Hideo was pretty certain it was getting late, with how the air felt like it was cooling and he was starting to get peckish for dinner. His Unown hunt hadn't been successful, but he still had some good catches to bring back. All he had to do was let out one of his Teleporting Pokemon and go back.

All he had to do was get his body out from under his Zarude's arm. Which was difficult when the giant monkey was pretty much flying through the Mt Pyre forest, swinging from tree to tree with his vines. Hideo couldn't just let a Pokemon out, as that risked them falling behind and losing track of him, so he was unfortunately at his monkey's mercy.

Hideo felt the Zarude land on the ground, and for the first time, stop. He tried to struggle out, putting his arms and legs into it, but his Pokemon's hold was too strong. "Vines, let me down," he ordered, trying the verbal route again. And with that grip refusing to loosen up, it seemed that didn't work either. And there was no knowing when he'd start swinging again, so Hideo couldn't let another Pokemon out.

Unbeknownst to him, his Zarude had stopped for a couple of reasons. The first being it hadn't simply been wandering around aimlessly - it was looking for a specific spot that it had smelled. And that spot was close.

The other being that they weren't alone; the Zarude could see a bunch of Pokemon here - and another kid. And from the sprouts he could see, that kid was here for the same exact reason he brought Hideo here.

"Come on, Vines, this isn't funny!"

At least he had some food in his backpack if he was going to be stuck out here for long.

Andy Blackadder

A Shuppet and Magnemite was out wondering around. One part playing, and one part exploring. They knew their trainer told them, and had long memorized the sound of it, that if they heard a specific whistle, to come back. Or let him know where they were at. They were enjoying their adventure when they found an area with a lot of other buddies. Including a monka. They started to meet and greet their new potential playmates. It took a few minutes, but they soon heard a sharp whistle. From the horn on her head, Shuppet unleashed a Night Shade attack skyward, not aiming at anything in particularly. Magnemite did the same with a Thundershock. But otherwise they stayed put, wanting to dance and play.

From the bushes came a blonde haired boy with amber eyes. Today, Aaron wore a lime-green tank top, a purple button up T-shirt over that, bright orange capris, and black sneakers. His outfit was almost obnoxious. The smallest of the Torals did look at one of the boys he recognized from his little Tree of Life expedition, Andy Blackadder "I see you're in much better condition than last time I saw you, crip." He looked at the other boy in a Pokemon's arm. He, or she, looked like they could use a little help. But he wasn't going to do anything until he knew for sure that they needed help. "Person in the Pokemon's arms...need help getting out, or are you good?" He was lightly amused by that. But of all people he had ran into, it was the bad mannered Andy...

Hideo Kino Andy Blackadder

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It soon dawned on Hideo part of why his Zarude stopped here; there were other people. One that he recognized immediately, the other not so much.

He’d answer the latter (Aaron Toral ) first. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure I’m alright,” Hideo answered, “Now that he stopped, I’m pretty sure they've almost found what they're looking for.” Whatever that was. At the very least, uncomfortable as he was, Hideo hadn’t actually been hurt by Vine’s exploratory outburst. “Vines was sniffing around while swinging, so they had to be looking for something.”

He could still hear his Zarude sniffing the ground - which it was - slowly looking around the area. Which he was pretty sure was Andy Blackadder ’s camp because why else would Andy be here in the middle of Mt Pyre woods?

“Not a very long story how I got Vines,” Hideo said, noticing the Zarude was steadily heading towards Andy. “After the Star Tournament, someone was giving them out. Apparently they’d had a big mating season, and they saw my performance and decided I could have one.” Not the deepest reason for getting a legendary Pokemon, but who was he to complain?

“I thought letting a monkey go through a forest was a good idea, and it was.” He couldn’t think of any Pokemon he had that could fight as well as Vines did in the woods, or one that could safely move as quickly through the trees. “But he seems to have his own ideas right now.” Hideo put a fist to his cheek, safe but at the mercy of his searching Zarude.

