[h3][color=ec5334]Alodi the Delphox[/color][/h3][b][Altepa Desert][/b]

[@MankeyMankey]
Whether or not they should engage before taking shelter was on both of the make-shift exploration team's minds. [color=ec5334][i]If we act first, that will expose Piper to the sand, given she uses her tail to attack. If they notice us, we can always fight them inside of the shelter, that way we can use our full strength... this is of course assuming they do not strike preemptively.[/i][/color]

Needing to make a decision, the Delphox looked to Piper, giving her a nod, [color=ec5334]"Make a run for the stairs. Dodge any and all attacks until we're out of the harsh winds. Let's go!"[/color] With his plan verbalized, the Delphox rushed towards the pair of Pokémon who battled right outside the steps. 

Sprinting towards his objective, the Fox Pokémon managed to slip past the skirmish, seemingly unnoticed. Rushing down the stairs, he'd then observe the strange, open-air shelter. The ruins had been dug deep into the sand, likely originating from a fissure, with walls built up the sides to prevent erosion. The Sandstorm appeared to blow over the ruins, due to the ingenious design. 

Undoing the scarf from his maw, Alodi awaited his partner.