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A PAW REACHED to hook a lone claw in the lacy frill of Noelani's bikini, giving the fabric a dangerous tug. The action was quick enough to have its desired effect, the trainer's eyes dropping down toward her hip as she felt the elastic drawing away. Her hand moved smoothly to retrieve the elastic band from the hook of her Meowth's claw and, with the cat now set in her field of vision, Kitten nodded his head toward the shifting of grass signalling the presence of the squat little pokémon nearby.[break][break]

Easing her bikini to hug her side properly, the aspiring professor peered into the blades curiously as she leaned back on her heel, aiming to get a better look at their little tagalong. The fact that they were being followed quickly made sense as she caught a flash of the creature's curious eyes through the stalks of grass, the flash of its grubby, rounded paws and its tall pointed ears an unmistakable sign of a very hungry Munchlax.[break][break]

Her hand moved to tighten the pull of her zipper as her eyes set back toward the glitter of the sun over the water still a short walk off in the distance, though Kitten was quick to press at her fingers, pushing them from her dufflebag so he could claim its full space for himself.[break][break]

The trainer was all too obedient in the retreat of her hand, fingers curling at the strap of her bag as she shifted her trajectory and continued on toward the water. The little glutton pulled their head from the grass just a moment to late, slow, waddling steps guiding it to the edge of the worn trail as it watched after the woman's retreating figure with a curious, beady-pupiled stare.[break][break]

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Kitten sighed softly as the uneven steps of Munchlax faded from his ear. He noted the slowing of his trainer's pace as his eyelids drifted low over his eyes, lingering there a moment before finally falling shut once more. Cuddling into the comfort of his tail the pokemon rested silently at his master's side, ears still alert and ready for any oncoming danger.[break][break]

It wouldn't be long before that danger would make itself clear.[break][break]

Noelani had nearly reached the water's edge when she caught movement from the corner of her eye, her head turning slightly as she turned her gaze to center it on the perceived area of motion. Kitten's ear gave a vigilant flick, though he wouldn't bother to open his eyes this time.

[attr="class","snowetop"]

[attr="class","econtent"]
THE RESEARCHER CANT her head as the movement seemed to be - not a pokémon - but a rock. Her eyes settled on the small stone as it rolled slowly to a stop just a few yards away, resting just a couple of feet from the water's edge. A shuddering of the forest of tall grass nearby hinted that the cause of the wandering pebble was just nearby.[break][break]

Noelani turned to face the grass, drawing herself up onto her toes as she lifted herself as high off the ground her small feet would allow, gaze peering down into the thickly grown grass to try and spy out the pokémon inside. Even with her gained height, the pokémon remained disguised in the grass, its movement toward the discarded stone as meandering and slow as the carefree swimmer herself. The only difference seemed to be a constant shifting of grass - the Sandile's tail wagging back and forth joyfully as it wobbled its way toward its stone with its stubby legs.[break][break]

Her green eyes followed until the little pokémon had peeked its head out of the grass, steps guiding it right toward its prized pebble. The gator's lengthy jaws were wide with glee as it waddled with childlike steps, feet swinging out to its sides before reaching forward to pull it onward, tail still waving back and forth like a pleased pup's behind it.[break][break]

Noelani's lips curled into a smile as she eased herself back onto her heels, hands resting at he knees as she bent forward slightly, watching the little pokémon at play with gentle eyes.[break][break]

Too excited for its own good, the Sandile gave the rock another nudge with its snout, picking up its head and watching eagerly as the rock rolled and skipped out of reach. And right into the water. ' Plunk. '[break][break]

The happy smile slowly dropped into a disheartened frown as the pokémon reached its realization, its head dropping low as its tail fell still against the ground. The self-titled professor watched on in adoration and pity as the pokémon's sullen eyes searched the ground. It was only then it realized it had been watched.[break][break]

Sandile's eyes snapped to the woman's sharply, wide, though it's toothy jaws seemed to open even wider in its shock. The dark type stood rigid for a moment as the scientist rose to her full height, only offering the wild pokémon a smile for its surprise. The short, stripe-backed pokémon glanced around frantically as a wave of panic and embarrassment hit, though it was short lived as it felt a blow to its pride, leading it to center and angered glare on Noelani.[break][break]

