Age advances further, as the years go on. Ettie's hair grows longer, flowing - and there comes a point where she just decides that she doesn't need to cut it further. If it gets caught on something, it only takes a swipe of her claws to cut it away, after all - right? Scars accumulate on her skin - faint against her pale skin - and yet, she wears them like badges of pride. Badges for protecting her pack, and for providing for them.

The same is true of her pokemon. Though the changes don't become apparent to ageless or otherwise-longlived pokemon such as Delle or Scarlet, it can be seen in others such as Anne. Streaks of faint gray in her fur, wrinkles around her eyes. Though the wolf is still plenty capable, sometimes the scar left across her chest from Ting-Lu aches; requiring occasional applications of Heal Pulse from Anat, who similarly shows signs of age.

Duke and Aurien are the only flesh-and-blood pokemon that don't appear to show too many signs of age - either due to them simply aging a bit more gracefully, or being the two youngest of Ettie's pokemon. Excluding Miya, of course - the galarian zapdos growing bigger bit by bit, by the day.

_{Gif below!}

SPOILER: Click to show

The initial parts of the next ten years are spent in that familiar routine of hunting and scouting for the village - but with Ettie's gauntlets, and Miya's aid, the group is able to hunt much more quickly, and for longer periods of time. As Gwyar Wledig would likely know firsthand in sparring with Ettie, the claws the wild woman now bears are not to be taken lightly; not when she fights with all the ferocity of a Midnight Lycanroc.

It helps, too, to sometimes have Shalin Nariya at her side - more hands with which to gather, and to carry home supplies. Though, Anat always keeps a close eye on the fellow wildwoman during such outings - the lucario being innately keen to the chronic pains she suffers from time to time, and being more than happy to provide a Heal Pulse for it. It would not do for such pains to flare up in the midst of danger, after all.

Though, Shalin - too - gets a front seat to just how wild Ettie can be in the heat of combat, howling like a beast possessed as she leaps from Anne's back to tear her claws through the nearest poison-mon. Perhaps, the older wildwoman even gets to see it more fully than Gwyar does - because against a packmate, Ettie will hold back. Against a threat though, she shows little mercy.

Johanna Joy , meanwhile, is privy to the number of times Ettie ends up coming home with new scars as a result of her preference for close combat. For as much as Johanna and Anat both worry or fuss and have to patch Ettie up, the wild woman grins all the same - a certain pride in her voice as she always says "It's all for the pack."

There is nothing worth more to her, than to act with the pack's wellbeing in mind. One less poison-mon in the woods, means one less poison-mon knocking at their doors when they begin to swarm. It was sound logic, was it not?

_{Gif below!}

SPOILER: Click to show

However, with the passing years, comes a change that Ettie quickly takes note of. Namely, the receding of the poisons that were originally encroaching upon their territory. Suddenly, places once cut-off could once more become her hunting grounds - something that Ettie quickly took advantage of during her gathering trips. And with additional time, roads between cities clear - allowing for visitors.

The first newcomers to the woods of Ballonlea - such as mikael rosenberg - would initially be met with a certain wariness. Not distrust - but the sort of uncertainty that a wild animal who has never seen humans before would show. Having been isolated from those of the other cities for 15 years - a number of which were during a formative part of her life - means that she has to relearn how to approach strangers, even ones who are allies.

But, visitors are welcomed all the same. When the radios chatter of someone intending to visit Ballonlea, Ettie is there to meet them at the forest's edge alongside her pokemon - readily escorting them through the winding, twisting, paths. And when it comes time for visitors to leave, Ettie is there to guide them back to the forest's entrance - ensuring that no harm befalls them.

_{Gif below!}

SPOILER: Click to show

As to be expected though... These people, too, will often find themselves having a front row seat to how Ettie fights - to seeing her charge upon a foe and rip it to shreds with her claws. Because these people, in a way, are also her packmates. They, too, have the same goals as her and her own packmates - even if they live in a different den from her.

So, she will protect them just like she protects any other packmate.

Though the idea of leaving the boundaries of Ballonlea does occur to Ettie, she never strays far from the forest's edge. She feels a duty to her new home, to provide for it - and it discomforts her to wander too far from their territory. Not when there's still bellies to be filled, and dangers to be stamped out. Especially once the latter parts of the decade come - and with it, both Dynamax power and the nearing of the prophecy's end alike.

