A dark shadow moved quickly beneath the gentle waves beneath their point, something pointed emerging for a mere second before fading away. It was unnoticed by Caroline, who had taken that exact moment to glance at Rory. They weren't far from the Corsolas' migratory target.[break][break]

"Kanto." She responded. Something rocked the boat, but Caroline chalked it up to the movement of a wave. "Way back when Team Rocket was causing a fuss and a mess over there. I don't have as much time to do that here because I'm always making trips home to help my parents."[break][break]

Her father always took over when she wasn't home, but the guilt of leaving so many training duties to him often had her making weekly and monthly trips home for extended time periods.[break][break]

"You ever been there? Kanto?"




[break][break]

tag + Rory Faust[break]
note + ---

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Crimsen had... ignored her??? Just, straight up, didn't even bother to give her a 'no thanks' to the question. Unless his response was the answer to her question. In which case, Caroline promptly decided that none of this was making sense. In fact, she'd never even seen the Pokemon that was facing her right now. Some kind of electric, wanna-be, gangster?? [break][break]

"A full blown Ranger?" She scoffed, her patience growing thin. "I've been around the world doing everything and more that you Rangers do here." Despite her words, however, Caroline couldn't ignore the benefits that would come from receiving the title she deserved years ago. "Fine. Let's do this. Titan?"[break][break]

Caroline didn't have to give a command as Titan charged forward, stomping the ground as flame erupted around his teeth and he targeted the thin flesh of his opponent's neck.[break][break]

TITAN used FIRE FANG


[break][break]

+ Sénon Game

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

The sweet, alluring scent of Pokeblocks may have been unnoticed by the trainers, but Skiddo quickly grabbed the scent. He pranced eagerly at their feet until the stranger's hand was lowered and he mouthed the treats, hand, and all. This man may have ruined his fun time with Caroline, but he couldn't be that bad if he had food. "We try to feed the Pokemon as naturally as possible on the ranch." Caroline had explained. "We have a lot of sponsors who give us access to some great stuff."[break][break]

While Caroline had merely motioned to the barn at first, she now led Mint towards the aging building. Soon, they would be beginning some remodelling and repainting of the exterior. "My mother and father had problems with that at the beginning, but now we have larged fenced in enclosures for runaways. We also have some guard Pokemon who will keep watch and warn us if anything happens. Oh, look - there's my personal guard. Echo!" A Lycanroc was resting just inside the door to the barn, now visible as they approached the sliding wooden structure. At the call of her name, Echo's ears pricked and her tail began wagging.[break][break]

The Lycanroc had been Caroline's friend since childhood, and the family considered her their 'lead guard dog' for duties on the ranch. She ensured that all the other guards were doing their jobs and protecting the Pokemon they had. As Caroline led Mint into the barn, Echo stood with a shake of her fur and padded to them. "Socialization is extremely helpful for the more aggressive Pokemon. It makes them feel safer, more comfortable, and thusly less aggressive."[break][break]

Skiddo, excited to see his friend, launched into the air and tried to land on top of Lycanroc. However, gravity won and he fell clumsily with a thud. "Oh Skiddo, what in the world?" Caroline laughed, "This is Echo, one of the guard dogs we keep around here. They benefit so much from having jobs on the ranch and working together with us." Anyone could see the Pokemon, with her shiny fur and bright, gleaming, gaze, was well-loved on the ranch.[break][break]

"So anyway, this is where we keep most of our Pokemon for training. Most of the smaller Pokemon will stay inside here and we have outdoor areas for the bigger ones." The inside of the building resembled a modernized dog shelter. Glass doors reached up above their heads and the inside of each cage was spacious with water, food, and blankets to comfort the Pokemon. At the end of the hallway, the cages grew bigger and had additional doors that led to small paddocks on the opposite side. "Obviously, we do have to keep some of the Pokemon in their balls when we're overflowed or they threaten the safety of us and the other Pokemon. But we really try to adapt them quickly to allow more freedom. For example," Caroline stopped in front of a small square cage with a Shinx curled up in a ball. Sensing motion, the Sphinx lifted his head and blinked at Caroline. "Sphinx was abused in his old home and had a lot of anxiety and anger when he got here. Now, he's practically a lap Meowth!" The cage door clicked as it opened and Caroline pulled out the Sphinx and handed it to Mint. "You can hold him."[break][break]


