In the forest of the Night (Wild)

[Ximena Auberjunois]

Ximena was moving as quietly as she could through the forest undergrowth, Zorra riding on her shoulder. She had done some studying after leaving the Pokemon Lab, figuring out a plan of attack. She had learned that a lot of the trainers around Mossrock were ground and water trainers, two types Zorra wouldn't match up well against. So Mossrock Forest it was, home to quite a few decent Grass type Pokemon that Ximena was ready to catch and add to her team.

"Ok Zorra, let's go over the plan one more time. We hit them with a couple scratches, then hypnosis them. Once they're asleep it will be much easier to catch them. No Fire type moves!"

Zorra huffed, jumping down off Ximena's shoulder. She wasn't some freshly hatched 'Mon, she knew all this already. Zorra knew Ximena was nervous, but Ximena should know that she could always count on Zorra. To be honest, Zorra found it a little insulting. She would never make that fact known...not openly at least, as she vented a bit of heat from her ears. She would do her job, and make sure Ximena caught whatever Pokemon they found first...THEN Zorra would burn the next one. She only needed one Grass type after all. 

[Vulpix]

While Ximena and Zorra began exploring their way through the Mossrock Forest, the inhabitants continued about their daily routines as usual.

There were wild Pidgey chirping away but hidden above the canopy of the lower hanging trees that surrounded the trainer and her pokemon. The wild Hoot Hoot were currently still asleep, some on nearby branches, some in nests previously created. 

Along the ground, it would be difficult to tell what were simply plants growing around the trees or the leaves of some Oddish as they were resting within the comforts of what they would call home.

In amongst the various sounds that were ringing out through the forest, if Ximena was to listen closely she would hear a sound slightly different to the rest, an almost frustrated caw in between some vigorous rustling of the leaves overhead.

[Ximena Auberjunois]

Ximena was crouching behind a log, studying the area. This was a lot different than back home in Paldea, but the excitement of searching through the forest and tall grass was making her heart race. Was this what Pokemon adventures were about? The rush of discovery, the thrill of not knowing what was going to jump out at her? 

While Ximena was slowly losing her mind with excitement, Zorra was...not. She was complaining. <Ugh, this dirt is destroying my coat. I will need at least a deep cleaning scrub after this. Maybe a pedicure too. Oooh, maybe I can talk Ximena into a full spa day!>

Ximena looked down at Zorra, raising a finger to her lips. There was some rustling ahead behind a shrub, and Ximena wasn't going to miss this opportunity to add to her team. Standing upright and pointing at the shrub, Ximena shouted, "Zorra, I choose you!"

[Vulpix]

As Ximena continued on the course through Mossrock Forest, the sound of the angered "caw" would become more frequent, before a group of Oddish would come scurrying through the shrubs ahead and straight past the young trainer and her pokemon, all seemingly very panicked.

With that, silence fell upon the area, with the exception of the occasional breeze causing the trees to rustle and the grumblings of something within The shrubs. What could have caused the small grass types to flee in such a manner? For what reason were they chased away?

By this stage the wild Pidgey above had all gathered, as if Ximena was a player in some Olympic sport and they had been incited to spectate. 

What would Ximena find? 

[Ximena Auberjunois]

As Zorra got into a battle stance, the last thing she expected was to be bowled over by a horde of Oddish. Ximena lifted her up, glancing around at the wild Pidgey watching her. Something was coming, and Ximena now had a decision. Did she go after the Oddish, the whole reason she came here? Or did she continue further into the woods, finding whatever had scared the poor Grass type so badly?

"What are you thinking Zorra? It might not have been what we came for, but no plan survives first contact, after all. I think we should go after whatever is causing the commotion, but we're a team, and I want your input."

Zorra shook the leaves and pollen out of her fur, huffing. <If it was up to me, we'd leave right now. However, I am not leaving you behind Ximena, so let's go find the cause of this stampede.>

Ximena smiled as she scooped up Zorra, and moved deeper into the forest, knowing that whatever they found, they would take it down together.

"Just think, Zorra. After this we can go take a nice hot bath, and maybe go into town and do some window shopping for some new clothes after. Just a little further!"

