[ti]private[/ti]003 - High Stakes

When Lord Darien Blackthorne paled as he saw Alistair, his own smile faltered. Maybe it was too awkward or creepy to run into each other like this so quickly? Poor Sae was always so shy, Ali hardly wanted to seem like he was bothering the artist or following him around. That was until a voice reached him, overly energetic- the real cause of Sae's headache, it seemed.

So naturally, his hackles were already up when the guy pointed at the pair of them with a dramatic flare. He supposed that was the point- one wasn't really supposed to like their rival, but did it have to be at the expense of Sae's comfort? His friend was obviously flustered and embarassed. They were really bothering Sae, but he wasn't 100% sure that if he released his Sobble that it wouldn't either just take off or whip around and have a go at him, so... He gave Blackthorne's upper arm a reassuring squeeze.


Then, he turned his head toward the rival like it was a chore. The redhead gave him a long glance from head to toe, like one might look at a particularly disgusting worm wiggling around on the ground. He tilted his head just so, his crimson hair shifting perfectly over his shoulder at the movement, "Why in Arceus's name would I know who you are?" He asked dismissively, "Let's go, Lord Blackthorne; I'm sure there are many other things you'd rather be doing."

Sae smiled at him, and Alistair's heart swooped, his expression starting to turn conspiratorial and a little bit mischievous in response. But before he could put his arm in Lord Darien Blackthorne 's and make their exit, dazzling light flashed over the area instead as the rival released his two pokemon. Alistair hesitated a moment, dismayed and indecisive, and Sae had stepped in from of him, releasing an espeon.... who at least seemed to be on the same page as everyone but the Rival at this point. And... it confirmed that his toggle for pokespeech wasn't bugged. He heard Regent loud and clear.

While he paused, the blitzle darted forward to attack Sae's Pokemon, and Alistair knew it was in no way fair to make Sae take on both the rival's at the same time. But... this wasn't how he had wanted to check on the Sobble after how it had acted in Dr. Bunya's office. "Alright Sobble, sorry about this," He said regretfully, releasing his own starter, closer to his feet than the immediate fight so it could maybe have a moment before needing to react.

Just like Ali thought, the Pokemon wasn't really any calmer. He had whipped around to stare at Alistair with weepy eyes, which almost instantly overflowed as he dropped onto all fours and puffed up- at Alistair.

"I'm really truly sorry, I'd like to talk this through in a calmer setting but unfortunately, this person won't leave us alone," Alistair said. Just like before, every syllable drew a flinch and the little Pokemon's mouth opened more each time in a threat display. Alistair was resigned to his weepiness as the Sobble made its fear and stress well-known to everyone, but its blue eyes were darting to the blitzle and the espeon- and then the chimchar.

"That's right, this can be a really quick fight-"

The sobble crab walked toward the chimchar, his back arched more like a cat, eyes intent on this new threat. He didn't like or trust Alistair, but at least the trainer wasn't trying to be aggressive, unlike these other two. It finally stood up to growl "menacingly" (it was still a Sobble but maybe Pokemon looked scarier to each other) at the fire-type, tears overfilling and spilling down his cheeks. Alistair didn't need to speak Pokemon to understand that particular translation- go away!!.

The Sobble looked at the Espeon whale-eyed, but to Alistair's relief didn't aim any hostility at the other Pokemon. They just seemed panicked and confused- and mad. For better or worse, they aimed all their hostility at the chimchar, finally rearing up onto his hind legs as Ali had seen in all the art. With a hiss and lunge, they had directed a pulse of water at the other fire Pokemon.

Alistair kept a wary eye on the fight but glanced at Lord Darien Blackthorne as the other player spoke to him. He grimaced, "It's fine, really," He said, though his tone was a little wry. "And yes- it's Dr. Bunya now. It was um... not what I expected," He continued, "I am honestly a little worried about the Sobble. He was quite frightened and aggressive when I released him in the lab."