Jackson: Tracking License

The air was incredibly dry as Jackson moved over the rocky terrain, limping due to the pain in his leg. The trainer had a metal leg with glowing, teal accidents which had replaced his own after a mining accident. He was also wearing his metal mightyena mask that matched his leg. One of the many benefits of his mask was that it was currently keeping sand from blowing onto his face and into his eyes.

Jackson heard a yip and turned towards his partner, Atlas. His pokemon’s body primarily resembled a mightyena with a crescent shaped horn on his head. His coat was also a brighter blue with a white fluffy back. The noctyena was sniffing at the sandy ground, moving forward as he did so.

“Did you find something?” Jackson questioned as he followed Atlas, who seemed to be fixated on an invisible line. The trainer could tell that his pokemon was certainly on the trail of something. The pokemon stopped at the top of one of the sandy dunes, waiting for his trainer to catch up. As Jackson did so he spotted a magmollo near the bottom of the dune.

“Good job.” He praised as he scratched Atlas’ ears, who wagged his tail happily.

Jackson began to try and sneak up on the unsuspecting pokemon, which was currently sniffing around some rocks. It was much easier for him to move quietly over the sands than other environments like a forest. Once he got close enough he looked to Atlas. He nodded to his partner pokemon as he pointed towards the magmollo.

The noctyena rushed forward and slammed its body into the magmollo, who let out a startled cry. As it tumbled little flames pulsed from between its armored plating. Once the pokemon got up it was left facing off against Atlas, who was letting out a low growl.

“Okay Atlas, use night slash!” Jackson shouted. Atlas rushed forward and extended his claws towards the magmollo. The creature tried to step back but wasn’t quick enough. The noctyena’s silver claws swiped across the animal’s nose, who let out another squeak.

As Atlas began to back up the magmollo launched its counterattack. After taking a deep breath the pokemon began to form a plume of fire that extended towards Atlas. He yelped as the fire touched his side, burning him slightly as he felt the heat against his fur.

Jackson cursed under his breath at his partner becoming burned, but knew that this fight could be finished quickly. Atlas concentrated for a few moments as a pink orb of energy began to form in front of him. The ball continued to grow until it surged towards the magmollo, hitting it at full strength. 

As the glowing energy faded the magmollo was left knocked unconscious on the sandy dunes. Atlas let out a victorious yip as he rushed back towards Jackson. “Yeah good job!” The trainer said as he pet the noctyena, who’s tail was rapidly wagging back and forth. He seemed bothered as he tried to lick at the burn that was on his flank.

“Nono don’t lick it.” Jackson advised as he took his backpack off and began to dig through it. He pulled out a red bottle of liquid, spraying it onto his pokemon’s fur. Within a few moments Atlas looked relieved as the burned mark faded away. Even if it wasn’t painful like a normal burn it was uncomfortable.

“Well that was pretty easy.” The trainer commented as Atlas’ tag continued to wag back and forth, creating a small puff of air that moved through the sand. Jackson put his backpack back on and shifted his shoulders until it felt comfortable. Although the magmollo was currently still laying on the sand he knew it would soon recover with no long term effects.

Atlas began to lead the way back towards Brookfell, feeling triumphant from the successful battle. Jackson smiled beneath his mask, happy to see his pokemon enjoying himself. The battle had been a part of necessary training to help Atlas improve his battle skills, but the pokemon also enjoyed it. The trainer also wanted to make sure he had top notch tracking skills, which wasn’t difficult considering the pokemon’s adapt nose. Jackson also couldn’t help but love the extra one on one time with his partner pokemon.