The Bolthund I fast, faster than the Houndoom, but they’re trained for this sort of situation. The pack splits, keeping a triangulated pursuit on the canine. Flames tear through the brush, cutting off an escape with dangerous fire, guiding where they want it to go.

Eventually its cornered, Alpha arrives first as an ELECTRIC TERRAIN cracks across the ground. The pokemon stands to fight, bearing its teeth while its fur rises on end. SMOG drips from the Houndoom’s lips as they curl into a snarl. Hers is matched by another, and another, as the two males file in behind her.

DISCHARGE strikes them all, cause more damage to one of the male than the other two. Alpha and her partner are quick enough to lunger with their own attacks. FEINT ATTACK strike form the left while the other latches on with a CRUNCH.

It’s hardly a fair fight, three to one.

By the time Toni arrives, it’s whimpering on ground, barely moving it’s beat up body, “Good,” she smiles, dropping a pokeball onto the canine to add to her pack.

---

Catch Attempt!

There’s a sense of relief to know that the Absol wasn’t the result of incompetent training, but also disturbing to know that it is likely a rampaging wild pokemon. They are unpredictable, and this one seemed extras pissed off.

Toni catches a flash of a smile and finds some sort of familiarity in it but she doesn’t swell on the subtle thought. Instead, she turns her attention to her white dress, frowning as her attempt to brush ff the dirt only resulted in it smearing across the front.

“Lovely,” she sighs, the word drenched with sarcasm.

For all the hissing Williow does, she’s not a fighter. The moment the Absol turn to face her, the kitten dashes away in fear, hiding behind Toni’s ankles and peering around to see the Hawlucha dispatching the dark-type with ease, “Seriously, Willow?” she shakes her head in disappointment.

---

LANCE VOLLANS
Outfit

Toni is thankful the place doesn’t look haunted. If that was the case, she wouldn’t have purchased the penthouse. But now that it is clearly haunted, she threatens to sue and demand a full refund – plus a fee for withholding that information. They claim it is a new development, but Toni didn’t have ghosts following her . . . did she?

“I’ve had encounters in the living room, bedroom, and kitchen,” she points to each room respectively, “I’m not sure what kind of ghost it is – it won’t show itself, but it sure like to play tricks,” she sips her coffee as her eyes narrow on the kitchen, “dangerous tricks,” her gaze turns back to Xander, a helpless look she wouldn’t dare let many see, “It turned on all the stove burners last night, nearly burnt the place down.”

---

Xander Belmont

The darkness is broken with a series of flashes. The red lights materialize into the woman’s main hunting party. Three Houndoom anxious await their orders, Alpha already has her nose in the air, an ODOR SLEUTH attempting to catch the scent of nearby wild pokemon.

“Go,” as soon as the order it uttered the pack takes off, the soft thud of cantering footsteps across Route 102 is muffled by their careful placement. Behind them, Toni follows.

---

Grass/Electric Spawn

Toni had come to Slateport Beach with the hope to enjoy a nice sunset, alone, as usual. It seemed there were others that had a similar idea. Or perhaps it was some organized festivities?

There’s a small group, huddled around what may be a campfire, initiating the small talk that carried on the sea breeze that tossed around her short brown hair. Normally, Toni wasn’t the social type to butt into such a situation, but something about it intrigued her. She’d almost been in Hoenn half a year and what did she have to show for it? Very little.

The only friend she had was caden maher. He certainly filled a lot of gaps but it wasn’t fair for her to rely solely on him. Everyone else she’d met had been fleeting flings that left her briefly satisfied but starving later. Permanence isn’t what she’s looking for. At least, she doesn’t think that’s it. It’s hard to think about the future when the present is so uncertain.

Despite her hesitation, she approaches the small group with an aire of confidence. Her gaze broke from the group briefly to glance towards the empty pieces of paper and pens. Naturally, she gravitates towards @jupiter. The lone Mareep is always the easiest to pick off from the pack.

“Well, doesn’t this look like a fun little gathering,” she offers them a soft smile, “Do you know what this all for anyway?”

---

@jupiter

Share hope for Hoenn’s future (0/1)
Meet three new people (0/3)
Think about your own personal future (1/2)

outfit

Unfortunately, stars were something you couldn’t buy. If you could, perhaps Toni would be happy. Instead, she filled her life with artificial stars: men, booze, success, fine wines, things that should make you happy. At times she was, but it was only a shell.

Her gaze only breaks from his to glance towards his chest to watch the meticulous unbuttoning of his shirt. She keeps her soft smile until he’s almost done. Her lips curve to match his smirk when she looks back up to meet his gaze, “You know me, I’m not cheap,” it’s not a lie, money matters little to her, “What’s your price?”

---

caden maher

All the woman can do it watch helplessly as the flowers tumble towards the ground, quickly followed by herself. She’s quick enough to brace her fall so she only lands on her ass but a sharp pain spikes in her wrist as a consequence. Toni hisses in distaste, quick to withdraw the limb to her chest protectively.

The Shinx has never been one for combat, but the surprising appearance of the Hawlucha now has the feline on edge. With her hair standing she curls her back, hissing angrily at the two new pokemon and trainer.

Toni finds her purchase and stands, brows inched together in both annoyance and anger, “Is this thing yours?” there’s a bitterness to her tone as she glances down at her now filthy white dress.

