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Were they surprised that the league were also preparing their own war efforts? No. But the information was helpful nonetheless. The island archipelago was going to be a warzone. Reinier needed to stay away from the front lines. They were one of the few that had a civilian presence and worked better with such.[break][break]

But they also had to test the waters over in Mossdeep for Rocket to get a feel for security and how the gym leader would fight. They still had yet to acquire travel. Maybe once they'd finished here in Lilycove, they could convince Josh to get them into Mossdeep."I'm a pretty... resilient trainer, Nocturne here is a good partner." Was their simple response.[break][break]

Reinier's head tilted slightly when Josh revealed he was also a gym leader. Hoenniens sure were a busy lot. "Sounds like you have enough on your plate without a gym battle to add to it." They remarked with light amusement.

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A hint of amusement graced their expression at the absurdity of the handshake from their position. Nonetheless, they obliged, reaching up and giving Josh a firm shake. "You too." They nodded, withdrawing their hand. Adventurous was certainly a word. So far all those they've met have used similar words. It's not that it was wrong, just that it was amusing that's how they'd been labelled.[break][break]

So there was lodging on the other side of town? That'd work for now. While they figured out their game plan. And a gym leader in Lilycove too? Now that was useful. Perhaps they should look into it before setting out to Mossdeep. Especially if it was going to be difficult to get into Mossdeep, this way they could at least look prepared and it would make them look more legit. Though having to team up with someone might be a problem. They didn't really know anyone, and the only individual they worked well with was Nocturne.[break][break]

"Security is tight? How? Why?" Reinier asked, frowning slightly, seeming concerned. "And oh?" They prompted, when Josh trailed off.

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"Admittedly, little." They responded. Sinnoh hadn't exactly been a walk in the park to explore, and they could have done with a flying pokemon, but they had been alright with their Nocturne. But Shalin did have a point. It would be better to acquire a pokemon for air travel. Either way, straight to Braviary's Nest or the Sanctuary, next stop was Fortree.[break][break]

"But I feel I'll be alright with you for company."

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Reinier kept their distance with the Pyroar's warning and waited until Josh approached the rest of the way. Less out of fear, more out of respect for the pokemon and trainer. "Reinier." They nodded back with a curt introduction of their own. "I'm not native to Hoenn, have been settled here for a while, but still not all that familiar with the region." They started off explaining.[break][break]

"I'm looking to head to Mossdeep. Maybe even start the gym challenge with the leader while I'm there. I need to acquire lodgings, and I'd like to know more about the city and the gym leader, if you wouldn't mind imparting your knowledge." Reinier kept it short and to the point. No need to beat around the bush and waste either of their time.

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Reinier had just called for a break from their latest round of training when heads around them started to turn. Affectionately petting Nocturne and giving words of priase to Iset and Reaper, Reinier's eyes followed suit. Staring at the pride of Pyroar and their trainer, how could they not? How did one person have so many of a single type?[break][break]

Of course they were aware that some people had a preference for types and species... but ten? Surely there was a line that needed to be drawn somewhere. The numbers weren't the only thing that drew their eyes however, the Ranger symbol gleamed at them, almost like a shining beacon.[break][break]

Perhaps they could seize this opportunity to gather some information. After all, Rangers were the best people to ask about locality and the region.[break][break]

Returning Reaper and Iset to their balls for now, Reinier took initiative and approached the Ranger, "hail! Ranger!" They called to get his attention. "I don't suppose you could spare a few minutes to help a travelling soul, could you?"

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Following their meeting with Zev Harcourt , Reinier had left Sootopolis for Lilycove, in order to prepare for their recon mission in Mossdeep. Even though they likely could have gotten everything they needed from the Rocket base, they figured that they could gather some information about Mossdeep from outside the island as they prepared.[break][break]

This preparation meant talking to those in the city on the waters edge, getting supplies and figuring out accommodation so they wouldn't be stranded there with nothing to start. It also meant spending time with their pokemon. Reinier had a strong bond with Nocturne, but they had been together for a long time and were autonomous with the other.[break][break]

But with having added Iset (a gothitelle) and Reaper (a Dusknoir) to their team, the two were not accustomed to Reinier's style and Reinier was not accustomed to theirs. So in order to get to know and to train Iset and Reaper, they had Nocturne on one side of the field for battle, while Reaper and Iset took turns battling the Absol.[break][break]