Much like how she trained alongside Gwyar Wledig with her gauntlets, now they practice to dynamax their pokemon. Anne, Anat, Duke, Miya - many of Ettie's pokemon get to take turns becoming mighty titans, testing themselves against others' pokemon. All the while, the Black Knight and Skeleton wage a war against one another - one that promises to boil over into a climactic battle for all.

But Ettie is prepared. They have honed their fangs and claws against many a beast in these years - and now will be no different.

They will protect their pack.

TLDR / NOTES :

SPOILER: Click to show

- The passing years have some of Ettie's pokemon getting Old(tm) - but they're still kicking.

- Regularly spars with Gwyar Wledig , and regularly goes on hunting/gathering trips with Shalin Nariya . Both are likely well aware that she basically fights like a wild midnight lycanroc at this point, with the ferocity to match.

- It's not unusual for her to come home with Johanna Joy and Anat needing to patch her up, with new scars to match. She sees them as badges of pride for protecting + providing for the village, however. Figures that one less poison-mon in the woods is one less poison-mon knocking at their door.

- When the poison begins receeding, Ettie quickly takes advantage of the opportunity to investigate revealed parts of the woods and add them to her hunting grounds.

- When travel between cities is possible, she's initially a little uncertain of how to approach newcomers like mikael rosenberg - but quickly falls into the role of escorting newcomers through the woods surrounding Ballonlea. Ultimately regards them with similar importance to her packmates in Ballonlea.

- Prefers to not wander far from the woods - wants to be able to remain close to Ballonlea so she can continue looking after her pack.

- When the time for dynamaxing comes, regularly practices it with Gwyar Wledig and any others, so that she can feel prepared for the final fight ahead.

4EzWIRHc

Ettie seemed a bit puzzled at the question - blinking a bit. "Yes?" She responded - still appearing as if something had her confused. Namely, that she didn't have the fullest understanding on what the 'Joys' meant. She certainly understood family, but surnames were something she never really had to consider, beyond it just being part of peoples' names. But Johanna Joy was indeed a Gym Leader, so she supposed that that was the answer, right?

Glancing to the side, Ettie would note a Sunkern bouncing along - seeming completely untroubled with life as of now. Giggling, the wildchild would try to mimic the seed pokemon's movement - bouncing along as well, cheery as could be.

But as Ettie moved along like this, she'd glance back to Dorian once more. "Johanna have park! Big! Lots noise, lots lights - Ettie not used to, but is fun!" She added with a bright smile. "Many games! Yummy food!"

The mention of 'games' seemed to get a groan out of the herdier, Ruffian - who was currently remembering how he nearly gave himself a concussion from trying a Test Your Strength machine.

Ettie cast Ruffian a sympathetic glance - but a question seemed to be on the child's mind, as she regarded Dorian yet again. "What Friend-family like?" She asked, tilting her head curiously.

Skipping
Present Pokemon:

SPOILER: Click to show

dorian westcliff

Ettie made an audible half-squeak half-yelp as she was scooped up - clearly not expecting someone to have caught her. Yet, when she saw who it was, the little wildchild's eyes lit up. "Toki-friend! Hello!" She chirped happily, wiggling in his arms. "Chase fun! Toki-friend chase with?" She hadn't expected to run into a friend here - maybe he and his pack could play with them!

... Though, even for as wild and pokemon-like Ettie tended to be, there was something very human in the pout she made when he told her that she needed sunscreen. "Sunscreen smell-weird. Feel-weird. And is cold!" She spoke petulantly, her cheeks puffing.

But, Toki had a good point - her albinism meant that she was very susceptible to sunburn, especially in such an open area during such a sunny day. Haru, being psychic-type, would impress this fact upon Ettie to back up Toki - hoping that maybe having another human to help explain this to the wildchild would get her to listen.

Which, thankfully, she did - even if reluctantly. "Okayyy...." Getting sunburn probably wasn't worth it if even Toki said it wasn't fun - though the idea of putting on sunscreen still didn't seem all too pleasant to Ettie. She didn't like the feeling of it on her skin, and she didn't like the smell of it - though the cold was more temporary. But all the same, she held still once set back down - letting Anat put some sunscreen on her face, neck, and arms.

