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Wrangling was a difficult profession.

Granted, that was true for most professions on the Unovan frontier. Ranchers had to deal with ornery herds of Tauros alongside pokemon rustlers and thieves. Lawmen had to keep the peace where they could, be it in town or the wilds, and faced constant threat from outlaws and gangs. Wandering wielders and cowboys had to deal with the dangers of the wild and society alike, living on the edge of life and death each and every day.

Life could end in a moment for all of them. Someone saying the wrong thing to the wrong person led to a corpse hanging from a tree. An argument over an unsettled bet could lead to a shootout in the bar. A cowboy getting too close to an Alpha's territory could lead to another missing poster pinned to a board. Out here on the edge of civilization, there were so many ways to go in only a few moments.

No job illustrated that fact more than the job of a Wrangler. It was a job that only the fittest, quickest, or smartest people could manage for any length of time. The reason for that? The same reason so many other jobs were dangerous: Pokemon. Most jobs involved pokemon in some way, shape, or form. A sheriff might have a Lucario at his side to help dole out justice. A rancher might have a grass-type or two to help manage their property and keep the herds in line. A cowboy practically required a partner to survive out in the wilds. Wranglers worked to provide those partners.

Wranglers had a rather simple job, in theory: they just had to go out in the wilds, capture wild pokemon, and tame them. Then, once the pokemon was tame, they could sell them to people looking for partners. The issue with that laid in the fact it was simple in theory.

Wrangling was dangerous. The wild pokemon of the old countries know of the tradition of the wielder, and play along with the song and dance. Duels between a wielder's pokemon and themselves, to KO or to capture. This was not the old countries- out here, in the frontier, pokemon were more than willing to go for the kill. They aimed for the wielder, they used dirty tricks, and they were more than willing to do anything to win.

It was rough. It was wild. It was deadly.

But gods above did it pay well.

It was the pay and risk that brought many into the profession. And it was the pay and risk that led many into the grave. But for those that could manage the work? Who could successfully battle and capture a pokemon, and then work them into something worth having as a partner? They made more cash in one capture than most made in months.

But just like anyone out on the frontier, they needed partners too.

---

The man slammed back a glass of whiskey before slamming it back down onto the counter. “I'm telling ya, Min, life ain't ever looked this damn good! Not one, not two, but three easy jobs in a row- my luck ain't ever been better!"

Minato, a short and stout man from Kanto and owner of the bar, nodded along quietly as he cleaned a mug. He wasn't too talkative of a man most days, but that worked fine. “Sounds like it, Joseph. Refill?"

“Oh, fuck yes! Came here to celebrate, didn't I?" He slid the glass across the counter, spinning to face the rest of the saloon as Minato filled him back up. It was a slow day in town, and an even slower day in the bar. Hell, he couldn't see a single other person in the room! Just empty tables and glasses for as far as the eye could see. Which wasn't far, really- it wasn't the biggest saloon in town.

“So, what's the talk 'round town, Minny?", he asked with a grin as he turned back around.

The older man shot him a look. “My name's Minato, boy. Use it."

Joseph held his hands up for a moment. “Alright, alright, I gotcha… but that ain't answering the question. What's the talk?"

Minato stared for a moment, before sighing and sliding the glass back to him. “Ain't much, right now. That cityboy- Clint, think he was? Got himself thrown inna cell again."

Joseph snorted, taking a quick swig of his drink. “Now that ain't a surprise whatsoever. What he done this time?"

“Jameson caught him sneaking out with his daughter. The man called the sheriff, and now's they got the kid in a cell."

“Hot damn. Kid's ballsy, I'll give 'em that. They gonna let 'em out soon?"

Minato nodded. “Probably. Don't think he's gonna get more than a talkin', really. Jameson's a good man, but he's a protective father, him. Clint ain't a bad kid, and his daughter seems to really like 'em."

“Consider me surprised. Never thought the cityboy'd get anywhere with her." Leaning back, Joseph slammed down the rest of his shot. “Hear anything else interestin', boss?"

“Well… don't know if you've heard, but Deputy Blaine's wormfood as'a yesterday," Minato remarked with a grimace.

Joseph paused. “Get outta here- the old man's a goner?" Confusion overtook his features as he slid the glass back to the bartender. “Thought he was doing well? Seemed twice as spry as some of the younger boys."

The man cracked a wry grin. “Oh, he was- better than most. But the tricky thing is, even the healthiest man don't usually stay upright when he got a rock lodged in his skull."

Understanding dawned. “Wait a minute- you tellin' me he went by Old Betty's den?"

Minato nodded. “Yep. He got a big head and thought he could play Wrangler. His head ain't so big no more, thanks to her."

Joseph frowned, catching the glass once more as it slid his way. “Well, shit. That's a real damn shame- the old man still owed me fer last week."

“A deputy's dead and yer more worried about getting paid?" The older man shook his head, chuckling to himself. “Never change, Joseph. Never change."

