The forest was just how he left it a month ago: thick with wide trees with long outreaching arms covered with colorful leaves. The only difference was the noticeable lack in other Pokemon. Where were the packs of Poochyena pups prancing over the shrubbery? Where were the line of hanging Silcoon, whose eyes originally frightened a younger Jasper, reminding him of his twin brothers. Worst of all, where were the flocks of Taillows that used to perch themselves on the branches of the trees, singing the same song they sing every morning.It felt as though all it's goodness had bled out out, leaving only this hollow shell of an empty forest, forgotten by both it's residents and guests. It all brought a sense of frustration and worry to his nature-loving heart.



Jasper sniffed the air. Anyone would be quick to label him as a ranger, as they maneuvered through the shrubbery and trees with expert precision, moving over the piles of fallen branches and under the spinda webs with a great sense of ease. Ravioli, their main partner for today's mission, was released from his ball not too long after he entered the area and had spent his time thoroughly searching the ground with his eyes. That is...until a familiar, yet completely new, figure appeared. Another Decidueye.



...and it was also looking for something. Ravioli offered a friendly hoot.

It was this same hooting that both greeted the other duo as well as lead Jasper to them. He was quick to acknowledge the staring Decidueye with a nod, though, the question of it's trainer's whereabouts popped up in his mind. Maybe they were here to actually clear this fuckin' monkey problem-- a little late, though.



"Huh," The sudden appearance of a new voice snatched his attention instantly. "Oh, what's up," The short surprise melted into a comfortable smile. "Back atcha."



The woman's next words were closely answered by a screeching to their northwest. "There they are." These fueled up words were directed more towards Ravioli than the woman. "Track 'em out! I've had it with these idiots." The Decidueye hooted in return and took off towards the screeches. Jasper, who had offered the woman a sheepish grin, followed close behind his Pokémon, lunging over tree roots, ducking over branches, and dodging the occasional thorny bush.



The clearing of the battlefield served as a wall, stopping Jasper in his tracks completely. There, a few feet in front of him, was a circle of treeless space, populated by not even a single Pokémon. Rather, the group of screeching mankeys were found to the right of the clearing, while only the rustling of approaching Pokémon populated the left.

The woman, who had apparently closely followed the duo, arrived shortly before diaster could erupt. "Kinda, yeah." He replied, his mind occupied by the rumbling footsteps and hollering of the incoming horde. Bloodshed was approaching, and it was coming quick.
"They're definitely fighting over territory. Primeapes are territorial as fuck-- the slightest thing can tick them off, too."

For a moment, the foreboding rustling of the approaching horde paused. Then a single screech shattered the air.

"Take cover!" Jasper shoved an arm towards the woman, pushing her behind the closest tree available. He then did the same for himself, pressing his back against the rough bark of the closest tree, careful to ensure not a single part of his body remained exposed. Just as they did this, a flurry of fruit flew from the other side of the clearing, bombarding the Primapes till they were forced to take cover as well. " Since you followed me here, I'm guessin' you're lookin' to help, right?"

Jasper shrugged.

"Honestly, got no fuckin' clue what to do. I thought somethin' that would hit me when I got here. "

Their words were honest and nonchalant, but in reality, the gears of their mind were beginning to tick into place. They had to figure something out, or else these two factions would either A) shred one side apart B) end in another cycle of their rampaging sending away other flocks of Pokémon.

" We could help one side? Send the other one packing." It'd suck, as an outsider, to aid one side at random. They had no idea who arrived first or who deserved the space here. But, if they didn't, the situation wouldn't be able to remedy itself any time soon. "I say we help Passimians scare off the Primeapes -- they already have the advantage, so it should be easier than the other side."

Jasper immediately heeded to the woman's words of caution, bracing himself for the eventual impact of her roaring Steelix. What he wasn't ready for, on the other hand, was the Pokémon's evolution into it's mega form. "Shit shit shit," He yipped grabbing hold of the tree trunk in front of him. Even he was beginning to feel intimidated.

Once he could make out the sound of screeching Primeapes fade away into the distance, he released his grip on the trunk and turned towards Lia, an impressed look clear on his face. "Nice work," He beamed, "From the sounds of it, your Steelix gave them quite the spookin'. Doubt they'll be back here any time soon."

It was a good thing, too. Who knows how long those two would've been fighting if it weren't for their intervention. With a satisfied sigh, he turned back towards Ravioli who had managed to return to his side during the chaos of it all. "Well, I gots to go now. Thanks for the help. I'm gonna go see if I can convince some of those poor Pokémon to comin' back home."