Typically it was smarter for a Tympole to travel in a group. But this one? Not having it. His group was always forewarning whoever he was approaching of his presence. Talk about rude. So instead, he was now solo, making his way into a more populated area in hopes to find some more victims trainers to mess with battle against. It was, after all, the only way for him to get stronger. Other than battling other wild Pokemon, which usually ended with him holding a grudge against the winner and seeking out revenge in some way shape or form. Such as, by chance, rigging their winter rations to drop in a mud puddle. Well, maybe they shouldn't have taken the victory. They're enough experience to go around, right??

Either way, Tympole was on his way into a small clearing when suddenly his tail was stepped on. He let out a cry, whirling around and glaring at the one who had stepped on him. A blue haired trainer. < Have you no decency?? > He complained, wiggling around and kissing his tail a few times to make sure it would heal correctly-- or perhaps because he liked to pretend his lips had magical healing powers. Either way. < Couldn't you see me, you massive dolt?? Isn't the lake big enough for you?? >

Seemed as though during her concentration and slight meditation on what she should nickname Hawlucha, Hana had stepped right on a small Tympole's tail. Immediately she bent down, frowning at him. "I'm so sorry! I was thinking over something, I wasn't watching where I was going!"

< Obviously! > The Tympole hissed. < And now, you will suffer, blue human. >

Hana blinked. "Eh?"

< I believe you've insulted him past the point of reconciliation, Hana. > Hawlucha spoke, wise in his words. < This may only end one way, it would see. >

At first confused by how a Tympole could look at her so rudely - and hiss, they could do that? - she gathered herself at Hawlucha's words and took a few steps back. "He really won't see it any other way?" The Tympole was obviously young, or perhaps just not used to dealing with trainers. She could barely understand him. He certainly seemed peeved with her though, and now he wanted a bit of vengeance. She supposed she understood. And if battle was the only way to satisfy him...

A small sigh escaped Hawlucha as he moved over toward the Tympole and narrowed his eyes. < Understand the rules of engagement, small tadpole. > He stood straight, narrowing his masked eyes at the Tympole. < We will be battling to a point nearing unconsciousness. Once there, my trainer will likely capture you. Though, for your rude behavior toward her, I wouldn't mind simply ending your misery... but it will be her call. Are you prepared for this? >

Blah, blah, blah! These two imbeciles obviously didn't understand that this was exactly what he wanted! And being that the Hawlucha was so honorful, he couldn't help himself. It was too easy. Without warning, the Tympole gave a growl and leapt back, blowing bubbles at the Hawlucha. < Ha! Pitiful masked hooligan! >

Hana's eyes narrowed. "He's not gonna play fair, Hawlucha. Use hone claws to even your odds from that growl, then follow up with a tackle. See if you can't whip in a karate chop just afterwards. If he shoots bubbles your way, flip over him. And if he's so keen on playing dirty, step on his tail and give him a good thawp on the head again with your karate chop!"

There was strength to Hana's words, but it seemed the girl was just as spiteful as the Tympole was. He used hone claws as he closed in on the target Tympole, who seemed to be growling once again. He didn't even hesitate to use a tackle. Seemed he was quicker than the Tympole expected. He rattled off more nonsense before Hawlucha moved in to use a karate chop. It was dodged, and the Tympole was using bubble once more. Easily it was dodged, since he could see his cheeks puffing up for the bubble. He flipped behind the Tympole, avoiding his tail, and giving him a decent, what had she called it? 'Thwap' to the back of the Tympole.

Rolling a few feet, the Tympole could feel himself loosing. A glare was sent toward the Hawlucha, then toward the girl. < Mark my words, humans. I will never forget this day. This day will be marked in my history as the day I swore a vengeance against you humans and your trainers. This is the day I will forever seek to make your lives miserable! >

During his speech, which Hana nearly giggled at because she couldn't understand his gurgling mess of a speech, Hawlucha moved behind him and brought his hand down on the Tympole once more for a Karate Chop. < If you plan on catching this creature, now would be the time. > He moved to cross his wings over his chest, rustling his feathers a bit as if trying to ruffle that whole experience out of his memory. How... odd.

Hana smiled and took a ball out of her bag, looking as the Tympole mumbled and wiggled a bit in his spot. She tossed the ball out to the Tympole. It bonked his head and within seconds it was absorbing him in a red light and wiggling itself on the ground. She turned to Hawlucha with a proud smile. "You did so well, great job, Hawlucha." Her smile broadened as she saw a small mess of pink in his feathers before he ruffled them and pulled his attention to the moving pokeball, hiding his small fluster at her words.

