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As Lux continues his hunt for new Pokemon to add to his team another rustle in the grass catches his attention. A pink silhouette which he easily recognizes. A Happiny! He smiles, readying his safari ball to throw.[break][break]
1..2..3… GO![break][break]
He throws the ball at the unsuspecting Happiny, wishing for the best.[break][break]
CATCHING HAPPINY![break][break]
SAFARI ZONE | SOLO WILD.

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Jagged pass, huh? He’ll have to check it out. Before he can inquire anymore, their speed date already ends. How disappointing, time passes so fast with these events. [break][break]
Lux graciously accepts the card and stands, then briefly bows his head. Always the polite one.[break][break]
“Thank you very much. I had fun. If you’re not too busy with the league, then let’s go on a hike sometime.” His Meowstic looks up at that remark, purring coyly as if to tease him. It works. Lux immediately flusters, then scoops his Meowstic in his arms, moving on. [break][break]
Kazimir Wynter | SPEED DATE COMPLETE!

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“My job already requires that I put my life in peril quite frequently. I don’t think I'd bat an eye to see what Hoenn has to offer in it’s scenery.” As evident from the many scars he’s gained through past excursions, though most of them are thankfully easily hidden by clothing. [break][break]
The redhead smiles, leaning into the palm of his hand while this man talks. He’s more of a listener, anyway. So he doesn’t mind the chatterbox type. [break][break]
“Oh! Like the kind found in the Alola region? I’m not d-daring enough for that kind of thrill, but it does look entertaining for the people and Pokemon.”[break][break]
Absentmindedly, Lux plays with Sirius’s paws as they talk, while Meowstic happily hums at his trainer’s touch. “I used to go on lots of hikes here when I was a child. Maybe I should try it again sometime. Know any good spots?”[break][break]
Kazimir Wynter

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As Zahra speaks Lux listens to every word. A controlling family, huh? Too many of those nowadays. Children chained by obligations at such a young age, it disheartens him, and reminds him just how lucky he was to have a kind family even if his life wasn’t always picture perfect.[break][break]
“You have to live your own life, not someone else’s silly projection of it.”[break][break]
Before he could say anymore the timer buzzes, signaling the end of their speed date. A pity..[break][break]
Lux smiles and stands to leave, but not before leaving his contact info for the girl. Rangers had to stick together, after all.[break][break]
“If you ever want to talk again this is my number. It was lovely meeting you. Be well.” [break][break]
Zahra Belsky | SPEED DATE COMPLETE.

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Their next performance was no mere theatrical display. While everything so far has been loosely based on true events, this time, the scene about to play out was real as could be.[break][break]
Meowstic appears on stage with a slight costume change. Around his neck lies a Periwinkle bandanna with his nickname embroidered in cursive on the front. Braxien’s was near-identical, her color instead bringing a vibrant shade of crimson to match her fighting spirit. [break][break]
However, Sirius notices that she appears blue. The fire in her eyes all but absent. Braxien crouches in on herself, clearly upset. [break][break]
The psychic feline circles around her trying to get her attention but a desolate expression is all he can see. Meowstic meows loudly, angered by this.[break][break]
“Why are you sad? You said you would help me with my Psychic moves today!”[break][break]
Braxien turns her snout, which angers the Meowstic. “What is your problem!”[break][break]
“You have already surpassed me, kitten. This is as far as I go.”[break][break]
All at once dead silence fills their space. Sirius cannot accept this answer, nor the sad expression on his friend’s face. He won’t![break][break]
“You told me that I always have room to grow!”[break][break]
Braxien huffs and moves to leave, however, the pesky little kitten clings and the poor fox has had it. The fire fox pushes him off, eyes glossy with tears.[break][break]
“I can’t become like you! Because.. I can’t evolve!”[break][break]
Out of nowhere a fearsome wall of fire divides the two, INCINERATE in-play as the heat between them soon intensifies. Sirius takes several steps back, though does not falter. He puts his little paws up in the air and raises his ears. [break][break]
Meowstic’s EXTRASENSORY rips, twists, and tears the fearsome flames apart in a span of seconds, leaving a residue of pink sparkling dust amidst the ashes. There were no more bridges to be burnt here. Meowstic seeks her out in the aftermath of the fire and nuzzles his sister close. [break][break]
His small white paws reach for the beautiful red cloth around her neck, tugging on it softly. As long as she had that, it was proof they were partners in crime. A force to be reckoned with. [break][break]
No more words or clashes of power are needed, the two simply embrace one another as the curtain closes on the bittersweet, heartfelt moment.[break][break]

---

[break]
Braxien used Incinerate![break]
♥♥♥ Makes audience expect little of other contestants.[break]
Meowstic used Extrasensory![break]
♥♥ Badly startles Pokémon that used a move of the same type.

