Lutgarde and their Sylveon Sylv's steps are careful, with their Togekiss Sylph (and also their Impidimp Zylf) in their pokéballs still. The atmosphere here is ... odd, to say the least, but ... they don't think it's particularly bad, even if it remains eerie. "Have you been here before?" they ask Shalin. They've gotten the note to rescue someone, but Lutgarde relies on the Captain for more information regarding what to do. "It's like an entirely different world here ... or well, I suppose it is, in a way?" It doesn't even feel particularly like an actually alive thing, but they believe it is, still - or isn't it? It's an odd feeling, as they look at a kingdom that might as well be ... a music box.

Their eyes scan their surroundings with an uncharacteristic calm, calculating look. They've only been in Hoenn for a few months, heck, barely even a quarter of a year, but they already feel its constant battles seeping into them. Nonetheless, they try to keep a casual and easy-going attitude - there's no use in stiffening up too much.

Shalin Nariya Aubre McKenna-Settentrione

Lutgarde nods in agreement with Josh's words - there were some instances in their childhood when they would just hop onto a pokémon and just went for it, but that usually ended up in sore thighs and butts. Gladly, that was also before they decided that lace and puffy dresses were all the rage - they didn't even want to imagine if they had come up with their fashion choices earlier in life.

"For sure, I got some tales to tell about that ... but was kind of reckless, too, so that's totally on me," they laugh. "At least my parents say I've got good bones in exchange now." They also nod at Josh's question about being experienced while getting comfortable in the saddle. "I've grown up in the countryside, so I've got to ride a couple there, to get around or help in the field ... or some because you're a little guy who has no idea how angry a pokémon can be." They clear their throat, laughing but also slightly embarrassed at their stupidity. "We always made up, though, so I don't think they hold a grudge ... I really hope. And then, later I got to adjust for the dresses or they'll get ruined too easily." And they were way to expensive for that.

However, as they'd let Pinky do a few tentative steps to confirm their position, they return with a laugh and a tad more hesitancy, "Good, because I don't think I'm ready for the speed you're used to here, experience or not. Think we can manage a casual gallop? Or is that more of a sprint for you?" they laugh.

"Gonna keep the fullspeed when I'm either even more experienced or got some proper clothing on - didn't expect to get into the saddle that soon, but I'm glad for it." They motion for Josh to start leading the way as they were seated properly and ready. Sylv was mostly communicating with Pinky about the speed, as he could communicate with the other Sylveon more precisely than Lutgarde could hope for at the moment, or ever, probably.

Josh Devlin

Lutgarde turns around as they feel Sylv's attention refocus, and then look up from the map with a smile at the fellow ranger. "Hey there! No worries, I arrived way too early," they laugh, reaching out their hand for a handshake if wanted. "I'm Lutgarde, and this here is my partner Sylv." Sylv gives another greeting coo, and tentatively reaches out with the free end of one of his ribbons if the other pokémon would allow, while the other remains firmly wrapped around Lutgarde's wrist.

"Have you worked in a sewer before?" they ask the other, getting down to business surprisingly quickly - but well, this was, kind of, their passion. "I've got a map here ... haven't been here before, but that's where I noticed some clogging ... did you notice anything out of place on your way here?" they asked, showing Ever the map on which they made various notes.

Their handwriting was a really weird mix of chicken scratch and calligraphy.

"I believe that the biggest problems might be around this area ... there's some pokémon I saw gathered, and they don't continue deeper into the system for some reason."

ever blackwell

There's little Lutgarde and their pokémon could do when coming to face with a gigantic Garbodor, but they were doing the best they could. Their Sylveon Sylv is throwing one Light Screen after another, to keep any stray debris from hitting fleeing wild pokémon and civilians as the battle against the Garbodor is in full swing.

