Pokemon - Shadows Unbound(IC)

[BluesEclipse]

Cosmos City... the heart of the Gaira Region. Situated on Lake Cosmos, this city has been the region's center since the Pokemon League was first founded long ago. The streets are bustling with activity, as people finish the last bits of setup for the annual Festival of Rebirth due to officially start later that day - traveling merchants and local shop owners alike set up displays and booths, while both the nature and battle parks are given some last-minute touchups. The city itself is a vibrant display of color, with streamers, balloons and banners everywhere to be seen.

The announcements have been made for the lucky trainers selected for the Festival's opening ceremonies - oddly, there are six who have been selected, rather than the usual five. Rumors resulting from this are rampant - many are guessing that Donovan Thomas, the oldest of the Elite Four, is retiring and that his replacement will be joining the festivities today, while others speculate that someone's managed to unseat one of the other Elites - though, very few are willing to believe that the Champion has been beaten. His reputation as the world's strongest trainer - stronger than the Champions of either the Esper or Mahlay leagues - leaves very few willing to suggest that he might have been dethroned. However, more focus is on the up-and-coming trainers who have been selected as the opposition for the elites in the battle that marks the opening ceremony. With all three regions represented, and a varied group, it's expected that there will be quite a show.

Already, spectators are piling into the Cosmos Grand Stadium which sits at the center of the city - the world's largest battle stadium, it's expected to be filled to capacity for the opening ceremony.

Haruka
You find yourself approaching the stadium from the northern entrance of the stadium. You see a long line there, but a man standing off to the side looks up and squints at you for a moment, before checking his Pokedex. Smiling, he brightens and approaches you, saying, "Ms. Salt! A pleasure to meet you. I'm Nolan Banks, one of the Festival managers. I'll escort you to the Green Room - you and the other participants will be waiting there until we're ready to begin. If you'll follow me?" He turns and leads you towards a smaller door off to the side, tapping something into his Pokedex to open it, before leading you in.

Aron
You make your way to the eastern entrance of the stadium, a bit earlier than the invitation message you got indicated, and see a man begin walking towards you. As he approaches, he says, "You're Aron Sildere, correct? I'm Jason Woods, Ranger Captain for Cosmos City. I'm helping out with the Festival arrangements, and was asked to lead any of you that came by this way into the building. I already sent one of the others along." Motioning with his hand, a small, purple ball phases into view before you, a mischevous grin on its face, and he leads you to a door in the side of the building, which he opens somehow using his Styler. "Lur, here, will lead you to the Green Room - you can meet the others there, and one of the event staff will call you when it's time for the battle." The Pokemon floats into the hallway, turning and waiting for you.

William and Lorenzo
The two of you find yourselves arriving at the stadium's south entrance at the same time, and see a tall, feminine looking Pokemon approaching you, almost as if floating. The blue 'hair' that the creature has falls over one of its eyes, while the other shines pink as it stops before you, the white, gown-like covering of its body rippling. You hear a voice within your minds as it gazes at you. You are William Fairbanks and Lorenzo Filard... my name is Athena. I was asked by Arayos to await you here, and guide you into the stadium - he looks forward to facing you in this event. If you will follow me... The Pokemon turns and glides back towards the stadium, a wave of one of its arms opening a smaller door. It turns and waits for you before leading you into the halls.

Samara
Reaching the stadium's eastern entrance somewhat early, a man appearing to be in his mid-thirties approaches you, nodding slightly. "Samara Patelle... I'm Captain Jason Woods, Ranger Corps. I think I remember seeing you around the city... You were working at the Museum, right? Anyway, I'm supposed to show you where to go. Lyle will be able to do that, though - just follow him and he'll take you to the Green Room. You're the first one to arrive, but you're early enough, so it's not that surprising." Jason gestures and a short Pokemon walks out from behind him, a light green lizard-looking creature with a brown chest. Tapping something on his Styler, Jason says, "Lyle, show Samara here to the Green Room, would you?" A door in the side of the building opens, and the Pokemon scurries in, turning and gesturing you to follow.

Dexter
As you approach the western entrance of the stadium, a young woman, appearing to be about 15 or 16, approaches you. "You're Dexter, right? You're so lucky... I wish I could've gotten to be a part of this. Never have, though... anyway, I'm Emily. I'm supposed to lead you to the waiting room... though... um..." The girl blushes slightly as she looks at you. "Well, I was hoping you might be able to do something for me? If you could get Jakob's autograph for me, I'd really love it... and maybe a picture of him? Or just ask him if he would meet me, maybe for dinner sometime? Or... Eep!" Emily jumps at a cough from behind, and you look to see an older man with an amused smile on his face. "Sorry about that... my niece seems to have a crush on young Mr. Halen, and tends to get distracted a bit," the man says to you before turning to Emily. "Now, Mr. Lazarus has somewhere to be, so why don't you lead him in?" Emily's blush intensifies, but she quickly grabs your arm and drags you towards a door at the side of the building, stopping barely long enough to swipe a keycard and open it before leading you in.

The six of you find yourselves led into a decent sized room. Couches and chairs are set up, with a couple of TVs on opposite walls. One of the other walls has a table set up with various snacks for yourselves and your Pokemon, and a woman stands in the corner, marking something on her Pokedex screen as you enter. Once the last of you arrives, she smiles, and says, "Glad to see you all accepted... I'm Veronica Sikes, part of the Cosmos City Council. I know it's unusual, having six of you here, but there's a good reason for it. The Champion of Mahlay has joined us here, and asked to join the ceremony as well. So we drew a sixth trainer to join on the other end." Looking over you all, she says, "Now, I know you're probably a bit concerned about facing a group of elite trainers like this, but don't worry - it's not a matter of winning or losing. Just do your best out there, and give us a good battle. Now, feel free to introduce yourselves to one another, and I'll be available for any questions you may have."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo scans the pokemon as it leads him to the green room.

After Ms. Sikes gives her introduction, Lorenzo begins munching on some crackers. He knew the importance eating before a performance. Need energy. But not too much. Don't want to be slowed down either. Battles like this aren't much different from a show. Less planned but still a show. He begins scoping out the others and began wondering why they were chosen. Heck, why he was chosen.

I'm Lorenzo Filard. Acrobat with Mr. Gajo's Wonderful Traveling Pokemon Circus. Lorenzo does a curt deep bow with a large flourish. He then continues snacking on crackers.

[Tybar]

Aron, intrigued by the...ghost type, almost certainly, as he is led to the room. He waves to Dexter when he enters, with a smile on his face.

Dex! Glad to see you here. Small world, eh?

Once Veronica finishes speaking, he nods thoughtfully and turns to the rest of the room. My name is Aron Sildere. I recently graduated from the university in Citrine City and am currently studying pokemon and human interactions.

He nods to Dexter and smiles to everyone. I am personally just hoping Helios and I put on a good show for everyone.

He fingers a pokeball marked with a leaf pattern, curious if letting Helios out would be rude.

[dethkruzer]

William had let Snowy out of her Dusk Ball shortly after he had entered into the room, the little creature following him through the hall. As they entered the room with the other trainers, William proceeded over to the table, taking two slices of watermelon and a small plate, before walking over to a couch, setting down the plate, and lifting Snowy onto the couch. "William, William Fairbanks." He briefly introduced himself as he sat down, taking one of the slices of watermelon, and offering the other to Snowy, who began contently munching on it.

The boy took a small bite of the watermelon, he couldn't deny being somewhat nervous, the Champion of Mahlay, coming all the way here for the festival. A small smile formed on his face, this would be the best Festival of Rebirth yet. So, we're going to be going up against the best of the best in Gaira, any ideas who goes first?" William questioned Veronica.

[Gaekub]

Before Emily leaves him at the room, he speaks up. Sure! I'd be happy to talk to Jakob if I see him! He grins at her, and darts into the room without waiting for an answer.

He watches Veronica closely throughout her entire speech, eyes wide and face blank. When she finishes, he begins to grin again and looks around the room at the other trainers.

Oh, hey Aron! How's Helios? He speaks perhaps slightly louder than he should. After speaking to Aron, he turns towards everyone else.My name's Dexter. Nice to meet all of you!

[BluesEclipse]

Veronica nods towards William and replies, "It's a team battle, actually... the six of you against the six of them, all at once."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo stares wide eyed for a moment. All at once?! That will be chaos! Even if we knew each other long before now, we wouldn't be able to synchronize that many trainers and pokemon together! He pauses and contemplates the cracker in his hand. So its a challenge then. I'll gladly meet it. I'll put on a show. And so will Snaggles. Lorenzo draws her pokeball and juggles it in small loops one handed. Not to show off, just to occupy his hands.

[Tybar]

Aron's eyes widen in surprise, then narrow as he works out some information.

Well then...I suppose I can use some of the tactics I've been practicing recently.

He releases Helios, and the Bulbasaur looks around, vines relaxed, at all of the other pokemon and trainers in the room.

Aron looks at all of the others. I am certain we can make a great showing indeed. Also, this is Helios, you know Dexter already. The others are going to be helping us in a battle shortly.



OOC: What does Aron know about these trainers, their pokemon, and their tactics?

[Gaekub]

A team battle? Cool! I've never done one of those before. When Aron releases his pokemon, Dexter raises his hand in greeting to the Bulbasaur. Hey Helios. Are we letting out pokemon now?

He reaches down to the pokeball around his neck and releases the Magnemite held within. This is Ohm. Remember Helios, Ohm?

As an extension to Tybar's question, would I recognize Jakob on sight?

[dethkruzer]

"I see, that will most certainly be a change of pace." William commented as he finished the slice of watermelon, before looking down to Snowy, who was licking the plate. "Go on." William spoke telepathically, prompting the Snorunt to jump off the couch and go mingle amongst the pokemon. The boy then got up, slowly spinning his upheld index-finger, the gnawed out rind slowly floating just above it.

"I do intend to recall Snowy before the battle, but I think it would be good to let the pokemon get used to one another, preferably they could learn to trust one another, as they do trust us." He spoke again, keeping his eyes mostly on the Snorunt, before flicking his finger, telekinetically tossing the watermelon rind into a wastebasket.

"what say you?" He then spoke again, addressing the other trainers.

[EdroGrimshell]

"Haruka Salt, I'm just good with plants," she says, a little embarrassed by the admission, and it's pretty obvious since she's carrying a planter as as shoulder pack, "this is Lily," she says, petting the treeko that was hiding behind her leg.

"Six on six?" she asks, "that's more than just chaos. Even worse considering i have virtually no battle experience at all."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo releases Snaggles with a slighly finger flip, without stopping juggling. This is my lovely girl Snaggles. She's a Tangela and the star of my act. The Tangela extends out 5 vine-tentacles to each trainer, offering a vine-shake to each. The other vines of its body rustle as she greets the other pokemon.

[Tybar]

Aron withdraws a sketchpad/notepad and is in the middle of grabbing a pencil when the vine is proffered. He shakes and smiles as he makes note of each of the pokemon and trainers, doing a quick sketch and some notes on each as they talk.

I would love to get to know each of you better, and Helios has never shied away from anything, well, perhaps fire...

Helios strides over to each of the other pokemon, speaking with each and waggling his vines, including shaking Snaggles' if she offers. The little bulbasaur seems quite unafraid of meeting so many new people and pokemon, but spends some time catching up with Ohm.

[EdroGrimshell]

When the first pokemon comes near her, Lily dashes up Haruka's back, causing her to let out a "Kyaa!" from the feeling, and then makes a hissing noise at it, "sorry about her, she's been like that since we left the ranch. Normally she's rather friendly," Haruka says, trying to calm the treeko down while it's still on her head.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Snaggles gladly shakes the Bulbasaur's vine. She seems very friendly. As she should, she's a show pokemon. Lorenzo scans each pokemon as they are released.

[Gaekub]

Dexter shakes the offered tentacle vigorously and pushes Ohm in the general direction of the other pokemon. "I think you're all getting nervous over nothing," he says cheerfully. "If there's one thing I've learned from my engineering training, it's that... well, no actually, if there's ONE thing it's how pokeballs work. Okay, if there's TWO things I've learned, the second is... no, because... well then, the third..." The boy trails off, mouthing quietly to himself as he collapses on to a couch.

[Tybar]

Aron jumps in at Dexter's fumbling.

Dex, you learned quite a few things...trust me. Just like that time we did a double battle against Trixie and Mindy at the frat part...well, not quite like that I suppose.

He turns toward everyone else. Well, regardless, I do agree with Dex...I think this should just be a fun time. No one is expecting any particular result are they? They are amazing trainers...but they are using unfamiliar pokemon, and won't have the bond we have with ours. And if I have learned anything, it's that the bonds we have are incredibly important.

He smiles at Helios, who returns the smile while subtly encouraging Ohm toward the other pokemon.

[Gaekub]

Dexter raises an eyebrow at Aron. "Double Battle? I don't remember-" He cuts himself off, and a slight red tinge colors his pale cheeks. "I'm going to have some watermelon," he says quickly, walking over to the table and shoving a slice into his mouth.

[dethkruzer]

"I'll just be honest and say that we probably have all the reason to get nervous, this is literally the best of the of the best, theyve most likely caught, hatched, raised, and otherwise handled probably tens, if not hundreds oof pokemon. They may very well bond differently with their pokemon, newly hatched or not." He pointed out, before turning his attention to Snowy, who was tugging on his pants. William proceeded to pick up the pokemon, and cradle it, almost like a baby. "But in the end, it matters not who wins and who loses, but that we trust in each other, in our pokemon, and oursleves." the Psychic continued, keeping his eyes on the Snorunt.

YHe then turned toward Veronica, and spoke again. "Excuse me, but when will the battle be beginning?"

[BluesEclipse]

Veronica smiles at the conversation, and says, "First off, don't worry too much about winning. The battle is symbolic more than anything - the idea of the most experienced trainers mentoring some of the newer, the new generation making themselves known among the old, and the newborn Pokemon being given their chance to shine all represent the ideals of the Festival. Specifically, the idea that the world continues to turn, and no matter what happens, the Creator will bless us with a chance to start anew." Looking at the group, she continues, "As for the battle... it often can be a bit chaotic, but it's meant to be a spectacle. People rarely get to see this many Pokemon in a pitched battle at once, after all. To address your concerns about the elite trainers you're facing... keep in mind, they haven't raised these Pokemon personally. Given that one of them is known for breeding his champion team, it would be too much of an advantage - especially since Jakob has, in the past, taken on a challenger with nothing but a recently-hatched Eevee that he bred."

Shaking her head, Veronica says, "But I'm getting off topic. They're only receiving their Pokemon today - they've had enough basic training to obey commands, and are viable for battle, but it's not much different than a new trainer getting their first Pokemon, except for the skills of the trainers in question. As for when the battle starts..." She looks at her watch briefly, and nods, before finishing with, "You've got just over half an hour, so don't worry too much."

All of you know some information about these trainers - they're among the biggest celebrities in the world, after all.

Jakob Halen is the youngest of the Gaira Elite Four at age 17 - the youngest among the Elites for all regions, in fact, having just earned the position two years ago. Specializing in the Eevee line, he's known not only as a skilled trainer, but an expert breeder as well. His skill and his looks have made him the idol of many young women, as well. (And yes, you'd recognize him on sight.)

Heather Revane specializes in Normal-type Pokemon, and holds a remarkable understanding of how Pokemon learn their moves - she serves as a consultant and spokesperson for Alaren Poketech, in addition to her role as one of the Elites.