“I'll try," he responded with a grin. “Really, though, that's his own fault. Even I ain't got the nerve to mess with her. She's a feisty one, and more deadly than she's worth. Didn't I tell the town about 'er?"

“Ya did."

“That man shoulda listened, then. Would've lived longer," he lamented.

“Should've, could've, didn't. And now, he's a goner."

“I'll give 'em a prayer tonight, then." Taking a sip of his now-refilled glass, the man let out a sigh. “So that's that- anything else come to mind, Min?"

The bartender began to shake his head, then paused after a moment. His jaw set as he looked off to the side, tapping a finger on the bar as he considered something. Then, a small grin began to work its way onto his face. “Maybe. Maybe so."

Joseph recognized the look. It had to be his favorite: Everytime the bartender made it, he always ended up leaving the bar with a new job and a new client. “Well… now you've got me interested, Minato. What's the talk?"

Minato placed down the glass he had been drying, fixing his look on Joseph. “See, I've heard a thing or three from some people heading down from Lacunosa. Quite a few people coming down from there been complainin' about a 'mon out on the trails causing them some grief."

The Wrangler grinned. “I'm likin' where this is going."

“I thought ya might," the old man replied with a grin. “Now, word is that this 'mon ain't the usual fare. Apparently, they're an Absol of all things."

An Absol? Now that caught his attention. “Call me surprised- thought they weren't big fans of the heat?"

“I thought so too, but apparently one's hanging around near the mountain." The man shrugged. “But word is, it's been messing with folks going through that little valley near the route."

“Dead Man's Ridge, right?" He questioned.

“The same. Now, if that ain't interestin' enough, I've heard that it ain't just a normal Absol. It's something even better."

Joseph raised a brow. “And what could be better than an Absol?"

The bartender leaned in, beckoning the man closer. “How about an Alpha?"

He froze. “You're kiddin'. An Alpha?"

“I ain't. And if that wasn't good enough, it's a lass too."

Things were just starting to sound better and better the longer he listened. “A female Alpha Absol, eh? Now that is a real damn catch right there. What's the word on 'er?"

Minato leaned back, his grin widening just a little further. “Well, folks have been saying they want her gone, and I've heard that a few cowboys tried their luck with her."

“And?"

“They came back bloodied or didn't come back at all."

She sounded perfect. “I see, I see… anything you can tell me about her?"

“I can tell ya she's got a big mouth on her and an ego to match," he quipped. “Sorta like you, really."

Joseph chuckled to himself, downing the rest of his glass. “That a fact? Well… sounds to me like she'll be a good catch, then. Know anyone looking to buy?"

The stout man shot him a look. “You ain't foolin' me none, Joseph. Ain't nobody lookin' to buy, and I know fer a fact you've been lookin' fer a partner."

“Maybe I have," he remarked with a grin. “You think she'd be a good match, then?"

“Do you even need to ask that?" Minato replied with a flat look.

“Suppose I don't! Right, then…" Pushing himself up from the bar, he shot a look the bartender's way. “Where's she hang out in the valley? I think she and I need to have a little chat."

Minato paused again, looking off to the side with a thoughtful look. “If I remember right… She likes to hang out by the river, from what people have been saying. About halfway into the valley, off to the right?"

Joseph nodded. “Got it. Don't suppose you could put today on my tab?"

“As long as you pay it, I ain't got no complaints. Good luck, pal."

“I don't need luck. I got skill."

---

There was a certain beauty in the untamed wilderness.

Now, to the average layman, they see nothing but a wild wasteland. A place filled with monsters waiting to kill them at every step. A wild land that needed civilization brought to it, come hell or high water. Joseph? He couldn't agree.

When he looked around, he saw the beauty of a world almost untouched by man. Winding valleys that hid all sorts of gems and rare views into the world. Ancient homelands of tribes and clans both human and pokemon, simply waiting to be found and appreciated. Forests and trails that hid challenges and opponents one simply couldn't find in the “civil" world. It is something to be appreciated and admired- from a safe distance for those that weren't capable of traversing it, and from within for those who were.

And so, as he stood at the entrance to Dead Man's Ridge, he simply took a moment to appreciate the sight before him.

It was a rather standard valley, by most measures. Two high walls of stone and dirt on either side of it, with a river running down the middle and plenty of space on the banks for anyone going through. On the right side lay a rough-hewn road in the dirt, made by hundreds of travelers over the years. On the left, plenty of plants and shrubbery. The river was pristine, and he could easily see the Basculin swimming through it.

Add in the pleasantly cool temperature and the high noon sun, and he was set for today's expedition. With a grin, he began his trek into the valley and considered what he knew of his mark.

