Toney
```Claims this rq```
James
This sure was one hell of an expansive forest, that was for sure. Guzma had to wonder how long it would take to explore the whole thing. He had to wonder if anybody *Had*. 

Regardless of the answer to that, he was in his element. For the first time since... Well, for the first time in a long time. Years, maybe. There was nobody out here. Just him, the forest, and the Pokémon. Most importantly the bug types. Bugs loved a good forest. Already he'd almost walked face-first into a wild Ariados web, the huge structure strung between two trees. Instead of freaking out as most people would, he simply took a step back and stopped to admire the huge crimson beauty seated in the middle of it. It was bigger than his Ariados; a female, he mused, using his phone to take a photo - flash off, of course.

Carefully ducking under the elevated web (he had no fear of the spider dropping on him, there was already one clutching to his back) and continued on his way to see what - or who - else he could find.
Ruth
Someway, somehow, Wattson found himself deep within the forest. Whether it was out of curiosity, or if he wanted to find something specific, he himself had no idea. His legs were starting to ache, so he took a seat on the grass beneath him. He admired his surroundings, plenty bug types to be seen. While he was busy admiring, though, a curious Surskit approached him from behind. He didnt notice at first. The Surskit seemed to be curious about Wattson's white hair. The bug slowly crawled up his back, and perched himself on top of his head. Still, Wattson didn't notice, and he continued to sit and watch his surroundings.
James
Maybe Surkits and their attraction to white hair was a running theme some researcher or other needed to look into, because currently Guzma's Masquerain was laid on the top of his head, giving him the rather comical appearance of having it's unique antenna himself. 

*"Bombom~!"* Ribombee called out, fluttering away through the trees in the direction of who-knows-what. She'd probably caught an aura, Guzma sighed, following after the small fairy bug - who had been approaching an old man? Way out here? Huh. The small fairy spun around in a circle brightly, offering the strange man a pollen puff. 

"Oi, what I tell you about flyin' off on your own like that? ...Sorry." He added to the man after a second, as if he had to remind himself to apologise.
Ruth
While trying to remember what exactly he had for lunch yesterday, a random Ribombee appeared in front of him, offering him a pollen puff. He smiled at the bug, and laughed.

"Wahaha! How kind of you, small one! I will cherish this puff for the rest of my life!"

Surskit was still on his head at this point, and he still didn't notice. After Ribombee flew away, Wattson turned around and noticed someone, who apparently was talking to him? He laughed once more.

"Don't sweat it, fella'. Your Pokémon gave me a good laugh! What a nice bug you have!"

The Sirskit stared at the Masuqerain on Guzma's head. Wattson approached Guzma, still not noticing the bug on his head. He looked up, and noticed the Masquerain.

"That's a fine bug you got there, too! Plenty of them could be found where I use to live. Too bad to had to evolve from a pesky little water bug! Wahaha!"

He placed his hand on his belly and laughed. He then presented the hand in front of Guzma, awaiting a handshake.

"Name's Wattson! Better not forget it!"
James
Dear Tapus, this guy seemed like he had an obnoxious amount of joy and mirth. At what? He had no idea. But Ribombee certainly seemed to like him. She seemed to like everyone who had bright personalities. 

"I wouldn't cherish it too long. You're supposed to eat 'em." He said, nodding to the soft yellow ball of pollen. "They're fierce sweet though, so heads up." 

Between Masquerain on his head and Ariados still clinging to his back, watching the stranger over his shoulder - not to mention Ribombee of course - it was fairly obvious he had a preference for bug types. 

"Pesky lil water bug, huh? Nice hat you got there." He smirked slightly, looking down at his hand for a moment before taking his own from his pocket to shake it. "Guzma. An' you better not forget it either."
Ruth
He quickly shook Guzma's hand, and let out another laugh.

"Wahaha! Quite the comedian, aren't ya?"

He smiled, and pointed to what he thought was his hair, but he was pointing right at the Surskit.

"That's no hat, son. It's my hair! 60 years young and I'm lookin' great, I know!"

He smiled, placing his hands on his hips.

"Retired Mauville City gym leader! I haven't lost my touch, either!"

While staring at Guzma, he noticed something appear over his shoulder. He quickly noticed it to be an Ariados. 