Aidan Steele is known as the Celestial Master because of his preference for Pokemon that somehow reference the sun, moon, and stars. He is known as an expert tactician, who holds his place among the Elite Four through his quick thinking and clever tricks in battle.

Donovan Thomas is the eldest of the Elite Four in Gaira, and specializes in quick Pokemon - known as the Swift Master, his normal roster contains Pokemon that redefine fast, and he knows tricks to bring them beyond their normal limits.

Arayos Vayen, the Gaira Champion, is considered to be the world's most skilled trainer. Less than a dozen opponents in sanctioned battles have ever brought down more than three of his Pokemon in a match, and nobody's ever managed to take down five. One of the things he's famed for is his possession of Heatran - and the fact that he's never once used it in a sanctioned battle.

Derek Jameson, the Mahlay Champion, is a scholar, and a former Professor of Genetics from Citrine University. Known as something of a mad scientist, he is known for manipulating his own Pokemon on a microcellular level, altering their very nature. Despite his skill, however, he is widely considered the weakest of the three Champions - an assessment he has stated he agrees with.

[Tybar]

Aron blinks a bit at the half hour comment, and pulls out his pokedex from a pocket in his jacket.

In that case, best get to scanning all of ours then.

He begins scanning all of the pokemon in the group (though he already had Ohm's data, he checks it briefly), then switches to passive mode.

It is probably more important to focus on the battle than on my pokedex...and we should make sure this is a great spectacle, right all?

He grins and checks his clothing, making sure it looks fairly nice before the fight.

[Gaekub]

Dexter begins to mumble around the mouthful of fruit, but decides against it and swallows before speaking. "Do you mind?" he asks Haruka as he steps towards her, pointing at Lily with pokedex in hand.

The pokedex is only recognizable as a pokedex due to the iconic faceplate, however, as the rest of it is a mass of electrical tape and extruding wires. A small antenna peeks out through the top of the chaotic strips of black tape.

[EdroGrimshell]

"as long as you don't try to touch her you'll be fine," Haruka says as her pokedex pings, it had finished scanning the group.

[Gaekub]

Dexter scans Lily, careful not to come too close. He then goes around the room, scanning each pokemon in turn after asking its trainer for permission.

[Niria]

Samara stays unusually quiet in the room as the other’s greet each other and begin to chat. She wasn’t sure if it was the fact that she was nervous or if it was simply stage fight for the upcoming battle, but she felt unnaturally shy in this setting. Seeing the other’s release their pokemon and begin scanning, she took out Novan’s pokeball and released the psyduck next to her. Following the lead of all of the other trainers, Samara takes out her pokedex and begins scanning all of the present pokemon. As she quietly wander’s around the room her eyes catch sight of a strange looking pokedex that looked like it had been mutilated. “Dexter is it?“ Her eyes wander up to the man who was holding the item. “What in the world did you do to your pokedex?”

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo looks over the data of all their pokemon. We seem to have a lot of fire weaknesses. I know this battle is just for show, but a good battle is a close battle. He switchs his pokedex to passive mode. snaggles and I have a plan that could help, but if they have ember, they will rip through us.

Snaggles bows at each trainer with every scan. She is very congineal and polite. Unlike her trianer.

[dethkruzer]

Seeing the other Trainers scanning the present Pokemon, William also pulled out his pokedex, fiddled with it for a bit, and got scanning. They were indeed at a disadvantage if there were ant fir types to be fought, be then his eyes wanderred to the Psyduck.

The boy had to take a moment before approaching the girl who had let out the Psyduck, and tapping her on the shoulder. "Psyduck is a Water-type, right? Does he know Water Gun or anything similar? William asked.

[Tybar]

Aron strokes his chin thoughtfully.

Certainly we do have a weakness to fire types, however...

Glancing through his pokedex and looking at Helios, he nods thoughtfully.

I believe we can also make the battle look flashier...I know that Ohm has some crowd-pleasing abilities. Thundershock, for one.

Aron smiles and looks around.

In terms of more effective moves...leech seed and sleep powder may be able to take some of their pokemon out of the fight, or at least give us an edge throughout the battle. Helios knows both.

He leans down and rubs the bulbasaur's bulb affectionately.

[Gaekub]

Dexter turns to look at Samara. "Well... to be honest, a lot of stuff. Most of it didn't really work out though," he says, smiling sheepishly. "What did work out is this radar." He points at the antenna that sticks out of the top. "It can detect pokemon within a fifty meter radius!" He looks down at the device with a happy smile for a few seconds before his head snaps back upwards.

"Sorry, you know my name, but I don't remember yours," he says, thrusting his arm out towards Samara and holding out his hand.

"Oh, and my uncle taught Ohm Rollout, so that might help with any fire types. It's not exactly his forte though," Dexter mentions to the rest of the trainers.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Snaggles has both Sleep Powder and Poisonpowder. And I taught her Reflect, so we can use it to control the enemies movements.

[EdroGrimshell]

"Lily is quick enough for us to get a hit or two in before we get into trouble, and she can use Mega Drain to heal herself a little," Haruka says, "and she knows quick attack so we can get an extra hit in if we do get into trouble."

[BluesEclipse]

The half-hour goes by quickly as you get acquainted with one another and discuss strategy. Finally, Veronica says, "Alright, then, it's time! Let's get going, shall we?"

She leads the six of you out into the stadium, where you see the six elite trainers waiting. You catch the end of the speech being made by the match announcer - "...just as the old world gave way to the new, so too will new Pokemon be born to live alongside us, and so too will new trainers rise to the greatness that these elites hold. And now, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the young trainers who will face our elites in this battle - Lorenzo Filard, Samara Patelle, Dexter Lazarus, Haruka Salt, Aron Sildere and William Fairbanks! Trainers, take your positions!"

You see six platforms raised near the center of the stadium, waiting for you to begin. Once all of you are placed, a referee on a pedestal overlooking the arena raises his hand, giving the signal for you all to release your Pokemon.

{table]X|1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19| 20
A| | | | | | | |HR| | | | |DS| | | | | | |
B| | | | |JH| | | | | | | | | | |AV| | | |
C| |AS| | | | | |Ca| | | | |Sn| | | | | |DJ|
D| | | | |Ee| | | | | | | | | | |Be| | | |
E| |Cl| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |So|
F| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
G| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
H| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
I| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
J| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
K| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
L| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
M| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
N| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
O| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
P| |1P| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |2P|
Q| | | | |3P| | | | | | | | | | |4P| | | |
R| |1| | | | | |5P| | | | |6P| | | | | |2|
S| | | | |3| | | | | | | | | | |4| | | |
T| | | | | | | |5| | | | |6 | | | | | | | [/table]

Initiative:
Donovan(DS)
Lorenzo(LF)
Arayos(AV)
Dexter(DL)
Derek(DJ)
William(WF)
Haruka(HS)
Aron(AS)
Aidan(AI)
Heather(HR)
Jakob(JH)
Samara(SP)

Sneasel(Sn)
Lily(Li)
Castform(Ca)
Eevee(Ee)
Novan(No)
Helios(He)
Snowy(Sw)
Beldum(Be)
Ohm(Oh)
Snaggles(Sg)
Cleffa(Cl)
Solosis(So)

Pick your spots on squares marked 1-6. Pokemon are released in the corresponding "P" squares, 2 in front of the trainer.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Alright lets do this! Lorenzo steps onto the 4 platform and releases Snaggles.

[Gaekub]

Dexter steps onto the 3 platform and releases Ohm.

He also looks across at Jakob, and begins to mouth words at him, matching each word with a corresponding action. "I" - points to himself - "need" - clutches at the air - "to" - holds up two fingers - "talk" - waggles hand next to head, as if it were a phone - "to" - two fingers - "you." - points at Jakob.

Once he has finished, he stares at the trainer with a hopeful smile.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka goes to platform 6, handing Lily an oran berry before she goes onto the field, "just in case," she says with a wink. With that, Lily dashes onto the field, "let's give them a great show!"

[BluesEclipse]

As the trainers ascend the platforms, Jakob looks oddly at Dexter, before pulling out his Pokedex and doing something with it.

[dethkruzer]

William had recalled Snowy shortly before they were lead to the arena. The sight alone was breathtaking, but he knew he had to focus. "I can do this, I can do this, I can do This..." William kept mentally repeating to himself, before stepping onto Platform number two.

The boy took off his backpack, and set it aside, before taking out his Pokedex in one hand, and the Dusk Ball in the other. Focusing for a moment, an unseen force lifted the pokeball from his hand, and left it floating in the air, as he closed his hand into a fist, but left his index finger extended. "We can do this Snowy, I believe in you." William spoke to himself, knowing the Snorunt could not hear him from within the pokeball.

"Snowy, I choose you" He called out as his mental powers flung the pokeball onto the field, releasing the Snorunt, before returning to his hand.

[Tybar]

Aron steps confidently onto the platform marked 5, wondering why they numbered them, and clicks open his pokeball.

Come on out Helios, let's see what we can learn from this!

His sketchpad is in one hand with the pencil in the other as he makes notes on the elite trainers and his new companions.

[Niria]

“How nifty! I’m sure that is very useful when looking for wild pokemon.” When Dexter stuck out his arm, Samara blushed a little realizing she had forgotten to introduce herself to anyone in the room. She held out her hand as well, and spoke not only to him but to the other’s as well. “My name is Samara Patelle, and this is my partner Novan.“ As she spoke she motioned to the psyduck who was standing beside her. “I’m also a graduate from Citrine University, and yes Novan does know water gun!” She smiled at the boy who had asked her the question about the water attacks. “Don’t worry, we can take care of any fire types that might show up.”

After speaking she simply listened to others as they strategized and then followed the group as they made their way to the arena. As they walked she begin to feel the excitement finally creep over her nerves, and she smiled warmly down at her beloved friend. “Are you ready Novan? Today will definitely be a day that we will never forget!” Arriving last to the arena she watched as the other’s choose their spots and then stepped up to the platform which was numbered one. Her psyduck followed suit and stood a few steps ahead of her.

[BluesEclipse]

On the referee's signal, the six elites release their Pokemon. Aidan releases a pink, star-shaped Pokemon which bounces excitedly from foot to foot, while Jakob releases a small fox-like Pokemon, which stands there, tensed as if ready to spring at any moment. Heather releases an odd-looking Pokemon which resembles a wisp of cloud more than anything, which hovers before her, and Donovan releases a black, weasel-like Pokemon with what appear to be feathers adorning it. Arayos releases an odd Pokemon, a metallic blue bar with a single eye which hovers over the field silently, while Derek releases an odd, ball-like creature surrounded by an orb of green... something.

Once all of you have released your Pokemon, the referee calls out, "Trainers, ready! And... BATTLE!"

Donovan smirks and calls out, "Looks like that Treecko of yours is the fastest of your group... pretty nice. Let's see if it can keep up with Sneasel, shall we?"

Everyone
If you all will give me a Perception check, please.

The Battlefield
{table]X|1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19| 20
A| | | | | | | |HR| | | | |DS| | | | | | |
B| | | | |JH| | | | | | | | | | |AV| | | |
C| |AI| | | | | |Ca| | | | |Sn| | | | | |DJ|
D| | | | |Ee| | | | | | | | | | |Be| | | |
E| |Cl| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |So|
F| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
G| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
H| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
I| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
J| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
K| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
L| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
M| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
N| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
O| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
P| |No| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Sw|
Q| | | | |Oh| | | | | | | | | | |Sg| | | |
R| |SP| | | | | |He| | | | |Li| | | | | |WF|
S| | | | |DL| | | | | | | | | | |LF| | | |
T| | | | | | | |AS| | | | |HS| | | | | | | [/table]

Donovan(DS) - Sneasel(Sn)
Aidan(AI) - Cleffa(Cl)
Heather(HR) - Castform(Ca)
Jakob(JH) - Eevee(Ee)
Arayos(AV) - Beldum(Be)
Derek(DJ) - Solosis(So)

Lorenzo(LF) - Snaggles(Sg)
Dexter(DL) - Ohm(Oh)
William(WF) - Snowy(Sw)
Haruka(HS) - Lily(Li) -1 Speed CS
Aron(AS) - Helios(He)
Samara(SP) - Novan(No)

Action Summary
Donovan used Superior Ability on Lily! Lily gets -1 Speed Combat Stage.

[EdroGrimshell]

"Lily, try getting closer to that sneasel," Haruka says, "and try to stay away from that eevee, there's something not right with it."

Lily moves in a straight line to L13

[dethkruzer]

William flicked open his okedex, before pointing it at the blue bar pokemon, before focusing momentarilly on the Snorunr before him. "Snowy, approach the opposing pokemon, but stay cautious. Then use Leer." The gave his mental command.

Scanning Beldum with Pokedex, Snowy moving to L18. Then uses Leer on Solosis if it comes into range.

Attack roll, AC 2
1d20

[Tybar]

Aron puts down his sketchpad after making a note on the Eevee.

Alright Helios, Head on out! If any come in range, have them take a nap!

Helios charges ahead, not wanting to show any fear in the face of the elites.


Helios shifts to K8 and readies himself to use Sleep Powder (Range 6) on any enemies coming in.

[Niria]

Samara’s eyes swept the battlefield taking in the newly called out pokemon. “Interesting bunch they have…alright Novan, use water gun on that Cleffa!” As she spoke she dug our her pokedex so that it generally swept the battlefield.

The psyduck makes it way forward two squares before aiming a water gun at the small pink pokemon in front of it.

[Gaekub]

Dexter whips out his pokedex and begins to scan the Eevee across from him. "Ohm! Move forwards and shock that Eevee!" he yells.

Ohm moves forwards to N5 and launches a thundershock at the Eevee.

AC 2 move
[roll0]

[MesiDoomstalker]

Snaggles, contortionist box on the Beldum! Snaggles waddles forward to K16 and readies an action to use Reflect once the Beldum is in range and on ground level.

Contortionist box: Using Reflect (combined with Reach to give it range of 5m), to surround a land bound medium or small sized pokemon in a box. A Reflect wall is placed on each horizontal edge adjacent to the target, and 1 on top creating a 5 sided box, effectivly trapping anything that can't burrow, pass through Reflect walls or break said walls.
Also: Reflect timer roll [roll0]

[BluesEclipse]

As you command your Pokemon, Jakob calls out, "Eevee, attack with Poison Sting!", followed immediately by Donovan's call of "Sneasel, get in there and make yourself heard! Screech!" Aidan calls out, "Cleffa, pick a good move and copy it!" while Heather commands, "Castform, Water Gun!" and Jason intones, "Heh... Solosis, use Psywave!"

Your Pokemon move forward, and Snaggles's vines flash outward, quickly constructing a shimmering box-like field around Beldum, while Ohm sends a small bolt of lightning at the Eevee, shocking it. Novan opens his beak and sprays out a stream of water which smashes into the Cleffa.

The opposing Pokemon, excluding the trapped Beldum, move forward as well, with Helios launching a small burst of powder at the Castform as it floats forward. Castform deftly dodges away from the powder, and sends a spray of water from its own mouth, hitting Helios. The Eevee dashes towards Ohm, seemingly uncaring about the fact that it was hit, and opens its own mouth, sending a spray of deep purple, nearly black, spines at the Magnemite. The spray tears into the Pokemon, piercing its steel body, and the spines melt into a poisonous sludge which drips harmlessly from the Pokemon's body. Snowy glares balefully at the Solosis, and the timid Pokemon's body shakes slightly.