From what Minato had said, she was a female Alpha Absol. That meant a few things right off the bat; She was going to be big, she was going to be tough, and most importantly, she was going to be prideful. It would pose a few issues: he couldn't reliably pin her, she was going to be able to take plenty of punishment, and he would need a silver tongue to convince her to give in. Granted, the chance he could actually talk her down was likely next to none- it was usually with wildlings.

She lived midway through the valley, next to the river. Not a horrible spot for a showdown, but if he fell in the river, he'd been in trouble. She could likely do him easily if he was focused on swimming, so he'd need to make sure he didn't fall in. Just as well, however, he could easily get her exhausted if he got her into the water and jumped on. By the time she got to land, she'd be exhausted- perfect for a little convincing.

He likely wasn't going to be able to call for help if things went bad or he got too hurt. That wasn't new, but you could sometimes get lucky if it was in the right place. Dead Man's Ridge was not the right place, especially not at this time of year.

And finally, she was willing to get violent, and had supposedly killed a cowboy or two. This would be risky, but worth it. He just needed to get her tired.

As he slid down a small slope along the path, another thought hit him. If he managed this hunt of his, he'd probably end up walking out of this valley with a pokemon partner. His first pokemon partner.

A frown came to his face. He had been lucky in his career thus far- he'd managed to get by without a partner. But that luck wasn't going to last forever. Eventually, he would encounter a mark he couldn't handle by himself, and if he didn't have a partner by then, he'd be a dead man.

He needed to succeed today. If he didn't, he might as well call it quits today. Skill wasn't going to be enough on its own to keep him going forever. He knew he could rely on it, sure, but as much as it pained him to admit it... there were things out there that human skill alone wouldn't be enough to handle.

Joseph paused. He was a fair ways up the river now, and it wouldn't be long before he hit the middle of the valley. Up until now, the valley had been rather peaceful. He could see the places where pokemon had been, and even been lucky enough to spot the occasional wildling on the other side of the bank.

But the air felt different here. It felt more… heavy. Hostile. And he couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't quite alone anymore along the road. Which could only mean one thing…

He smirked. Seems his mark decided to come to him. The question was simply where she was.

As it turned out, he found out only a moment later. The air behind him whistled, and Joseph only had a moment to throw himself to the floor before a blade of pure energy sliced through where he used to be and impacted the ground in front of him. He threw an arm up to block his eyes as the dirt was sent flying in every direction, the point of origin all but obliterated from reality. He was quick to turn around and face the source of the blade, the smirk on his face growing strained as he saw his mark.

There, atop a ridge he had passed just moments ago. She bore a coat of the purest white, marred only by the stains of dirt and grime that came with living in the wild, the blue skin beneath visible only on her face and horn. Though pristine, it was still the coat of a wildling: it was rough and scruffy, and longer than that of an owned pokemon. It hung down along her midsection and down to her claws, almost hiding the long and sharpened blades beneath it.

Her coat did nothing to hide her size, however- if anything, it accentuated it. She stood more than twice the height of any Absol he had seen before, and it would not be unfair to compare her to the size of your average Rapidash. Nor would it be unfair to compare her musculature to one either. Even from a distance, he could see the curves on each leg, the definition on her front and back. She was strong, as was fitting for an Alpha.

From up upon her perch, she stared down at him with an almost-unreadable look to her. Yet within it, he could pick up hints of what he knew to be there. The slightest hint of a smirk that threatened, the tint of satisfaction she could not hide from her eyes, and a stance that radiated neither caution nor worry. He was certain of it: she was proud.

His work put him into contact with many pokemon over the years. It had started all those years back on that lonely ranch in what used to be the front of the wilds. He had first noticed it while working with the owner to herd their Bouffalant towards the more civilized portions of Unova.

It was common knowledge amongst those who worked with pokemon both tame and wild that they were intelligent creatures. Though their mindsets were often not attuned to that of humanity, one could clearly see the thoughts in their eyes and the reasons behind their actions if they bothered to look.

The thing about that was the fact that pokemon were, in fact, not equal in terms of intelligence. A Weedle could never comprehend what a human could, and even the most adept of humanity would never compare to the mind of an Alakazam. The intelligence and reasoning of one pokemon may be on the same level as a feral dog, while the next may have its own culture and society that developed separate from humanity.

When he looked into the eyes of his mark, he could see that same spark of intelligence he saw in his fellow man. Perhaps even more, by his own estimation. She was smart, and she was proud–dangerous. Perhaps that's why those who came before him were either driven off or driven into the dirt. They may have expected the intelligence of an animal. He knew better than that.

Slowly, but surely, she began her descent from the ridge. She took her time with the climb- each step was calculated, yet relaxed in its decision all the same. The rocks and dirt barely shifted under her weight, and only a scant few stones were dislodged when she jumped the final short drop to the ground. Her agility was fitting for her form.

The ridge was silent as the two stared each other down, now on equal ground, if not equal height. Even from down here, the Absol stood taller than him, having to look down at him just slightly to meet his eyes. Joseph stared up at her, unwilling to break his gaze from her own. To do so would prove himself the lesser of them, and he would not have his efforts to claim her fail at the very start.

