Chaos had come to Dewford, in the form of conflict between Rocket and League. Though, the vast majority of it was kept to Granite Cave and the rift to the Ultra Deep Sea beyond - things being generally quiet closer to Dewford, with most civillians having evacuated for safer pastures. That wasn't to say that there wasn't trouble to be found, however - from the expanding rift and mysterious dream mist alike.

But, Makoto's place wasn't on the frontlines, for the time being. No, for the most part, they were being delegated more to scouting and infiltration. Looking for alternate entrypoints with the rift's expansion, alerting other Rockets to the movements of League, and ferrying supplies and information where need be. It wasn't hard to avoid the notice of others when you had two pokemon well versed in illusions with you, after all. But if they found other League members snooping around, well...

... Picking them off was on the table, too.

Their disguise had two layers to it, but was ultimately simple. The lower layer was concealing clothing - a nondescript black hoodie, a mask, and so on that left few - if any - features visible. The upper layer, meanwhile, was illusions - illusions weaved by Kuro, the hisuian zorua hidden in Makoto's shadow.

To the naked eye, they would appear to be a different person entirely. Some random nobody, with features stolen from multiple different people Kuro has seen in its young life. It was highly unlikely that there was anyone who would even be able to put a name to the face Makoto wore - and even if someone did, it'd be by pure coincidence.

And Tsume, as always, followed at their side - the zoroark's keen eyes scanning their surroundings. Though his ears suddenly perked, as he heard something. The sounds of distant yells, the thud of something heavy hitting the ground... Glancing to Makoto, he gave a brief bark - and the thief met his eyes, before nodding.

"Lead the way," They spoke.

Tsume wouldn't need to lead them far, however - for the source would soon come to them. A fellow Rocket grunt on the run, with what appeared to be a Ranger not far behind. Makoto's gaze narrowed slightly as they took in the sight - before stepping forward to intervene. "Keep running - I got this." They called to the grunt - gesturing for him to keep moving. There had been hidey-holes set up, for Rocket members to recuperate at - hopefully this one knew where to go.

Meanwhile, Tsume would leap forwards - the old-looking zoroark landing between Toki and the two grunts with a threatening growl, claws readied.

It was now that Makoto addressed Toki - looking the other young man in the eye. "And you're going no further, Ranger." They spoke, putting on the airs of a confident combatant the best they could. "Turn back now, or get ready for a fight."

To stand and fight someone - rather than just trying to make a quick getaway - was a strange feeling, that they had yet to get used to. Hopefully, they and their pokemon would be able to match this task...

@tokiakiyama

Toki paused as the Zoroark and the other Rocket member appeared to assist in the other's escape. He stared the new arrival down and backed away from the Zoroark, then trailed his gaze towards the Rocket member that came to their ally's aid. They told him to leave this situation be and back off. Toki struggled with what to say, or how to even proceed here. This would be his first major confrontation, but there were so many factors here that made him feel tense and worried about the consequences of his actions. He took a deep breath and steeled himself "Your friend there is clearly shaken by what he saw. This goes beyond what side we're on, there are things we clearly don't fully understand. Things that if they fall into the wrong hands on either side could cause so many innocent people to be hurt...we need as much information as possible, and those who are scared, traumatized, and injured need help regardless of where they stand."

Was he even making sense? His heart pounded as he tried to negotiate and plead his case. Would people even listen to a low ranking Ranger like him? His hands shook. He needed to better himself. To take more charge of his life and prove to himself that he can be a force of good, not just for the League, but for Hoenn as a whole. Was that naive or overly ambitious? Maybe...but he was going to do his best. He took out a Pokeball "Azura...showtime." He threw out the Pokeball as a Brionne appeared in a flash of light, doing a playful pose in the air as she landed in front of him.

"Misty Terrain." He said, hands behind his back as Azura let out a song-like tone as the area around them started to shimmer and sparkle. Pinkish mist flowed about and offered a protective field that would last for some time. He stared down his opponent "I will not run. I will fight for the good of Hoenn and its people. Now then...let's begin." He said. His timid nature evaporated into a steadfast, dutiful stance and expression. "My name is Toki Akiyama, Ranger of Hoenn. Whatever I can do to help the world flourish, I will do my utmost."

When Toki spoke, Makoto initially raised an eyebrow - studying the Ranger from where they stood, as they took in his words. Though the concern he showed was touching, Makoto couldn't help but bring their guard up as they spoke up in turn. "I appreciate your worry for us - assuming it's genuine. But forgive us if we're not all lining up for help from the enemy." They responded - though the appreciation sounded genuine, their distrust towards him was otherwise clear to see. "You may have good intentions - but the same can't be said of some of your peers."