[Vulpix]

Moving further into the forest Ximena and Zorra were about to stumble across the cause of the recent commotion that had taken place.

Upon entering the clearing, the young trainer would come across a wild Murkrow, clearly frustrated, although it would not be immediately apparent as to the reason behind this.

Noticing the two approach the dark type immediately turned to face them. <Oh so those little brats decide to send a human after me now?!> the bird would squawk although it was likely that only Zorra would be able to understand her.

The bird pokemon continued observing the two trying to anticipate their next move. <Get away from here now! I don't want any trouble!> another squawk would come as the dark type slowly moved into a defensive stance.

---

A FRUSTRATED WILD MURKROW HAS APPEARED BUT APPEARS NOT TO SEEK BATTLE 

Level: 17
HP: 170/170
Gender: Female
Ability: Insomnia
Moves: Astonish, Peck, Pursuit, Haze, Wing Attack

[Ximena Auberjunois]

Ximena saw the agitated Murkrow, and was getting into a battle stance when she realized the dark type pokemon wasn't attacking. Ximena had no idea what the Pokémon was cawing at her and Zorra, but it almost seemed...distressed? 

"Hey, Zorra, what's she saying?"

Zorra huffed, jumping down from Ximena's arms, <She's upset about something. Yes, hello there! We don't want to cause any trouble, and trust me, no one sent us! My name is Zorra, this is my trainer and best friend Ximena. It seems something has you riled up. Is it at all possible we can help you with it? Me and my friends are actually brand new here, so maybe a fresh pair of hands might be able to solve your issue?>

[Vulpix]

The Murkrow kept a watchful eye over the pair for a short while. As suspected, the human was unable to decipher what the pokemon was trying to say.

Flinching slightly as Zorra jumped from her trainers shoulder glaring at the small fire type for a moment before she began to speak.

<I'm just trying to feed my family. But those brats keep coming in and trying to take what I collect.> the bird began to tell of the troubles she had been encountering of late. <Every damn day. They are there. They act so sweet around everyone else.>

The irritation was growing more and more as the bird continued to speak of the grass types and the chaos they had created for her. <I just need to get these berries to my family without being jumped or having them stolen from me... You... Really want to help? > 

[Ximena Auberjunois]

As Ximena listened to Zorra relay the Murkrow's story, her hands began clenching into fists. Bullies, the one thing Ximena truly hated. Especially bullies who acted sweet around everyone else, their words like poisoned honey dripping from their mouths. Zorra was also getting more and more worked up, heat starting to vent from her oversized ears. 

<Of course we're going to help. The one thing me and Ximena can't stand are bullies, especially if they are keeping you from feeding your family. So, Ximena, can I burn these guys?>

A dark smile crossed over Ximena's face, as she looked up at the Murkrow, "Yeah, I think you'll be able to burn these guys Zorra. Show us where they are ma'am, and we'll make sure you can gather berries for your family in peace."

[Vulpix]

The Murkrow took a moment to hear the Fennekin out. Perhaps these people really were going to help after all. They certainly seemed genuine.

Listening to their own rage growing the Murkrow shook it's head. <I don't want to fight them. That's swooping to their level, I have higher priorities.> the bird chirped softly before standing aside, revealing a pile of Oran Berries in a pile behind her.

<I already have the food. I just need to get it to my family, but I can't carry them all at once... > she mumbled before taking a step towards Ximena and Zorra. <If you can help me carry them, that would be awesome!> a slight glimmer of hope shone in the dark type's eyes. Perhaps her ordeal may finally be over soon!

[Ximena Auberjunois]

Zorra deflated slightly at the Murkrow explaining no fighting would be necessary, muttering under breath, <I'm never going to get to burn something, am I? Of course we'll help you carry the berries, ma'am. Ximena, can you grab them? I don't really have thumbs.>

Ximena took a deep breath and smiled, "Of course I will help carry them," Ximena said as she walked over and opened her bag to place the berries inside. This was certainly not what Ximena expected when she came into the forest to search for Pokemon, but it wasn't a bad outcome. The Pokemon here in Shula were certainly different than the ones back home in Paldea, that's for sure. 