The Meowth at her side was content to continue in his rest, and the professor herself didn't seem too worried either. She knelt to the ground and gathered the small round pebble at the foot of her sandal into her fingers, easing it to roll toward Sandile.[break][break]

The crocodile immediately cheered up, its tail wagging back and forth once again as its eyes fell to the stone tumbling toward it. Sandile stamped its feet as it waited eagerly for the stone to arrive, leaving Noelani free to straighten her posture and continue a short ways along the water edge, happy enough to give Sandile room to play.[break][break]

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A THICK MORNING FOG loomed low and heavy over the surface of the water, shrouding the line of the horizon from view.[break][break]

The professor's eyes were set toward the water as she continued along its edge, gaze pulled just over the low hanging cloud to watch the pale yellow glow of the sun as it drew itself higher into the sky. Its light reflected off the water's rolling waves and shimmered against the mist, putting the ocean born trainer at ease.[break][break]

Her eyes drew slowly to close as her feet brought her to a slow halt, a soft breath drawn deep into her chest as she savored the fresh salt on the breeze. The hook of her fishing rod swayed weakly against the wind, the gentle current rippling the velvety pelt of the Meowth being toted along for the ride.[break][break]

As her eyes drew open to cast out over the ocean again, a shadow appeared against the depths of the mist. Noelani blinked slowly, a hand lifting to shade her eyes from the sun's morning rays as she peered into the white cloud dancing over the water, hoping to make out the shape of the creature bobbing along the ocean's surface inside. The large shadow was growing steadily larger as the pokémon continued serenely along in its course.[break][break]

The swimmer's arm dropped to her side as she allowed her hand to fall away from its place, Lapras' form slowly emerging from the lingering veil of mist. She watched on a moment as the pokémon dipped its head down along the surface of the water, soaking in the view as the Lapras lift its crown atop its regal neck, its eyes set forward as it sailed tranquilly along.[break][break]

Noelani's hand reached for the zipper of her bag, continuing along in the action of easing it down as her pokémon gave her fingers a nudge of disapproval for disturbing his resting place. Her free hand eased inside, fishing out her camera and flicking its case back into the safety of her bag with her finger before pulling it out entirely.[break][break]

She craned her neck as she laid her fishing pole against her shoulder, holding it in its place with her chin as her now freed hand moved to support the subminiature gadget. Lifting her chin slightly, her gaze dragged slowly from the little black camera to the water type drifting along the water, fingers sliding her camera with a soft ' click ' to capture a shot of the view.[break][break]

The soft flash of light caught the Lapras' attention, and its face turned toward the researcher with a measure of alarm as it slowed to a stop against the waves.[break][break]

Noelani lowered her camera, watching the pokémon's eyes a moment before hiding the machine back in her dufflebag. Pleased enough with the picture, she zipped her bag shut. Her hand reaching to guide its fingers along the top of Kitten's head in soothing apology for the disruption as she turned to continue onward, retrieving her fishing pole from its resting place against her shoulder and leaving Lapras to her peace.[break][break]

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A SUDDEN GUST of wind rattled the trainer, her head bowing as she stepped back to brace herself against the gale, dark green threads of hair whipping up against the current. The harsh torrent of wind died suddenly, leading the confused trainer to slowly lift her head and pull her gaze forward, searching out the source of rush of wind.[break][break]

The fur along Kitten's spine sharpened to needles as his eyes set toward the Scyther that had just whisked by, now standing just a few yards behind them. His tail uncurled itself slowly from its place along his side as the two pokemon stared each other down in challenge, their silent showdown at the researcher's back leaving her oblivious to the battle of wills taking place. Thankfully, she thought to turn before the tension between their gazes snapped.[break][break]

There was a lethargic blink in surprise as her green gaze settled on the scythe-limbed insect, her sleepy eyes easily taking note of the threat that radiated from the pokémon's visage. For certain, this pokémon would have little difficulty outrunning her, and with its eyes locked onto her form she doubted it would allow for her escape.[break][break]

❝ Kitten, ❞ she spoke.[break][break]