Cleffa takes a couple of steps forward, and waves its arms, a small bolt of lightning sparking from it towards Novan, but falling short of its target, while Sneasel lets out a powerful high-pitched scream, forcing both Snaggles and Lily to cover their ears and lower their guard. Solosis moves towards Snowy, and its eyes glow pink as it releases a wave of psychic power forward, smashing into the Pokemon.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20
A| | | | | | | |HR| | | | |DS| | | | | | |
B| | | | |JH| | | | | | | | | | |AV| | | |
C| |AI| | | | | | | | | | | | | |XX| | |DJ|
D| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |XX|Be|XX| | |
E| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |XX| | | |
F| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
G| |Cl| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
H| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |So| |
I| | | | | | | |Ca| | | | | | | | | | | |
J| | | | |Ee| | | | | | | |Sn| | | | | | |
K| | | | | | | |He| | | | | | | |Sg| | | |
L| | | | | | | | | | | | |Li| | | | |Sw| |
M| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
N| |No| | |Oh| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
O| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
P| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Q| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
R| |SP| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |WF|
S| | | | |DL| | | | | | | | | | |LF| | | |
T| | | | | | | |AS| | | | |HS| | | | | | | [/table]

Donovan(DS) - Sneasel(Sn)
Aidan(AI) - Cleffa(Cl)
Heather(HR) - Castform(Ca)
Jakob(JH) - Eevee(Ee)
Arayos(AV) - Beldum(Be)
Derek(DJ) - Solosis(So) -1 Defense CS

Lorenzo(LF) - Snaggles(Sg) -2 Defense CS
Dexter(DL) - Ohm(Oh)
William(WF) - Snowy(Sw)
Haruka(HS) - Lily(Li) -1 Speed CS, -2 Defense CS
Aron(AS) - Helios(He)
Samara(SP) - Novan(No)

XX - Reflect Wall

Action Summary
Helios misses with Sleep Powder.
Novan hits with Water Gun - 14 Damage.
Ohm hits with Thundershock - 21 Damage.
Snowy hits with Leer. Solosis gets -1 Defense Combat Stage.
Reflect walls are placed.

Sneasel hits Snaggles, Lily with Screech - -2 Defense Combat Stages to each.
Castform hits Helios with Water Gun - 9 Damage after Defense.
Eevee critically hits Ohm with Poison Sting - 12 Damage after Defense.
Cleffa uses Copycat on Ohm, copying Thundershock. Cleffa misses Novan with Thundershock.
Solosis hits Snowy with Psywave - 15 Damage after Defense.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Good work Snaggles. Now Pretty Powder number 5 on the Sneasel and exit stage right! Snaggles wiggles the vines that compose its body releasing a cloud of purple powder at the Sneasel before waddling over to H20.

Poisonpowder centered on I3 right behind the Sneasel before moving. 1m burst catches the Sneasel but no friendlies.
[roll0] AC 6, poisoned if hits.

[Gaekub]

Dexter blinks in surprise. "Was that a poison attack? Ohm, that Eevee's making me a little uncomfortable. Back up and hit him again!" he yells, changing his scan target to the nearby Castform.

Dexter's scanning the Castform.

Ohm moves back to Q5 and fires another thunderbolt at the Eevee.

AC 2 move: [roll0]
Damage: [roll]1d12+22

[EdroGrimshell]

"Lily, pound on that sneasel and follow up with quick attack," Haruka shouts.

Pound AC: [roll0]
Pound Damage: [roll1]

Quick Attack AC: [roll2]
Quick Attack Damage: [roll3]

[Tybar]

Aron strokes his chin at the castform, then shifts his attention to the Eevee.

Helios! New plan, give Ohm some help, whack that Eevee...but don't get too close!

Helios makes an indignant "saur" at the last comment, but whips out a vine and then moves away.


Helios is attacking Eevee with vine whip before shifting to L10.

Vine Whip accuracy roll:
[roll0]

Damage:

[roll1]

[Niria]

Samara look’s weary as the Cleffa sends a thundershock dancing towards Novan. “Yikes! That was close. Novan put a stop to that by using Disable on Cleffa’s copycat…’ Her eye's briefly wander to the other trainer's pokemon as the battle takes off.

[roll0]

[dethkruzer]

"Snowy, are you alright?" A concerned metal message hit the Snorunt, who turned around and gave a brief nod, or maybe she was bowing, it was hard to tell when there was no discernable neck.

"That was a Psychic move. Snowy, get up close and use Bite." William gave his mental command before pointing his pokedex at the grey cloud-like pokemon.

Snowy shifts to I18 and attacks Solosis with bite.

Accuracy roll for Bite, AC2
[roll0]

Damage for Bite.
[roll1]

[BluesEclipse]

Aidan calls out, "Cleffa, close in and Sing them a lullaby!" as Novan's eyes flash a bright pink, a similar aura washing over Cleffa as she darts forward between Ohm and Novan. The little star Pokemon begins singing softly as Ohm launches a bolt of electricity at the Eevee, striking it squarely. As sparks arc back from the Eevee to Ohm, the Magnemite and Psyduck appear to nod off for a moment, before shaking themselves out of their stupor.

"Castform, Tackle the Bulbasaur!" Heather commands as Helios lashes at the Eevee with its vines, before the Grass-type is knocked back by Castform's diving tackle. Snaggles, meanwhile, sends a spray of dark purple powder drifting around the Sneasel, as Donovan orders, "Sneasel, get ready and Faint Attack that Treecko!" Lily rushes forward at the Sneasel, slamming it with a powerful strike before quickly following up with a second strike. Sneasel staggers from the blows, as well as the poisonous effects of the powder, stumbling forward before suddenly slashing at Lily, catching the Treecko off guard.

Snowy runs forward and bites into the Solosis as Snaggles moves past, even as Jason shouts, "Solosis, show them your Hidden Power!". The Snorunt bites into the Solosis, who wavers, as Arayos shouts, "Keep fighting... show them what you can do, Solosis!" The Solosis focuses, and lets out a cry as it releases a burst of dark power around it, blasting both Snowy and Snaggles. As the burst fades, Solosis faints, and Jason quickly recalls the Pokemon, giving a nod to William as he does. Arayos looks down at the walls surrounding Beldum, and says, "Just about time..."

Jakob looks at his flagging Eevee, and begins to call, "Eevee, ta..." He trails off as an aura of shadowy energy begins to emanate from the Eevee, which releases a cry of rage. It stalks forward a bit, before opening its mouth, and releasing a spray of purple-black spikes towards Cleffa, tearing into the baby star. The Cleffa gives a cry of pain before falling, and Aidan quickly recalls her before turning to Jakob, saying, "What are you doing? Control it! Recall it!" As he speaks, Jakob already has the Pokeball out, and the beam of red light that recalls the Pokemon streaks towards the Eevee... before dissipating against its shadowy aura. "I can't call it back... Eevee, stop! Stop!" The Pokemon simply growls before taking a menacing step towards Novan.

As you watch the Eevee rage, you feel a familiar pulse... as if the shards you carry are reacting to the Eevee's power - and you somehow know that the shadow power will consume the Eevee if it isn't brought down.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20
A| | | | | | | |HR| | | | |DS| | | | | | |
B| | | | |JH| | | | | | | | | | |AV| | | |
C| |AI| | | | | | | | | | | | | |XX| | |DJ|
D| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |XX|Be|XX| | |
E| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |XX| | | |
F| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
G| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
H| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Sg
I| | | | | | | |Ca| | | | | | | | | |Sw| |
J| | | | | | | | | | | | |Sn| | | | | | |
K| | | | | | | | | | | | |Li| | | | | | |
L| | |Ee| | | | | | |He| | | | | | | | | |
M| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
N| |No| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
O| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
P| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Q| | | | |Oh| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
R| |SP| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |WF|
S| | | | |DL| | | | | | | | | | |LF| | | |
T| | | | | | | |AS| | | | |HS| | | | | | | [/table]

Donovan(DS) - Sneasel(Sn) Poisoned
Aidan(AI) - Cleffa(Cl)
Heather(HR) - Castform(Ca)
Jakob(JH) - Eevee(Ee) Paralyzed
Arayos(AV) - Beldum(Be)
Derek(DJ) - Solosis(So)

Lorenzo(LF) - Snaggles(Sg) -2 Defense CS
Dexter(DL) - Ohm(Oh) Paralyzed
William(WF) - Snowy(Sw)
Haruka(HS) - Lily(Li) -1 Speed CS, -2 Defense CS
Aron(AS) - Helios(He)
Samara(SP) - Novan(No)

XX - Reflect Wall

Action Summary
Lily hits with Pound - 11 Damage.
Lily hits with Quick Attack - 12 Damage. Lily forfeits her next Move Action.
Novan hits with Disable - Cleffa may not use Copycat.
Helios hits with Vine Whip - 9 Damage.
Snowy hits with Bite - 56 Damage. Solosis is Fainted.
Ohm hits with Thundershock - 17 Damage, Eevee is Paralyzed. Eevee uses Synchronize, Ohm is Paralyzed.
Snaggles hits with Poisonpowder - Sneasel is Poisoned.

Aidan uses Game Plan to shift Cleffa forward.
Arayos uses Not Yet! on Solosis.

Sneasel hits Lily with Faint Attack - 24 Damage.
Castform hits Helios with Tackle - 16 Damage.
Cleffa misses with Sing.
Solosis hits Snowy, Snaggles with Hidden Power - 23 Damage to Snowy, 25 Damage to Snaggles.

Eevee is engulfed by a shadowy aura! Eevee hits Cleffa with Poison Sting for 38 Damage. Cleffa is Fainted.

OOC:
As a reminder, please update the HP of your Pokemon when you take damage. Lily should have 12 HP left, Helios 4, Snowy 1, Snaggles 29.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo stares wide eyed at the Eevee for a moment before snapping out of it. We need to get you over there Snaggles. Enter stage center and root yourself to the battle.

Snaggles waddles to H16 before dropping some vines down into the ground, Ingraining himself.

Note: Ingrain does not prevent movement as it would suggest. It can't be forced out of the encounter but I can willingly recall it.

[Gaekub]

Dexter's mouth drops open as he stands in stunned silence for a second, his pokedex slipping out of his hand and clattering onto the ground.

"Guys! I could use some help over here!" he shouts at other trainers, his hands searching his pockets for the silvery piece of metal. "Ohm! Help's on it's way. Now power through and light 'em up!"

Dexter is retrieving the piece of metal from his pockets.

Ohm isn't moving, just throwing down another thundershock.
Paralysis Roll: [roll0]
To Hit (AC 2): [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka pulls the shard from her pack, feeling it pulse, she looks down at the eevee, "there's something very wrong with that eevee... that shadow is going to consume it if something isn't done soon! Take it down! Use your best moves if you can!" she shouts to the others, "Lily, once you get the chance use Mega Drain on that Eevee!"

Potion: [roll0]

For next Turn
AC: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

HP: 36/36
Def: 8
Sp.Def: 8

[Niria]

Samara's attention was pulled to the eevee as she watched it take out her and Novan's current target. "Wha-what's is wrong with that thing?!" She pulled out a small shard from her pocket as she began to feel a strange energy surge through it. "It must be stopped. Alright, Novan back up a little and send an Icy wind towards that eevee! Be careful out there!"

Novan moves to Q3 and sends an Icy Wind towards the Eevee.


[roll0]
[roll1]

[Tybar]

Aron's mouth gapes in shock for a moment, but he quickly reacts.

Helios! Ignore everyone else, we need to attack that Eevee!

Aron pulls the shard out of one of his many pockets, and a potion out of another.

You're going to need this Helios! Then hit Eevee again with your vines!

Helios whips out a vine, flinging it at the weird Eevee.


Helios uses Vine Whip on Eevee

[roll0]

[roll1]

((This is what I get for not having my moves fully listed...damage on vine whip is now correct))

[dethkruzer]

not all had gon as planned, and William was getting somewhat worried. Seeing how the Eevee began attacking against it's trainers order, he quickly reached out into the referee's mind. "Call off the the battle, that pokemon is out of control." He requested, before turning his attention to Snowy. "Get closer to that out-of-control pokemon, we need to help."

As he finished his telepathic insructions, William focused for a moment, before suddenly flickering and vanishing off his platform and reappearing on the field.

William uses Teleport to shift to M6. Snowy Shifts to I14.

I'm updating my hp into the sheet I reposted in the OOC thread, edited the original linking post to match.

[BluesEclipse]

As the shadowy aura begins to consume the Eevee, Arayos shouts, "If you can't control it, Jakob, we'll have to take it down. We can figure out what's happened to it after! Beldum, get over there!" Aidan nods, and says, "Donovan, get that Sneasel over here! Try to surround it! Damn..." Aidan curses as he sees William appear on the field, not far from the rampaging Pokemon, shouting, "Kid, get out of there!"

"Sneasel, take it out before it lets off another attack!" "Castform, get above it and use Water Gun!" Donovan and Heather call out to their Pokemon, even as Novan releases a burst of chilling wind towards the Eevee. The wind breaks against the dark aura, though disrupts it enough for Helios's vine to slash through. Sneasel darts forward, leaving Beldum, Snowy and Snaggles all trailing behind as it swipes fiercely at the enraged Eevee with its claws, just barely missing the Pokemon as it dashes past.

"Don't worry... you'll get it next time, Novan!" Jakob calls out, encouraging the Psyduck as the Castform floats overhead, firing a blast of water from its mouth that strikes the Eevee just as the Sneasel passes it. The Eevee turns and fires another burst of poisonous spines at the Sneasel, catching it in the back and slamming it into the wall with the force of the impact. Donovan quickly recalls the Pokemon as the spines dissolve into a dark sludge, while Snaggles extends its roots into the ground, leeching strength and nutrients from the soil. Ohm begins charging for another electric bolt, but the sparks flare around it, and the Magnemite staggers in mid-air.

Arayos calls out to you all, "Hit it with everything you've got... we need to bring this thing down before we can figure out what's wrong with it! We'll do what we can to help, though none of us have any other Pokemon on hand... it's up to you!"

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20
A| | | | | | | |HR| | | | |DS| | | | | | |
B| | | | |JH| | | | | | | | | | |AV| | | |
C| |AI| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |DJ|
D| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | | | | | | |Be| | | | | | | | | |
F| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
G| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
H| | |Ca| | | | | | | | | | | | |Sg| | | |
I| | | | | | | | | | | | | |Sw| | | | | |
J| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
K| | | | | | | | | | | | |Li| | | | | | |
L| | |Ee| | | | | | |He| | | | | | | | | |
M| | | | | |WF| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
N| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
O| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
P| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Q| | |No| |Oh| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
R| |SP| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
S| | | | |DL| | | | | | | | | | |LF| | | |
T| | | | | | | |AS| | | | |HS| | | | | | | [/table]

Donovan(DS) - Sneasel(Sn)
Aidan(AI) - Cleffa(Cl)
Heather(HR) - Castform(Ca)
Jakob(JH)
Arayos(AV) - Beldum(Be)
Derek(DJ) - Solosis(So)
Lorenzo(LF) - Snaggles(Sg) -2 Defense CS
Dexter(DL) - Ohm(Oh) Paralyzed
William(WF) - Snowy(Sw)
Haruka(HS) - Lily(Li) -1 Speed CS, -2 Defense CS
Aron(AS) - Helios(He)
Samara(SP) - Novan(No)

Eevee(Ee) STATUS UNKNOWN

Action Summary
Donovan uses Superior Ability on Eevee! Eevee gets -1 Speed Combat Stage!
William uses Teleport! William is Teleported!
Aidan uses Game Plan on Sneasel!
Jakob uses Constructive Criticism on Novan! Novan now needs -1 to all Accuracy Checks!
Aron uses Potion on Helios - 21 HP Healed!

