Please don't be another Pokeball...............

@taghere

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Last time he found a crown! Definitely worth it.

@taghere

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He's been getting lucky, so hopefully...

@taghere

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Oooh something shiny-!

@taghere

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Having released his last catch, Nico tried again!

@taghere

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At this point, Nico felt like he may as well grow gills.

@taghere

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Nico did enjoy fishing... for the most part. It wasn't something he could pursue often, but it did make him realize it may be beneficial to slow down every once and awhile. Practice some patience- oh sh- he already got a bite!

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This seems like it'd be a lot of fun! He almost hoped he'd end up in the seat just for the fun of it.

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More diving!!

@taghere

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Nico quickly bounced out of the way as Juvon led Kazzy in a wide circle, unable to shake the pup whilst also avoiding the chomp. Still, this stalemate wouldn’t work out on a real battle, and he was too flustered to come up with an immediate idea on the spot- Then Matt introduced another clever move. ”Oh sh- Slow down!” The order just confused Juvon, whom slowed his quick-attack speed only slightly. Still moving too fast to restabilize himself when the ground suddenly turned into loose stones. The stones then turned into sharp points, and Juvon cried out as he was knocked straight off his feet. The momentum from his speed sending him into a rolling tumble into the dust.

”Oof…” Nico was by his Pokemon’s side in a minute, getting between the two ‘mons to give his mouse a second to recover. A practice battle was nice for that reason; there would be no stalling in a real battle, though. ”You alright, bud?” The mouse grumbled a bit, pawing at his bruised face before his ears perked, abruptly jumping to his feet and crying out proudly. ”Yup, you’re good- That was actually a good move, dude.” Nico admitted toward his boyfriend, gaze traveling down to Kazzy, ”And you, too, Kazzy. Good boi.” Looking down at the sulking Juvon, he’d add, ”Maybe another agility would’ve helped you keep balance…? Sorry about that.” That earned him a grin from the mouse, waving his paw dismissively, ‘no big deal~’.

”Wanna keep going??” Nico asked, getting out of the way- until he heard a stomach growl, ”Oh… Is someone hungry?” He grinned, pretending not to notice Juvon's sheepish shuffling.

Matt Vice

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”Guess that makes sense…” Nico reasoned, listening to the other’s ride facts though the cheeky blond couldn’t help but whisper a little jab at Matthew. ”This dude is just a little bit of a know-it-all, ain’t he?” Truthfully, all he could think about was how little he knew about the sport… He wasn’t sure if his interest in racing was increasing at all, but the Pokemon knowledge was interesting, and made sense. ”Y’know I never really noticed that about Azura.” Nico mumbled to Matthew, not expecting Josh to hear him or recognize the name. Being reminded of his uncle’s Luxray back at home put a fond smile on his face. ”It probably takes good training and a chill personality… My uncle’s Luxray would probably shred up any saddle put on her back.” Nico couldn’t help but start laughing, imagining the large electric-cat’s outrage at the saddle.

The stares they received didn’t go unnoticed. It was mostly Aslan receiving the gawking stares (mostly from children, which Nico thought was fair), but he wouldn’t be surprised if Nana was dragging some eyes too. Large Pokemon in general were eye-catching- riding a foreign one even more so. Josh seemed to think his assessment regarding Absol’s was funny, opting to state that his own ‘mon varied a little, though Nico felt that being introverted was still a strong personality trait. He’d just take the other’s word for it, after all, he didn’t know the Absol! ”Huh… If ya say so!”

Then, a blink as the realization struck. ”Oh… You have a gym? Oohhh…” This was… a future opponent he was speaking to. Suddenly that Pyroar looked a lot… bigger, and his Pikachu laying lazily over his head felt a lot smaller… A Zebstrika too… Electric and fire. ”I… Uh, we might visit sometime soon, that’d be lovely!” Nico powered through the unexpected surprise to maintain his manners, all the more conscious that he’d be meeting this gentleman again in the future, regardless of his choice. ”But uh, just another time, is all.” Maybe after a bit more training…

The reflection that Isaac had been through worse was not at all shocking. Maybe a little saddening to see confirmation that a person withstands this sort of stress frequently enough to have experience, but then again, Nico was in a similar boat. Trouble seemed to constantly find him- or more specifically, trouble seemed to hunt out Matthew and their Pokemon, subsequently dragging Nico into the fun. Though… sometimes the blond had a knack for causing trouble too, though very rarely…

