That wasn't her stash? She was passing some out? That was the adults' jobs. Looking at the candy selection that she had...yeah, it was the good stuff. The wrappers definitely weren't tampered with either. He'd skip the sour gummies though. "I'm Asher, and this is Bones. Are your parents at a party or something? This something usually just the adults, maybe older kids do..." It was confusing him why a little girl would be doing this. Maybe she was just that selfless and joyful? Seemed kind of naive to him. Still, she complimented his costume, making his cheeks tinge ever so slightly in a blush. He'd worked hard at it, under the supervision of some of the more crafty members of Team Rocket. Even with everything going on, they didn't seem to mind that he was there, and was quick to provide insight.

The end result was this. He admittedly got a little lazy on the footwear and just wore his normal shoes. Same with the shorts. The skull just took too much time, so he had to improvise a bit. "Thanks by the way. For both the candy and the costume compliment. The mask I made myself, under the supervision of some older kids and a teacher..." The lie came easy. The vest needed some minor touches, but that didn't take long, thankfully. It was mostly the mask that took his time.

Momo Sakai

Oh Halloween...a great time to steal candy and even some money! Not that he needed it much...well, okay, he wanted some to make a custom piece for his big brother figure. He wasn't going to reveal his location to Rocket...there was a lot of bad blood it seems. In one respect, he didn't blame them, but in another...he was positive Isaac Merlo had his reasons. Right now...he had on a Kantonian Marowak mask with a brown vest and khaki shorts. He had a normal shopping bag for his stash. Bones, his shiny Alolan Marowak, lit the way, spookily. It wasn't quite dark yet, but it was still great.

Asher stopped when he heard some barking. Turning around, both he and Bones saw a Yamper chasing them down, with who he assumed was its trainer following it. It stopped practically at his heels, and he just stared at it. The lady...was smaller than he was, and he wasn't exactly the tallest of people, especially in his age group. She seemed young, and handing out candy? "I mean, I'll take it, but why are you giving away your stash? Or are just giving away all the ones that you don't like to others?" Or worse, pranking everyone and giving away terrible candy that no one likes.

Momo Sakai

He was so close to overtaking Josh! But they just weren't quite fast enough. The duo had made some strides in catching up though. As soon as they crossed the finish line, the announcer said that it was the last lap. Beyond just the boost that Ash and Frou-Frou still had in reserve, there was an opportunity to cut a corner and make up for lost time. It was risky...but it would let him take the lead, at least for a moment. With his heels hitting Frou-Frou's sides, the Rapidash got the message. While taking the turn as intended could still net them a lead...this may be larger, and force Josh into boosting again to retake the lead. So they tried it!



While he did hear about a gym trainer retiring, Ash paid it little mind. They were too far behind. The child Rocket member and his Rapidash would have to mess up royally before they got involved...





Target: Speed! 150.

M|J2X|xD



Josh Devlin



·

Typically, Asher was in Slateport or Mauville City. He never ventured to this neck of the woods. And who would have thought that he would be jumped like this. Bones, his trusty Shiny Alolan Marowak, fought best he could like always. But even his use of Double-Edge, Flare Blitz, and Shadow Bone couldn't turn the tide enough. Even when fighting himself, something he never had to do against other Pokemon, the fifteen year old did his best to leave clues. Both the scene of the fight, and while begging his besty to go get help. With tears in his eyes, Bones left, battered beyond belief, having taken so many attacks that he should have fainted five minutes ago. Holding onto Asher's tanto dagger that he cared just as much about as any of his buddies, and a bit of said boy's torn clothes from the fight, the Marowak tried to find anyone that could or would help.

He managed to find a Ranger's Station, recognizable easily enough. They could help! Surely! No one, save for Rocket members, actually knew that he was with Rocket. Granted, Ash hadn't done anything major, just little stuff, but still. They wouldn't know, they'd only see an injured Pokemon that should have stopped a half hour ago holding onto his trainer's things. Running, despite not having any energy to do so, he burst through the doors to see several rangers there. Crumbling to a knee, the fiery ghost tried to grunt its predicament, pointing behind him, trying to tell them to go rescue his best friend before it was too late! Even as he tried to stay awake, the ghost fell asleep, worried about his missing trainer...