Sneasel misses Eevee with Scratch.
Castform hits Eevee with Water Gun - 9 Damage.
Novan misses Eevee with Icy Wind.
Helios hits Eevee with Vine Whip - 9 Damage.

Eevee hits Sneasel with Shadow Venom - 21 Damage. Sneasel is Fainted.

Snaggles uses Ingrain! Snaggles is rooted!
Ohm is Paralyzed! Ohm is unable to act!

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo pulls out the shard and glances at it as the exciting feeling washes over him. Snaggles, go for the show stopper! Energy Ball! We need to wrap this up fast!

Snaggles rushes towards the Eevee to K9 and releases Energy Ball towards the Eevee.


[roll0] Special Grass AC 2 -1 to Sdef on 17-20
[roll1]

[Gaekub]

Dexter finds the piece of metal with a triumphant yell. "Wait, do all of you have these too?" he asks as he notices the pieces of metal held by the other trainers.

"C'mon Ohm, you can do it. Hit him again" Dexter says, stepping towards the pokemon and pulling a potion out of his backpack.


Dexter moves to R5
Ohm does not move.

Ohm uses another lightning bolt.
Paralysis (roll 7 or better): [roll0]
To hit (AC 2): [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[dethkruzer]

Seeing the Sneasel get struck down by the raging Eevee only strengthened William's resolve to end this quickly. He looked over his shoulder toward the Snorunt, that was approaching as quickly as her short legs would allow.

Determined to save the Eevee, he spread his legs into a wider stance, before lifting his hands before him, His eyes closed and the air around his hand seemed to shift about slightly, as his Telekinesis reached out.

"Hopefully this Will work..." He muttered.


Snowy Shifts to J10. William attempts to lift the Eevee with Telekinesis, maximum load 30 pounds, maximum range 18 meters.

[Niria]

As Dexter calls out about the metal, Samara looks over shocked to see the other contestants holding a piece very similar to her own. 'What is going on here? What connection does this shadow have with these stones?' Samara manages to only give Dexter brief nod in response to his question, before her attention is brought back to the field by the newly fallen Sneasel. She shook her head focusing her mind on what attack they should do, and upon hearing Jakob's encouragement, knew it was time to give everything they had."Alright Novan, that was a good try last time, but now use water gun!"

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Tybar]

Aron watches as the Eevee shrugs off most of the vine's impact, stroking his chin again.

Helios, we need to bring this Eevee down, hit her with everything you've got!

Helios gives a little roar and charges, tucking his head down to strike.



Helios shifts to L4 and uses Take Down

Accuracy:
[roll0]

Damage
[roll1]

[BluesEclipse]

As William focuses, and the Eevee begins rising into the air, Aidan calls out, "Get that Treecko in close if it's going to drain!" Castform fires a spray of water, which narrowly misses the enraged Eevee, while Lily darts forward and latches onto the Eevee. A brilliant golden light shines around the Treecko as it saps some of the Eevee's strength, and the fox-like Pokemon lets out an agonized cry as its aura appears to diminish slightly, while Lily's wounds begin to heal themselves.

Snowy rushes towards the battle, following William, while Novan fires his own blast of water at the Eevee, blasting into the creature's side. Helios follows with a reckless charge at the Eevee, slamming into it, and staggering back from the force of the impact, while Beldum continues floating towards the battle.

The Eevee cries out, but between the effects of Lily's attack, the electricity coursing through it from earlier, and the telekinetic hold William has on the Pokemon, it is just a bit too slow - it opens its mouth to fire off another spray of poisoned barbs only to be struck by a sphere of green energy launched by Snaggles. Ohm attempts to focus, but the Magnemite's own electrical power is still erratic, and it merely succeeds in floating there.

With the barrage of attacks weakening the Eevee, Heather calls out, "Jakob, try and recall it now!" The youngest of the elites nods, and attempts to recall the Pokemon, but again the digitizing beam from the Pokeball merely splashes harmlessly against the enraged Pokemon's aura.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20
A| | | | | | | |HR| | | | |DS| | | | | | |
B| | | | |JH| | | | | | | | | | |AV| | | |
C| |AI| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |DJ|
D| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
G| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
H| | |Ca| |Be| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
I| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
J| | | | | | | | | |Sw| | | | | | | | | |
K| | |Li| | | | | |Sg| | | | | | | | | | |
L| | |Ee|He| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
M| | | | | |WF| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
N| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
O| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
P| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Q| | |No| |Oh| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
R| |SP| | |DL| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
S| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |LF| | | |
T| | | | | | | |AS| | | | |HS| | | | | | | [/table]

Donovan(DS) - Sneasel(Sn)
Aidan(AI) - Cleffa(Cl)
Heather(HR) - Castform(Ca)
Jakob(JH)
Arayos(AV) - Beldum(Be)
Derek(DJ) - Solosis(So)
Lorenzo(LF) - Snaggles(Sg) -2 Defense CS
Dexter(DL) - Ohm(Oh) Paralyzed
William(WF) - Snowy(Sw)
Haruka(HS) - Lily(Li) -1 Speed CS, -2 Defense CS
Aron(AS) - Helios(He)
Samara(SP) - Novan(No)

Eevee(Ee) STATUS UNKNOWN

Action Summary
William uses Telekinesis! Eevee is lifted into the air!
Aidan uses Game Plan!

Castform misses Eevee with Water Gun.
Lily hits Eevee with Mega Drain - 10 Damage. Lily regains 5 HP.
Novan hits Eevee with Water Gun - 15 Damage.
Helios hits Eevee with Take Down - 20 Damage. Helios takes 5 Recoil Damage.

Eevee is unable to act.

Snaggles hits Eevee with Energy Ball - 27 Damage.
Ohm is Paralyzed, and unable to act.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka raises an eyebrow as the aura wavers, "Lily use Leer, weaken it for the other's attacks!" she then looks towards the elites, "something about Lily's attack weakened that aura, I'm going to try it again when I can," she calls out, "if it can weaken that aura we may be able to take it down before it does any more damage."

AC: [roll0]

HP: 36/36
Def: 8
Sp.Def: 8

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo grips the shard in his hand, his knuckles turning white. Enough of this! Poisonpowder!

[roll0] AC 6 Poisons

[Niria]

As Samara watched the eevee take the onslaught of attack’s, she couldn’t help but to be a little amazed at the fact that it was still standing. “ Alright Novan, use disable on that eevee’s poison attack !”

Ac:[roll0]

Disable on Shadow Venom.

[dethkruzer]

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. William focused on keeping his breathing steady as he did his best to keep up the telekinesis, and hopefully restrain the struggling Eevee. He quickly glimpsed over his shoulder to see Snowy coming as fast as her little legs would go, before he gave a swift nod and turned back to focus on the Eevee.

William maintains Telekinesis. Snowy Shifts to M8

[Gaekub]

"Third time's the charm!" Dexter shouts.

Dexter does nothing. Another thundershock from Ohm.

Paralyze roll(Need 8): [roll0]
To hit (AC 2): [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[Tybar]

Aron sees all of the other shards and finally nods to Gaekub. A bit distracted, but yeah, I think we all have one! We should look at them later.

He looks at Helios and the little bulbasaur nods back. Helios, smack the Eevee then back off to Ohm!



Vine Whip Accuracy
[roll0]

Vine Whip Damage
[roll1]

[BluesEclipse]

William continues holding the Eevee in the air as it thrashes against his mental grip. Lily's eyes glow briefly as the Treecko leers at the shadow-tainted Pokemon, and Novan closes his eyes, an aura of psychic energy surrounding both the Psyduck and the Eevee, with the aura lingering momentarily around the Eevee. Helios then lashes out with his vines again, striking the Eevee squarely. The Eevee lets out a pained cry as its own dark aura flares violently, before falling limp. "Jakob! Now! Recall it!" Arayos calls out to the younger trainer, who points the Pokeball towards the Eevee. The red beam fires out, engulfing the Eevee... and the Pokemon fades into its energy form as it is pulled into the Pokeball. Jakob stands there for a long moment, looking at the Pokeball oddly, as Arayos climbs down from his platform and approaches you.

"Jakob, take the Eevee to the medics in the stadium... we'll catch up to you." he calls sympathetically to the young elite, and you notice that Heather and Arayos have both recalled their own Pokemon. The Champion of Gaira turns to you, and says, "I have to admit... that wasn't what we were expecting from this battle, but you definitely did well. Let's head inside... the medics can patch up your Pokemon while we try to figure out what happened there..." Sighing, he continues, "I've never seen anything like that, before... do you know anything about what just happened there?"

Lily hit with Leer, Novan with Disable. Helios hit with Vine Whip for 13 damage, which fainted the Eevee.

Each Pokemon gains 2100 XP.

[Tybar]

Aron shakes his head and walks with Arayos, with Helios trotting, triumphantly, up to him as well.

Good job Helios. I can't say that I have seen anything like that...or really read about it honestly.

He strokes the bulbasaur's bulb affectionately, then strokes his own chin before continuing.

I will say that the oddest part seems to be that we each have some sort of fragment that reacts to whatever happened to that Eevee...I'm wondering if they are all pieces of the same whole, or separate parts to even more...and what they can do with that aura...I don't like it, and I really hope that we can fix the poor pokemon.

[EdroGrimshell]

"Well, whatever happened with it it caused these shards to react. What's even stranger is that Lily has a rather... odd variation of mega drain which seemed to affect the aura," Haruka says as she joins the elites and her fellow participants, "I don't know what it is, exactly, but it's always seemed different. You saw it yourself."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo hops off the platform nimbly, Snaggles following behind panting. Good show Snaggles. Even if someone tried to steal the spot light. He twirls the shard in his hand between his fingers.

Sooooo, how long have you guys had your, uh, shard? I found it a few days ago before arriving in Cosmos.

[Gaekub]

Dexter holds Ohm to his chest, using his mech arm to help protect him from the sparks the pokemon is putting off. "C'mon buddy, we're gonna get you healed up."

As he walks towards indicated building, he turns to talk to the other trainers. "My uncle gave it to me a long time ago. He said it was from some ruins with some nutso technology in it. Never told me where though." He tosses the shard up and down in his hand for a second, and then lobs it towards Aron. "Here, take a look at it if you want. I've got to get Ohm healed, and then I'd like to take at them to."

[Tybar]

Aron grabs at the shard clumsily, with Helios finally grabbing it with a vine.

Heh, thanks Helios...hm...it is similar to mine I believe...

Aron holds the two together, examining them.

I received mine fairly recently actually...

He holds them up to the light.

[BluesEclipse]

Looking at the two shards side-by-side, you see that they are made from the same metal, and all of them seem to be mostly jagged - but with a single flat, sharp edge, as if from a blade - though it's not apparent that there's any way to fit the two together. Held alongside one another, the two shards seem to glow faintly, pulsing in time with one another.

[Tybar]

Aron blinks at the pulsing, showing everyone else.

Would you all mind holding yours up as well? I'm curious as to if they will all pulse in time...or if any will fit together.

He looks curiously at everyone, including the Elite.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo holds his shard up against the two Aron is holding, resisting the subconcious urge to twirl it.

[Niria]

Samara let out a small sigh of relief as Jakob was finally able to return the odd eevee. “Well…I guess today was still a day to remember. You did a good job Nov.” She gave a brief smile to the psyduck as he made his way next to her. As Aron and Lorenzo held their shards together, Samara held her own shard out as well. “I actually found mine inside a urn that came from Esper.” She was thoughtful for a brief second before continuing, “At the time I didn’t ask who he was, but there was a man painted on the outside of this urn. Perhaps he holds the key to these shard’s?”

[Gaekub]

"Hey, bring them in here and we can look at them while our pokemon are healed up," Dexter shouts over his shoulder as he pushes through the door into the healing area

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka walks into the med bay with Dexter, setting the shard on a table so that they could be set out rather than being held, which, with the sharp edge, was rather dangerous, "alright Lily, time to get healed up," she says. Then she sets her planter down on the table she had put the shard on and quickly puts her Oran berry in the dirt, being careful not to get dirt anywhere while she waits for everyone to join her.

[Tybar]

Aron sets the other two shards on the table as well, taking note of the planter before pulling out his sketchpad and making notes.

Unusual...but I have never been cut by this...despite having tested the edge once...though I will admit, better safe than sorry.

He turns to Helios.

Make sure you rest up, I know you push yourself sometimes.

[Gaekub]

Dexter pushes Ohm in the direction of the medics. "I'll be right here," he tells the pokemon as it floats away.

He turns back to the other trainers. "Yeah, don't worry about it. I bang my hand against it all the time in my pocket, and it's never cut me." He leans over the three shards, and begins comparing them and lining them up against each other. "Well, I could weld them together if I had the tools, but I have a feeling that's not the answer. They definitely look like they came from the same place though, if not the same thing."

[dethkruzer]

Seeing the out-of-control Eevee being recalled meant William could relax, or more precisely, slump over and pant like he was having an asthma attack. It ttok a hort moment before he could calm down his breathing, at which point he looked down to see Snowy, who looked worried.

William simply smiled at the Snorunt before picking her up and following the other trainers. And he noticed they were all carrying a metal shard that seemed somehow familliar. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out his own shard. "It seems I have one as well, I found this in the mountains of the Esper region."

[BluesEclipse]

"Hmm..." Arayos says, as he looks at the shards that you all carry while you head inside. "Never seen anything like that... Heather might know, though - she's the one that's interested in the Ancients." With that, he leads you into the stadium's infirmary/Pokecenter.

As each shard is set on the table, the light pulsing from them grows brighter and faster, until the room is filled by a constant glow when the sixth shard is placed there. For several moments, nobody moves, nobody speaks - everyone's attention is drawn to the shards. Then, the sound of a Pokemon being released echoes through the room - the Eevee appears on the table near the shards, while the Pokeball Helios opens on its own as well, releasing the Bulbasaur next to Lily.

The Eevee, still unconscious, appears almost to be smoking - wisps of dark energy rise from the fox-like creature, vanishing into the light, while its wounds begin glowing with a bright, golden light as well. A cry from Helios draws your attention to the other Pokemon in the room - you see both of their bodies begin to shift and grow, the bulb on the Bulbasaur's back begins to blossom, the green leaves fanning out, exposing a pink flower bud beneath them. Lily's tail grows sharper and more leaf-like, while similar leaf-like extentions sprout from her wrists, and a crest resembling a blade of grass grows from her head.

After the evolution of the two Pokemon finishes, you see the Eevee struggle to its feet, and with a cry, a burst of dark energy erupts from its body, dissipating in the light of the shards. The Eevee looks towards the shards, then at you, before making its way over to Jakob, who was sitting near the back of the room along with the medics. The fox-Pokemon happily jumps into his lap, and Jakob just blinks, before saying, "You... you healed him? How... how'd you do that? What happened to it to begin with?"

