"You get...really angry when you're hot, you know that? Like, more than usual." Noelle mused aloud and towards her deino, who angrily stomped about, answering her with a small growl. The thick, black mane that coated his body only aided in keeping the smoldering heat of path trapped against him, and his irritation was easily seen. Yet, Nero insisted of 'traveling' with her. Not to mention, it was important that she helped the dragon baby grow - it was one of the 'many' reasons she was in Hoenn, after all. To train this 'scourge' of the Dragon Den. And so, despite his typical bad attitude, she gleefully accepted the dragon's company.

Fixated on her own thoughts, she failed to pay attention to her dangerous little troublemaker - a mistake on her part. From the corner of her eye, she saw the dark dragon sizing something up, snarling and huffing...likely terrorizing something. "Hey, hey- leave it alone," the stern, almost motherly scold came from her lips as she stalked over to him.

"No, I'm not lost." Noelle gave a soft huff towards her companion, Odessa, who merely rolled her eyes in response.

The serpentine like dragon trailed behind the trainer, the orb on her neck casting a mystical blue glow in the otherwise completely dark cave. Why the pinkette had a 'thing' for caves was beyond the dragon, in all honesty. Especially when the girl's sense of direction was worse than that of a blind psyduck. But, the girl had always been the 'adventurous' type, favoring being out in the wilderness than cooped inside. Perhaps that 'wild child' nature was why that man - Mateo - continued to elude her human? Odessa could only let out yet another sigh.

"I should've invited Bry with me though, it's always funner when she's around. Or, maybe Chance? Ah, he's always too busy doing...'other' stuff though," the girl mused aloud with a soft sigh. Not paying attention as she mindlessly chattered to her otherwise silent companion, the moment she rounded a corner in the depressingly dark cavern, she walked face first into something. Or, more like, someone. She never was one to pay much attention to her surroundings, really. The girl herself didn't budge much, but, god - her nose hurt. "Ow," Noelle whined, taking a few steps back.

That reaction was expected - and it didn't exactly hurt nor dampen her mood or attempts any. In fact, she only crawled closer as he attempted to get away from her. "i missed you too much," noelle huffed softly, "stop being so over dramatic!" a bit of a hypocritical thing to say, given how she typically acted.

she frowned for a moment, only for her smile to return at what was supposed to be an insult. "A-are....you calling me as cute as a wigglytuff?!" she softly squealed, giggling and beaming. her darling was such a sweetheart when he wanted to be! although, before she could continue her ludicrous daydreaming and nonsense spouting, a finger was pointed towards her and a demand given.

sitting up on her knees for a moment with a tilted head, noelle blinked once. and then twice. "bryony's a lot stronger than she used to be, y'know?" she commented, crossing her arms, "besides, its fun in hoenn. and plus, you're here. i don't wanna leave." she childishly shook her head, straight out denying his request. "i'm sure you're secretly super happy that we're both here, huh, matty?" she began to poke at him several times with a wide grin on her lips.

Arceus - why was he so stiff? Even Mateo, whilst trying to escape from her clutches, hugged her back better than this. Her lips pursed slightly, if just to chide him about, 'how to be a better lover'. Although, always one for small things, the small little pat on the head sufficed.

Sorta.

'I-Imagine Mateo patting me on the head like this...e-eek!' Head filled with over-the-top, lovey-dovey thoughts about the man, Noelle, once again, completely forgot about their situation. From nothing but the darkness itself, glowering eyes appeared, followed by a bone-chilling hiss that blended horrifyingly in to the suddenly howling wind. For a moment, a rushing feeling of terror made its way down the girl - enough to get her to actually cling onto Berke in slight fear, if just for a moment. Until Berke ruined the terrifying experience with his excitement.

Blinking slightly and staring up at him, her brow crinkled slightly, lips parting to likely comment...until the word 'useless' left his mouth. Twitching slightly, she stomped a foot on the ground in an animated expression. "Of course, geez! I told you - Dragon. Tamer. Dragon. Tamer." She enunciated the words in a form of exasperation. Her dragonair, who'd remained dormant until the trainer called for her, reared her head, seemingly appearing from the darkness. Slender head leaning over Noelle's shoulder to stare down Berkely, she didn't exactly protest to the notion of calling her trainer 'useless'.

"Aren't...you gonna, y'know, defend me, Odessa?" She asked her pokemon with a slow blink. A small, almost hum-like noise came from the serpentine dragon's mouth....Nothing more. Noelle twitched once more, feigning a dramatized look of hurt. "Can you at least help with the absol?" She sniffled. Tail cloaked in a mystical green aura that stitched reptile-esque scales onto it, the lengthy appendage slammed into the absol, sending it packing.