---

LANCE VOLLANS
Outfit

Oldale Town was known for its homely atmosphere and flower garden. Naturally, several flower shops boasted flowers form the small town. The white, silvers, and black of Toni’s new modern apartment lacked a little spring color.

The chance for a warm spring stroll with Willow across the quaint routes of Oldale was something she couldn’t pass up, not today. She found herself in a particularly good mood with business going well and still high of the fresh purchase of her new flat.

“I think these will be perfect in the kitchen, don’t you?” she extends the bouquet of brightly colored tulips, sweet alyssum, and lupine, “They smell incredible too,” she smiles, leaning in to take a deep breath.

Despite their quiet stroll on the outskirts of town, a certain PRESSURE does weigh down on her. It’s enough to give her pause and glance back. Nothing.

Willow, the Shinx, does the same, but her eyes linger longer than Toni’s, “C’mon, love,” but Willow wouldn’t budge. The fur on her back stands on end and a low guttural growl rumble from the kitten’s throat, “Willow, come on,” her voice is more sterns, demanding.

The moment the Absol crashed through the trees yowling angrily was the moment Toni screamed, the fresh flowers flying from her hands.

---

LANCE VOLLANS
Absol Mission
Outfit

The sprawling cityscape of Mauville sparkles below them like stars, unfortunately drowning out the ones above aside from a few of the brighter, well known ones. Toni rarely looked to the stars, a waste of time. Dreams weren’t made on wishes, they were made with money and hard work. That’s partially why she tolerated Caden’s long hours and tortuous labor. The status of ‘doctor’ was held by few, and respected by many. Toni’s own title would never compare, so she had to get by on looks and money.

His eager gaze is lost in the dim light, although she does catch a flash of his dark eyes as the move between her and the hot tub. She slips back into their game of cat and mouse, stepping away to turn and face him, “Do I get a private show then?” she smiles, referring to his side hustle she is all too aware of.

It’s nothing she hasn’t seen before. Of course she follows his Only Fans. What good friend wouldn’t?

---

caden maher

Toni could always count on Caden to be there, answer texts, come over, take her out. Despite his busy intern life he seemed to always make time for her when she called. He almost made her forget how empty the apartment is, a reason she doesn’t settle down easily.

Independence is important to her. Being away from Sinnoh, her family, her friends, the spotlight, everything familiar – it left her with more feelings than she cares to admit.

“You’re welcome any time,” she smiles, lifting her glass to cheer him, the fine crystal singing softly as they met. Another sip left her chest warm as she sank into the comfort of his touch.

With a shake of her head, she grins, “No, it can’t, I have the eyes of a Braviary,” it’s then that he guides her to stand. She complies, lifting herself off the couch while remaining beside him, “That bad, hm?” Perhaps he’ll elaborate beneath the warm bubbles of the jacuzzi.

“This way – and grab the bottle,” she smiles, taking his hand and leading him through the living room. The next section is a dinning room off the kitchen. The windows here are glass sliding doors that open onto a patio. They don’t linger there long. Toni takes his hand and leads him up a short spiral staircase to the far right that brings them to the roof.

A flick of a nearby switch illuminates the rooftop in a soft yellow glow. There’s an area for lounging and a hot tub situated in the far corner, “I haven’t used it yet,” she admits, pulling him across the small garden, “It’s hot and ready to go,” or so she has been told by the property manager.

---

caden maher

She watches him take a sip, anxiously waiting his assessment. Their taste have always been similar, if not influenced by the other. When it came to lifestyle, they found themselves on the same page more of the time.

Toni is pleased to hear he enjoys the wine, “Well, Caden, if I told you me secrets, you wouldn’t have to come over to share it with me,” let the games begin, the familiar back and forth banter that’s evolved over the years. Toni sips her own wine again, “It goes beautifully with the hot tub on the roof,” her eyes brows wiggle playfully, an excuse to brag about her latest conquest in luxury.

“I missed you, of course,” she responds almost instantly as if it’s not a question. There’s some things she doesn’t hold back from Caden, “And I wanted to show off my apartment,” his approval has always been a comfort, and she’s a sucker for attention and praise.

In such close proximity, she does notice the subtle dull in her friend’s eyes. Naturally, she assumes its from work. He has quite the stressful job plus his side hustle, “You look tired, Caden,” the teasing has left her voice and is replaced with mild concern. She reached a hand out to let a manicured finger slide gently against his forehead to move aside a strand of dark hair, “Has work been difficult?”

---

caden maher

Toni wanted that box. When she found out it was already sold to someone else, she was less than pleased. Now, she was stuck watching the match with the rest of crowd in the uncomfortable seats and no bottle service. Not ideal for the Sinnoh heir.

In spite, she sat as close as she could to the luxury suite, hoping to catch a glimpse of the culprit. Since she sat down, the box had appeared empty. Did they fool her? Lie to her to keep it empty? Absurd!

It’s hard to keep herself distracted from the disrespect by the match. Things were entertaining but . . . not nearly as violent as she has seen before. This wasn’t the underground ring, after all. This was a League sanctioned establishment. Perhaps she liked her underground fighting rings with KING WAYLAND more.

When Quincy arrive she takes her time turning to face him. There’s obvious judgement in the way her eyes trail up and down him slowly, sizing up the man that stole her skybox, “Ahhh so you’re the one who beat me to it,” he’s handsome, professional, not the kind she expected to be alone in a box, “You have that skybox all to yourself?” Why on Earth would he do that? . . . . asks the woman who was also planning on having it to herself.

---

@quincy