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka watches with a raised eyebrow, "it... looked like a purification or something. That eevee was giving off an aura of malevolence earlier, now it just seems like a normal eevee after all that black aura left it," she looks at the shards, "Lily found this while we were on our way here, and it seemed like they amplify each other's effects if the light and pulsing is any indication. I've never seen anything even close to this before, honestly."

[Gaekub]

Dexter stares down at the shards of metal. "I've never seen anything like that either. I'll tell you this: there's no way I'm trying to weld these things," he says, eying the pieces suspiciously.

"So who chose us for this event? If all of us had these, that doesn't seem like a coincidence," he says as he reaches out with a finger and touches the closest shard gingerly.

[BluesEclipse]

"So who chose us for this event? If all of us had these, that doesn't seem like a coincidence," he says as he reaches out with a finger and touches the closest shard gingerly.

Heather answers, "The selections are entirely random - they're done by computer. As I understand it, it generates the ID numbers first, then checks them to see if they're valid IDs for trainers who have used services in town within the week or two prior to the event... if not, it generates new IDs as needed until six trainers are selected that are actually here. If someone had been able to hack the system and rig this..." Heather trails off, though Derek finishes the thought, "If someone had hacked that system, they'd not only have to be capable of bypassing some of the best network security around, but also knowing that you all had those - and didn't you say, Ms. Salt, that you just found yours on the way here?"

"Definitely an odd coincidence," Aidan says, "or perhaps it's fate. If nothing else, it was fortunate that you were the ones selected - you proved quite capable of handling the situation, after all."

Heather looks at the shards for a moment, before saying, "We can look into the matter of you six being selected, see if there was someone manipulating the selection. As for these shards, though... you should talk to Professor Hawthorne, over at the Museum of the Ancients. If there's anyone in Gaira who can give you an idea of what these shards actually are, it's him."

[Tybar]

Aron looks surprised and shocked at the shards, then sees Helios evolving.

Hey! Congratulations Helios!

He hugs the, slightly larger, saur and pats his head.

Well, I don't know about fate or luck, but it seems like a good thing overall...

He nods thoughtfully to Heather.

If there are other pokemon like this Eevee...then we need to find out how these work, and if there are more...I would hate for any other pokemon to be stuck how it was...or worse.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo watched the spectacle with mild interest. It looked like a magic trick and a bad one at that. We have much better tricks at Gajo's. Just smoke and mirrors. He picks up his shard, easily identifying it among the others and pockets it. Thats great about the Eevee. And the evolutions. Congrats. Heather, your a Tutor yes? Snaggles could evolve if she learns the right move.

[Niria]

Samara watched a little amazed as the shard’s seemed to cleanse the eevee. “And to think just a week ago everyone thought this was a piece of useless metal.“ Samara picked up her shard eyeing it as if it was a brand new toy, and then proceeded to pocket it. She nodded her head in agreement with both Aron and Heather’s statements. “It is a strange coincidence that we were all picked, but if anyone was to have an idea about what these shard’s are it’s Professor Hawthorne. I wonder…” She turned towards Jakob curious. “Did you notice anything odd about Eevee earlier in the day? Do you know where that Eevee came from?”

[dethkruzer]

Well, in the end it really doesn't matter, we're all here now, and the Eevee is alright. He spoke, before putting Snowy back down. "But the power of the shards is remarkable indeed, it would probably be best to visit this profeesor, if there is any chance he might know anything about them.

[Gaekub]

Dexter reaches down and grabs his shard, feeling the smooth edge with his thumb. "To the museum then!" he abruptly shouts, thrusting his fist into the air.

He starts to stride towards the door, and then stops a few feet away. He turns back and smiles sheepishly. "As soon as our pokemon are healed, I mean."

[Tybar]

Aron coughs to suppress a laugh, but doesn't suppress his grin.

Indeed Dex, indeed...

He picks up his shard, and tucks away Helios's pokeball, letting the Ivysaur walk around on his own for a while.

Oh, if anyone wants, I have some rough sketches from before and during the fight...nothing major, but perhaps it can help.

He shows his sketchpad.

[BluesEclipse]

Arayos chuckles at Dex's antics, and says, "Don't worry... they won't take too long. Though, Samara did bring up a good point... Jakob, who was it that bred that Eevee?" Jakob thinks for a moment, before answering, "Don't know. It was a breeder in Esper, if I remember correctly." "We'll have to look into that," Donovan interjects, "and see if they know anything."

"You need Ancientpower, right?" Heather responds to Lorenzo, thinking for a moment. "Not one that I have much experience with myself... but why don't I check with some of my contacts at Alaren and get back to you? I can see about getting a TM made for it, and having it sent to you. It may take a bit, though, and it won't be free - but I'll get you a good price." "Speaking of that..." Arayos says, fishing out an envelope and holding it out to you, "here. The match didn't end as expected, but you probably would've beaten us if it had, so I see no reason why you shouldn't get the prize money."

Just under a half hour passes, and the medics bring your Pokemon back over to you. "Hey..." Jakob says as you turn to leave, "I just wanted to say thanks again for this. Send me a message before you leave town, alright?" Jakob smiles, and the rest of the elites say their farewells before you're led out of the stadium.

You get 1500 Meseta each.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Connections. Everyone needs them. And Lorenzo has one. Thank you Heather. I wasn't expecting a handout. Regardless, thank you for helping putting on a good show. I guess we should talk to the Proffessor then? Snaggles, freshly healed, shakes her body in approvement.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka nods, petting Lily with a smile, the evolution was unexpected, but not an unpleasant one, "probably, may also be able to explain how it caused our pokemon to evolve like that."

[Gaekub]

Dexter snaps his finger as he collects Ohm, and points at Jakob. "Almost forgot, I need to get your autograph before we go. And find Emily... Hm..." he trails off as he realizes he in fact has no way to find the girl.

[Niria]

"I'm ready whenever everyone else is." As Samara spoke she moved over towards the exit. Novan followed closely behind. Somehow he had managed to go through the fight unharmed."Oh! I almost forgot!" She took out her pokedex and scanned the two newly evolved pokemon. "By the way, congrats on the new evolutions!"

[BluesEclipse]

You head out of the stadium and into Cosmos City, making your way through the crowds to the Museum of the Ancients. Entering the Museum, you're directed to one of the labs in the back of the building after asking for Professor Hawthorne.

Entering the lab, you see several people gathered around various computers, all looking at the screens and discussing things. In the back of the room, you see an older man staning there wearing a lab coat, his grey hair neatly combed and a pair of squared glasses on his face, talking to a dark-haired man in an expensive-looking suit. They seem to be having a somewhat heated discussion.

[dethkruzer]

William followed the grou to the museum, not saying much. He was suffering from a small head ache which he was sure would eventually grow into a full-blown migraine.

As he entered the museum, and after being directed into the lab, he looked aroud in awe, but quickly focused on the matter at hand, or rather, the dark-haired man. There something about him, maybe the suit, that just seemed out of place. Believeing there would be no harm in doing so, William's mind reached out and tried to get a peak of what was going on in the suit-mans head.

Using telepathy to read the surface thought of the man in the suit.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka looks around a bit, this was a rather interesting place, though she did prefer gardens and greenhouses, "Ano, Professor Hawethorn?"

[Gaekub]

Dexter leans over, peering over the shoulder of a worker at the computer screen he is using. He attempts to figure out exactly what the person is working on.

[BluesEclipse]

William
As you touch the man's mind, you notice that he has little defense in place. This fool has no idea just what he's doing... the more time wasted on what we've already gotten from Oracle, the longer it's going to take for project CM to be finished... the data on this 'Nei' program the Ancients had is all we need...

Dexter
Looking on one of the screens, you see that it's a log of some sort.
AW 1279 - 01180323 - Daughter System online in Vahal facility. Status nominal.
AW 1279 - 01190323 - Manufacture of security units in Vahal facility proceeding as normal.
AW 1279 - 01190457 - Log of data for Project Nei loaded into Daughter, per protocol.

The text that you can see after that is a garbled mess of code.

Professor Hawthorne looks up as he hears his name called, and says, "Please, if you could bear with me for just a moment?" before turning back to the man in the suit. "As I said, you've already been given everything we have at this point, and I can't simply stop the Oracle research simply to go looking for some other ruin that we only have a name for, and may not even be intact!" The man in the suit scowls, and replies, "You would do well to keep in mind who is funding your work, Professor. We'll give you one more month to figure out a way into the heart of the Oracle Ruins. After that, you won't be seeing a single meseta more towards this!" The man turns and stalks out of the room, not even acknowledging your presence as he goes.

"I do apologize," the Professor begins as he turns back to you, "I wasn't expecting any visitors today. What can I..." He trails off as he looks more closely at you, and then smiles. "Samara... a pleasure to see you, though I'm quite busy at the moment. I heard you took part in the opening ceremony of the Festival... how did that go?"

[Niria]

As soon as they entered the museum Samara felt a piece of herself settle down from the day’s events. She had spent the last year or so interning at the museum, and a piece of it felt like home. “Hello Professor Hawthrone…” Samara bit her tongue for a moment as she wandered about the man with the black suite. Now wasn’t the time to inquire about him. They had more important matters to figure out. “The ceremony was uh...” She paused for a moment as she attempted to figure out what to say. “Well that is actually the cause of us being here. You see at the tournament one of the pokemon went berserk from a shadow like energy that consumed it. Luckily we all had one of these…” She pulled out her shard and held it up to him. “These shards somehow purified the pokemon. Although we are not really sure what they are, or where they came from.” A light blush crept on her cheeks as she continued on in a ramble. “We were hoping you might be able to help us with that.”

[BluesEclipse]

"Berserk, you say? And from some sort of shadow energy... hmm." The Professor thinks silently to himself as you tell him of the events in the stadium. As you finish, and show him the shard, he looks at it curiously. "Hmm... this appears to be a shard of a blade... the material, though, is nothing I've ever seen before." He runs his finger lightly along the edge of the shard, and pulls it back to see a razor-thin cut on the tip of his finger, blood just beginning to seep out. "Hmm... It's remarkably sharp."

The Professor lapses into silence for a moment, before nodding. "The surge of shadow from the Eevee... well, I don't know exactly what it is, but I have heard similar reports from individuals in Esper, who have come afoul of the Order of Eternity. Whether it's something that they can cause within a Pokemon - a new TM, perhaps - or a natural occurence, I don't quite know. But these shards cured it... purified it? I've never... wait a second. Please, bear with me for just a moment." The Professor heads over to an unused computer terminal, and begins typing some information in. After a moment, text begins flowing across the screen, and he frowns slightly. "I know I've seen something like that before, but I can't think of where offhand. I'll be glad to look into it for you, Samara, but perhaps you'd be willing to do a favor for me in the meantime?"

[Gaekub]

"Even if Samara's not, I will!" Dexter says happily. "I'm Dexter, by the way. Dexter Lazarus. It's nice to meet you, professor!"

As Dexter speaks, he reaches into his pocket and rubs his finger across the shard of metal, feeling for any hint of pain.

[Niria]

Samara was quiet for a few seconds after the professor finished talking. She began to scratch the back of her head sheepishly. "If it help's any, I actually found my shard in a vase we recovered at the museum. All of the scholars at that time thought it was trash, and instructed me to throw it away, but I just couldn't." She looked briefly down at the shard. "There was just something compelling about the shard that made me keep it.The vase I found it in had a man dressed in very ornate robes. Perhaps he has some connection to all of this?" As she finished talking, she gave Dexter a small smile. "Of course I can do a favor for you. We can both do it, and anyone else who wishes to join as well. What would you like us to do?"

[EdroGrimshell]

"Ano, our shards don't seem to cut us," Haruka says, quietly, "is that relevant?" she asks, even demonstrating by dragging her fingers along the edge.

[Gaekub]

Without warning, Dexter reaches out and drags his own finger along the edge of Haruka's shard, testing its edge for himself.

[Tybar]

Aron, mostly pre-occupied by Helios' evolution and making notes, talking to the ivysaur, stayed quiet for most of the walk.

As the man in the suit brushes by, Aron studies him briefly, then turns his attention to the professor.

The nicking demonstration also confuses him, as he pulls out his own shard as well.

Hm, you are not the only ones...my shard refuses to slice me as well...for which I am grateful, seeing as how clumsy I am.

He winces as Dexter tries to cut himself.

[Niria]

"I've never really noticed, but now that I think about it I've never been cut by my shard as well." Thoughtful Samara runs her finger on top of her shard. What did this mean exactly? Did the shard's have some kind of connection to them personally? Despite being taken aback from Dexter's sudden action's, Samara watched him curiously to see if he was bleeding.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo starts tossing his own shard. I've never had an issue getting cut either. I just thought it was my own skill that insticually avoided the edges.

[BluesEclipse]

Both Dexter and Samara run their fingers across the edge of their shards, even pressing down slightly on it, but the shard fails to even break the skin. "They don't cut you..." Professor Hawthorne mutters, astonished. "Remarkable... I've never heard of anything like that. Something else I'll have to consider... and you say, Samara, that you simply found that shard in a vase from one of the ruins? Hmm... I'll have to take a look at it, see what we know about it. So many things to do... I'm glad you're willing to help me, then, since it's going to be so difficult to keep up with this many projects." Heading over to a nearby desk, the Professor opens it, and pulls out a gleaming silver object - it looks almost like a Pokeball, except that it's roughly the size of a human head.

"This was recovered from the Oracle Ruins last month - it's a databank of some sort. We're still analyzing the data from it, but some of the information indicates that it might, in fact, be the core of an AI system. I was going to look for someone to take this to Professor Vinewood, there at the ruins, but it's quite fortunate that you all showed up." The Professor smiles at you as he sets the item down on the table between you and him. Looking more closely, you can see that much of its surface resembles circuitry of some sort. "The circuits there appear to be connections of some sort - I'm hoping that this will somehow allow us access to the deeper sections of the ruins. If you could make your way to Daffodil Village, and deliver this to Professor Vinewood, I'd greatly appreciate it. In the meantime, I'll see what I can find out regarding these shards of yours, or the odd Eevee that you mentioned."

[Gaekub]

As soon as the sphere touches the table, Dexter reaches down with both hands and snatches it up. He holds the ball in the palm of his mechanical arm and traces the circutry patterns with the fingers of his other hand.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Was that rude?" he asks after a second or two, looking up from the ball. "I feel like that was rude."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo frowns. I'd like to help you escort that lovely piece of ancient tech, but I have obligations elsewhere. The Festival is one of our busiest show times at Gajo's. I doubt I could get away from that. I was barely able to get free time for the match.

Lorenzo ponders for a moment. He did want to get out of the circus for a while. The circus was all he knew, and he felt.... somehow empty because of it. He would have to at least try.

[Tybar]

Aron, relieved at Dex not getting sliced open, is not nearly as surprised by him snatching up the orb.

Yeah Dex, just a tad bit...but I'm at least used to it. Remember though, when we get into the ruins...well, I wouldn't go picking up everything you find that looks neat.

Aron grins widely, and Helios lets out a little laugh, knowing their friend.

I actually do not have any obligations at the moment, and I would love to assist you professor. I have been planning on becoming a professor myself, and I would not mind studying under you or your colleagues.

