[h1][center][color=0072bc]Ty Westgrove[/color][/center][/h1]

[h3][center][color=0072bc]Mesalon Pokecenter ---> Mesalon Gym[/color][/center][/h3]

Ty nodded in agreement as Amber discussed trying the grape trick for some of the other bladed Pokémon in the group.

[color=0072bc]"I think any of them could already start working with something still,"[/color] the punk trainer added. [color=0072bc]"Something small and soft like strawberries. It's cool to find ways to train your Pokémon without any real bloodshed. Only juice-shed."[/color]

While the group began walking toward the gym, joined by a new trainer who seemed to know some of them, Ty envisioned epic blade-fighting scenes between their Pokémon. Armored warriors sword-fighting alongside their companions, the stark ring of clashing blades, a Mega Charizard spewing fire and smoke in the background. Ty relished the thought and the way it helped take his mind off his Scyther's near miss.

Ty snapped back to reality as he noticed Aedre begin speaking to him.

[color=0072bc]"Ty Westgrove,"[/color] he responded to the greeting, extending a hand for a firm handshake. [color=0072bc]"Stunt Pokémon Trainer. Well... future."[/color]

Ty nodded politely at the Pokémon Aedre introduced. His expression turned contemplative as she asked about Reaper.

[color=0072bc]"Yeah, I caught him not too far from here,"[/color] he began. [color=0072bc]"Weird to see one as close to civilization as he was. Didn't seem to be doing very well there, either. He was already hurt when I spotted him, and luckily, a Sing was able to put him over the edge."[/color]

Ty frowned down at Reaper's pokeball and sighed.

[color=0072bc]"I wish I had a more epic story,"[/color] Ty admitted. [color=0072bc]"Reaper probably thinks I cheated. That I'm too weak to catch him fair and square. He can get cranky if I try to tell him to hold back. He [i]has[/i] been getting better about that lately, but I'm worried this last incident might set him back..."[/color] 

Ty walked quietly for a minute, gears turning to try to put an optimistic spin on this. Then he shrugged with a light smile.

[color=0072bc]"Or maybe, it means his behavior has gotten pretty good. He looked like he felt really bad about his mistake and walked away instead of arguing about it."[/color]

[color=0072bc]"But anyway, YOUR turn!"[/color] Ty addressed Aedre. [color=0072bc]"How did you get your sword Pokémon? And what kind of research do you do? I'm not much of a book smarts person, but researchers like you really help the rest of us out."[/color]

The leather-clad trainer expected the self-proclaimed researcher to babble ceaselessly about science stuff that sounded like it would be interesting if only he could hope to understand it. It was okay if he could only smile and nod, though. His fellow traveler might enjoy the chance to build up some camaraderie, and it would pass the time while they approached the gym.