C3 A bevy of trouble
I don't own Pokemon.
We reached the farm and bathed in the warm afternoon glow. The scene was idyllic—a patchwork of neatly arranged crops swayed gently in the breeze. Amidst this scene, Pa conversed with an older man whose presence exuded a farmer's motif. Old man Jenkins, as he was known, embodied the wisdom of seasons spent cultivating the land.
Jenkins was the kind of man whose attire seemed to merge with his surroundings—a well-worn pair of overalls, faded with age and punctuated by patches where stitches had carefully reinforced the fabric. A straw hat perched atop his head, casting a shadow that danced with the rhythms of the sun. His hands, gnarled and calloused, spoke of countless hours spent tending to the soil and nurturing the life that flourished here.
Pa's gaze turned towards us, a smile breaking across his face. "Right on time, Luke, Juno," he greeted with a touch of pride. Jenkins, straw hat perched atop his head, met us with eyes brimming with warmth. "Welcome young man," he said with a hearty laugh.
"Congratulations on your license, lad," Jenkins said, his tone sincere. "It's quite the journey you're embarking on, and you've got a trusty companion to share it with."
"Thank you, sir," I replied, as I shook his offered hand. "Heard you were having a bit of a problem with some Buizel."
Jenkins chuckled again, his laughter resonating like a comforting melody. "Straight to business! Ha! That I do lad" He shared a look with Pa "I remember having that kind of energy. Sadly I'm not as spry as I once was and the rascals just run around me." He said with a wistful smile "But enough of that, we got business to discuss before the sun goes down".
Pa interjected, his voice carrying a hint of excitement. "Indeed, we do. Luke, Juno, I'd like you to help us corral the stragglers. We'll drive the main bunch of Buizel and a couple of Floatzel in the bevy." Pa called out a pair of Bibarel to his side, his trusty Chomps and its mate, as he explained our plan. Old man Jenkins did the same with his Golduck and a Machop. I nodded along until called upon. "Your responsibility, Luke, is to keep watch for any renegade buizel attempting to return to the farm while we're occupied. Think you're up to the challenge?"
"It'll be a piece of cake, right Juno?" I answered as Juno sang an affirmative tune.
"All right let's not waste any time" bellowed the old man.
With that we headed to the edge of the farm with Juno flying above to scout for the group of southern perimeter guided us to a nearby stream, a gentle current whispering nearby. Juno's return was heralded by a flurry of excited chirps, her animated melody informing us of Buizel's whereabouts.
"Looks like the darn weasels are cozy at their den for now. Alright, let's move out. Luke, your station is here. Keep your senses sharp—any escapees will make a dash for the farm." Pa's orders were clear, and I nodded in acknowledgment, fully embracing the responsibility.
"Understood, Pa," I affirmed, my determination resonating in my voice. His approving nod conveyed his confidence in me as he and Jenkins advanced toward the Buizel family.
The operation unfolded like a choreographed dance, the Bidoof orchestrating the retreat path downstream, the Machop locking arms with a determined Floatzel guarding the den, and Golduck's psychic prowess defending his comrades. With every move, it was evident that Pa and the old man had danced to this rhythm before.
We were so distracted by the work of the two old men that we overlooked the stealthy advance of a lone Buizel as it darted halfway into the fields. "Juno, that Buizel will beat us to the punch if you stick around. Use Quick Attack to catch up and block its path into the fields!" I directed urgently.
Juno responded without hesitation, a silver streak as she dashed ahead, closing the gap and effectively sealing off Buizel's escape route. Despite the interception, the Buizel showed no signs of backing down. In a swift bid for the fields, it launched a second sprint that was met with a determined tackle from Juno just in the nick of time.
"Great job!" My praise carried over the distance as I caught up to the scene. Keeping a respectful distance to avoid interfering, I addressed the panting Buizel, a tone of negotiation lacing my words. "Listen, little buddy, this isn't your turf. Old man Jenkins takes his fields seriously, and your visits aren't exactly welcome. How about a deal?"