He smiles again and starts making a sketch of the orb as he moves next to Dex, studying it along with him and listening to any comments he has.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Mesi kicks Tybar's post in the butt and into the light.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka just grins, "I'm here for adventure, so this is a perfect opportunity for me."

[dethkruzer]

"Sounds fair enough, I've wanted a chance to see the world. Are we in a hurry? Because if possible, I'd quickly go home and pack my things."

[Niria]

Samara’s smile brightened at the professor’s request to go to the Oracle Ruins. “That works out perfectly for Novan and I. The Oracle Ruins was one of our planned research spots. Going there will kill two birds with one stone.” She nodded in agreement with William’s request. “I know that I definitely need some time to go home and collect my belongings. What if we all split up for the time being and then meet back here in front of the museum in an hour or so? Will that work for everyone?”

[Gaekub]

Dexter reaches into his pocket. "Oh, yeah, sure. I'd like to do some shopping before we leave town." He pulls the shard out of his pocket and lays it against the silver sphere, comparing the two materials.

"You know, my uncle said he found this shard in ruin he got to explore. One full of really wacko technology. This looks exactly like the kind of stuff he was talking about."

[EdroGrimshell]

"I'll need to find some more berries," Haruka says, "anyone know a place that sells them? I'll be growing them while we travel and I'd like to have a good assortment."

[BluesEclipse]

Professor Hawthorne smiles, and says, "Excellent, excellent. By all means... Dexter, was it? By all means, feel free to study the databank, so long as you don't damage it at all. It's our best hope currently for accessing the deeper part of the ruins."

The Professor pulls out his Pokedex, and says, "I'll go ahead and inform Professor Vinewood that you'll be coming. The ruins are just a half-day's walk from Daffodil Village, and there's no real rush so long as you get there within the next couple weeks, so don't feel you need to hurry." The Professor pulls out a stylus and begins writing on the screen of his Pokedex - clearly, he has a custom model himself.

"I definitely would advise doing any shopping you need to today, though - if any of you weren't aware, the shops normally have special sales today. And as for berries, I'd actually recommend the Green Thumb Plant Shop over by Silver Blossom Park. They cater to Coordinators, so they normally have a wide selection of berries available. If you have any other questions, feel free to send me a DexMessage - just send it to ProfHawthorne. And again, thank you for the help." The Professor smiles at you, and heads over to look at the computer screen once more.

NOTE: For today only, all items purchased, excluding HMs and EMs, Up-Grade, and Lucky Egg, are purchased at a 30% discount. Factor this in while doing your shopping.

Edro - You can purchase any berries on the list from 01 - 35. Other berries aren't available at this time.

All of you can feel free to shop, battle, or do whatever until you meet up to leave town - if you want to battle, I'm going to ask that you jump onto the pad, so we can run the battle in real-time. Enjoy!

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka thanks the professor and heads out with Lily to get some berries (see the spoiler below), picking up a few that would be good for healing, mainly. She'd probably pick up some flavor ones at a later date, these would be more useful for now, esspecially with the confectioners book she had gotten from her mother. She was already working on a special juicer presented in the book, it would be most useful in the future. And now she had about 45 minutes until she had to be back, so she went for a walk in the park and looked for even more berries.

Healer Berry Search: [roll0] Need 15 or higher
Berry: [roll1] 10 is a Sitrus Berry

1 Each
Chesto Berry, Pecha Berry, Rawst Berry, Aspear Berry, Leppa Berry, Persim Berry, Sitrus Berry, Figy Berry, Wiki Berry, Mago Berry, Aguav Berry, Iapapa Berry

1581 Misata
Leaves me with 19 Misata left if my math is right.

I can't get onto the pad for extended periods for combat, so we'll have to do it on here if we do until my computer's fixed.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo nods to the others before he goes across the city to where the circus grounds were set up. He had to convince them, some how. He called out to the milling circus workers HEY! Anyone seen Gajo, Barter or Maren?

2 things: Gajo is the owner/ring master (duh), Barter and Maren are Lorenzo's father and mother respectivly. Secondly, does the discount stack with my membership discount in anyway?

[BluesEclipse]

As you arrive at the circus grounds, you notice that several people are running around, and a couple of the tents are damaged. You also see a couple of Rangers walking around, talking to some of the people there - one of them is listening to Gajo, who is shouting angrily, "You need to find them, now! This is supposed to be our opening day here! Without them, we've lost some of our best acts!"

[MesiDoomstalker]

Crap. This can't be good. Lorenzo appraoches carefully. Gajo whats wrong? What happened?

[BluesEclipse]

Gajo turns towards you and says, "What happened? Some thugs came in here and attacked us, that's what happened! They snuck in - your parents caught them trying to get into the pen where the Tauros and Rapidash were kept, and they decided to attack. They not only took those two, but they also got one of the Dittos, and your father's Bronzong! I'm glad you're back... without you around, we'd be in bad shape..."

[MesiDoomstalker]

The news hit Lorenzo hard. Were they.... Where are my parents? he grabs Gajo by the shoulders and gives him a rough shake Where are they? Are they ok!? TELL ME!

[BluesEclipse]

"Gah... Calm down, kid, calm down." Gajo says, pulling himself away from you. "Your father's fine, just a bit bruised, and your mother's already being patched up - she's not that bad. They're back in the cart... It's fortunate they were there, otherwise those bastards probably would've made off with a lot more of our Pokemon..." Gajo glances over at the Ranger still standing there, and says, "And shouldn't you be going to track them down or something so you can get my Pokemon back?"

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo grits his teeth and sneers at his boss. You mean the pokemon me and my family caught and raised for you? Ya, I'll get our pokemon, my family back. Lorenzo turns towards the Ranger. Any idea where they went?

[BluesEclipse]

"Not sure where, honestly... all we know is that they were headed east-" the Ranger begins, before Gajo interrupts, "What? You can't leave, Lorenzo... what about the show? With you having been in the opening ceremony, you'll be the biggest attraction of all! You can't run off now! The Rangers will do their jobs, so don't worry about it!"

[MesiDoomstalker]

I have other priorities Gajo. Unlike you, I care about the saftey of my family. And if I can find them, you'll have your show back on. They were headed east? Whats to the east? I want to help Lorenzo holds up a hand stopping Gajo from interjecting regardless of what you have to say. And where are my parents? I need to talk to them.

[BluesEclipse]

Scowling, Gajo says, "Like I told you, your parents are back in your cart - they're fine, so you don't need to worry." Gajo looks like he wants to say more, but relents. The Ranger looks at you and says, "I'll accompany you, if I may... we still need to get statements from them, after all."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Sure.... Lorenzo stomps toward his family's cart, letting off his frustration on the over-trampled ground beneath him. He walks in and immidiatly asks Are you ok?

[BluesEclipse]

The Ranger follows you, introducing himself as Darien Hall, as you enter the cart that your family has used as their home for as long as you can remember. Your father looks up - he has a couple of visible bruises, but nothing too bad. Your mother is lying in bed, asleep, with bandages visible over her arms, stained with red. Barter says, "Lorenzo... I'm glad to see you, son. I'm guessing you've heard about the attack... I'm fine, and the doctor said your mother will be alright with a bit of rest. It's probably a good thing you weren't here... better that you didn't get caught in this."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo grabs his father in a tight hug. He bite his lip, fighting back tears. They were safe. Beaten, battered and bruised but safe. Without breaking the hug I'm going to have to Barter. I can't let them get away with it. Maybe he didn't need to tell them everything. Breaking off the hug he looks into his father's eyes. What can you tell me about them? The more I know, the better I can handle them.

[BluesEclipse]

Barter sighs, and then nods, saying, "I'll admit, a part of me is glad you're going. I can't tell you much - quite a bit of it I don't really understand, myself. There were only two of them, both wearing all black - odd choice for such a nice day like today. One had a hoodie, with the hood up, the other... his getup looked almost like some kind of robe, to be honest."

Shaking his head, he notices Damien behind you writing some things down before continuing, "They each had only one Pokemon, though - the hoodie guy had a Haunter, while the robed one had a Bisharp. The Bisharp is the one that did this to your mother... I fought the one with the Haunter. It... it's odd, really. Both of those Pokemon seemed more like wild beasts, just barely being controlled by their trainers. The robed one did... something to the Bisharp - it had almost attacked him, and he just held up his hand. The glove he was wearing gave off some weird, dark glow, if that makes sense." He pauses for a moment to collect his thoughts, before he resumes his tale.

"The Haunter... the Bisharp, too, from what I saw... their moves were different. When the Haunter used Flamethrower, the flame was black... and I swear, when that Bisharp used Double-Edge, everything seemed to fade into darkness for a moment before it attacked. If you go after them, be careful... and don't go alone. I'd go with you, but..." He sighs, nodding at your mother.

Damien says, "I'll need to get this information to the rest of my squad... and... Lorenzo, was it? If you do come across whoever's responsible for this, just let us know so that we can handle this properly, alright?" Damien doesn't wait for a response before turning and exiting the card.

[MesiDoomstalker]

This couldn't be a coincidence. Barter... Dad. I have an idea. The moves being weird, I saw something like that earlier. In the match, one of the Elite's Eevee went beserk and kept firing off a Poison Sting (how it knew Poison Sting is beyond me). It was different, it was able to hit a Magnemite despite the immunity. Me and the Elites and the others who were chosen were able to subdue it. Then Lorenzo pauses as he draws his own shard from his pocket. Then this cured it. 'Purified' is what the others called it. And each of the trainers chosen had one of these too, though no one knew how or why we all had a one nor why we were all selected. I have to go after them. I was actually going to ask if I could join the others on a task. Proffessor Hawthorne wants us to deliver a piece of ancient tech to Daffodil Village. Lorenzo snaps straight as it hit him. Daffodil is to the east. Whoever attacked you must be heading there. Theres no way this is a coincedence.

[BluesEclipse]

Barter looks at you, and at the shard you hold, for a moment. "I see..." Barter remains silent for a moment, before nodding. "Well, it's up to you, really. I won't try to stop you - and I'll deal with Gajo. Just be careful... if you're right, and this isn't a coincidence, then you may be getting into something a bit over your head. Just watch yourself, alright?"

[MesiDoomstalker]

Barter, I'll be fine. I have Snaggles and the others seem competent. Spastic, but competent. You need to take care of yourself and Maren. I promise I'll be back, with all the pokemon they stole. And don't go breaking your neck on that tightrope while I'm gone. And tell Gajo to shove it. No one messes with my brother's and sisters. After another hug for his father and kiss on his mother's forehead, Lorenzo goes and packs his things that were neatly stored under his bed. It wasn't till now that he realized how little he owned. A few costumes and street clothes, Snuggles and an assortment of healing items. And his trust throwing knife. Well it made it easy to pack. He stuffed his clothes, costumes included, into his pack. After another hug and a kiss on the forehead for his mother, Lorenzo left not knowing if he'd ever see them again.

He had 2 errands to do before meeting the others: Tell Gajo off and buy some supplies. He made his way to Gajo's office and leaves a note before heading to an Alaren Pokemart and purchasing 4 Ultra Balls from there (560 after discounts, total 2240).

Note:
All my life I have lived under you. Taking orders from you, doing shows the way you want. Well I'm done. I'm leaving. I'm going to track down my families pokemon. They are my brothers and sisters, not your property. Good luck with out your star acrobat.
-Lorenzo Filard

[Niria]

“A cave full of the ancient’s artifacts…that would be amazing!” Samara’s eyes got a dreamy look in them for a few seconds before she snapped back to reality as a few of their members left. “We should get going as well…” She and Novan began to make their way back towards their apartment. “So what do you think Nov? Today was full of unexpected twists.”

“Psyduuuck.” The psyduck looked up at her holding his arms on his head as if he had a headache and began to rub his temples in exaggeration.

Samara smiled at his gesture. “Yeah, I agree. Rogue eevees, a shadow, shards, strange coincidences…”She trailed off as they reached the front door of her apartment and she began to fiddle with the keys. “Well I guess our journey has more of a defined direction now, and besides.” She finally managed to open the door and make her way inside. “I feel a certain obligation to figure out the shard’s connection to everything. “ Samara began to collect the rest of her belonging’s that was scattered about the small studio. It took her nearly thirty minutes before she had finished. “Well I guess it is a good thing we were already half packed. Say goodbye Novan, our lease ends in a week but with our early departure this will probably be the last time we see the place.” Samara slung an overstuffed backpack upon her back. She gave one last look around her apartment before making way back towards the museum.

On the way back to the museum Samara ends up stopping at a small shop and buying one ultra ball, a great ball, and another enriched water.

Spent 1260 and now I have 290 left.

[Tybar]

Aron tries to stay out of the professor's way, but inquires as to the very interesting pokedex he has. Once he finds out (and sees what sort of employment opportunities there are), he goes to the market and buys a few things, before searching for libraries and bookstores in search of general pokemon lore...focusing on these 'shadowy/dark' pokemon and their strange abilities.

He finally mails off a letter to his family, to let them know what is going on.

Throughout the day, he keeps Helios out when he can, since he enjoys his friend having some sunshine and chatting with the pokemon.


OOC:
Feel free to halt me at any point for any of these things, but I wanted to post the gist in case you needed to hurry things along.

Buying:
2 Great Balls
2 Super Potions
1 Big Root (Given to Helios to hold)

Depending on if he can work out a deal (or needs a downpayment) for a custom pokedex, I may grab a few more things, but he's keeping his options open.

[Gaekub]

Dexter looks around as people file out of the room, and then back down at the sphere. "I guess I'll hang onto this then," he mumbles to himself, swinging his backpack around to gain access to the pockets. He removes a large, brown jacket from the main pocket, places the ball carefully inside, and then ties the jacket to the back of the pack in a tight bundle.

"C'mon pal," he says, patting the pokeball around his neck. "We're gonna grab some stuff so you don't get paralyzed again."

After purchasing three full heals and doing a little window shopping, Dexter walks back to the museum and waits with Ohm out of its ball.

[dethkruzer]

Alright then, I'll be going now, Hopefully I'll see you all later. William said to everyone, before leaving. Taking a quick tri through the marketplace, and picking up a few odds and ends, he returned home. The boy then explained the situation to his mother, hoping to get her blessing for the trip.

Purchases, to be approved:
TM 13(Ice Beam)
LF Potion
Oran Berry

[BluesEclipse]

William:
Your mother sighs, but nods, saying, "I had a feeling this would happen eventually... ever since you met Snowy, I just knew you were going to want to run off on your own at some point. Still..." She closes her eyes, before continuing, "I suppose you're old enough to take care of yourself. Just be careful, alright?" You say your goodbyes, and make your way back to the museum to meet with the group.

OOC: Purchases are fine, adjust your funds on your sheet accordingly.

Dexter:
You put the orb in your pack, and head out to do your shopping. It doesn't take you long to pick up the full heals, though you strike up a short conversation with the store clerk while checking out. You make your way back to the museum to meet the others, arriving with plenty of time to spare.

Aron:
Professor Hawthorne explains to you that the Pokedex is a special model manufactured by the Black Diamond Group - Citrine University has an arrangement with them to get this model at reduced cost for individuals on its payroll. The Professor also mentions that the university is always looking for people who might be willing to work in the museum or the university, analyzing data or artifacts recovered from various sites, though the jobs normally involve minimal travel.

Your visits to the libraries provide very little information - though references to a 'world of darkness, locked within the light', are found in a couple of translations of Ancient texts, there is no elaboration upon this that you can find in your time searching. You make your way back to the museum, returning just in time to meet with the others.