"Nice bug ya' got on your back there!"
James
"Funny," He started, tucking his hands back into his pockets. "Your hair looks just like a Surskit. Swear I even saw it blink at me." Did this guy seriously not know he had a bug on his head? Well, he was probably about to, rather quickly. 

"Mauville... That's... In Hoenn, yeah? I've been there before, as a kid. Didn't see much, though. Spent all day sleepin' an' all night watchin' the Volbeat and Illumise." That fond memory of his childhood was one of the only positive ones - probably even the best one he had. He'd never felt more at peace than when he had watching their glowing tails dance about in the night sky. 

"Huh? Oh. This guy?" He reached back, petting the Ariados' head. "Thanks. He ain't bad. ....Hey, the Mauville gym. It's electric, ain't it? Or it was... Sss...*Seventeen* Years ago? Arceus..."
Ruth
He nodded, a grin plastered on his face. He has yet to acknowledge the Surskit, but he would most likely notice it soon enough.

"Electeic indeed! The best type for dealing with those pesky water types. I was gym leader there for many, many years. Hmm.."

He stared at Guzma for a fee moments, then laughed.

"Wahaha! Silly me, I was about to say you looked familiar! I got you confused with the wrong wprson though, that kid had black hair!" 

He gave a hefty chuckle, as he attempted to run the back of his head. However, he quickly realized that what he was rubbing *Definitely* Didn't feel like his hair.

"Say, didn't you say my hair looked like a-" 

The Surskit quickly jumped off of his head, and Wattson let put a surprised yelp. The small bug quickly got away before anything could be done. He let out an annoyed groan.

"Those water types! Always gettin' in trouble!"
James
Well then, he hadn't expected the guy to remember him. Not even a little. After all, who would remember some cocky kid with a little, weak bug and water type who ran away halfway through a battle? He never did get that gym badge. Obviously. 

"No, I, uh... I did have black hair when I was a kid. This is bleached. I showed up with a Wimpod and expected to wreck house. Your gym trainers beat me down *Good.* Never even made it past the first one. Not that I didn't try like eight times." Really, what had he expected, trying to take on an electric gym with a single water type? Still, he had to try while he was there. It wasn't like he was going to get to experience a gym in Alola. 

"I dunno. Water types ain't so bad. It's the flyin' types that get me. Even worse than rock types. ...'cept you, 'course." He added, reaching up to scratch his Masquerain's head gently.
Ruth
He raised an eyebrow as he spoke, the memories flooding back in his head. He had a wide, genuine smile. 

"Wahaha! That really was you, wasn't it? That must've been way before Roxanne or Brawly bexame gum leader! Now that I think about it, I think Norman was the only familiar person who was gym leader at that point! I don't even think his daughter had been born yet!"

He looked at Guzma, definitely remembering the face. 

"You know, I watched you fight that trainer. Over, and over, and over! We all had a good laugh about it afterward. We all knew you definitely had dedication, and that's what would have made you grow stronger!"
James
He rubbed at his undercut sheepishly. "I ain't never been one to roll over and take a loss. Even now. Guess I'm just too stubborn for my own good. Though I still can't say I have an answer for Electric types. Ain't no bug/ground types in Alola. You picked a fierce type, with only one weakness." 

It was almost embarrassing for a moment, thinking about how stupid he must have looked, going back with a terrified Wimpod to try again when he obviously wasn't going to get anywhere. 

"But I did make it to bein' the strongest bug specialist in Alola - an' one o' the strongest trainers overall. Even if I am only an ace trainer."
Ruth
He smiled and laughed, giving Guzma a thumbs up.

"Wahaha! See, I knew you had it in ya! You'd make a grand ol' bug type gym leader, I bet!"

At the mention of bug and ground types, he stopped and thought for a moment.

"Hmm.. I remember this one fella' had the most obscure Pokémon ever! 'Said he was from Sinnoh though, so that makes total sense!" 

He plagued once more, but quickly stopped, as he though.

"What was that Pokémon he has? That was many years ago.. Hmm.. Worm.. Wormanyte? No.. Wormacada? No wait, we had those in Hoenn.."

He kept getting names mixed up, as he was trying to remember the name of the Pokémon.
