Galfenol Forest was far denser than Percival had planned for. The pathway was old and dilapidated, a rough dirt road in the middle of thick shades of green, and foliage that threatened to choke the very idea of open space out of existence. Vines, branches, roots, and brambles encroached upon that path, that last bastion of civilization in all this wilderness. And neither Percival nor his Pokemon were at ease. They had already faced many hungry wild Pokemon, from a flock of Pidgey to a herd of Poochyena. Meals were hard to come by for some of the smaller Pokemon, who had to fear the tougher Pokemon hidden all throughout the forest. However, trainers were easy pickings. Not only were they nice and weak, and full of meat, but they had the chance to catch these Pokemon, effectively giving them an easy home. The veteran trainers also took out and captured many of the stronger Pokemon, but that was not of concern in the case of a newbie like Percival.
The intrepid introvert and his Pokemon kept up their trek through the woods, as Percival began feeling blisters form on parts of his feet. Charles was not having a great time, but was motivated onward due to a want to protect his trainer and, more importantly, fond memories of how he had bonded with the boy in these very woods. When Percival was playing with him, they had dumbled down a hill, into the thickest parts of the woods. For a full day, they worked together to survive and protect each other, as Percival helped heal Charles from a broken bone, and Charles fended off a flock of Spearow until help arrived. They were now inseparable, although Charles feared that bond would sever as Percival was forced to form connections with more and more Pokemon. The poodle convinced himself that he would be happy for his trainer as that happened, but he could not help but already feel a twang of preemptive jealousy.
After a while, Percival stopped the group, glancing around, but more importantly, focusing on his ears. After listening for a good, solid minute, he realized that the woods had become empty and noiseless. It was eerie. When there was such a clearing, there were typically wild Pokemon to greet any adventurers. However, not here. Only four odd looking trees, smack-dap in the center of the road. Percival, curious, hovered his Pokedex over them, asking for it to analyze them to see if there was anything hiding in them.
"Sudowoodo, the Imitation Pokemon. To avoid attack, it mimics a tree. It will run off if splashed with water, which it hates." Bingo. A strategy, an explanation, and a clear demonstration that Percival's team could not hold up to this Pokemon. These were Rock types, and he knew his moves would be resisted by them. And thus, it would be about misdirection.
The Sudowoodo, for their part, knew they had been made. One instantly sprinted away, perhaps the Omega of the pack. The others formed up, begin to quickly encircle Percival and his Pokemon, and each hurling a Rock Throw at Percival and his team. Thinking quickly, Percival ordered Fluffles to use Bide, and then held up the Pokemon, allowing it to take all the rocks. It resisted them due to its Fighting-Type, managing to take the shots. However, it was immediately clear to the trainer how powerful these Sudowoodo were compared to his Pokemon, as Fluffles already looked ready to faint in one more move. Charles stepped in, giving a cute wink to each of the Sudowoodo by using Baby-Doll Eyes. Enamored, the Sudowoodo began to cluster around the Furfrou, giving Percival the time he needed to pull out his canteen and cup a bit of water in his hand, as some spilled out. He had rationed himself and his Pokemon far more than enough, and thus, he had plenty to spare in situations such as these. However, by now, the Sudowoodo were done being enamored, especially as Stufful sprung at them, about ready to release its Bide. The Sudowoodo acted quickly, firing Rock Throws at Stufful, sending it flying and knocking it out. "Fluffles!" Percival shouted, as the Sudowoodo turned towards him, preparing another Rock Throw.
As he began to ran away, he tripped, and the water splashed into the air, luckily towards the Sudowoodo. And then it all went into slow motion. The Rock Throws were launched just as water hit the Sudowoodo, hurtling towards Percival, as Charles leaped in front, getting struck by all three and flying back. As he stood up, he seemed fine, nodding. While he didn't resist the attack, as a fully-evolved Pokemon, he was stronger than Fluffles, and his ability Fur Coat helped mitigate some of the damage. The Sudowoodo, however, had no way to protect themselves against the water, immediately panicking in an exaggerated, comical fashion, as they scrambled over each other just to escape from the water-thrower. As the ran off, dashing to the comforts and safety of whatever grove they called their home, Percival checked up on Fluffles, making sure the Pokemon was okay before recalling him to his Pokeball.
As night of their second day of the forest soon approached, Percival and Charles made it to a small hill, relatively unblocked by trees, and looked up at the stars, Percival petting the dog Pokemon. "Do you remember when we first met? It was the same kind of sky that night. All the memories. You kept that stick cast on for days after, until dad finally convinced you to wear something better." He rubbed the Furfrou's head, as he kept looking up. "I don't know why, but something about me kind of clicks here. I don't like the whole nature part, but it's nice not having people around, you know? They're always in your face about things, demanding something. Not you guys. I kind of wish we could always spend our nights in these forests, if it wasn't so dangerous. I guess civilization has its perks."
Charles began to rub up against Percival, settling down and laying on its stomach, preparing to sleep. "I guess you're not really much of a nocturnal one, are you. But that one night, you stayed up the whole time, watching over me. You know, something tells me you saved my life dozens of times that one night, and we don't even know it. But anyways, you need some sleep, and so do I. See you tomorrow morning." As the Furfrou fell asleep, Percival quickly set up the makeshift tripwires and alarms he had brought with him, before falling asleep on the soft fuzz of his beloved Pokemon's pompous fur.
Pokemon So Far:
Fluffles (Stufful) - Moves: Tackle, Leer, Bide, Brutal Swing; Ability: Fluffy; Level: 15
Charles (Furfrou) - Moves: Headbutt, Growl, Sand Attack, Bady-Doll Eyes; Ability: Fur Coat; Level: 15
AUTHOR'S NOTE - Again, a huge thank you for staying on board! We're getting close to Percival's first gym battle, and I intend to make it thoroughly entertaining, but also hyped up.