"See. Not useless." Yes, she had taken offense to that. "If just a bit of hugging and stuff got the ghost all stirred up..." Noelle paused for a moment, humming before perking upwards, "what if you kiss me?" She suggested the idea so...casually. Her lips even pursed as she leaned forward a bit from where she held onto him. "Just...a little peck - nothing more than that, or I'll deem you forever as a pervert and homewrecker!"

"I think the pause added to the effect of it all. Like, in those romance movies, where the guy says, 'No, I don't like you....I love you.' - that sorta thing...Oh, do you think maybe that's how Mateo feels? Maybe that's why he rejects me when I say I like him." Oblivious as could be to her...'situation' with her 'fiance', Noelle mused aloud with a small hum. Smiling widely at his praise, she gave an eager nod. Having a new pokemon was like adding a nice, spicy mix into your journey; what results it would bear was always a mystery. And yet, that made it all the more interesting.

Pocketing the pokeball, and mentally trying to decide on a name for her newfound companion, the sudden appearance of a gabite provoked a squeal - yes, a squeal from the girl. Without saying a word to Adam, she, once again, raced on up to the gabite. "You are absolutely stunning - my names Noelle, how about we become teammates-" However, unlike the slowbro, Noelle abruptly stopped short as both she and the dragon/ground type met eyes. There was a glower within those sharp eyes, a look of mature experience. The gabite had a few scars here and there. One of the fins of her arms was torn, whilst there was a notable chip in one of its dagger like hand-claws. It wasn't her appearance that made Noelle freeze though, as they locked eyes. As though reading the pokemon like a book and understanding it in a matter of mere moments.

"So that's what it'll take, huh?" She muttered out with a sigh. The dragon let out a snort, turning its back towards the girl, to continue idly digging away at the rough, cavern terrain.

"If I want to catch her, I'll have to beat her in a fight." She soon told Adam. The female seemed...incredibly hesitant though. Which was much unlike her, since, really, when was the ever 'rash and bold Noelle' ever hesitant, or even nervous? "She looks pretty strong though - no, she is strong," she bit her lip, huffing. "I'm not saying I'm scared - Dragon Tamers don't get scared. We're supposed to be super strong and brave - like mateo martinez or CHANCELOR MCQUEEN . But...ah..." Rambling on in her bout of rather sudden anxiety, the gabite behind them - who had perhaps looked the slightest bit hopeful - soon merely scoffed in slight disgust.

There was a slight glint of sharpened claws in the dull light of the cavern and the sharp sound of something cutting through the air. Noelle, being herself, didn't move nor flinch - the notion of danger from a dragon-type went well over her head. Well, honestly, that went with mostly any pokemon. Pulled back with a sharp grunt, she fixated Morgan with a small look. "I was in the process of-" She let out a sharp breath, perhaps a little pout, before waving a hand. "Ah...but...thank you, I guess!"

Not thinking much of nearly having a face gorged open by the pokemon, her blastoise...didn't think in such an optimistic state. Parental and protective as always, the massive turtle quickly towered over the dragon type with a look of an enraged parent. Twin canons on his back were exposed and pointed directly down onto the smaller pokemon in an incredibly threatening position..

"Argos," the pinkette chided. The blastoise only huffed before taking a step or two away. Still, the turtle's weary, stern gaze rested on the dragon who also gave a challenging glower back. "Well then, its up to you to battle it, Morgan! You have my support, 100%!" She was incredibly quick to 'dump' the task onto the blond. In fact, she even started gently, well as gentle as 'druddigon arms' (as Mateo called her) could be, towards the fraxue.

"Go get him, buddy! Let me hear that dragon war cry!"

Unrelenting with her decision to use the ever prideful garchomp, that bright-eyed look didn't falter as she merely gave a toothy grin and a thumbs up. She had this!

With the flash of a bright light, the mighty dragon revealed himself with a roar that certainly made a few of the students falter a bit. "Kanē," Noelle sweetly greeted the dragon-type. She reached forward to idly pat him on the arm a few times, "you still look as powerful as ever - seems like you've gotten even stronger since I last saw you!" She offered a cheeky grin to the pokemon before turning back to the crowd. Most seemed amazed at how...idly calm and collected she was with the fearsome creature who eluded an air of power.

