[PKMN] SPACE CASE!

[skinstealer]

 

LAST TIME...on SPACE CASE!
Our heroes arrived in Pewter City, only to find it under new management...Eerie and Minerva both seem pretty familiar with the gang taking over, but to what end? And who's this new bellsprout insisting on coming along?

And how does Stretch handle its first coaching session? Find out in:

EPISODE 4: TEAM BONDING

---

You blearily open your eyes.

MINERVA: Good morning!

 

You jump, getting a reassuring wing-squeeze in return. Her enormous mouth is open in a warm smile, dangerously close to pulling you into it.


....
.....she wouldn't eat you, right?


No, she- would have done that by now.
Probably.

MINERVA: Did you sleep alright?

 

You poke at your eyes, irritated at the moisture there-


-but you definitely feel comfortable, arms still wrapped tightly around her.

STRETCH: ...yeah.
MINERVA: Good....

 

She rests her head on top of yours, humming against you.

MINERVA: You're soft.
STRETCH: ...eh?
STRETCH: No I'm not.
MINERVA: Yes, you are.
MINERVA: Vibrations make you all fuzzy....

 

Blush covers your face, shoving your head in her chest.

STRETCH: We should probably get ready....
MINERVA: Just a while longer...

 

You relent, not going to protest as she massages your back.

MINERVA: ...last night was fun.
STRETCH: Mmmmm...

 

It takes you a moment to remember.

STRETCH: Hhhhhah-
STRETCH: oh god
STRETCH: ohhhh godddd
MINERVA: Mm, you enjoying yourself-?
STRETCH: yes yeah oh god-
MINERVA: You certainly don't have much issue making noise now...
STRETCH: ohhgodplease
MINERVA: You like the added heft?

 

You had realized the real benefit of giving Minerva your blood.

STRETCH: fuckfuckfucking god-
MINERVA: Maybe we should try immediately after a big feed, mmm?
STRETCH: yes, please, oh god-







 

You press your face into your hands.

STRETCH: oh god
MINERVA: We didn't do any blood drinking!
MINERVA: Or biting!
MINERVA: And we technically only used-
STRETCH: ohhhh goddddddddd
MINERVA: Plenty for later!
STRETCH: nnnooooooo
MINERVA: And your voice is so cute-!

 

You snap up to look at her.

Her smile is genuine.

MINERVA: I'd love to hear more sometime.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: Ah.
STRETCH: Are.
STRETCH: Hm.

 

You swallow.

STRETCH: I.
STRETCH: Can try.
MINERVA: At your pace!
MINERVA: But....
MINERVA: It helps to know what draws it out of you!

 

She lets that sink in as she unwraps herself, your body floating out of her grasp.

MINERVA: I'm off to the shower!
STRETCH: ....

 

You're left sitting on the bed, exhaling as you realize you have more to clean up.

STRETCH: Right.





 

You're brushing your teeth as Minerva gets dressed, already irritated at your gums bleeding and the toothbrush gently vibrating in a way that feels wrong on contact. You were never very good at this, but...

Well.

You. Probably shouldn't have bad breath now. Or gross tongue feeling.


On principle.

MINERVA: How do I look?

 

You turn, only to choke on on the foam building in your mouth.




Your golbat party member had put on a battling bodysuit, her legs squeezed into tight spandex leggings and a criss-cross top. Her formerly flat chest had a slight bump to it, matching the bit of weight that'd settled around her thighs since digesting your weight in blood.

STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: Ah-
STRETCH: Wheeeere did you geeeeet thaaaat?

 

Your voice comes out strained, unable to get the words out in any normal, non-flustered fashion.

MINERVA: Well-
MINERA: I figure if we're training, I'd need something other than a dress!
MINERVA: Hardly fighting clothes.

 

She does a little twirl, your throat feeling uncomfortably toothpaste-y as your eyes follow her little tail.

STRETCH: Looks.
STRETCH: Good.
STRETCH: Hh.
MINERVA: Yay!







FROND: Hey bud, what took you so long?!

 

Frond bounces up to you, his characteristic smile wide on his face.

STRETCH: I-
MINERVA: It just took a bit long in the shower, that's all!

 

You avoid meeting either of their eyes, staring straight ahead.

Long showers were normal. It was normal and. Not suspicious or gym wear related.