“So...you guys know each other?” Hideo asked the two other boys. From what little he overheard, they sounded like they at least knew each other, though Hideo wasn’t completely sure if Andy’s threat was legitimate or a jest.

Andy Blackadder , Aaron Toral

As soon as the other Pokemon tensed, Shuppet and Magnemite tried to calm them down, simply explaining why they did that. But they were also backing off too. Aaron, for his part, gave Andy a most unimpressed and deadpan stare. "Respect is earned, not given, and you threw basic civility out the window when we first met. Though nice to know you're no different from Team Rocket, you'd make a wonderful grunt. Now, if you want a real Pokemon battle, I'm game. But do know that I was just here to collect my little ones...still kind of shocked you didn't hear my whistle, that's why they attacked the sky, to let me know where they are." The blonde gave his Shuppet and Magnemite a small glower, making them look down in remorse for not coming back. Clearly no body language that would lead one to assume he abused them or anything. Actually, they looked well taken care of.

The other guy said that he was alright for now. The two knew each other, and now that Aaron got a better look at the guy, he knew him too. Though the name escaped him. What did Andy call the guy? Hideo? "Huh...makes me wish I'd left sooner so I could have participated in that tournament. And I recognize you now...you were that nervous kid talking to the gym leader at the Tree of Life. Had a Gardevior with you. Aaron Toral is my name." Since it seemed the guy didn't remember him. Not that it bothered him at all. In a way, Aaron liked being unknown.

Hideo Kino Andy Blackadder

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Well, Hideo could certainly tell these two were not on the best of terms. Hideo was used to witnessing Andy Blackadder ’s verbal jabs, and he felt confident enough to tell when Andy was just joking around. But the way he was talking to Aaron Toral , he could tell neither were happy to see the other.

And Hideo knew well enough who had the advantage here. It was Andy’s camp, after all, and Hideo knew he had plenty of Pokemon haunting this place.

“Alright, I’ll cop to being nervous back there,” Hideo said, pointing a finger-gun towards where he heard Aaron, “But that gym leader knows me really well. And my parents. And he’s military. If he wasn’t in full support of me leaving home, he’d probably be duty-bound to bring me back or something.” He was grateful John Sullivan was on his side for this. If Doug wasn’t, Hideo wouldn’t even be safe here.

“And I guess they were kinda given out? They said they trusted me with one because of my performance. This is my first time doing stuff with Vines, and they’re strong, but they’re kinda...” The Zarude had walked up around where the Carrot Seed sprout was, sniffing the area around it. “They’re a work in progress.” At least Vines wasn’t violent; they’d gotten along well enough with the rest of his Pokemon.

Out of nowhere, his Zarude released its hold, with Hideo plopping right on the dirt belly-first. A small drop, but uncomfortable nonetheless.

Before he could even stand, he could feel his Zarude pat his backpack - then he could hear them pat on the ground next to Andy’s sprouts. “Thanks for letting me down," Hideo muttered, not quite getting the message his Zarude was trying to send him.

Andy Blackadder , Aaron Toral

Aaron rolled his eyes. Did this kid even have the balls to follow through with it? And what happened to those jabs? They sure went to shit real fast. "Well then, why don't ye great wise one educate me about dear old Rocket then. You hear a lot about them on the media and message boards. Plus my old man has some stories to tell to mom that I overheard, and even my eldest brother gives occasional updates on the Johto front. Nothing you say about them will surprise me. Oh, and you don't know anything about me either, so don't be acting like you do. Not that I'm against learning about you, but you need to simmer down. I do apologize for trespassing. Honest mistake. Though do come up with more original or at least interesting insults...taint biscuit was good, shart hound was unoriginal at best, dick sucker isn't even an insult, to be frank." He knew plenty of people would does do that, his older brother Kee for starters, and were perfectly fine. As people. Tilting his head at the camp, he did have to admit one thing. "At least you have good taste in location..." As reluctant of an admittance as it was. Mt. Pyre was a great place to look for ghost types.

