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Stormy is by the beachy area, unwilling to commit entirely to the water, but willing enough to enjoy the sound of waves lapping at the shore. And the sun. The sun on her skin was always incredible.[break][break]

But her Fletchinder squeals overhead, stirring her from her lazy sunbathing nap. The woman lifts her sunglasses, peeking out over the ocean and she very suddenly is gripped with panic and surprise.[break][break]

"O-oh my god!"[break][break]

She stumbles to her feet, reaching for a Pokeball, for anything, for something.[break][break]

"Wadjet? Wadjet!"[break][break]

It occurs to her halfway through Pokeball rifling that the black Charizard is already out of her Pokeball and lazing on the beach nearby. The Pokemon rumbles a note of affirmation, opening one eye lazily. Stormy's panic quickly brings her out of her drowsiness and she's unfurling her wings.[break][break]

Before long, the pair are flying low over the waves and calling out for the woman who, to her, looks like she's tangled up in nets and whatnot and drifting out to sea. How reckless and dangerous![break][break]

"Wake up! Wake up, you're drifting away!"

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Stormy was absolutely close enough to hear the woman refer to her as an angel - and it immediately prompts her to blush and gasp for air even though she wasn't drowning. Wadjet feels her trainer's control slacken in her surprise and embarrassment and she pulls back sharply - misinterpreting Stormy's reaction as encouragement to pull away.[break][break]

And, because of that, Stormy slips up and falls off of the Charizard's back and makes a grand splashing entrance into the water. She gasps, flailing to the surface before awkwardly and clumsily making her way to the side of the woman's boat. She slaps her hand down, leaving an imperfect handprint before grabbing hold.[break][break]

"Well, that was downright humiliating. I am so sorry. I panicked, thought you were in danger. Clearly.. clearly you're just fine, my apologies."[break][break]

But she's laughing, thankfully, even if it is an awkward, quiet chuckle. She moves to pull herself up and out of the water, dripping wet and out of her element - literally.[break][break]

Wadjet rumbles in concern but there's also a note of amusement in the beast's throat as she circles from above. There's no danger, so the dragon is in no hurry to get any closer to the water.[break][break]

"This happens often? Aren't you scared of getting caught in a storm or something?"

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While the woman moves stuff out of her way, Stormy is careful to not be as clumsy and terrible when she clambers onto the boat. She's dripping wet and instinctively raises her hands to wring her dark hair out. She looks a bit like a drowned rat, but her general lack of clothing - given she had previously been sunbathing - made it easy for the sun to warm her skin and dry her.[break][break]

But she takes the tower to squeeze moisture from the tips of her hair and dry her hands for the upcoming handshake. She would quickly return the towel, however, an awkward and embarrassed smile warming her cheeks with a deep blush.[break][break]

It deepens with how downright adorable the interaction between the Lapras and the woman was, and she can't help herself but to laugh out loud.[break][break]

"I remember when Wadjet was like that. In fact, she still acts out sometimes if I give the Charmander more attention than her. Cheeky girl."[break][break]

Skyler introduces herself and holds out a hand and Stormy is wide-eyed and floored by the warm welcome. She eagerly returns the handshake with a brilliant smile and relieved laughter.[break][break]

"Stormy! And please, the pleasure is all mine! I apologize again for interrupting your nap - I've made an ass out of myself. Ranger habits die hard, I guess. I'm always prepared to rescue, even if people don't need it."[break][break]

She smiles awkwardly, scratching the back of her head.

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Skyler took back the towel and quickly made a mental note to take care of the mess inside her boat. She was usually alone in these journeys, but that was no excuse to turn into a slob, especially when it came to her boat.

"I'm sorry for the mess, but I'm not used to having another person on board. Space is a bit of a luxury in the ocean," Skyler said with an embarrassed chuckle, subconsciously leaning into Sirena's cool neck. "Have you had your Wadjet for long? She looks impressive to be honest. Sirena here is very opinionated, but she means well. I couldn't imagine my life without her nagging- ow!"

The girl rubbed her head, but there was a shadow of a smile on her lips. "Case in point."

The sound of Stormy's laughter made Skyler's own smile expand and then it suddenly morphed into a playful grin. "You made quite the grandiose entrance, Stormy, I'll give you that. Points for creativity."

The boat swayed gently underneath her and Skyler closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the movements of the ocean. When she opened them again, there was a curious glint in them. "So you were or... are a ranger? I thought of applying, but then it just never happened. Marine Pokémon have been behaving strangely lately. I have to be careful when I go diving. Pick easy-to-escape routes." Her hand subconsciously went to cover a set of scars on her arm, but she caught the movement midway through the motion. "You don't look very comfortable in the ocean though."