[break][break]

+ mint frost

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Caroline wished she could proudly proclaim that her family did all the breeding, the training, the rehabilitating, and relocation at Foster's Ranch. Unfortunately, their widespread popularity had resulted in a necessary recruitment of staff. These days, Caroline primarily focused on the rehabilitation and training aspects of the ranch, while her parents were able to focus on breeding and basic care. Still, Caroline wouldn't have things any other way. [break][break]

"Well, we have had to hire some staff to help handle things like breeding and basic care, but I manage almost all of the rehabilitation and training we do here. She clapped with pleasure at the boy's tour acceptance. "So nice to meet you, then, Mint! I think we're the perfect facility for helping your Pokemon! And I know that you'll really love everything you see here." [break][break]

Skiddo had withdrawn from jealous stares and resorted to huffing, sighing, and pouting from the other side of the fence. Caroline laughed. "Yeah, I guess he could take a little tour with us. I can tell you've already fallen for his cute little trap. Come on, Skiddo." The gate latch squeaked as she pushed it open and Skiddo darted outside, dancing and tapping his little hooves. He stumbled a bit, as if the world suddenly twirled under his hooves, but quickly regained composure. Caroline tilted her head, but then returned attention to Mint. "Oh, come on. You don't need to sound so shy about it! Of course you can pet them! We don't have anything too aggressive right now and they can always do with some extra loving. Here," She pulled a handful of things from the pouch on her hip and held out her hand to Mint. "You can give these to Skiddo or any of the others. They're natural, home-made pokeblocks."[break][break]

Finally, Caroline motioned for Mint to follow her away from the outdoor agility course. "Since you're interested in the training program, I'll show you the training facilities first. We try not to keep any of our Pokemon cooped up in Pokeballs while they're here, so we've got plenty of outdoor areas for them to roam based on type and size. Fresh air is extremely essential to the happiness and health of anyone's Pokemon. If you bring any Pokemon, they'll probably stay in the big barn over there." She motioned to a large brown building with a partially ajar wooden sliding door faded by time. "Depending on the size and needs, we have several different outdoor paddocks for them to roam about. They're not as large as the pastures, but they still have lots of play room. It's very important that we keep them well socialized here."[break][break]

At their feet, Skiddo hopped, jumped, and darted between Caroline's legs.

[break][break]

+ mint frost there will be petting available in the next POST

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

A battle with the Head Ranger should have left Caroline feeling satisfied and smug, but watching the Bulbasaur knock itself out sparked frustration, instead. This surely must have been a joke? A method of lulling her into a false sense of security. Even Tyranitar, poking and prodding the fainted Bulbasaur, seemed insulted.[break][break]

Despite the frustration festering inside, she held her poison-tipped tongue as Crimsen released a new Pokemon in a flash of bright light. Now, this looked more her speed. "A double, huh? Why don't I toss a bone and you bring out one more of your Pokemon, too. It's only fair, isn't it?"[break][break]

She then pulled a ball from her belt and released Crobat.


[break][break]

+ Sénon Game

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Tyranitar against Bulbasaur. Caroline would have felt bad for the pair-up, if she hadn't already swore to herself long ago to never underestimate the chaotic capabilities of small creatures. She'd been the unfortunate janitor to quite a few of those situations. [break][break]

Titan released a rumbling roar as he faced his opponent. His competitive spirit equaled the determination of Caroline's heart, but he seemed almost embarrassed to be placed against a miniature toy.[break][break]

Even more so when the Bulbasaur threw its squishable brain against his plated stomach. Titan stumbled, but he seemed more irritated than harmed. Was it even fair to pull out the hard-hitting fang attacks now? She wanted to show her skills to Crimsen, but this seemed almost humilitating to her and her own capabilities.[break][break]

"Titan, EARTHQUAKE." The ground began to rumble, crack, and break as it fell apart beneath the strong-footed stomping of Tyranitar.[break][break]

TITAN used EARTHQUAKE


[break][break]

+ Sénon Game

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If Caroline had any less tact, she might have rolled her eyes to the response. Of course the rank and work would find her, but she'd quickly argue that her resume should be enough to skip the line. [break][break]

"I'm not worried." Was her shortened response, accompanied with a half-hearted shrug. "I'll gladly show you what I'm capable of." Following his lead, she drew a pokeball from her waist and tossed it lightly to the beach. A much heavier thud accompanied the Tyranitar as it landed. [break][break]

"Let's play."