"Like all pokemon, each dragon-type is different. However, most tend to be a bit...unruly. They're strong creatures, with lifespans that tend to outlast most. My dragonair, for example, has been around forever. She's a bit of a grandma, now that I think about it..." Previously serious expression trailing off in favor of her more goofy persona, she had to quickly shake her head and get her mind back on track...lest she start rambling, and ranting, about Odessa. "It helps immensely if you learn about the species of a dragon-type. Likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses...They'll all aid in growing closer to really getting to know and understand them. People within my clan have enough experience where a single look into even the most unruly dragon's eye, and they can understand it as though it's been there lifelong companion - think of that as a goal to achieve!" She smiled up at Kanē, ushering him closer, if just to let a hand rest upon the top of his head in a gentle pat.

"Garchomps are definitely one of the toughest of their typing. Excelling in most areas such as speed, power, and defense, they're extremely powerful. Unfortunately, most tend to be very hard to control, even if raised from an egg. They're prideful creatures who value one's strength and proper respect more than anything. Once a garchomp acknowledges you though, you won't find a dragon more willing to fight by your side, regardless of the challenge. With proper training and effort, they're fantastic pokemon. They tend to struggle in realizing their limits, and forging a bond with one is necessary. A garchomp that even its own trainer can't control is...dangerous. "


"But control isn't all about respect or whose stronger. Dragon-types tend to feel emotions extremely deep to those they consider their trainer. A bond formed with one, regardless how small, should be a genuine friendship if you want them to perform to their fullest. This goes for all dragons - for most pokemon, even." She took a little breath. This reminded her of her own youth, when she was taught the ways of being a dragon tamer. Of course, she'd never be as good with her words and teachings as the elder's were, but...well, she wasn't doing too bad of a job, right?


"Of course though, a strong-willed trainer is a big boon though! And until you can form a friendship, forging a mutual respect for one another is very important." She looked up at Kanē once more, staring the dragon-type into the eye as he returned the stare. To most, the exchange looked tense - if not a bit frightening. For Noelle though? It was perfectly fine. They were simply...ah...she thought of it as 'listening to one another's heart'. "Kanē, use dragon claw!" The abrupt command was followed by the air seemingly ripping into two as that dangerously sharp claw tore through it right over her head. Yet, she didn't flinch, and instead, smiled.

"Would any of you like to try giving him a command?" She asked the students, who seemed to grow a bit pale-faced.

The thought of just...snagging one of those dumb, cute fish did cross her mind maybe once. Or twice. But, the pinkette soon gave her head a firm shake. "You're...a good friend, Kyle?" She offered, eyebrows knitting together. What? At least he wouldn't report her if she did discretely just stuff one of the fish into a pokeball and left. Imagine trying to explain that to an elder...She could already imagine the headache that'd bring.

The pinkette did perk up at the notion of 'getting' something from him though, her verdant gaze resting on him with a bright-eyed, and rather excited, expression. "I...I don't want a dog, Kyle," she soon added with a rather flat expression, watching as he, successfully, captured the knocked out poodle. "Because it's cute? And if you get something, I should get something. That's only fair, right?" Her, slightly childish, reply was followed by the slightest purse of her lips. "Right?" she chimed once again.

Battling was always something Noelle admired from afar. The talent was something that was, much to her dismay, lost on her. And, as future protector of the dragon den and priestess of the shrine, it was something she wanted to improve on, even if it wasn't a requirement of someone of her status. The might of a fully trained and bonded dragon was, usually, enough to thwart most threats, but, being able to battle alongside one was completely different. Having a skill for battling - to be able to blend moves together in beautifully deadly combinations or understand the limitations and strengths of your partner...It seemed almost magical. Perhaps a bit hard to attain for a scatterbrain like herself but...ah, who knew. She'd never know unless she tried, right?

And...as a bit of...internal motivation, maybe if she could beat Mateo in a battle, he'd finally make do on his promise? Maybe he was waiting for her to do so? Plenty of dragons only allowed themselves to be mated to only the strongest of their species; perhaps he was the same?

Dwelling on that for only a couple of minutes had roused the pinkette to her feet, and sent her trotting off to train. Usually, it ended in a disaster, but, she felt extra motivated today. Aimlessly wandering about to find somewhere nearby the compound - and that ended up being Meteor Falls. Emerald gaze briefly locked with the towering falls that always managed to mesmerizing her, the sound of fighting quickly earned her attention. Was a trainer caught in an intense battle? Being as curious, and nosy, as Noelle typically was, she quickly followed on after the noise and-

Oh.