NOTES. Hana attempted to capture this crazy thing. -1 pokeball
EXP GAINED. 580, Hawlucha + 2 lvls! Hawlucha is now level 7.
5 » 6 580/200
6 » 7 380/225
7 » 8 155/250

After the pokeball ceased it's movement, Hana smiled brightly. "You know," she started as she bent down and picked up the ball, placing it in her bag and smiling over at Hawlucha. "He was really very... irritated."

< I would have been equally irritated if you had stepped on my tail feathers. > He confessed. < Though I would have reacted more... maturely. >

Hana laughed, walking with Hawlucha down the route. She was paying more attention to where she was walking now, eyes on her feet. She brought them up unnecessarily high, and straight, taking small steps with what looked like long strides. Her eyes turned toward the lake and she smiled, stopping to turn and give a look. Since before when she'd been walking and looking she'd apparently offended a Tympole. "I used to hate the water..."

Hawlucha walked with Hana, ignoring her strides and deciding she was simply an odd human who liked to be dramatic. He'd allow her the antics, deciding it wasn't worth arguing or figuring out. But her strides stopped and he heard an oddly serious tone cross her words. He was immediately intrigued.

"I grew up around the water. It was constant and everywhere. I didn't fear it. I embraced it... I could swim before I could walk, really." Her smile faded. "But then the water took my parents away." She moved her eyes across the lake and huffed. "I hated the water after that, for a long time, I wouldn't go near it. But, I found an abandoned Feebas once, and took care of it. Sort of became my baby. I entered it in a lot of beauty contests, as a challenge to myself. I started to be okay with the water then. Oh, and when he evolved..." Her smile deepened and she looked over at Hawlucha with a brilliant grin. "It was breathtaking."

Like the wise and regal bird he was, Hawlucha just listened. His gaze shifted between Hana and the water as he listened, before finally he nodded. < Overcoming a fear like that, I can imagine it took great strength. I envy that. Such growth is why I chose to come along with you on your journey, Hana. I wish to learn of such strength. An... inner strength. Something I have not yet come to master. > He looked up to her with a serious gaze. < Thank you for sharing your story. >

The smile on Hana's face never left. "You are most welcome, Hawlucha... you know, I nicknamed that Feebas Fredrick.... isn't that silly? As a Milotic, we won regional contests that year. It was beautiful... he was beautiful. But he missed the ocean after the contests were said and done. He told me there was no more challenge left for him in contests. It was well before I started training, and I released him into the wild." She grinned down at Hawlucha before narrowing her eyes. "I don't think I'll get rid of you that easily."

< If we continue to stand and gawk at the water, while sharing life stories, we may very well petrify in this spot. > His attempt at a joke was masked by how he turned away from Hana and started walking.

However, Hana didn't miss the joke, and instead grinned as she ran behind him, walking beside him after she caught up. "Thank you for your sympathy! I might name you Turtledove for just for that." Another laugh escaped her as she saw his shoulders flinch in offense at her suggestion.

Laughter caught the ear of an ever curious Dewpider. Who was so close and having so much fun without her? A sassy sort of scoff escaped her as she moved her legs quickly and effortlessly through the grass near the edge of the lake to get a good look. What she saw as a trainer with hair that was decent and a Hawlucha with a soft face. A face she could look at for days, if she were being totally. honest. Without much hesitation, or real regret, she made her way over to the Hawlucha and into his path. A pose she deemed worthy and swooning was given, her eyes locked on the Hawlucha.

"Oh." Hana stopped her walking and smiled down at the Dewpider. "Hello there cutie."

< Gorgeous, girl. Gorgeous. Not cutie. > The Dewpider didn't loose eye contact with the Hawlucha, winking at him as she spoke of her dashing good looks.

Hawlucha, on the other hand, was bloody confused. He just stared, wondering what this Dewpider was doing. Was her stance one of battle? It looked very weak. He spotted four openings just looking at her.

This Pokemon, though a bit echoed by the bubble around her head, was clear enough to understand. Hana smiled at her and then glanced at Hawlucha. She understood immediately what was going on and moved over to a near by bench to take a seat. "Gorgeous indeed."

Hawlucha looked at Hana, questioning why she was suddenly relaxing, before looking back to the Dewpider. He was taken aback, flailing his wings and taking a few steps back. She had closed the distance between them so quickly!

< OH, you silly boy. Don't run from me. It only provokes my playful side... And there isn't a side of you I wouldn't mind playing with. > The Dewpider sighed, like it was dreaming and unable to grasp reality.

The laugh Hana let out was quickly cut off by how she cupped her hand over her face. The Hawlucha simply stared at the Dewpider, then huffed. < What... do you want...? >

Oh, willing to play was he? The Dewpider gave a giddy sort of wiggle. < Don't be daft handsome. I want to play! >

< P...Play? > He groaned. < What interest do I have in-- >

< If you play, you win. If you don't, you lose. Also, the game itself has rules my dear, so play carefully and keep both of you dreamy eyes on me the whole time. > She instructed as she moved about the grass gracefully.