James
He hated how such a simple compliment felt like a knife in the gut. A grand bug type gym leader. Maybe he should've left Alola when they told him he couldn't be a trial captain after all. 

"You thinkin' o' Wormadam? I ain't never seen one in person, but I hear they're kinda underwhelmin' in battle." He'd seen them online, when looking into bug Pokémon of other regions, as he sometimes did. "They got different forms with different types, don't they? Ain't too sure about how that works though..." 

Was there any way to guarantee which typing you'd get? And was it worth it to make the trip all the way out there to Sinnoh to find one? Probably not. Especially not at the moment, he needed all the money he could get for repairs. That was why he'd taken this invitation. He was a proud man, and used to doing everything for himself, but they were in serious need of funding. And from what he could tell, champions were often loaded with cash. Hopefully he could get one or two to make a donation. It was for a good cause after all.
Ruth
He looked up at him, and grinned, followed by his iconic laugh

"Wahahaha! Wormadam, that's the one! I think the kid told me that their types are.. Predetermined? Maybe kinda like that one Pokémon.. Eevee! I'm not too sure though!" 

He smiled, rubbing the back of his head. Thankfully, there wasnt a Surskit there this time.

"Say.. Where did you go after that? All these years later.. And here you are now! There has to be a reason for that."

He was genuinely curious, he knew that the kid would definitely become a strong trainer, though determination alone.
James
"Predetermined huh... Interestin'." Still, he wasn't sure it was a strong enough Pokémon to go so far out of his way to get. 

"I was only in Hoenn to visit my grandparents. After that we went back to Alola. I, uh... Grew up. Got stronger. Now I'm here." To say that wasn't the whole truth was the understatement of the decade, but he sure as hell wasn't comfortable sharing that much with a stranger. 

Especially seeing as the invitation he'd gotten warned him off sharing too much about his criminal history. How the hell this girl had found out about it he wasn't sure, but he was inclined to keep it to himself regardless of the warning.
Ruth
He nodded, scratching the side of his beard. Alola.. That was the only reigon he had never been to.

"I've never been there.. It might be the region with the second most water, Hoenn being the first, of course.."

He paused for a moment, and suddenly, he lit up, a grin growing on his face.

"Wahaha! Alola, you say? Tell me.. Are you familiar with a Pokémon with the name 'Oricorio'?" 

He had been looking for information on this particular Pokémon for quite a few years now.
James
His nose scrunched at the mention of the dancing bird. He really didn't like his bird Pokémon. Though it wasn't as bad as Spearow and Fearow.

"Unfortunately. Why, what do you wanna know about it?" He asked, looking down as Masquerain fluttered down from his head to snuggle into his arms instead. It had got involved in a rather nasty fight with one before it evolved. 

"I'm guessin' you wanna know about its Pom-Pom style?"
Ruth
He smiled, pulling a checklist out of his pocket. It was rather lengthy, and contained a list of every single electric type (minus legendaries).

"I've been spending a large portion of my life collecting every single Electric Pokémon known to man! And as you can see.. That peppy little bird is one of the last ones I need!" 

All of the Pokémon on the list were checked, except for Oricorio, Togedemaru, and Alolan Raichu.

"You can see how well I'm doing! If I can just find me one of those cute little birds.. I will soon have a complete electric type collection! Wahaha!"
James
He peered at the list for a moment, humming. "Did you get Geodude and it's evolutions? I thought you said you'd never been to Alola." He scratched the side of his head. Aside from Vikavolt, he didn't know much about the Pokémon on this list. 

"Hm... Electric Oricorio is found on Melemele island. It's the only place the yellow flowers grow. Togedemaru *Might* Be up around Hokulani observatory, but I ain't too sure about that. Not really my type. Literally." He added with a slight smile.
Ruth
He rolled up his list, and laughed.

"Wahaha! A friend of mine traded me an Alolan Geodude! He wanted a Minum, told me it was a version exclusive, or something like that.. He's a goofy guy, that's for sure!"

He looked around the forest some more, looking at all the different bug types. 

"Do you think there is any possibility of finding one of those Oricorio around here? Traveling to Alola just to catch three Pokémon sounds like.. Not the greatest of ideas."