Hideo explained his situation a little bit. Sheesh...for as little as he travelled, he'd been mostly safe. "Sounds like you have some overbearing parents. And I thought my mom was bad, yours sound like nightmare fuel. Good to know you're friends with Mr. Sullivan and is in full support of you. Forgive me if I'm prying, but do they have any legitimate reason for wanting to keep you home? And feel free to tell me to buzz off if you're not comfortable sharing with a complete stranger..." He took a tentative step, only to step back and look back at Andy. "You cool with me chilling with your friend in your safe space? Don't worry, even I know better than to ruin someone's home...no matter how tempting it might be..." And risky. As much of an ass as his host is being, Aaron at least, won't discard his manners. Mostly. Who knows, maybe Hideo can shed some light on this hothead. And become friends with him.

Andy Blackadder Hideo Kino

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The Zarude paid little mind to the Runerigus’s and Cofagrigus’s threats, preoccupied with its search. It gave the two a quick glance, but no more than that; it was not afraid of them, and it didn’t intend to start a fight. Not to mention the threats seemed aimed towards the other boy.

But from the sounds, Hideo could tell Andy’s Pokemon were getting ready to strike. And he noticed they hadn’t already done so; he knew Andy to be more decisive than that. Was something stopping him?

It gave Hideo an opportunity. “Nobody has to fight,” he said, managing to get himself up despite his Zarude still patting his bag and the ground repeatedly. “And nobody has to be throwing threats. It was just a bad first impression, alright? We don’t have to be friends, but we don’t have to be enemies either.”

With that said, he could finally focus on calming his Zarude down. He didn’t have a clue what it was trying to tell him, until Andy mentioned his plant. “...oh. Ooooooh. I think I know what Vines is saying.” That was enough to get the giant monkey to stop patting him for a moment. “I was thinking about some Carrot Seeds I had on me, and I asked if Vines could find a spot to plant them. I wasn’t serious about it, but uh, I guess Vines was able to find a spot.”

That answer got a smile from his Zarude, and a hair ruffle. “I, uh, I guess this is a good spot. You mind if I plant mine here?”

As for the other boy’s question? Hideo started with a shrug. “Legitimate reason? Not really. They just think I can’t do anything ‘cause I’m blind, so they were gonna keep me home until I died of old age. No matter how many times I’ve proven them wrong.” Like scaling a mountain that just kept getting taller and taller the closer he got to the peak. “So now I’m gonna prove them wrong in a way they can’t ever deny.”

Because how could you pretend your blind son is incompetent when he would reach the Elite Four? And beat them? And face off and beat the Champion?

Andy Blackadder , Aaron Toral

Raising an eyebrow at the absolutely obtuse teenager, a myriad of thoughts went through Aaron's head. First, a passive aggressive comment at worst triggered this kid to berserker fury, who also didn't like getting told off after he had glared at Aaron and demanded his name/who he was back at the Tree of Life (and was walking away from the forming group initially), and then getting ignored as much as possible since Aaron didn't want to deal with that. Then an attempt at de-escalation got shoved away. Hot tempered, and a berserker. When the two cool ghosts started something, his Shuppet, now by him, also started something, as did his Magnemite. Grabbing both of them, he stopped them as Andy stopped his own. "Don't. It's not worth it." In case it wasn't clear, he was talking to his two little ones. Though it was curious that Andy's Pokemon immediately went to protecting him instead of getting ready to boot Aaron out. Though logically, it made sense...Shuppet was liable to go straight to Andy with Phantom Force. Though honestly, it would be better to be used to get away. Plus, he found it hypocritical that Andy demanded that he stayed quiet. If the roles were reversed, he doubted the other boy would do such a thing.