As soon as her words hit the air the pokémon was on the ground, a paw stepping forward to close the distance between himself and the wild pokémon issuing the pair its challenge. ❝ Fake out, ❞ she ordered calmly, further instruction following soon after. ❝ We're escaping. ❞[break][break]

In the instant the Kitten's paws left the ground to launch him toward his opponent the Scyther's wings buzzed, its own body coming in fast as it hurled itself toward the dark type with a scythe lofted in the air in preparation of an attack. The speed with which the pokémon moved was startling, inspiring another gust to whip about the area, tall grass bowing under the force of the wind. Scyther was too prepared to land the first attack however, as Kitten's claws were ready to strike the very instant the pokémon gave him an opening, hind legs launching him into the air to aim a strike to his opponent's eyes.[break][break]



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The feline's claws dragged angry red furrows into the pokémon's forehead, Scyther being at least fast enough to screw its eyes shut just before the attack hit its mark. It withheld its assault, the cat pushing off from the pokémon's nose to launch himself back toward his trainer. The force from Kitten's rebound sent the Scyther falling back a short ways and setting its feet to the ground to prevent itself from further sailing back.[break][break]

When scyther opened its eyes to launch its next attack however, the pair were gone. Its eyes searched left and right sharply before it sounded an angry cry, throwing itself at the nearest patch of grass and lopping off the heads of the stalks with its bladed arms.[break][break]

Kitten had to slow his pace to remain at his trainer's side, his eyes turned forward as the pair sprinted their way along the side of the water. They could hear scyther's call rebounding off the surface of the sea, spurring them to continue forward in putting some distance between them.[break][break]



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Once she'd felt they'd managed a proper distance, the air having gone quiet from the whistling of blades through the air and angered chittering, the researcher dropped forward, a hand resting to her knee as she worked to regain her breath. Her brows furrowed over her eyes as she worked to regain her breathing, her eyes turning about the immediate area lazily in curious search of their new surroundings.[break][break]

Kitten, better equipped for the sprint than his trainer seemed to be, turned his half-lidded eyes over the patches of grass nearby, ears listening closely for any more trouble.

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THE PAIR RELAXED as there appeared to be no obvious signs of danger. Noelani closed the gap between herself and the water, seating herself at the bank and pulling her legs around to drop them into the sea. Kitten, spying the dufflebag now lying on the ground, took the opportunity to pull himself back on top of it, curling himself tightly into a ball and taking another shot at his morning nap.[break][break]

With a brief glance toward the pokémon at her side, the aspiring professor guided the tab of her bag's zipper down a short ways to reach inside and draw out a small tin box of bait. Kitten barely moved to allow for the action, being certain to sprawl the length of his body across the dufflebag as soon as she'd obtained her prize, claiming the full surface of the bag for himself.[break][break]

It took little effort to bait the hook, hands having practiced the task a million time before. With a draw of her arm and a flick of her wrist, the hook was cast, and the bobber was set to sail along the waves. Her gaze traveled up toward the sky as she savored the cool of the water against her legs, noting the sun's gradual climb toward its high noon perch. The grass was warm and dry by now, the safari having begun to chatter and hum with life as the pokémon set about their daily routine.[break][break]

There was ample time to nap while the woman fished. The waters were quiet, thin stripes of clouds passing overhead at a leisurely pace as the student waited contentedly for a pull at her line. But the pull never came.[break][break]

It was after a couple of hours of silence that she looked down to her bobber, the quiet thought of trading out the bait finally crossing her mind, when a snakelike shadow wove through the water - circling her line slowly.[break][break]

Noelani tilted her head, gaze following languidly after the shadow as it steadily grew larger, the pokémon spiraling itself toward the surface of the water slowly. Kitten's ears gave a subtle twitch as the shift in the water rang against his ears, though he didn't so much as open his eyes at the quiet splash of the pokemon's head breaking the surface of the waves.[break][break]

The trainer blinked as her eyes met with the gaze of a curious Dratini, the pokémon only brave enough to reveal its eyes as it peeked up from the sea, watching the woman in wonder.[break][break]

