Set in the original region of Arciel, Legends Rising is a route-inspired, but not strictly route-based, Pokemon roleplay. Pick a faction, pick a class, and strike out into the wild to take on the League, master Contest coordination, research the mysteries of Pokemon and Arciel, and much, much more. Will you be a classic trainer? A criminal? A farmer? Choose your destiny on Legends Rising.
Josh's worry seemed to make Makoto pause for a second; as though mulling over his warning, and considering it. They, admittedly had had enough fast and exciting to last them the day - and it did seem that he was concerned for her. They were having inklings of second thoughts - something that'd prompt them to ask Josh "Do you think I'd be ready for these more advanced tricks then, dear?" as they briefly glanced towards the other pokemon, and then back at Josh. "I am confident in my sense of balance, and so I'd say that I feel ready - but you seem rather worried for me. I'm more willing to trust your judgement on what is or isn't too much for me; especially since you know more about riding and racing than I do."
Then there was the talk of Resheph. Makoto nodded in understanding as Josh explained the logistics of getting a pokemon that was bred and trained for riding as opposed to catching a wild pokemon for racing - which made sense to them, overall. "Are all of your pokemon bred for racing like Resheph is, then?" They'd ask curiously, glancing at the other pokemon. They wouldn't be surprised if that was the case, given how large some of Josh's pokemon are, honestly...
Upon being showed a photo of Resheph on Josh's phone though, Makoto couldn't help but let out an audible "Dawwww," in admiration; smiling brightly. "Such a beautiful darling; I'm glad to see that she's adjusting comfortably to being a Dragonair." Hearing that she could carry both of them was impressive - something that Makoto briefly whistled in awe and nodded to. "I'd love to give it a shot sometime in the future, if you're willing; I wonder how it must feel, to ride on a Dragonair's back."
While they weren't sure if they'd ever find themselves raising a dragon-type, being able to live it vicariously through other people and their dragon-types certainly was nice!
At the suggestion of riding Aslan next, Makoto smiled and nodded brightly. "That sounds wonderful, darling!" They'd agree; laughing brightly as the large Pyroar came over to nuzzle them. Certainly, it was quite warm - especially given summertime - but Makoto didn't seem to mind it all that much, simply laughing and running their fingers through his mane. "Awww, look at you, Aslan darling~" They'd coo to Aslan; visibly happy. "Such a friendly feline, and such a majestic looking Pyroar, too! You truly look like the king of beasts, with a mane and a presence like that, dear~"
Briefly, they couldn't help but wonder how Aslan might look with a braided mane; or any Pyroar, really...!
With their next ride pokemon picked out, Makoto would continue to pet and scritch at Aslan's fur as they climbed up onto the Pyroar's back; continuing to softly coo to him. Once they were situated, Makoto would sit up straight and smile to Josh, nodding to him. "I'm ready when you are, darling."
Kama, meanwhile, would bring Yurei in line alongside Aslan; chittering and saluting to Josh! Did the little Sneasel want to learn more from him, too?
Josh was surprised - his student seemed particularly eager to go nearly all out. Even daring, he would think. "If you think you can handle some of the tougher stuff, then that's fine. Just don't do anything you're not comfortable with," he answered them, with a little less confidence than with Ixion. "Come on Twilight, let's show them some of the stuff we learned on the track," he turned his attention to the Absol, who walked up to Josh's side so he could climb up easily.
"Now I want to show you a few things that might be handy when you're off road. Some Pokémon have really sharp claws, like Aslan and Twilight here. If you need to make a sudden turn, you can take advantage of that. Just try to do it on softer surfaces like dirt - if you do it on hard surfaces a lot it can wear down their claws quicker than you think. Works best on dirt and grass - so we're actually going to run off road for a bit." He directed Twilight to walk on the grass just outside the primary concourse.