The air about them had grown tense. The sounds he had heard on his way on the ridge had all but disappeared, only the river's flowing waters continuing to make noise in the standoff. It was as if the valley dared not take a breath so long as the two held each other's gazes, each resident fearing the consequences of breaking the vigil they had formed.

However, as with all things, the silence was broken. The Absol stepped forward with silent steps, her stoic expression cracking to reveal a look of annoyance.

“So, another cowboy tries his luck with me." She scoffed. “I'd say I'm surprised, but Ma didn't raise a liar. So, what? You've come to deal with me, like everyone else?" Her voice was a rough thing, harsh in tone and gravelly in pitch. Yet it was still rather young, and there was a silky hint at the end that helped smooth out the roughest of it to form that of a frontier woman's voice.

He shot her a cautious grin in response, loosening his stance but still holding himself at the ready. “I wouldn't exactly put it like that, lass, but you're right 'bout one thing. I did come looking fer you."

“Tch. You ain't the first, hunter," she mocked with a growing sneer. “And you can be certain you ain't gon' be the last." She tilted her head to the right, her horn coming back just slightly. A ready stance for a Night Slash- he could recognize that anywhere.

He let his grin fall off his face, leaning forward with a hand on his rope. “What a cold reception. I've just met you, and you're already threatening to kill me?" He allowed himself a quiet chuckle. “Ain't too neighborly o' you, lass. Is coming 'round to say hi that much of a sin?"

Her eyes narrowed. “You and I both know you ain't here to “just say hi", partner." She snarled at the end, her sharpened canines on full display. If he wasn't careful, he'd end up with those fangs going right through his arms. “You came by fer the same reason every other barrel boarder came fer me- y'all wanna “deal" with me."

It seems his predecessors had set a precedent. Looks like he had his work cut out for him, and not in a good way. “I can assure ya, lass, that I ain't here ta “deal" with ya like you think I am."

“Ha! Don't go making me laugh now, hunter. You ain't fooling me with none of them honeyed words," she spat, face twisting with venom. “Every single one of you damn cowboys been comin' round and trying to put me in the dirt or on a noose. And I ain't going on neither."

He grimaced. So that's what Minato had meant when he had said other people had tried to “get rid of her". He had his suspicions before, but now… now it was all but confirmed. Yeah, his work was most certainly cut out for him.

“Lass, I'm gonna be straight with you- I ain't come here to see ya dead or on the rope. I swear that on Reshiram's Holy Flame."

He had hoped his response would ease the quickly building tensions between the two of them. After all, to swear on the Dragon of Truth was to put your very soul on the line. But it seemed his comment did nothing but agitate her, if the disgusted sneer she shot his way was anything to go by.

“You know, the last hunter that came 'round said the same damn thing. He was real damn sincere too, I almost believed 'em. Then he tried to blow my damn brains across the walls when I turned away." She spat on the ground in front of her. “He was a real piece o' work, using the Lady's name in vain. And you are, too."

Shit.

Her horn began to slowly glow as her stance lowered, becoming that of a hunter ready to pounce. “Enough o' these pretty lies, cowboy. I ain't in the mood for talkin' no more: either get ready or get lost. Yer choice."

He didn't have much of a choice, really. He needed a partner, and if he didn't get her out of this ridge, it was gonna be the death of her. So that only meant one thing for what happened next.

“Alright, lass… suppose we should get down to it." With a sigh, he worked the rope off his hip and shifted it into his hand, his left held against the hilt of his knife. He hoped he wouldn't have to use it, but… the way things were looking, he might not have a choice.

The ridge held its breath as the duo stared each other down, each waiting for the moment the other made their move. Joseph dared not do more than breathe, and the Absol held herself taut for anything he had planned. The plants went still, the wildlings that dared to watch frozen in anticipation and fear alike.

The tension at least gave him a moment to figure out his opponent. She was big, and her horn and claws were more than capable of gutting him with a proper cut. Her size could be used to throw him around, but he could easily use it against her with the right momentum. Her coat was long, so it could be used as a hold if he needed to. And if he could get his arms around her neck and lock them, he might just be able to-

Above the hum of the river, a snap.

In a moment, she was in front of him. His eyes widened, and he only had a moment to leap back before her horn slashed right through where he had been standing. The air itself seemed to bleed from the Night Slash that carved it in two, malicious energy radiating from her horn. He let himself skid back for a moment before nailing his heels into the ground.

That damn near killed him. If he had been a second later, his guts would've been splattered across the riverbank by now.

He didn't have that long to ponder on it, though. As soon as he landed, she was right back in his face- and this time, he didn't have time to jump back. The only thing he could do was whip out his knife just in time to block her own blade, sending him flying back into the dirt with a hard thump.

