As Aylin switched out, Haguru's Lock On would be broken - and the klinklang would express their frustration at such with a sound like that of crashing metal, made by the discordant way the gears twisted for a brief moment.

But, the pokemon that switched in next would be a troubling one - a fire-type. Makoto was quickly realizing that for the relative variety they had, that that was a bit of a fatal flaw in their team - a number of their pokemon were weak to fire. And though they theoretically could switch out, there two options they had were pokemon they only wanted to bring out as a last resort.

So, rather than switch out yet again, Makoto decided to stand their ground. "Lock On, again." And Haguru, much like before, would narrow their focus onto Lota - watching the scorbunny's movements to an almost unsettling degree.

All it'd take was for one good Zap Cannon, and the scorbunny's threat would be halved, Makoto was sure. And hopefully, even if the Aurora Veil and snowfall was beginning to wane from Tsukiko's absence, it'd be enough to protect Haguru from the single hit they'd need to get something off...

Toki Akiyama

"Flame Charge!" Toki shouted as Lota rapidly stamped in place before he rushed forward. He left embers with each footstep as his body engulfed itself in flame. With a mighty charge, he would attempt to bash into Haguru at full force while wreathed in flame. Lota ran about and picked up some additional speed from the charge. Even though Lock On would make it so the next attack would hit him for sure, the extra speed might be able to help him.

Toki's team might still consist of a few Pokemon that have yet to evolve, but they were coordinated and Toki knew how to play to each of their strengths. His set up with Tameemon was good. The match up just caught him off guard and that was okay. He had to keep enemy moves in mind before committing to a risky strategy.

Lota bounded around, a little unnerved by how perfectly Haguru was able to track him thanks to Lock On, but he was a tough Scorbunny. Whatever was going to come his way, he'd be able to handle it...he hoped.

As the scorbunny tackled into Haguru, flames licked at the steel - and the klinklang's gears gnashed in what might have been an expression of pain or further frustration. They stagger somewhat - or at least, stagger as much as a floating construct of a pokemon can - but the light of the Aurora Veil seems to soften the blow, at least a little. And when Lota disengages, they follow his movements with an eerie precision...

"Zap Cannon."

At Makoto's command, the small side-gear begins to charge - crackling, brilliant, glowing all the more... Until it finally fires - a blast of concentrated electricity aimed directly at Lota, as though Haguru were anticipating where the scorbunny would be at that very moment..!

Makoto did not wholly expect the attack to be an immediate KO - but the guaranteed paralysis was sure to hinder what would've otherwise been a major threat. Briefly, their fingertips feel along the pokeballs on their belt - as if debating whether to switch Haguru out next round.

Either way, the Aurora Veil and snowfall finally fades away - leaving their team unprotected, for the time being.

Toki Akiyama

No matter how Lota tried to dip and dodge out of the way, the tracking and leading was just too calculated and perfect. The Zap Cannon hit home, surging through his body. It sent him to one knee as he tried to move and counter attack, but for the time being his body was just too locked up from the paralysis to do anything further.

Zap Cannon was a relatively inaccurate move. Once again Makoto showed their prowess in making up for a move's shortcomings by using proper set up. They took care of not only their Pokemon for loyalty and friendship's sake, but fine-tuned their knowledge to be the best fighters they could be. Toki couldn't help but applaud slightly, a genuine, sincere expression of happiness on his face "This has been a great battle. You have to admit that." He said.

He worried this would be seen as a ploy to get them to let their guard down, but that couldn't be further from the truth. At this point, this battle served Makoto's purpose of letting the other Rocket member flee. This was all formality at this point, but Toki was going to prove to himself and others he was not just a naive boy who knew nothing of how to actually do battle.

As Lota was struck by the Zap Cannon, Makoto couldn't help but let out a gentle exhale of relief - though they knew logically it'd hit, there was still that small part of one's brain that sometimes liked to whisper 'but what if it didn't'. But with this, the scorbunny was paralyzed - and hopefully, that meant that a number of Makoto's pokemon could properly fight.

Which posed the question - to keep Haguru in, and allow them to build up their special attack? Or to switch them out for someone else - with the two options they're most comfortable with being Matsu or Tsukiko?

