sort of strange statue. But it was very difficult to forge a big red nose like that. And since it seemed intent on keeping to itself that meant that they were free to get the first attack without much issue.

"Let's do this right. Focus energy." Frederick spoke in a hushed tone toward his nidorino, wanting to make sure their target didn't hear them planning their attack. Tiny let out a low growl as he closed his eyes as he started to concentrate, a slight purple glow building around his body as the energy started to well up in his muscles. Once he was felt prepared his eyes would snap open, a new level of intensity to his gaze as he stared at the stationary opponent. "Very good. Now hit it with a double kick. Everything you've got."

With a grunt of confirmation the nidorino charged forward, sharp teeth clenching as he felt the energy radiating throughout his body. It was going to feel really good to let this out on the nosepass. By the time the opponent realized it had been spotted it was too late. The nidorino had launched itself into the air with both of it's forelegs ready to strike, extending them out at the last moment with a double kick to the face. The attack was highly effective, a large crack forming across the stoney creature's prominent nose.

In response the creature would use it's magnetic abilities to pull a sizeable rock in front of it, holding it in place between him and his opponent. Then he would quickly reverse the polarity, propelling the rock at high speeds toward the nidorino. In response to the rock throw the poisonous pokemon lowered his head, positioning his diamond hard horn to absorb most of the blow. The rock shattered against the horn, dispersing the damage across numerous smaller rocks. "Good reflexes. Now finish it off with another set of kicks."

As the nosepass was readying another rock to fling at it's attack Tiny would leap forward once again, delivering another strong double kick to the creature's face. The crack grew larger from each hit, a sharp whistle of pain being emitted from the creature as it toppled over. It may have been still before, but it was clear that it was truly unconscious. "You've improved quite a bit my friend. Come on, let's see what else we can find." Frederick walked past the nidorino, leaning over to give him a quick pat of the head as he continued forward. The pink brute responded with only a snort as he followed after his trainer, eyes and ears still alert for any potential attackers.

                          

Everything seemed to be fine as the two walked, both content to wander in silence for the time being. Not only were they each fine spending time along with their thoughts, but with how sounds echoed in this maze it was probably best to keep quiet to make sure they didn't miss any hints at a potential ambush. Tiny's ears were stiff and alert as usual, while Frederick continued to chart out the cavern in his notebook. Though as he thought about it with the number of tunneling pokemon in this place it was likely that the shape of the maze could change over time. Who knew how long this map of his would even be relevant? But at least it would make sure they made it out safely today.

Tiny once again stopped in his tracks, lips parting as he bared his fangs and started growling at what appeared to be a rock along the wall. Frederick paused, brows furrowing slightly as he looked at the seemingly harmless rock. Was there something on the other side of the wall? It wasn't like Tiny to react to something he wasn't sure was a pokemon. Before there was much time left to question the situation one of the rocks would move slightly, causing the nidorino's pins to bristle. An amused smile appeared on Frederick's face as he finally understood the situation, his head bobbing as a silent means of communication.

With permission to strike granted the vigorous pokemon charged forward and lept in to the air, bringing his hind legs up as he readied a double kick. At the sound of the rapidly approaching pokemon the geodude realized that the jig was up and that it was time for action. As he uncurled his arms and turned to face his attackers he would find himself getting struck directly in the face with both feet, the impact sending him back into the wall behind him. "Good work Tiny. Keep up the pressure with another set of kicks."

The geodude glared at the nidorino, his hardened gaze masking the pain that was pulsating through his stoney form. Reaching to his side he grabbed one of the rocks he was once resting beside, attempting to use rock throw it at the poisonous pokemon with all his might. While the ball was still in the air the geodude dropped to the ground and started rolling forward at high speeds, following up the projectile with a rollout Tiny was ready for the rock, lowering his head to absorb the impact just like before. "Focus Tiny! Kick him out of the rollout!" The nidorino's eyes widened as he realized what was coming toward him, quickly rearing up onto his hind legs as he prepared his counter.