And with Azura's approach, Ettie's displeasure towards the sunscreen would be quickly forgotten - the child's eyes lighting up. "Friend! Hello!" She yipped, eagerly dropping into a wiggly playbow and giving Azura a couple of happy barks. Playtime? Playtime! "Friend grown! Ettie happy to see!"

At the sound of barks, it seemed that the rest of the pack was beginning to gradually wander in this direction. Anat and Haru, meanwhile, would give Toki thankful glances and nods - they had been chasing her down for a hot minute, before he stepped in.

The first Ultra Deep Sea expedition had gone a bit awry for poor Ettie - even if it was otherwise successful for them, in scouting out the tunnels and even retrieving some supplies. As it turned out, getting poisoned by a Nihilego was an unpleasant experience - one that had temporarily reverted Ettie into that of a wild animal when it happened.

Was that enough to discourage Ettie from diving into this realm a second time? Heck no - if anything, she felt even more determined to accompany Johanna and Nikita, not wanting them to face such a place alone.

This time, the wildchild was a lot more careful - recognizing just how easily it was to get snuck up on, in these dim tunnels. The pack was watching its back - and eachothers' backs, as well - as they tread onwards.

Which, of those who were out of their pokeballs, it would be a slightly different arrangement from before - Anne the Lycanroc, Penny and Pagu the Dewgongs, Cassie and Aurien the Primarinas, and Duke the Jolteon would be following after. In addition to this, Scarlet the Doublade sat sheathed at the small of Ettie's back, and Delle the Marshadow lurked in her shadow.

Peeking around a corner, Ettie's eyes scanned the path ahead - before glancing back to the others. "Is clear," She spoke softly - not wanting to make too much ruckus, especially given how easily sound sometimes traveled through these tunnels. Gesturing the others with her, she'd take careful steps onwards - a hand resting on the pommel of one of Scarlet's blades, in preparation to draw it at a moment's notice.

What would they find out here, this time?

Nikita Sokolov , Johanna Joy

"Nope - but Ettie want to!" Ettie responded with a bright smile. A lot of Gym Leaders seemed busy - and between that and her usual wanderlust, it was hard to find a chance to ask for a challenge sometimes! If there was anyone she wanted to challenge next, though...

"Maybe Ettie challenge Johanna-friend? Park fun!" She chirped, a skip to her step at the thought. What would challenging Johanna Joy be like, she wondered? Would it be another race? Or more like the games they played, when they had gone to the theme park together? Who knew!

Though, her thoughts would derail at the smell of... Something sweet? Curiosity piqued, Ettie began to sniff at the air like a dog might - eyes drifting closed as she focused on her olfactory senses. What was that smell...?

Turns out, it was a nearby Slurpuff, munching on a few berries. Ettie perked up at this - curious about this sweet-smelling pokemon...

... Though, so too was a certain Princess. The normally-sleepy Granbull in question at first looked to be drooling visibly, looking wider awake than she's ever been. But when Princess came across the Slurpuff as well, she blinked. This was not food, right? Certainly not something she was interested in being prey, either.

The wild Slurpuff, though, seemed untroubled (or oblivious?) to the Granbull's reaction, instead giving a friendly bark and wave in the group's direction. Clearly intrigued by the procession, she'd get up to trot on after the group - looking to socialize with the fellow canids present.

Catching Slurpuff
Present Pokemon:

SPOILER: Click to show

dorian westcliff

The great bird has fallen - and with it, the army that it commanded. Even as Ettie navigates the pools of poison to investigate the Galarian Zapdos, she recognizes that it is dead. That it is no longer breathing, that Anat can no longer sense its aura. This fact is distantly saddening - and yet... Even if there is no longer life to be found from the Zapdos, there is life all the same - and this fact has Anat encouraging the group onward.

And amongst the feathers of the fallen beast... Is an egg. An egg that is already hatching - as if this were a phoenix being borne anew. And from it, comes a hatchling Galarian Zapdos - precocial feathers slick and wet, and large round eyes gazing upward. The newborn cheeps softly, slowly and carefully staggering up onto its feet. It takes one, then two, then three steps towards Ettie - each one less shaky than the last - staring up at her with wide eyes...

