Shades of Gray [revamp]

[Zorayda]

Jace nodded at Selina's answer, satisfied for the moment. If her injury wasn't serious, she could go and get it fixed when they got to New Bark Town... he followed her into the woods, still holding his vulpix in his arms. As he looked down at himself, he frowned slightly. His polo was rumpled and dirty, with a few small holes adorning it, and his shorts were looking worse for the wear. He suspected that his face and hair were no better... frowning in slight irritation, he trudged forward, ignoring Viola's quiet telepathic giggled at his discontent.

A little while in, after dozens of mosquito bites and rashes from plants, plus the heat and dense moisture of the forest, Jace was not feeling extremely happy. He chose to remain silent in lieu of being short or grumpy with Selina, polite enough at least for that. He paused when he heard sudden noise nearby.

"Hey... what was that?" He asked, forgetting his discomfort and itchy bites on his arms for a moment. He pushed forward, cradling Viola in one arm and allowing the other two Pokemon to follow. He pulled a branch back, eyes widening at the scene before him.

A slender, attractive-looking young woman was fighting several rough-looking men-- Jace recognized them to be members of the newly reformed Team Rocket. She was holding her own, delivering punishing kicks and blows to her opponents. Jace's jaw dropped in awe at her apparent toughness and fighting skill.

"S-Selina! Do you see this?" He shouted, completely caught off-guard. "Should we help her? I don't know how to fight in hand-to-hand combat..." he said, brows furrowing. Jace knew that he was fairly strong, but unskilled in the martial arts department.

[Moonlight]

A vehement curse tore from the younger Kali operative's lips, a hand trying to staunch the blood flow from the gash on his cheek and bloodied nose. The wet warmth was flowing freely, dripping onto his gray uniform. Features twisted into a mix of shock, pain, and anger. A hand snapping to his waist, pulling a pokeball from his belt.

Her brow arched, entirely calm. "So you do ... No fault of my own," Diana said, plucking a ball from her own belt as a crimson flash lit the clearing. A smooth bone helmet protected the dual-type's head, excess rib bones ridging across its back. A houndour. Her stance relaxed to a normal position, before hitting the button on her own pokeball.

The spiked violet rabbit forming before them, Innes sniffing the air. But taking after his namesake, immediately recognizing the threat before them. His ruby gaze flicked towards his human after a moment, long ears twitching towards the other arrivals. Both of which that were being relatively ignored by the entire group. Focusing instead on the more important battle. But confidence radiated from the poison type.

A wry smile curved the dark haired woman's lips. "Innes, now!"

The nidoran burst into a full gallop, only to have the houndour counter with the same. The match was on.

[Zorayda]

Jace found himself mentally cheering for the girl with the nidoran, hoping that she overcame the men at their game. He decided that he'd hang back for now and wait to see if she truly needed help--though his chivalrous attitude screamed at him to help her, he could sense that she wasn't one to want help or to ask for it. The way she stood, fought, and spoke gave him a hint about her pride...

"Viola... get in the Poke ball, please? I don't want you caught up in this," he asked his vulpix quietly. She nodded and allowed herself to be recalled into the sphere, which shrank conveniently for Jace to put at his side. Rowan stood upon a nearby branch, watching the battle intently, and Rast hovered uncertainly, keeping an eye on his master and awaiting any commands given to him.