This Christmas was to be the first that Nathaniel would be spending away from his Family, it was a realization that had only recently hit the young man. He knew that his reasons for being away were, to his eyes, more important than a simple holiday, but it didn't stop the feeling in the pit of his stomach that it just felt...Wrong. He had of course spoken at length with his Father already over video-link and the Reynolds Patriarch understood his Son's feelings on the matter, choosing not to push the issue. They were both dealing with the loss of someone dear to them in their own ways after all. It would also have been the first Christmas without his Mother and Nathaniel had no intention of exposing himself to such a miserable experience at this time.

The generous offer made by the Mayor of Mossdeep city had been a welcome distraction for Nathaniel, one that he had chosen to take advantage of. He had decided, well more one of his partners had decided, that he would take the cruise liner provided to Mossdeep as opposed to simply Flying their himself atop Corviknight. For one his long time partner was no friend of the cold that currently pervaded Hoenn. Besides, Nathaniel supposed it wouldn't hurt to take the mode of transport offered, it might turn out to be a rather interesting trip. And so he found himself on the deck of the cruise liner, eagerly awaiting it's departure, to fight the cold he was wearing his usual ensemble, tailored black suit with a blood red overcoat. His breath misted in the air in front of him and he felt a sudden weight land on his shoulders. He tilted his head slightly to regard the chuckling Sneasel now resting there, cradling a number of Berries and treats in it's clawed hands.

"You know how many times I've told you not to do that right?" he said, a deadpan expression of exasperation plastered across his features. Sneasel only giggled to himself louder before stuffing his face with his stolen snacks. Nathaniel just shook his head, it was a habit that he hadn't been able to break Sneasel of, but not one he was overly concerned about if he was being honest. Sneasel only ever seemed to take things that wouldn't really be missed, well it would be more accurate to say that he never KEPT anything important. Sneasel sometimes liked to take rather important items, wait long enough for the offended party to nearly become apoplectic and then replace said item in the exact spot from which it had been taken. As long as that remained the case, Nathaniel didn't push the issue overly much.

A familiar cry brought him from his musing and he looked towards the source to spy an Indeedee, Female from the look of it's horns. Certainly not a Pokemon he had seen in recent months, it being native to Galar and all. It was standing alongside a young girl, holding her hand as the leaned on the railing, staring off out to sea. Smiling at the Motherly Pokemon, fondly remembering the Indeedee that his Mother often left by his and Rookidee's side in his youth. Mainly to keep the adventurous pair out of trouble. Nathaniel made his way towards the pair. The young girl was rugged up quite well herself, but it was getting rather cold out here, and would only continue to do so the further the got from the port. He walked over to lean against the railing a comfortable distance from the girl.

"You know, stay out here much longer and you're liable to catch a cold." he said in a joking tone, turning to regard the young girl in question and holding out a hand in greeting.

"Nathaniel Reynolds. And who might you be young lady?" he asked, a warm smile on his face.

Nathaniel had barely been introduced to young Ruby Walker when he earlier feeling of unease was suddenly vindicated. A strangled cry broke out across the deck and Nathaniel whipped around, eyes widening at the sight before him. A young boy was being chased by a pack of vicious Obstagoon, his clothes were torn and tears streamed down his terrified face. There was no time to attempt to figure out just how this had come about, the Obstagoon were clear in their intentions with the boy and Nathaniel would not allow it. Beside him Ruby released another of her Pokemon, a Geninja, commanding it to save the boy. Taking that to mind, Nathaniel thrust his arm and Sneasel took the signal easily and launching itself from Nathaniel's shoulder and onto the deck. Ruby's Greninja provided the cover, launching a Smokescreen over the young boy and the Obstagoon before rocketing off to save the boy directly. There was only the smallest of hesitation on Sneasel's part as he gathered himself, a slight shimmer running across his diminutive form before his claws began to glow with a metallic sheen. When Sneasel moved again it was as a blur, almost disappearing from sight entirely as he made to attack.

Alongside Sneasel, Nathaniel had also brought forth his Doublade and sent it off into battle alongside Sneasel. It's smaller partner was more a distraction to pave the way for Doublade to land the finishing blow. Sneasel dashed forward at great speed, striking out at two of the Obstagoon, hitting them in the ankle as he moved between them. Doublade was quick to follow, both of it's blades beginning to shine brilliantly in the low light. Nathaniel had fought more than his fare share of Obstagoon back home in Galar, so he knew full well that Doublade's Sacred Sword would decimate them but he couldn't bring himself to care at this point. The safety of the young boy was paramount. It was also hard not to notice the sudden addition of four new Pokemon on the deck of the ship, two of them in particular, an Incineroar and Emboar, as they rushed forward to attack the Obstagoon as well. Nathaniel looked up briefly, spying two people flying atop large bird Pokemon above the ship. Though he was rather grateful for the assistance he was somewhat suspicious of their sudden and unorthodox arrival.

Still, it was a matter for another time, there was still a problem to deal with at hand.

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tl;dr
- Sent Sneasel forward to attack two of the Obstagoon, using Agility and Metal Claw (Buffed by Helping Hand) to strike at their ankles, more as a distraction then attempting to fully take them out of the fight.
- Sent out Doublade as well to back Sneasel up, using Sacred Sword on the same two Obstagoon that Sneasel had attacked.
- Noticed the two newcomers in the air.