And they were sure that just waltzing up to League for help would draw the ire of more than just a few Rocket higher-ups, too. They were better off trusting in the devils they knew, than hoping that the enemy might have some sympathy left for them.

But either way, there was a battle brewing - and the Ranger was ready to take them up on it. As the Brionne came out, Makoto studied her for a few moments, quirking their lips in a thoughtful expression. Not a good type match-up for Tsume - but they weren't worried yet, they had an idea of what to do.

Instead, they focused more upon Toki's words as he continued to speak - the prior timid demeanor he had seeming to melt away for a certain confidence. Was this a mask, or was this what truly lay underneath that nervous exterior of his? "You're going to be fighting for a long time then, Toki." They'd respond, a hint of cynicism in their tone. It was a war between Rocket and League in all but name, after all. "Let's see if you're up to the task, then."

And with that, Makoto glanced to Tsume. "U-Turn." They directed, in a firm tone.

The Zoroark would dart forward at Makoto's call - quick to close the distance between himself and Azura. Once he got close though, he'd leap up into the air, before coming down with a downwards kick at the Brionne! Regardless of hit or miss, he'd use the kick to bounce back towards Makoto - returning to his pokeball, to allow the thief a quick pivot.

A pivot, that'd lead into their Crobat - Nobusuma - coming out. The flying-type clearly acted as a steed for Makoto - between his large size, and the saddle-like harness he wore. Though for now, he was here to fight - the bat's eyes narrowing upon taking in Azura.

Toki Akiyama

Toki thought about their reaction and understood their wariness. They were on opposite sides of the law, but everyone had their reasons for falling into certain groups. He never judged unless he felt he understood their reasons. "I don't blame your reaction...I understand. I'm just some rookie from Alola, but that's not going to stop me from doing right by others in my own way." He nodded his head at their statement that he would be fighting for a long time. "I've been fighting my fears and anxieties for a long time. I'm prepared for what might come my way."

Azura dances and darts around, barking playfully and teasingly, though the Zoroark's sudden dash forward caught her off-guard. She brought her flippers up to block the downward kick, though it would in fact bruise her quite a bit. She continued her little swaying dance as the Crobat swooped onto the field. Toki was surprised at the sheer size of it. A Crobat that's large enough to be a flying mount? He'd never seen one so large. Either way, he thought about the next step, though he had a good idea of the next action to take. "Azura, Icy Wind!" He commanded.

Azura barked and leapt into the air. She took a deep breath and spun around while exhaling a stream of cold, crystalline mist to obscure her body before breathing out a concentrated blast at the Crobat. Flying types didn't like their wings getting frozen, so hopefully this would do some damage.

Nobusuma's wings beat fast as he flew overhead - the Crobat watching Azura closely, as if looking for an opportunity to strike. But of the two, it was the brionne who would strike first - a sudden deluge of freezing winds coming his way! Though he attempted to dodge, the Icy Wind would still strike his rightmost wings - a layer of crusted frost forming over it. The bat screeched from the burning sensation of the ice - and even as the frost shattered and fell away with a flex of his wing, it was easy to tell that the chill was making him sluggish.

Makoto, however, would stand their ground. A little cold wouldn't stop Nobu that easily - even if his speed would likely suffer from the Icy Wind. "Cross Poison!"

The thumb-claws of Nobusuma's wings began to drip with toxic fluid - and flying close overhead to Azura, the crobat would flick its wings forward - firing off an X-shaped slash of poison, at the Brionne.

Makoto, though, would look Toki up and down briefly - the ranger's prior words making them wonder. "You're far from home, then." They spoke - though it wasn't like they were native to Hoenn, either. "What possessed you to come to Hoenn, despite everything that's gone on?" Surely, Alola had heard of things such as the meteor that had nearly hit it. The rifts, too.

Toki Akiyama

The vile poison along the Crobat's claws immediately set Toki on edge "Aqua Jet!" With that command, Azura lowered her body and slid across a torrent of water underneath Nobusuma. Then, she would leap and do a loop in the air before she dove straight for the Crobat's body in a water-infused tackle. So far the battle was going in Azura's favor, but it was too late to gloat. Azura landed with a showy, playful pose before she awaited the next part of the battle.

Then, he was asked a question "My ancestors are from here...and I lived my teenage years in a way I regret. Here, in a new land and as a Ranger, I wanted to prove to myself I had what it took to do right by people and grow past my mistakes. Despite everything...no, because of everything that's happening here, I want to lend mine and my Pokemons' strength to Hoenn in its efforts to be better. That's what I believe in. I don't care if I'm just some rookie, I'm going to rise in the ranks, tempering my ideals all the while." He seemed completely willing to have his ideals challenged...but in that challenge, forge them and mature as a person.