"If you need to do a quick swerve, in addition to leaning like you would for a normal turn, if you suddenly pull hard with just one hand, that's the way I let my Pokémon know to make a really hard turn. You'll need to put some force into it, but not so much to actually hurt them. Watch!" The Absol took off down the grass on the outside of the main concourse, quickly building speed. Once he had enough distance to cover, he slowly turned her around, then built up even more speed, charging almost directly at Makoto and Aslan. After a strong tug from her rider, Twilight dug her claws into the ground and slid sharply around a large bush not far from where Aslan stood. "Now you try it. Once you know how to do it, it's really fun! Oh yeah, Aslan's back flexes a lot more than a Ponyta's, so it might be a bit bouncier of a ride. Pyroar are pretty reliable, though - you should consider raising one yourself if you like it!"
Though Josh didn't sound as absolutely confident as he was when Makoto was riding Ixion, it sounded as though he was willing to let them go at it at their pace, as far as approaching these tougher tricks went. They'd nod in response - listening to Josh's explanation as they followed him out onto the grass, all the while idly getting a feel for riding on Aslan and how it differed from riding on Ixion. One thing that Makoto noticed quickly, was the fur - Aslan's fur not being quite as short as Ixion's. It was soft to the touch - especially his majestic mane - and Makoto couldn't help but hum to themselves a little as they ran their fingers through the Pyroar's mane, as they listened to Josh speak.
The first lessons with Aslan, it seemed, would be regarding the differences that came with riding a pokemon who had claws like Aslan or Twilight did; particularly their improved traction, and how to put it to use with swerves! Watching as Josh rode about on Twilight, Makoto couldn't help but smile in visible awe; watching how, even though Twilight's claws were worn down the other day, she was still able to achieve such quick turns like this...! Letting out a brief laugh, Makoto couldn't help a bright smile - casually remarking "I don't think I could ever get tired of watching your pokemon race around like that," to Josh.
With it being their turn now, though... This meant that it was their turn (heh!) to give these quick turns a go! Makoto wouldn't attempt them immediately, though; instead taking a short while to get a feel for how Aslan moved, in comparison to Ixion. They could certainly see what Josh meant about bouncing, though; especially when Aslan got up to a decent speed, as Makoto got more used to directing him around! Before long though, Makoto would feel ready to give the sharper turns a shot - directing Aslan to speed up a little, before attempting a careful - though still sharp - turn..!
Briefly, Makoto would have to tighten their grip on Aslan's fur from the inertia - though couldn't help a bright grin nonetheless, as they managed to swerve around like Josh showed them! Claws digging into dirt and grass, turning on a dime - Makoto couldn't help but try a slightly sharper turn next, though they went no further than that; they were sure that they'd fall off, if they went too hard! Still, glancing in Josh's direction, they'd smile to him - asking "How was that, darling?" as they slowed down on Aslan, to see if Josh had any input.
Makoto seemed particularly happy while they ran their fingers through Aslan's thick mane. While Josh only saw it as a way to hold on tight in the event that things got too rough for even him to handle, he wondered if maybe tack for the Pyroar was the wrong choice? Perhaps his thick and soft fur was enough of a cushion. "I hope I can make it to Gold League so you can watch me on television, too! I could shoot you a copy of the schedule for the rest of the season if you want - that way if you're in the area, you could watch us race!"
It looked like Makoto was adapting to Aslan's much bouncier gallop - one of the reasons he was happy when they were interested in learning with the Ponyta first. While the lion didn't have quite as much raw speed as Ixion did, Josh felt the higher bouncing rattled them at first. Nothing unusual - his first run on the Pyroar was much like that. Big felines were not the easiest riding Pokémon to learn with - they flexed their backs much more than other Pokémon, which might be a bit overwhelming when they run fast. They seemed to be handling it well, though!
Josh's student looked like they might fall, but was grinning the entire time Aslan executed the quick turn around the big bush he had pointed out. "You catch on quick!" Josh called out. "You can also do a complete direction reversal if you pull back with both your arms at the same time. A correctly trained riding Pokémon will slide to a stop, rear up on its hind legs to turn around, and tear back off the other day It's not useful on the track, but it can be when you're in the wilderness. You can try that if you want, or I can show you how to jump them."