"Follow me! Keep calm!" they shout with a calm voice, their tall height coming in handy, even if they could have opted for a higher visibility outfit - black isn't exactly the best in a situation like that. They turn to face an injured pokémon, whistling to call their Togekiss Sylph to their side. "We'll get you to safety," they say, nodding for Sylph to use Life Dew to help with the wild pokémon's injuries.

PROMPT attack/defend against the gigtantamax garbodor & help evacuate wild pokemon and/or civilians.

1_possession, 2_garbodor, 3_revaroom, 4_pheromones, 5_ariados, 6_grafaiai, 7_venusaur, 8_weezing, 9_arbok, 14_hammers, 15_dizzy, 20_latias
TOTAL 20 Mochi

REWARDS 1x tm/tr, 1x free evolution, 1x devolution stone, 1x gachapon ticket, 1x ability capsule, 1x premium gachapon ticket, 1x draught of purification, 1x poison tera shard, 1x dynamax candy
ALL PUT IN PC

"But that's not normal ... right?" Lutgarde asks at Kyle's whine, smiling sympathetically - the situation here is only bound to get worse, probably, so here's to hoping that might be one of the few surprises. No that they really believed in that, however.

With the combination of Laser Focus and Helping Hand, the resulting Hyper Beam was really impressive. Lutgarde lets out a low whistle, drowned by the sound of impact as the Wattrel's thrown against the crystals.

A shattering sound, bright and clear, and perhaps, a bit echoing. "Think that's only the start," they comment, exchanging a brief glance with their Sylveon as the dust settles - and, impossibly, the Wattrel's not down. It forces itself upright, eyes vicious and manifold through its crystalline shell "What-? Sylv!" the ranger shouts, and the Sylveon launches into a Quick Attack, but he doesn't connect before the Wattrel lets out a shrill shriek that resembles breaking glass.

There is a moment of silence as it drops with a thump, and then, the distinct sound of movement.

kyle lopez
7_rSgaCE+178

Lutgarde's doing their best to ignore the sounds of pokémon nearby in this little spot of Rustboro sewers that hasn't yet been flooded by swarms upon swarms of pokémon - with a big emphasis on yet. Their hands itch, wanting to charge right at the problem in question, but this time, they really can't.

First, they were waiting for their mission partner for today - they arrived way too early to have a look around the unfamiliar sewers - and second, not having a plan was ... not great with the task at hand.

At least, however, they had a map today, which definitely has to be half a plan! "Sylv, darlin'," they quietly shout, not looking up from studying the map of the sewer system. They already made a few markings with blockages that would need to be cleared somehow, some pokémon relocated ... The Sylveon returns to their side in an instant, cooing and telling them another tidbit of information about the tunnel nearby that they marked down on the map.

Neither of them seemed to be bothered by their surroundings - they rather appear like they were used to this environment, despite looking absolutely out of place. The black-red Sylveon clearly is as fashionable as their trainer, even as the trainer doesn't sport a full lolita dress today. They were wearing trousers and a more practical worksuit, but even this one is adorned with various frills and ribbons whenever they wouldn't bother - a odd combination of practicality and fashion. Their long, long hair is also braided and styled so it wouldn't get in the way, either.

While Lutgarde was busying themself with the map, Sylv is on the lookout, and notices footsteps approaching. He goes on alert, before he relaxes, recognising the description of their partner for today, and gives the newcomer a friendly greeting coo.

ever blackwell

taking with ever blackwell!

Sylv points with one of his feelers at a person in front of them, carrying bags and just going about their day. That is, if you ignore that little flash of pink. Lutgarde's immediately on it, and the Sylveon follows - they've dealt with pickpockets on the regular, and especially of the pokémon variant.

Before the Impidimp could escape with its loot, the duo has it surrounded. "I think you have something that doesn't belong to you," Lutgarde says, their hand shooting forward quickly to grab the pokémon by the neck and quickly wrangle the wallet out of its hands. "I'm not even sure you actually have a use for that?"

