Once the poachers were cuffed and apprehended, Toki let out a sigh of relief. The poachers understood the threat of thunder loud and clear and sat down next to each other to await arrest by the police. The Pokemon kept an eye on them as Toki took his glasses off and rubbed the bridge of his nose "Okay...I think that went pretty well." He said, mostly to himself as a way to keep his confidence up.

When he heard Annalise's praise for the successful job, he bowed his head politely "Th-thank you. I feel like there's still a lot I need to learn but I appreciate it, Captain. I just suggested what I could and followed the plans we set out. Oh, does your Dragapult need any medicine after taking that hit? I have spares if you need any." He offered.

Either way, he nodded at her question "Yes, I'm a cadet. I've been in Hoenn for a while now, doing odd jobs here and there for the Rangers, but I haven't really done anything too noteworthy if you ask me. I usually take on small jobs and patrols, but...I thought it was time to do something a bit more. I need to stop being so timid and passive." He said with a dejected sigh.

The Machamp breathed heavily and looked around in a panic for the missing opponent. Its arms trembled in exhaustion as it resorts to flailing around itself wildly in an attempt to get one good strike in, but it was no use. Dragapult reappeared and struck with Phantom Force, the impact sending the Fighting type into a nearby tree and knocking it out promptly. The poacher began to sweat and returned it to its Pokeball before they attempted to turn tail and run.

Toki carefully reached back for a pair of cuffs as the battle was about to reach its conclusion. Mawile lashed out as its other head began to gnash and bite towards Setsuna, who skillfully backstepped out of danger. When the Mawile flinched from the effects of the previous Force Palm, Toki gave the command "High Jump Kick!" Setsuna backflipped away before he jumped into the air. He descended with incredible speed and struck true, a heavy, diving roundhouse kick slammed against the Mawile, knocking it out as Setsuna landed safely.

The other poacher recalled their Mawile and tried to run, but Toki had already moved in tripped them to their knees in a fluid motion. Despite the struggling, Toki managed to get their arms behind their back and get the cuffs clasped on "You're coming with us." He said professionally. His heart pounded regardless, but he was relieved he managed to catch them. He brought the poacher to their feet and waited for Annalise's orders.

The Machoke was clearly frustrated at missing the real Dragapult due to its Double Team. Its veins pop out as it lets out a roar before winding its arm back. It would swing its arm in a chopping motion before repeating the motion with its other arm, using Dual Chop to crush the Dragon Type should either of the hits connect. The air seemed to warp from the force of the swings.

The Mawile up against Toki's Mienfoo glared viciously, the secondary head behind it glimmering like steel as she hopped forward and swung violently, using Iron Head to slam into the Mienfoo. Setsuna blocked and took the attack head on while stepping forward "Force Palm!" Toki shouted out as Setsuna swung around to Mawile's side. His palm glowed as he drove it into Mawile's side, the strike sending vibrations throughout its body! It staggered back from the attack and continued to glare.

Toki was keeping tabs of both sides of the battle as much as he could. That Machoke could be trouble if it managed to hit, but since the Force Palm worked, Toki had an idea on how to defeat the Mawile in short order. He didn't bother speaking, not wanting to be a distraction in the battle.

Some of the more spineless poachers immediately retreat "We've been found out! This job doesn't pay nearly enough to deal with Rangers, you guys are on your own!" One of them shouts as they make a run for it. Toki heard the commotion start and let out a sharp whistle "Hurricane. Cut off their escape." He said as Nyx swooped down and flew in circles around the retreating poachers. The air currents buffeted and knocked them off their feet, completely disorienting them. All the while Toki carefully approached a thrashing Kecleon stuck in a rope trap "Easy, eaaasy..." He said in a gentle tone. I kept the knife at a safe distance, reaching up to cut away at the rope "There you go...get going, you're safe."

Once the traps were dealt with, Toki rushed to aid Annalise in the fight against the Rocket poachers that remained. One sent out a Mawile in an attempt to fight against Dragapult while the other sent out a Machoke. Toki stood his ground next to Annalise, the opposing sides at a standoff "What do you think? I can send something out to fight the Mawile and your Dragapult can take the Machoke..." He said, trying to be conscious of proper type advantages.

Toki's heart pounded. The poachers still standing weren't backing down. Still, he steadied himself and took out a Pokeball "Setsuna!" He called out before releasing his Mienfoo, who immediately took a battle stance. "These Pokemon are not for you to torment. Leave."

Toki gave an understanding nod at the plan "Got it. I'm ready to move." At that, he followed Annalise down the hill towards the clearing. He kept low and quiet, occasionally glancing up at Nyx. They kept watch for a while before Toki heard a single squeak from above. Random noises from Pokemon shouldn't be a cause for alarm for the poachers, but Toki looked up and saw Nyx looping and circling above a location. "Captain..." He whispered as he pointed up towards his Noibat "She found something. I'll look for the traps while you move forward to where she's circling. Does that sound reasonable?" He asked.

