Gym Leader Prep

with a side of Rescue! Hello, Aaron Toral

Things the city slickers that made up Rocket probably didn't realize or care enough to take into account: a small, insular community was generally weary of outside influence, no matter how kindly the stated intentions were claimed to be.

What the hell did they expect to happen if a buncha disguised strangers began walking around there?

The heightened rocket activity around Littleroot town had gone noticed by a few of the more weary, paranoid locals. Someone had seen one too many unknowns and reported it to the government... and Doug was here to deal with those unknowns.

But unknowns aside—

"Hn?" Doug uttered as his gaze rose, the steps of someone walking the main road towards littleroot reaching him before the familiar voice did.

"Oh. Hey Aaron!" The captain said to the youth, grinning and tipping his cap. He laughed at the question. "Workin, 'course! What else?"

He briefly considered making himself scarce; keeping a tight lid on things and what not... But he reconsidered quickly. Aaron was a skilled trainer in his own right, and being a local, was probably more familiar with the area than him.

"League got a couple o'reports from concerned locals regarding suspicious folk in the surrounding forests." He revealed to the youth. "Was sent to check it out; deal with it on m'own if I can, call in help if I cannot. Business as usual."

Work? But he didn't have any supplies with him. Or anything to help with rebuilding the sleepy little town. Luckily, Doug elaborated. Suspicious people in the forests? Freaking cannibals! Hadn't Littleroot suffered enough? "Of course scavengers were on the prowl. They're still recovering from that fire. But it's also a sleepy little town...easy marks, maybe, but hardly anyone really has anything of worth to steal." Of course, people here was also a bit more paranoid...a bit more watchful of those that they didn't recognize. Likely even more so nowadays.

Still, this was also his home. Sure, he was born in Olivine, and moved here when he was six, but he knew Littleroot better than the Johto City. He had some pride in it, and maybe even a little bit of a duty to protect it while he was here. "Any idea on locations or anything? Descriptions of the people, odd behavior, etc?" He could probably find most paths any potential troublemaker would use. Which also had the effect of getting a little too close to his home. In some cases...but he still knew the area! The blonde still walked towards the town.

John Sullivan

Gym Leader Prep

with a side of Rescue! Hello, Aaron Toral

Doug felt his blood pressure rise as the tragic fire that Team rocket had brought upon the small town was brought up, his hand squeezing tightly into a fist before he released a low breath.

He should've been there when it happened, but there was no point in lingering on it now.

"Right. I don't think they're 'ere for material gain." He said to the other youth; as ever, Aaron was quick to try and reason things out, a stream of consciousness helping Doug along with his own thought process. "Even the large amount of Crystal blooms littleroot used to boast was consumed by the fire."

It was the first time in a while the Crystal Bloom so much as popped in his head, and with it, came the thought of Lele as well. She loved those flowers... Something to consider.

"They either have business 'round the town, or..." Or they had ulterior motives for the place as a whole. "No, that's it. There must be somethin' round Littleroot."

The thought was discarded as quickly as it came, however. Unlike Sootopolis, there was no tactical advantage to holding Littleroot, even as a launchpad. It was too far from Rocket's center of power and much too close to larger, better defended cities.

"Nope. They just saw shadowy figures coming and going from the forests on ocassion." He said simply. "Rocket's tryin' to be stealthy, even if they're failin'. They haven't screwed up that hard..."

But then, the fact that he was there at all was already a pretty big slip up.

"They seem to move 'round at night; I'm thinkin' of hiding and stakin' out the place; follow them."

No material gain? Then why here? What was it about this sleepy little town. Something around the town also didn't seem right. Only farmland was all he knew about. Ulterior motives? Controlling the food supply until that barrier was lifted or destroyed would be huge boon in the short term...and as strong as his parents were, they were only two people. He still listened to the former gym leader. "There's two places we can check. My parents live just outside of town. Maybe one of the only grounds that isn't farmland. Mom's got an Archanine that patrols the property regularly. He would've let mom know if there were intruders. Plus, they're currently keeping a lot of the homeless and all. Maybe someone heard or saw something. Only thing that springs to my mind is attempting to control the food supply, but that still doesn't make a whole lot of sense..." It was an ominous sign of things to come. "The second is the owner of the theater. If you wanna know the local gossip, news, or happenings, she's the one to see. She's a total Karen though." It didn't take much longer to get to town.