Rolling as soon as he hit the ground, the place he once laid caved in as the Absol slammed her head into it at full force, the psionic blast of a Zen Headbutt dissipating in the aftermath. Such a move did not come without consequences, however, as she was left stumbling and dazed from the maneuver.

An opening he wouldn't let pass.

Joseph rushed up to her side as fast as he could and slammed into her, her size allowing her to remain upright through the dizziness she had induced upon herself. She let out a surprised yelp as he attempted to lock his arms around her neck, roughly shoving into him with all the force she could muster. Which, as it turned out, was a lot.

It was enough to send him skidding back again, though thankfully not knock him off of his feet this time. As she spun around to face him with a snarl, however, she quickly found the end of his rope lashing right at her. Contrary to his expectations, she twisted her head and neck just in time to let the rope fly by and snap harmlessly against her side. A comparatively minor pain to getting smacked in the face.

And a problem for Joseph, as he was forced to roll out of the way of a Night Slash once more. By all rights, that lash should've nailed her in the face- she was dizzy only a moment before! How'd she…?

“Gotta admit, you ain't givin' me any room to breathe here, lass," he remarked, shifting his knife back into its holster. “You really got it out fer me, dontcha…?"

She turned to face him, a sneer painted across her features. “Yer talkin' like I'd give some wannabe vaquero the time o' day when he's tryin' ta kill me."

The moment to catch his breath was more than welcome. “I told ya I wasn't comin' round to put ya down, lass." He let a small smirk flash across his face. “Though I get the feelin' you don't believe me none."

“Yer word ain't worth shit to me, cowboy," she barked in response, her horn glowing as she got down once more. “So no, I don't. Not fer a damn moment."

With a flick of her head, she launched another blade of energy at him, forcing him to sidestep. He didn't let the move go without retribution, however- he whipped his rope at her the moment the blade passed him, and watched as she shifted slightly to avoid it again. Twice now, she had dodged his rope with barely a movement.

And she just kept pushing him, further and further. She'd throw a Night Slash his way and force him to dodge, or launch herself at him and sometimes knock him to the ground. More than once, he had to avoid a Zen Headbutt or whip out his knife to keep her from cutting him in two. And every time he lashed out with his rope, she always managed to either dodge or mitigate it.

Again and again and again for minutes on end, and barely a moment to breathe. He was thankful that his previous work had given him endurance beyond what most had, but exhaustion was going to set in if he didn't change the status quo and quickly.

He sidestepped another Slash and let the Absol pass him by once more, lashing out with a foot in an attempt to knock her off-balance as she passed by. And once again, she twisted in just the right way to let his foot knock against the dirt rather than her.

As she spun around to face him, he shot a taunting grin her way. "Gotta say, fer all yer fightin', lass, you ain't managed to hit me yet."

"Maybe you should take the hint and get lost, then, cowboy." She spat in his direction with a sneer. "Y'all call me a disaster, but y'all love to bulldoze into my life like a tornado. Sounds more like yer the disaster to me."

...

...

...

Disaster. Disaster. Disaster.

Realization dawned on Joseph, his eyes widening. He must have been making an odd face, because the Absol paused in her assault and grew cautious.

Absols could predict disasters. She saw him as a disaster. Thus, she was predicting him. That's why he couldn't seem to land a hit on her- she knew what he was gonna do before he did it! At least, he thought she was. And there was a perfect way to test it.

Having grown tired of his inaction, she lunged at him once more with a Slash glowing on her claws- just as he lashed at her with his rope once more. This time, he managed to catch the side of her face right before she dodged away.

There, for a split second, her eyes went glassy and distant- and then she twisted, letting the rope harmlessly pass by her. And if he focused, he could've sworn her horn glowed for a moment.

He rolled away from her with a grin on his face. Now, he had an idea of what she was doing; And maybe he could use that to get the advantage here. The problem was the question of how.

He couldn't exactly try and use his rope or knife- she was expecting him to do that. He couldn't just keep dodging and waiting for an opening either, he wouldn't last forever doing that. But he needed to do something. Something she didn't expect, and something that would give him the advantage he needed right now.

The sound of the river continued from behind him. At some point, he found himself right on the edge of the riverbank, forced by the Absol's constant advances and attacks. She stood in front of him, casting a cocky smirk his way as she began to advance once more.

She knew she was pushing him hard, and she knew he couldn't do much to fight back against her with what he had. This fight was only going to end two ways in her mind: either he ran for his life and she won, or she gutted him and she won. Either way, she won.

Maybe he could use that.

"Having a little trouble, cowboy?" She mocked, her prowl swaying back and forth exaggeratedly. "Yer starting to look a little tired there. Ain't doing so hot, are ya?"

"What can I say, lass?" He faked a tired smile, the exhaustion in his core only just beginning to set in. "You've got me on the ropes."

