Nico practically skipped for a step or two as Matt welcomed him to continue on, bubbling on about the bug-types that he’d recently researched, ”Okay! Well, it’s really interesting, people speculate about whether Ledian’s draw energy from the stars.” He began, silver eyes turning upward briefly to gaze up at the shimmering stars. ”When it’s really clear out like tonight, the Ledian’s will start their mating rituals to search for an ideal partner. Some folks insist their black spots actually reflect the starry nights…” The thought was rather romantic, or some people could interpret it that way. Nico almost stopped himself, but couldn’t resist adding more, ”Researchers aren’t so sure… It might be more of a myth.”

A rustle in the nearby trees gave Nico pause, thoughtfully glancing over his shoulder to scan the line of trees and bushes they passed.

”Ooh, I do miss her food… We definitely should visit them again soon.” Visiting Matthew’s family was always so pleasant, especially compared to his own. Nico’s family tended to be… awkward. Stiff. Tense and sometimes cold. Not like the time spent with Matthew, instead feeling warmth and security in the other’s palm. ”Thank you… Your eyes look so shiny tonight.”

The couples mutual pining for each other likely would have continued- if it weren’t for the sudden screeches that echoed through the forest. Sounds of a scuffle and something being sliced- followed by branches and twigs snapping. Distinct flapping and screeching noises reminded Nico of a bird, and he was instantly distracted by the shrill sounds, ”Their dust can sometimes attract predators… especially a lot like this…” Nico didn’t say anything, but there was an edge to his voice… A silent, unspoken request to investigate the noises and help the Pokemon.

Matt Vice

☉

Nico was nearly pouting at Matthew’s bland look and statement, bottom lip barely poking out as his furrowed brows took on an upset look that wasn’t at all genuine. ”Just wanna halp… Their dating can be helpful for the ecosystem.”

His smile quickly returned when Matt agreed, and even sent out Demus to be safe. ”Yes, you’re right.” Judging by the bird-like screeches, there were a few flying types in the area… Nico might not say it out loud, but he loved clipping some wings with a bolt of electricity. A click to his belt and Juvon formed next to them both. ”We might have some mean birds around, buddy.”

More calls of screeches sounded out in the direction that Demus had ran off to. Suddenly, a Staravia came barreling through the branches, screeching angrily and sending a few Ledian’s flying above Matt and Nico’s head.

Matt Vice

☉

Demus had soon returned barking like mad when the bird came swooping down. Numerous Ledian were scattered as the bird created more chaos. Nico wasn't feeling particularly threatened- especially not with Matthew stepping out and taking initiative. But his eyes squinted as his nose itched, and he realized... The dust was scattering.

"We need to drive that bird away quickly. Before it causes more of a scene." Nico realized. The bird was loud and aggressive- but not particularly dangerous. Just a hunter or territorial teenager. "We need to scare it off without scaring the rest... We can't throw electricity or rocks at it though- that'll scare the Ledians too." Not having an opposing bird pokemon would make this more difficult...

The slap firmly planted on the bird-pokemon's face, stunning the dual-type that was sent tumbling to the dirt. Immediately, the bird shot back up, screeching indignantly at the baby pokemon's challenge. Wings splayed open before beating down to take off and charge toward the Riolu with a Peck.

Matt Vice

☉

The Reversal connected. Although Matthew seemingly miscalculated in sending a fighting-type against the flying-type, this ultimately only served to boost Reversal’s power due to Dagger’s lower health. The fragile bird squawked in pain as it was slammed to the ground, a less effective move but still causing damage nonetheless. Not knowing which of his Pokemon to bring out, Nico instead decided to go for the intimidation factor. Quickly approaching both pokemon- a bold move, since he essentially stepped out onto the battle field. The Staravia had been slammed to the ground, and Nico used his height to loom over the bird, eyes harsh and teeth gritted as his lips were pulled back in a grimace.

”You. Are leaving.” Nico spoke, communicating more with an exaggerated, threatening tone. His glare wide and fixed on the bird, whom froze upon realizing a human was hovering over them so closely. ”NOW!” One good shout, and the bird took off.

”…We’re lucky that was just a smaller guy.” Nico sighed once the literal dust had settled, ”Teenagers tend to be all bark and no bite… Great job, Dagger! You set that up perfectly for me!” He bubbled, switching right back into his normal self after dropping the intimidation act.

Matt Vice

☉