As he turned towards his parents' place, wanting to avoid the theater's owner as long as possible, he did try to get a little bit of preparation done. "You ever fought or heard anything about Gym Leader Callan's battles?" Still as monotone as ever, maybe Doug had some insight. Or advice. "Two draws may have gotten me the badges, but I want a victory this time. I'm scheduled for a battle, but not for a little while yet."



John Sullivan

Gym Leader Prep

with a side of Rescue! Hello, Aaron Toral

He nods at the other's suggestion.

"Sounds as good a place as any to start." He said, turning alongside Aaron to follow. "And that's... Hmm."

His expression shifted ever so slightly at the other's last words, turning the thought over in his head.

Team rocket had attempted to breach into several cities' reserves recently. They had been repelled, naturally —whatever the people said about the league, it knew where its priorities lied just fine– but the fact that they had attempted, combined with their recent meeting with Commissioner dahlia goode...

He shook his head.

This wasn't Sootopolis; it would never be Sootopolis. No matter what deception they attempted this time, the League was aware of their tricks... they would react before they pulled that again.

His jaw tensed as his mind inevitably was drawn into recollection, past events rushing to the forefront of his mind...

Until Aaron pushed them aside with a question.

"Fought 'im? Callan Young? Nope." Doug said simply. "Guy came in 'round only a couple months 'fore I left, and I don't really collect badges like some folk do. 8's enough for what I need right now."

"I did look into'im tho, saw a couple filmed battles." He said casually. "Was curious, since he was one of the top Elite 4 candidates."

He grinned at Aaron.

"Yer gonna learn a lot from this one." He said. "Guy's pretty tactic-heavy. Yer not likely to brute force yer way through him, so ya better bring yer A-game."

Aaron seemed oblivious to Doug's mental trauma. But he still noticed the odd behaviors. He didn't question it. Instead, he listened to the gym leader's statements about the former coworker. Elite 4 candidate, and one of the top ones? That was...unexpected. Though not entirely unheard of. Since some gym leaders do eventually get uplifted to being Elite 4 members. Tactic-heavy? "I'm using Gengar, Palosand, and Steelix. My plan is to use Gengar's Hypnosis and Focus Blast to do as much damage as possible. One of the reasons coming here was for our backyard. It's the perfect place for target practice. Then I'd use Palosand to set up Sandstorm and use him as a war of attrition with his regenerative moves and Giga Drain. With some additional sleepy shenanigans.Then Steelix as my brute force guy with Giga Impact, Double-Edge, and Head Smash. It has Rock Head for its ability. Biggest problem is if there's Insomnia ability wielding Pokemon in his team that he'll use against me. Most normal types can learn dark or ghost type moves, but I'd have to see what he'll bring to the table for that. Either way, most normal types can learn at least something to hit Ghosts with. Even using Foresight and Odor Sleuth, it might be a little late in an opening gambit. Thoughts? I know a plan doesn't always survive contact with the enemy, but...better to go in with one, than try to wing it."

He's had the most success that way too. Also, Palosand had Sand Veil, increasing its evasion during Sandstorm. And Steelix wasn't affected by it either. Still, some outside advice would be nice. Aaron was no stranger to tactics. He had certain Pokemon kitted out with a particular role. Some brute force hazards, some wars of attrition, and others support.

While they were talking, they soon arrived at his parents' place just outside of town. There were tents around, and his mom's Walrein greeted them with a wave. Also with a wave back, he went inside. To face a rather short and round woman bear hugging him immediately. After some attempts to pry her off, Aaron finally managed to get some words out. "Right, thanks mom, but Doug here is from the League, investigating strange men. High chances of them being Rocket. Any information for him?"