James
"It's not a bad place for a vacation, y'know. Who says you need to go *Just* To catch Oricorio?" He rubbed at his neck again with a hum. 

"Probably not. The only place you can find the flowers it likes is one specific place in Alola. I ain't never heard of 'em bein' anywhere else. But if you can find the flowers somewhere then you'll probably find Oricorio too." He paused and hesitated, letting out a hum. Be nicer. That was what he had to do. This seemed like an opportunity to practice.

"Or I could try catch one for you when I get back. I've always kinda thought Nincada were cool. They evolve into two Pokémon, right? We could maybe try a trade?" He suggested a bit awkwardly, still unused to this whole... 'niceness' thing. All the while he was speaking, his hand never left the back of his neck.
Ruth
He nodded, jotting down the information he was telling him.

"The thing about Alola.. I've lived in an area surrounded by water for 60 years! Why would I go vacation somewhere that's ALSO surrounded by water? Let alone multiple different islands surrounded by water?" 

He finished up his notes, then put them away. After hearing Guzma's proposition, he unsurprisingly, smiled and laughed.

"Wahaha! Why yes, Nincada does do that! Two for the price of one! Speedy Ninjask, and the unique Shedinja! We'll have to keep in touch to make that happen! You'd probably he a fan of Dustox, too!"

While he was talking, something appeared in his head. A faint memory. He stopped speaking for a moment, then he spoke once more.

"Say.. I'm unsure if my memory is failing me, but I could've sworn I've seen you on the news before."
James
"I mean I guess. A lot of Alola is water, sure, but there's also the ski resort that people seem to like. An' Malie city an' garden. Though I gotta admit I ain't really too sure o' what the tourists spend mosta their time doin. You might find Poni Canyon interestin' tho. It's a magnetic field. Only place in Alola that Charjabug evolves into Vikavolt." 

This all seemed to be going pretty well. He hadn't threatened the guy yet, and he hadn't even felt all that mad. A tiny bit irritated by his jovial demeanour, maybe, but nothing too bad. Just like talking to Hala and his grandson. Though it seemed to come crashing down when he mentioned seeing him on the news. He stiffened up as though he'd just been hit with a stun spore.

"What? The news? In *Hoenn?* I really doubt it... I ain't done nothin' on that scale..." There was no way he had, right? People *Outaide* Of Alola shouldn't have a clue who he was!
Ruth
He continued looking at him, the memory of what he saw that day slowly coming back to him.

"There was this *One* Report I remmeber.. It became worldwide news! I think it had something to do with this crazy lady.. Blonde hair? Apparently she did something, which made a bunch of alien Pokémon appear all throughout the reigon? The memory is a little fuzzy.."

He thought harder and harder, and then he gasped.

"That's right! That's the day Norman was in Mauville! I could've sworn they showed pictures of a man who looked exactly like you.."

It seemed like his entire tone changed, just with the blink of an eye. He had a more serious aura to him, and he kept starting at Guzma, almost as if he was trying to decipher him.
James
The lanky man took a shaky step back, barely giving Ariados enough time to jump down from his back before his spine hit a tree. His face had lost all colour, and he was staring fixedly at a nondescript point on the ground. 

"She used me... I didn't know... *I didn't know..."* He shook his head slowly, measuring his breathing carefully, just like Hala had taught him. In four, hold three, out four. He lifted a hand to his head, but Ribombee was there to get in the way, pushing her little hands against his fingers so he couldn't pull at his hair.
Ruth
His expression dropped, as he quickly rushed to his side. He didn't know if it was *Actually* Him, nor did he know it would affect him this deeply.

"Hey, it's alright!"

He definitely knew he wasn't good at handling situations like this. It was part of the reason why his wife divorced him. He paused for a moment.

"Look, news channels are biased all the time! I'm sure it wasnt your fault at all, you were probably just caught up in it! I was just curious. That's all."

He stopped for a moment, waiting for any type of reaction. An idea popped in his head though.

"We don't have to mention it or taking about it. It was wrong of me to mention it, I didn't know it would affect you like this."

He genuinely felt bad and wanted to make him feel better, but he didn't really know *How*.
James
Guzma shook his head again, a bit faster this time. "I'm *Fine*. It's- ... It's fine." He lifted his hand again, just to run it through his hair, but once again Ribombee stopped him. *"Look, wouldja just-"* He started to snap, but cut himself off. 