With Matsu being doubly weak to fire though, they'd decide that was a no-go. But if they could get Tsukiko back in for long enough to use an Aurora Veil... Of course, that could just bring that Tinkatink back out too - which that was another troublesome pokemon, even if less-so than the scorbunny.

Toki's voice would break them from their thoughts though - and as they glanced over to him, they couldn't help but be a little bit surprised at the reception. Not long ago, he was seeming quite anxious - but now, he was just... Smiling. Complimenting the battle. Even if he hadn't intended for them to let their guard down, they nonetheless were caught a little off-guard by it all.

"... Yeah," They'd agree after a moment - almost reluctant to speak back up, and yet unable to bring themself to stay silent. "Your scorbunny - Lota... He'd have caused me a lot of trouble, if not for the Zap Cannon."

Though they wouldn't say much more than that - having decided to have Haguru remain on the field. "Charge Beam." They called - and the Klinklang would once more store up electricity, to let loose a blast that seemed much more milder than the prior Zap Cannon. Perhaps, with enough power stored up, this would be their win condition?

Toki Akiyama

"Don't count him out." Toki said, serious. "Lota. Push through...and Double Kick!" Lota grit his teeth and stood to his feet, body still struggling through the paralysis...but as the Charge Beam soars towards him, sparks of flame from the Flame Charge earlier reinvigorate his body and loosen his muscles enough as he dashed forward. He skirted along the beam just barely, body still protesting, but he leapt forward.

Lota would attempt the two kicks, a jumping stamp followed by a snappy roundhouse kick. Toki also made sure to give his Pokemon a good set of techniques. Lota would be much worse off if Aylin didn't use Light Screen earlier, and having access to both Fire and Fighting type moves made Lota very versatile against Haguru in particular.

Only time would tell if Lota's attacks would strike true, or if the battle would still be at a stalemate. The scales were even. How could Toki tip them in his favor?

Lota leapt forward - and the sudden motion from an otherwise paralyzed scorbunny takes Haguru off guard. A kick slams into the central gear, staggering the klinklang - though they manage to float back just enough that the second kick glances off of the surface of the gears, rather than being a direct hit. It still hurts all the same, the sound of clashing metal and grinding rising up from Haguru.

Makoto, meanwhile, curses to themself under their breath. Luck didn't seem to be in their favor here - one or two good hits would probably take Haguru down - but they weren't going to stop quite that easily, either. "Switching out." They called to Haguru - and though the steel-type grinded their gears in protest, Makoto nonetheless pulled out a pokeball to recall them. That klinklang's ornery nature was going to be trouble someday, they swore...

But in Haguru's place, they brought out Tsukiko - and once more, Snow Warning caused snow to drift down upon the battlefield. The fox blinked a bit at Lota - cocking her head one way, and then the other, as if she were wondering what in the world had happened to him. But otherwise, she'd stretch out her limbs - clearly eager to get back into the thick of it!

Toki Akiyama

Toki huffed a bit, the cool air returning as he tried to think of his next move. Make decisions...push forward. Accept what happens. He took a deep breath and ordered "Flame Charge." The snow falling around Lota started to melt and evaporate as the ensuing mist shrouded his flaming form. He dashed forward, but before he could get a proper tackle in, his legs seized, and he tumbled awkwardly. He tried to get back up in time to avoid any kind of retaliation.

That paralysis was becoming a problem...Toki would need to remember to stock up on status healing items next time he had the chance, but there was nothing he could do for Lota at the moment. Depending on what happened next, he might have to call Lota back. Still, Lota managed to deal some major damage to a dangerous member of Makoto's team.

Toki's team trusted him. They fought well together, enjoyed the adventure, and adored their trainer. It's why them falling in battle hit Toki so hard. He didn't want to see dear friends get hurt and blamed himself if they got hurt. But, this was the nature of Pokemon battles, especially Ranger duties. They were prepared for this, so he had to be too.

As Lota tumbled, Tsukiko would dance to the side to avoid getting tangled up in the resulting heap of scorbunny. She cocked her head a little as she glanced to him, and seemed curious enough - even mid-fight - to try and sniff at him... Before jolting back in surprise, when he in turn attempted to get back up onto his feet..!

However, this wasn't a time for games - and Makoto already knew what they wanted. "Aurora Veil."