At the offer of being given a copy of the schedule, Makoto hummed thoughtfully, before nodding and smiling. "That sounds wonderful, dear; I'll have to take you up on that," They'd mention, adding "I don't imagine I'll be able to get over to Ivy Town anytime soon for that water race - given my lack of a proper flying ride pokemon - but I'm sure I'll be making my way down south then west 'cross the mountains anyhow, sooner or later." After all, that was the only direction that they really had to go, from here..!
It did make them wonder, though, what other kind of races they might be able to catch!
In any case though, Makoto didn't mind the bouncing from Aslan all that much - instead simply enjoying the more manageable speed. The thought of raising a Pyroar of their own - much like Josh would soon suggest - did occur to them, and it certainly was an appealing idea. Even if they didn't end up with a racing Pyroar like Josh did, they admittedly liked the idea of just having one on the team, and of being able to braid one's mane... Ah, they were getting sidetracked here, they had to focus on the lessons!
As Josh praised Makoto for the quick turns, they'd smile back at him - "Thank you, darling" - visibly proud that they were able to catch on to all of this as quickly as he stated. Next though, was the mention of trying a full 180 degree turn, or doing jumps! The latter of which in particular seemed to pique their interest; humming a bit as they mentioned "I might try the full turn later; though learning to do some jumps sounds interesting!"
Kama, in the background, could be heard chittering to Yurei though - while it was unsure what he was talking about, any pokemon might notice that he was trying to explain that 180 turn to her, and his interest in giving it a shot! Yurei, though, only quietly listened with a passive interest as she grazed at the grass.
"Cool!" Josh smiled. "I'll get it to you as soon as we're done here." The schedule would tour every major city in Arciel and even some smaller ones. Plum City had the season finale in the mid to late fall. "I'll at least let you know how it went. It's my first one on the water, so my hopes aren't too high...but I'll give it a good effort."
Makoto and Aslan seemed to be working well as a team - if anything, they were enjoying being atop the fire-type's flexing back, the two weaving back and forth. When they expressed interest in learning how to jump a Pokémon first, Josh looked a little disappointed but understood why. A complete reversal was dangerous, and the power of such a turn could easily send them flying.
"With tack, commanding a jump is easy - if you send a pulse down the reins with both your hands, that will tell most Pokémon to jump. Without tack, though, hmm..." Josh shrugged, sweating awkwardly in silence. He had never ridden a land Pokémon bareback before.
Twilight shook her head at Josh, Resheph curiously tilting her head toward Makoto in the deafening silence. "...I've actually n-n-never thought ab-b-bout how to do that without it," he stuttered. What kind of teacher was he? He should know something like this...but he didn't. It took him a while to admit it, too. "Sorry...maybe you can find something that works for you?"
At the very least, he could show them method he knew. Twilight and Josh took off down the same path they did before, turning around after a good distance and gaining speed at an alarming rate on the way back. Approaching the bush he swerved around before, he turned the dark-type to run at it head on before sharply flicking both his wrists. As soon as the sudden pulse reached the Absol, she sprung into the air and gracefully sailed over the bush. Rather than sliding to a stop upon landing, Josh let her gradually decelerate, keeping her stubby claws in mind. "You can try it with Aslan or with her," Josh gestured toward Twilight after dismounting. "He's probably better at it though."
"Even if you don't get first, I imagine it'll make for good experience," Makoto would muse to Josh, humming a bit. And there was always next time, if first you don't succeed, too. "You have my contact info, in any case, so don't be afraid to give me a hello whenever, darling." They'd mention, having given Josh their number before the both of them retired for the evening the day before. "Even if I can't be there for the race in Ivy though, I'm more than happy to hear about the goings-ons and the like."
Before long though, Makoto would decide that they wanted to do a bit of jumping; though it seemed that the group would run into a little snag with that plan! Namely, the fact that Makoto lacked the tack to do it with...! Josh, near-immediately, began growing visibly nervous; sweating and stuttering, prompting a sympathetic expression from the older trainer.
