judging by the drag marks... "someone poached 'em" Tallulah confirms almost at once, gesturing to the markings in the sand. there were a few places that had tell-tale signs of a fight, a struggle. she didn't need to be a detective to know this "but who?"

pirates were a thing here apparently. especially during the summer months. she frowns, taking a few steps away from Sénon Game in order to follow the trail. if they were missing from the beach, the Pokemon wouldn't be seen here.

it meant someone had forcefully taken them somewhere else. maybe far. maybe close.

"Jett."

she throws a Pokeball, calling out her Pidgeot. the bird lands on her outstretched arm, scanning the area. his eyes focus on Sénon Game briefly. "ye listening?" Tallulah adds. the avian coos, giving a nod. she throws her arm out, and he takes to the sky "if they're around here, we'll find em."

but if they were, why weren't they making a sound? why didn't anyone notice them? was the information given to the Rangers misleading? there were too many questions, too much at stake. Tallulah begins to follow after Senon, her eyes glancing around even if her neck did not crane.

"he is."

she smiles after the Pidgeot, fondly reminiscing how she obtained the avian. a trade, a gift really... she hadn't been forced to give something back to the original trainer. but Tallulah had evolved it, raised it... from a Pidgey. "he's the only flying type I own" she continues "maybe I should get a whole flock, but... I like the one type and done deal."

perhaps she had a problem with sticking to things. especially Pokemon types. none of them were better than the others in her humble opinion. she liked all Pokemon equally. but she'd only train her favorites of each typing. which is why she had a Pidgeot. they were majestic and graceful, but also quite powerful. some underestimated them.

a cry from the said avian made her dash in the direction. what would they find? rounding a corner, the beach's tall rocks made a wall that most goers chose to avoid. they were sharp boulders, dangerous and not easy to swim by. waves crashed down onto them, but there was something else here too. a few of the dragon trees, licking their wounds.

Tallulah could only assume what went on.

Sénon Game was right, but she was also right. spare Pokeballs, broken out of, on the ground. the feet of various trainers. they had tried to capture the easy targets, and the dragons fought back. maybe the humans even pulled them to this location once it failed. she squints her eyes at the abuse. "we should administer some first aid." she suggested to Senon.

while Sénon Game dealt with the poachers, Tallulah checked the Pokémon. she would pull out some Potions and other healing items, giving them brief but valuable first aid. Jett would land on her shoulder, giving the poachers a scowl.

once the Alolan dragons were clear of danger, she helped a few on their way. the others were strong enough to make it back to the beach alone. "I'm good here" she says to the Head Ranger.

but was he?

4/5

she didn't mind doing the paperwork.

Tallulah was used to it by now. not just holding Senon's proverbial hand when writing reports, but making her own. it was part of the job. busy work. still, she flashed him a raised brow and an amused grin.

turning to the man, she'd play his game. fine. she might as well. if she lost, Tallulah had at least something to do this afternoon. it was better than going to an empty apartment - alone.

5/5
gI8ai4dz

she won?

but Sénon Game kept going. "so is this how it's going to be?" she muses softly, readying her hand for round two "fine." might as well enough the ride.

she would roll for Rock now. but would she get it? knowing her luck, she'd be stuck doing paperwork. Tallulah should just say to Senon she didn't mind doing it. but -

he was making it a game. it was almost endearing.

YZHgPYA_

it had been dumb luck, but she won.

Tallulah chuckles at his relent. "aye, that I will" she wants to pat him on the back but an apologetic look crosses her features instead "next time, I'll do the paperwork."

a vow that she would not break so easily. going the way the dragon trees had gone, she walks toward Slateport's city and to her apartment. she deserved a rest - even if her mind buzzed.

/end