You're trying to tell yourself that because the entire group is tightly clad with very little left to the imagination.




Both you and Minerva had set yourself up with regulation protective cups, looking relatively covered up and avoiding any sort of dick injury-related incidents.
You had opted into the standard tank top and tight gym shorts fit that you learned to train in, and that was fine.


It was fine.


It was normal and Minerva wasn't looking at your ass.


No one was. Just like how you weren't looking at Eerie wearing a unitard-like bodysuit, her legs completely exposed.

FROND: Good to be getting ready for an actual match!

 

Frond stretches, his sports bra giving you a rare view of his bust, short shorts not helping in the lower body department either.

FROND: No more messing around with jerks in the woods...

 

You discover fresh hells every day now.

EERIE: We can't do an "actual match" until we figure out training, remember?
EERIE: Gotta catch up to buzzy boy over here.

 

You pretend not to hear that.

STRETCH: ....I can oversee it.
STRETCH: Pairs will be best-
STRETCH: Two on two will let us gauge ability and understand what we're working with.
FROND: It'll be great!
FROND: Used to do this all the time back in college...

 

He pauses, looking around.

FROND: Where's the other guy, anyway?
EERIE: Must have given up.
MINERVA: Shame...they were very enthusiastic!
STRETCH: ....not sure if I'd call it that...

 

You squint, seeing a figure push open the center doors.

STRETCH: There.

 

The tiny bellsprout from earlier shuffles towards the group, still wearing their coat and beanie. Barely anything visible of their body, it's hard to make out anything about them aside from their telltale plant mouth.

...that is, until they start talking, and you see it lined with teeth.

FILIGREE: I made it.
EERIE: Didn't get the memo?
EERIE: We're practicing while wearing the real deal.
EERIE: Legit uniforms, legit training arena-



 

The bellsprout sighs, unzipping their coat and giving the team a look.





They're thicker than any bellsprout you've ever seen, nowhere close to the spindly build you would have expected. A full coverage bodysuit ends just before a line of thorns on their neck- almost resembling a collar.

FILIGREE: ...I know how this works.
FILIGREE: I just...

 

They glance around the center, wincing at some wandering eyes.

FILIGREE: Don't really...like showing things off.

 

Their caution seems to seep into everyone else, yourself very much included- not even at your own individual bodies, but everyone seems to be scoping each other out now.

EERIE: ...
EERIE: We
EERIE: Should probably not be standing here.
FROND: We're gonna be on TV anyway!
EERIE: Little different when it's a cool fight, dude!
FROND: This is a warmup!
EERIE: For what, getting ogled-
FILIGREE: please keep your voices down




 

The training ground was quieter than you had seen it as a kid, formerly a bustling place for people to spar and practice. It's not too different from the outdoor fields you'd used back in college, ideal for avoiding any possible ceiling or wall damage- but not so great for dealing with weather conditions. God knows how many sessions got interrupted by impromptu thunderstorms, sending all but the water and grass types scattering.

MINERVA: Soooo....
MINERVA: Stretch, you and Frond trained together, right?
FROND: Yeah! Went to the same university and everything.
FROND: Eerie, you were there too-
EERIE: Just for some light classes.

 

Her answer is brisk.

EERIE: Bare minimum to get the license.
EERIE: ....wanted to do shit aboveboard.

 

She coughs, immediately going for a deflection.

EERIE: How'd you get your card anyway- you don't look the type to get into fighting.
MINERVA: Oh!
MINERVA: Self defense courses!
FILIGREE: ...same here.
EERIE: Huh.
EERIE: Didn't think those outright give you the ID.
STRETCH: It's a necessity.

 

People turn to you.

STRETCH: You need an ID to battle in public areas, regardless of your motivations.
STRETCH: When legalization got involved, there were cases of people fighting back with powers qualifiable as moves when they didn't have the registration...
FROND: And they got smacked for it.
STRETCH: Mm.
FROND: Me and Stretch may have gotten our papers through college, but that's more so we can come in swinging right out the gate.
STRETCH: It's a head start.
STRETCH: Battling IDs are only issued to adults, and anything like sparring between kids, especially in public-
FROND: Is parental responsibility.
STRETCH: Mmmmmm.
MINERVA: ....what if the parents don't have good intentions, though?
MINERVA: Or- with the self defense clause-
STRETCH: Exactly how you think.

