Shalin dreaded going back to Littleroot Town. She had horrific memories of the place. It was her introduction to the horrors of Hoennian war. A war she could not escape, now that she was a Ranger Authority. Even so, what choice did she have? She had to swallow the tough pill and head out there; there was an unruly mob wreaking havoc upon the small town, seemingly over how little the League has done to defend the small but important town against Team Rocket. While the place wasn't built directly on the coast, there was a port nearby, which was the fastest way to get to Dewford from the mainland.

Using the whistle as a cue, Shalin joined Leo, seated on the back of a Kantonian Persian wearing a luxurious-looking saddle. "Rustboro Captain Shalin Nariya," the authority introduced herself. "I understand where your frustrations are coming from; parts of the town still are in shambles after the rift opened where Littleroot Theater was at. We're doing everything we can to look into closing the rift. Until then, it is important not to go near it. Let Law Enforcement, Rangers, and Gym Leaders handle it. They're trained for it."

Clap. Clap. Clap.

From the outskirts of the crowd came a slow sound, echoing through the sudden break in the noise. Many of the people looked about in confusion at the sudden, further interruption, while those closest turned towards the source. It was there that they would find a large man, clad in a black military uniform. At his side stood a grizzled Mightyena, while a combat rifle was slung from his shoulder; and on his chest, was emblazoned a small, red R.

Perhaps it was a bit played out, but Axel had always enjoyed the effect of a good slow clap. He was being paid, today, with performing what some called a 'good will' mission; others called it outreach, recruitment, bolstering, or any number of other things. None of that mattered to him so long as the coin continued to flow and he was not unduly restrained. As it so happened he was being given near free reign in this particular endeavor in addition to his compensation. Something told him that was an indicator of the believed chance of success but, again, he didn't really care.

On arriving in the little town he'd found it already in an uproar, unruly citizens gathering in the square to protest their conditions. On the one hand, it saved him the time and trouble of finding and assembling themselves, not to mention the bother of getting them whipped up. On the other hand, his presence was likely to go unappreciated. It seemed they were quite frightened by his current employers and were desperate for a fix to the situation. Whether they knew it or not, providing that fix was his exact intent.

With the crowd now more confused than riled he strode forward, the Mightyena keeping step at his side. The people before him quickly moved out of his way, some in astonishment, others in fear. Regardless his path remained clear as he casually strode to the front, giving the 'Rangers' a cursory appraisal before turning his back on them. He now faced the crowd, clearly nervous at the appearance of this bogeyman, armed no less, and raised his hands.

"What fine words, wouldn't you agree everyone? 'Just wait'. 'Be patient' 'Don't worry.' 'Someone else will come and solve all your problems." He turned sideways, allowing the crowd to see past him to the two rangers as he also faced them. "Tell us, will that be before or after they've finished wringing the people dry? These poor people are terrified, their homes and business destroyed or in peril, and what has the 'League' done for them? Not a thing." He scoffed. "They can't even be bothered to send proper authorities, instead shipping out a pair of children to try and placate the masses."

Already he could hear a few murmurs of assent. As afraid of him as they might be now, that was nothing compared to the fear they had been living with daily, or the indignation of seemingly being ignored by their authorities. Once more he turned his back on the pair, a calculated move intended to prick their ire. "I think it's quite obvious how much the League cares. They expect you poor people to pay your taxes and die while they sit up in Evergrande scheming how to squeeze even more out of you. And even if they wanted to help they couldn't; the so called 'League' is so corrupt and fragmented that they can't even help themselves. Your government has failed you, they can't do anything for you; But I can."

Overhead, a dragon roared.

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Leo Winters Shalin Nariya