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[attr="class","skulltitle"]導通抵抗

[attr="class","skullbody"]The smartest thing to do in the event of a turf war was to get dirt on both sides. So what if this was a turf war for monkeys? The same rule still applied![break][break]

Two birds circled the skies over Route 110. On the Primeape side was the cocky and boisterous Supernova, Isaac's latest avian acquisition. On the Passimian side was his Rookidee, the stern and disciplined Halberd. For such small birds, their rivalry was anything but; Isaac practically had to keep the two separated just so they could focus on their stealth missions instead of heckling each other. It was going to be chaotic, but at least this way they'd get some results.[break][break]

Isaac himself was currently hiding beneath the surface of the water, picking an outfit as deep and blue as the sea so that he could avoid detection. Only a snorkel hidden among some plant reeds would give his location away. A school of Wishiwashi swam beneath him, keeping him supported while roaming the waters for any signs of incoming threats.[break][break]

It was a simple plan. He'd wait down here for Supernova and Halberd to notice any tensions boiling over. Then they'd get back to him so he could dive into the action. If he acted too soon, he'd risk being the target of their ire instead. If he acted too late, then the turf war would already become too serious to avert. Timing was key to everything.[break][break]

Yet Isaac wasn't the only human here. There was another human in trouble, one that was currently staring down a really big Passimian. It was worked up from a brawl with a nearby Primeape, clutching a bag like its life depended on it, and its breathing and muscles were already approaching a tense state. This could be bad. If they flew away, the human could've been in major trouble![break][break]

Both birds looked at each other, as if daring the other to move first. Finally, Halberd shook his head, clicking his beak a few times as he retreated towards Isaac.[break][break]

While he handled that, Supernova went on the offensive. He divebombed the Passimian with enough speed to trail afterimages behind him, keening loudly all the while. While he hadn't actually attacked yet, he and his afterimages flew at the Passimian in hectic, asynchronous patterns, trying their damndest to disorient and distract it.

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[attr="class","hearttaghurt"]Isaac Merlo

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[attr="class","skulltitle"]導通抵抗

[attr="class","skullbody"]Ha! Foolish primate! How dare you try and lay a finger on the one, the only, the bird, the myth, the legend, the GOAT himself, Supernova? The effort was so laughable that Supernova and his afterimages couldn't help but stop circling, taking the time to indulge themselves in a trilling laugh of victory.[break][break]

The laughing promptly gave way to an alarmed squawk when the Passimian took particular offense, grabbing the courier and chucking him right at the bird. He tumbled away, a flailing mess of feathers, as he was knocked clear out of the sky. As he recovered from the daze, he hopped onto his tiny, stick-like legs, waving his wings and squawking angrily at the friendly fire.[break][break]

It wasn't until a familiar blue blur shot past him that Supernova stopped his posturing. Halberd had just rocketed past him, the Rookidee charging right into the Passimian's gut with a full-force Brave Bird. As it fell backwards, Halberd landed on its chest, shooting Supernova a disappointed look.[break][break]

Supernova's ahoge feather twitched in irritation, but a familiar voice cut him off before he could get worked up again. "Settle down, Supernova," chided Isaac as he emerged from the treeline. "Things out here are still way too hot as is. You and Halberd don't need to heat it up even more."[break][break]

He offered a hand to the fallen Locke, a bemused grin on his face. "Don't mind these two. Clearly the monkeys aren't the only ones having a sibling rivalry today," he said. "You all good?"[break][break]

Maybe Isaac wasn't the best choice of person to ask this question. In fact, maybe he should've been the one getting asked it, instead. Halberd hurtled through the air, the bird making clean contact with the back of Isaac's head and flooring him. Over in the periphery of Locke's vision, the Passimian had shuddered back onto its feet. It was hurt. It was mad.[break][break]

And it was hooting and hollering for backup.

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[attr="class","hearttaghurt"]Isaac Merlo

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[attr="class","skulltitle"]導通抵抗

[attr="class","skullbody"]Isaac groaned as he pried himself off of the ground. Okay. That sucked. Of course the Pokemon they had to mess with was the Pokemon infamous for its powerful arms and pinpoint accuracy. He looked over to Halberd, the small bird lying in a crumpled heap next to him. "You okay, Halberd?" he asked, the Rookidee letting out an irritable trill in response.[break][break]

Supernova was a lot less irritable. In fact, he was bursting out into trilling laughter at what had just happened. That was enough to get Halberd hopping off of the ground, the Rookidee angrily chattering right back at his fellow bird. Feathers were ruffled. Keen eyes were locked. They were both squawking at a mile a minute. It was clear that the ape turf war wasn't the only rivalry going on here.[break][break]

At least he wasn't the only one with bird trouble. The courier had released a Pokemon of his own, a Delibird who honestly looked more shell-shocked than battle-ready. The poor guy wasn't born for combat and it showed in his reaction. With all of their Pokemon varying shades of out of commission, Isaac knew he had to step up to the plate.[break][break]