 

Your voice is colder than you intend, but you don't think you could have softened it.

STRETCH: .....
MINERVA: I-

 

She hesitates, folding her wings.

MINERVA: ...I understand.




 

You pay for your training time and head into an arena, the chain link cage surrounding it feeling deeply familiar. Minerva seems fascinated by the ground's texture, tapping at it with her toes.

FROND: Didn't have regulation-standard back with your courses?
MINERVA: Oh!
MINERVA: Oh, no.
MINERVA: It was safety mats only.
STRETCH: These are technically safe too.
STRETCH: Just-

 

You set your bag to side, against the far corner.

STRETCH: More reactive to move usage.
STRETCH: Mats meant for softer training, or battling for play, are nullifying.
FROND: And ones for competitive challenges change to fit the moves used on them.
FROND: You wanna get stuff looking cool!
FROND: Earthquakes, geysers, the works!

 

You point to the high ceiling, another mat laid on the inside of the cage.

STRETCH: Ceilings are usually just nullified and reinforced.
STRETCH: Keeps the building from falling apart.
MINERVA: And the walls?

 

She points to the mock-audience stands, even featuring cutouts.

STRETCH: Psychic barriers, usually.
FROND: Lets people get a taste of the action without any risk!
FROND: Like getting splashed at an aquarium show.
FILIGREE: Or a ball going into the audience-
FILIGREE: Sports. Like how they do in sports.
FROND: Exactly!
FROND: One guy's rock throw is another's pebble souvenir!
EERIE: ...isn't that just shrapnel?
FROND: Shrapnel...with a story.
EERIE: Beats me why people would risk getting beaned in the eye without a good reason.
FROND: It's the thrill!
EERIE: Yeah, and you can experience that plenty on TV.
FILIGREE: It's-

 

They try to raise their voice as they set their coat next to your pack.

FILIGREE: It's a very different experience.
FILIGREE: Gyms are structured to be just as much of an event for spectators as they are for the battlers.
FILIGREE: Designing them, it's a whole...

 

They shrink when they turn around to see all of your party's eyes on them.

FILIGREE: it's a whole thing.
MINERVA: Well!
MINERVA: I would love to hear about that!
EERIE: When we're not on a timer.
MINERVA: ...fair point!

 

Her smile seems to calm the bellsprout down all the same, and you all huddle to discuss.





First things first-


Looking over Filigree and Minerva's movesets and IDs.

You feel the slightest bit of pride seeing Minerva's typing- fire/grass, just as you predicted. Granted, the pride is immediately overridden with shame by how you figured that one out, but...

Maybe a little bit of confidence remained. Noticing anatomy is noticing typing, and that made for winning fights.

Filigree, however-

EERIE: Fire/fighting?
EERIE: Seriously?

 

Filigree sighs, tapping one of itheir roots against its "calve" as they adjust their leaf hair.

FILIGREE: I know I don't look it.
FILIGREE: My parents are the same way, and they got all.
FILIGREE: Cactus-y.
FILIGREE: It'll likely be same for me, and it keeps people guessing.
STRETCH: It's good.

 

They smile-

STRETCH: One move, though.
EERIE: Like you have more than two.
STRETCH: ....I just want to see it.

 

They hand it over, standing tall.

Body slam, just like Minerva....

You look them up and down again. Sure, they were thicker than a standard bellsprout, but- how much could it possibly do?

They stay standing up straight even with the nervous expression on their face..

FILIGREE: In my classes, I almost needed to be upgraded to a proper battle course.
FILIGREE: I hit very, very hard.
EERIE: Let's see it, then.

 

She stomps over to a pile of training equipment, pulling out a punching log and setting it up straight.

EERIE: Go ahead.
EERIE: Prove it.

 

The bellsprout breathes in, approaching and taking a moment to focus-


-before jumping and ramming it with their full weight, more of a shoulder tackle than Minerva's hip check.

The log immediately goes down, hitting the ground with a distinct beep- an indication of high damage move usage.

EERIE: Well, I'll be damned.
FROND: AWESOME

 

He runs over, excitedly looking over the bellsprout and trying to find whatever secret they were hiding.

