With the Poochyena scattered and beaten down, the Poachyena (leader included) were all that remained in the sea-scented cove. Fossils collapsed to the ground in broken shards as they were yanked haphazardly from the wall. Care for the product had been thrown out the window for sake of something - anything.

Caroline and Echo froze as the Poachyena scrambled atop a mount of rubble with fossils held ominously above their heads. You'll let us walk away with these or you'll be counting them in a million pieces on the floor! I ain't foolin' came the leader's cry as Caroline spun her attention to Alevander.

SWIFT! The cove suddenly lit up with a barrage of stars, striking down the small group. Their hostages fell from their hands as they tumbled head over heels to the ground. Alevander was already moving and Caroline quickly in hot pursuit. Her arms stretched forward as fingers reached for one of the fossils. "Echo!" She cried out as she caught the edge of the fossil and rapidly twisted as she slid across the ground with a gasp.

Echo had already been in movement before the shout of her name. She was faster than the two trainers and quickly pulled the fossil from it's airborne drop. Daisy, on the other hand, had other plans. As the leaders tumbled from the mound, her strengthened hooves crashed against the ground and stomp the dirt around them. Staring at her with fear-glazed eyes, the leader let out a shout as Daisy threatened them with her horn. They scrambled to their feet and, rather than head for the entrance, fell out into the ocean on the opposite side. The sound of shutting, splashing, and cursing began to fade as the cove fell into silence.

"Holy crap." Caroline gasped, clutching the fossil in one hand and propping herself up with the other. "That scared me for a moment, but looks like they're finally gone. You guys okay?"

@lev

Almost as soon as the battle had begun, it came to an abrupt end as Zac's Steelix and Heliolisk leapt into battle. Steelix's powerful steel-type attacks, combined with her own, left the Tangrowth screeching and reeling in pain. It released the Mareep and allowed Heliolisk to swoop in and retrieve them. Easy done as easy goes.

Against her own advice, Caroline did return Tyranitar to his Pokeball. Having been recently evolved, the ground dragon was still having trouble controlling his power. It would be a pain in the ass for all of them if Titan decided to take down the gorge with them inside of it.

"Those are some powerful Pokemon you've got." Caroline complimented, as Daisy knelt to one knee and allowed Caroline to climb on her back. A thin stream of blood trailed from her forearm where the rock had hit, but wiping it away revealed nothing but a simple scratch. A day and two more would leave her with just a bruise in memory of the mission. "Let's get these Pokemon back to their owner and then talk plans for that play date." She smiled, but a sudden memory popped into her mind. "Oh, and perhaps we should fix the fence your Mudsdale broke." This comment was accompanied by a laugh.

It'd been fun.

Zac Ramsay

caroline foster 's prompts

claimed 12/22 - make an ic-post using a reference involving "delibird"

claimed 12/23 - physically encounter an ice-type pokemon in a wild or social thread in an ic-post

claimed 12/24 - post in someone's plotter/respond to a plotter post for plots or a character compliment

claimed12/25 - reference any pokemon using the move natural gift or present in an ic-post

claimed 12/26 - reference a winter holiday in an ic-post

claimed 12/27 - post/edit your post in this thread with one thing your character is icly grateful for. caroline is grateful for all of her pokemon and the joy and love they've given her over the years. she's grateful for her loving parents and everything they've taught her since her childhood

12/28 - reference any pokemon using the ability ice face, ice boy, or ice scales in an ic-post.
claimed 12/29 - reference any pokemon using a fire-type move to light a fire (fireplace, campfire, etc.) in an ic post.

Caroline grinned at his response. "Well then, you're already one step closer to a better bond with your Pokemon." Her body shifted as Rapidash stepped aside to avoid a fallen rock in their path. "Okay, imagine this. Imagine you're a three year old kid and your mom keeps you cooped up in a little room all day making you study. You never get to play or do anything fun. You'd go crazy." She waved a wild circle in the air with arms above her head. "Pokemon are the same. Maybe we could let ours have a little play date after this mission? You'd like that wouldn't you, Daisy? You can play with the Mudsdale." Daisy shook her head and nickered in response. Her excitement was obvious. It wasn't often she got to run with other horses, although being with Caroline was typically enough happiness for her.

Back to the present, Caroline eyed the bloodied Mareep cautiously. While Zac dismounted, she remained on top of Daisy with observant eyes. "Wait Zac," but it was too late, he was already approaching the group. His foot steps seemed odd against the typically solid turf they'd traveled. "Something doesn't feel right."