...he had to admit, her movements were graceful. He shook his head of such nonsense and looked to Hana. She waved him toward the Dewpider, obviously either entertained or interested in the two of them playing. He shrugged his shoulders. < What is your game, Dewpider? >

He said her name. Well, near enough her name. It had her bubble heating up and little bubbles emitted from the closest thing she had to cheeks. < The game is simple. It's tag. >

< Rules of engagement. > He demanded, wings crossed firmly over his puffed chest.

< Rules of... engagement? > She couldn't help the way her tiny little heart skipped a beat or four. < Well, if you win, I'll do whatever you like. If you loose, I get to come with you. >

If he lost? What a cocky Dewpider. A nod was given and Hawlucha took a stance, readying himself for the game. Hana lifted her hand and smiled at the two of them. "Rules set! Game... begin!" She was enjoying herself far too much. The Dewpider was very quick, definitely took Hana by surprise. During the most adorable game of tag she'd ever seen in her life, Hana could tell one thing about the Dewpider. She was beyond confident in herself and she flaunted it with no regard for anyone else. She could learn a thing or two from this Dewpider. Hawlucha leapt and bounded toward the Dewpider who swiftly moved, provoking Hawlucha with words here and there.

About fifteen minutes in though, it seemed like they were both either bored or tired. One way or the other, Dewpider had actually managed to trip up poor Hawlucha and pin him to the ground. She rubbed her large bulb of water against his feathers before backing up and winking over at Hana. < Alright then, I'm yours, simply keep me at his side. >

Stunned, though not as stunned as Hawlucha, Hana nodded and took a ball out of her bag, tossing it over. It hit the Dewpider's head and bounced back. Hana saw a small wink leave the Dewpider before she was taken into the ball and it hit the ground. She looked toward Hawlucha with a small grin on her features. "She liiiiikes you~" She sang.

Embarrassed, Hawlucha huffed and glared at the moving ball. < I will never understand women.... >

NOTES. Attempted capture of Dewpider, -1 pokeball.

When the ball stopped it's twisting about, Hana smiled and bent down to pick it up and place it on her belt. "Women aren't something to be understood, but experienced." She defended, laughing. "I heard somebody say that once, and I always thought it was remarkably accurate."

Although Hana seemed to be enjoying herself, Hawlucha just shook his head. He stood and started patting himself down, wondering for a moment what exactly she meant by that, before deciding it probably wouldn't further his mastery or training and wasn't of much importance. Instead, he continued his contemplation over the game they had played and the battle with the Tympole beforehand. He felt, with how both had turned out, he could try and pull out something new and impressive during his next fight.

Once the pokeballs were secure, Hana started walking, making sure Hawlucha was right beside her. Oh, and he was. She took a deep breath of the lake air and put her hands behind her back. "Getting tired yet?"

< Not enough to stop our travels for the day. > He confessed. < Let us continue to observe the lake at least, and we can rest up before completing the first route. > He was excited to get started moving forward, but he knew good and well Hana wanted to see pretty much everything she could of the region and he suspected there would be a lot of distractions from this point forward because of her love for adventure and sight-seeing. In a way, he didn't mind. He needed to learn to slow down and enjoy the sights himself, instead of only focusing on his training.

"Good!" She smiled over and down at him. "I'm happy to hear it." Extending one of her arms, she narrowed her eyes at the lake and started to walk a bit more toward the entrance, the opposite side of it they'd started this little adventure at. They'd made a pretty decent circle of the lake so far. "Onward, march!"

Lotad's aren't typically agressive, or even really very mean... but this one? This one couldn't help himself but to be that way. Cygnus Lake was a hard enough place to get around without the interruption of trainers, or even other Pokemon. So in other words, Lotad was a little heated that he'd been interrupted twice that day. Once by a Magikarp crossing - which took forever - and another time by some snooty little Dratini that thought they knew everything, but quickly made themselves scarce. All he knew was he could make it. He could get to the best spot in the lake and get a beautiful view. He just had to stay positive! Keep his pad up and keeping going strong!

After a few more crossings of some Barboach, some snooty Basculin, and an argument with a sassy little Azurill that didn't know a blue ball from her own tail, Lotad had finally found it! The sweet spot of the lake. With a sigh, he let all four of his legs fall flat to the ground as his stomach held the brunt of his weight. He gave a small wiggle, happily settling into his spot and huffing out a satisfied sigh.