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“It is quite magical. I’ve been tempted to illustrate a picture book based on the town.” Lux smiles. Though his job took up a majority of his time, it was a nice thought to have another goal for the future.[break][break]
Lux listens intently as she speaks, giving his Meowstic some pets while doing so. In all honesty he hadn’t expected to relate with this woman so much, but here he is, keen on every word. [break][break]
“My family’s line of work is studying the environments of Pokemon, but also protecting it. That’s what influenced me to become a ranger. Being able to explore and see those places for myself.. is unlike anything I've ever experienced. Because of that, I want nothing more than to protect the world we share with them.”[break][break]
He pauses, then blushes at just how honest he was there. He should be more careful about that. He rubs a hand behind his neck, clearly flustered. “A-Anyway, it's good that you’re not entirely chained to your job. Leaves room for other things, like hobbies and such.”[break][break]
Zahra Belsky | SPEED DATE.

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His manners? No, where were theirs? How did he not recognize somebody from the league!? Someone at the top no less. Lux flusters, head briefly bowed in shame. “M-My apologies for not recognizing you! I’m still new to the region, so I-I don’t know much about the league affairs here.”[break][break]
You would think the towering Buzzwole would scare him off even more, but no, Lux loves Pokemon, even ones on the more exotic and rare side. He laughs gently, his smile warm across his face.[break][break]
“I’m a Pokemon Ranger from Fortree. I love nature. But erm.. outside of that.. Lets see — ” he briefly ponders over his hobbies. What's fun and what's not? “In my spare time I like to draw, explore the region, and participate in contests with my Pokemon. What about you? Do you have any hobbies outside of the league?”[break][break]
Kazimir Wynter | SPEED DATE.

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Amidst the raging chaos happening mere feet away from him, pain shoots down from his shoulder and travels all the way to his arm. Not only does this leave Lux feeling utterly useless, but he knows that he’s extremely vulnerable down for the count like this. Damning as the pain was, he considers himself lucky that this wasn’t a full-on claustrophobic bolt of lightning produced by nature. It’s a graze, and no doubt it was a Pokemon. [break][break]
He flexes in his fingers only to cringe and cry, feeling every bit of pain from such a small movement. Yeah, lucky indeed. Bile builds in the back of his throat as one of his comrade’s voices ring in his ears. Another one is quick to join the fray, and his guilt all but skyrockets. No man left behind, still.. [break][break]
“N-No. I didn’t see.. I’m sorry,” He gulps in response to Orion Lykos ’s question, turning to meet the worried expression of Hailee Jacobs , to which he slowly pulls back his hand covering the wound. Spiraling burns scars, and a fair amount of blood from the impact. He wouldn’t doubt that he pulled something throwing his Meowstic out of harm, either. [break][break]
It doesn’t even register that CJ Mizikar is there until they’re grabbing hold of his pulse and checking it. He knew why, damage to the heart and what not. [break][break]
“I —” his breathing is haggard, like he’s been running a marathon this whole time. “I…I sent Gallade to help, w-what’s happening — ”[break][break]
Then, clear as day Lux sees his Gallade nearby crash hard into the ground.[break][break]
“NO!” He stumbles to stand, runs to his injured Pokemon’s side but his legs don’t listen, still wobbly and unresponsive.[break][break]
That was one of his strongest, and his heart sinks at the direness of the situation at hand. Lux grits his teeth, uses his free, non-injured hand to return his Pokemon back to the Pokeball. He studies the battle up ahead. A Krokodile and an Aggron, bigger, stronger than they normally are. They had the strength of legendaries, no doubt. [break][break]
Although Lux trembles from the numbing pain, he finds the strength to tightly grip their medic’s shoulder, glares at CJ Mizikar with a newfound fury in his purple eyes.[break][break]
The quiet one is beyond furious. [break][break]
“Listen to me very carefully. I’m fine. My body’s in shock but it's temporary. I am coherent. Just wrap my arm, whatever you need to do and let me back out there!”[break][break]

---

Orion Lykos CJ Mizikar Hailee Jacobs Adriana Delmar Victor Wexler [break][break]

• At least 6 pokemon must faint against the SHADOW POKEMON. (gallade)
• Meowstic is gone for a few posts helping with evacuation.
• Lux gets a good look at Shadow Pokemon. (For the sketching prompt later)
• Lux is receiving first aid.

