Lay of the Land [Capture]

On a secluded patch of ground in the middle of one of the bodies of water, a blue Pokemon in a gi intently trained its body and mind, focused only on perfecting each solitary motion of its attacks. Koa watched and took out his Pokedex to register its data. Sawk...it seemed like an interesting Pokemon and he did need a fighting type. However, he wanted to explore a little while longer and see what other Pokemon he could find in the area. The Sawk glanced over and noticed Koa before it bowed to him respectfully. Koa was a little surprised at this friendly gesture and returned it before he bid it farewell. It went back to its training.

That interaction just goes to show how many little moments like that could happen in day to day life while traveling. Further along the trail he went, admiring the cloudless sky and the haze given off by the hot spring. Azura hopped up to dry land once they passed the one spring and followed behind Koa as he continued his search.

Koa noticed a floating, delightfully colorful figure pass by. He actually knew this one, but registered it anyway "Oh wow, a Comfey...I remember seeing these back on Akala." he smiled warmly. He was tempted to try and catch this one, but he would already have a Fairy type with Azura. Still, he enjoyed watching it happily float about.

Azura was getting a little bit tired, so Koa knelt down next to her "Hey, don't push yourself, okay? Want to rest in your Pokeball for a little while?" he asked. She yawned and rubbed at her eyes. Koa chuckled "I'll take that as a yes. Come on, in you go." he returned her to her Pokeball and stood back up. Right now would probably be a good time for Rythix to get some sun, so he brought him out and he was as grumpy as ever. Koa cradled him in his arms "There you go, see? We're even walking in the sunlight." he said. Rythix still seemed rather annoyed, probably because to him it took Koa too long. Even so, he seemed appreciative which was a step up from his usual behavior.

Koa was beginning to get close to the more crowded area of the hot springs so he perhaps had time to see one or two more Pokemon before he'd lose his chance at catching a Pokemon for the time being. Rythix kept an eye out as well. It was a sign that he was growing a little more comfortable with Koa. The travels gave the little Fomantis time to think, but what he was thinking about couldn't be certain.

The two of them spotted a lone Machop exercising nearby. Once again, Koa took out his Pokedex to learn more about it. The entry stated that they love to work out and get stronger and Koa felt that would be a little too high maintenance for him at this point in time. Still, he couldn't help but appreciate the variety of Pokemon he passed by today. After walking, he paused and set Rythix down. "Let's get you a snack." he said. He reached into his bag and brought out something that was hopefully healthy for his Pokemon. After an encounter in Eridani City he felt a little more insecure about what he fed his Pokemon. He held out the snack for Rythix, who took it and began to nibble on it. Koa sat down and took in his surroundings. He watched Rythix eat and smiled. This was a nice journey.

Catching Mienfoo

They were getting close to the more tourist heavy part of the area, so Koa had resigned himself to the fact he may not catch a Pokemon today. That was when he saw it. A small figure meditating under the waterfall. The red and yellow coloration and steely determination were striking to Koa and he immediately scanned it with his Pokedex. The entries state that they're typically seen with packs, so he looked around for any others. Oddly enough, this Mienfoo was by itself. Koa sat down and set Rythix on a patch of grass nearby, who opened his eyes groggily and wondered what was going on.

Suddenly, the Mienfoo opened its eyes in a narrow, serious expression as it effortlessly hopped to several patches of land before stopping in front of Koa and Rythix. It looked between the two and nodded slightly to itself before striking a combat pose. Koa stood up and stepped away "Well this is a pleasant surprise! Rythix, are you ready for your first battle?" he asked excitedly. Rythix was less than enthused but slowly stood up and adjusted itself to prepare for a fight.

("I just want to get some sun...go away please.") Rythix said. It was clear he was irritated.

("You do not respect him.") the Mienfoo replied, an undertone of anger evident.