"Darling, you're perfectly fine." Makoto would reassure him - bringing Aslan parallel to Twilight, so that they could reach down to pat his shoulder. "I'm sure Aslan and I can figure something out, and getting to see how you do it with tack in action will still be good to know." They'd add - emphasizing their reassurance with a warm and gentle smile. Not every lesson was gonna be perfect, and it didn't have to be.
Instead, Makoto would watch as Josh directed Twilight down the path - getting a running start as she came on back up the path, before she'd be directed into a leap; jumping over the bush without any trouble! Smiling, Makoto would applaud once more with a cheery hue; nodding along as it became their turn. "I might borrow Twilight later - just for a second - to practice jumping with tack, but I'd like to give it a try with Aslan first." They'd mention, already directing the Pyroar on down the path - just like Josh did - at a casual pace.
As they moved along though, Makoto couldn't help but wonder to themself, about just how they were going to handle signalling a jump to Aslan. Certainly, a verbal command could do the trick - and Makoto had a feeling that verbal commands would be a big part of directing Yurei around - though... They also wanted a nonverbal way to convey it, if possible. In considering it, though... Their eyes would soon peer over Aslan's mane. It was quite long and impressive; Makoto could easily take a hold of it, where necessary, so maybe...
"... I'm gonna hold onto your mane - just as a substitute for reins - darling. I'll try to be careful, but let me know if I grip or tug too hard, okay?" Makoto would inform Aslan; stroking the side of his neck, before taking a hold of a couple locks of his mane. Directing Aslan into a run towards the bush, Makoto would wait until the timing was just right, before they'd flick it like Josh did with Twilight's reins, to signal for the Pyroar to jump!
First? Heh, how naive! Josh had never won a single race in anything other than Bronze League - his second place finish in Ash City's race earlier this season was his best finish of all time in Silver. "It should. It seems like they're doing a lot more aquatic and aerial races here, especially in the warmer months. Gotta be ready." Makoto had reminded Josh that they were on his contact list. "Tell you what - I'll snap some pictures when I'm there and send them to you, too. There's another race in Ash City late this summer if you can make it there."
Makoto's reassurance snapped Josh out of his mood. When they expressed interest in borrowing Twilight, he smiled again. He had them hooked! "It's best to learn both with and without. There are some Pokémon that really prefer to wear it, and others that want to be controlled by trust alone. You might find it easier to balance on my Absol because of it."
Aslan let out a loud purr of understanding. While it would be a bit uncomfortable, they only seemed to want to use the red fur to learn. It was rather warm to the touch but not uncomfortably hot. If they grabbed the fur for minutes at a time, though, it might make their hand ache for a bit, but not for as long as this would last.
Aslan's back flexed progressively more powerfully as the two sped up, bouncing Makoto a bit harder. Wanting to show off, the Pyroar ran even faster than he did with Josh. Dashing directly toward the bush they were using for practice before, the fire-type briefly crouched, his claws tearing up grass underneath him before kicking off the ground and springing high into the air.
It wasn't quite a Bounce attack, but it was still an impressive leap. The landing might have been a bit rough for a newer rider, though - he descended to the ground like he was pouncing on a potential meal. The lion Pokémon let out a proud roar before turning around and stopping in front of Josh and his team. "I shouldn't have been worried about you in the first place - you're a natural. You could control almost any Pokémon that could support you, with skill like that." The racer let out a deep sigh; whether it was nerves or one of relief was hard to tell. "About the only other thing I could show you...is going really fast. Even with Blinky if you want. We'll need to head outside the park and alongside a rural road on this side of town for that, though."
As Aslan ran, Makoto couldn't help but be a little surprised at just how fast he was getting - it was almost a little much, compared to Ixion, honestly! The bounces were rattling at this point, and they couldn't help but wince; but Makoto nonetheless made an effort to hang on with their legs and hands. They had to brace themself, after all, for the eventual leap to come! And quite the leap it was; as Aslan sailed through the air, Makoto couldn't help a whoop and laugh, from the way the wind would rush past them as they damn near flew!
