Working ranches wasn't exactly Dom's first choice. It was outdoors, sure, but he hardly considered the manicured fields and fenced-in livestock to be "nature". Nevertheless, he was happy to do what his job required, and this time that meant staring at a field full of Pokemon. If they were lucky, nothing would come poking around and Dom could get back to the woods in due time.

He touches his own clean jaw where the hair seems to simply refuse to grow. He frowns slightly and says, "Grass is always greener, I guess." The look of scruff didn't bother him either way, but sometimes his face did get cold. He offers Derek a grin. "Looks good on you, though." He waves at the ranch owner as they drive off.

"Sure thing," he says. Adjusting his coat to ward off the chill, he lets Derek lead the way. "Not that I'm sorry for work, but the farmer should really get a livestock guardian Pokemon. See better, smell better; just more reliable than people, really."

DEREK HOFFMAN

Dom nodded along as Derek spoke. It was a good point, and one he hadn't considered. Dom had always been around Pokemon. And he couldn't think of a time in his life where he didn't have the time or inclination to train one. But, he supposed, that was what happened when your job revolved around them. Losing something irreplaceable, though... that he could empathize with.

He followed Derek's attention up to the Delibird, watching as the Pokemon soared off to, no doubt, deliver more presents. "Nice catch," he said, eyeing the treats. Was it just him, or did they look strangely appetizing? Shaking his head, he entered the pen after Derek, squeezing past the excited Wooloo. With a flash of red light, he released his Mudbray, Magnolia. She whickered and shook herself.

"Fence," he told her, pointing to the slatted wood. With an excited trot, she bounded away to walk the perimeter of the fence. Like most Mudbray, she wouldn't back down if she noticed a threat. And she was sure to be loud about any intruders she came across.

"They sure are cute, aren't they?" Dom watched as a few of the Wooloo broke off from the main group harassing Derek to snuffle around for the treats he'd thrown. "I used to have a few Wooloo-wool sweaters. Warmest ones I've ever owned." He reached down to run his fingers through one of the snacking Wooloo's fur.

DEREK HOFFMAN
wooloo who cry wolf

Dom couldn't help but chuckle, watching Derek struggle his way out of the—admittedly very cuddly-looking—trap he was in. It wasn't the worst place to be. Unless you were meant to be doing a job, of course. No sooner had he reminded himself of their protection duty than a shape appeared and skirted over the fence in one smooth motion.

"Watch it!" He was yelling and moving before he quite realized what the shape was, but a moment later it was clear: Mightyena. Magnolia, trotting along a different section of the fence, was on alert at his shout. Her tall ears swiveled, gaze following to identify the threat. She brayed, turning on her heel, and rocketed towards the offending Pokemon. Her Iron Defense strengthened both skin and resolve. The Mightyena seemed laser-focused on the Wooloo and, surprisingly, didn't break stride when confronted with shouting.

DEREK HOFFMAN
mission: wooloo who cry wolf

Had they been in a different circumstance or had Dom been a little less distracted by the pack of Mighyena barging down their door, he might have wanted to comment on the absolutely delightful name that Derek had given his Machamp. Many trainers, he knew had schemes by which they named their Pokemon. Dom, himself, liked nature-themed names.

As it was, Dom was so focused on the fight that he only registered that the shouted name indicated a welcome ally was joining the fray. All the better considering he could see more shapes slipping over the border of the fence. Magnolia's attention refocused immediately to the Mightyena who was charging her. Just a foot from making contact with it, she planted her front hooves, twisted with a surprising amount of agility, and planted a Mega Kick square in the Mightyena's jaw. With a yelp and a thump, the offending Pokemon dropped to the ground, unconscious. Mags only took a moment to survey her fine work before she turned to asses Randal's situation. He wasn't going to have to fend off two of the beasts alone. She'd make sure of it.

DEREK HOFFMAN
mission: wooloo who cry wolf

To no one's surprise, Randal had this covered. Dom watched as the Machamp tore the Migthyena from his leg and threw it into the woods. Unconventional technique, but it worked just fine as no more wild Pokemon seemed interested in becoming the next projectile. Dom finally relaxed and called Magnolia over. With careful hands, he checked her for injuries before giving her a good scratch behind the ear. She never let him down. This job had certainly turned out to be more exciting than he'd considered it would, but he still couldn't wait to get paid and hit the trails again in a proper patrol.

DEREK HOFFMAN
mission: wooloo who cry wolf