Sealeo and Luxio

Two different paths converge…

The snowy fields were a calm peace. It had been a quiet day, under a cloudy sky. In this slow tundra, things took time to change. A white Sealeo slid around the field, pushing herself towards some bushes. There was no need to hurry, no reason to fret. She was simply checking out some berry bushes she had planted several days ago. If they were growing strong roots, that would give her a closer patch to retrieve them. Too bad they did not grow underwater.

The snowy fields were a large danger. It had been a frantic day, battling angered locals and running away from a stubborn Mamoswine. Still running, the pack of five Luxio were headed for a set of mountains ahead. Anywhere to get out of this wide open space where anyone could see them. They were nomads who could never find one place to settle down. Whenever they found a good spot for a home, someone was already there and insisted that they leave. Were they cursed? Sometimes it seemed so.

On her own, the Sealeo was relaxed. She knew all the Pokemon that were usually around here, and they would appreciate more healthy berries. She had located some good earth near a group of rocks. Once she had broken up the dirt, she planted plenty of berries there. The rocks would protect the bushes from most winds. Although some berries had failed to start, the bushes that had broken through were doing well. After a pause of admiration, she began snuffling a bush to check on how well it had taken hold.

A bellow from the furious Mamoswine caused an increase of fright for the Luxio pack. It had to be tiring soon; they were tiring and only the fear of what would happen if the Mamoswine caught up kept them running fast. But then one of them stumbled, crashing into the snow. Another Luxio shouted out in concern, causing the others to turn and run off another way, trying to give their comrade time to get up. But the Mamoswine kept charging.

The Sealeo nosed one berry and found it smelling ready. Carefully, she plucked it off its branch by rolling it up with her nose. Then she held the berry up high, examining it. A Chesto berry, good for when a Pokemon had a lot of work to do. It didn't have as many minerals and vitamins in it as the usual berry, so these bushes needed some more time to establish themselves. However, a storm was brewing for tonight. She should gather up snow and increase the wind barrier around the young plants. Tossing the berry into the air, the Sealeo ate it, then moved on to check another bush.

A short distance away, electricity crackled through the air as three of the Luxio attacked the Mamoswine. The fourth tugged at the last member, gently biting his ear, encouraging him to get back onto his feet. Yes, they were all exhausted, but they needed to keep going until they lost their enemy. He forced himself upright and got out of the way just in time for the Mamoswine to tumble on the ground itself, thanks to being paralyzed. But the Luxio pack wasn't about to savor victory. As they still had to get away, they went right back to running.

Two paths collide.

The Sealeo investigated a Rawst berry bush. It was small, not even producing berries yet. Maybe it was too cold for that one. But the Oran berry bush right next to it was thriving, with a good-looking first crop. While she checked it over, the Luxio pack paused at the new garden. The one who had tripped was struggling to keep up, so some healing berries ought to help. if they could just talk the Sealeo into letting them, without the Mamoswine disrupting them.

"Hey, miss?" one of the Luxio asked, breathing heavily due to the recent long run.

Although they had approached without warning, the Sealeo was unconcerned. It was a nice day and she wasn't expecting a battle. She pulled an Oran berry off and balanced it on the end of her nose, focused on assessing the state of her garden. In her view, they could wait a minute for her to finish.

In their view, they couldn't afford to waste a minute. One of the braver members hopped up onto the top of her head and balanced there with her paws on the Sealeo's snout. "Pay attention a minute, will you?"

Squashed Oran berry trickled over the Sealeo's face and mouth. She hadn't had time to assess how healthy the bush really was! Angered by their rudeness, she growled. "Why you little…"

Recognizing yet another enemy, the Luxio perched on her head panicked and had her claws spark brightly as she jumped off. The jolt was too much and the Sealeo passed out. Another member of the pack snorted. "Well that went well."

"Shut it," she replied. "I don't get why nobody will listen to us."

"Let's just grab some of the berries and get," another suggested. The others agreed and swiped what berries they could carry. When they heard a loud call from the Mamoswine, they all bolted. It was back on the run until they knew they weren't being pursued. Much of their life was spent this way, waiting for some hopeful time when they could permanently settle in one place.

Half an hour later, the Sealeo revived and found a friendly neighbor watching over her. The Mamoswine picked an Oran berry for her. "Oh good, you're up. How do you feel?"

"Nasty." She pushed the berry against her nose this time, spreading its healing pulp over the wounds where the claws had dug in. "Some crazy Luxio came up and attacked me out of the blue. And I was having such a good day too."

"They're not around anymore, so they won't be worrying us."

And the two paths diverge, never to meet again.

…

Sapphire entry: Sealeo often balances and rolls things on the tip of its nose. While the Pokemon is rolling something, it checks the object's aroma and texture to determine whether it likes the object or not.

Luxio Diamond entry: Its claws loose electricity with enough amperage to cause fainting. They live in small groups.

Inspired a bit by the Luxio/Luxray battle in PMD2. And because this pair was difficult to work together.