Much like before, the alolan ninetales would throw their head back to howl - and with it, came the familiar flourish of colorful lights. If they didn't have the means to deal effective damage upon the enemy, then they'd simply shore up their defenses instead.

Toki Akiyama

Lota's body let out sparks from a mixture of frustration with the paralysis and a need to stand up and show off what he could do. Toki knew this, and while this next attack wouldn't be the most damaging, it would hopefully catch Tsukiko off guard enough to land a fiery hit. "Lota, show them how you use Ember." Toki commanded.

Lota's eyes lit up as he grinned. He let out a cry as he pushed through the paralysis and kicked up a nearby rock and engulfed it in flame. He began running around with it, kicking the rock in a variety of acrobatic stunts as the flames built on it more and more before he kicked it up. Finally, he leapt up and bicycle kicked the flaming rock towards Tsukiko.

Toki smiled at Lota's determination, especially when it came to showing off the legendary soccer skills the Scorbunny family is known for. Hopefully this would make the attack at least somewhat unpredictable due to how long it took for actually throw it out.

Makoto and Tsukiko both would watch Lota's movements carefully, as the scorbunny began to bounce and run about - kicking along a flaming rock. It was certainly an impressive sight, especially given that the fire-type's paralysis - and Tsukiko in particular was enthused at the sight, her tails wagging side-to-side as she watched. What was this? This looked fun!

In fact, it looked fun enough that Tsukiko would end up acting on her own when the rock was kicked in her direction. Her tails lit up in violet flames, and she'd attempt to swing them at the rock to strike it back - as if this were a game of badminton - with Dragon Hammer! Which, would likely look strange, when you consider that this wasn't a move a ninetales could normally learn!

However, the timing would be off - and the rock would impact into her side instead, drawing a yelp as the flames licked at her fur. Tsukiko would stumble - clearly getting worn down from the fighting; but as her gaze cast towards Lota, she'd bark at him, as if telling him to do it again!

It was clear to see that Makoto didn't exactly intend for things to go this way, judging by the half-facepalm and look on their face. "Please take this seriously..." They'd request in a murmur; but sometimes, the whimsical ninetales did as she pleased.

Toki Akiyama

Lota seemed...thrilled? Someone to play ball with? How could he possibly pass up that opportunity? Well it seemed like this would be an interesting opportunity, so Toki called out for Lota to use Ember once again. Lota pushed through the paralysis for what he considered a new friend and started doing more fancy footwork with a pebble between his feet, engulfing it in flame as the snow around him melted and evaporated from the heat.

As he did this, Toki spoke to Makoto "Your goal of keeping me busy has long since passed. Your ally has escaped, and there isn't much reason for us to continue fighting. I'm in no position to make demands, of course, but if I win this battle, you tell me a little about what Rocket knows about the Ultra Space anomalies."

After another acrobatic showings, Lota kicked the rock into the air and jumped after it before giving a strong kick towards Tsukiko. Toki hoped this would help whittle down the remaining of Tsukiko's defenses as well as tick down the effects of Aurora Veil for later Pokemon.

Tsukiko is having a blast - and it seems that Lota is, too! As the scorbunny begins to kick around another rock, the ninetales drops down into something between a playbow and a readied position, her tails swishing. She waits, watches - and when Lota once more kicks the blazing pebble in her direction...

... She's prepared this time, to smack it back in Lota's direction - her tails blazing with another Dragon Hammer..! The flames on the rock are dyed in streaks of violet as the rock is sent flying the other way - and even if clashing did still hurt a little, it was clear to see that Tsukiko was enjoying this!

But meanwhile, Toki would make a request. Makoto's brows furrowed a little as they considered it - certainly, at this point there wasn't much reason to continue fighting. It would be much easier to make an escape the first chance they got. But... "... What do you have to offer, if I were to win?" Makoto questioned, with a pragmatic hue. "What's stopping me from just turning tail and running, if the fight starts going too heavily in your favor?"

In truth, there was only so much that they could tell him - and that wasn't even taking into consideration the concerns of what may happen, if someone else were to come in at the wrong time whilst they divulge it. They were a just grunt, themself - and they weren't as in-the-know as higher ranking Rockets would be as a result. But if the opportunity was there to get something out of this, then well...

... They may as well take advantage of that, right?

Toki Akiyama