Hideo, bless him, had some things to say. And he really agreed with him, mostly. "I mostly agree with you, Hideo." Rocket and similar scumbags are what he would automatically label as enemies. Andy right now was an annoyance. A hot tempered and potentially dangerous one, but not someone he would label an enemy yet. He wasn't here for a fight either. He was just here for his Pokemon...only reason he stayed as long as he has was because of Hideo.

Looking at the Zarude...Aaron was a bit of a bookworm at times. After Hideo answered Andy's question, as if the guy needed affirmation, Aaron piped up again. "Makes sense. Grass types typically like to plant or chill with plants. Legendary grass types that like to plant likely has a very good idea where to plant certain seeds for the best results." Aaron turned slightly, making like he was about to walk away. Just waiting on Hideo's answer on his own question.

And he got one, making him sigh heavily. And making him go on a mini-tangent. "I really don't get people like that. Handicapped does not mean incapable or incompetent. Hell, you seemed pretty well capable back at the Tree of Life, from what little I saw. Those idiots. Sorry...if you ever need a cover story or anything and I'm in the area, I'd be more than happy to help. I'd love to know what your goal is to make them realize that, but I've overstayed my welcome." It was, at that moment, that a loud rumble from his stomach was heard throughout the camp. "And I'm starving. After you visit your friend, if you'd like to talk to me, I have a small temporary camp nearby...how would it be best to describe to you where it is?" After getting that answer from Hideo, he'd do so, and just generally mention listen to the sound of playing Pokemon and the smell of food. With that, he'd leave, his Shuppet glaring at Andy and his Pokemon and sticking her tongue out at them. Then followed him.

His Magnemite and Shuppet continued to play like nothing happened, while Honedge watched. Scizor and Trevenant kept a watchful eye around the small camp, and Gengar was entertaining himself with a ball. Aaron was, admittedly, a decent cook. He made a type of beef stew and started to eat after getting food out for everyone. Whether or not Andy would be convinced by Hideo to let him stay, he didn't know. But Aaron figured that if Andy wanted to invite him in, he can come to him and do so.

Hideo Kino Andy Blackadder

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Hideo could finally breathe a sigh of relief. It seemed the two were willing to listen to him and play nice, even if only for this short while. Hideo didn’t expect Andy Blackadder to have done any lasting physical damage to the other boy, but he was sure if things hadn’t de-escalated there, they wouldn’t be making up any time soon.

“Guess it’s a mix of luck and Vines’s abilities,” Hideo said, retrieving the Carrot Seed packet out of his bag. “I wouldn’t have found this spot if it weren’t for his sense of smell, but it really is sheer luck this is right in Andy’s camp, isn’t it?” Unless of course Andy chose this spot to camp because he knew it was good soil. But he was told that Carrot Seeds needed very specific soil; there was no way Andy could have chosen this location solely with those in mind. “Dunno if any of my grass-types could find this spot so quickly. Or gotten here so quickly.”

Hideo cracked a smile when Aaron Toral acknowledged his skills; always nice to hear people say that. “Thanks for the offer, but uh, I don’t really need a cover story for a while. I left home to go around and do the gym circuit. Can’t deny me if I get to the Champion now can they?” Even better if he could become the Champion. “Honestly, I’d be shocked if they got close enough to finding me that I need a cover story.”

Though he did have some stuff prepared if that happened. Still, good to know other kids had his back.

As he heard his Zarude dig into the soil barehanded, Andy’s Rotomdex popped up, getting a small snort out of Hideo. “I mean I’d offer to let you scan Vines, but they’re a little...testy around Pokedexes. Tried to swat my Rotomdex out of the air when it tried a scan. Now my Rotomdex won’t even get near ‘em without someone inbetween.” No damage done, thankfully. “It’s worth a shot while Vines is distracted, but they can be a fast one.”

And he definitely didn’t want to end up responsible for breaking a Rotomdex. He knew just how much they cost.

Andy Blackadder , Aaron Toral