Reinier, of course, stood off to the side, watching and learning each of the pokemon's movement patterns and offered healing and support as needed.[break][break]

And of course endorsed taking breaks and making sure no one pushed themselves further than needed. It would take some time building up the trust and bond between them and the Dusknoir and Gothitelle, but progress was going well, and even Nocturne had seemed to approve of their new companions.[break][break]

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After the battle with the Dusknoir, Nocturne felt confident in being able to handle the Golett come whatever result of the catch. So the absol turned to look at his trainer seeming to tell them it's alright. With a small deep breath, Reinier supposed Nocturne could handle it and turned their attention back to Shalin.[break][break]

"My apologies, Shalin. But as capable as Nocturne is, if we are to be engaged in battle, I prefer my full attention on the battle and not divided, in case I see something he doesn't." Reinier explained. "but Nocturne seems confident in this one. So we may continue."[break][break]

"Braviary's Nest... sounds interesting. I wouldn't mind joining you on a journey there, mostly as I do not own a flying type." They said. Though there was merit to company and a guide, even they had a flying pokemon of their own. It would save the search of finding someone to fill that role in the long run. And Shalin seemed someone worth aquainting themselves with in general. Perhaps as a guide to other parts of Hoenn's history as well.

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Neither trainer nor pokemon moved until the ball stopped. Reinier relaxed their shoulders, walking over to retrieve the caught Dusknoir. Nocturne trotted by their side, and once the new mon was secured, they turned to their partner. "Well done, good job." They smiled softly, hand falling to pet the Absol's head, just as Shalin returned to them.[break][break]

"Ah, no worries. I caught a new partner of my own." Reinier nodded, approaching the other, meeting her halfway to be within conversation range. "Explorer is a word. I come from Sinnoh, which is quite lore rich, and I figured Hoenn might be the same. Any recommendations on where to start?" Reinier asked.[break][break]

Nocturne sniffed the air curiously, letting out a growl to alert the two trainers. There were more mon nearby. Perhaps the middle of remote path was not the best place to converse. "Let's pin this conversation." Reinier said, looking to where their Nocturne's gaze met with that of a Golett.[break][break]

This time, instead of waiting for the other to act, Nocturne took the initiative with a NIGHT SLASH, the Golett having little time to react, used ROLLOUT to move itself out of the way, only to use the move again and aim for the Absol. Nocturne braced, head down, using it's head scythe to take the brunt of the force, being knocked back. Assessing the two fighting Pokemon, Reinier called for Nocturne to move out of the way of the third use of the move and to get a SUCKER PUNCH prepped for a counter move. Breaking the Golett's barrage and giving Reinier a chance to throw a pokeball at the pokemon.[break][break]

Once again, both pokemon and trainer kept their eyes on the red ball.

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Their conversation cut short, it hadn't taken long for the curious stranger to become distracted with a pokemon of her own. Though unlike Reinier wbo had been disinterested, Shalin had taken off on a pokemon after it. Reinier approached the edge of the water to watch. Nocturne had become curious as well, trotting over to Reinier's side.[break][break]

It was hard to keep track of what was happening in the water but it appeared to be going well.[break][break]

However their attention had been pulled from the water battle by Nocturne suddenly turning around and growling. At first Reinier couldn't see what the pokemon had alerted them to but then they saw the glowing red eye of a ghost. They moved away from the water's edge and put some distance between them and the pokemon. Nocturne placed himself between his trainer and the other, staring it down.[break][break]

Reinier wasn't entirely sure what they were facing, and simply waited to see if the other would make a move. The Dusknoir's attention seemed to focus solely on the Absol, putting both trainer and pokemon ill at ease. The two engaged pokemon stared each other down before the Dusknoir made the first move with a SHADOW PUNCH. Nocturne was able to DETECT the incoming move and leap out of the way. Reinier had barely given the command for a NIGHT SLASH counter when Nocturne used the momentum from the leap with the move, himself.[break][break]

While a worthy opponent, and one they'd likely lose to with a continued battle, the moment the ghost pokemon was staggered and Nocturne was out of the way, Reinier wasted no time in throwing an ordinary pokeball. It wasn't the best choice, but the one they had available on them currently. All they could do was wait and hope for the best. Nocturne remained alert, eyes laser focused on the red ball, and Reinier remained silent. They had to remain ready if the catch failed.

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