Elise Calcifet

Pied Piper Mission

taking with Elise Calcifet

Was it just him, or did it seem like Josh slowed down some, even after the Flame Charge was done? Was the heat too much for him? Completely fearless, he clicked the reigns, Frou-Frou huffing in confirmation. She was already pretty much going at full speed, nevertheless, she tried to go just a little bit faster. But the uphill struggle made them slow back down to their original speed, merely keeping them in line with everyone else. They could have used High Horsepower...but the timing didn't seem right. Even if they regained the lead, another Flame Charge from Josh would just let him get back in the lead. The red head just wanted to keep pace for now. 

So no it was the next turn. Frou-Frou's reaction time had kept the turns pretty easy, and let them gain precious little ground they could. Hopefully it will be the same here. They did it once already. Still, his thighs were starting to get sore now...and they were only about half-ways there! Very different than when they practiced. After the turn, it was the jump. Again, Frou-Frou's reaction would be helpful here. And the jump, and continue on...

Hm2Y8Rqh

Josh Devlin


·

Josh showed him just how much of a difference using those boosts can make. The Zebstrika and Raichu were somewhat far behind, but not so much that he shouldn't worry. Both Ash's and Frou-Frou's focus were on Josh, who zipped on ahead. The next obstacles were jumps, and they could handle those. The issue was Josh, and if he could handle those jumps. Problem was...Josh could. He was more experienced and knew these courses like the back of his hand. The chances that he could catch up wasn't zero, but it wasn't very good. But they really needed to save those High Horsepowers!

Discipline wasn't Asher's strong suit, and the temptation was strong. But he shook his head. They needed to bide their time. They'll get back in the lead again...but if Josh uses another speed boost, they may not have much choice! Without using High Horsepower, they trudged on, making the jumps...and hope that luck was on their side!

eVvVO7UC

Josh Devlin·

Ash still maintained his lead. That perhaps surprised him most, but he needed to keep focused! But, even after the three leaps, Josh was sure to be right there with him, threatening his position. At the crossing of the finish line for lap one, he heard the sound bite. Now was the worst part of this challenge. There was this lap and the next one. The red head wanted to wait on using High Horsepower for the third lap, to do two long burns. Something that he had noticed while practicing and timing was that the move did allow for a small speed boost, but also seemed to last much longer than the others. But also, unlike the others, there wasn't a general boost to speed afterwards. So timing on its usage was going to be critical.



So for now, he held off, especially since they were going into the next turn. The two long stretches were going to be the more ideal places to use it. They just had to keep up the good run until the last lap...



Target: Reaction - 115



ibLVA6bC



Josh Devlin



·

Ash slipped into the lead as he passed the Raichu, but that still didn't mean that the others behind him wouldn't catch up. But more than likely, at least Josh would have the acceleration to catch up. But this was also a competition. And both the kid and his Rapidash were both very competitive. Without even prompting her, Frou-Frou tried to keep to the front. Jumping the hurdles and making the turn, they kept going. Ash didn't even feel the jump and landing. While they did practice that, it wasn't near as smooth as that. Perhaps they were just in the zone? Both rider and Pokemon just meshed too well right now.

The blind turns didn't bother them much. Frou-Frou's reaction time allowed her to stay competitive there, not losing any speed. The challenge was the next set of hurdles. The first one made him lurch and struggle to not smash his nose in Frou-Frou's neck. Ash didn't know if he lost any speed or not, just that they kept moving. This leg was going to be insane. He did barely see the finish line. Lap one was almost done. Then the real challenge was going to start.


_Jnq2iyW  

Josh Devlin·

The three Rapidash got an early lead, though the Zebstrika and Raichu soon caught up with the pack. With his heart pounding, they took the first turn, Frou-Frou's reaction time allowing them to swerve on the inside and gaining a lead, however small. The Raichu was right there with them, jumping up and over the first hurdle, tail flicking perhaps a little too close to Frou-Frou's nose. He could tell that she was very tempted to try to bite it, and patted her neck to make sure that she wouldn't do such a thing. That was just plain mean, and against the rules. A victory here meant nothing if they had to cheat and scheme to win. A competition's rules should be honored, and make the victory that much sweeter. Though it would also mean the loss would be that much harder.