Then, as if summoned by the accusation, the ground began to creak and shudder. Zac let out a yell as a Tangrowth emerged from the earth and grasped the Mareep in it's thick vines. "The Mareep!" Caroline cried out as Daisy's hooves scrambled to safer distance. "Watch out!" came her next cry as chunks of rock sailed through the air and exploded around them. Caroline raised her arms in defense as one of them struck her forearm and hurled past. Daisy whinnied in panic, rearing up and lashing out powerful hooves at approaching rocks. "FIRE BLAST, Daisy. FIRE BLAST, now!"

Immediately on command, Daisy parted her jaws as a giant ball of flame began to appear before launching it at the Tangrowth. It's long tendrils shivered and shook as it let out a pained screech. However, it did not back down. Scrambling from the back of her horse, Caroline dropped to the ground and pulled a pokeball from her belt. "Titan! Use ICE FANG!" A crash followed the glow of light as Tyranitar fell to the ground. It let out a roar that echoed through the rocks as it pounded towards the Tangrowth and latched a pair of ice cold fangs into one of it's arms, it's chill a deeper freeze than even that of the cold snow that often accompanied Christmas this time of year (in other parts of the world, that is, not this tropical place).

Zac Ramsay

Caroline had refrained from using Pupitar until this point. The recently acquired rock/ground type was not as comfortable in battle with Caroline as Lycanroc and Rapidash, but her dog and horse were already in combat with the hounds. She reached for the pokeball on her belt as she yelled, "Daisy, Echo, keep those hounds busy. The Passimion is controlling them!" As Pokemon, trainer and monkey controlled, began to falter from fatique an Earthquake from Pupitar would bring a quick end to the battle.

Or so she thought. Before Caroline could even pull the ball from her belt, the giant monkey let out a blood curdling shriek. It rang through the open air and Mightyena, Boltund, Manectric, and Vaporeon raised their head in shocked worry. Their beady eyes grew wide as they saw the wounds and chaos that surrounded their 'trainer'. As Bramble kicked down the Boltund in it's moment of distraction, Echo and Lycanroc also took advantage. With powerful hooves and sharp fangs, the dog and horse beat down on the remaining hounds. The Vaporeon screeched in pain as Echo dug her sharp fangs into its neck. Manectric and Mightyena yelped as Daisy smashed her hooves into their sides and they collapsed to the ground with heaving sides.

"The hounds won't be a problem anymore," Caroline announced, though there was no triumph in her tone. They still had to deal with the Perssimion. And now was a chance.

A glow of light filled the air as a hard shell emerged and floated to the ground. It blinked. "Titan, use EARTHQUAKE." Well, he didn't need to give that a second thought. The ground beneath them began to shake and shiver as it split open and broke the Earth beneath the Passimion.


Chu-e Choi

"A child isn't born knowing how to read or write or speak," Caroline motioned an aimless circle in the air with her hand. "Nor are they all born to learn in the same way. Pokemon are kind of the same. Do you really think that Rapidash was born knowing how to ride bridle-less or bow with a single touch? She had terrible separation anxiety as a Ponyta. I couldn't go anywhere without her breaking through fences or knocking down shelves to be with me. I know some trainers like to use the term 'breaking' them in to refer to training stubborn Pokemon and that might be the easy way, but it doesn't create a bond with them. I can always tell when Rapidash is nervous and I won't push her to do anything she doesn't want to do, but I know that I can always trust her when I really need it."

As Caroline spoke and Zac questioned, their ride trailed on through the midst of towering rocks. Although Caroline spoke, she trusted that her Rapidash would listen for any sounds of Mareep that she might miss under the sound of her words. "Sometimes it's not about getting across what you want, but knowing and saying what your Pokemon wants to hear. And sometimes that means giving them the illusion of a choice that guides them to what you want. Or being as descriptive as possible in a command." Rapidash's ears had pricked toward something rustling through the dried underbrush ahead, but she relaxed once she saw the Rattata poke it's head up and stare cautiously as they passed. "I don't keep my Pokemon in balls nearly as much as some people do. I like to walk through town with them. Do a little shopping together. Maybe even get our hair done together." She laughed at the suggestions, "Personally, I think that people are too preoccupied with just using their Pokemon to battle and then tossing them back into the balls when they're done. That would make anyone stubborn and stir crazy, don't you think? Who wants to go through the same thing again and again all the time? Give them air to breathe!"