... Like it thinks her its mother, Ettie realizes. She's never had to care for an avian like this baby Zapdos - during her time amongst her old pack, she's always helped her mother look after newborn Rockruffs. But all the same, knowing that this small fragile life is looking to her - that this is her new responsibility - calls to a maternal side she never thought about until now.

Reaching down, Ettie picks up the hatchling in her arms - cradles it close, protectively. When it curls against her chest, she nuzzles it - the tips of her claw-like nails carefully combing through the feathers to groom them.

So caught up in her maternal instincts - even as she begins to carry the child back into Ballonlea - it's like Ettie's usual friendly nature has taken a turn. Cause when someone she doesn't recognize - Brynnhildr Erling - strays too closely, she snarls at her. She bares her teeth to warn her off - much like her mother would to newer pack members who got too close to her pups - and holds the Zapdos closer, protective.

Even Anne - for all of the lycanroc's distrust of humans - appears a bit surprised at this reaction from Ettie, blinking owlishly. And Anat, meanwhile, just gently pats Ettie on the shoulder to soothe her - casting Brynn an apologetic gaze.

But once those lingering know to make way, Ettie returns into the village - ready to tend to her child...

---

A Passing Year...

... With the passage of time, following days are spent in a quickly-formed yet consistent routine. Anat stays home to tend to newborn Miya and tend to those injured at home, while Ettie and the other pokemon hunt and gather at first light. When the sun begins to set, the pack returns - usually with food and supplies in tow, even if the pickings are sometimes thin.

And once home, Ettie tends to little Miya - feeding her, playing with her, teaching her. The wildchild is inseparable from her child once the two have the time to be together - and she proves to be greatly protective of Miya, as well. Only those Ettie can immediately recognize - such as Johanna Joy or Shalin Nariya - are allowed near the hatchling. Others have to gain her trust - or otherwise risk being clawed or even bitten by her - to get close to Miya.

And when night has properly set in, the pack comes together - cuddling close to sleep, trusting that the village beyond will keep a watchful eye. The only one who remains awake is Delle - her ghostly form having no need of much sleep, leading to her sometimes taking the time to wander through the darkened streets.

But as time passes, and the days tick off more and more, the absences in the pack become more and more obvious. The lack of an excitable Duchess, or spitfire Ruffian, or mischievous Adrae - these absences are a painful void that lingers in Ettie's heart. When these feelings become too much to bear, is when the pack does something different. Come evening - before it comes time to retire for the night - the pack moves for the outskirts of Ballonlea. And gathered together as one...

... They howl, a longing and saddened keen that fills the air. A call, for their missing packmates who they had been separated from - as if in the hopes that they'll get a response of some form.

And yet, each time, silence reigns. A silence that follows them, as they return to the den for sleep...

---

A Passing Decade...

... But with time, things change - and Ettie is no different. She gets older. Slightly taller, even - if still noticeably small. As it turned out, surviving in a blighted land meant that one's diet was sometimes limited - and as her diet as a child affected her growth, so too did her diet here. Yet, this wasn't to say that she became weak.

No - even if speed was her niche, she was still fit. She was a huntress, and the work she did proved it. She was a wolf, and the teeth and claws she bared proved it. She was a packleader, whose thoughts were going to not only her own pokemon - but the village as a whole, and how to provide for it.

But she changes even beyond a physical level. On a mental level, she quickly develops from the interactions with those around her. Words become easier to come by, bit by bit - her sentences becoming fuller and more structured. Reading - though it's something she struggles with - becomes a little more feasible, day by day. Though, her handwriting often puts doctor shorthands to shame - a chickenscratch that few are able to decipher.

Her puppylike nature is tempered, as well - she is still friendly and exciteable during downtime. But most of all, she thinks of the pack. And as she gets older, the term 'pack' comes to include others. The other trainers, the peasants, their pokemon - everyone in Ballonlea is her pack.

_{Gif below!}

SPOILER: Click to show

As a result, she proves to be protective of them - at the first sign of danger, she's often the first one out to act in one's defense. Snarling and roaring, she will change into the fray to cut down these strange poison-formed Pokemon, the blades of Scarlet held in either hand.