[break][break]

+ Sénon Game

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Talonflame's screeches grew louder and more chaotic as Caroline haphazardly pulled herself up the wooden pole. It drowned out the call of attention that rose from the ground. In hindsight, impulsivity may not have been the best solution. Once she reached the top, she'd have to climb into the nest and, well...[break][break]

A blast of heat flashed past Caroline's head and she let out a gasp of surprise. Her foot slipped from its placehold and she crashed to the ground. That's gonna leave a mark. She blinked up to the sky, only now seeing the blonde headed boy. "Oh, h-hey. Nothing to see here. I've got this all under control." [break][break]

Was that the sound of bird-like laughter she heard?




[break][break]

+ Alexei Ivanov {CUCKOO IN THE NEST}

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"Oh, looks like we'll be fine, then. Cece can protect and you can... heal? Although hopefully we won't need to worry about any of that. Things seem pretty calm on the ocean right now."[break][break]

Not that she didn't already have a Pokemon capable of healing on her. As a professional in rehabilitation, she'd be a fool to go anywhere without a healer. Besides, Lady Cecilia was just as capable of caring for herself without the need for a healer. Caroline had never met a Pokemon more devoted to waterguarding than this.[break][break]

"You could say I've been doing this since before I could talk." Caroline responded, "But, professionally, for a long time. Ten years? I did a lot of work abroad, though, so I haven't accomplished as much here in Hoenn." She sounded almost... bitter as her words concluded.

[break][break]

+ Rory Faust

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The boat began to rock as it picked up speed and pulled away from the shore. The features of the Corsola slowly became more clear as they got closer, surely taking their sweet time in migration. [break][break]

"You and me both." Caroline agreed, still standing as she accepted out-stretched hand. "Just call me Caroline. The Kingdra out there trying to herd Corsola like Wooloo is Lady Cecilia. You got any water-types that could help her out?" [break][break]

Not that she thought Lady Cecilia needed any help. The Kingdra was surprisingly and perfectly capable of handling herself out in the ocean.

[break][break]

+ Rory Faust

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

A fresh breeze blew through the grassy training area and rustled the branches of sky-reaching trees nearby. As Mint spoke, Caroline felt a rush of pride follow his simple compliment. No matter how many times people raved about her family's rehabilitation ranch, Caroline was always eager to soak up the praise. She'd worked hard for this and her family deserved the recognition and five-star reviews they were given. "Big is an understatement. It's pretty tough to manage everything with the family, but I'm used to it now.[break][break]

Once she was on the outside of Skiddo's training park, she continued, "Oh, no, I'm really happy you came to check out the place. I love to show newcomers around the area. If you can tell me your name and tell me more about what you're interested in, I could give you a tour in the meantime! You can call me Caroline Foster." Anything for an excuse to show off the facilities and her knowledge to an unsuspecting victim. It was her second favorite thing to do after everything else she did on the ranch. Brag about it.[break][break]

His comment turned her attention to the Skiddo, who continue to stare jealously at the boy. "Hoo boy. Don't let that cute little face fool you! This boy will steal your heart and eat it if you're not careful." Said with affection of course. Sometimes it felt like all of her willpower was being used to avoid falling into those doe-like eyes. "It depends on the Pokemon, you know." She responded, once he'd drawn back her attention and it quickly dawned on her how excited the boy seemed. For what, she wasn't quite sure. Yet. "For the majority of cases, it takes between one to three months. Sometimes we can manage to fix the issues in a week or two, but those are typically minor problems. In fact, Skiddo is one of our more simple cases. He's just got a few balancing and listening issues we're working on. I could show you some of the others if you're interested." [break][break]

[break][break]

+ mint frost your posts are always okay :*

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