Oh.

Heart doing a small jump within her chest, she watched in sheer awe at the training session before her, and of the man who had utterly, and completely, stolen her heart. Glistening in a thin trail of sweat with such a stern look...Arceus, he was perfect. What initially was supposed to be her discretely learning from his training session definitely ended up as her ogling at the man to the point where, abruptly, she fell forward. Well, onto her face to be exact.

Jumping slightly at the blue-haired trainer's sudden demand, Noelle quickly scrambled onto her knees, staring up at him with a, slightly flustered, but smiling expression. "Your's truly, darling!" She paused for a moment, gaze flickering over to his paused pokemon before back towards him. "That was amazing!"

She was quick to get back onto her feet. And even quicker to approach him with opening, beckoning arms for a hug. She would get her hug.

without ramming into a target, alongside his own poor eyesight, nero ran straight into the wall, putting a sizable dent and crack in it. head spinning slightly, he whirled, looking eagerly for the monferno in sheer rage. huffing loudly, he stepped forward, his teeth becoming far longer and jagged, as they became encased in a white glow. preparing to use bite, his attack was halted when he was met with a punch to the face. followed by another. and then another.

perhaps a more experienced pokemon would've tried to catch the fist within his strengthened jaws using bite, but, the pokemon was young and foolish, and without the guidance of his trainer. and so, he took the close combat head on...and what a bad idea that was. a cry of pain erupted from the dragon's throat as he was sent rolling backwards, hitting the wall with a thump. he tried to stand - or, more like he wanted to, but, couldn't. everything hurt. growling softly at his inability to fight any longer, he had no choice but to accept defeat.

...which pissed him off.

a lot.

to the point where soft sniffles could be heard from the deino. underneath that thick mane of black fur that covered his eyes, there was a definite stream of tears. lo and behold, the 'savage dragon' was bawling his eyes out. "stupid, STUPID monkey," the deino sobbed, teeth gritting as he shuddered. he was upset. highly, highly upset.

Brow quirking at Kyle's, poor, explanation of why it was okay, Noelle only smiled and nodded, trotting on after him as he led the way. The blue orb on Odessa's chest glowed brightly, lighting the way as they made their way deeper into the forest. Finally, they came across the defeated dog, who was utterly knocked out after taking the hyper beam head on. "Yea, you really overdid it." The woman hummed slightly, standing back.

"Well? He's all yours. Oh - do you think they'd let me have one of their magikarp's as a reward? They're so cute! _{And you got a cool new dog and I didn't get a thing...}"

Something about that story really tugged at the pinkette's heartstrings. Maybe because she was 'engaged' herself, but, dying on your honeymoon? What if the same thing happened to her and Mateo? It was enough to make her body grow rigid, and her eyes a bit teary. Most other's would've felt a bit spooked by the ominous story, or perhaps even laughed at its triviality. But Noelle? She was on the verge of having a breakdown at the thought. "That's...horrible," she soon managed to gasp out, sniffling slightly. "At least they're together after death though? That's a bit romantic." She soon mused aloud after really thinking about it. Yes, love so strong that it transcended after death and kept two fallen lovers together...That would definitely be her and Mateo.

A bit starry eyed at the thought, she didn't pay attention much afterwards until the whole 'Dragon Tamer' bit. The girl perked up, staring at him with a slight glare. "Huh?! My soul probably tastes sweeter than a Pecha Berry!" She argued, crossing her arms. Noelle...was also an idiot too.

Unfortunately, or maybe thankfully, there seemed to be no ghost revealing itself. Had it not bought their story? Well...if talking to it wouldn't work, then, maybe utterly pissing it off would?

Without a single word to her partner, Noelle suddenly hugged him. Her face was...really close to his. Really close, as she nestled up against him. "This room would be a pretty great time for me to confess my undying love for you, I think. I'm truly, honestly in love with you, Berkeley. You look so...manly. And...you have a nice face and...yes. I love you." While her gestures were convincing, her acting left quite a bit to be desired. Hopefully, he'd catch onto just what she was trying to do, as she pushed her face near his own.

'...Arceus, forgive me, Mateo. My heart only beats for you, my love!'

trying not to get too hung up over her twice failed moves, the sight of persephone amavi flawless 'magikarp surf' did little to help her plummeting esteem. seriously...pulling off one successful move shouldn't be that hard. 

and so, inspired to try harder, she attempted to do the complex move, magikarp splash, herself.