Chapter 17

The paddocks Fara had gotten a glimpse of earlier grew in size as the group approached the barn. Being closer, the young trainer could now make up a few of the pokemon species within them. Ponyta and Rapidash, which Fara had expected, as Andrea had been delayed by a birth earlier. Tauros and Miltank also dotted another paddock with a brown horse like pokemon. It came in two evolutions.

While both were equine species, they were vastly different in shape outside of some minor details. The smaller of the two stood at a max of three feet with long pointed ears that resembled a donkeys. Their fur was a combination of mud brown and cream with black manes. Their legs were soaked in a creamy colored mud as well. Based on its color and the fact that several of the pokemon were eating mud, Fara assumed it was a ground type.

The other pokemon within the paddock were huge, all standing around eight feet in height. The muddy brown was laced with red instead of cream and the short manes of its previous evolution were replaced with long black and red dreadlocks. It's demeanor was also quite serious compared to its counterpart. Both pokemon were interesting to Fara. They were obviously a species native out of Kanto. Fara looked over to Andrea and the rest of the company.

"What pokemon is this?" asked the trainer. Andrea slowed her pace and went over to the area encasing the pokemon Fara stared at.

"The smaller ones are Mudbray and the larger are Mudsdale. They are a ground type native to Alola. They are a peaceful pokemon and we usually use them as transport," Andrea smiled mischieviously at Fara. "Out of curiosity, how much weight do you think these guys can handle?"

Fara looked at the equines. On close inspection she could see corded muscle casually flexing under their coats. Their shapes didn't really indicate speed either. They weren't as aerodynamic as species like the Ponyta and Rapidash. The Mudsdale in particular looked hulking and sure footed. Turning back to the business woman Fara shrugged. "I can't say for sure. They look strong and based on how they walk around that thick mud I bet sure footed. They look like they have stamina. If I had to guess I would say 350lbs for the Mudbray and and probably ten times that for the Mudsdale."

Andrea chuckled. "You're right and wrong. Both pokemon are strong and stamina is a major factor that makes them appealing as a transport pokemon. The weight you told me is off though." She pointed towards the largest Mudbray. "That boy there weighs about 250 lbs. He's larger than average for his species. What he and his brethren can do is pull about 50 times their weight."

Fara blinked in astonishment. "50 times?" she questioned. Andrea nodded. "Those Mudsdale on the other hand. Well, those monsters could pull 10 tons for three days and nights without taking a break."

Fara looked at the pokemon with raw appreciation now. The sheer power Andrea was indicating floored the young trainer. Frankly, it sent a small chill down her spine as well. This was a pokemon that could cause major damage. It was amazing. Everytime Fara thought she understood the strength of pokemon she was side swiped with facts like this. Looking back at Andrea she grinned.

"That is totally awesome." A small giggle escaped her after. Andrea just chuckled and shared a smile with Kahua and Elisa. It was good to see the joy and wonder on children's faces. Gesturing to a far corner, Andrea pointed out a small Mudbray. Unlike the other ones it had much more cream on its underside and was the only one with a red bow tied in it's mane.

"That Mudbray over there is our second youngest and only female right now. She is about six months old and was weaned by her mama about a month ago. What do you think about her?"

Fara stared at the young pokemon. It's coat was glossy and eyes a rich black that shined inquisitively at the humans. Boldly, it stepped forward towards them when it realized the human's focus was on it. Fara grinned just a little at the confidence. "She's beautiful Andrea."

The woman clapped her hands abruptly. "Then it's settled then. Why don't we make her yours?" Fara's head snapped towards the Rancher in shock. Swallowing heavily, she spoke in mild disbelief. "Just like that?"

"Just like that. Part of my business is adopting out pokemon I have bred. That Mudbray and the others are supposed to be advertised for sale starting Monday. You just got a jump on any other buyers. Kahua assured me that you have the funds necessary and your credentials being backed by Earl McPherson and Samuel Oak is enough of a background check for me. Plus the fact you are from Kanto is a big bonus."

Fara frowned at the woman. "Me being from Kanto is a bonus?"

Andrea leaned against a post and started speaking. "Yes. Tell me Fara, do you know anything about Mudsdale?"

Fara shook her head. "I hadn't even heard about them until today."

Andrea sighed. "I'm not surprised. The thing is that Mudbray and Mudsdale breeding is a government funded project for me. Yes, I needed them for my ranch but breeding them is part of an expansion project. The fact is this pokemon, while prevalent in Alola, has not only existed here. Archaeological evidence came to light about twenty years ago that these pokemon were common in other Regions, especially Kanto. However it is believed that early man hunted them into extinction in the other Regions."