This next leg was just a straight shot with hurdles. Ash could only hope that beginner's luck would hold out for him. Frou-Frou may have been on the slower end for Rapidash, but she also had reaction time. That may translate well with battles, but in a race with few turns, probably not so much. And they couldn't use High Horsepower yet...though admittedly, he didn't know that the others had better moves for the sprints...



1w0e2aN1  + 40

Josh Devlin


·

Thankfully, Ash was somewhat flexible, so it wouldn't be as bad as what Josh might imagine riding her would be. Josh had sheepishly menitoned that he had a maintainance team that maybe could use the work. They all then lined up at the starting line, with three images of Raikou in a dash flashing. As the timer started to go down, and he noticed everyone else's legs go tense, so did his. Frou-Frou was excited. She might not be the fastest, but she had a huge stride, and those turns were going to be easy! As was jumping those hurdles! On the announcement of Go, they all dashed forward, with Josh's steed clearly having the most acceleration.



Both Ash and Frou-Frou had the stamina. Heck, he had ridden a Z-move Buffaloman across a meadow! And Frou-Frou...she had a hard life, and had to work on that to survive. Going uphill wouldn't be a problem. It would be the turn. Though Frou-Frou did manage to get enough air to get Ash off during their challenge, and had the reaction speed to move so that he would land on overgrown to high heaven grass. Ash himself had the reaction to use an upcoming tree to jump over his Rapidash and bring her down. The sudden corner should be easy, and both rider and Pokemon's eyes glinted at the surprise, but determined dash. They didn't slow up at all! Either it or the first of many jumps!



 hRIl9Sla  + 60



Josh Devlin



·

Isaac became bashful, but gave Ash some advice. Well...more of a warning. Josh was more in his element in a race than in a battle. That...somehow didn't surprise him too much. But Frou-Frou was up for the challenge. And Isaac gave him some encouragement. Ash could only hope that was true. "As soon as I catch wind of the date, I'll let you know. I've heard he keeps pretty busy. In the mean time...what's in the plans now?" He rocked on his feet, hoping that maybe Isaac would treat him to something. Frou-Frou looked at her trainer almost incredulously. One part bold, one part brat, one part tough, and all child. Just who did she lose to?


Isaac Merlo

When it was his turn, Ash walked towards where he was directed. Thankfully, the place wasn't hard to find. He saw three other people and their Pokemon. Including the largest Raichu he'd ever seen. What. The. Hell? Then again, the guy was smol enough to ride it, but the red head certainly didn't expect it. Everyone introduced themselves and their Pokemon. Ash figured it was his turn. Releasing the pure monster that was Frou-Frou the Kantonian Rapidash, she was the tallest and biggest out of all that was there. Just barely over eleven feet all, she was an alpha. And the boy had to earn the right to even train her. But he did it after a challenge, and they'd been training and preparing for this challenge. She already had riding gear on, but with a mighty neigh and a Stomp on the ground, damaging the floor, she let herself be known.

"Uh...yeah, this is Frou-Frou. She's amazing. And can be utterly terrifying. Sorry about the floor..." He scratched the back of his head. He hoped he wouldn't need to repair that. In other news, seemed like Josh didn't care about him being a Rocket. Probably because he was a kid. Perhaps a good thing he was a kid. The course itself seemed simple enough. Eight jumps throughout the course wasn't bad...though he half expected a more difficult course. But it was the competition that was going to make this challenging. In the stands, he could see Isaac Merlo. Amazing! Now he just needed to not lose. Or come in last. Josh explained the rules and showed off his own shiny Rapidash. With a goofy grin, he looked at Frou-Frou. She stared in defiant challenge. After putting on his riding gear, Frou-Frou plopped down for the five foot five boy to hop on. Once he was on, she rose up and headed towards the starting line...

~

Frou-Frou (Rapidash)

Speed: 3
Endurance: 2
Reaction: 3

Josh Devlin