Another Pokeball hit the ground. If the courier thought a fourth bird would be joining this flock, he'd be mistaken. Instead, a third type of monkey hit the battlefield. Zaius wasn't exactly Isaac's favorite Pokemon. In fact, he actually made Isaac's skin crawl. But for a turf was situation like this, there were few better options. He surveyed the standoff, head lazily listing from side to side.[break][break]

Then he held up a single finger, pointing towards the wounded Passimian alpha. Its eyes followed his finger as he scanned it across the battlefield, wondering just who his target would be. Those incessantly-feuding birds? The small-minded human he had been assigned to? One of the random strangers that had gotten in his way? No, no . . . Zaius had the perfect target in mind.[break][break]

The Oranguru pointed a gnarled finger at the Mankey alpha, and smirked as the Passimian leader followed its Instruction to the letter.[break][break]

"You're gonna wanna back up," Isaac warned as the tension on the route snapped in half. Mankey were notoriously quick to anger. With the Passimians throwing the first punch, their reprisal would be as swift as it was vicious. The Passimian, having a very strong clan structure, wouldn't take this lying down. The two groups of monkeys collided into one another, leaving Isaac and Angelo untouched in their wake. Perhaps their notice would fix back on the two later, but with how much red they were seeing it was hard for their focus to wander.[break][break]

"And now we've got all the time we need to whip up a counter-attack," Isaac said. "Halberd, Supernova, mark targets. Wait til we give the okay before you get going, alright?" The two birds nodded, fluttering into the air over the battlefield. Halberd hovered by the Passimian side, while Supernova flapped around by the Mankeys.[break][break]

Already, they were fixing each other glares, as if setting the invisible scoreboard for the next round of their rivalry.

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[attr="class","hearttaghurt"]Isaac Merlo

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[attr="class","skulltitle"]導通抵抗

[attr="class","skullbody"]"Don't worry. You're making it out of here," Isaac said, turning to Locke and Kira-Kira. The smile on his face was soft and reassuring, but the spark in his eyes was that of pure determination. "I'll make sure of it."[break][break)

Luckily, Locke was the BYOR type: bring your own rescue. He had a plan to end this little game, and all it took was Isaac's cooperation. If he could herd these cats into one place, Locke could bring the boom and get them out of there. "I like the way you think," Isaac said, his grin taking a turn for the mischievous as he looked over towards his birds. "Halberd! Supernova! Roundup time. But I need you two to work together on this one, okay?"[break][break]

Halberd turned towards Isaac, nodding. However, before he could start, Supernova blasted right past him. The Rookidee tittered in frustration under his breath, then flew in the opposite direction. Together, they began dive bombing various fighting types, trying to push them closer to the center of the battlefield.[break][break]

It was easier said than done. Each swipe was met with resistance: punches, claws, headbutts, tossed coconuts. If the birds were a more unified front, they could cover for each other better. Instead, each was going it alone, and the struggle was starting to take a toll on them.[break][break]

This became all too clear when the monkeys were finally herded. Supernova's set was a little too far north, and Halberd's a little too far south. And neither of them could agree on where to go next. The packs of monkeys started to fray at the edges, as if threatening to separate out once more.[break][break]

"Zaius, help them meet in the middle," Isaac said. The Oranguru nodded, then fixed his steely gaze on Halberd. It was time to stop being the dignified one. It was time to give into his rivalry. It was time to show Supernova what he could do. Under the Oranguru's Instruction, he took off in a headlong Brave Bird, flying towards Supernova. "Supernova, lead him in a circle! See if you can keep up with him."[break][break]

If they couldn't work together as allies, at least Isaac could motivate them as rivals.[break][break]

Halberd flew as fast as he could. Supernova flew as fast as he could. They were both well and truly matched, neither able to gain any ground on the other. When one pushed himself, the other returned the favor. When one slowed, the other let out a squawk to remind them that this race wasn't over. Around and around they flew, forming circles around the split packs.[break][break]

Further Instruction from Zaius let them dive inwards, their Brave Birds startling the ape packs and driving them closer to each other. With Zaius guiding attacks via their subconscious, their conscious minds could focus on speed and handling alone. The circles became faster, closer, tighter, driving the apes closer and closer to each other.[break][break]

Halberd began to glow. His body began to elongate, losing its puffed up roundness. His feathers began to stretch and flare out, and his beak and claws began to sharpen. Seconds later Supernova followed suit, as if refusing to be left behind by even biology. Between the telltale glow of evolution and the brilliant blue trails of their Brave Bird, they looked like a ring of light enclosing the warring apes.[break][break]

Isaac waited for Locke to give the signal. As soon as they did, Isaac called out "Now!" In perfect sync, the Corvisquire and Staravia would ascend, leaving a mob of dazed and disoriented apes behind for Locke's curtain call. It was the damndest thing. As evolution's light faded from the two birds, Isaac swore he could see them laughing.

