Daisy and Rayshaun crest the low hill, their steps quickening as the sounds grow louder. The golden sunlight of dusk spills across the plains, softening into twilight. They peer over the edge, curiosity mixed with the lingering mission focus that brought them here.
Below them, near a rocky outcrop, a small bird-like creature with bright blue feathers and a regal white crest flares its chest and screeches defiantly. It's a Rufflet, its small body trembling with a courage that far outstrips its size. It's flapping its wings in a frantic effort to fend off a circling flock of five Geodude. These aren't just any rocks; they're menacingly boulder-bodied bullies, hurling pebble barrages at the Rufflet. Behind them, two larger Gravelers pound the ground with seismic stomps, their sheer mass adding to the intimidation. Nearby, a Trapinch, its oversized orange head like a natural trap, snaps its massive jaws from a defensive burrow. Its black-dot eyes are fixed in stubborn resolve, but it's clearly outmatched, the outnumbered duo holding their ground in what feels like a territorial beatdown, more like playground bullying than true malice.
"Whoa," Daisy breathes, her eyes widening in protective alarm. "What is that little bird thing? And what are those… rolling rocks?" She's never seen anything like them.
Rayshaun's gaze is sharp, assessing the situation with tactical precision. "Looks like they're getting ganged up on. That bird Pokémon is really putting up a fight. It's got these really sharp blue feathers, and this white crest thing on its head that flares up when it's angry. Kinda looks like a miniature warrior."
He then points to the Trapinch. "And that other one… Its head is huge, like a giant, orange boulder. Its jaws look like they could crush anything."
The Rufflet, despite its size, is a whirlwind of motion. It dodges a volley of pebbles with surprising agility, flapping its wings with all its might.
WHIZZ!
A Geodude hurls a larger rock.
THWACK!
It narrowly misses the Rufflet's head, striking the ground near its feet. The Rufflet screeches in defiance, flapping harder.
Rayshaun watches intently. "Its eyes are so focused. It's not backing down, even though it's clearly outmatched."
The Trapinch, from its burrow, lets out a frustrated SNAP! as another Geodude rolls past its defensive position. It lunges, its massive jaws snapping shut on empty air.
"That ant-looking one is trying to help, but it's stuck there," Daisy observes. "Those rocks are working together. It's a whole gang."
The Rufflet dodges another attack, then charges. It uses its beak like a tiny battering ram.
PECK!
It slams into a Geodude, momentarily stunning it. The other Geodude retaliate, pelting the Rufflet with a concentrated barrage of stones.
"Okay, that's not fair," Daisy says, a protective instinct kicking in. "They're just ganging up on it."
Rayshaun nods, his jaw tightening. "We can't just stand here."
Rayshaun snaps into action. His adaptive energy shield unfolds from his arm with a smooth whirr, its blue plates humming to life. He scans the Pokémon, his posture straight and protective. A firm nod to Daisy signals their coordinated intervention.
Daisy drops to one knee, her palms pressing into the earth. Her gauntlets pulse faintly as her vibration sense hums through her. She maps the tremors of the Geodude and Gravelers, finding weak points in their rocky forms. With precise control, she sends a gentle quake pulse rippling outward. The rolling bullies stagger comically, their pebble launches crackling mid-air before they can hit their targets. The Gravelers stumble, and the Geodude flock scatters in rumbling confusion.
Rayshaun launches his shield in a calculated ricochet. It spins, intercepting hurled rocks and deflecting them harmlessly skyward. The shield then bounces off the Geodude flock, sending them tumbling downhill in flustered rolls. He extends a pulse wave, nudging the Gravelers back with non-lethal force. His shield snaps back to his arm magnetically as the bullies retreat, their grumbling rumbles fading with their thuds.
In the settling dust, the Rufflet limps forward, a pained screech escaping its beak. One wing droops at an awkward angle, its feathers mussed and unable to lift. The Trapinch shuffles protectively beside it, nudging its side with stubborn insistence.
