[Jack Ward]

Jack was reaching the limits of training Rio. Jack didn't know any Martial Arts, and Rio was quickly outpacing anything that Jack could research. He figured that having another Fighting-type around would probably help out a bit.

As usual, he decides to leave Ryu, Flash, and Sol behind to safeguard the Academy while he was away briefly. During his trek, he lets Rio and Rawly out to explore.

[Looking for Mienfoo.]

[Kitten4u]

Behold!



Species: Mienfoo
Gender: Female
Ability: Inner Focus
~Moves~
Quick Guard
Jump Kick
Reversal
Double Slap

[Jack Ward]

The trio stop to rest for a bit after they reach a cave. However, the cave echoes with the sound of tiny fists hitting rocks.

"Ri?" Rio takes off into the cave.

As Rio disappears from sight, Rawly's child-like voice enters Jack's mind. "Rio said he's going to see what that sound is. But you already know, ne?"

"Sigh. I'm not sure exactly, but I'm pretty sure it's a Fighting-type practicing. If you pay close enough attention, you can hear a pattern to the strikes." Jack stands back up and walks further into the cave. "Rio? Be careful!"

"Hm. A Mienfoo? She sounds cute. Can we play with her Jack? Huh, can we?" Rawly grabs Jack's pant leg and tugs on it. He reaches down and puts her on his shoulders.

He smiles in response, but shakes his head. "I don't know about you, but Rio seems like he'd be able to handle whatever she threw at him. I'll let you watch whatever happens, though."

"Awwww... But I wanna play, Jack! Please?" About that time, the two Fighting-types come into view. "Rio~~ Let me play, too, Rio~"

Rawly tries to jump down, but Jack doesn't let go. Rawly seems to pout a bit, but stays on his shoulders. "Just watch, Rawly. Just watch for now. And relay for me, please?"

"Fine... They're just greeting right now." As sure as Rawly said it, the pair didn't seem to do much. Suddenly, they both take a stance. Rio's was sloppy, as usual, but the Mienfoo's was as sure as could be. She definitely looked like she had experience in battling. Slowly but surely, Rio's form began to tighten up. "Mienfoo is fixing Rio's stance. Awwww~ That's so cute~"

Jack chuckles. The child-like Pokémon on his shoulders was obviously having fun. "See? Glad I told you to stay and just watch?" The sound of Jack's voice startled the Mienfoo. She turns to them, still in her stance.

"She's saying to go away. This is her only warning. Aw. That's not very cute. You're being mean, Mien!"

"Mien? I like that name, actually..." Jack kneels down and places Rawly on the floor. "It's okay, Mien. I'm not gonna hurt you. I'm just here to watch Rio and make sure he doesn't get himself hurt. I will go sit on that rock over there against the wall, but I won't move after that. I promise."

"She doesn't trust you, Jack. She's being mean still! Can't we just leave her alone now?" Rawly was hugging Jack's leg, clinging tightly to the familiar person.

"Then how about this? Using what you just taught him, you and Rio spar. If he wins, you join my team and the two of you can grow stronger. Together. If you win, I'll leave that decision up to you, but I'll leave you alone. Sound fair, Mien?"

The Mienfoo just stares at Jack and Rawly. After a few moments, she nods. The whole time, Rio was looking off into nothing, seeming admiring the rock walls. "Mien!" The sudden noise startles Rio back into his sloppy stance, but he quickly fixes was Mien had taught him.

The pair circle around each other, as if dancing to silent music. Suddenly, Mien jumps at Rio and kicks him. Riolu quickly counters with a jumping uppercut, landing a weak blow on Mien. "Is that all you got, Rio? Use the fire kick! You're good with that one!"

"Was that... Sky Uppercut just now? I guess Ken passed that one on, too. Cool."

The two fighters both hit each other in the chest. It seemed like they both hit vital spots. Rio was knocked back further than Mien was, but Mien grimaced. "Mienfoo said that Rio's Force Palm paralyzed her. Rio took a lot of damage though. Did she get a critical hit?"

"Probably. That was a good attack on both sides, though. I almost didn't see Mien's second and third attacks. Too bad we humans couldn't learn some of these moves."

Mien looks like she was examining Rio more closely now. He obviously knew more unique moves than she did. "She asked how Rio knows some of his attacks."

"That's easy. Good trainers can bring out the best moves a Pokémon has. If you join us, you can learn more as well."

Mien takes a deep breath and exhales, relaxing her stance. She bows to Rio, who looks confused. "She says she'll join us, but if she wants to be able to leave if she isn't getting better."

Jack smiles. "Come on, Rio, Rawly. Shall we welcome Mien to the team together?" Rio's ears perk up and his eyes seem to light up. He runs over to Mien and throws his arms around her. Jack holds out a Pokéball to Mien. "Welcome to the team, Mien. Let's go home."