The double kick with both legs met the rollout, the impact causing both of the pokemon to go sliding backwards. Once again the geodude was sent crashing into the wall, this time seeming to have lost the strength to pick himself back up. Tiny on the other hand was standing strong, though the damage from the attack had him breathing a bit more heavily. "You responded to my instructions quickly. It's as if you've improved in every possible way." The trainer smiled down at his gruff pokemon, who for a brief moment seemed almost happy to receive the praise. But the emotion was quickly stifled, replaced with a stern look and a snort as he turned to continue through the maze. Frederick chuckled softly at his pokemon as he moved to walk beside it, his eyes turning back to the notebook. "I know, my friend. It makes me happy too."

                          

The next sound immediately put the nidorino on edge, the familiar sound of a very specific pokemon echoing from further within the tunnel. While it didn't seem like it was the exact same one he longed to fight, there was still a bit of a grudge there. He let out a low growl as his pins started to bristle, feet scraping against the ground as he felt the urge to battle and did everything he could to resist the urge to run off. Frederick simply smiled down at his pokemon, proud of the self control he was exhibiting here. It was clear that he was really itching to run off, yet had the discipline to sit tight and wait for his orders. Not too long ago he would have sprinted off without a word no matter what his trainer had to say.

"Go on, let's see what you've found." Immediately the large eared pokemon sprinted off, Frederick keeping a close distance behind as they closed in on their next opponent. Once the little green creature came into view everything made perfect sense. "A larvitar. Of course." The ranger shook his head, amusement showing plainly on his face as he watched the orange bellied creature. It seemed to be exercising, letting out soft grunts as it picked up large rocks and lifted them up as a form of training. Upon seeing the two challengers however it would toss the large rock aside and gain a wide smile. Tiny would meet the rock pokemon with a hardened stare, baring his teeth and letting out a low growl. "You know what to do here. Have fun."

Immediately the nidorino would charge forward, moving with ferocity beyond anything he had shown in today's training. Larvitar took a wide stance, bracing himself for whatever the opposing pokemon had to throw at him. What he didn't expect was for the the nidorino to dive forward with both feet extended, aiming a double kick straight for the creature's snouth. Both feet connected and caused the pokemon to fall to the ground with Tiny on top of it. "Good work Tiny. Stomp it while it's down." Tiny lifted one of his legs, getting ready to deliver another set of strikes while he was down. But the larvitar wasn't going to give up without a fight, his head suddenly lurching forward and baring a set of sharp fangs as he would bite into the poisonous pokemon. Of course biting a creature that secretes poison was rarely a good idea, as poison started seep into the creature's mouth.

Yet Tiny would not be stopped. He reared back onto his hind legs, pulling himself from the larvitar's jaws. Bending his fore legs back he would then come down again, extending them at the last second to deliver another double kick to the pinned Larvitar. The second set of kicks was enough to seal the victory, the green creature letting out one final gasp before losing consciousness. Frederick clapped his hands upon seeing this victory, his smile growing wide with pride as he stepped toward the pink pokemon. Tiny hopped off his opponent, taking a moment to kick some dust onto his defeated prey before trotting up to Frederick.

The dark skinned trainer would kneel down in front of the prideful pokemon, a hand moving to cup his muzzle as he looked into his eyes. "That was perfect Tiny. Hold on to that fury, that ferocity. Let that fuel you as you fight. Keep pushing yourself, for the both of us. If you keep fighting like this..." He paused, looking over to the twitching form of a larvitar that was now coated in a thin layer of dust. "You'll be a force to be reckoned with. Which would make me very, very proud." With one more pat on the side of the face the trainer would stand up and spin on his heels, eyes locking on to the map in his notepad.

"I think that's enough for today. I doubt anyone in here will be challenging us after a display like that. Let's get you healed up and something to eat." Tiny simply snorted as he moved to follow after his trainer, seemingly uninterested in his trainer's words. Yet as they walked he would look back to the larvitar, an eager smile appearing on his face for a moment before he turned to face the path ahead once more. Just like that huh? Yeah, he could do that.