Reminded to stay on task, he’d turn away, eyes drifting toward the nearby cluster of trees. Putting his fingers to his mouth to let out two sharp whistles. Then, Matthew spoke! Nico’s heart did an unexpected little skip, his face brightening as he’d kneel by his paramour, until- Oh. He was looking at Isaac. His smile turned rueful in an instant, and maybe his temper would have spiked, if not for Isaac providing the quips that he did. The other man summed it all up perfectly! Right down to the brain cells being left behind… ”Oh I see. So this was a date then.” Nico was smirking now. Simply saying that statement aloud reminded him how ridiculous and funny that would be…

In that moment, a soft breiiih could be heard, Nico lifting his head to see the dark shape of his Umbreon emerging from the shadows, answering his call. ”Thanks for comin’ back, Tekka…” He’d greet the alpha ‘mon gratefully, offering no explanation or introduction to Isaac. At least, not yet. The dark-type’s ear twitched, and she sat back on her haunches, looking very pleased with herself, for some reason… ”Where is Lilypad?” The fox ‘mon only turned her head, making Nico frown as he followed the Pokemon’s gaze. Suddenly, out from the bushes came a galloping Skiddo, hopping and bleating something fierce. Her eyes shone unnaturally brightly, her leaves were shimmering with flecks of golden light, despite that the dusk was slowly settling into nighttime. ”Damn, how many times did you boost her?!” Nico remarked, immediately shooting back onto his feet to step between Isaac and the skiddo.

Lilypad was digging her hooves into the ground, rearing back and ramming her horns through the air, only slowing her running into a trot to veer away from Nico, aiming her energy anywhere else. ”Easy girl, we’re almost ready.” Seeing that the skiddo had calmed enough to merely trot endlessly in a circle, Nico let out a sigh and looked to his Umbreon. ”You really did not hold back… Got another Helping Hand for Juvon?” Nico was a little surprised to see the fox bear her canines in a smirk, her rings suddenly glowing brightly in contrast to the rest of her midnight fur. Juvon’s ears twitched, betraying his eagerness to join the ‘plan’ as he’d leap off Nico to the ground.

”We’re going to want to leave the area soon.” Nico warned Isaac, more focused on the building now as he searched for an ideal spot to strike.

Matt Vice Isaac Merlo

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Nico looked a little thoughtful as Isaac recounted recent events, especially noting the meteor. The man had a point, one that made him consider a few things. Perhaps being more mindful to eventus going around them would be needed…

Isaac received a slightly sympathetic smirk as a wordless confirmation that yes, the short answer alone would not be enough. Oh no, they were far past the guarded stages of acquaintances. No surface answers or indirect jokes would be enough, even if the answer was something as simple as hoping for a cash reward. His smirk faded into thoughtful listening as Isaac went on though, realizing that the answer actually was quite simple. This was a good man saving another good man- simple as that. Maybe a little too simple, but whatever the case, Nico would accept the answer well enough.

Although the same answer was given in the end, it was the window into Isaac’s point of view that he appreciated most. It brought a calm smile to his face and helped quell the anger that flared up at the criminals threatening them both. ”So he was robbed…” That thought sent a chill down his spine, but it explained why Matthew’s Pokeballs were returned to him as if they were some sort of prize. Must have missed the earlier part of the fight. ”And you just felt like helping. I gotta say- you don’t look like a pushover at all, but you still risked some serious injury back there. Thank you.” Nico seemed to have no issue with sounding sincere, even if his softer eyes contrasted against the distrusting glare from his Pikachu. Juvon did not look convinced, but the mouse didn’t interject.

Reaching the open air and darkening sky didn’t seem to be enough for Nico. He’d kept on carrying Matthew forward, wordlessly urging Isaac to follow along until finally deciding they were apparently a suitable distance away. ”You didn’t leave anything inside the building, did you?” Nico questioned, his gaze still soft yet less friendly. More serious- a new goal had entered his brain. ”Know anyone inside, either?” Once he’d chosen a spot far enough away from the building, yet still within it's sight, Nico would gently set Matt down. Catching his head and ensuring the man rested gently against the grass, rather than collapsing down into it’s dirt.

Matt Vice Isaac Merlo

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