Miya, meanwhile, grows bit by bit. Even after her tenth birthday, she isn't quite fully grown - but she is still large, enough to match Ettie's height. She is also old enough to venture away from the nest, so to speak - often joining Ettie on hunts closer to Ballonlea's territory. And even if she is still young, her claws and beak are still plenty fearsome.

Having grown amongst the pack, Miya comes to have a cooperative personality - easily meshing in and eager to assist on some shape or form. (She, perhaps, also comes to have a weakness for sweets like the ones that Johanna Joy often shares with her.) She is energetic, and sometimes seems as though she doesn't know what to do with that energy, but is earnest all the same. Being able to work with others is where she truly shines - no matter the task...

---

Necrozma's Arrival...

To fight against the Black Knight is a harrowing one - the blood of packmates, innocents, spilt. Though Ettie's pokemon pull through, she can't help but find herself frustrated and shaken, at the prospect of those still lost in the mess. How could she possibly protect her pack, against such a threat? Against something on the same scale, as these clashing gods?

And yet, the fight is not without its boons. Fragments of blackened metal, that can be imbued with life-energy to take on the powers of pokemon - forged into weapons and armor and tools alike. Even if there are those concerned about using the metal though...

_{Gif below!}

SPOILER: Click to show

"... Don't waste prey." She speaks simply, then - picking up one of the pieces and staring deeply into it. "We use every part. Make the most of it." To be wasteful was not an option in this day and age - one couldn't afford to be picky about what they could get their hands on. If they had to be prepared for the fight ahead, they had to use what they had to its fullest.

Thus, when the time comes for her weapon to be made... Ettie chooses a set of gauntlets - ordinary chainmail layered with plates of blackened metal for a balance of flexibility and defense, and each finger ending in sharpened claws modeled like that of a Lycanroc's. Wearing them, she feels every bit more the wolf she is at heart... And she is unafraid to embrace it.

_{Gif below; warning for flashy!}

SPOILER: Click to show

The next hunt she goes on, it is alongside her pack as a fellow beast in all but shape. Teeth bared and claws readied, she is unafraid to lead the charge when danger raises its head - cutting down the first Poison-Pokemon she runs into with a vicious flurry of blows from Accelerock. When she howls to call to her pack, it feels like it rings out all the more strongly, all the more clearly.

Was she still human, or was she more pokemon, now?

Regardless... With the appearance of the boulders, and the chatter amongst her pack, it becomes evident to Ettie that the final clash comes closer with each passing day - as more and more of the poison consumes this memory. And with the tools to fight alongside her pokemon - her family - she feels a bit more prepared to face it. The pack would survive - she would make sure of it, one way or another.

TLDR / NOTES :

SPOILER: Click to show

- Ettie quickly takes in the baby zapdos, names her Miya. Is greatly protective of her for the first years - to the point of snarling/growling at strangers who get too close to Miya.

- She continues hunting/gathering/scouting for Ballonlea - Anat staying home to watch over Miya when Ettie is out and about while Miya is still smol.

- Ettie + her pokemon miss the rest of the pack dearly - when the feelings get strong, they howl in the evening to let it out + as if hoping they'd call back.

- As Ettie gets older, she grows a little bit - though not by a lot. Gains a greater grasp on human language, and on writing/reading; but her handwriting sucks. Comes to regard the whole village (both trainers + peasants) as her packmates and becomes protective of them.

- As Miya grows big enough to fend for herself, she begins joining Ettie on hunts closer to the village. Proves to be cooperative, earnest, and energetic, albeit sometimes to the point of bouncing off the walls. Has a weakness for sweets.

- When Necrozma attacks, Ettie's a bit frustrated/shaken at the casualties. Wonders how one could possibly protect the pack against fights on the scale of a god.

- Makes a pair of clawed gauntlets modeled after lycanrocs that give her Accelerock. Acknowledges that people might be spooked about the metals but believes you shouldn't waste prey, especially when pickings are already thin.

- Immediately embraces her inner beast in fighting alongside her pokemon with the gauntlets. Feels a bit more encouraged about the idea of facing the eventual final clash with this power upgrade.