She chuffed. "Better you than me, cowboy. I gave ya the chance to run fer it, and you didn't take it." Her eyes took on a deadly glint. "You ain't leavin' alive, pal."

"Now that's a damn shame. I was just gettin' to know ya!"

She didn't dignify him with a response, her horn glowing with a Night Slash once more. This time, however, she took the time to rush forward and pounce at him. She wanted him dead, if he was just gonna keep dodging it if she threw it, she'd simply close the distance.

A thought hit him just as he made to sidestep her again. If this worked, he'd finally have her on the backfoot. If it didn't, he was screwed. Either way...

This was going to hurt.

Her eyes went glassy as she lashed her horn at him, but she continued her attempt to cut him in two with the dark-type energy- only for her eyes to widen in surprise as Joseph suddenly grabbed onto her glowing horn mid-air!

All at once, his hands felt like they're both on fire and frozen solid all at once. A total void of feeling, yet overwhelmed by every type of feeling he had ever known all at once. His fingers seared where they touched the horn, the back of his hand smoking with blackened energy.

But it didn't deter him- with a swift motion, he used the Absol's own momentum and surprise against her to launch her into the riverbank behind him! Her massive form passed over him and slammed hard into the water, soaking him in the process. She flailed in the water as she struggled to come to her bearings, the move having finally caught her disaster sense off-guard and giving him the opportunity he needed.

His hands hurt, but he wasn't going to let that stop him from finally turning the tables. He ran up to the bank and threw himself into the water alongside her, knocking into her with a grunt. She let out a surprised noise as he grabbed at the fur of her head and forced it down into the water, the move giving him a moment.

In that moment, he took a risk- on the ground and even in the water, he wasn't gonna win against her. But he didn't need to be on the ground to beat her- he just needed to exhaust her, and she was as good as his. And he knew just how to do that.

Using the half-submerged form of the Absol to his advantage, he threw himself up from the bank and onto her back! The move earned a surprised bark from the Absol as she struggled to get back onto dry land all the while. He gripped at her silky mane and swung his leg over, gripping her sides with his legs as she finally managed to drag herself out of the river.

His job required a great many things from him when it came to training the wildlings he caught. He needed to be able to establish himself as an authority, and work through the instincts of the pokemon he was working with. He needed to make them into something capable of living in human society, and more importantly, he needed to make sure they could do the job he needed them to do.

More than once, he needed to train a wildling into a riding or taxi pokemon. And while others may have their own methods to get a pokemon to let them ride, he chose the simple route with most of his captures: saddle up, climb on, and hold on. And for what it was worth, he was good at that.

Thus, as she finally climbed back onto solid ground and got her bearings, he was quick to establish himself on her back. She might not have a saddle, but he could get a good grip regardless. Quickly loop the rope around her neck, pull it tight, lock his legs, and...

He slammed his heels into her sides just as she jumped, leaning back with one hand on the rope and the other held at his side. She let out an enraged howl as she landed, twisting around to glare at him.

He simply glared back at her, wound up his heels, and slammed them into her sides again.

"Come on, now, lass- you wanna dance? Let's dance!"

Almost immediately, she entered an enraged fit of bucking and throwing around the path, Joseph hanging on to the rope for dear life all the while. She had the size of a Rapidash, but her body type was more similar to a hound's than a horse's. That meant a few things for him: he had to balance a lot more to account for her spine's movements, and he had to constantly shift to make sure he stayed on her back.

Thankfully, he had ridden in a few hounds in the past- that Arcanine had been a challenging project, for sure, but a learning experience he held close. He never let her bucks slide him back any further than he could, and when she bucked, he moved with her. When she spun or tried to nip at him, it wasn't hard for him to counter it: lean against the spin, and nail her in the jaw with his boot.

For a minute, he was doing great. And then, all at once, he wasn't.

She reared, and he leaned forward and knocked her sides with his heels once more. All at once, however, she suddenly flung herself forward- and he found himself flying off her back and into the dirt, his grip on the rope lost.

His chest hurt all of a sudden as he hit the dirt. He didn't want to think about what just snapped, but he could feel something snap in him. And it hurt.

With a wheeze, he managed off of his stomach just in time to see the Absol descending on him in a fury. All at once, his life flashed before his eyes- and before he knew it, his knife was in his hands and jammed into the side of her leg.

She let out a pained scream as he scrambled out from under her, ripping the knife out and forcing himself to his feet with a grimace. She whined as blood seemed to pour from the new wound- and yelped as he forced himself back onto her back once more and nailed her sides with another heel.

Once again, they were back to bucking and throwing through the clearing- but this time, it was clear who was at the disadvantage. While he was almost certain he had broken a rib and was running on fumes, she was barely able to make a move without pain shooting through her leg. He hadn't meant to stab her, but it did serve to cripple her for the moment, and exhaust her even more than he had been.