When Aslan did land though, inertia would end up hitting Makoto all at once - nearly throwing them off of Aslan's back..! They'd yelp a little in surprise at this - but they otherwise wouldn't be bothered, trailing off in a soft laugh as they settled back down and Aslan let out a prideful roar that had Makoto's own pokemon startled..! Stroking the Pyroar's neck and massaging over where the scalp might be sore as they let go of his mane, Makoto would coo and praise Aslan fully and lovingly. "Look at you, such a majestic beast~ - and you must be feeling real good, getting to run like that, hmm~? Thank you for putting up with me hanging onto your mane like that, I appreciate your cooperation bunches and bunches, dear..~"
And then came Josh's own praise; Makoto couldn't help but shyly laugh, scratching the back of their head in a rather humble fashion. "Ahh, you flatter me, darling." They'd respond to him; smiling gently. "I don't think I'd be that good with just about any pokemon, honestly. Going any faster than Aslan or Ixion did probably would send me flying, honestly. It also helps that your pokemon - particularly Ixion and Aslan - are very people-friendly, well trained, and very attentive when I tell them what I want. And to be honest..."
Makoto would be quiet for a few moments as they trailed off, wondering whether or not they wanted to tread a particular subject. Thinking to themself, finding their words - it'd take a second before Makoto would finally speak up once more, admitting "I'm definitely new at actually directing a pokemon; though it's not my first time I've ever been carried around by one." with a light scratch at the back of their neck, seeming a bit unsure - something that stood out against their normally confident and playful demeanor. "Used to have a Zoroark, when I was younger, about your age; and he'd carry me around whenever we wanted to get somewhere up high, or wanted to get somewhere fast." Including out of trouble, that is.
Smiling a bit nostalgically, yet also with a hint of melancholy, Makoto continued "The rush of the wind zipping past us, seeing the world below as we leapt across rooftops in cities and towns... We were a team, and I admit that riding your pokemon has made me rather nostalgic for it all. I do greatly appreciate you letting me ride around on your pokemon, Josh darling."
Before the subject could get too depressive or melancholy, though... Makoto was quick to change it once more, putting on a smile. "But in any case... Like I mentioned before, going any faster than we already have is probably going to send me into space; but I'd like to practice on Twilight for a bit, and maybe give those 180 turns a shot, if you don't mind."
Josh was so happy for his student, both that they had learned some crazier techniques and that they appeared to be having the time of their life! He gasped when he heard their shout, but the two of them seemed to be okay. A bit startled and coming down from an adrenaline rush, probably...but they seemed to be fine. "You should definitely raise one yourself," he remarked as they gently stroked the Pyroar's now merely-warm mane, the excited mount letting out a purr of approval. "I have to warn you - Litleo are something else, and they take a lot of work to evolve. They're really rewarding to raise, if you can put up with them. I could go on for hours with stories of how little Aslan got himself into trouble." The red-maned cat let out a laugh. Josh wanted to chide his Pokémon but decided against it - it might kill the moment.
Josh listened to Makoto's story about riding a Zoroark previously, as well as of their experiences on his Pokémon. This was typical of newer riders - either they were scared to death of being on a Pokémon, or they were hooked on the freedom that came with fast travel, the terrain a blur from shooting across the land. "That explains why your fundamentals are so good - you've been on a Pokémon before...even if you were more just along for the ride instead of actually directing them. You should do it again when Kama evolves - especially if the Zorua likes to run."
Sending them into space...that was one way to put it. "Understandable - the Jolteon's full speed is even a bit too much for me right now." Once they were done, he let the Pyroar rest alongside the rest of his Pokémon, who seemed just as chatty as Josh was about how skilled his student was. When they asked, Twilight stepped forward. The Absol was a bit smaller than Aslan, and even a bit shorter than the two riders were. "She might be more comfortable for you, given she's about your size. Try to stay in the grass, though, especially when she reverses direction...not only for your own sake, but for her claws, too - they're still growing back. Be ready for her, too. When you yank on both sides of her to turn her around, she'll probably rear." They had already exhibited considerable skill, but they could never be too careful, especially with Pokémon trained for racing. Her quick turn had even overwhelmed Josh the first time...