Given yet another moment, Rapidash's ears pricked forward. But this time, the fire horse abruptly stopped and stared at a cluster of something muddy and fluffy. They were huddled together with each other in a tight circle and something red was speckled across their woolen coats. They looked afraid but...of what?

Zac Ramsay

The cove came to an end in a massive chamber, fossils embedded from floor to ceiling in natural light. Light sparkled across the ocean waves rolling gently across the rocky border. With no where left to run, the Poochyena and their trainers had begun to frantically pull fossils and pieces from the wall. Anything they could get their hands on was better than leaving with nothing.

Echo was surrounded by three mangy mutts in a desperate attempt to protect their owners. However, the evolved Rockruff was more than enough to deal with them. A power STONE EDGE brought rocks breaking through the ground's surface and scattering the Poochyena as the two trainers approached.

Cosmic Power! Lev's command filled Caroline's left ear as she simultaneously commanded Rapidash to use AGILITY and, with the boost of speed, charge through the lingering Poochyena with a flame-ready FLAME CHARGE. Yelping and whimpering, the last remaining Poochyena ran past the two trainers, leaving their trainers behind.

Lev was already pulling one man off the wall and Caroline quickly joined him, meanwhile Echo had grabbed another man by the shirt and yanked him to the ground. "Your Poochyena have abandoned you, man." She announced as her movements mimicked the Lycanroc and she sent the Poachyena sprawling to the ground. "Give it up already before you get hurt."

@lev

"To be fair..." Caroline leaned across Daisy's neck and faced the farmer, her features shadowed in the glow of her Rapidash's flames. "I don't think you asked for our names, either." She waved a hand in the air, dismissing the conversation. "But, doesn't matter anyway, we're here now and we'll fix the problem, sir."

Four. That's how many Mareep were missing, scattered into the gorge on a fear-driven escape. It was apparant by the farmer's short tone and frustated responses that futher discussion was nothing more than time-consuming. "We'll bring them all back." Caroline promised as Mudsdale and rider began to move and Caroline quickly moved in step beside them.

"No worries," Caroline reasurred with another wave of her hand. She was less interested in conversation of the farmer than conversation of the Mudsdale. "Mudsdale are known to be a bit hard-headed. Compared to Pokemon like Ponyta, they're much less receptive to training." She patted Daisy's neck, the horse nickering in response. "Oh, this girl?" She gave an appreciative laugh, "Thanks. I'm sure she's happy to hear you say that. I've had her since an egg. She had quite a bit of a rough start, but she's really starting to blossom in confidence since becoming a Rapidash. I don't know where I would be without this good girl. And my Lycanroc. Their intelligence and understanding really impress me every day."

As their conversation trailed on, so did their path to the gorge. Rocks carved by a river's flow had begun to cast shadows over their path, but there was still no sign of the lost Mareep. "You know," Caroline leaned back and rested her hand on the hindquarters of Rapidash with a sly glimmer in her eyes. "I could give you a few pointers, if you want. I'm a bit of a natural with Pokemon."

Zac Ramsay

"It's just a little bit of skin," Caroline flashed a flirty smile, finger twirling a dangling strand of loose hair. A chuckle following on the tail end of her words. Their conversation halted momentarily as Ness began spitting and sputtering around the green tendrils of something brown. A Skrelp, or something of the like, was wiggling it's little tail trying to escape.

Once that moment had passed, their conversation picked up from it's prior end. "Of course." Caroline winked, "With these skills, I may even be able to pull your Lapras to safety if the need should arise." Probably not, but the good intention was still there.

Finally, Caroline anticipated learning the girl's name, but Chryssa's words came to an abrupt stop. She glanced at her watch. She wasn't even wearing a watch. "Well..." Caroline interjected to fill the sudden silence, "I expect I don't have the kind of style you're used to, writing my name in the sand is really all I could do, but come on - that's so tacky. Mine's Caroline Foster. Caroline. That's it."

And then she was being enlightened of the Slurpuff digging through her bag and Caroline turned around in surprise. "Echo!" Fast asleep. Caroline scrambled after the creature making an abrupt retreat with a wrapped granola bar. It was fast, but Caroline was faster. She grabbed it on both side's and wrestled the food from the Slurpuff. "This isn't good for you," She scolded and reached out an arm to pull a pokeblock from her beach bag. "You'll like this much more." The Slurpuff took a bite graciously.

chryssa glasgow
befriending slurpuff

Caroline dug her heels into the ground as she pulled Chu-e to his feet and kept a steady hand on him as he found his footing. In the background, the war of hounds, monkey, and trainer's Pokemon continue to splash blood across the darkened grass like long tendrils. Rapidash's MEGA HORN against the Vaporeon had struck and sent the water-type reeling backwards with a yelp of pain. Lycanroc had managed to successful land her ACCELEROCK against the Manectric who stumbled backwards, but did not flee.