Hana honestly couldn't believe her eyes at the view. The lake was shining beautifully with the position of the sun. It was the right time, seems they'd gotten lucky. Her and Hawlucha were sharing a snack when she caught sight of a lilly-pad moving all by itself over to settle down comfortably. A smile lit her face and she leaned over to Hawlucha the second he finished. "Look a the cute little Lotad."

Hawlucha acknowledged her words with a nod, having seen the pad move himself just a second ago. He continued to move his focus to his snack though. He was learning that out of this candy snack she was sharing with him, he liked the green and orange ones the best. Curious.

About fifteen minutes later the sun had settled just like the Lotad, but said Lotad was shifting and getting up. He shook a bit, like he was trying to get the day off of him, before turning to look at the Lake. He needed to get back home... oh, but did he? Couldn't he just settle a nest out here? The night wildlife wasn't his scene though. He turned then, away from the lake, and his eyes fell on a trainer and her fellow Pokemon- some bird he wasn't familiar with. His eyes spotted their snack and he moved up and over toward them, giving small snort noises as he sniffed the air to get the smell of the candy. He blinked his cute little eyes, hoping she was gullible enough to share.

The second Hana let her eyes settle on the Lotad for the second time that day, she saw his cute little snorts, and she tossed a few pieces of the candy down with a smile. He had quickly moved over to scour them up into his mouth, blinking back up at her. She let out a laugh and grinned. "Haven't eaten yet today, hm?" She asked, moving to toss a few more before tossing the last few in her mouth. Hawlucha had shared a few moments ago that he didn't want anything more than a taste of the candy, so she didn't feel bad finishing off the bag.

The Lotad, however, was appalled. She just ate all of it... how, rude. He narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth impatiently for more food.

Hana blinked at him, her smile fading a bit as she sighed. "Sorry, Lotad. But I don't have anymore." There was a small laugh mixed in with her words.

Now she was laughing at him? No, maybe at the situation? That seemed more likely. Either way, it wasn't very funny. He huffed and blew bubbles her way.

Hana was caught off guard by the assault, but Hawlucha had her back. He moved his wing in the way, taking the hit with ease since the Lotad used his bubble more out of annoyance than an urge to actually hurt Hana. He did, however, glare at the Lotad. < We've run out of the small circular sweets, please leave in peace. >

Lotad narrowed his eyes. < So she has more of those sweets, she simply ran out this time? >

Hawlucha just stared. What part of what he said gave that impression?? < I... assume so. >

Hana blinked between the two. The Lotad was young and mumbled when he spoke, she couldn't understand him very well. Hawlucha seemed confused as well. She smiled and pat her backpack. "I have more, if that's what he's asking."

A nod came from the bird/fighting type. < Yes, as assumed, she does indeed have more. But they are for her, and her Pokemon. We will not be remaining at the lake any longer. > Basically, he was out of luck if he wanted anymore.

Lotad narrowed his eyes. < That sounds like fun! > He was hopping up and down. He wouldn't give up. He'd get himself some of those sweets once more! Besides, these two didn't look so bad, and he could use the stretch. < Let's battle, and your trainer can catch me! In return for work, I'll eat some snacks-- besides, she seems so nice... even if you're a bit stiff. > He confessed.

Hawlucha glared at him. He glanced at Hana as if to ask for permission. < He wants a battle, to be caught, and to work for sweets. >

Hana blinked. "Really?" She laughed, nodding. "Alright then. I'll leave this one up to you, hm?" Hawlucha, she had learned, could pretty much take care of himself. She gave a bit of third party insight that often helped him develop strategies and sometimes put in her two cents of what she thought he needed to do. But this time around? She was going to focus on fishing out a pokeball to use when they were finished.

Hawlucha huffed and moved toward the Lotad which a growl escaped from before he quickly moved over and hit Hawlucha with an astonish. It was a bit underhanded, but he had no limitations when it came to battle.

Taken aback and flinching, Hawlucha wasn't able to dodge the next astonish either. Mostly, he had been taken aback by the low blow. He moved quickly over to the Lotad as his wing started to shine. He used the force of his movement to further impact the Lotad with his wing attack. The Lotad whined, rolling a bit, before struggling to sit up with a huff. < Well done! One blow! No, quickly, have her throw-- oh... >

Hana had already tossed the ball, shaking her head. "What a bizarre little creature."

< I think you mean rude. > Hawlucha snorted.

NOTES. Attempted capture, -1 pokeball.
LEVELS GAINED. 684, Hawlucha +3 lvls! Hawlucha is now level 10. Hawlucha learned Wing Attack!
7 » 8 prev. 155/250 so 684/95
8 » 9 589/275
9 » 10 314/300
10 » 11 14/325
I hate math.... ha.