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[attr="class","hearttaghurt"]Isaac Merlo

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[attr="class","skulltitle"]導通抵抗

[attr="class","skullbody"]And now it was Isaac's turn to be impressed.[break][break]

When Isaac had heard a big move coming from a Delibird, he expected it to come from an outside source. A Z-move, maybe, turning its usual Present technique into an entire Black Friday. What he didn't expect was for this goofy looking penguin to be filled to the brim with its own supply of Infinity Energy.[break][break]

The Light of Ruin lived up to its name, bringing damnation from the skies down onto the apes that had once tormented Locke. Halberd and Supernova's graceful exit turned into panicked flailing as they tried to outfly the explosion. Even Isaac was left sjielding his eyes from the move's brilliance.[break][break]

He whistled as the dust settled, the smoke cleared, and a quiet finally took hold on the route. "Damn," Isaac said, a little grin spreading across his face. "You weren't kidding. That sure was something."[break][break]

Poor Kira-Kira, though. Little guy clearly needed a break after this. Isaac released his Amoonguss, Adrenaline, who surveyed the tuckered out Delibird and healed it with a shower of Pollen Puff. "You did good out there," Isaac said to the exhausted penguin, before casting his eyes up at the birds now circling him from overhead. "And so did you guys. Couldn't ask for a better rivalry myself."[break][break]

It seemed their job here was as done as these Passimian and Mankey were. "You all good?" Isaac asked, giving Locke a quick once over. Past Isaac would've just rode off into the sunset by now, but, hey. There wasn't anything wrong with checking in on a friend.

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[attr="class","hearttaghurt"]Isaac Merlo

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[attr="class","skulltitle"]導通抵抗

[attr="class","skullbody"]Supernova puffed his chest out, basking in the praise Locke was showering upon him. His crest was every bit as exaggerated as it was as a Starly, and his tailfeathers were fanned like a proud little peacock. In contrast, Halberd simply nodded, his piercing red eyes scanning the area for any further threats. Without his bright yellow chest plumage, and with his dark wings wrapped around his body, he looked every bit the part of a dark knight.[break][break]

"Thank you. I'm proud of 'em, too. I can tell it took a lot of pride to quit messing with each other," Isaac teased, shooting a sideways glance over to his two birds. "Though something tells me as soon as we're out of here, the two are gonna want to test their new forms out on each other . . . Pokemon, am I right?"[break][break]

Not that Locke was one to talk. For all they said they were going to get their butt kicked, the courier seemed pretty capable! "With moves like that? Oh, please, you'd've sent 'em running for the hills," Isaac joked. Besides, they seemed fine. Look at them, standing up under their own power![break][break]

Oh. Oh no, no he wasn't. As they flinched, Halberd flew beside them, trying to help brace himself against them in case of any further pain while standing. "Crutches, huh?" Isaac asked, scanning the horizon for any sign of them. "Supernova, mind giving me a hand on this one? You've got the best eyes here."[break][break]

The Staravia nodded, trilling enthusiastically as he rocketed into the sky. From a literal bird's eye perspective, he surveyed the area, flying across the route in great, sweeping arcs. Finally, a little glint of metal caught his eye. That had to be it! He swooped down upon the source, screeching triumphantly as he emerged with a single crutch in his talons. He flew it over to Locke, holding it towards them in his talons, before flying off to look for its matching number.[break][break]

Halberd didn't even seem to mind. His larger frame and sturdier body meant he was far better suited for supporting Locke than Supernova was, even if he was just as good of a scout. Isaac noted the change in demeanor with a raised eyebrow. Maybe an outing like this really was the best move he could have made for them.[break][break]

As Supernova continued his search, Isaac eyed the courier curiously. "So what brings you here?"

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[attr="class","hearttaghurt"]Isaac Merlo

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[attr="class","skulltitle"]導通抵抗

[attr="class","skullbody"]"Ha. Good one."[break][break]

Such was the nature of living in a world surrounded by powerful beasts. You could run across town to grab some milk and end up in an unexpected deathmatch with a tiger man on steroids. Flying really was the second safest way to travel. If you knew what you were doing, teleporting was a cut above, but it was rare and unreliable.[break][break]

Still, Isaac couldn't help but feel a little bad. It always sucked when an innocent got caught up in all of his Rocket nonsense. Sure, in this case it was to save the guy from getting his face wrecked by monkeys. But he preferred working alone and having as few moving parts to worry about as possible.[break][break]

Then again, he seemed to always be just in the nick of time to help others. And since that started happening, he had been a lot happier, too. Maybe he needed to officially drop the lone wolf shtick.[break][break]

Supernova returned with the second crutch, freeing Halberd to untuck from Locke's arm and return to Isaac's side. "There you go. That should be both of them," Isaac said. Walking like that had to be a pain. Suddenly, he found himself glad that his little sibling only needed to use the one walking stick.[break][break]

". . . Hey. Need a lift over to Mauville? Or are you good from here?"

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