Zulu's tail rattled in success, and his body glowed faintly with a strange aura of light. C.J. ran over and enthusiastically scooped her partner into her arms, twirling their bodies into a wide circle as the leaves below crunched and swept gleefully into the air around them. [color=goldenrod]"I'm SO proud of you!"[/color] She squeezed him in close for a small hug before turning at the faint 'click' of Richard's Pokéball. The martial artist's face was still scrunched and furrowed in concentration, as if he was afraid any small break of elation would cause the Caterpie to burst forth from the still ball on the forest floor. C.J. quietly eased over to the man's side and whispered playfully, [color=goldenrod]"You can stop holding your breath now."[/color] With the sentiment, she hardily patted Richard between the shoulder blades in congratulations. 

Suddenly a loud SNAP pierced through the mostly peaceful sounds of the forest, and Zulu's body tensed below C.J.'s feet. The rushing sounds of a nearby river mixed with faint voices, and C.J. involuntarily leaned her body towards the unfamiliar and unknown. She glanced at Richard, remembering his earlier reprimand at her bounding into danger without any thoughts to their safety, and loosened the tightness of her shoulders. [color=goldenrod]"I think there may be other trainers just a little ways in, should we go investigate?"[/color] Her eager eyes betrayed her obedient smile as she rocked back and forth on her heels, waiting for confirmation from Richard. Zulu looked to the other Ekans and shook his head slightly. [color=purple]I don't like where thisss is going. Caterpiesss are one thing, but I doubt we'll be assss lucky up ahead. Besssst to keep our guardssss up.[/color]

[@supertinyking][@Masterkeun]