The weasel-like Pokémon paused, its wary gaze fixed on me as I took its hesitation as an invitation to continue. "I understand your family's been munching here, but this patch is off-limits. Here's my offer—how about some berries in exchange for peace? I've got a stash of sweet Magost berries." I knelt down, presenting the tempting treat with a hopeful smile.
The Buizel approached, curiosity piqued by the proposition, and sniffed at the proffered berries. Regrettably, my berry selection fell short of its expectations, eliciting a dismissive scoff. In a surprising twist, it made a bold dash, seizing the opportunity to dart back into the fields before we could intervene.
"Tch! Let's go Juno" frustration laced my words as I spurred into action. "Stay airborne, use your Keen Eye to track him through this field." With my plan set, I attempted to tail the elusive Pokémon, my ears straining against the evening wind that tugged at the crops, rendering my efforts futile. Acknowledging the futility, I pivoted, eyes scanning for my Starly who began circling a specific point.
Approaching the spot that Juno had pinpointed, the rustling of vegetation drew my attention moments before a forceful impact struck my chest, knocking me off balance. I staggered and tumbled to the ground, Buizel's triumphant cry mocking me as it escaped.
"Starly!" Juno's screech resonated as she descended, worry etched across her demeanor as she nudged me, checking for injuries.
Shaking off the disorientation and catching my breath, I rose to my feet with a slight cough. A gentle pat on Juno's head conveyed my reassurance. "I'm alright, girl, just a bruise. But I can't keep up if I'm just tagging along. Take flight again; I'll keep my distance at the edges."
Juno chirped, concerned with my current state.
"I'll be fine, don't you worry, this is nothing but a bruise. Well try to corral it to the open and once you're within striking distance, use Quick Attack to give it a nudge outside, got it?"
With a nod of mutual understanding, Juno soared back into the sky while I remained on high alert, poised to dodge any sudden lunges. Time ticked by as we awaited Juno's next sighting. Her delay in finding the rascal was likely due to Buizel's head start during my tumble, but eventually, she managed to corner him near one of the barns on the farm.
Approaching cautiously, I ensured a safe distance from the obstinate Pokémon, my resolve echoing in my words. "We've tried playing nice, but you've left us no choice but to take a stand," I declared, my challenge met with defiance as the Buizel dug its paws into the ground.
Taking stock of our circumstances, I assessed the situation. The Buizel's previous tackle had taken a toll on me. I couldn't afford a second hit. I shifted my focus to Juno, noting her slight fatigue from the strenuous efforts to corral our elusive opponent. Finally, glancing at the buizel I could see that Juno's attack had managed to harm him somewhat, tipping the scales slightly in our favor.
"Juno, use Fury Attack!" I commanded, urgency coating my words. Juno's cry rang out as she dived in, executing her signature flurry of pecks and slashing talons and beating wings that connected with the Buizel. "That's it!".
My triumph was short-lived, however, as the Buizel exhibited an unyielding resolve. Ignoring Juno's assault, it charged forward, delivering a powerful Tackle that sent Juno flying. The impact was brutal, leaving her visibly worn. I berated myself internally, cornering a Pokémon was a gamble, and I'd paid the price for my oversight.
Staring at the duo, both combatants teetered on the brink of exhaustion. The stakes were high; one wrong move could spell defeat. With a sharp inhale, I sprinted toward Juno, my resolve unyielding. "You're doing an amazing job, Juno. We're almost there just one final push. Can you trust me for one last attack?" Her tired chirp was a testament to her determination, her gaze unwavering on our adversary.
"That's the spirit," I encouraged as I offered a moment's respite. "Catch your breath, and listen for my cue. This time, let him come to us. He'll likely target me as I'm the easier target, so stay ready to act. We've got this, okay?"
With a plan crystallizing in my mind, I locked my gaze onto the Buizel, which had used the lull to regain some semblance of strength. Its snarl bespoke its readiness for another round.
The standoff that ensued was nerve breaking, thankfully Juno seemed to have recovered first and I signaled for us to advance cautiously. With a deep breath, I inflated my chest, deliberately becoming a larger and more imposing target.
The strategy worked like a charm. The Buizel, sensing danger, lunged into action, a determined charge aimed squarely at me. I held off until the right moment he was in striking distance and shouted "Now!" I cried out, adrenaline surging through my veins. Juno responded with swift precision, a blur of motion as she executed Quick Attack.