As she finished making sure the berries were placed safely inside her back, Ximena stood up and smiled at the Murkrow, as she held up her arm "Do you need a ride ma'am? I'm sure defending your berries was tiring work, and it would be easier to guide me towards your nest if you could just point the way."

[Vulpix]

The Murkrow couldn't help but let loose a slight chuckle as Zorra grumbled about not being able to burn things.

The dark type chirped, a slight sense of relief apparent on her features as she moved aside for Ximena to gather up the berries. <Thank you...> the pokemon mumbled softly.

These people were really nice. It had been a while since the Murkrow had felt it could relax, even if only a little. The offer for a ride would be most welcome. The bird offered a nod to the young trainer before taking flight briefly to land upon her shoulder.

<My family are that way!> the Murkrow announced, lifting a wing and pointing in the direction that they needed to go.

<I'm so glad I can finally give them these berries. They deserve a treat every now and then... Ya know?> the bird began to ramble in a motherly like tone, hoping that perhaps Ximena would understand what it was like to have a responsibility over a younger being.

[Ximena Auberjunois]

Ximena began their journey towards the Murkrow's nest and smiled as Zorra translated what the bird Pokemon said. When she got to talking about giving her children a treat, Ximena couldn't help but think of her own mother. She had always been there for Ximena, even if she had just gotten off stage after a super intensive routine. Ximena remembered one time she had gotten lost in the Celadon department store during one of her mother's tours of Kanto. She had wandered off after seeing a Pikachu plushie on display, and when she turned back, her mother had disappeared from sight. Ximena had started crying, when suddenly, as if by magic her mother's Quaquaval was there, picking her up in its feathery arms. Her mother was a wreck as she ran to Ximena, picking her up and telling her how sorry she was that Ximena had left her sight. 

"Yeah, I guess Moms are like that when it comes to their children," Ximena said softly, a few tears sliding down her cheeks. She would have to call her mom after all this and tell her she loved her. As they reached a large tree, Ximena heard the soft cawing of Murkrow up above.

"I think this is our stop, ma'am!"

[Vulpix]

The murkrow settled down on the shoulder of the young female trainer as she began to direct them through the forest on their walk towards her nest. It was clear that the trainer was lost in thought after the Fennekin had translated her comments about feeding the family. It probably seemed silly to most who were able to provide without any issue, but for the Murkrow it was rare that she would be able to successfully do so with her own family due to the other wild pokemon in the area always beating her to the punch.

As they continued and Ximena finally came to speak, the dark type noticed tears falling from the humans eyes. <Hey, what's with the tears?> tilting her head to the side to try and figure out why the human seemed sad. <Is it something I said?>

A short while later, the group approach an area of the forest that rung out with the sound of other Murkrow cawing from above. As Ximena spoke once more, the bird nodded to her. <Yup. This is it!> she confirmed to the trainer as she hopped off of her shoulder, gliding slowly to the ground before calling up to the family above.

One by one, a group of 3 other Murkrow began to appear, excitedly at the sound of their mothers voice, all rushing to greet her. <Hey kids. I finally managed to get us some sweet treats to eat! These kind people helped me!> she announced, turning her head to Ximena and Zorra with a thankful look upon her features.

<Ximena, would you be so kind?>

[Ximena Auberjunois]

Ximena was smiling as she opened up her bag and started pulling out the berries. As she watched the young Mukrow hop towards her slowly, Ximena couldn't help but giggle slightly. This was an amazing experience she would have missed if she hadn't come to Shula, and that seemed to be happening more and more. She saw one of the bolder Murkrow chicks hop up to her, so she held out a berry. 

"Well hey there, little one! You seem to be a little more adventurous than your siblings. I am an only child, so I don't know what having siblings is like, but I bet it's exhausting!"

Zorra had found a spot of sun, and was lounging around when she chirped up, <Depends on the sibling, really. Take my brother, for instance. He was always going on about how he was going to be a champion, how any trainer would be lucky to get him as a first-time partner. Wouldn't shut up about his "potential". Then he fainted in his first battle after the other trainer chose a Froakie as a starter. Last I heard anything about him, he and his trainer were going to Unova for some kind of trainer exchange or something.>