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Dubwool is proud of many things; for example, her trainer and best friend, Hop, of course. She couldn’t be more proud of how much they’ve grown as a team and the heights they reach, and just as excited to see where they still have to go.
She’s proud of the fellow pokemon on her team, and she’s proud of the strengths they have found in and out of battle. Her own niche was found in her defense; given the right strategy and planning, she could tank almost any blow with ease, bouncing back into the battle with hardly a pause.
The only caveat being she needs to be ready for it, of course.
And unfortunately, a raging Steelix hurtling around a bolder towards her trainer did not give her much time to prepare.
They were in the wild area for research, collecting samples of the mud near a common area steel pokemon visited to see if the minerals within impacted the strength of their metal coats. Mundane, relaxing work that had unknowingly brought them into the dangerous pokemon’s territory. Hop’s back was turned, and he had only begun to look towards the noise when Dubwool spotted the rouge pokemon. Even if he had seen the Steelix, he would have only seconds to react, not enough time to save himself from a life ending blow. He’s a human; his weak bones would be crushed in an instant.
Of course she jumped in between them. It diverts the Steelix’s path just enough to miss her trainer.
The impact hits her at an awkward angle, concentrated on her shoulder and right leg, and sends her rocketing back, even with her fluffy wool and defenses raised. She isn’t prepared for the sharp pain, either; it had been a while since she had been in battle with wild pokemon, who are less analytical than those trained for battle and instead rely on brute force and pain. She cries out as she tumbles, horns over hoofs until her trajectory is suddenly stopped when she slams into a tree.
Dubwool’s vision goes to black in an instant.
In the next, she feels hands gently stroking down her face and ears, her head cradled in a familiar lap. She’s not in any notable pain, which is a good sign; Hop must be ok as well then, if he was able to administer aid and potions to her. She blinks her eyes open, not expecting the grogginess that makes the action slower than normal, and looks up at her trainer. He’s not looking at her, instead staring out into the woods from their spot under a rocky overhang, keeping watch.
All the while, he carefully continued to pet her, kind hands massaging and trailing his fingers around her horns. She finally registers the blanket thrown over her back, and what must be Hop’s sleeping bag laid out underneath them, elevating her from the cold stone floor.
Dubwool glances to the side; surrounding them is the whole team, all standing guard. Nearest is Zacian, sword in teeth and near motionless except for the way her ears flick every few seconds, analyzing every sound. If Dubwool was to guess, the legendary pokemon was likely the one to handle the Steelix after she was knocked out.
She lets her eyes close again, snuggling closer to her trainer despite her soreness. To keep him safe, it’s all worth it.