LYZSyDza

The weather at the beach was warm and beautiful - clear skies, a gentle breeze, calm waves. The distant call of Wingull and Pelliper could be heard, the occasional Krabby skittered across the sand, and a Wiglet would peek out of the surface, the long sinuous body craning to look around...

... Only to immediately burrow, when a certain wildchild darted past, giggling cheerily!

With the bright sunlight above, Ettie was wearing her old goggles to protect her eyes - but her skin was much less protected, aside from long sleeves. Which meant that a certain Lucario and Delphox both were trying to chase after the young girl, all so that they could get some sunscreen on her!

Yet despite that, Ettie was not one to hold still - and she didn't like the sunscreen. It felt cold, and it smelled funny, and it felt funny on her skin, too. So, she made an impromptu chase of it - laughing with mischievous glee as she attempted to avoid Anat and Haru's grasp! This was much more fun than getting that weird stuff all over her!

... Perhaps a certain someone could give the two a hand, in wrangling this little wildchild?

Ettie would take note of the Slaking as well - watching curiously as it took its sweet time eating the piled up berries. Such a slow pokemon; Ettie wondered how long it took him to gather up all of those berries?

Well, not long at all if he had a helper - a Clefairy that seemed more-or-less smitten, carrying an armful of berries to add to the pile, before sitting down to eat alongside the Slaking! Ettie giggled at the sight, before moving on alongside Dorian.

Which, as he elaborated how much he knew of Josh, she'd nod. "Friend should race-with Josh!" She suggested with a bright smile, gesturing to Dorian's pokemon. "Fluffsworth and Lizzy... Both look-fun to race-with!" Maybe Josh would even race Fluffsworth with one of his own Pyroar, like how he used Saber when she raced with Duchess?

Skipping
Present Pokemon:

SPOILER: Click to show

dorian westcliff

Harvesting
- x3 Custap Berries (All for El Sunderland )
- - Safari Axew evolves into Fraxure, then Haxorus
- - Safari G. Farfetch'd evolves into Sirfetch'd; Learns Iron Defense

Planting:
- x2 Passho Berries (700 PD)
- x1 Occa Berry (175 PD)
Total: 875 PD

When Ettie had returned with the goods, the wildchild was content to help distribute the food and supplies - her pokemon lingering to both relax, and to help keep watch. Though...

... Whilst she sat near Anne, she looked at the feather she had found out in the woods. An orange one, that looked a bit like the black one she found before. What did it belong to, she wondered? Surely, the two were from the same creature - they looked similarly enough, and Anne even thought they smelled similar.

But, it seemed the others had been hard as work as well - she could see the way that the previously-blocked Power Spot was cleared, she could see the stone walls and moat that had been erected, and she could even see that much of the poison had been cleared away. The other trainers and their packs had done well - the dens would be safe, and those who lived here by extension. Her instincts as a packleader were satisfied.

However, things would not be calm for long. Bells rung out - and with it, came distant rumbles. On two sides, threats rose up - an army led by a great bird, and a venusaur enlarged to titanic sizes. Seeing a number of trainers moving for the massive venusaur, Ettie would make a bark to call the pack together - and ran in the direction of the corrupt galarian zapdos and their army.

Ettie could feel the vibrations, from the barricade shuddering under the armored bird's strike - but the pack doesn't falter as they charge into the fray.

In particular, Aurien ends up being in the lead - the Primarina making a valiant cry, as he attempts to strike at the zapdos with a Play Rough!

But as combat ensued, Ettie couldn't help but note something. The colors of this mysterious bird pokemon, they seemed almost like the colors of the feathers she had gotten, weren't they?

TLDR / NOTES :
- Ettie is happy to see the hard work everyone's put into helping Ballonlea while she was gone - makes inner wolf happy : D
- Feathers are curious! Ettie recognizes that they look like they're from the same pokemon - Lycanroc thinks they smell similar, too.
- As the bells begin ringing, the pack moves into action against the Galarian Zapdos and its army
- Most importantly, Primarina uses Play Rough against Galarian Zapdos
- Ettie notes the feathers + bird almost seem to match.
CD021hg5

At Dorian's claim of ignorance, Ettie seemed content to accept the answer - responding with a soft "Oh, okay." and a nod. That was a shame - more people should be friends with Josh, if you asked her! Getting to race around like he and his pokemon did was fun!