"If people with strong Pokemon are fleeing from this site in terror...then the average innocent will stand no chance if this gets out of hand. That is why I fight today, so I hope you hold no hard feelings for my actions."

Azura was faster than she looked, for being an aquatic pokemon on land. As the brionne sped under Nobusuma, the Cross Poison would end up striking the grass where she was but a moment ago - sizzling ominously. The Crobat immediately attempted to follow Azura's movements - but before he knew it, she'd suddenly make a 180 to launch herself into him, like a little water-powered torpedo! Being slammed into would momentarily stun him, wings beating harder to try and steady himself.

But, even if knocked off-kilter, this proximity would provide an opportunity. "Supersonic." Makoto called. If speed was the name of Azura's game, then how would she handle it when her head was spinning?

And at his trainer's command, Nobusuma did not hesitate to open his mouth wide - letting loose a shrill shriek in Azura's direction!

However, even if Makoto didn't respond right away - focused on directing Nobusuma - they were considering Toki's words. This young man - perhaps around the same age as them, if they were guessing correctly - had a good heart in him. Though, could you help someone - or in this case, Hoenn - be better, if they weren't trying to be better in the first place?

But rather than voice those thoughts... "I won't hold any hard feelings if you don't, then." Makoto spoke - adding "I'm not backing down anytime soon."

Toki Akiyama

The ringing screech hit its mark, Azura's ears buzzing at the discordant noise as her vision got wobbly and disoriented. Toki didn't know what to do in order to assist her in the moment. He just hoped that his commands would be able to reach her in her current state "Azura, listen! Hyper Voice!" He commanded. Azura heard the distorted command and tried to follow through, though her voice wavered, unable to provide the power necessary as she stumbled in the sand and coughed a bit, clearly strained. Toki put a hand on his chest in worry. She wasn't going to be able to defend herself. A good play by his opponent, he would give them that.

"We're both people of principles, then. I can respect that. I just hope whatever path you're walking doesn't hurt you." He said with a bow of his head. Azura struggled to get back up, stance wobbly as she couldn't quite focus her vision. Toki worried that the next blow would be enough to knock her out and put him on his back foot. Many scenarios played out in his head, but he had a plan. A big one in the event he had to change up Pokemon.

"You're a good trainer. Your Pokemon are loyal, and value your safety. At the very least that earns my respect as a trainer."

Supersonic did the trick - Azura was disoriented and confused, enough so that she was struggling to fight even as Toki called out to the brionne. Hopefully, the confusion would last long enough for Makoto to really make the most of it.

"Leech Life."

At Makoto's call, Nobusuma would swoop down at Azura - attempting to bite down on her, and drain some of her health for himself. That should, hopefully, help make up for some of the damage that the one-two punch of the water-type's prior Icy Wind and Aqua Jet dealt.

But meanwhile, Toki would comment on Makoto's relationship with their pokemon - and it gave them pause. On the surface - their illusionary face - their expression was neutral, hardened even. But below that surface, their expression had flickered - a mix of feelings welling up in a moment.

Taking in a deep breath though, they'd soon speak up in response. "... They serve me. Just as any other pokemon serves Rocket." They claimed - attempting to sound as confident in their own words as possible. And yet, it was all a lie. They cared deeply for their pokemon. If the option had been there, they would've wanted to live a simple, quiet, cozy life with their pokemon. And it was the care that they showed their pokemon, that had earned them the loyalty they had.

But Makoto had appearances to keep up (or at the very least, felt as though they had appearances to keep up) - lest someone else smell weakness on them.

Toki Akiyama

Toki smiled. "They protect you without command. That enough tells me all I need to know." He said. He winced as the Crobat bit into Azura, draining some of her life in her moment of confusion. She struggled to stay standing after the leeching, but ultimately slumped to the ground unconscious. He frowns "I'm sorry, Azura. You did well, come on back." He returned her to her Pokeball. He took a deep breath, pressing his forehead against the Pokeball before he pulled out another one. "We'll be fighting for some time yet, you say? Then I won't hold back."

Toki threw the ball and called out "Tameemon...! Heavy Slam!" He shouted as the Snorlax appeared and immediately reached out to grip Nobusuma's wings before falling with his whole body weight to smash the opponent into the ground with a thunderous quake. Whether it worked or not, Tameemon would slowly push himself back into a standing position. While still having the sleepy expression Snorlax's are known for, Tameemon seemed rather focused.

"I wish more people took the time to understand the histories of others. If I was judged harshly for my past as a petty thug...then I think I would have only fallen further. Anger and beratement...surely there's a better way to approach all of this." He mused.