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Well, that was a jaw-dropping introduction. Good thing he dropped his macaroon instead, which their Meowstic so graciously snatches and steals for himself as the trainer stares back, dead-silent. [break][break]
Unable to hold it back, light laughter puffs past his lips without warning, the tension on his end all but faded as he smiles warmly. “Non. I-It’s quite alright. After all this is a “speed-dating” event. Compliments are to be expected every now and then.” If anything, it boosts the low self-esteem he consciously makes a point to hide. [break][break]
Getting a closer look he was pretty cute too. Blond hair, a nice smile, but Lux is nowhere bold enough to say it aloud, so he settles for wearing a shy smile instead. [break][break]
“My name is Lux. And yours?”[break][break]
Kazimir Wynter | SPEED DATE.

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Sure his social intelligence was a bit lacking at times, but even he knew that was intentional flirting. Her words tint his cheeks pink, although he’s able to keep a visible composure. [break][break]
“Yes, he is a little gluttonous.” He remarks, voice free of malice. He goes quiet to listen to Zahra’s description of Snowbelle. A beautiful town, but he understands the tired, dreamy aspect of it as well. He smiles, fondly remembering home.[break][break]
“I was born in Galar, but my family hails from Kalos. For a time I was raised in Ballonea, a mystical forest town with glowing mushrooms. That’s where I met Sirius.” Trying to steal out of their garden, no less. “Then when we moved back to Kalos I lived in Laverre. A gorgeous town I find myself missing constantly.”[break][break]
Though, enough reminiscing. Lux smiles. “But, I’m relatively happy in Hoenn. Being a ranger has broadened my horizons. Helping Pokemon and people is what truly puts me at peace.” Giving his Meowstic a few more kind pets, he looks towards Zahra with a gentle expression. “Do you like being a ranger, then?”[break][break]
Zahra Belsky | SPEED DATE.

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The smoldering dry heat of Mt. Pyre’s is palpable in more ways than one. It sticks to his hair, coats his skin, just about every inch of him and yet, strangely enough, he is unable to sweat. Not a soul dare comments while their commander is talking but tension hangs in the air and just about absorbs all his thoughts. His fingers twitch by his side, knowing that the situation could turn out to be grave. [break][break]
Regrettably, there weren’t any flying types on his team to help much with evacuation off the mountain. An insecure part of himself begins to worry if he’ll even be of any help in this situation. All he wanted to do was make Victor Wexler proud, not let his training (brief and simple as it was) go to waste. [break][break]
Then the chaos strikes, unforgiving and out of nowhere. Their lead ranger takes charge swiftly and with utmost professionalism enough to leave even the most stoic man in awe. No one had been hurt so far. Color him impressed, Lux really wanted to be like him.[break][break]
Right, time to take some initiative of his own![break][break]
He sends out his Gallade, loyal and strong in preparation for the beastly Pokemon that are fast approaching. Sirius, his Meowstic, is attached to partner’s shoulder as always, ears raised but psychic destruction put on hold, listening intently for the impending enemies. [break][break]
“Alright, Gallade. I want you on stand-by near me. You’re one of my strongest. I have a feeling you’ll be of great help against the foe. Next, Sirius, I want you to help guide Pokemon and People out of harm’s way —”[break][break]
It’s distance, yet close, a crackling sound hits his ears. Is that.. thunder?[break][break]
CRASH!![break][break]
Their positions have changed drastically. Meowstic is held back in the calm Gallade’s arms, but Sirius cries out frantically for it’s trainer, who kneels almost unresponsive on the ground. Steam blows off his form, specifically his arm, and he winches in immense pain as he clutches onto the freshly formed wound.[break][break]
Was that a THUNDERBOLT that just hit him? Lux glares to his upper right, toward the obscured view of the foggy mountains. Barely could he make out a figure, but is unable to discern if it’s human or not. It fades soon after. [break][break]
The sound of trainers and other Pokemon in peril settle in his ears. He doesn’t want to hear anymore. Pain or not he snaps his head back toward his Pokemon, crimson seeping between his bloodied fingers tips as he stands, wobbly, but not down for the count.[break][break]
“Sirius! That’s an ORDER! Help the people and Pokemon!!”[break][break]
With heavy reluctance, Meowstic goes off to the nearest group of frightened little Whismurr, leading them to safety elsewhere. Lux’s work, meanwhile, is far from finished as he forcefully composes himself and continues on with the mission at hand. A little first aid probably wouldn’t hurt, though..[break][break]

---

NOTES.[break]

• Lux thinks their captain is super cool :flushed emoji:
• Sends out Gallade to go on the defensive against Krokodile.
• at least 1 ranger or pokemon must be hit by a surprise attack from an unknown NPC. the attack can be either THUNDER BOLT or SHADOW BALL.
• Meowstic (M) is sent on the move to protect wild Pokemon and any passerbys from danger.

[break]
Orion Lykos CJ Mizikar Hailee Jacobs Adriana Delmar Victor Wexler

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