"Hey, easy there, little guy," Daisy says softly, approaching the injured Rufflet. Her usual sarcastic edge is gone, replaced by genuine concern. "That was some serious guts you showed back there."
Rayshaun crouches beside her, his expression grave. "You took a real beating. Are you going to be okay?" He gestures to the Rufflet's wing. "That looks nasty."
The Rufflet lets out a weak chirp, its bright blue eyes fixed on Daisy. It tries to flap its injured wing, but only manages a pained flutter. The Trapinch nudges the Rufflet again, as if trying to offer comfort.
Daisy and Rayshaun pull out their Pokédexes, sleek, modern devices issued by SHIELD for just this kind of unexpected encounter. The screens flicker to life, displaying the entry for the small, determined bird.
Pokédex Entry: Rufflet
Species: Eaglet Pokémon
Type: Normal/Flying
Height: 0.5 m (1′8″)
Weight: 10.5 kg (23.1 lbs)
Sex: Male
Moves:
Peck
Leer
Hone Claws
Wing Attack
Ability: Keen Eye — Rufflet's sharp eyesight prevents its Accuracy from being lowered.
Description: Rufflet is a courageous young Pokémon that challenges opponents far larger than itself. It trains constantly, attacking with sharp beaks and fierce wing strikes to prove its strength. Though reckless, Rufflet is intensely loyal to a trainer who respects its brave nature. With patience and guidance, it grows into a proud warrior destined to soar the skies as Braviary.
Next, the screen shifts to the creature hunkered beside the injured bird.
Pokédex Entry: Trapinch
Species: Ant Pit Pokémon
Type: Ground
Height: 0.7 m (2'4")
Weight: 15.0 kg (33.1 lbs)
Sex: Male
Moves:
Bite
Sand Attack
Feint Attack
Sand Tomb
Ability: Arena Trap — Trapinch prevents opposing Pokémon from escaping, locking them into battle with its intense territorial pressure.
Description: Trapinch is a patient ambush predator that waits silently at the bottom of its sand pits for prey to slip into range of its massive jaws. Although slow-moving, it possesses extraordinary biting force capable of crushing stones and immobilizing foes. Its stubborn determination makes it a fierce partner in battle, and its loyalty to a caring trainer is as steadfast as the desert ground it calls home.
"Rufflet and Trapinch," Daisy murmurs, a hint of surprise in her voice. "So that's what they are."
Rayshaun nods, his gaze softening as he kneels beside the Rufflet. He gently extends a hand, not to touch the injured wing, but to hover near it, his senses extending outwards. Daisy mirrors his action, her hands hovering just above the Rufflet's wing. A subtle vibration emanates from her gauntlets, a gentle pulse that scans the delicate bone structure beneath the ruffled feathers. Her brow furrows slightly as she assesses the damage.
"It's pretty bad," Daisy states, her tone serious. "The wing joint looks like it's dislocated, and there might be some hairline fractures."
Rayshaun's expression is one of quiet determination. "We need to get them somewhere safe. Their parents are probably back up on those cliffs." He gestures towards the towering rock faces that loom in the distance. "They'll know how to care for them better than we do."
Just as they begin to gather their resolve, the Trapinch, which had been quietly observing, clamps its massive jaws lightly onto the Rufflet's tail feathers. It doesn't pull hard enough to hurt, but its intent is clear: it's not leaving Rufflet's side. The Rufflet, despite its pain, puffs out its chest slightly, a weak gesture of solidarity. Its eyes, fixed on Daisy and Rayshaun, hold a silent plea.
Daisy and Rayshaun exchange a look, a shared amusement and a touch of admiration passing between them. "Well, looks like we've got a package deal," Daisy says with a small, fond smile.
Rayshaun carefully scoops the Rufflet onto his outstretched energy shield, cradling it as if it were made of glass. Daisy, with practiced ease, lifts the surprisingly sturdy Trapinch onto her shoulder, its weight not insignificant but manageable. A new, lighter energy fills the air as they begin their trek towards the cliffs. The mission has shifted from simple observation to a rescue, a budding teamwork quest that carries a reluctant, but undeniable, thrill.
***
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