On and on and on they went, back and forth across the road and through the dirt and muck. With every minute that passed, she was more and more exhausted. And with every minute that passed, so was he. Their energy was finally beginning to fade, and they both knew it.

All of a sudden, the world turned sideways, and he found himself under the full weight of the Absol. His chest groaned and protested, the painful feeling in his side doubling all at once. The breath was knocked out of him as she attempted to crush him under her weight. He began to rapidly knock his heels into her side as hard as he could in an attempt to get her to roll back up, and after a moment, she did.

She had probably expected that to finally knock him off. Instead, her breath was cut short by a hard pull of the rope as she stood back up, the action sending her onto her hind legs. Atop her back, Joseph remained- bruised and bloody, breathing hard and forced to hold on to both the rope and her mane to remain on, but on all the same.

When she dropped, she did not move. There, in the middle of the road, she stood. Atop her back, Joseph rode. She was covered in dirt and blood, the wound on her leg causing her to shake all the while. He was covered in bruises and blood, several things in his chest hurting and his hands burning from the rope and dark-type energy. His clothes were cut up- her mane was knotted. They were wet, exhausted, and hurting.

But all the same, she hadn't managed to knock him off. He had won. And now, he could maybe get her to listen.

"Alright, lass," he breathed after a second, his side burning. "You ready to hear me out?"

She said nothing for a moment, before working up the energy to glare back at him from over her shoulder. "...just... get it over with... cowboy..." A hint of despair entered her expression as she sagged in place. "...don't... drag it out..."

Honestly, he couldn't blame her for thinking he wanted her dead. Blood was still pumping out of the spot he stabbed her, even if it was much slower than before.

"Lass, I didn't come here to kill ya. I coulda done that with a rifle and a good spot on the ridge, if I really wanted to." With a quick flick, he let the rope about her neck loosen slightly. She gulped in a breath of air in response. "If y'all had heard me out... you woulda found out I wanted ya to be my partner."

She paused at that, her downtrodden expression taking on a hint of confusion. "...the hell... you talkin' bout... cowboy...?"

He sighed. "I didn't stutter, lass. I came here 'cause I wanted ya as a partner, not a hide. I didn't want all this fightin', and I certainly didn't want that there hole in yer leg." He gestured down to her injured leg, which she avoided leaning on even now. "But ya didn't exactly give me a chance to finish talkin', either."

"Every... other cowboy I let finish... tried to kill me." She retorted back between breaths.

He nodded. "Yeah, I got that from our little chat before all this. Left my work cut out fer me, they did." He let a hand wander into her mane, beginning to slowly pet her. "Still, if I wanted ya dead, now'd be the time to finish it, don't ya think?"

Silence was his answer, the Absol turning away from him with a sigh. "I... I suppose so."

He nodded. She understood now. Now, let's see if he could turn this around. "Lass, I'll be plain- we started off on the wrong foot. So I'll be plain and not waste no more time: I need a partner, and I want it to be you."

She turned back to him with a cautious look, her eyes wandering down to her leg after a moment.

"You didn't exactly leave me much choice, lass. That... and you ain't the only one banged up."

"...suppose so."

Joseph nods. "My job ain't easy, especially without a 'mon by my side. And yer plenty strong and plenty skilled enough to be the 'mon I need with me." He grinned a tired smile after a moment. "And I ain't askin' without givin', neither."

Her cautious look did not fade, but she slowly nodded and flicked her head. Continue.

He held a finger. "Come with me, and ya ain't ever gon' go without some food in yer stomach, a roof over yer head, and the guarantee that no damn hunter is gon' come looking fer yer pelt. That, and you ain't gon' need worry about yer wounds either: we'll get 'em tended to, soon as possible."

"But this ain't fer free, I'm guessing," she surmised after a moment.

"Yep." He nodded. "I give ya all that, and you help me capture and train wildlings. That, and ya let me ride ya like this."

She stiffened up at that, and he was quick to follow up. "Now, I ain't gon' be riding ya around all the time, mind- just when we've gotta travel, or when we're trainin' a ridin' 'mon. Otherwise, the saddle comes off and I stay on the ground."

She remained silent for a moment more, before speaking barely louder than a whisper. "And not a second more?"

"Not a second more."

She was quiet again. "...and if I said no to all this?"

He sighed. "Well... suppose I'd let ya go. Wouldn't be all too happy to do it, but I need a partner that's willin' to play along. And no breakin' I can do will work on ya, lass- I can tell."

She suddenly chuffed. "Ya tried real damn hard with that little stunt at the end there."

"It was that or keep playing Torchic till I dropped."

"Suppose that's true."

Joseph leaned back as the Absol began to consider his offer, moving his hand through her mane again and again as the adrenaline began to fade from his system. Then, she shuffled, straightened up in place, and turned back to him with a reluctant look.

"...alright, cowboy. I suppose I could... try."