FROND: You gotta teach me how to do that!
FILIGREE: uhh
FROND: I'll show you everything I know!
EERIE: Like what, sleeping?
FROND: TACTICAL sleeping.

 

The rest of Minerva's moveset is-

Well-


You're familiar.

FROND: Body slam, stomp, tail whip, thunder wave-
FROND: Nice job on the whole set!
MINERVA: Thank yooou!
MINERVA: I was lucky enough to find something that worked all together!
STRETCH: It's good.
STRETCH: Stats are high, too.
STRETCH: We can work with this.

 

She's glowing from your praise, tail twitching pleasantly. You try not to watch it.

....your ID, however, gets scrutiny.

FROND: Duuude!
FROND: Where'd you get those numbers?!
FROND: We've been at this for like, two days!

 

You stare directly ahead.

STRETCH: No idea.
EERIE: Uh huh.
STRETCH: Nn.

 

Eerie leans over to analyze more directly, deliberately playing it up.

EERIE: Space case over here's done some training on the sly.
EERIE: Trying to show us up?
STRETCH: N-no, of-
STRETCH: Of course not!
STRETCH: That would- it'd be a shit fight.
STRETCH: They like equal participation!
STRETCH: Just as important as winning!
EERIE: Doesn't explain that big ol' jump.

 

You grumble something under your breath.

EERIE: What's that?

 

She leans in further.

STRETCH: it was an accident.
EERIE: Ahhh.
EERIE: I see. I see.
EERIE: As long as that little-

 

Eerie's volume drops as she says it.

EERIE: """""accident""""""
EERIE: Doesn't get in the way-
EERIE: By all means.

 

She rolls her eyes as she steps off, Frond patting you on the lower back.

FROND: She's just jealous, dude.
STRETCH: ...Sure.

 

It's true, though. Your numbers being so much higher than everybody else is going to cause problems at the gym. You had already planned to hang back, period- irritating you to no end- and your best option for the day's pre-gym training would be to act as coach.

It wasn't your first rodeo, at least. Teaching less skilled students was something that fell on you frequently, and was a large part of why your grades were so high. Frills, for how much they drove you nuts, appreciated it...and then proceeded to make you do it more and more.

You could have done without that much pressure, but it would make this easier.

STRETCH: As discussed.
STRETCH: We're going to have you spar in pairs, based on the numbers on your IDs.
STRETCH: Eerie, you're with Frond-
FROND: Whoo!
FROND: Eerie time!
EERIE: ....

 

The rhyhorn looks perplexed at the gloom's enthusiasm, but doesn't protest.

EERIE: S'fair enough.
EERIE: I'll do my best not to kick his ass.
FROND: No, no!
FROND: You should go all out!
FROND: Kick me into the audience!
STRETCH: Please...don't do that.

 

You aren't sure yourself why the two of them are so...casual, but it does sting with how fucking out for you Eerie is.

One more thing for you to wonder about.

STRETCH: Filigree, you and Minerva are together.
FILIGREE: U-
FILIGREE: Uh

 

They look back and forth to you and the massive, politely postured bat.

FILIGREE: she's huge

 

Minerva gives a playful hip sway, her smile gentle.

MINERVA: I promise, I won't let anything go wrong if I can help it!
MINERVA: Besides- a bigger target means you can hold back less, right?
MINERVA: It'll be great for you!
FILIGREE: I...guess so.
FILIGREE: Just don't crush me.

 

You look off to the side, hoping it hides the blush tint on your cheeks.

MINERVA: I cross my heart!

 

The bellsprout pauses, and then laughs.

FILIGREE: You're...real dramatic.
MINERVA: I've been told I have an old soul, I can't help it...
MINERVA: Theatrics are too fun!

 

The arena could easily be used as multiple sparring zones, depending on how you sectioned it off. Setting up cones on the ground to indicate rough limitations to keep in mind was second nature, gauging the distance with your eyes alone.

STRETCH: Even if the arena we'll be working in is probably going to be bigger-
STRETCH: You want to work locally.
STRETCH: Even ranged, you should test how far you can go while still hitting close enough.
STRETCH: Hydro pump can go a long distance, but hitting up close will knock somebody on their ass before they can dodge.
STRETCH: Frond is the only one with a ranged attack right now-
EERIE: Hey!
STRETCH: ...outside of Eerie's smog, which doesn't do much as an actual damage dealer and matters less in terms of positioning.
EERIE: Tch.
STRETCH: It's easier to hit a target when you're not across the arena, too.
STRETCH: Use distance carefully.