Andrea looked at Fara. "Do you get where I'm going with this?" she asked. Fara nodded. "I think so. You said that your breeding was part of an expansion project. Kahua mentioned that your work has brought back several species of plant and pokemon back from the endangered species zone. If Mudbray and Mudsdale used to be native elsewhere it would make sense you are working on bring them back to those Regions where they were hunted out."

Andrea smiled. "Good deduction. That's exactly what I and several breeders are working with the government on. Part of that project is in expanding awareness of the species to people outside Alola. Hence why I am willing to sell you one of the pokemon I bred. You are a Kanto native and will be living there in the immediate future if you continue on with Scavenger training. A relatively new pokemon species on the scene in Kanto would generate a lot of interest."

"That will help get the regular people on the government's side when they start proposing bills for taxes and land being portioned off into protection zones that will help the pokemon be released into the wild. With any luck Mubray and Mudsdale can run wild in the Regions it became extinct in within the next few decades."

Fara looked back at the small Mudbray. During Andrea's conversation with Fara, the pokemon have moved to stand within a few feet of them. It was staring inquisitively while chewing on mud. Looking back to the Rancher Fara smiled.

"I'm happy to help but this sounds like an important job. Are you sure you want someone like me to do this? I don't plan on battling unless necessary and to be honest, a big part of the appeal of a Scavenger career for me is the limited interaction with other people. I'm not sure how I could generate awareness if I'm not in the spotlight to show this Mudbray off."

Andrea's eyes softened after the young trainers comments. Walking closer to her, Andrea put a hand on Fara's shoulder. "I'm not expecting you to be battling or stand in the spotlight child. There are other ways to help bring awareness. Yes, you are choosing a path that doesn't lead to limelight. But you are also going to be working with individuals whose interest is far more important than a random citizen. Scavengers work closely with government groups, such as the G Men and Rangers. They also meet with high ranking researchers, business men, and political leaders. These people regularly depend on Scavengers for information, rare supplies, and occasionally protection. It's these people who can spread the word about this species and even assist in the reintroduction. All I am asking from you is to cherish her as you would your other pokemon."

Blinking back the sting of sudden tears Fara nodded slowly. Andrea Lopez seemed to have a lot of faith in her. It was a humbling and joyful feeling to be the recipient of that kind of faith. Gulping quietly and pushing down anxiety Fara looked the Rancher in the eyes. "I'll do it." Andrea just smiled back.

/

An hour later, Fara was sitting back in the passenger seat of the Jeep with a brand new pokeball cradled protectively in her hands. Terra, as her new Mudbray liked to be called, had enthusiastically allowed herself to be captured. The mudbray had proven to be a gentle and docile pokemon in the short time Fara had gotten to know her. Though her stubborn streak had shown up when Fara mentioned getting a new name. The ground type loved her name and Fara, despite her dislike of type cast names, thought it suited the pokemon.

Now, with the pokemon in her possession, Fara and Kahua were headed to his friend, Michael Schwartz, home to look at the Houndour pups. Kahua had called his friend while Fara had filled out paperwork and sat through a tutorial of Mudbray care with Andrea and Elisa. Michael had apparently been enthusiastic about Fara's interest. A situation had popped up and two previously adopted pups had been returned. Michael was having a lot of trouble finding homes.

Fara, while sympathetic to Michael's dilemma, made sure Kahua knew her interest was cautious. Per Fara's request, the mountaineer had made sure to inform the man that Fara was not guaranteeing a purchase. The trainer was hesitant to pick pokemon too quickly. Earl had been adamant that her teams would be vital to not only her training but her success as a Scavenger. The training over the next five to eight years would be brutal and if she passed and became a Scavenger she would be too busy to train new pokemon the way they'd need to be for several years.

Scavenger's were something of a rare commodity, at least the good ones. Training was thorough and highly selective. Surge had told Fara that a lot of people referred to them as the special forces of item recovery and protection. Earl's group had a 98% success rate and that made them highly coveted by the government for a multitude of jobs. It would take Fara several years of work as a rookie before she got to be selective about her jobs and settle down in work. Apparently vacations were something you could only get after being recognized as a Master Scavenger.

Fara, though intimidated by the amount of work in her future, was excited. So, she was going to be choosy so her chances of passing were higher. Strong, healthy, and energetic pokemon were only her starting requirements. What made getting Mudbray so easy was the fact she came from a highly recognized breeder like Andrea. The breeders experience, qualifications, and knowledge of her pokemon made her far more suited to choose for Fara. The girl knew better than to ignore the advice of her betters. In decisions like the ones she made with people like Michael, she would be much more critical.

Outside of the basic requirements, future pokemon had to have qualities that would suit their future roles. Trackers, like her pup Dirk, would need strong senses of smell, sight, and/or hearing. They would need the potential for stamina to work long days and nights. Transport pokemon would also need strength and stamina but more importantly they would need a gentle, steady disposition. Nervous pokemon would make transports not only hard but dangerous.

