he's not sure how kyle lopez does it: training dogs; it's harder than it looks, especially when they barely listen to any orders. he had the bright idea of taking india out for a nice stroll but the not-so-bright idea of not bringing a leash, because the very idea of one is odd to him. pokemon should not need one and yet india is making him question his decision.

the poochyena is barely able to keep still. india rushes through the tall grass, bursts and destroys a few bushes and hedges, and doesn't slow down not even for a second. alexander is left to play catch-up as he trails behind, quick on his feet.

india bursts through another bush but is surprised when his entire body collides into something. he lets out a yelp! and sinks to the ground, but bounces back to his feet moments after.

and soon, his trainer appears.

"sorry! sorry! are you okay?"

anya fowl

india doesn't realize how close he was to getting mauled to death by two very ferocious looking creatures. he remains oblivious, head tilted upwards with wide-set eyes and a tail that will not stop wagging. his tongue sticks out of his mouth, hanging as he tilts his head at the female.

"i am, or at least i am supposed to be. i can tame dragons just fine but this little guy seems to not want to listen at all." 

alexander doesn't make a comment or even a notion about it but he did notice the demeanor of her pyroars and how swiftly it changed when he arrived. it doesn't take a genius to know that they were on the hunt; possibly still are.

but he's confident enough to let india remain out of his pokeball.

"they are not very common around here." he glances at her lions, cautious. "are you from here?"

anya fowl

he doesn't see through her lie because there's no reason to. it matters not where she got the lions but rather what she does with them. but her hunt is none of his business, and so he does not pry any further than he has to. he extends a hand to shake hers.

"alexander is fine." 

he's still not used to it; the title of champion still sounds like a fever dream. he has to learn to embrace it, so he appreciates her comment with a nod of gratitude. at that motion, india barks once, greeting as well.

"so, surely you are not out here simply for a walk. where are you headed?"

anya fowl

not all travelers, just the suspicious ones. there is a shroud of mystery around her that mars her true nature. he suspects the worse because it would be foolish of him not to. there have been too many incidents where the innocent are preyed upon because of their trust in people. he will not be another.

"we were doing just the same." just out on a regular walk. india's tail wags at the lioness as he inches forward to sniff back, curious. "that sounds lovely. we would appreciate the company." 

and with that, the two start walking, expecting her to follow. the air is quiet; the only thing disturbing the tranquility are their footsteps that crunch against the grass below.

"i hear they are prideful creatures." he says, addressing the lions that walk by her. "i have not had the pleasure of raising one yet. like i said earlier, they are rather rare in hoenn."

anya fowl

india's short legs carry him as fast as they can. thankfully for him the two lions seem to be slowing down for him rather than him keeping up with them. despite that, his tongue still hangs out the side of his mouth, panting quick breaths as he continues on walking without a single worry in his mind.

that makes one of them. 

"normal folk," he laughs, shaking his head. "you say that like i am not normal, that there is a difference between us. there is not." his tone is light, friendly. for now.

"what do you think i do in my free time?"

anya fowl