He squatted down on the spot for a moment, holding his head in his hands while he took a breather to get himself back under control. The fairy type was only trying to help, so he shouldn't be taking it out on her. Watson didn't know, so he couldn't take it out on him. "Sorry..." He muttered, standing up straight again. 

"It ain't your fault... No way you coulda known... It's just... That *Salazzle* Messed me up an' people blame me for it. Like I shoulda known..." He stared down at the floor again, his hands curled into fists so tight his uncut nails cut into his palms.
Ruth
He signed, keeping his distance from him. He only kept his distance because the last thing he wanted to do was make the situation worse.

"Look, Guzma. You seem like a nice guy. Your Pokémon obviously care about you. Deeply. That's not something that they can fake, or pretend. Whatever happened in the past belongs to stay in the past. Don't beat yourself up about it."

He was talking like he would to a young, aspiring trainer. What he meant was true, though. He's been nothing but nice to him. 

"If that young boy with the Whimpod saw you now, He'd be blown away. He would do nothing but aspire for the future to come. I'm not tryna treat you like a child, or anything, but it's true."

He sighed softly, taking a seat on the ground. He definitely wasnt prepared for that. It kind of reminded him about how he use to talk to his wife. He hoped that he would take it better than she use to, though.
James
What happened in the past should stay in the past... Guzma turned those words over in his head. "If only everyone else saw it that way..." He mumbled, mostly just to himself. 

After a few more seconds, he squatted down again, resting his arms on his knees and looking at a Pokéball in his hands. A net ball, but only really recognisable from the raised pattern that covered the upper half. Most of the paint had been worn away from the metal, and it was dinged and dented in a couple spots too. The very one he'd been holding that day in Watson's gym seventeen years ago. 

"If that kid saw me now, he'd wonder where the hell I went wrong. An' I wouldn't have the heart to tell 'im what's comin'."
Ruth
He remained sat on the grass, letting Guzma think for a little bit. Being as old as he was, Wattson was trying his best to remember anything else about Guzma. Anything else that might reassure him. 

"I'm not sure if you remember this.."

He was wearing sunglasses the whole time, but at this moment, he would remove them. He stared into Guzma, a slight smirk growing on his face.

"I remmeber the very last time you attempted to beat that trainer in my gym. You were very visibly upset, and you ran out. I remmeber running after you, seeing you just outside my gym. You were angrily stomping around, and eventually, you threw your Wimpod's Pokéball directly on the ground."

He stared at the Pokéball he had in his hands.

"I'm quite certain that is the same one. You can say whatever you want about yourself. You can repeat whatever anyone else has said to you.."

He got up, and took out a Pokéball. He held it in one of his hands. His lifelong partner, Manetric.

"But no matter what, no matter how hard, or how tough it was.. You never gave up on your partner, and it never gave up on you."
James
He did remember. That was the last chance he was going to get, because they were leaving the following morning. So he had gotten upset that he never even got to have a proper battle with a gym leader. He didn't remember throwing the ball, but... It sounded like something he'd do. Provided Wimpod wasn't inside it at the time. 

Watson's final words there did cause a subtle smile to curve one corner of his lips, and with a gentle toss, he let Golisopod out of the battered old ball. Terrifying and huge as it may be, Guzma never felt safer than when it was at his side. 

"You're right. An' I like to think it paid off. We been through some shit, but... We got through it." He said, standing back up too to rub his palm over the exposed skin of the bug type's chest - if it could really be called that.
Ruth
Wattson's smile slowly faded, as he was faced with the Golisopod. He gulped, and thought to himself.

*Relax.. It's just a water type..*

He eventually cleared his throat, and let out his iconic laugh.

"Wahaha! Now that's the spirit!" 

Just like that, Wattson was back to his usual self. He looked down at the Pokéball in his hand. He smiled, as he tossed it on the ground. His Manetric quickly emerged from the ball, and looked around. He quickly noticed Wattson, and jumped onto him like an egar puppy. The usual person would be quite surprised by this, considering Wattson's age. However, he responded with laughter, as he pet his Manetric.

"Good boy!"