Makoto had no response to that - or at least, none that they could make without sounding as though they were in denial. He was right - and he only needed to see Tsume's lack of hesitance in leaping forward like that to know that, didn't he? But, they wouldn't agree or confirm the Ranger's words.

Meanwhile, Nobusuma seemed satisfied at himself, in having defeated this trainer's first pokemon. He'd initially lift off once more, wanting to ready himself for the next fight, but-- ... What was that shadow?

Glancing upwards, Nobusuma was met with the terrifying sight of a meteor descending upon him. He barely even had a chance to shriek, before he was grabbed and slammed into the ground by Tameemon..!

Makoto couldn't help a sympathetic wince at this - watching as the snorlax rocked back up to his feet to reveal a thoroughly KO'd Nobusuma, resting in a perfectly crobat-shaped crater. Even if Nobusuma was large for his kind, he was still many times lighter than a Snorlax - that had to hurt. They wasted no time in recalling him to his pokeball - mentally noting to treat the Crobat once this warring was all over, as he deserved it. But as they reached for their next pokeball, Toki spoke - and they paused at his words.

"..." They were once again thankful for Kuro's illusion aiding in hiding their true face. Because in that moment, they could feel a number of emotions rising up - frustration, bitterness, sadness... But, they were practiced in pushing it all down, to instead just make a sound somewhere between a 'hmph' and a laugh, a bitter noise. The world would be all the better, if people could all just learn to take a step back to look at the big picture like that, wouldn't it.

Maybe their family would've been more accepting of their mother and themself, then. Maybe they wouldn't have had to worry about surviving on the streets, then. Maybe they wouldn't have had to fear judgement from their past thefts catching up to them, then. Maybe they'd be able to better feel like they could reach out for help.

But with how the world was now, just sitting around going could've, should've, would've, wasn't going to get them anywhere. And for a moment, they wanted to open their mouth, to speak to Toki further, to ask him 'who pulled you back up, then?'. But realizing that they were letting their guard down, they kept silent. Tried to put figurative distance between the both of them.

Instead, they would finally pluck a pokeball from their belt, to send Tsume out a second time. However, rather than Toki or Tameemon seeing a Zoroark, they'd instead see a graceful Alolan Ninetales - the false icy fox giving them an equally icy stare. "Agility." Makoto commanded - and the fox was suddenly on the move, darting circles around Tameemon. Against a larger slower enemy, Tsume was prepared to rely on superior speed to try and outmaneuver the snorlax.

KO'd other character's pokemon + had own pokemon KO'd



Toki Akiyama

At this point, Toki didn't want to say anything further, lest he come across as too preachy for his own good. The focus was now on the battle, which continued now that they were both down one Pokemon. He deeply hoped that Nobusuma would be okay after that attack, but there was no time to go easy. Makoto sent out an Alolan Ninetales, something that reminded Toki of home. Toki closed his eyes for a moment and thought of home. Ultimately, while his friends and family helped him...it was ultimately him who pulled himself out of his prior hardships. He opened his eyes and steeled himself for the next leg of the battle.

He noticed that they were relying heavily on speed to outmaneuver Tameemon. A good strategy, but one that Toki had a plan for. "Belly Drum!" He commanded. Tameemon stood up and spread his arms out wide before heavily slapping his stomach hard, psyching himself up and letting out a low growl as he prepares himself for the upcoming battle. Step one of the plan was in action. Toki hoped that the ensuing power Tameemon was capable of dishing out would be enough to carry him through the battle.

Toki bided his time for the appropriate opportunity to continue the strategy. He had spent so long doubting himself even after he made it to Hoenn and became a Ranger. This was no time to wallow in those feelings. A job needed to be done. People needed help, and a strange phenomenon had to be understood for the good of all. This was important to him, and he would do everything he could to contribute.

Toki had fallen quiet - something that Makoto found almost thankful, as it made it easier for them to try and distance themself. But at the same time, his earnest nature... They almost wanted to see more of it, too.

They wouldn't let themself get lost in their thoughts again though - not when their opponent was scheming. As Tameemon began using Belly Drum, their eyes widened underneath the illusory mask - a Snorlax on its own was bad enough. A Snorlax with heightened attack, that wasn't something that they wanted to let run wild. Thus, they went onto the offensive - calling "Dark Pulse!"

Now, Tsume did not know Dark Pulse - but that wasn't of concern to him. He knew what Makoto truly wanted. Forming an orb of swirling dark-red-violet colors in his maw, he'd fire a Night Daze off at Tameemon; a move that an Alolan Ninetales shouldn't be able to learn. But the question was whether Toki would know the difference, or would notice the effect it'd have on Tameemon's accuracy when the Snorlax started swinging...

Toki Akiyama