Hometown: Slateport City (Hoenn)
A long time ago, Marina DeCosta was a young girl fascinated by the sea, watching boats coming in and out of her hometown of Slateport City, fascinated by the wider world beyond. Now, she's a stern and respected Pokémon Ranger, leading a rescue team of Pokémon to help those in trouble, whether it be storms, so called pirates or simple mishaps.
It comes at no surprise that Marina specialises in the water-type, with many of her Pokémon geared towards her work. Her Lanturn acts as a light for both lost boats in the darkest of storms and those adrift in the water, while her Dredgnaw locates them and carries those without a raft to safety. Her Poliwrath, meanwhile, has the unenviable task of fending off wild Pokémon and other threats to the safety of those trouble - after all, Hoennan waters are filled with aggressive Sharpedo and Tentracruel. Meanwhile, her might Wailord is on hand, acting as a raft to carry people to safety from more populated ships. But when powerful storms put people in danger, Marina's mighty Primarina Gigantamax to control the ocean with her voice, directing waves away from those in trouble. As for that Blastoise? He was a rescue from one of Marina's missions, liberated from Pokémon Poachers trying to sell it for money. Though to most it is cold and confrontational, it has formed a begrudging respect for its trainers... though will still snap at some of its teammates.
As for her freeform team, her Nidoqueen and Iron Hands are the on hands search-and-rescue crew, breaking down doors on ships, whether it be to created evacuation routes for those in trouble, or busting their way into pirate ships. Nidoqueen is even able to surf across the ocean on its own steam. Her Cetitan and Aurorus meanwhile use their powerful ice abilities to stabilise sinking ships with mighty structures, and Hippowdon... well, he's cool to chill. But don't go harming Pokémon around him, or he goes berserk.
Finishing up Marina's freeform team is her first partner Pokémon, her immensely strong Metagross. Gifted to her as a Beldum from Champion Stephen Stone himself, this Pokémon has been by her side, often personally carrying Marina into the heart of whatever trouble lies ahead. Mega Evolving, it uses it mighty arms to hold ships uprights before its teammates can freeze it into place, or swinging them around to take out any pirates or poachers that dare cross its path. This Metagross is just as tough a customer as its trainer.
Marina has now taken some... "time out" to take part in the Pokémon World Tournament. Perhaps time out is an overstatement, as if she gets any word of things getting out of hands, she's right back there to help out there. In the meantime, she'll gladly take the opportunity to practice her skills. Admittedly, she's earned ire of fellow trainer Artemis, and though Marina isn't as invested in it, Artemis seems intent to air out their newly ignited rivalry with a battle. Sure, it's not an official tournament battle, Marina will at least humour her - perhaps Artemis will learn something from a loss.
