"handsome lycanroc!" alia says before smiling at the other ranger, comforted by the quiet confidence in the latter's words. leave it to mika, to make her feel at ease even in the most intimidating scenarios.[break][break]

after a nod of affirmation, alia begins trekking forward, entering the lush green foliage on the other side of the clearing. "you know, this is actually my first mission. i didn't think the league would send me on one anytime soon, given my lack of experience, but i guess they really need people." she informs the other ranger, pushing through some of the thick brambles.[break][break]

if she was going to be really honest, she would speak on how nervous it made her that the higher-ups felt the need to send her, a rookie ranger, to these missions. if that didn't speak to the current faction turmoil, she didn't know what did. but there was a time and place for everything, and alia wasn't thoughtless enough to exacerbate the stressful situation. she keeps her mouth shut instead, masking her worries with a breezy expression across her features.[break][break]

her riolu seems to sense her underlying tension, however, and he reaches a paw out to touch alia's hand, his eyes unwavering. alia smiles softly at the young canine, a warmth blooming in her chest by his thoughtful action. "so, it's been a while since we last met! what have you been up to lately?" she says brightly as she redirects her focus back towards her surroundings. while they may have a mission on hand, it couldn't hurt to catch up with a friend at the same time. two birds with one stone, right? [break][break]

as long as they don't get distracted from any potential danger, that is. [break][break]

+ Mika Nakayama [break]

+ +10 MP for IC post (70 MP total)

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

"i think we'll be alright, too, between the two of us." alia agrees with a smile of her own. while she's never seen the other ranger in action, mika has been nothing but steady and reliable in the few times they've met up. if there was anyone that alia trusted to have her back, it was mika. she secretly hopes that mika felt the same confidence in her as well.[break][break]

alia hums in acknowledgment as other ranger shares about her life, but the affirmative noise was cut short at the mention of a new tattoo. "a tattoo!" she splutters, brown eyes wide with shock. a tattoo seemed like such a spontaneous yet permanent alteration, one that alia herself haven't  had the guts or determination to carry through. "oh my goodness! what kind of tattoo? i've been wanting one myself since forever, but i can't seem to figure out what i want." [break][break]

despite alia's mindless chatter, her five senses were finely tuned to her surroundings, silently hunting for even the most subtle of movements and sounds. she halts promptly at the sound of faint rustling, head snapped back front at the possibility of danger. "did you hear that?" she asks, voice lowered into a soft whisper. swiftly, alia deviates from the main path, concealing herself in what was left of the remaining autumnal foliage. for all they knew, the approaching foe could be a couple of wild pokemon, but it was better to be safe than sorry. [break][break]

alia exchanges a glance with mika as two men emerge from the growth instead, each wearing a thick backpack of what was probably supplies. they were accompanied by pokemon of their own, an excadrill and houndoom. alia stays still as she attempts to deduce whether the newcomers were friend or foe, ears straining to catch bits of their hushed whispers. it was unlikely, but maybe they would accidentally give away their alignment mid-conversation?[break][break]

"they're heading south. i don't think any of the league camps are in that direction, are they?" she murmurs suddenly, the realization hitting her a few moments later. as the quadruple approaches the girls' makeshift hideout, the black canine pauses, snout raised as it catches a whiff of an unfamiliar scent. [break][break]

+ Mika Nakayama [break]

+ +10 MP for IC post (80 MP total)

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

At Mika’s confirmation, Alia tenses, quickly debating for the best tactic. Should they attack and prevent their opponents from reaching their respective camp? Or should they just stay low and let them pass? After all, the objective today was to successfully bring supplies into league territory, not sabotage the opposing faction. [break][break]

Before she could discuss their options with Mika, however, the other ranger and her Lycanroc were already on the move. Alia watches in awe as the wolf slinks in the shadows, waiting for the right moment before he ambushed the grunts. She sneaks a look at the woman next to her - it was incredibly fast thinking on Mika’s part, and she admired them deeply for it.[break][break]

Next thing Alia knew, she was leaping out of the foliage as well, Riolu close to her trail. She was hesitant about her next steps, having never confronted anyone in this sort of manner. It wasn’t going to be long before the grunts noticed their presence, however, so Alia takes a deep breath and summons every ounce of courage that she has in her. “Hey, you two.” she calls out, tone surprisingly firm and steady for her first rocket encounter. “Hand over your supplies, and we’ll let you guys go.” [break][break]

The two men glances at each other before the taller one scoffs. “You’ll let us go?” he echos, eyes twinkling with amusement. He shakes his head slowly, as if privy to some world-class secret, and clucks his tongue sharply. [break][break]

Immediately, the mole and canine lunge at the girls, each bearing a ferocious attack. Adrenaline washes over Alia as she takes in the hostile sight, and the increasing blood to her brain helps her formulate her next move rapidly. It would be easier for her Riolu to take on the Excadrill, she realizes, with the previous having a type advantage over the mole. Mika’s Lycanroc would fare better in a brawl with the fire-type, as well. [break][break]

“Okay, Luka, just like we practiced. Get him with a Vacuum Wave!” the order rings out loud and clear, now that she somewhat pieced together a strategy. It wasn’t perfect, more stray fragments and shards than a complete puzzle, but a start was a start. [break][break]

The young puppy whirls his fists, sending a powerful gush of wind towards the Excadrill. The fighting-type move knocks the mole off-balance, halting its’ incoming attack successfully.[break][break]

+ Mika Nakayama [break]

+ +10 MP for IC post (90 MP total)

[attr="class","pokeclass"]