With stiff spine, she nodded. "Archie sniffed out some intruders a couple days ago. Small fries pretty much, no one of real consequence I would imagine. Otherwise Archie would be an even hotter dog. Anyways, I can call him over and have him show Mr. Sullivan around. Aaron, your room is being taken at the moment, but I'm not letting you leave again! You're supposed to stick with Kee! And here you abandoned him at Oldale Town?!"

A tick of annoyance started to show on Aaron's head. "I have more badges than he does. I can take care of myself. I don't mind my room is taken, I can sleep out in a tent. But I will go out again. I'll prove how strong I've gotten with a battle against both you and dad. But first, let's clean up the town of miscreants. I'll be with Doug, and I have Trevenant with me. Later." With a calm setting down of his stuff, he went outside and waited for the Archanine to show up.

Thankfully, that didn't take long...and Archie started to show them where the intruders had been spotted...and defeated and forced to retreat.



John Sullivan

Gym Leader Prep

with a side of Rescue! Hello, Aaron Toral

"Eh...? Eh?!" Doug leaned away slightly as Aaron launched into his strategy, giving him little time to offer his input as he hashed out the general tactics that each pokemon would employ. By the time he was done, Doug was looking at him wryly, lip quirked. "Man, take a breath. I ain't a super computer, ya gotta give m'time to process everything."

He chuckled nonetheless, cupping his chin as he considered the youth's well thought out strategy.

"Insomnia ain't that common an ability, so I wouldn't worry 'bout it." Doug assured Aaron, humming. "The only normal-types that have it belong to the Noctowl family— but with a Steelix among yer numbers, it's as easy as switchin' it in. Noctowl can't stop'cha, even with mean look. Ghost-types ain't affected."

He tapped at his chin thoughtfully, before finally saying.

"But— the thing 'bout type-based Gym Leaders, is that they know they're under several disadvantages. They know exactly which ones too, for that matter. Nobody knows a pokemon's weaknesses better than type specialists... trust me." He winked at that, self-proclaimed bug master that he was. "So you should be ready for pokemon with broad coverage; specially 'cause normal types are crazy versatile."

He then shrugged his shoulders.

"Still, yer plan ain't bad; it's pretty well thought out, really! Once yer in battle, it's all 'bout how you adapt to yer battle plans to circumstance." He said, before giving the other a thumbs up. "So don't lose yer head and keep an'eye out for your chance."

Once they had arrived at the Toral Household, Doug was treated to the beautiful sight of parental love, smiling softly as Aaron was smothered by his mother.

He was quick to switch into soldier mode as soon as the woman began to speak to him.

"Please do. Thank you ma'am, your help is appreciated." The young man said as he tipped his cap at the woman. Before long, they were at the site of the crime, so to speak, looking over the remnants of the brief struggle.

The youth clicked his tongue as he looked around, noticing what seemed to be a few ruined crystal blooms and frowning. What a waste.

"She said it was a couple days ago, but..." Doug mumbled as he cupped his chin, brow furrowing slightly as he moved to stand. He turned towards Aaron and his mom's big puppy, humming. "Does Archie know Odor Sleuth?"

A growlithe, and by extension, an Arcanine, never forgot a smell once it learned it. Perhaps they could sniff out the shadowy figures.

Perhaps he did go a little fast. Still, he waited for an answer, ready to repeat anything. Intead, the older man chuckled and considered his words. Admittedly, Aaron didn't think about how common Insomnia was among normal-types. But Doug also didn't really say anything he didn't know. Most normal-types were extremely versatile. Nodding, he said his own piece. "I'm aware. I'm a steel and ghost specialist, so I'm wary of their weaknesses. And Alexei seemed well aware of his, using something unexpected like Hydreigon in our battle. Magneton still drew with it though." In a surprising twist. And really only because he had Steel Beam as an attack...that particular Pokemon's last resort attack. Doug still liked the strategy, just think about how to adapt it to circumstances and to not lose his head. Something that Aaron was not likely to do.