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"No, no, please - you wouldn't have had to worry at all if I hadn't dropped in... literally."[break][break]

She licks her lips anxiously, clearly feeling out of her element and like she was definitely intruding. That is, until Skyler breaks into a smile at her laughter. That's the real ice-breaker.[break][break]

Stormy glances up at Wadjet when she's mentioned. The Charizard is practically preening as she lazily circles - she clearly liked when the attention was on her.[break][break]

"Not that long, honestly. She was a gift from a good friend of mine - but she's become my best friend within a few years. We're two peas in a pod."[break][break]

Stormy glances from the needy Lapras to the woman before tucking herself into an equally grandiose bow, arms stretched behind her as she pretends to curtsy.[break][break]

"I do what I can with what I've got."[break][break]

She giggles as she stands back up, brushing hair out of her face with the back of her hand. A strand gets caught on her pinky and she tugs at it absently as she glances around the boat idly - probably awkwardly.[break][break]

"I still am, sort of, when I'm needed. It's a little more complicated now - but for the most part I hang out with the rangers doing what I'm good at."[break][break]

Since joining the elite four, her focus had changed - but only slightly. For now, Hoenn wasn't in desperate need of the elite to keep order or what have you, so she was ultimately free to do as she pleased until she was needed. It was both freeing and incredibly nerve-wracking.[break][break]

The woman exhales softly, a happy tune to her voice. [break][break]

"We could always use more ocean-savvy rangers. There's a place for everyone, after all."[break][break]

Of course, this leads to Skyler asking her about the ocean, picking up immediately on the fact that Stormy was definitely not ocean-savvy. Stormy chuckles nervously, tapping her foot as she glances out at the water.[break][break]

"No, I'm not, honestly. I'd much prefer to be deep in the belly of a forest fire than freezing my cheeks off in the ocean. I never have to fear drowning in flames, I guess."

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Skyler had precious little time for other activities outside of her job. Being her own boss had its advantages: she could make her own schedule and have as many days off as she wanted, but she never really found a reason to do that. She loved the sea. Then again, if her job as a ranger consisted of seaside activities it could be doable.

"Maybe I will apply again, given that I can work up a schedule with my job as a diver. You sound very fond of them, which is a plus. What I know about rangers is only what people tell me, which isn't always the more accurate version of things," she said with a wry grin.

Skyler's eyes followed the nervous glance Stormy gave the ocean and the tap-tapping of her foot against the bottom of the boat. The expression on her face turned from a cheerful curiousity to a sort of bewildered horror.

"You'd rather be in a forest fire instead of out on the ocean?! A forest fire? What?! What did the ocean ever do to you?!" The tanned girl suddenly stoop up and gestured to the water around them. "The ocean is beautiful and amazing and it is filled with all sorts of treasures!"

The sudden movement made the boat rock dangerously from side to side, but Skyler didn't seem to have noticed it, her sea legs used to rough seas. She continued, "And yes, it can be scary and at times even terrifying, but it's also all the more breathtaking for it. You have to respect the ocean." She paused. "Kind of like you have to respect a forest fire. Honestly, a forest fire..." Skyler grumbled under her breath, her impassioned speech loosing its momentum.

Then, as if a sudden thought had struck her, Skyler put her hands on her hips and addressed Stormy. "You're afraid of drowning?"

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"And what do people tell you?"[break][break]

Curiosity sparks in her gaze as she watches the woman, a slight head tilt adding to her intrigue. Stormy was beyond passionate about the rangers - it had been the career that had taken her to where she was now. They had taught her strength and courage and to tame her passion. Without them, she may never have made it this far.[break][break]

Of course, those dreamy thoughts are quickly dashed by Skyler's loud disbelief. It literally sways the boat and Stormy gasps, feeling her balance be taken from her as the boat lurches beneath her. It makes her nauseous and her face flushes pale.[break][break]

"H-hey now, be careful!"[break][break]

Instinctively, Stormy reaches forward to brace herself against Skyler's elbow, fingers desperate to find purchase on someone or something that's actually stable. If allowed, she would hold on tight to the woman's elbow, drawing herself a little bit closer to catch her breath.[break][break]

"The ocean is dark, cold, and, I'll admit, downright terrifying. Forest fires are usually the same - I never have to doubt myself or it's capability for destruction. Drowning though?" [break][break]

She shudders. [break][break]

But she muses over the comparison between the two, the suggestion that they both demanded respect. She could respect that. But even still, the thought of willingly diving into the dark sounded awful - like you were begging to be swallowed up by the waves never to be seen again.[break][break]

At least a fire was bright and bold and warm. [break][break]

"Of course I'm afraid of drowning! Who isn't?"