The Impidimp struggles in Lutgarde's strong hold, but the ranger doesn't budge as they turn to the inattentive person, getting their attention and returning the wallet. The person is grateful, and quickly scurries away, now looking out for their belongings more, the ranger can only hope. Sylv in the meanwhile has talked to the Impidimp, and seemingly reached a conclusion.

"If you're in trouble, there's people and pokémon you can reach out to, I'm sure - stealing shouldn't happen again, okay?" The Impidimp nods, seemingly rueful, at Lutgarde's parting words.

A job well done, the ranger-pokémon duo turns, and ...

It seems like the pokémon was only rueful that it has been caught.

Even Lutgarde and Sylv, each with their less or more successful attempts at endless patience, were looking at the very same Impidimp with slightly helpless looks. "So, buddy. It wasn't really clever of you to get caught twice. In a day. By the same people." The duo exchanges a look, and reach the same conclusion at the same time.

"You're coming home with us - if you'd like. We'll get you some food, and who knows, maybe you can put your little sleight of hand tricks to use?" Lutgarde takes out a pokéball as well as a berry as an offering. "Deal?"

"Then I'll gladly take one," Lutgarde grins, adding somewhat of a casual and incredibly brief curtsy - a throwaway motion that they've adapted from the culture of their preferred fashion, but haven't internalised at all. Before they could continue the chatter, their attention focuses on the battle in the background - which becomes increasingly violent, with sparks flying as attacks clash. It was impressive to watch, even if the ranger couldn't help but worry for the briefest moment.

It does help that Josh reassures them that the pokémon will be okay, and Lutgarde laughs, "They certainly look like it. A building falling on them couldn't stop their battle, huh?" Not that there's much high building to fall onto anyone, here. (They feel relaxed in this open space, but there's also ... an odd comfort in being surrounded by skyscrapers, bustling streets and vibrant life.)

In the meanwhile, Sylv happily returns the other Sylveon's greetings, shaking their ribbon-like feelers without much reservation and pleasant cooing.

"Actually, that makes a lot of sense," Lutgarde replies to Josh's explanation that the saddles were like clothing to the pokémon. "And I'll make a note of the clothing rule for a future challenge," they add with a smirk - most of the time, Sylv doesn't wear any accessories since it mostly was more practical that way, but they better not feel cute on challenge day then especially. "I'd love to!" The ranger cadet seems quite eager to hop onto any of them, and chooses the most familiar one for them, and maybe also the one Sylv might want to stick close with for some more chats.

"Thanks for the ride," they say as they walk over to Pinky, petting them for a moment before hooking one foot into the saddle, ready to swing over - and remembering that they were wearing a dress, not trousers, today. They stopped somewhat awkwardly, but their athletic built allows them to arrange themselves in a side saddle manner. "I should've thought about the dress before coming here," they remark, ordering their puffy underskirts. Sylv waits until his trainer is fully settled before he'd also hop onto their shoulder.

Josh Devlin

Sylv seems to regard Kyle with a knowing look, but it's unclear if the Sylveon is actually aware of the other's thought or not - or if it's just one of his usuals. He coos friendly, but his attention is soon interrupted and focused on potential threats. Lutgarde nods in agreement, accompanied by a confirming grunt. "Yeah, think the pokémon here won't be quite as docile ..."

They look around. "And we don't want them running towards an exit, either." Even if they might lose the terastalisation powers, it's still a dangerous gamble to do. "That's true," they reply to the remark about the trial run with a smirk.

The dot immediately is followed by a cry, and something darting closer- "Quick Attack, move!" Lutgarde shouts, just narrowly avoiding to find out too soon if Sylv's new crystalline shell will break upon impact. Sylv follows the command, and then coos reassuringly at the Mightyena, saying he'll lend a Helping Hand if wanted.

As the other pokémon slows down from its attack, reorienting himself, it seems to be a Wattrel, sparkling with both crackles of lightning and a terastalline shell. Its crown is especially menacing, giving off sparks even now.

kyle lopez
bj7Fg1A2+128