Even with a scowl, Mrs. Toral relented, for now, and nodded. Archie seemed apologetic about the crystal blooms, but otherwise was pretty impassive. The blonde shrugged. He honestly didn't know. Pulling out his phone, he called his mom. "Hey mom, does Archie know Odor Sleuth?"

"Yes he does. It's maybe one of the few support attacks he knows. Just...be careful. I know Mr. Sulliven is a former gym leader, but you also keep your wits about you! Archie, track down the blokes for them. Try not to get in the way though, dear." With a deep bark in confirmation, and a whopping two seconds of sniffing, the big pupper started to go off. Releasing his Gengar, just in case, Aaron started to follow. It actually took a while to get to the camp, long enough that it was dusk, but there it was, three people, and two bandaged up Pokemon. They were grumbling about something too, and they had supplies with them. He didn't know what, but waited on Doug's que to jump them.

Surprise was often enough to get these punks.




John Sullivan

Gym Leader Prep

with a side of Rescue! Hello, Aaron Toral

"Then ya know there's no point in worrying 'bout being countered. Ultimately, it'll be up to Mr. Young 'imself." Doug said simply with a nod. "Gym Leaders get to see yer selection from the moment ya register. Team's are often tailored to provide a reasonable challenge 'gainst yer loadout. It's a learnin' experience, not an all out match 'fter all. "

At least, that was how Doug handled it back in his day anyway of couple of weeks back anyway.

Several hours later, they were hiding behind far away tree lines whilst spying on some unknown folk, relatively sure they were the rockets they had been looking for. Doug couldn't help but feel as though something was wrong here, but he ignored it for now. Rocket wasn't lacking its own share of incompetent grunts, he surmised...

With a gesture from the neck, Doug gave Aaron the go ahead to attack as he pulled out his phone.

His Poryphone, that is.

A pulse shook the clearing upon which the rockets had made camp as a hologram rose from the phone's front camera, solidifying into a Porygon-Z before releasing a digital cry.

Telekinesis took hold of the Rockets and their injured pokemon, lifting them off the floors without warning. They shouted and panicked, realizing they were under attack.

"Let's be careful." Doug said simply, the only instruction given. "There might be more crystal blooms 'round here. Let's not do anythin' to damage 'em."

That was true. Though it should always be in your mind in how you can be countered, and adjust accordingly.

Doug nodded at him to continue. "Use Hypnosis." With a chuckle, the Gengar appeared right in front of the only healthy Pokemon visible. And put it to sleep. The Nosepass dropped, asleep. And Doug followed it up with a Porygon-Z, using Telekinesis. That seemed to have gotten them. Stepping out to see who all was there, Aaron pointed at all of them, Gengar going to each one to put to sleep. Much like how he had snuck into the Tree of Life to meet Doug, Hideo, and the others.

Now if only he had some rope or a Pokemon with string shot. Or something to that effect. Taking out his phone, he marked the location on a map for him to turn into Doug, assuming he hadn't done so. "Quick and easy, just they way everyone likes it. And with them asleep, should be easy to hold them in the local jail and question them. Might not get much, though...talk about sloppy. After you deliver them, want to join us for dinner?"


John Sullivan

Gym Leader Prep

with a side of Rescue! Hello, Aaron Toral

"Quick n'easy indeed." Doug said with a smile as he approached, slowly bending over in front of one of the tents the rockets had planted to drag his digits over the gleaming surface of crystaline petals.

It looked like his instinct had been right. And it seemed as though Littleroot was overflowing with enough life, or infini energy, or whatever it might be called, to allow more Crystal blooms to blossom yet.

"Yeah, don't worry. I'll handle part o'the interrogation myself." Doug said as he stood back to his full height, frowning at the unconscious rockets and their pokemon. "Somethin' 'bout this feels wrong."

He smiled at Aaron nonetheless.

"If yer sure yer mom will let'cha leave once we return... sure, been a while since I've enjoyed a homemade meal; thanks."