Artemis had stopped a few paces behind Thomas as she caught the whiff of smoke on the air -<i>this had been her first mistake. H</i>er eyes darted about as she tried to locate the centre of the smell but was met by the swirling fog that billowed and quickly seperated from her trainer.<i>Her second mistake.</i>The sound of the snarls and howls pierced through the black fog as it unnerved her and she held her hands to her ears in a bid for defence.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Thomas?!" </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">she called out, where was he?! </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Thomas?!" </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">The realisation finally dawned on her. All this time she had learnt to protect herself, but had never actually protected anyone else. In her head she thought she knew how to do it, her books always made it look so easy - but the reality was far from it. She needed to find him!</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">She dashed through the fog, spear gripped in hand. <i>This would be her third and final mistake. </i>Her thoughts were so wrapped up on finding the trainer, to keep him safe, that she hadn't anticipated the ember attack to part the smoke and hit her side on, nor seen the silohuette of the growlithe boy from behind. The girl let out a pained scream as she crashed to the floor, landing on her good side. She grasped at her arm where she had been hit, feeling the flames as it bit at her bare skin. Her metallic disposition struggling with the weakness. She gritted her teeth, grunting through the pain. Atleast the attack had done one thing, it had blown away the smoke enough so that she could see Thomas being confronted by the houndour and stunky. </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)"><i>"Damn dark types..."</i></span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)"> She muttered, using her spear as a support to lift herself to her feet. Thomas needed her and it was her duty to be there. Quick wasn't her strong suit, but atleast now she was more alert! </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Don't give them anything!" </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">The Aron snarled as she approached the group. Her agressive tone wasn't meant for Thomas but to be a threat towards the gang. Artemis had caught sight of the growlithe this time was able to duck as another ember was thrown her way. "</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">Are you ok?" </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">Artemis asked as she pushed herself to stand protectively infront of her trainer. She didn't expect an answer as her eyes were glued to Kiara and the stunky. Her trusty spear was held across her body in a defensive stance in both hands. </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I don't think these people are friends..." </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">With a slow blink she looked towards the croagunk making a ruckus that hadn't gone unnoticed. Her grip on her speak tightened making her knuckles go white. </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"What's the plan, Thomas?"</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">She narrowed her eyes, if they were going to fight, she was going to need to put as much trust in Thomas as he would be in her. This would be their first proper battle as trainer and guardian. A pit of nerves swirled in the Aron's stomach making her mouth go dry. She could feel adrenaline course through her body making her want to jump in and fight, but she knew she needed to wait for the signal. </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">Just because she couldn't attack, didn't mean she couldn't threaten them though, which in hindsight... probably was her 4th mistake. </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I suggest you back off. You scared the boy and made him fall for your little sob story, but this ends here... go find types your own size to bully!"</span>