 

You step back and take a look at your handiwork, cracking your back in the process. It's still sore from yesterday, but far less brutal. If you kept it chill and kept munching on oran bars while people trained, you'd probably be okay. Old college trick.

STRETCH: Frond and Eerie, on this side. I'll start watching you.
STRETCH: Minerva, Filigree-
STRETCH: Keep it slow until I get over there.
STRETCH: Get a feel for each other's size, analyze.
STRETCH: Eerie and Frond have already done battles together, so...
FILIGREE: R-right.
MINERVA: Of course!





EERIE: Dude, what the fuck?

 

Frond pumps his fists after taking the third bone club to the head.

FROND: Cmon!
FROND: It almost hurt that time!

 

She looks back at you in bewilderment, you gesturing for her to go again.

Frond stumbles, but doesn't hit the ground. The rhyhorn sneers, very clearly frustrated with the immovable potato resisting her apparently stoppable force.

STRETCH: Time.

 

You approach, analyzing the two fighters' stances.

STRETCH: Hhhhohkay.
STRETCH: First.
STRETCH: Frond here's mostly solid, with any vitals heavily protected..
STRETCH: Plant-based mons don't have much in the way of internal organs.
STRETCH: Or, at least- any like yours.
STRETCH: Entirely different bodies.
STRETCH: You're approaching him like a mammal.
EERIE: But-!
EERIE: How the fuck am I supposed to know all that?
EERIE: Studying at the library isn't exactly my idea of getting stronger!

 

You try to steel your nerves as she raises her voice.

STRETCH: You won't need to.
STRETCH: I told you before:
STRETCH: I can beat you.
STRETCH: I did beat you.
EERIE: Watch it-

 

You raise a hand.

STRETCH: And the reason
STRETCH: Is because I know what to look for.
STRETCH: No book needed.
STRETCH: Okay?
EERIE: .....
EERIE: Alright.
EERIE: Fine. Whatever.
EERIE: Teach me your nerd shit.

 

You start by adjusting her posture, distinctly not touching her- Eerie getting sick mid-training would be a nightmare for morale, let alone cleanup if the nausea won out.

STRETCH: I don't have much experience with weapons.
STRETCH: Too unreliable.
STRETCH: I don't want to drop it or have it snatched.
STRETCH: ....but I do know some things from sparring.

 

Her swing isn't bad, but it's clear that when she gets fired up- she's sloppy. The mark of someone trained in basics, but fumbles when the pressure bears down. You guide a more consistent arc, showing her different applications, directions, speeds-

She seems more confident with each bit of praise you give her, even having a bit of excitement in her eyes as she improves. You can't help but wonder if anyone gave her the time to work solo at all, or just...

She said minimum courses. Those were usually group ones, without the kind of individualized coaching you and Frond received. They wanted to get through as many students as possible in the barebones courses-

-and she seems to be thriving in a dedicated one on one.
She notices your irritation, and you shake your head rapidly.

STRETCH: N-
STRETCH: Don't.
STRETCH: Mind me.
STRETCH: Thoughts wandered.
EERIE: Nowhere weird, I hope.
STRETCH: ...no.
STRETCH: Just glad to see you getting into this.

 

She snorts, but more out of amusement than frustration.

EERIE: Now show me how to beat him up.

 

Frond had been sitting and watching in rapt attention, clapping enthusiastically whenever Eerie got a good swing.

FROND: My turn to play punching bag?
EERIE: Don't look so excited.
FROND: I'm just happy to help!

 

You sigh, trying to get it back on the rails.

STRETCH: ...Going to be focusing on parts that actually hurt.
STRETCH: Hitting his main torso is pretty useless with a blunt club.
STRETCH: You'd have to slam him hard enough to cause internal damage-
STRETCH: Not easy.
STRETCH: Even cuts can't pierce him without digging in fast and sharp.
FROND: It's a huge help, honestly.
FROND: Makes my rest strat actually work!
EERIE: Huh.
EERIE: So-
EERIE: Where do I hit him?

 

You approach the gloom, gesturing for him to stand up and let you direct.