("That's none of your business! I just wanna get enough sun and food so I can evolve! Why's that so much to ask?!") Rythix was getting increasingly upset and just wanted to get this over with.

Koa watched their interaction and the Mienfoo apparently said something that got under Rythix's skin "Alright, let's do this...Rythix, keep your distance and start with Leafage!"  he commanded. However, Rythix blindly rushed forward and swiped at the Mienfoo, who swiftly side-stepped away and took this time to breathe in deep to focus its mind. It was meditating, preparing to strike soon. "Rythix...?" Koa seemed a little distraught that he was not following commands.

("He doesn't give me enough sun...it will take too long! I want to evolve now! He's holding me back! He even gets mad when I take the food I need. I want to evolve so I can be beautiful like the others!) he shouts, upset. "Rythix, please...try Leafage again!" Koa said. Rythix ignores him again and attacks Mienfoo with his arms. The Mienfoo stepped in, shifting its body to avoid the attack and struck Rythix with the back of its paw before jumping back in a flourishing motion. Rythix almost fell backwards from the force of the attack as he flailed his arms in an attempt to regain balance.

("Impatient. Does he not feed you? Did he not just leave you in a sunny patch of grass? Open your eyes, little one. You wish to evolve so you can be beautiful, but what is a beautiful body without a beautiful soul?") The Mienfoo said.

Rythix paused for a moment, flustered ("W-well...but...") the words stung him. Why? He thought about it for a moment. Koa really has been taking care of him, but his impatience made him think it wasn't enough. He looked back at Koa with sad eyes. He'd have to think about this more, but for now, he'd listen to Koa. "Are you okay...? You can do this...try Leafage again." he said, calmly this time. Rythix focused and leaped into the air. With a spin, several glowing leafs appeared around him and darted towards the Mienfoo. Surprised, the Mienfoo is hit by the whole barrage and steps back, covering its face from the leafs. It looked up from the barrage and smiled.

The Mienfoo stepped in once more to attempt to bring its paw down heavily on top of Rythix's head. "Dodge it!" Koa shouted as Rythix hopped to the side "Fury Cutter!" with that command, a green glow enveloped Rythix's arm and he slashed across the Mienfoo's body. It staggered back and contemplated a counter attack, but after a moment it stood straight up and bowed to Koa and Rythix. It kept its head bowed, as if expecting something. As Koa took out a Pokeball, the Mienfoo spoke to Rythix once more ("I look forward to growing stronger alongside you.")

Koa threw the Pokeball and it took the Mienfoo inside. After a few shakes, the Pokeball confirmed the capture. Koa sighed in relief and picked up the Pokeball with his new companion. He let him out and knelt down next to him "I don't know what you said to Rythix, but thank you...Shichika." he said to his newly named friend. The Mienfoo contemplated this name before giving a small smile. He liked the name. Shichika it is. He bowed once more to Koa, anticipating future adventures with his new trainer Koa looked over to Rythix, who shuffled around a bit in shame. All he did was lean in and hug him "I'm proud of you."

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NAME — Shichika
LEVEL — 5

SPECIES — Mienfoo
TYPE — Fighting
EGG GROUP — Field and Human-Like
ABILITY — Inner Focus
HELD ITEM — 
GENDER — Male
HEIGHT — 2'11"
WEIGHT — 44 lbs.
MOVE LIST — Pound, Meditate
PERSONALITY — Calm, collected, and philosophical seem to be the best words to describe Shichika. He believes himself to be a decent judge of character and gives those he deems honorable with the utmost respect. Noble to a fault, Shichika does his best to battle only when the conditions are fair between both parties and will absolutely never attack a surrendering opponent. This at times leaves him vulnerable to underhanded tactics such as back attacks and surprise attacks. Despite this, he remains steadfast to his honorable nature. Some other Pokemon may see him as overbearing and even a little pompous due to his tendency to lecture others, but he ultimately means well and genuinely wants to see others reach their full potential.