To be fair, this wasn't totally unexpected. Horses usually shied away from unfamiliar people, especially ones as naturally distrustful as Arion. However, none of Barnaby's own Pokémon had the ability to teleport around their pasture. How the heck was he supposed to catch Arion with this supernatural power?

As the Legendary Pokémon disappeared into the portal, his mane billowed out, appearing like spectral flames in the dimming evening light. It was equally as beautiful as it was annoying.

"Arion!" Barnaby called out, using his fingers to sharply whistle and catch the horse's attention. He walked a few strides closer, but decided to reveal his backup plan before the SPECTRIER chose to run away again.

"How about this? You know you want a taste, mon grand." From his pocket Barnaby pulled out a package of "Horse Muffins" - a molasses and oat-based treat. It was exceptionally fragrant and the smell carried across the pasture, something Barnaby had planned intentionally in case something like this were to happen.

Ceri Glynn
M.A.G.M.A Research 🝪 Tier #2

☉

Yes. Progress. Barnaby knew he was basically a horse whisperer, after all. Years in the field proved his skill time and time again. Even if this was an exceptional horse, Arion was still just that - a horse. Treats worked like a charm.

With his hubris emboldening him, Barnaby shook the bag and whistled once again, urging the SPECTRIER forward. The stallion began walking through the grassy pasture, hesitant but curious... and then he was gone.

But only for a split-second.

It took everything in Barnaby not to visibly react. As much as his body wanted to startle at the sudden presence of the SPECTRIER behind him, he remained firm in his position. To jump could spook the horse and turn an uneasy situation into a deadly one.

Arion's breath was hot on Barnaby's ear. Each exhale left a sweet, distinctive scent in the air that they now shared. Slowly, Barnaby turned around, as casual as if he'd expected this all along.

"What a good boy. Here we are," He cooed, offering the horse muffin to Arion on an open palm. If he'd take it, Barnaby would then slip the halter from his shoulder and attempt to fasten it on the SPECTRIER's head. "Niiice and easy now."

If all went well, Barnaby and Arion would finally begin to make their way back to Ceri Glynn!

Ceri Glynn
M.A.G.M.A Research 🝪 Tier #2

☉

All went well my ass.

Hubris was Barnaby's downfall yet again. With the halter slipped across Arion's snout, the ROCKET executive thought he'd crossed his final hurdle. Oh, how wrong he was.

The force of Arion's jerking motion caused the halter to fall to the ground. Unfortunately, that wasn't the only thing. With little time to act, the SPECTRIER's CONFUSE RAY hit his target and BARNABY FINCH fell back onto the grassy terrain below.

An overwhelming wave of vertigo seized him. His mind became clouded, his attention unfocused. Barnaby attempted to rise as soon as he'd fallen, but couldn't seem to get his legs underneath him to do so.

"No." He responded to Ceri Glynn - rather sharply, in fact - from his compromised position.

"Martín will be hearing about this, Arion..." A muttered threat hissed under his breath as he once again attempted to stand. This time Barnaby threw caution to the wind and reached out toward the spectral horse, resting a hand at his flank in order for him to steady himself.

"You've had your fun. Now, come along." Wobblily, he leaned down and picked up the halter where it rested in the grass. Once again he'd attempt to secure the SPECTRIER for his examination.

Silently, Barnaby hoped that Ceri hadn't recorded any of what just happened. Martín del Mar would never let him live it down.

Ceri Glynn
M.A.G.M.A Research 🝪 Tier #2

☉

Thankfully Barnaby didn't notice Ceri recording, or he would have demanded the footage be deleted. Instead, he was sure to hear an earful from Martín del Mar later tonight. Would he ever get over the embarrassment? Yes, and probably somehow angle it to his advantage by playing the victim. Provoke action on Mars' part.

Your Pokemon attacked me, Martín. How are you going to make it up to me?

In this moment, however, Barnaby was just grateful for Ceri's help. The HAZE immediately made him steadier on his feet, so that by the time he and Arion exited the paddock the effects of the CONFUSE RAY were almost entirely mitigated. Barnaby wiped the seat of his pants, hoping the area hadn't been marred by grass stains, before unlatching the pasture gate.

"Thank you, Ceri— er, wait, what?"

He was taking the buccal swab? Oh, Arceus.

"Fine. Hold him while I go wash my hands." Barnaby pressed the lead rope into Ceri's palms. Horse and researcher were left alone for the few minutes it took for him to sanitize appropriately. When Barnaby returned, he reluctantly took the cotton swab and stared at the beast before him.

Fuck me. Ceri's buying me a drink after this.

With a sigh, he attempted to slowly introduce the swab, allowing Arion to clearly see the long stalk and cotton tip. It was softly placed at the horse's lips, but not immediately inserted. Giving time for the SPECTRIER to acclimate. Swept along the outside and, eventually, the inside of the lips. When it seemed as if the stallion was ready, Barnaby would replace that swab with a fresh one and then go in for the full insertion.

Ceri Glynn
M.A.G.M.A Research 🝪 Tier #2

☉