Just as the buizel lunged right at me I could see the outright missile my starly had become that sent the other Pokemon hurtling. The Buizel was no match for the onslaught, its trajectory shifting abruptly as it crashed into a nearby hay bale with a muffled thud. For a fleeting moment, it struggled to regain its footing, its snarl a testament to its tenacity.
As the seconds ticked by, the Buizel's defiance held strong as it struggled to stand. However, its body finally gave in, and a heartbeat later, it succumbed to the battle's toll, slipping into unconsciousness.
After the adrenaline-fueled clash, a sense of tranquility descended upon the farm. With a collective exhale, we allowed ourselves to relax, taking a moment to recover from the intensity of the battle. Finding a nearby fence, I leaned on it, my breaths coming in measured waves as my pulse steadied. Our attention remained fixed on the Buizel, a silent vigil over our conquered foe.
Time passed in a subtle ebb, and the rustling of approaching footsteps drew our gazes. Pa and Jenkins emerged, their faces bearing a mixture of approval and intrigue. A whistle of impressed amazement escaped Pa's lips as he took in my disheveled state. "You look like you've been through a wrestling match, kid. Did you decide to join Juno in the action?"
A sigh of relief escaped me, the tension dissipating as I recounted our encounter. "No, it was more like a sneak attack while it hid in the fields."
"Ah, a classic" old man Jenkins chimed in with an understanding nod.
Pa's response was a nonchalant shrug, his next words tinged with experience. "Should've warned you about that, Luke. The lesson I gave on Pokémon lurking in tall grass extends beyond grass, as you've just found out." He casually tossed a Poké Ball toward the subdued Buizel, capturing it within. "This is why we don't send out kids for tasks like this, it's too unpredictable and risky. But I'll give you credit, you did incredibly well for your first wrangling, both of you. Now, it's time for you to head back home. Take a well-deserved shower, and let Belle tend to Juno. You've earned a break. We'll manage the cleanup here."
With a nod towards Pa and a firm handshake in parting with old man Jenkins, I gingerly scooped up Juno, who nestled comfortably in my arms. Together, we left the farm behind, embarking on a short walk that brought us back to our modest dwelling. As I entered our home, the warm familiarity of the space greeted me, but my moment of respite was interrupted by an unexpected gasp emanating from the living room.
"Goodness, look at you both!" Belle's voice rang out with a mix of concern and surprise as she hastened toward us, her footsteps quickening with every stride.
Turning my attention downward, it was clear why Belle had reacted so strongly. We were an undeniable mess. Mud-splattered clothes and twigs artfully entwined in our hair and feathers. A few scratches marred my arms, souvenirs from my tumble, and Juno's normally impeccable feathers bore a slightly disheveled appearance. Yet, aside from our unkempt states, we were relatively unharmed. With a grin, I began recounting the day's escapade, sharing our adventure with Belle as she listened with a mixture of amusement and incredulity.
Belle's response was punctuated by a huff, a playful reproach aimed at Pa's actions before she promptly tended to our minor wounds. She then gently ushered us toward a much-needed shower.
Refreshed and rejuvenated, we retreated to our room. Juno found solace perched on her stand near the window, while I claimed a seat on the desk chair positioned nearby. "What a day, huh, girl?" I mused aloud, my voice carrying a blend of exhaustion and satisfaction.
Juno responded with a soft coo, her weariness evident but not overshadowing her unmistakable sense of accomplishment. Her chirps followed suit, a lively exchange about her thoughts on our adventure. "You've got quite the commentary there," I chuckled, gently stroking her feathers.
With a knowing nod from Juno, I continued, "We did well today, didn't we? One win and zero losses on our record. Not too shabby for a couple of rookies like us." As my fingers moved through her feathers, a sense of pride welled within me as she leaned into my touch.
Eventually, the call to celebrate beckoned us downstair as a hearty serving of old man Jenkin's famous spicy chili and a slice of Mago pie awaited, the perfect way to end our day.
That's it for the week. Yay! Nay?