High level jobs carried risks for ambush and Fara couldn't deal with fighting off people and calming her pokemon at the same time.

Finally, protection pokemon would need all the qualities of the other groups but also a very selective quality of limited trust. Fara would be their leader and the other pokemon their family. Otherwise, everyone else must be considered with measured suspicion. The trainer did not want overly aggressive pokemon. Just judgemental ones.

Fara's teams would be divided into three groups of six but there would be occasions where positions amongst the teams would be switched around as the situation demanded it. So the final thing Fara needed was for all of her pokemon was to cooperate and get along. She would avoid getting pokemon with biological rivalries and/or predatory issues. For example, bug pokemon that Warin naturally preyed upon would be out of the question. Shred, though part of a species sometimes on the Pidgey lines diet, was more than able to defend himself so Warin was uninterested in eating the mouse. A Caterpie or Weedle on the other hand would cause a lot of issues tha Fara did not have the time to sort through.

/

30 minutes after leaving the Ranch, the jeep pulled into a driveway situated in a small suburban neighborhood. Unlike similar areas Fara had seen in Kanto, the houses were much more spaced out and decked out with lush tropical landscapes. The house they stopped out was a small ranch style home with a wrap around porch similar to Andrea's. Large glass windows decorated the exterior and gave sight to a modern styled interior. Even from the jeep Fara could see a large Houndoom staring through a window next to the front door. Like the Houndoom Fara had trained with in Viridian City, it was large and had long devil like horns sprouting from the top of its head between it's black and orange fur was glossy with health and her large brown eyes were focused on the pair in the jeep.

To Fara's relief, there was no aggressive posturing or growling as they approached the door. A positive sign on the Houndour pups potential behavior if nothing else. Once Kahua and the girl reached the door, Kahua knocked gently several times. A moment later a middle aged man with ginger gray hair opened the door with a smile. His blue eyes were gently outlined with laugh lines and he quickly embraced Kahua. Next, he looked to Fara and shook her hand. Patting the back of her hand gently, he released her and gestured to the entrance.

"Come in, come in. Let's take a seat." Michael requested.

Obligingly, the pair followed the man into the crisp, air conditioned air of the interior. Following Michael, and his massive Houndoom that was by his side, they quickly found themselves in a moderate sized living room. They soon sat on a couch at Michael's gesture and the man himself sat opposite in a large arm chair. His houndoom sat at his feet and stared at Kahua and Fara intently.

Michael cleared his throat a couple times before speaking.

"So thank you for coming Fara. Kahua said you might be interested in a Houndour pup?'

Fara smiled. "Yep. I'm looking for different pokemon to help my future career training. I need several types of Pokemon and when Kahua mentioned your situation I became interested. I think a Houndour fits my needs for tracking or protection. Maybe even both.

Michael nodded and smiled. "Well I can tell you now that protection will probably be your best bet with my little ones. They have good noses but their mama, Sasha here, comes from a long line of military and police pokemon. She herself, is a certified guard pokemon. I was part of Alola's police department and Sasha was my partner until I retired last year. "

"After I retired, I had Sasha bred as part of a contract with the police department. Several of her pups were donated after they were weaned but I am having trouble finding homes for the rest. I really didn't expect her to have more then three or four pups. Of course, my girl here had always been an overachiever and had twelve pups."

Fondly, Michael rubbed at Sasha's scruff and the pokemon shivered in obvious pleasure. "Joy as they have been, they are at the age when they should go to new homes. I probably could have sold them faster if I had sent them to a trading center but I'm particular in who gets one of my girl's babies. Sasha saved my life more than once and I feel it would be insulting to our relationship if I didn't personally make sure each pup went to a good home."

Fara nodded. "I can respect that. It sounds like she's been a very good friend to you.'

Michael chuckled. "Understatement of the year. She's practically my soul mate. Now, as Kahua may have told you I have five pups left. I had three females but one of the homes I adopted two males out to had a child who developed a pretty severe allergy to canine pokemon. So I took them back this morning. The both of them are a little more quiet than the girls. I can tell they really loved the family, so please don't be insulted if they shy away. They are missing them right now.

"That's fine. I don't mind if they are quiet. If you don't mind I would like to spend a couple hours with the pups and introduce them to my pokemon. I want to be sure any choice made today is the right one. Both for me and my pokemon as well as your pups."

Michael's smile warmed. "I think that's a good idea. If you don't mind I want to sit with you while you do that and ask some questions."

"That's fine with me." replied the trainer.

Michael stood up and pointed a thumb behind him. "I have the rugrats in a kennel out back. Let's let them out and introduce your pokemon."