After a few moments, the two got back up. The two faced Guzma and Golisopod, which Manetric didn't notice before. He started growling, and electric sparks started flowing through him. Wattson quickly reacted by petting the Pokémon, and reassuring him.

"Wahaha! Calm down, they're friends. They won't hurt us!"
James
Golisopod certainly didn't seem thrilled at the emergence of an electric type, lifting his claws like a fighter blocking, armour plates out to take an attack. 

"Hey, chill out. We ain't here to battle. I know it's a spooky electric type, but you're fine." He turned back to old man, grinning sheepishly. "He ain't too fond o' strangers. 'Specially not electric types. But he's a loveable Rockruff compared to Scizor. You do not wanna meet him." He chuckled awkwardly.
Ruth
Manetric eventually relaxed, but keeping his vision glued onto the Golisopod. Looks like he hates water as much as Wattson does. 

"Wahaha! Looks like the perfect partner for you! I'm sure that Scizor is one tough son of a gun!" 

He laughed, petting his Manetric softly on the head. He felt a slight zap once he made contact, but nothing too noteworthy. He was use to it by now. As he looked back up at Guzma, he noticed another Pokémon. This time, it was standing behind him.

"Woah, that large Scolipede behind you looks like another fine addition to your team!"

Little did the poor old man know, that Scolipede was *Not*Part of his team.
James
"What?" Scolipede? Scolipede?! He whipped around quickly, and his jaw dropped. "Holy..." 

Perhaps he probably should have been afraid. These things were *Lethal*. Especially to something as fragile as a human. But no, he wasn't scared. He was awed. "Hi... Ain't you somethin'...? I *Knew* There was gonna be foreign bugs out here..." He breathed, stepping closer to it to get a better look. He wasn't worried. Even if it was going to attack him, there was no way it could outspeed Golisopod's First Impression, and by the time that attack was through he'd have his guard up. 

"You just don't see these guys in Alola. I only ever saw them with trainers..."
Ruth
Manetric got up, and looked at the giant Scolipede. Something didn't feel right about it. Of course, Wattson just laughed.

"Wahaha! Still cracking jokes, aren't ya?"

He looked over at Guzma, however. He genuinely seemed interested in it, it looked like he had never seen one in his life.

"Wait.. Is that a wild Scolipede?!" 

Manetric started growling, electricity flowing throughout him. They both kept their place, however. They knew that one wrong move would put Guzma in a lot of danger.
James
"Yeah...! Ain't it gorgeous?" He grinned. There was something about seeing a new bug in person for the first time. As much as he'd been through in his life, as much trouble as he'd caused, seeing a new bug up close and personal never failed to bring back the feeling of being a childish bug catcher, running around with his net in the tall grass. 

He stepped closer still, raising a hand to touch it. Ribombee helped, making up a pollen puff and gently tossing it toward the Scolipede's head as a snack, so it would be less inclined to eat the man who almost seemed to be in a trance. 

Luckily it didn't seem interested in eating them, though it did look wary of the amount of Pokémon around the area - especially that aggressive looking Manectric.
Ruth
Surprisingly, the Pokémon hadn't already started attacking Guzma. Manetric remained cautious, just in case anything went wrong. Wattson stood, in awe. 

"I wonder why it hasn't-" 

As Wattson looked down, he saw something incredible. On the ground, a total of three Venipede surrounded the Scolipede. Wattson let out an audible gasp, and called out to Guzma.

"Psst! Look down!"

It could be safe to assume that this Scolipede was a mother, and the Venipede were her children. Wattson remained still, letting Guzma do his thing.
James
Look down? He wasn't sure taking his eyes off the Scolipede was a good idea, but he put his trust in Golisopod and the speed of its First Impression and glanced down, immediately feeling something in his chest seize. Moving slowly, he withdrew all of his Pokémon one by one - even Golisopod. 

"You might wanna put away that Pokémon... Bugs ain't known for bein' maternal, but better to be safe than sorry. If she was gonna eat us, she'd've tried already."
Ruth
He wasn't entirety sure what Guzma's plan was, but he definitely did not like where this was going. He gulped, and reluctantly withdrew his Manetric. He kept the Pokéball tigjt in his hand, his whole body starting to sweat as he made eye contact with the large bug.