As the excitement and adrenaline died down, Makoto couldn't help a half-giddy chuckle to let off some nervous energy - glancing in Josh's direction. "I was actually thinking that not too long ago," Makoto responded; scratching their cheek in a somewhat sheepish fashion, with a slightly goofy smile to match, as they added "I was also, admittedly, wondering how easy it'd be to style a Pyroar's mane - be they male or female - with how long and impressive they are. I think that a braided mane would look splendid on a Pyroar; assuming the feline in question is willing, that is." Maybe if Makoto started styling a Litleo's fur while they were still young, they'd be more receptive to it as a Pyroar?
In any case, Josh would have some words of warning regarding raising a Litleo; to which Makoto nodded, smiling warmly. "It's alright if the dear takes awhile to evolve; and if I can handle a Zorua's antics, I imagine I can handle a Litleo's antics." As Aslan laughed, Makoto couldn't help but chuckle with; gently scritching him behind the ear. Especially given the fact they had raised a Zorua solo, whereas they now had multiple pokemon who could help keep an eye on the little tyke... Raising a Litleo would probably be a sinch for them, even if they didn't want to make too many assumptions ahead of time.
"But in any case.. Do you have any suggestions of a breeder, or where I could catch a wild one for myself?" They'd then ask Josh - glancing to him. They didn't exactly have interest in the racing scene, and a wild-born Litleo probably would be better suited for trekking across the wild - go figure - anyways. But, if all else failed, breeders were the most reliable way to find a specific pokemon.
At the mention of letting Kuro carry them around when he evolves though, Makoto would hum and nod in agreement - smiling a bit. "Kuro's already looking to be a sizeable Zorua, so I imagine he'll be plenty big enough to carry me around once he evolves." They'd muse out thoughtfully, running a thumb over Kuro's pokeball. On top of that, once Kuro evolved... Perhaps they could teach him the tricks that Tsume always used, for the both of them.
As Twilight came up to Makoto though, they would smile to the Absol; giving her a respectful nod in greeting, as they got onto her back. Having proper tack now was interesting, honestly; placing their feet in the stirrups, taking hold of the reins... Makoto would listen attentively as Josh explained what to expect from Twilight, nodding along. "Will do, darling." Makoto responded in regards to keeping Twilight on the grass - smiling to the both of them, before directing Twilight onwards.
Given that they were new to directing a pokemon with tack, the first step on the agenda would simply be getting a feel for using the reins to direct Twilight around; repeating the same lessons that Josh had taught them with Ixion and Aslan, except in a new context. The differences were quite noticeable, namely in how the saddle was - admittedly - a little more comfortable to sit in, than going without tack. "It's surprising, just how night and day going with or without tack can be..."
Aslan was a fire-type, after all, and Makoto seemed to be drawn to fire-types, Josh thought. When asked about styling a Pyroar's mane, he froze for a few moments before starting to answer them. "I would guess the females would be more receptive to something like that, and even then, seems like it would be a pretty big if. From what I've seen, the males rely on their mane for some of their fire attacks, especially the red part you were holding onto. A Coordinator who uses Pyroar would probably be able to better answer your question than I can."
Josh couldn't help but laugh with the fire-type and Makoto as well. Aslan seemed to appreciate the gentle scratching...almost like a massage. He leaned closer to them - if they allowed him to touch them, they might be able to feel his neck mildly rumbling as he let out a low purr of affection.
When asked about where Litleo could be found in Arciel, Josh answered quickly. "They're pretty common in arid flats that aren't deserts - Route 8 would be a great place to hunt for one. You'll see them in grasslands on occasion, too, but with Route 8 being so close to the volcano. Unfortunately, I can't really recommend a breeder unless you want one for racing, and breeding Pokémon for racing often makes them less effective in battle. Remember Blinky? She can't even use her claws in battle because of how inbred she had to be. If you just want to hatch any Litleo at all, I'm sure finding a breeder that could sell you an egg shouldn't be too difficult."