STRETCH: When you're dealing with any opponent, you want to identify weakpoints in their defenses.
STRETCH: Joints are very consistent, with many armored mons lacking protection at parts that bend and crease.
STRETCH: ....yourself included.

 

She looks down at her elbows and knees with a frown.

STRETCH: Those are your most tender weak points, and where experienced fighters will try to target.
STRETCH: Behind your head crest, too.

 

You give the spot a gentle poke, barely enough to put pressure on. It's clear even the slight brush is unpleasant...but enough to get the vulnerability across.

EERIE: Urgh...
EERIE: Thought it'd be fine with head blocking...
STRETCH: From the front? Yes.
STRETCH: If you leave the back exposed-
STRETCH: No.
STRETCH: Watch your head position whenever you can.
STRETCH: For Frond, his limbs are less vulnerable to the same kind of blow.
STRETCH: It'll hurt, disorient, and potentially incapacitate his movement...
STRETCH: But there's no bones in there.
STRETCH: If they weren't so thin, you'd be in trouble going for them.
FROND: I'm trying to bulk up, too!
FROND: Get 'em more thick and stompy.

 

You desperately try not to think about Frond's hypothetical figure, thankfully invested enough in the lesson to succeed. For once.

STRETCH: Flowering mons have their weakest points in both the flower itself, and-

 

You point to the part where his buds and head connect.

STRETCH: Right here.
FROND: Pretty tricky angle!
STRETCH: Especially since your buds are tougher than the average.
STRETCH: Stance can counteract almost any weakpoint-
STRETCH: So studying movement- especially for you specifically-
STRETCH: Is just as important as dealing damage.
STRETCH: ...if not moreso.
EERIE: Huh.
EERIE: You really do talk a lot more over shit like this.
STRETCH: ...
STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: It's-
STRETCH: ....an interest of mine.
EERIE: No kidding.
EERIE: ....you're good at it.
EERIE: Thanks.
EERIE: Now lemme whack him.
FROND: WHOO!

 

It takes her some time to adjust to the new instructions, signs of struggle flaring back up as she has to move spontaneously and in reaction to Frond actually moving back. Frond's own swift attacks are perfect for a training session- hurting, but not causing much actual exterior damage.


You watch to make sure they don't overdo it, up until Frond declares he needs a nap.
Neither you or Eerie get to react before he conks out.

You rub your forehead, sighing.

STRETCH: Figures.
STRETCH: When he's asleep, there's another benefit.
STRETCH: Stuff like smog?
STRETCH: Useless when it comes to poison.
EERIE: ...is it really that good of a nap?
STRETCH: Apparently.

 

The two of you stare at his snoring form, blissfully smiling and drooling into the dirt,

STRETCH: ...still, good place to get damage in if you have something that can.
STRETCH: Timing rest strategies involves knowing when to pop it off.
STRETCH: The bulkier they are, the more annoying it's going to get...
STRETCH: And while it's a deep sleep, you can wake them up by accident.
EERIE: Kinda counterproductive when it's a good time to go to town on them.
STRETCH: It's a real strategy for a reason.
STRETCH: We won't have too many potions-

 

She raises her brow at you, which you pointedly ignore.

STRETCH: For the actual fights
STRETCH: So we'll want to be using that carefully as a natural restore option.
STRETCH: If someone can tag in for him, even better.
STRETCH: Use the time where he's snoozing to get a heal in on someone in back, and switch in.
EERIE: ...buying time.
STRETCH: Exactly.

 

She grins, her enthusiasm carrying over to getting some test damage in on the gloom while he snoozes. He eventually wakes up with a large yawn, impressed at the ssoreness left for him.

FROND: Good job!
FROND: You picked up quick.
EERIE: 'course I did.
STRETCH: Let's carry that over to the actual gym.
STRETCH: Your smog attack-
STRETCH: It's good for blasting a large area, but inefficient.

 

Her smile falls.

EERIE: Isn't that how it works?
STRETCH: Largely yes.

 

You gesture for her to point her finger straight forward at Frond.

STRETCH: But you have some kind of hand casting.
STRETCH: Rare.
STRETCH: Practice enough, and you can direct it way easier.
STRETCH: ....less....friendly fire.
EERIE: Huh.