Samara:
You finish your packing and shopping, and return to the museum several minutes early.

Lorenzo:
You depart the circus area, having spent about 20 minutes dealing with the incident there, and finish your shopping quickly enough to return to the museum well ahead of the planned meeting time.

Haruka:
You purchase your berries, and enjoy a relaxing stroll through some of the scenic parks of Cosmos City before making your way back to the museum.

You all gather at the Museum entrance, prepared to depart. A short distance away, a man and a woman exit the museum, seemingly in a disagreement on something. The man looks at the woman, about to say something, but stops as his eyes rest on you, before smiling. "There you are! We've been trying to catch you before you left." As the two approach, you recognize Jakob and Heather, and you notice that Jakob has a somewhat odd, lumpy-looking backpack on.

Heather smiles, and turns to Jakob, saying, "I told you we probably got here before they did, didn't I?" Jakob shakes his head, and replies, "Yeah, yeah, Heather. Anyway, I'm glad we caught you... I've got something for you. One moment..." He carefully removes the backpack, and sets it down. Upon closer inspection, you can see that there are several different pouches, each with a single object, roughly football sized, in it. Opening one of the pouches, he pulls out a yellow egg, with black markings on it. "I would've given these to you earlier, but I had to go back to my place and grab them... I don't know if you knew this, but I breed Pokemon myself. Sometimes, I wind up with more eggs than people ask for, and... I figured you guys would be good candidates to take care of these. They're... oh, I'd say just a couple days from hatching. You'll probably like this one, Lorenzo... and no, I won't tell you what it is. It's a surprise."

Smiling widely, Jakob hands Lorenzo the yellow-and-black egg before pulling out a second one, red with pink marks. "You get this one, William..." he says as he hands the red egg to the young psychic. "This one is for you, Haruka..." A blue egg with two lighter blue dots on it is handed to the young woman, "And Dexter, you get this one." He pulls out a green egg with a small yellow spot at the top, passing it to the engineer. "Here's yours, Samara," he comments as he hands over a pale purple egg with brown markings, before pulling out the final egg, which is a uniform brown, save for a small cluster of three green dots near the top. "And Aron, this one's yours."

Once all the eggs are distributed, he says, "All I ask is that you take good care of them... somehow, I get the feeling you might need the extra help." Heather nods, and continues, "I also have these for you - it kinda slipped our minds with everything that happened, but you get these for participating in the ceremony." She pulls out a set of six Pokeballs, deep blue, with an artistic image of a bird of flame airbrushed onto it, wings outstretched as it rises into the sky. "The Phoenix Pokemon, Ho-oh, has always been a symbol of rebirth, so we use its image to commemorate this Festival. The balls themselves are about as effective as Ultra Balls, but also have the useful effect of healing the captured Pokemon fully. I'm sure you'll get some good use out of them." She hands one of the Pokeballs to each of you, but as she does, you feel a pulse from the shards, and the Pokeball glows faintly as you take it.

Not seeming to notice, Heather continues, "Anyway, we've got to get going, I'm afraid, but I'm sure we'll meet again." "Right... good luck, guys!" Jakob says to you as the two elites depart.

Each of you gets an egg, as specified above. Each of you also gets a Rebirth Ball(-10 Capture Modifier, fully heals the captured Pokemon and cures any status effects).

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo holds the egg delicatly in his hands. Its amazing that something as powerful as pokemon comes from such a small thing. He places his pack down and opens it up. He grabs his costumes, won't be using them too much (except maybe the dark blue one), and gentily wraps the egg to keep it from bumping and damage. He places the bundle into his backpack, further cushioned by his other clothes before gingerly placing it back on his back. Luckily, the pack didn't hinder him much.

Lorenzo does a small, curt bow to Jakob. It is greatly appreciated Jakob. I'm rather nervous about this venture to be honest. He looks at his feet for a moment before turning to the others. Remember the shadow around the Eevee? I don't think it was the only pokemon like that.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruks smiled lightly before simply handing the egg back, "I'm a breeder myself to be honest," she says, "but i'd prefer to obtain my own pokemon, thank you for the offer though," she says, then takes the rebirth ball and heads towards the gate to Daffodil so they could head out.

"I think we have an edge against those 'shadowed' pokemon that most people don't, these shards can purify them when brought together, and Lily's mega drain seemed to affect it more than normal," she says, turns back and smiles, "I'm sure we can take them on working together, like we did today."

[Niria]

Samara smiled as she was handed her egg rotating it slowly so that she could get a better view of it. “Thanks Jakob! This is a true honor..” She put away the pokeballs that she was given and began to make a space for the egg in her bag, but before she put it away she glanced quickly up at the girl who announced she was a breeder. “Harkua…I think?” Samara scratched her head slowly. She was truly terrible with names. “ You said you are a breeder? Would you happen to know what pokemon is inside my egg?”

She frowned at the mention of other shadow pokemon. The thought of more pokemon like the eevee was troubling, but she knew that the other trainers were probably correct in their statements. They did have an advantage on shadow pokemon, and so far they had battled pretty well as a team. She followed the others towards the gate with Novis waddling a few behind her.

[Gaekub]

Dexter examines the green egg closely, tracing the circumference of the yellow spot lightly with the tip of one finger. He'd never held a pokemon egg before, and it was both heavier and warmer than he imagined. He puts the delicate object down on the steps next to him, and motions to Ohm to watch over it. The magnemite floats to the ground and sets itself by the football shaped object.

Egg safe, Dexter reaches into his pocket to retrieve his shard. "Did anyone else feel the shards pulse?" he asks, tapping the piece of metal against the rebirth ball in his hand. "I think mine did when I touched this ball they gave us."

[EdroGrimshell]

"I was able to identify yours, the one I was going to get, and Lorenzo's," she says, "yours is a Tyrouge," she holds out a hand and points at a few spots, "see the little black marks? My guess is it has a dark-type parent, it's likely it inherited something from it. Lorenzo's is an Elekid, and the one Jakob was giving to me was an Azurill. I'd have to take a more in depth look to get any IDs on the others," she smiles lightly, eyes closed as she says the last part, "on the shard, yes. A small one, but, I did feel it pulse."

[Tybar]

Aron quite happily accepts the egg, he runs his hands over the surface and makes some notes, holding it so that Helios can see it as well. He spends a fair bit of time examining the green dots.

I really appreciate these gifts. Thank you! I look forward to seeing what pokemon will appear from mine, and I do not mind it being a surprise.

He holds up the rebirth ball he received, examining it under the light.

The ball gave off a glow as the shard pulsed...I am curious what will happen if we encounter one of those corrupted pokemon and use these...assuming they appear in the wild.

[Gaekub]

"Yeah, I'm with Aron. Thanks for the offer Haruka, but I'd rather find out what it is when it hatches," Dexter says with a grin, patting the egg at his side.

His face becomes serious as he holds the ball in one hand and the shard in the other. "It seems resoanahble to assume that since the balls are connected to the shards, and the shards are connected to the darkness, that the balls would somehow be connected to the darkness. I wonder how they're connected... Possibly something in the metal? Or some kind of spiritual connection with the rebirth festival?"

He shrugs and puts both objects away, the shard in his pocket and the ball in his pack. "Spiritual stuff isn't really my thing though," he says, opening the main pocket of his pack and realizing it's already filled by the sphere. He looks down at the egg. "Looks like I'll be carrying you for a while."

[dethkruzer]

William accepted the egg with a thankful nod, carefully holding onto the egg, afraid he was gonna break it. "I'll be sure to take good care of it. He says to Jakob, before taking off his backapck, and pulling out an old sweater, and wrapping the egg in it. William then put the wrapped egg in the backpack,before turning to the other trainers. Even there were other "shadow pokemon" out there, we could hopefuly help them with the shards, but nonethless, it would probably be best to not jump to any conclusions until we know more about all this."

[MesiDoomstalker]

We don't need to jump to conclusions. Something is definatly up. Aron, do you think you can sketch someone if I gave you a description? Lorenzo describes the man in red his father had told him about. My father and mother were attacked by that man with pokemon with similar abilities as the Eevee. They even stole some of the Circus' pokemon. And their 'shadow' pokemon? They seemed wild, almost feral. That guy, the guy in red had some kind of control over them. He stopped one from attacking him somehow.

[Tybar]

Aron nods and carefully makes some sketches from the information Lorenzo provides.

Well, without seeing him myself...I believe that is the best I can do. That said, I hope this gives you enough to go on. I'll make a copy or two and keep the notes you mentioned annotated on the sides and bottom.

He shows it to Lorenzo.

On a related note, I am planning on studying this phenomenon in the hopes of finding a cure...I will collaborate with anyone we find on the way of course.

[BluesEclipse]

Haruka:
Jakob turns back towards you, blinking confusefly for a moment at your refusal of the egg, before nodding. "Trust me, I understand... if that's what you want, I'm sure I can find someone else who'll take good care of it... just watch yourself out there!" He then turns away and moves to catch up to Heather.


Lorenzo, Aron:
The sketch is remarkably detailed - Aron's skill as an artist shines through. You should be able to ID the person effectively with it.

OOC Note: It's not a guy in red, it's a guy in a robe. Both of the attackers were wearing black.

[BluesEclipse]

You make your way out of Cosmos, crossing over the lake, and begin your trek to Daffodil Village. The first day of travel is rather unremarkable, though the second day of travel brings with it a rather noteworthy event, as the eggs you carry begin to shake, with cracks forming on them...

Your eggs are hatching. If you want to use Natural Edge on one of them, Haruka, you can - I'm going to rule that instead of just a Pokemon you own, you can use Natural Edge on any hatching Pokemon owned by you or a trainer willing to allow you to care for the egg during hatching. And yes, they are all hatching at once, so you'd only be able to boost one.

[Gaekub]

Dexter, who has been cradling the egg in his mechanical arm for the duration of the trip, sets down the cracking egg and promptly begins to panic. "Oh god. Oh god. What do I do? Should I help it? No, wait, it builds character. Right? That's what people say, right? Should I boil some water? I feel like I should boil some water. Oh god, I didn't bring a pot," he babbles, flexing and unflexing his hands as he stares down at the wriggling egg.

He drops down onto his knees, and brings his face down to the egg. "Do you need some boiling water!?" he asks.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Calm down. The little 'mon will do all the work, just sit and watch. Trust me, we breed pokemon for the circus alot. Lorenzo carefully unwraps his Elekid egg and places it in his lap, after sitting cross legged.

[EdroGrimshell]

"Hold on a moment," Haruka says, "bring them over here," she continues, gathering the eggs. She makes sure the eggs are hatching right, and even gives a little help to one of the eggs, the elekid she had identified, putting a few extra cracks that would ensure it didn't strain itself and possibly weaken it, both in health and physical strength, mainly on the upper half of the egg near the arms.

[BluesEclipse]

The eggs crack, and begin to break. The first one that breaks is the yellow and black egg, the Elekid shattering it with a strong punch. The red and pink egg breaks next, a pale red Pokemon with an almost duck-like beak the same pale yellow as its underbelly pushing out of its own egg. The purple and brown egg breaks next, a small, humanoid Pokemon with pale purple skin, and brown marks that appear to be shorts, pushes from its egg. The fourth egg to break is the brown egg with the green dots - a shining, golden Pokemon that looks like a small tree bursts out, pink balls tipping the branches extending from its head. Finally, the yellow and green egg bursts, revealing a Pokemon that appears to be a yellow face within a closed flower bud.


Lorenzo's Pokemon: Elekid, Male, Jolly, Overcharge. Knows Dynamicpunch as an Egg Move.
William's Pokemon: Magby, Male, Naive, Flash Fire. Knows Dynamicpunch as an Egg Move.
Dexter's Pokemon: Budew, Male, Sassy, Overgrow. Knows Natural Gift as an Egg Move.
Samara's Pokemon: Tyrogue, Male, Timid, Guts. Knows Pursuit as an Egg Move.
Aron's Pokemon: Bonsly, Male, Desperate, Rattled. Shiny. Knows Endure as an Egg Move.

After your Pokemon hatch, you make your way onward towards Daffodil Village. Your third day of travel comes, and you find yourself walking across a rocky patch of ground. As you walk along, you hear movement around you - a sound similar to metal scraping along stone. Looking more closely, you see several small Pokemon milling about, four-legged creatures with silvery, oblong heads and dark grey, roughly football-shaped bodies. Looking around, you realize that you're surrounded by these Pokemon, which are looking at you curiously. One of them seems to be slightly different, a slightly red tint to its silver carapace, and a green body beneath it rather than grey. Its red eyes regard you curiously.

{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20
A| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
B| | | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | | | |
C| | |RR| | | | |A5|RR|RR| | |A4| | | |RR| | |
D| | |RR| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | |RR| | | | | | | | | |RR|A3| | | |
F| | | | |A6| | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |RR|RR| |
H| | | | | | | | |LF|SP| | | | | | |A2| | |
I| | | |RR| | | | |AS|DL| | | | | | | | | |
J| | |RR|RR| | | | |HS|WF| | | | | | | | | |
K| | |RR|A7| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
L| | |RR| | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | |
M| | | | | | | | | | | | |A1| |RR| | | | |
N| | | | | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | |
O| | | | | | |RR| | | | | | | | | | | | |
P| | | |A8| | | | | |A9| | | | | | | | | |
Q| | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | |RR| | |
R| | | |RR|RR| | | | |RR|RR| | | | | | | | |
S| | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | | | | |
T| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Party
LF - Lorenzo
SP - Samara
AS - Aron
DL - Dexter
HS - Haruka
WF - William

Pokemon
A1-A8: Aron
A9: Shiny Aron

Terrain
RR - Rocks(Rough Terrain - Increases Accuracy Check by 1 for attacks aimed through it, costs double to move through)
And your first wild encounter. Choose your Pokemon, and go - You're all fast enough to act before the wilds.

[Tybar]

Aron grins and waves over Helios as he sits down his egg near Dex's, whipping out his sketchpad.

This is wonderful, I can't wait to see how a master breeder's pokemon hatch!

As the Bonsly appears, he looks up at Aron and hops, shiny skin bouncing, begging to be picked up.

Hey little guy...hm...we'll have to think of a good name for you...Oakheart maybe? How do you like that?

Oakheart nods and clings as best it can to Aron, who takes out some of the pokemon food he was given by Jakob.

Very interesting...remind me to get some of this flavor for buying my own food for him.

He makes a few sketches and puts the little guy in his arms, letting Helios see him and letting them chatter a bit.


The next day

Aron looks around, concerned at all of the Arons surrounding him. He is still carrying Oakheart, but sometimes Helios carries him in his vines.

Helios, hit that Aron to your right with a vine!

Aron watches the field for an opportunity to help any of his companions get into a better position.

Aron toggles his pokedex to get some more data, pointing it at the oddly colored Aron (that isn't him).


OOC:

Helios uses Vine whip on A6.

Aron switches his pokedex to active and points it at A9.

ACC for vine whip:
1d20

Dmg for vine whip if it hits:
1d12+18

[MesiDoomstalker]

Thank you Haruka for the assistance. Aren't you adorable!? Lorenzo holds up the baby Elekid and examines him up and down. I'll call you Dynamo.

