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The explosive blast just barely missed the duo as they dived for protection behind the Swampert. Ruby was absolutely going to panic, struggling to not stare at all the destruction around them. It was like a warzone. All that caused by one single attack? Ruby's immediate instincts were to cling to Whisper's side, shaking physically as she tried and failed to collect itself. The clown was dancing... It had hurt so many people...

Ruby stared in terror as it pulled its own head off once more, expanding it larger and larger. Just before she could think to duck for cover again, it tossed the ball straight towards the grand lighthouse and suddenly everything made sense. The explosive head replaced the new year's ball. When it dropped, everyone would die. Tears were already streaming down the young girl's face, desperation in her voice as she watched the horrible beast practically threaten then, miming that they were living in borrowed time. The man that had protected them with his Swampert said they needed to stop it, and Ruby shook in fear.

Staring in horror, Ruby spoke with absolute desperation as she watched the horrible beast create another bomb and started to jog away. People were batting the explosive away, only instilling even more fear in Ruby's heart. "w-whisper! We have to help take it down! I-if that drops..." Ruby didn't even have to finish the statement. Whisper easily sense not only Ruby's fear but everyone else as well. As fast as she physically could, the Hatterene began to glide its way over towards the lighthouse.

Whisper's signature cocky expression fell away to one of pure aggression and anger as she stared as if her stares alone could kill such a beast. Daring to threaten her trainer, Whisper had immediately had enough. Using Calm Mind once more, the psychic energy swirling around the Pokemon was definitely visible at this point. Soft purple energy swirled around her as she moved, keeping Ruby close by her side as they moved.


notes: Ruby is terrified, crying and unsure what to do. Whisper takes the lead, moving towards the Light House as fast as they can while also using Calm Mind for the second time now.

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Gabriel. She couldn't help but back up a little bit, mouth dropping softly in surprise at the sight of the beautiful dragon-type pokemon. She didn't have much experience with the type, let alone anything so obviously powerful and aggressive. Still, as Alexei simply walked over and chastised him, asking him to calm down and he looked embarrassed Ruby couldn't help but chuckle quietly. He looked big and intimidating, but clearly he was a big softie inside. Or at least, Ruby thought so.

Carefully walking over towards his side, Ruby slowly brushed her hand against his scales gently. As if trying to get him used to her presence, she stood beside him for a few seconds, letting him sniff her, get used to her before finally attempting to climb atop him. It was rather difficult with her short legs, but with a quick hop Ruby slowly clambered on top of him. Wrapping her arms around him, she gripped tightly and glanced up at Alexei. Just say the word? She bit her lip in slight nerves.

"O-okay. Uh, let's go!" Ruby spoke out loud, instinctively gripping tighter just in case. Whatever happened, all that Ruby hoped was that she didn't fall off in the middle of flying. The sight of the region in all it's beauty wouldn't be worth it if she came out with a few broken bones.

notes: N/A

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"Well, I have to head down the mountain myself anyways." Ruby chuckled softly to herself as she wrapped her jacket a bit tighter around herself as she watched the rather adorable Vulpix act like a personal heater. It was certainly chilly, and while she was used to the cold from back home, feeling cold in Hoenn was still a very different experience. How were the natives who weren't used to cold at all handling this? She dreaded to know.

Tucking her arms close to her side, Ruby quickly made her way down towards Annie's side as she watched the grumpy Delibird continue walking, not even bothering to take a look at her. "Besides. It's a Delibird traveling, no doubt there's gonna be lots of kids or who knows what else who wouldn't get anything from him! We can't just, you know, ignore that, right?" Picking up her pace, Ruby refused to slow either of them down.

"How long have you been at this, Annie?" She spoke curiously, tilting her head back at the younger girl. "I mean, I can only imagine a Delibird all by themselves this late might attract some bad attention. Best we can do to keep him safe, yeah?" A soft, yet confident smile spread across her face as she continued walking.

notes: N/A

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Before they could truly begin to eat, suddenly the grass around them was being blown around by an incredibly strong wind. Ruby quickly held onto the basket to prevent it from being blown away as well. Stunned by the sudden gusts of wind on an otherwise rather calm day, Ruby glanced up at the sky to see if there was a storm coming, only to see something infinitely more impressive instead. A large pokemon that reminded her almost of an Aurorus, with leaf-like wings, flying in the sky. Such a massive pokemon, she couldn't help but be incredibly impressed and in awe.

The Tropius landed down a few feet away, making a curious glance towards Ruby. "O-oh?" Ruby spoke in shock, staring up at the pokemon with fruit hanging from their neck. She had never seen anything like this before and was absolutely stunned. She slowly stood up to her feet, keeping a soft, calm expression on her face as she tried her best to step closer without startling them. "Wow... You're so beautiful." She spoke with the same soft tone as before, reaching over to gently brush her hand against their neck, petting them gently.

The pokemon seemed to respond to these strangers with a soft cry of their own, seemingly rather comfortable with the gentle touch. Leaning down, it seemingly offered Ruby one of the fruits on its neck, encouraging a quiet giggle from the girl. "You want to join our picnic too, huh?" Slowly, she gently led the Pokemon over to their basket as Darling began to start and set out a few snacks, eager to help serve a new friend.

notes: Route 102 Electric/Grass. Capture Attempt!

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Oldale Town was a lovely place to stay. A nice small town, almost reminded her of home a little bit. The woods and the flowers were rather incredible. She couldn't help but smile, taking in that deep breath of fresh air as she walked through the route. Apparently, it seemed this particular stretch of woods was rather popular with some other trainers as well. She had already passed at least 5 other people walking by!