Sure enough there were signs of movement in Nyx's direction. Some poachers hired on by what look to be a few Rocket grunts. They seem to be muttering about what Toki feared, and that was trying to capture the rarer Pokemon on the route. That would throw so much out of balance. Toki bit his lip but let out a quiet sigh. "I'll get the traps, Captain...I'll follow your plan. If they start putting up a fight I'll come help as soon as I'm able."

Toki carefully maneuvered to the other part of the clearing, staying low in the shrubbery. He found a few traps and dealt with them as quietly as he could. For bear traps he tossed some foliage onto them to dampen the noise when he triggered them with a nearby branch. For rope traps he simply pulled out a knife and cut through them. He would continue his sweep for the traps until he was needed for battle.

Toki jumped a little as Annalise just sort of appeared out of a portal. He blinked slightly at her, but managed to remain calm "H-hello." He bowed his head politely and adjusted his glasses a bit "That's right. Ranger Toki Akiyama, reporting." He saluted before he turned to continue his lookout. As he saw her Dragapult scan the area, he got an idea. "Nyx." He called as he held his arm out. The bat Pokemon flew onto his arm and tilted her head "Go scout the area from above see if you can find anything through echolocation. Think you can do that?" He said encouragingly as he gently scratched under her chin. She squeaked and lifted off to scout from the sky.

"I've fought with Rocket before and a poacher was responsible for making a Pokemon accidentally cause a forest fire, but directly? No, I haven't. My father's a conservationist though, so I have personal reasons to dislike them." He explained.

"Though...I do know they're dangerous to deal with. I'm not going to be reckless about this. I'll follow your lead, Captain Henderson. I fully accept my lack of experience and I'm willing to learn what I can on the field." Toki was an honest and humble sort. He knew his limits and when it was time to ask for help, especially with situations he was unfamiliar with.

• player/ooc name: Connor Tavarin
• character tags: Toki Akiyama
• ic posts for characters: Move Forward and Protect
• are characters in directories?: Y
• any notes/comments:

A major assignment was issued to Toki and one of his higher up colleagues, one that he hadn't met before. There have been reports of poaching on Route 120, using the valleys to hide their activities. The already scarce Kecleon and Absol populations were being threatened by these poachers, as were some of the rarer aquatic Pokemon that live in the ponds. As such, Ranger HQ saw fit to assign two nearby Rangers to this location. Toki happened to be based in Fortree, so that worked out for him. He couldn't stomach the idea of people poaching Pokemon at all. His father dedicated his life to conservation efforts, so to him this was a massive slap to the face. He picked out his Pokemon and made his way to the rendezvous point as described in the mission.

He had never met this other Ranger before, so he was a little nervous. He stood atop the hill and scanned the horizon. On the surface it was rather peaceful, but there were likely dangerous people around setting traps and hurting the wildlife here. That was something that made his blood boil. He took a deep breath and sighed to collect himself. "Are they cruel or just desperate? I guess it doesn't matter, they're doing something awful to the local environment and ecosystem...whatever reason they have it's not good enough to justify it." He said to himself as he crossed his arms. "This will be good experience as a ranger and trainer. I'm not going to back down."

He brought some of his main Pokemon with him today. He believed in them and their abilities, so it was time to put all that training to the test. "We got this, everyone." He whispered as he waited for his new ally.

With so many things happening at once, Toki lost track of time and everything felt so slow. These few seconds felt like an absolute eternity as each Pokemon used move after move in sequence. Scarlet's support, Aylin and Azura's combo attack, plus Ettie's Pokemon piling onto the Gouging Fire with incredible teamwork left the beast unable to escape.

With that, Ettie calmly placed a Pokeball against it and the day was won. She had caught something amazing if Toki's thoughts were anything to go by. Toki let out a loud sigh, having been holding his breath almost the whole time. The heat faded and the rampaging sounds of battle were replaced by a gentle, calm silence.

His focus quickly shifted to Azura, who had just evolved, but was also still in pain from the burn. Toki rushed to her side and dug in his pack for a potion and a burn heal. "Hold still, Azura..." He said gently as he sprayed the burn heal on first, then the potion. It stung for a moment, but eventually the pain numbed as Azura relaxed. "I'm proud of you...you've gotten so strong. And so have you Aylin! You two were great out there together."

Once everyone was gathered around, Toki carried Malik and Azura had Aylin on her back. "Oh it was nothing...I'm glad I was able to provide the necessary back up. Still, your synergy...that is, your ability to work together with your pack, is incredible. I haven't met anyone with the talent to lead so many Pokemon at once. Keep nurturing that and you and your team will make waves in the trainer world I bet." He said with a smile. "Now...let's get going, yeah? It's quiet now but the sounds of that battle might attract more than we bargained for. Our Pokemon could use a break."

All of their Pokemon worked in perfect unison with one another despite the intimidating foe. Attack after attack land, staggering yet angering them with each strike that lands true. The heat was bordering on unbearable, especially now that the Paradox Pokemon's fire flared with its rage. For most it would start sapping their strength before long.