Josh watched Makoto gently direct Twilight - it looked a bit awkward at first, but they seemed to adapt once they got used to forcefully controlling the Absol instead of doing so more with trust. It helped that Twilight wasn't bouncing Makoto nearly as much as Aslan did. It was still quite a bit more than with Ixion, but that was to be expected of such a predator. "I prefer my mounts wearing it - you get more precise control this way. Some Pokémon really don't like the feel of tack, though." Before long, though, the two were running around the park, even sliding across the grass and dirt on occasion. "Is there one you find easier than the other?"
Post by Makoto Kurumi on Jul 10, 2020 18:34:04 GMT
As Josh suggested talking to a Coordinator about styling or grooming a Pyroar, Makoto would nod. "Makes sense, dear. I'll have to ask around, then." They'd muse; appearing quite thoughtful. Any thoughts that might've been going through their head at the moment would soon be interrupted, though, as Aslan leaned in close and purred! Makoto couldn't help a fond and affectionate laugh. "Dawwww; are you enjoying the attention, Aslan darling~?" Makoto would coo, clearly happy at the large Pyroar's reactions. "Here - I'll give you all the love and attention you want, dear~ such a good Pyroar~" Reaching up with both hands, they proceeded to continue scritching along his fur, smiling brightly.
Josh would soon suggest either catching a wild one on Route 8, or finding a breeder that's not specialized in racing, though; to which Makoto nodded. "I figured I'd either catch a wild Litleo, or find a non-racing breeder, yeah. As exciting as your darlings might be, I'd prefer a pokemon who can handle the wilderness for a ride pokemon - and a pokemon born and raised in the wilderness is probably best suited for it." They spoke, already beginning to wonder in their head what they'll want to pack, for the trek down route 8. Maybe a few fire incenses? What other fire types might they find down Route 8, they wondered? They definitely needed some variety in their team...
In riding around on Twilight though, Makoto had to admit that the Absol was their favorite thus far - not even taking the differences from using tack into the equation. Certainly, Ixion and Aslan were darlings to ride, but they were fast, whereas Twilight was a little more manageable speedwise, on top of being a smoother ride than Aslan was - even if they didn't mind the bouncing quite as much.
Time would pass as they practiced with Twilight - riding about the grassy portions of the park, with a visibly bright smile. Josh's voice would soon draw their attention though, bringing Twilight to a gentle stop before they'd glance over to him. "I can certainly see the benefit in using tack - it's a lot easier to signal what you want from the pokemon nonverbally with the reins, than it is without." They'd begin; glancing down at the reins, and briefly rubbing her thumbs over the leather. "I'll probably lean to getting used to riding pokemon without tack though - or at least, at minimum, a saddle; if only because Yurei isn't exactly made for tack, like we went over before." That, and they imagined it'd be a little more comfortable on the pokemon to ride without tack, than it is with.
But, glancing to a clock set up in the park... "... Ah; it's starting to get towards the afternoon..." Makoto would muse to themself at first in a soft murmur, before chuckling and glancing over to Josh - it was almost time for him to head to the gym, wasn't it? "Time flies, doesn't it darling? I imagine you'd like to head to the gym ahead of time, just to make sure everything is in order?"
Smiling gently, Makoto would give Twilight a quick scritch on the side of the head, before walking her back to Josh's side, and hopping off. "I appreciate letting me borrow your pokemon for a bit, darling; thank you bunches." They'd mention, adding with a light chuckle "If I manage to find myself a Litleo on Route 8, I'll have to show off the darling to you!" Who knows, maybe if they run into eachother again, Aslan could be the cub's big brother or mentor figure?
In any case, Makoto would take the time to gather their pokemon back together - mentioning to Josh "I'll follow you to the gym so I can watch - I wish you good luck on that fight, dear."
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