 

She stares at her hand, opening and closing her claws.

EERIE: Worth a shot.
EERIE: Bout time it's good for anything.

 

Frond doesn't seem to take much damage from the attack, more mystified by the mental effects when it does take hold. You chuck him an antidote to keep him from getting too off track and stupid about strategy, and with time, Eerie gets it relatively consistent...for what it is.

STRETCH: It's a gaseous move, so you are going to miss-
STRETCH: And the chances of it really getting into someone's head aren't guaranteed.
STRETCH: If someone can hold their breath or otherwise prevent absorption, it's not worth it.
STRETCH: Risk won't be worth the reward, most times.
STRETCH: ...but it's in your kit.

 

You're surprised to see her lack of immediate irritation at your critique, a slight smile still on her face.

EERIE: Maybe I won't have to use it someday.
STRETCH: We train you up enough-
STRETCH: For sure.
STRETCH: Just hold out for better techniques.

 

The pair returns to the sparring, focusing on exchanging bone club and swifts.



They actually seem like they're having fun-
And you feel at ease.
In your element.
Calm, even.




But this is training. You doubt the gym would rattle you, but better not to take it for granted now.


Time for the other two.




By the time you get over to the other side, a few things are clear.

Minerva and Filigree are far less experienced than the two you'd just worked with.

They also hit each other like speeding trucks.

You can't help but watch in the slightest bit of awe over the bellsprout keeping up so well with Minerva, but even with them needing significantly more recovery time...

Minerva stumbles with every slam landed, looking just as winded herself if not moreso. You're surprised she's being pushed back so easily, and there's visible frustration on her face- an expression you'd long since come to recognize as a new fighter kicking themself.

STRETCH: Time.

 

Both of them startle, immediately stopping the spar and tripping over themselves in the process.

MINERVA: S-stretch!
MINERVA: How, um!
MINERVA: Long have you been watching...?
STRETCH: Not long.
STRETCH: Just wrapped up with Eerie and Frond.
FILIGREE: How're they doing?
STRETCH: Good.

 

You mean it, too.

STRETCH: They should be fine while I coach you two.

 

Minerva fidgets, embarassed and shy as you approach.

STRETCH: Hey.

 

She struggles to meet your eyes.

STRETCH: You're fine.
STRETCH: Both of you have good techniques for self defense-
STRETCH: And we can use that.
STRETCH: You just need help going on the offensive and using your power better.
STRETCH: ...okay?

 

You hesitate before patting her wing, the golbat's expression softening instantly. Filigree's eyes widen, which you distinctly try to pretend you don't see.

MINERVA: Okay....
MINERVA: I'll try.
STRETCH: And-
STRETCH: Filigree.

 

They straighten out, looking nervous as hell.

STRETCH: You hit hard, but you don't have the speed needed for safe close quarters matches.
STRETCH: ...not directly, anyway.

 

You are painfully aware of the height difference as you have to half-squat next to them, gesturing for their posture just as you had for Eerie.

STRETCH: Stay light on your roots.
STRETCH: Your body is thin- a hard target to hit if you keep moving...
STRETCH: But if people can cover more ground than you.
STRETCH: And they will.
STRETCH: You need to be smarter about where you move and when.
STRETCH: Learn how to predict where your opponent will move-
STRETCH: And when you can subvert their own expectations.
STRETCH: Rushing headlong into things may work in your favor so long as they'd never see it coming.
STRETCH: You have the power to back up any strike you get in.
STRETCH: Don't get hit first.
FILIGREE: Got it.

 

Good, no protest. You get the sense that despite their nerves, you won't have much trouble here- an eager learner is one of the best case scenarios, especially if they take critique.

STRETCH: Going to give you both the same advice I gave Eerie.
STRETCH: Most important thing you can learn is your opponent.
STRETCH: Type identification, move analysis-
STRETCH: Anything you can.
FILIGREE: Sounds like a lot to remember...
STRETCH: Comes easier with practice.
STRETCH: Watch.

 

You hover over to Minerva, pausing before she gives you the okay to touch her.

Taking her claws and pulling her wing carefully away from her body, fully extended, feels strangely intimate despite you trying to stay practical. You've never really been able to do demonstrations so hands-on before, considering how sick your touch makes people.