"You know what it's time for, right Darling?" She smiled down at her Indeedee, who was carrying a small picnic basket in her arms. With a soft smile, Darling finally sat down on the edge of the path and laid down on the soft grass. Ruby couldn't help but giggle in response, sitting down right beside her and grabbing the basket from the small Pokemon's arm.

"Come on, let's get eating! I'm starving."

notes: Route 102 Electric/Grass

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Ruby had heard stories of dangerous dragons in this area, especially from many of the locals, but she wasn't worried at all. At least, not with Whisper right at her side. Still, she couldn't help but simply be curious. Despite having Whisper the Hatterene, she had never really fought any dragon-type Pokemon before even though she was incredibly strong against them. Part fairy type, Whisper had been with her for the longest time.

She held the Pokeball in her hand, gently tossing it up and down as she slowly walked along the road and kept her eyes open. She had originally thought about just traveling through, but helping the locals out by intimidating the dragon pokemon away from town shouldn't be too hard! Maybe she was thinking too optimistically, but Whisper was incredibly intimidating just how she was, so it didn't feel like it would be too hard to help out a little bit.

However, Ruby was suddenly surprised by being called out by another stranger. She couldn't help but smile, turning around to face him and about to explain that she wasn't worried about the dangers of the dragon-type pokemon when her eyes simply widened. Standing right in front of her, leaning against her trainer, was a Hatterene. Not hers, that much was immediately obvious. Still, Ruby was a bit shocked, staring straight towards the Hatterene and her trainer with a slightly excited expression. She hadn't seen another one in her entire time in Hoenn, no wonder he felt safe out here as well.

Ruby quickly walked over towards them, speaking with a very soft tone as to not bother their Hatterene. Letting out a soft breath, she immediately did her best to relax. "Hello. I'm uh, well I'm not worried." She quickly sent out her own Hatterene, Whisper standing tall compared to her short trainer.

Whisper stared ahead with a firm, almost prideful gaze as she glanced between the trainer and his Hatterene. Her sheer confidence had this cocky air about her, smiling ever so slightly as she watched Ruby continue to speak.

"I'm Ruby! And uh, I see I don't need to explain Hatterene's to you. I'm not scared at all, not with Whisper by my side."

notes: N/A

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It seemed like their soft humming and singing had attracted a visitor. Ruby didn't even notice the Furfrou watching them from a distance at first. Too focused on her meditation to notice the dog-like Pokemon approaching them. It wasn't until she felt Darling gently tugging on their pant leg that they finally opened their eyes. Ruby simply blinked, staring down at the Furfrou that had somehow curled up at Darling's feet without her even realizing it.

"Oh my," Ruby whispered softly, reaching down to gently brush a hand against the gal's furry coat. "You need brushed, don't you?" The Furfrou simply looked up, letting out a soft happy sound before curling back up to Darling, seemingly relaxed by the gentle humming. Even Darling began to gently pet the dog-like pokemon, continuing to hum that soft, soothing tone.

Unable to help but chuckle softly, Ruby sat back on her stump and let out a soft breath. Looks like Darling made a new friend today. Even if she herself didn't get much practice in, at least they together could help give this gal a nice home. And perhaps a haircut while they were at it. Their fur was a bit messy!

notes: Route 116 - normal / psychic. Capture Attempt!

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"Do we really have to be back here again?" Ruby said quietly, holding Darling the Indeedee's hand as they walked. Ruby definitely didn't like this area, nervously glancing around. Ghost pokemon often liked to startle here in this route. Perhaps they just knew she'd be a good scare, or perhaps they just knew something that she didn't. Honestly, Ruby had no idea, but it still gave her goosebumps.

"Indeedee," was Darling's only response, nodding and smiling over at her trainer as they led the way.

"... You know, there are better places to look for some other psychic pokemon too. Like, Route 116. It just has some like, bird and rodent pokemon. No... G-ghosts." Despite her best efforts, Ruby just couldn't calm down. Her quest to collect all the Psychic-type pokemon was getting more complicated by the day, it was true. Finding ones she hadn't seen before means that she needed to go to new places, even ones she didn't like.

Gulping softly as she accepted her fate, Ruby noticed someone else walking the route. Almost immediately, Ruby relaxed. Safety in numbers would always make things a bit easier. "H-hey!" She shouted out, quickly hurrying up to catch up from behind them, Darling suddenly being the one dragged behind. "Do you um, think we can walk together? This route just... gives me the heebie-jeebies!"

notes: Route 121 - psychic/ghost

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Whisper just seemed to chuckle silently to themselves as the large X was formed with the attack. Almost as if in mockery, very faint X made out of psychic energy seemed to form in front of her as her body seemed to reflect the non-offensive attack straight back at Smeargle, with her Magic Bounce ability to disable one of Smeargle's moves instead.

Ruby couldn't help but smile in excitement as she examined the Smeargle. If it was starting with Disable, it probably wanted to control the flow of battle to what they wanted. Unfortunately for them, Whisper was quite hard to pin down and control, even by her! Knowing fully well they weren't allowed to use any offensive moves for a few minutes at least, she simply glanced over at Whisper and nodded.

The psychic pokemon understanding what Ruby desired her to do, Whisper let out a long sigh as she began to glow slightly with the psychic energy. Clearing her mind of all distractions and solely focused on combat, she used Calm Mind to prepare herself for the moment when she could finally lash out.


notes: Gym Battle! Non-Traditional. One Versus One challenge.