Despite the flames, water type moves weren't very effective. The heat didn't help matters either, so different moves were needed. Aylin's Dragon Hammer, however, worked pretty well...another good hit and Ettie might be able to move in for the capture. Before he could give out his commands, the Gouging Fire charged towards both Azura and Aylin. Azura took Aylin in her arms and rolled to the side, shielding the smaller Pokemon. Raging Fury grazed Azura, the flames rushing by her as she let out a pained yelp, though she managed to avoid serious injury.

Toki grit his teeth "Azura! Hyper Voice! Aylin, follow up with Dragon Hammer!" With a deep breath, Azura sang a loud note, the soundwaves visible as they rippled through the air towards Gouging Fire. In a moment of mutual trust, Azura threw Aylin into the air as she gathered that energy once more. With a desperate cry, Aylin brought that infused hammer down onto its headplate. "Now's your chance, Ettie!"

Toki nodded cautiously at Ettie's determination to befriend the Pokemon. Despite his fears, he was going to stand his ground thanks to her encouragement. Her courage resonated with him and inspired him. To continue on his path, he would have to face dangers and challenges such as this constantly. He wouldn't allow himself to back down now.

Ettie had come prepared, and while the Paradox Pokemon enjoyed the meal provided, it was far too small a portion for a creature its size. Ettie's attempts at playfulness, however, were met with an angry reaction. The beast snarled and charged suddenly "Ettie look out!" Toki called out before the Pokemon was stopped by Ettie's Doublade that was hidden on her.

The entire pack readied for battle. Azura and even Malik were prepared to fight. "Malik, you're at a disadvantage here...stay with me, you'll have your chance soon enough, okay?" Malik calmed down and understood the danger he would be in were he to go against a raging fire type. Azura, however, barked and sang along with the wolves...until a shining light engulfed her. A look of happiness and pride crossed Toki's face as Azura began her final evolution. To protect their friends, Azura's form grew larger and sea blue hair formed a mane behind her. Azura had evolved into Primarina!

"You've made so far! Alright...you're not giving up, and neither am I! Use your new attack, Sparkling Aria!" He commanded as Azura stood on her fin, the pearls around her hair flying away as she let began singing a long note. Orbs of water formed and arced towards the Gouging Fire, each one attempting to hit their mark with explosive force. Azura smiled proudly as she returned to an idle stance, ready for more action. 

Toki took out another Pokeball "I'm with you, Ettie! Aylin, Dragon Hammer!" He threw the ball, and as soon as the small Pokemon appeared, brandished her little hammer as a draconic aura formed around it. With a little battle cry, she threw her whole weight into the strike, aiming for its head.

Suddenly, Toki found himself snapped back to reality, with his blurred and panicked vision suddenly clear once more as Ettie and Anat reassured him. His breathing settled, and he looked at the empathic Lucario, then at Ettie's determined expression. As carefree and happy Ettie was, she was also a veritable found of optimism and inner strength. It's no wonder pack-minded Pokemon flocked to her. She had the makings of a leader and incredibly skilled trainer, something that Toki felt lacking in.

Despite the tension, he noticed that her Pokemon were on guard, but from a sense of duty instead of fear. Azura stood alongside them, ready to protect if it came down to it. Toki had moved Malik from his shoulder to his lap to keep him close and secure. "Just...be careful, Ettie. It just finished a fight...approaching it now could be seen as encroaching on new territory, so whatever you do, do it carefully, and from a distance. If you have any food, drop it and back away slowly." He was sure she knew this, but providing the advice made him feel better.

Slowly, Toki dismounted and placed a grateful hand on Maria's mane. The air was still hot, but he dealt with it for now. "You know...food might work. What it just defeated doesn't look like it would make a very good meal." He mentioned, noticing more of the defeated Pokemon's odd metallic body. A steel type? Well, Cobalion was already steel, but this one looked outright mechanical like a machine.

The hunt was on. Ettie's group got low to the ground and proceeded slowly. Toki leaned forward to keep his body hidden as well, though he took care not to press against any of the rocks jutting out of Maria's fur. As they went forward, more signs of conflict were made apparent. Gashes in the earth and on nearby trees and stones. Toki gulped, suddenly a little on edge.

However, those rising feelings of unease became palpable fear as soon as he saw the Pokemon they were tracking this whole time. The Paradox Pokemon viciously clamped its jaws around the strange mechanical Pokemon's neck. Jaws that could bite through steel like that...Toki had never seen something like this before. He was aware of the natural cycle of things, but to see something this close to an apex predator made his blood run cold.

With heavy breaths, Toki worried his fear would spook Maria or any of the others in the pack, but no matter how much he tried to collect himself, that fear instilled itself deeply into his mind. Something like this felt so alien. Everything about this chasm felt unreal to the point of absurdity. He became a ranger to solve problems that would make sense under normal conditions, but here he was tackling things decidedly abnormal!

Azura tried to calm him down, sensing his worries and fears, but he was frozen for the time being. Malik clung tightly, not wanting to leave his side. Azura barked and jumped off Maria, ready to protect her trainer at any cost. She wouldn't alert the Pokemon, but she was staring at it intensely.