Getting Priorities Straight (Senri)

Veronika's eyebrows arched as she stared at her home town, eyes scrunched in disgust as if it were the scum of the Earth. Honestly, this was not the place she wanted to be right now, but after all of her efforts trying to get her team filled and get Mabel stronger, Veronika's been a little distracted from the reason she went on this journey in the first place. Her search for her father had been placed to the back of her mind, and upon catching her two newest Pokemon, Charcoal and Rosemary, the fact that she hadn't found so much as one issue had been brought to her attention: Veronika had yet to make any sort of progress on her search. She was just as close to finding her father as she was the moment she started, so at that point, the young woman thought going back to the place she started would help her revise her priorities a bit better.

As she thought this over, opened notebook and pen in hand, the young woman began writing down ideas on how to go about this. At this moment, her leads were zero. The only one who had any information on her family that she knew was her mother, and at this point she didn't know if she could believe any of the garbage that left her mouth. Sometimes she wondered why she'd even bother with this. Her father was probably just as awful, if not worse, than her mother. Her mother wasn't the one born into the Lopes family, after all. 

Unlike her Trainer, little Mabel couldn't be bothered by the place she first met her dear Trainer. Instead, she was too busy playing with her buddy, Dodger. The Eevee was still unconvinced that humans were worth his time of day, but Mabel and Dodger's relationship had really solidified into quite the friendship. The two Normal Types had learned to trust each other quite a bit, and even in the midst of new Pokemon in Mabel's case, and a human Dodger stubbornly detested, they at least had each other. The Eevee didn't even mind that Mabel was loyal to her Trainer, though the Minccino has made it clear in the past that she would have preferred it if he tried to get along with Veronika. To little avail, the Minccino had tried to explain that Veronika was actually a nice human if he'd just give her a chance, but the human's little interest in even attempting a relationship with her own Eevee made it a little tricky for the Minccino.

However, Mabel wasn't friends with all of Veronika's Pokemon. In the middle of her play with Dodger, Mabel noticed a certain Grass Type Pokemon gazing up at leaves swaying in the trees. One of her newest recruits, Rosemary, had developed a sort of rivalry with the little Chinchilla Pokemon. Veronika believed that Rose was jealous, but hadn't done much to meddle since all the Petilil seemed to so was use her Growth attack to show her anger. Still, the aggression that came with the disdain made Mabel quite uncomfortable, though the Minccino had done little to assess the problem. It seemed, to her, that the Petilil would dislike her no matter what she would do, but this day was going to be different. 

If Mabel and Rose were going to work together, the Minccino would have to make an honest effort and try to understand the Petilil's feelings. Mabel rose a paw at Dodger, who promptly stopped, though a bit confused. (What's wrong?) he questioned as the Minccino stood up and ran on all fours to the Grass Type. The Eevee ran after his friend, eyes arched in concern. (Mabel, is something wrong?) It had taken a while, but Dodger had finally accepted that he would have to call her by the name that her Trainer called her if they were to remain in good terms.

(Oh,) Mabel's ears twitched. It seemed as though she wasn't expecting the Eevee to follow her. Still, she kept her attention glued to Rose. (It's nothing you need to worry about. I'm just... concerned...)

(Why?) Dodger persisted. 

Mabel let out a sigh. Well, there was no point in beating around the bush. (It's just...) she hesitated. (I'm... just confused about the way she thinks of me is all...)

Dodger's eyebrows furrowed in thought. (You mean you want to know why she's mean to you?) he questioned. (But why? Why be friend with a Pokemon who doesn't want to be friends with you?)

(Dodger, don't you see?) Mabel explained. (Whether we like it or not, we're a team. If I can't get along with Rosemary, there's no telling what kind of trouble we'd get Veronika in. Besides, despite everything, I'm quite fond of Rosemary. I really wanted Veronika to catch her because I knew she'd be a great addition to the team! I think all I have to do is talk things over with her and we'll be able to sort things out.) The Minccino ran over to the Bulb Pokemon while the Evolution Pokemon simply shrugged and watched from afar. Nearing Rose's location, Mabel slowed to a walk as she approached her, trying to see what the Grass Type was looking at. (That sure is a pretty view, huh?) she tried to make small talk.

Unfortunately the moment she was noticed, she was met by the same glare, though at least she was smart enough not to tire herself out with another Growth attack. Instead, the bud decided it was best to watch the sun in more solitude. It seemed as long as Charcoal, Veronika's Carbink, wasn't around, Rose was disinterested in being around anyone, and she had even less tolerance for Mabel than usual. Mabel let out a sigh, allowing her ears to lower, though she glared, steeling her determination, and moving toward her teammate to try again.

---

Minccino: Level 5. Moves: Pound, Baby Doll Eyes, (Egg Move) Iron Tail. Ability: Cute Charm

Eevee: Level 5. Moves: Covet, Helping Hand, Growl, Tackle, Tail Whip, Sand Attack. Ability: Adaptability

Carbink: Level 5. Moves: Tackle, Harden, Rock Throw. Ability: Clear Body

Petilil: Level 5. Moves: Absorb, Growth. Ability: Own Tempo