Routes of Hazzard - Final Stretch - Mio
Before Brendan could even think to respond, Mio held up a hand, although it wasn't even close to being in Brendan's direction. "Wait, no, better idea; Loam! Hit me with a water gun!" If this worked out well, he could use the same trick to pull Meena out of her funk. He had no idea what was going on with the Watchog, but considering the damage they'd already done to its territory, he didn't think it'd end with that.
Loam scowled at the Watchog's answer. Irresponsible. Totally irresponsible. She had every mind to chew the bastard that'd hurt her partner out, but Mio's call put an end to that thought.
Incredulous, Loam spun to face her trainer, who had multiplied by three and was currently shimmering like a mirage.
Mio couldn't see, but the extended pause after his command let him know everything he needed. "Loam, I trust you. Water gun at my face!"
With a small sigh, Loam took careful aim for where she thought the real Mio was and fired off a weak shot of water towards what was hopefully his face. The ball of water hit Mio on his left cheek and burst, leaving a bright red bruise and soaked hair in its wake.
Mio shook like a dog and opened his eyes. His cheek stung and his hair stuck flat to his head, but instead of dead Patrat and dying Loams, he saw one Watchog and a circle of gleaming eyes. Excellent. He rushed over to Loam and swept her up in his arms, glad to see her living and breathing.
"Alright, next, hit Meena with one. Gently." He said, setting his Mudkip friend back on the ground. Loam obliged, letting loose a somewhat smaller, slower burst of water. It hit Meena square in her ribs, and she whipped around to glare at her attacker.
The Murkrow were gone, and instead she saw Loam, Mio... and a whole lot of enemies. She slunk back to Mio's side, hackles raised and ready to fight, but Mio shook his head. Brendan had apparently opened up negotiations. It was best to at least try and get them to go through.
"Mr..." Mio paused as he began to address the leader of the Patrat. Was it Mr.? Most pokemon had little to no sexual dimorphism, so he couldn't be sure. "Er, Chief Watchog? I know we're not really in any position to negotiate, but we really just want the food back. I understand that you're trying to do what's best for your group, but at this rate, isn't it more pain and trouble than it's worth? A lot of your people have gotten seriously hurt already... so can't we just take the food and the hat and go?"