Vaporeon came back first, a torrent of water shooting from its jaws with the force of gun shot and targeting the fire horse's frontal body. Lycanroc, still in speed, intercepted the attack to protect the weaker fire type, which sent her flipping and spiralling across the ground. She was braver than Daisy, but the water-type attack was just as effective against her. She laid, dazed, on the ground while Daisy reared up in shock and surprise a glow of light enveloping her body. AGILITY. Then, Rapidash charged forward, slamming her hooves to the ground and creating numerous small craters across the Earth as she approached the Vaporeon and Manectric. STOMP. STOMP.

Again, STOMP.

Manectric let out a howl of pain as one connected and moments later, Vaporeon let out a similar scream as the Rapidash's powerful hooves caught one of her paws beneath it's mighty power. Lycanroc was still recovering, but her strength and resolve to protect the bleating Wooloo kept her from a full-knock out. Instead, small orbs began to glow around her as rocks formed within and she began to thrust them into the fray. ROCK THROW. The best of her long distanced abilities.

Caroline had kept her eyes so focused on the battle in front of her, cautiously analyzing the future capabilities of her Pokemon, that for a moment she'd almost forgotten Chu-e was still next to her. Until he spoke. "What?" Her voice was louder than it should have been, but she quickly adjusted. "Yeah, they're - I don't know - there's definitely something controlling them, but..." Daisy's flames reflected off the powerful Passimian in hand-to-hand combat with the Machamp. An idea came. "The Passimian!" She spun her head to face Chu-e. "This is going to sound a little crazy, but we need to take down that Passimian. I think he might somehow be controlling the hounds."

Chu-e Choi

While Mac's Mudsdale had paved a path of destruction in his wake, Caroline's approach to the ranch might as well be trailing delicate flowers. Rapidash's flames flared out behind her as she trotted the dusty path along the sturdy wooden barrier. Each hoof was carefully placed and her mouth was free of restricting leathers.

It didn't take long for Caroline to notice that the Mudsdale who had nearly driven them off the road a moment earlier had managed more trouble in its path. "Somebody needs a little bit of training," Caroline mumbled to herself as her Rapidash slowed to a walk and clopped cautiously over the broken fence pieces and beside the Mudsdale. Rather she was referring to Mudsdale or trainer was indetermined.

The Mudsdale towered over Daisy, who cautiously huffed a breath of his air. Caroline had just managed to catch the tail-end of their conversation. "Nearly." Caroline confirmed the farmer's sour words with a slight chuckle. "Don't worry about the fence, sir. It's no worse than the damage the storms caused. We'll help you patch it up once we round up the Mareep."

The farmer huffed in displeasure, his arms held firmly in a cross against his chest. Caroline ignored it and shifted her weight to look at Zac. "I'm Caroline Foster and I'll assume that you're the one I'll be doing this task with?"

Zac Ramsay

Caroline responded to Alevander's compliment with a sly smirk of her own. "I may not have fighting prowess, but these pathetic wanna-be pirates might as well be dancin' with two left feet." The explosion of attacks from her Lycanroc and Rapidash kept the rest of the approaching Poachyena's at their distance. Nobody wanted to get close to a girl with a flaming horse guarding her side.

The intention of their battle was to drive the group of mangy mutts and their trainers away from the cove, but it seems as though the explosion of attacks had done the opposite of its intended purpose. "Aw, what? No." Caroline groaned as she watched the pirates escaping further within the cove. "No way, come on guys!" Her voice echoed into the cove. She'd have to avoid the more explosive attacks of her Pokemon if she didn't want to destroy the insides of the cave.

Caroline called out to her Lycanroc as she picked up pace behind the other man. "Right behind you." She responded as they dashed into the cove. Her Rapidash's flames bounced off the cave walls as she matched pace with Caroline. "Echo, run up ahead and cut them off. Take out any of the Poochyena that you see. You're bigger and stronger than them, it'll be easy for you." The Lycanroc nodded as she bolted on ahead and, moments later, the sounds of pained howls echoed back towards the trainer.

@lev