As she returned Aurien and the newly-befriended Cassie to their balls, she pondered - maybe she should go to a water route next, so they can swim around together?

Anne, on the other hand, didn't appear so convinced at Dorian's response - the lycanroc's gaze narrowing as she stared at him. Watchful. Suspicious. But not yet having a reason to outright reject him or chase him off, even if she clearly didn't trust him.

But, the smell of blood in the air seemed to catch the attention of more than a few members of Ettie's pack - multiple sets of eyes settling upon the injured Bayleef's approach. Overhead, a large avian shape passed - a Pidgeot that had intended to hunt it, before it saw the other pokemon present and reconsidered.

Dorian was ready to use a pokeball to transport the poor grass-type; though Ettie held up a hand. "Wait," She spoke - glancing back to her pack, and calling a few names. "Anat! Duke! Mary!"

At her call, a Lucario, the same Jolteon as before, and - oddly enough - a Wooloo respectively approached, the trio moving to settle by the Bayleef. Anat gave a couple of instructing barks to Mary and Duke, before using a Heal Pulse to tend to the Bayleef's wounds. Following her example, the two others would join in via Copycat - helping expedite the process.

"Good!" Ettie praised happily, smiling as she, too, took to tending to the grass-type. Pulling out some bandages, she'd take to wrapping what wounds the trio of Heal Pulses couldn't completely close - and with a rag, she'd wipe away some of the blood. "Is okay," She soothingly spoke to the grass-type. "Is safe..."

It was only when she knew that the Bayleef would be okay for awhile longer that she'd glance to Dorian and nod. "Will-need... at-ten-tion," She spoke, allowing him to properly catch them. Healing moves were not always a perfect replacement for proper rest and treatment, after all.

Skipping
Present Pokemon:

SPOILER: Click to show

- Relevant -

- Others -

dorian westcliff

Ballonlea - and the woods beyond - is dark. Grim. The trees seem almost devoid of leaves - and yet, even then, the criss-crosses of the grasping branches are enough to block the night sky above, only thin rays of natural light filtering down. Pools of ominous poison have formed here and there, the result of something terrible that has since appeared in this Galar.

But Ettie's concerns aren't immediately on the village itself. To clarify, she indeed cared about the village. If she was supposed to do good things or something like that, then she'd be happy to treat this village as her packmates. But, everyone else seemed to have their attentions set on the village itself. She, meanwhile, had her focus more on the woods beyond.

Because this was the pack's territory. And by extension, her territory. She had to understand it, and she had to provide for the pack.

So whilst the others focused upon the village itself, Ettie gestured for Anne to follow her into the wilds. "This way." She spoke softly, a hand drifting down to where Scarlet was sheathed at the small of her back. When her fingers brushed against the hilt and tassels, she could almost feel the way the Doublade stirred. "We hunt."

. . .

The woods, however, were in no better a shape. Anne growled low, an Accelrock carrying her forward as she avoided the grasp of one of those strange, poisonous hands - allowing her to swipe at it with her claws to smack it away. The poison seemed to have taken over portions of the forest, saturating some of the plants that grew there as well. Even once she was clear of the danger though, Anne would Accelrock once again - darting to someplace cleaner.

It took a careful eye from Ettie and a careful nose from Anne - but anything that looked even slightly edible, anything that looked like it could be regrown, was all gathered together. Mushrooms, roots, berries... She also gathered anything that just looked useful in general; herbs that still appeared untouched by the poisons, sturdy branches, abandoned supplies... She would gather as much as she could - as much as they could carry, in the time that the pack had - whilst getting a feel for the layout of the woods.

And when the light began to dim, she returned to the village - ready to share her finds with the peasants there.

TLDR / NOTES :
- Ettie goes prowling through the woods, both to gather supplies/food, and to scout the surrounding territory.
- Lycanroc uses Accelrock both to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time, and to occasionally fend off the weird grabbyhands.
- Once the sun begins setting, Ettie returns with any food, herbs, supplies, etc. that she and her pokemon can carry.
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