He grinned at her with a tiny smile, leaning forward to rub both hands through her mane. The move earned a shudder from the Absol. He wanted to celebrate more, but... they were both a little too roughed up to call this a victory.

"That's all I ask, lass. You don't like it, I'll let ya run free."

She nodded, and turned to face forward with a sigh. "...so, what now?"

"First things first- we get back to town, and get some tendin'. Yer leg ain't lookin' too good, and I think ya broke one or two o' my ribs."

She hummed in agreement, then paused as he leaned forward even further. "Gotta ask, lass, before we start moseying over to town- you got a name?"

She didn't respond for a moment, looking off to the side. "...I... didn't really need one out here. Pokemon don't usually ask names out here."

He nodded, a frown on his face. "Fair enough, I suppose. Still, I can't just go around calling ya lass and Absol all the time... yer gonna need a good name." He rubbed his chin for a moment before an idea came to his mind. "How would Jessie work?"

She looked towards him for a moment, her gaze considering. "...Jessie," she eventually said, saying the name a few more times quietly before nodding. "...Jessie works. Don't mind it none."

A grin crossed his features. "It's a pleasure to meet ya, Jessie. The name's Joseph."

"...Joseph, eh?" She nodded after a moment, turning to face forward with a reluctant look. "Alright then, Joseph... let's see how this works out, then. Where's this town you were goin' on about?"

He leaned forward and pointed off towards the side of the ridge he came in from. "Head down the ridge thataway, and we'll leave the ridge real soon. Then it ain't nothing but a short walk south to Jacobstown." After a moment, he straightened up, took the rope in his hands, and gave her a quick heel. "Let's make our way then, Jessie."

She grumbled under her breath as she began to walk forward. "...already starting to regret playing Ponyta..."

Slowly, but surely, the duo began to make their way out of the ridge and towards Jacobstown. They were bloody, dirty, and hurt all over. They could feel the exhaustion in their core, and they knew they weren't gonna make it much further than town. But at the end of the day, Joseph got what he had wanted: a partner. And if things worked out well enough, Jessie might have just gotten what she wanted as well. Only time would tell.

---

As the sun set over the small town of Jacobstown, Minato's bar was beginning to finally get some customers. A few ranchers done with their work for the day, the sheriff and his posse coming to take a quick break, the town doctor fresh from surgery- the day was quiet, but the night certainly wasn't going to be.

Minato found himself concerned with something other than keeping his customers filled, however. He had expected Joseph to be back by now, and yet... no Joseph. He could hope the man was just taking a while with this capture, but you never knew with that profession. Maybe he was still working, or maybe he was dead. Or maybe-

The doors to the saloon flew open with a slam, startling many of the folks inside to their feet. More than a few went for their guns or gestured to their pokemon, only to freeze at the scene they saw in front of them.

Into the bar walked the biggest Absol any of them had ever seen- and atop her back, a Wrangler that almost all of them knew pretty damn well. The both of them were bloodied, bruised, and covered in dirt and muck, yet Joseph was still smiling. "Howdy, Minato! Sorry fer taking so long, but today was a real struggle. Hahah-" His laugh was cut short by a wheeze, his hand shooting to his side. "Gah, fuck. Mind if I get some o' that booze real quick? Me and Jessie here... ain't doing too well."

The Kantonian man found himself knocked out of his momentary stupor by the question, narrowing his eyes as he grabbed a bottle of whiskey from the shelf. "Now what exactly are you doing, boy? Riding a wildling into my bar?"

The Absol- Jessie, Joseph said- gave him a glare as he jumped off her back and walked gingerly up to the counter, seemingly oblivious to the cautious and stunned patrons surrounding them. "Sorry, Minato. Sorta needed something to deal with the pain fer the both of us, and unless I'm wrong, ain't the doc normally here 'round this hour?"

"I am," a voice called out, a tall galarian man standing up from his table nearby with a sigh. "and this is no place for treating either of you. I had hoped I would be done with the office today..."

"Real sorry, doc- Hadn't meant to come back all banged up," he lamented as he grabbed the offered bottle and took a swig. "But things didn't exactly go ta plan."

"More like yer just a dumbass, cowboy," the Absol muttered under her breath, startling a man nearby.

He grinned at her, putting the bottle against her lips and helping her take her own swig. "Sure, let's go with that!"

"Joseph..." Minato warned, glaring at the duo as the doc began to usher them to the exit.

"I'll pay ya tomorrow, Minato- promise!" The man shouted as he and the massive Absol were herded outside by the doctor, the bar silent as the duo left. The kantonian could only shake his head as he returned to his duties, the patrons likewise beginning to mingle once more- if only to discuss the brand new duo in town.

"...you better not be in over yer head, boy..." the bartender muttered quietly, filling another glass as it was passed in front of him. Only time would tell how things would go from here, and if Minato knew anything, things were either going to get really interesting or really dangerous soon enough.

He wondered which it would be.