"..I desperately hope you know what you're doing. I'm trusting you. Whether or not that will be my last mistake, we'll just have to find out."

He kept the ball tight in his hand, ready to react if anything happened, his eyes glued onto the Scolipede.
James
When the Manectric was gone too, leaving her and her babies the only Pokémon in the immediate area, the Scolipede relaxed. 

"See... Bugs are misunderstood. It's true that Scolipede are hunters. And humans are the perfect size for a snack, but... If she was gonna eat us, she'd've tried already." He said quietly, backing up toward the other man and squatting down again. 

"I dunno what she wants... She might just be lookin' for a comfy spot to chill out. But she ain't aggressive. So we shouldn't be either. That way no-one gets hurt."
Ruth
He didn't really know what to say. He was more shocked, than anything else. He looked at the Pokémon and her babies, with a soft smile. Maybe he did misunderstand. He had heard plenty of stories about this specific Pokémon, and how dangerous it was. He turned over to Guzma.

"You really know what you are doing. Yet you choose to reside here, and not have your own gym. It perplexes me."

One of the baby Venipedes slowly crawled up to the two. It let out a happy sounding bug noise, as it laid itself next to Guzma. 

"You have this.. Aura. They're comfortable around you. I have a similar aura with electric types."

As he said that, he felt something bump into his back. He quickly turned around, and was greeted with the smallest, cutest Joltik. Wattson smiled, reaching his hand out in front of it, and it graciously accepted his offer. 

"You see what I mean?"
James
Slowly, he sat himself down on the ground properly, crossing his legs meditation style and running his hand over the little Venipede's back. 

"Ain't no gyms in Alola. Only trial captains and Kahunas. Trial captains gotta be younger than twenty, an' Kahunas gotta be chosen by the island guardians." He explained, smiling as another of the Venipede came up to inspect him. 

"Besides, I got my own project goin' on. I'm... Renovatin' an old mansion. A small town, actually. Ain't got time to be a gym leader. I gotta do most o' the word myself cuz funds are low, so... Can't afford to pay many workers just yet."
Ruth
He nodded. He definitely knew Alola was different, but this was unlike anything he had ever heard. People getting chosen like that definitely sounded weird to him.

"Hmm.. You don't sound too upset by this. With how much you love bugs, anyone would expect you to be a gym leader. That's besides the point, though."

He got up and stretched his legs, almost every bone in his body cracking as he did. 

"Do what makes you happy. It looks like that's what you're doing right now." 

He secretly set the small Joltik atop of Guzma's head, without him noticing.
James
"I am upset. But I been upset about it for the last ten years. I wanted nothin' more than to be a trial captain... Guess they're like..." He flailed for the right word, for something to compare them to. "Gym trainers? But they each have their own type an' their own trial. An' when you beat their trial, you have to battle a giant Pokémon, who would be the gym leader. But yeah. They said I wasn't cut out for it... Guess I wasn't, at the time." 

He finished quietly, completely oblivious to the Joltik put in his hair soon after. 

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm tryin'. Buildin' a home for lost kids who need somewhere to go is pretty fulfillin'. Doin' it myself is hard work though."
Ruth
He quietly chuckled to himself, watching the Joltik crawl onto his nose.

"Sounds a lot more complicated than solving a gym puzzle, then fighting the leader! Alola sure is quirky.."

He quickly started to trust the bugs, since they haven't decided to eat them yet. He quickly let out a laugh.

"Wahaha! Don't ya feel something on your nose? Careful! He's pretty small and fragile."
James
"Well, yeah. They can be a lot more complicated. But you only gotta fight one Pokémon and a couple of its friends so... It ain't like facing trainers and a gym leader with several Pokémon each." He said, dipping his voice to be a bit quieter as the Scolipede approached them. It wandered around the small clearing, then picked a spot and laid down, keeping half an eye on the two of them. Amazing, he thought. It really did just trust them. Were all Pokémon on this island this tame? 

"What?" He crossed his eyes to see an odd smudge on the side of his nose. He lifted a hand, carefully nudging the Joltik onto his finger. "Oh, Tapus. Ain't you cute? You must have just hatched! I wonder where you came from." He glanced around in the trees, half expecting to find a giant web nest somewhere.