No Feelings Allowed (Raihan x OC, NSFW)

14 - Girl Talk

In which Nessa is the best BFF. And also might be trigger warnings?? Talks about some dark stuff anyways

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Samantha watched as her team fought together in the large open space of the small island in the Southern Wild. It wasn't exactly secluded, what with people able to spot the mound from around the edge of the large lake, but not many came over here on account of that there wasn't much to be had besides a tree with apples, and then a few smaller Pokémon that scurried in the grass. That was all the better for her, though; it provide a wide space for her Pokémon to let loose and spar one another. She liked to pair up disadvantaged types to make it more challenging and improve themselves over all. It wasn't as good as fighting another trainer who's moves they didn't know, but today was a casual training day.

Truthfully, she just needed a day away from the city. Oh, she enjoyed the company she kept there—Raihan was never boring and never failed to make her feel happy or have a good time—but he'd been caught up in work for almost two weeks since they returned from Wyndon, and she'd had enough of seeing social media blow up over her match with Leon. The hate comments had only increased, as had the positive ones, but a lot of rumor mill articles popped up, too; namely about if the Galarian Knight was "involved" with either Leon or Raihan. It was all just so silly. They were all just friends.

But she knew better than to not expect it.

It wasn't quite as bad in Johto, but the media could be cruel to its trainers, especially Champions. Even Lance, who was as beloved as they came, had people trying to tear him down. Of course, he paid no mind, and she had been no different at the beginning, but eventually it started to eat at her. Her second run for Grand Champ had been even worse, and after the break up? Well, pettiness and anger made people even more cruel, and the media lapped it up. It had almost broken her back then, but she'd survived, and now their scathing words only felt like a small prick; more like an itch that you could almost completely ignore.

"Golisopod, watch your footing! Keep the mandibles moving, don't get lazy with them!" she barked, noting her Pokémon's movements as she sparred against Toxtricity and his electrical attacks. Her water-bug type might have been larger and stronger, but her electric-poison was quick and smart; he knew how to get under her defenses and avoid the smaller claws to get in strikes. However, if he couldn't avoid her own blows, he'd be hit hard, which counted for just as much.

The Golisopod shrilled in response, doing as commanded and utilizing her smaller claws. They took hold of Toxtricity's electrified fist, which sent a jolt through the larger Pokémon. Though it hurt, she was as stubborn as she was strong and pushed through the pain to open her jaws and spit a large glob of mud right in her opponent's face. Toxtricity yelped, staggering back and falling down onto his rump. He wiped quickly at his mouth and eyes as Golisopod stood over, ready to finish it.

"Alright, that's good! Tox, come here," Samantha laughed as her purple-skinned Pokémon managed to open one eye. He pouted as he did so, dragging his feet. He was glad he did, though, as she took out a rag and carefully wiped the mud from his face, making sure none got into his actual eye. For the mouth she gave a water bottle before moving to her motley crew that had gathered up again. "So... Tyranitar and Lucario, you're next. Alright, Big Momma, you're going to have to work hard to keep up with his speed—he's got almost every advantage up on you besides strength and defense. Lucario, if she catches you, you're going to get KO'd and you know it. She's our main power house."

The steel-fighter barked in confirmation while her dark-ground type grunted. She backed off with the others, lounging under the shade of the tree. Toxtricity pouted on the other side, no doubt having thought he would win. Alas, Golisopod's strength and special moves came through, but she was a good sport about it; even now she was chirping at her teammate and offering the apple she'd picked up. He glanced at it, ready to reject it, but then sighed, and bit off half to give her the other.