❝ Hello, ❞ she greeted warmly, even the gentle tone of her voice being enough to send the Dratini hurrying back under the waves. Kitten's tail shifted slightly at the sound.[break][break]

The researcher chucked as the dragon hid itself from view, watching the rolling surface of the ocean as her free hand reached again for her bag, this time pulling out a berry. Meowth's eyes just barely pulled open at the scent of the fruit, gaze honing in on the treat as she shifted it in her fingers. When her eyes failed to meet his, his lids drooped back shut.[break][break]

Noelani leaned forward, reaching her hand out over the water to lure the Dratini in with a treat. It was only after a brief moment of hesitation that the pokémon peeked its face through the water, its mouth open toward the snack in question. [break][break]


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The Alolan giggled as she tossed the berry into Dratini's mouth, the dragon snapping its mouth closed and retreating back to its hiding place in the water.[break][break]

She waited for the pokémon to reappear, but after a few quiet moments it seemed unlikely. With no bites on her hook and the Dratini seemingly gone, she reeled in her line, pulling the bait from her hook and returning it to her box. Her hand moved to draw along Kitten's side, the feline stretching out its legs at the welcome attention, its claws flickering out from its paws. Taking note of her movements, he rolled his shoulders, easing himself up from his makeshift bed.[break][break]

It was as they were leaving that a trickling of water pulled the Meowth's attention, his gaze drawing back over his shoulder to see the young dragon pulling itself up onto the bank. His dreary stare rose up toward his trainer as she hoisted her bag over her shoulder, his paw running along the wet skin of her leg to draw her attention. He nodded toward Dratini as the woman's gaze fell to him, pulling her attention toward the serpent-like female nearby. The pokémon whipped the end of its tail as it gazed up at the trainer, searching over her expression before dropping her focus toward Kitten.[break][break]

❝ You want more? ❞ Noelani questioned, lips pursing slightly. She glanced toward her bag as the dragon snaked its way closer, looking it over thoughtfully before returning her eyes to the pokémon. ❝ I'm afraid I don't have any, ❞ she spoke in apology, a warm smile creasing the corners of her lips upward.[break][break]

Dratini's interest in the trainer faded at the sound of her soft tone, her attention turning instead toward the bored looking Meowth standing nearby. The dragon tilt her head to one side as she looked him over, easing closer cautiously. Kitten, on the other hand, held no curiosity toward the dragon whatsoever, his gaze rolling only briefly over her from before staring her in the eyes, a single furred brow lofting in question.[break][break]

The Dratini gave a soft, cheerful cry as she managed Kitten's attention, snaking to one side and curling its body to twist its head upside-down, looking the curiously colored Meowth.[break][break]

❝ Do you like Kitten? ❞ the professor questioned toward the pokémon, closing the distance between them and crouching low to put herself at the little dragon's level. The pokémon, unable to fully understand, twisted its focus back toward Kitten, watching on in interest.[break][break]

The woman shifted to seat herself back on the ground at Dratini's side, her hand reaching toward Kitten to summon him closer. The cat only played hard to get for a moment, eyes shifting toward the hand before pulling away, but his steps guided him carefully within the student's reach, his head tilting slightly as he allowed for her to ease her fingers along the base of his ear. His tail shifted slowly behind him as he kept his gaze off to the side. ❝ He likes berries too,❞ she cheerily informed, smiling toward Dratini.[break][break]

The dragon turned her finned head to stare toward Noelani now that she was closer, searching the trainer's eyes with a thoughtful gaze. Her hand moved slowly to rest its fingers just behind Dratini's fins, the careful movement of the woman gentle enough not to inspire a flinch from the pokémon. She eased her palm against the pokémon's cheek and, almost immediately, Dratini relaxed, leaning into her touch.[break][break]

❝ You can come with us, if you like, ❞ she offered, withdrawing her hand to search a safari ball from her bag. Dratini's interest was piqued, less by the woman's words, which, truly, the pokémon scarcely understood, and more by her reaching into the bag carrying the scent of a potential lunch. Kitten shifted in his place, turning to watch the pokémon with a slight curiosity of his own as his trainer held the safari ball out toward the Dratini.[break][break]