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.

He laughed happily as the Pokemon recognized him and reacted positively. He gave a few of them some pets before he looked up at Ettie "You're tracking that too? I saw similar tracks nearby that led this way. If we're looking for the same thing then I'll come with you to provide some back up." Whatever this Pokemon was, it was big and most likely dangerous to take on without some help.

Toki watched as Maria slowly approached. She was wary...so Toki offered a hand so she could get his scent to calm her down. Either way, it seemed she was okay enough with his presence to let him ride. "There we go...it's alright." His voice was quiet and gentle as he reassured her. He climbed onto her back and settled himself. Azura jumped up and rested in his lap. When Ettie reached over to pet her, Azura barked happily and nuzzled her hand, glad to see a friend after so long.

Once the two were situated and ready to go, they ran onward. The area began to heat up like a hot summer's day. In response, Toki carefully brought out Malik, who clung to his shoulder so he could enjoy the warmth. If push came to shove, Malik would be able to use Solar Beam easily in these conditions. "These are Malik's favorite conditions...that could help us, but I'm not sure if whatever we're looking for will be a good match up for him..."

The booming howl made Toki grit his teeth. "It's very big....whatever it is. Let's proceed carefully and try not to draw its attention too quickly." Toki felt his heart pound heavily, but he would set aside his nerves. This was why he was here. He wouldn't back away. "We can do this, Ettie. We should see it soon."

This chasm...it has been a point of conflict between the League and Rocket. However, the strange Pokemon and terrain lent this place to be dangerous on its own. Toki had only just begun his travels on orders from Ranger HQ, but has yet to find anything noteworthy to report that hasn't been discovered already. In the distance, there was movement, so Toki figured he would investigate.

After a trek down a hill, Toki would spot Ettie dash by on Anne, followed by the rest of her pack as she preferred to call her Pokemon. "Ettie!" He called out, running behind them. He had no way to keep pace with a Lycanroc so all he could do was trail a bit behind and hoped that Ettie would hear him. Whenever she would slow down, he would stop by her and pant heavily "H-hey again. I didn't expect to run into you here...what are you even doing here? Has everything been alright?" He was always a bit of a worrywart, but it came from a good place.

As soon as Toki caught his breath, he brought out a Pokemon that was familiar to Ettie and some of her pack. Azura, the bright and bubbly Brionne who barked happily upon seeing the group again "What say we travel together for now? Whatever you're looking for I'm sure I can help track down." He offered with a smile. Another adventure with the person who helped him when he first came to Hoenn. How could he not?

PURCHASING/REDEEMING

welcome to the poké mart!

1X Free Water Evo (From completing this Mission) on Azura to evolve to Primarina. She forgets Bubble Beam and learns Sparkling Aria

TOTAL

do come again!

## PD

Frostfire

Toki Akiyama's curry entry

thread summary: Toki and El arrived at the scene of a forest fire on Route 104. The two worked together to fight back the fire and discover the source; A wounded Quilava who got caught in a poacher's trap and lashed out in retaliation. After calming the Pokemon, treating its injuries, and putting out the fire, Toki and El went back to Petalburg for a well-deserved break.

why is it important?: It marks important growth for Toki and El, where both realize how far they've come as Rangers and the good they are able to do in that position for Hoenn. It's been a long, tough road blocked by self-doubt, but Toki has begun to grow past that in favor of seeing what he's capable of and what he will be capable of.