Mirri sighed. She liked manors like this one, in principle. They did remind her of home, after all. Of Galarian castles, of wide fortifications one could take a stroll on during the night to clear one’s head. Those had always been her refuge, alongside the hidden little crannies and even secret passages where she could easily withdraw to whenever social pressure became too much. She missed these days, even though by now she was an adult. The option was always there to just, well, leave. At any time, she could go if she did not feel it. But that had the opposite effect. As a child, she’d had to be there. She couldn’t just leave, but only had to stay as long as necessary.



Now as an adult? It was her call to make. And it was so difficult. Even when she was just pretending to drink and participate in a conversation that went well above her head. It was just…difficult. Somehow, she had managed to slip out tonight, only a little bit intoxicated but still feeling way too warm. Hence, she had come outside, walking across one of the bigger balconies in lieu to having a proper palisade to use. It felt reassuring, in a way. The cold air was refreshing and she could focus on sounds of nature instead of needing to listen to any conversation. Just having those moments to herself saw her smile to herself.



Until she noticed motion from the corner of her eyes. It was difficult to make out, but she was a trained knight. One that was awkward around people, yes, but she knew to act first on a hunch like that. Hence, she called out her Corviknight into a mid-air position and got onto it right away. Wasting no time, the two of them dove the relatively short distance swiftly, almost naturally flying right into the path of the cacturne, metallic wings ready to intercept needles potentially being shot at the other – and protecting its rider in the process as well. “Are you alright, lady?” The latter called out to the other without looking, her eyes fixated on the dark type.


Fenelle Miller

(Fenelle is slightly regretting der choice not to bring any pokémon whenever dee is being Xuanyi for a bit of a while - it would help immensely in this situation, but it seems to have, eventually, been the right shot. After all, it turned out, quite excitedly, that they haven't been entirely alone.)

Xuanyi's just making the call to give running away their best shot, as a shadow swoops in. They immediately back away more, not grasping the situation at first. Is this another hostile pokémon out for them-?! But then, they notice the rider, and see thin needles glinting in the light, directly aimed at the Corviknight. Their hands lift to cover their mouth in shock, before they realise with relief that the friendly pokémon doesn't seem harmed. Nonetheless, they use that moment of distraction to step away another step, being slightly (quite) intimidated by the black steel bird.

The pink-haired looks at their saviour with relief, however, even- I'm deaf, they sign, waving to maybe catch the other's attention - but she seems to be focused entirely on the Cacturne, which seems to be angry that its easy prey has been intercepted. There's a glint in its eye, and they are in shock once more, but also try to shout - it's a muted, odd sound, made by someone who hasn't ever heard anything before, but seems to know the workings in theory.

"!!"

It's moments before the Cacturne would leap forward with a Sucker Punch.

Mireille Wynter

From the corner of her eyes she could see that the distressed girl was not injured. Or, well, at least that was how it looked for her. Mireille was mostly focused on the dangerous wild Pokemon shooting its barbed quills at them. That was a problem. Fortunately, her steel-typed aerial ride could take this. For the time being it could, at least. Mirri herself was not quite as sturdy. Hence, the bird of steel shifted itself, wings raised in defense. That way, she could slide down behind it without exposing herself to the attacks coming at them.



In doing that, she could see the quiet girl a bit more clearly. She had made a sound earlier, but so far, the knight had figured that to have been some fashion of yelp, but now that she had a look at the girl – most likely still trying to sign something – she could reason out some things.

Well, to the extent she possibly could. They only had moments. Hence Mirri only gave a nod with a slight smile. Then, she turned once more. This was not some sanctioned fight. She did not have to win. Nor fight fair. Hence, she called out both of her Honedges out at once, while Corviknight held the line. Those two would surge towards the Cacturne, flanking it from both sides. Hopefully, that would simply get it to back off and flee.


Fenelle Miller