STRETCH: Minerva's wings allow her to get more air mobility-
STRETCH: But are a huge point of vulnerability.
STRETCH: It's bad sportsmanship to permanently damage wing membrane- so don't do it.
STRETCH: That kind of lasting injury can get the whole team's rank docked.
STRETCH: ...and. Like many other things. It looks bad on TV.
STRETCH: But.
STRETCH: It's going to be a point she's going to try and protect.

 

You fold her wing in, and wrap it around her body.

STRETCH: This is a defensive stance used by bat mons.
STRETCH: Wrapping one's wings around themselves risks a fall, but tightens up profile and keeps them from getting as damaged.
STRETCH: This also means-

 

You grab Minerva around the waist, pinning her wings down in a bear hug. She makes a startled squeak that turns your face flushed, coughing to the side.

STRETCH: T-that-
STRETCH: You can immobilize her.
STRETCH: Minerva, that means you have to be careful getting snared.
MINERVA: S-sounds good!

 

She gives you an embarassed look, her face just as flustered as yours. You immediately unlatch, clearing your throat.


it would be
very easy to suggest a locker room break.


But you are coaching and that is a serious matter and if there is

ONE THING IN THIS WORLD

that gets you to stop thinking with your dick
It's this kind of analysis.



Not that the two were mutually exclusive.


Whatever.


Unfortunately though- you aren't done with Minerva.

STRETCH: The other large threat on a golbat is the mouth.

 

You gesture for her to open it, the bat extremely shy when you motion for her to keep going.

STRETCH: ....fully open is the most comfortable position for a golbat's mouth, which means that it doesn't take much for you to get bit.
STRETCH: Get too close and you can get chomped.
STRETCH: Regardless of type, golbats are capable of
STRETCH: uh
STRETCH: Blood.
STRETCH: Drinking.
STRETCH: Which they can do
STRETCH: Extensively. And very quickly.
STRETCH: You do not want them to do that.

 

Get a grip. Get a grip.

Get a grip.

Oh god, they're staring at you.

FILIGREE: R. Right.
STRETCH: ANYWAY
STRETCH: Your biggest weak points are fragility, as mentioned-
STRETCH: But for whatever reason, you're.
STRETCH: Very bulky.
FILIGREE: ...It's genetic.

 

They do not elaborate.

STRETCH: ...right.
STRETCH: You also don't have very good reach-
STRETCH: Or.
STRETCH: Arms.
STRETCH: But bellsprout leaves are sharp, and they'll get sharper.
STRETCH: ...
STRETCH: What's up with the thorns?
FILIGREE: Also genetic.
STRETCH: Any poison?
FILIGREE: ....

 

The plant looks distinctly self conscious.

FILIGREE: S. Sort of.
FILIGREE: It's-
FILIGREE: ...sorry.
FILIGREE: It won't be useful in battle.

 

Hm.
Doesn't look like pressing them will do any good.

STRETCH: One move in your kit is plenty if you use it right.
STRETCH: Minerva-

 

She snaps out of a daydream, rubbing the back of her head.

MINERVA: I-I'm listening!
STRETCH: Your hip checks are good at knocking people down-
STRETCH: And using body weight for thunder wave is doing you even better.
STRETCH: Stomp comparatively won't do much-
STRETCH: But it's a good get off-
STRETCH: Get-off-OF-me-option.

 

You notice your own breath hitching as you speak.




Analysis.
Analysis.
You're doing analysis.




She's meeting your eyes.




YOU ARE DOING ANALYSIS RIGHT NOW YOU ARE



SO BUSY.

STRETCH: You- have guaranteed knockdown and stun options.
STRETCH: Use. Them.
STRETCH: Yes.
STRETCH: H
STRETCH: Uh

 

Save it.
Save it.
You can do this.
Pivot.
You have to give them equal time.


You swallow.

STRETCH: We're going to do some. Dodging drills.
STRETCH: It'd benefit both of you to work with opponents of different sizes.
STRETCH: So.
FILIGREE: ...you....good-?
STRETCH: Yes.

 

You wince.

STRETCH: S-sorry.
STRETCH: Need to.
STRETCH: Clear my head.
STRETCH: Be right back.
STRETCH: Do, stretches or something-
MINERVA: Of course!

 

The look she gives you makes you regret your wording so, so much.