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Stormy chuckles breathlessly, shrugging. It was what she had expected to hear, honestly.[break][break]

"The rangers do what they can, their best. We aren't perfect by any means."[break][break]

The boat steadies and so does she, especially thanks to Skyler's hand on her shoulder. She squeezes the woman's elbow in thanks but doesn't let go until she's sure that her legs belong to her again. She brushes hair out of her face and smiles despite the paleness in her cheeks.[break][break]

"Hey, no, it's all good. I'm the odd one out here, that's all. No harm done, no harm."[break][break]

She winks then, straightening up and glancing around at the water she seems so passionate about.[break][break]

"Passion is good anyway, I can appreciate it. Everyone should be passionate about something, and the ocean definitely deserves someone as devoted as you seem to be."[break][break]

And the way she spoke of the ocean was so damn passionate it rocked the boat with emotional weight instead of physical. Stormy finds herself appreciating the woman more and more the longer she explains. There's excitement in her tone, pure adoration. What surprises her more is how easily she can accept and compare her passion for forest fire exploration to her diving. [break][break]

"Don't ever apologize! Be as intense as you'd like, I love it!" [break][break]

When Skyler leans in, Stormy giggles, leaning in in return to listen to her confession.[break][break]

"If you weren't afraid, I'd think you might be an angel yourself - some sort of immortal fearless being."

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"I'm not sure my parents would agree with you on the devoted part. They're always telling me to take a break and smell the flowers. I think they also mean it literally." The girl sighed and scratched the back of her head, feeling slightly humbled by the Stormy's ready acceptance of her enthusiasm. Most people, Skyler though, would have been either bored or weirded out. Who was this girl?

"Maybe we should be heading out?" Skyler put a hand over her eyes to shield them from the sun and noticed a nearby beach. Stormy would probably feel better in dry land and Skyler herself had a few plans that involved getting the girl to swim properly.

When Stormy mentioned her being an immortal fearless being, Skyler couldn't help throwing her head back in loud, joyful laughter. She was careful not to rock the boat too much, but the whole thing was just too funny.

Wait.

What'd she say about an angel?

Oh no.

The realization was slow to come, but soon a wave of mortification swept over Skyler and she groaned, burying her head in the palms of her hands. She said something, but the words could barely be heard as anything but a vague mumbling through the gaps between her digits. 'I can't believe she heard that. Ugh. I think I might just throw myself into the ocean.'

She nearly did it too. She peeked out of the corner of her eyes at the increasingly inviting waves, but in the end decided to tough it out. She still didn't show her face, too embarrassed. "Ugh, I can't believe you heard the angel thing," she said, voicing her thoughts and cursing her sleepy subconscious.

● tags: Stormy Silph
● notes: that time skyler nearly yeeted herself into the ocean out of embarassment

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This girl was Stormy Silph, an actual doll of a human being - usually. When she wasn't a total hothead drama queen with a penchant for being over-the-top and overzealous.[break][break]

"I mean -- smelling flowers is good too. I could use a nice picnic or something sweet in a field of flowers. Sometimes taking breaks to do just that is very good for the soul."[break][break]

She chuckles, tucking hair behind her ear. The sun has begun to work its magic on drying her hair - along with her natural warm-blood thanks to Moltres' gift. [break][break]

Skyler suggests they head to shore and the woman is visibly relieved to hear that. She had been considering hitching a ride on Wadjet - but didn't want to be rude. That, and she hadn't really wanted to leave just yet. She was making a new friend![break][break]

And when the woman throws her head back in laughter, Stormy is eager to join in, more than happy to laugh alongside. Or, at least until Skyler's expression morphs into some sort of horror. Had she said something wrong?[break][break]

Oh. Right. The angel thing. She definitely wasn't supposed to have heard that. What a terrible oversight on her part. Stormy blushes furiously in response to her friend's humiliation. The girl won't even look her in the eye anymore.[break][break]

"I'm so sorry - but I thought it was sweet, honestly. First time I've ever been mistaken for an angel. Quite flattering, but definitely not accurate. I-- I didn't mean to humiliate you. Please forgive me."[break][break]

She pauses, chewing her lip.[break][break]

"You're far more angellic than I - if that.. if that makes any of this less awkward. Probably not. It's the hair. You have nice hair."[break][break]

To try and lighten the mood or make things less awkward, she goes in for a fist-bump.

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