Aron Swarm

Everyone stick together, but don't clump. Alright Dynamo, time for your opening performance! Lorenzo draws his knife and Dynamo's ball. He tosses the ball at D8 and the knife at Aron 4. Dynamicpunch and return! Dynamo swings his arm around gathering energy and swings at Aron 5. Regardless of his success, Lorenzo returns him and releases Snaggles L10, after moving to L9.

Ok, that should be all my actions. TA for knife throwing, Command for Dynamo's punch, Shift for moving and free for Quick Switch.

D-Punch: AC 12, physical fighting, confuses on hit
[roll0]
[roll1]
Knife: AC 4, physical normal
[roll2]
[roll3]

[EdroGrimshell]

Skipped Days

Haruka searches for berries along the way, always looking out for good ones. She plants a few when they set up camp, one of the sitrus berries, a figy berry, and another oran berry. These would be helpful in the coming days, hopefully.

Next Day

"Shiny pokemon," Haruka says, then smiles, "mind if i take the shiny one here?" she asks, indicating the oddly colored Aron. And with that, she throws a great ball at the Aron, hoping she'll get lucky with the first throw.

Capture Check: [roll0]

[dethkruzer]

William watched, seemingly stunned in awe, as the little pokemon hatched, but after a while, he approached the little pokemon and held his hand out. The red duck-like pokemon tilted it's head, before sniffing the hand. At first it seemed to hesitate, but finally came closer and seemed to accept Williams as it's adoptive "father" "I think you and I will get along just fine. William said, picking the Magby up, which replied with an affectionate "Mag!"

Aron encounter

I think we're surrounded..." William commented, somewhat distraught. He flicked out his pokedex, and pointed it at one of the creatures. The screen sprang to life, accompanied by a synthsized voice. "Aron, the Iron Armor Pokémon. Aron has an impressive defense power and eats iron ore in order to build up the metal in its body." Nodding, he put the pokedex away, and picked up the Dusk ball on his belt. "Snowy, I need you." William called out as he released the Snorunt. "Now, use Icy Wind."

Releasing Snowy into K11.
Scanning an Aron.
Snowy Uses Icy wind on Aron 1
AC Roll, target 3: [roll0]
Damage for Icy Wind [roll1]

[Niria]

Samara and Novan watched excitedly as the eggs began to hatch one by one. “Our first new friend Novan, and he’s a Tyrogue. Let’s make him feel welcomed!” She frantically began to dig around her bag taking out several items that included a small blanket, some food, and water. Samara could hardly contain her eagerness as the Tyrogue began to make his way out, and even the ever complacent psyduck seemed to be on edge.

“Hello there.” She greeted the Tyrogue affectionately holding out the blanket. ”Welcome to the world my friend.” The Tyrogue took the blanket uncertainly and slowly began to make its way over to Samara giving her a small smile. “Ty.” Samara beamed down at the small creature. “I think Daric is a perfect name for you. It speaks of strength and I can already see how strong you are. What do you think?” The Tyrogue was thoughtful for a few seconds before it nodded happily in acceptance and began to munch away on the food.

Aron Encounter

Samara, Novan, and Daric looked around nervously at all of the arons as they surrounded them. By this point Daric had tied the blanket around his neck so that it flew around him and appeared much like a cape. “Well this is no good…Daric I think it would be best if you sit this one out.” She smiled at the Tyrogue as she took a step in front of him. “Although I think this could be a great learning experience for you. Watch everyone as they battle, and take notes. Next time it will be your turn.” As she finished she turned back towards Novan and gave him a brief nod as she attempted to focus on him.“Novan come stand in front of me and use Icy wind on this aron.”

Samara moves to H11, Novan moves to H12, and Daric is in H10.
Sarmara attempts to connect to Novan
[roll0]
Connection Goal: 25

Novan uses Icy Wind on A2

AC:[roll1]
AC Goal: 3
[roll2]

[Gaekub]

Dexter watches the shards of shell fall away from the small green pokemon before reaching down and easily picking it up. "... I got a cabbage," he says, reaching for his dex.

He flips the machine open and listens to the small sound clip it emits. "Budew, huh?" he asks, pulling the baby pokemon up to his eye level. "I think I'll call you... Buddy." The pokemon makes a small noise of agreement.

"And looks like you picked something up from your parents too," the boy muses, checking his dex. "Hey, Haruka. I've noticed you've got one of those berry planters. Don't suppose you've got a spare one I could borrow?"

Sitrus berry borrowed from Haruka and given to Buddy, as discussed in chatpad.

Aron Encounter

Dexter turns towards Haruka. "Hey, let me see if Buddy can give you a hand with that," he says, dropping the small mon onto the ground. "Buddy, why don't we give the red one a little gift."


Buddy lands at I11 and moves to I12 and uses Natural gift at the shiny Aron.

To hit (AC 2): [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] (psychic damage)

[BluesEclipse]

Helios lashes out at Aron's command, striking at one of the metallic Pokemon with a lashing vine. The Pokemon cries out, and the others begin shifting into a more aggressive stance. Lorenzo flings one of his knives out at another of the Pokemon as Dynamo charges forward, and even before the knife scrapes across the sturdy carapace, Lorenzo has a ball in the air. Dynamo swings fiercely at his target, but the swing goes wide. As Dynamo stumbles, Lorenzo whips out a second Pokeball and recalls the Elekid, tossing that ball into the air before catching the other and calling Snaggles onto the field.

Snowy and Novan both release bursts of cold in opposite directions, a thin layer of ice forming over the two steel Pokemon as the wind chills them to the bone. Buddy lifts the berry it holds, which glows with a pink light before vanishing. A pink bolt lances out from the fading glow, striking the greenish Pokemon squarely, just before Haruka flings her Pokeball at it. The ball strikes the creature, enveloping it in light and drawing it in, but the ball bursts apart even before hitting the ground, the Pokemon landing, and a silvery glow passing over its body as it marches forward.

The wild Pokemon begin rushing at you, charging you head first. One of them, who was farther away, walks forward, its movements seeming to grow more stiff as it does. The Pokemon ram into you, an avalance of metallic creatures descending upon your group.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20
A| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
B| | | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | | | |
C| | |RR| | | | | |RR|RR| | | | | | |RR| | |
D| | |RR| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | |RR| | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | |
F| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | | |A4| |A3| | | |RR|RR| |
H| | | | | | | |A6|A5|Da|SP|No| | | | | | | |
I| | | |RR| | | |He|AS|DL| |Bu|A2| | | | | | |
J| | |RR|RR| | | |A7|HS|WF| | | | | | | | | |
K| | |RR| | | | | |Li| |Sw| | | | | | | | |
L| | |RR| | | | | |LF|Sn|A1| | |RR| | | | | |
M| | | | | | | |A8| |A9| | | | |RR| | | | |
N| | | | | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | |
O| | | | | | |RR| | | | | | | | | | | | |
P| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Q| | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | |RR| | |
R| | | |RR|RR| | | | |RR|RR| | | | | | | | |
S| | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | | | | |
T| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Party
LF - Lorenzo
SP - Samara
AS - Aron
DL - Dexter
HS - Haruka
WF - William

Pokemon
Sn: Snaggles
No: Novan
Da: Daric
Sw: Snowy
He: Helios
Bu: Buddy
Li: Lily
A1-A8: Aron A1/A2: -1 Speed CS, A8: +1 Def CS
A9: Shiny Aron +2 Def CS

Terrain
RR - Rocks(Rough Terrain - Increases Accuracy Check by 1 for attacks aimed through it, costs double to move through)

Round Summary:
Helios hits A6 with Vine Whip - 15 damage.
Lorenzo hits A4 with Knife - 1 damage.
Dynamo misses A5 with Dynamicpunch.
Snowy hits A1 with Icy Wind - 10 damage.
Novan hits A2 with Icy Wind - 14 damage.
Buddy hits A9 with Natural Gift - 9 damage.
A1 hits Snaggles with Headbutt - 17 damage.
A2 hits Buddy with Tackle - 12 damage.
A3 hits Novan with Headbutt - 20 damage.
A4 hits Samara with Tackle - 24 damage.
A5 misses Aron with Headbutt.
A6 hits Aron with Headbutt - 30 Damage.
A7 hits Haruka with Tackle - 23 Damage.
A8 uses Harden.
A9 uses Iron Defense.

An additional note: At the start of this battle, you all, along with your Pokemon, were at full HP. Also, Edro, I went ahead and assumed that Lily was out - if I recall, you mentioned before that she'd normally be out of Pokeball while conscious.

[EdroGrimshell]

"Lily, use mega drain and follow up with quick attack on the shiny Aron," Haruka says, getting the Grovyle to rush in as Haruka pulls out another Great Ball and tosses it at the Aron.

Mega Drain
[roll0]
[roll1]

Quick Attack
[roll2]
[roll3]

Capture Roll
[roll4]

[MesiDoomstalker]

Alright Snaggles, knock 'em out! Snaggles hops back K10, before releasing pale-blue spores centered at L11. Lorenzo then chucks an Ultra Ball at the shiny, putting a bit extra spin on it.

[roll0] AC 6, puts all in area to sleep which should be A9 and A1
[roll1] Capture roll. -10 for Ultra, -2 for half dex. Also used Curve Ball, so 4 unblockable damage.

[Gaekub]

Dexter slaps his hand over his mouth as the exposed Budew gets hit, hard. "Buddy!" he yells. "To me!" he finishes as he points between his feet, reaching up to the pokeball around his neck with his other hand. The small green pokemon waddles over and collapses between the boys sneakers.

"Hit it hard, Ohm!" he orders as he points a shaking finger at the Aron that hit Buddy, the Magnemite materializing from the red stream of light and launching an electrical blast.


Thundershock at A2, Ohm appearing in I11
To hit (AC 2) [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Tybar]

Aron grunts and staggers as the smaller, pokemon, aron hits him in the gut. He had just slipped his pokedex in his pocket after glancing at the information, flipping modes again. The other aron, thrown off by the staggering, barely misses.

Uh...Helios, use...ugh, Vine Whip again.

Helios lets loose a snarl, which Oakheart quickly imitates, before loosing a vine whip at A6.

Aron doesn't see a good way out, so stays where he is, drawing a knife and holding it defensively as best he can while he protects Oakheart with the other hand, thinking hard and fast.



Pokedex now to Passive too, since he got a good read.

AC for Vine Whip:
[roll0]

Dmg:
[roll1]

Aron uses Frantic Research on A6

[roll2]

[Niria]

Just as Samara tries to connect to Novan she feels one of the arons slam into her side knocking the breath out of her.She takes a quick glance around before taking out Daric's pokeball and returning him. "Actually things are looking a little bit too dangerous for you to watch. Novan let's move closer to the others and then I want you to use water gun."

Samara is moving to J11
Novan moves to K12

Water Gun at A4
AC:[roll0]
AC goal:2
Damage: [roll1]

[dethkruzer]

William mentally reached out toward snowy, not wanting to risk mixing up his commands with that of the other traiers present. "Snowy, use Rollout, keep battering that Aron." He spoke telepathically, and as the snorunt leaped and started rolling at the Aron, William pulled out a Pokeball.

Waiting for a brief moment, he tosses the pokeball at the aron, attempting to capture it.

Snow uses rollout, Shifting into N11 through Aron 1
AC roll, target 4: [roll0]
Damage for Rollout: [roll1]
After the Attack, attempt to capture th Aron with a Pokeball.
Capture roll [roll2]

[BluesEclipse]

Lily darts out at the metal creature that attacked her trainer, grazing it with a blow from the sharp leaves along its arms, before a golden aura surrounds it. The golden aura leeches into the steel creature, before drawing back, invigorating the Grovyle. Snaggles sends a ball of blue powder past the odd-colored Pokemon, which bursts behind it, putting both it and the one nearby to sleep. Haruka flings a blue ball with red stripes at the green Pokemon even as Lorenzo flings a black ball with yellow stripes at the unusual creature. The black ball, slightly faster due to the spin on it, hits first, denting its metal shell slightly before drawing the Pokemon in with a beam of energy. The ball rattles as it lands. Haruka's ball flies past, rolling across the ground.

Aron studies the Pokemon carefully, though with the chaotic battle around him he is unable to determine anything useful. Helios's vine swipes through the air at the same Pokemon, but glances harmlessly off of its shell. Dexter quickly recalls the injured Budew, calling out his Magnemite, which launches a blast of lightning at another of the creatures, striking it. The creature shrugs it off, and a silvery shine ripples across its body, echoed by several of the others. The Ultra Ball shakes again, as if the creature trapped within is trying to escape.

Snowy curls into a ball, spinning up to high speed and charging towards the Pokemon in front of it, but its target ducks down, and its broad head forms a makeshift ramp, harmlessly launching the Snorunt over its intended target. The landing knocks the Pokemon out of its spin, though Snowy quickly regains his feet. William flings a Pokeball at the creature, which strikes it, rattles once, and bursts. Meanwhile, the ball trapping the shining green Pokemon rattles, more fiercely than before.

Novan fires a burst of water at one of the nearby creatures even as he and Samara shift positions, striking it squarely. The creature lets out a cry and charges at Dexter, but misses. Two of the others charge the group again, slamming into Helios and Lorenzo, respectively.

The Battlefield:
A click emanates from the Ultra Ball as the motion within it stops, the odd-colored Pokemon caught within.

{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20
A| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
B| | | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | | | |
C| | |RR| | | | | |RR|RR| | | | | | |RR| | |
D| | |RR| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | |RR| | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | |
F| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | | | | |A3| | | |RR|RR| |
H| | | | | | | |A6|A5|A4| | | | | | | | | |
I| | | |RR| | | |He|AS|DL|Oh| |A2| | | | | | |
J| | |RR|RR| | | |A7|HS|WF|SP| | | | | | | | |
K| | |RR| | | | | |Li|Sn| |No| | | | | | | |
L| | |RR| | | | | |LF| |A1| | |RR| | | | | |
M| | | | | | | |A8| |UB| | | | |RR| | | | |
N| | | | | | | | | | |Sw| | |RR| | | | | |
O| | | | | | |RR| | | | | | | | | | | | |
P| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Q| | | | | | | | | |GB|RR| | | | | |RR| | |
R| | | |RR|RR| | | | |RR|RR| | | | | | | | |
S| | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | | | | |
T| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Party
LF - Lorenzo
SP - Samara
AS - Aron
DL - Dexter
HS - Haruka
WF - William

Pokemon
Sn: Snaggles
No: Novan
Sw: Snowy
He: Helios
Oh: Ohm
Li: Lily
A1-A8: Aron A1: Asleep, A1/A2: -1 Speed CS, A2/A3/A6/A7/A8: +1 Def CS

Other
RR - Rocks(Rough Terrain - Increases Accuracy Check by 1 for attacks aimed through it, costs double to move through)
UB - Ultra Ball(Contains Shiny Aron)
GB - Great Ball

Round Summary:
Lily hits A7 with Quick Attack - 2 damage.
Lily hits A7 with Mega Drain - 14 Damage, Lily heals 7 HP.
Snaggles hits A1 and A9 with Sleep Powder - Both are Asleep.
Haruka fails to capture A9 with Great Ball.
Lorenzo successfully captures A9 with Ultra Ball. (Stats will be provided after battle.)
Aron fails to analyze A6 with Frantic Research.
Helios misses A6 with Vine Whip.
Ohm hits A2 with Thundershock - 23 damage.
Snowy misses A1 with Rollout.
William fails to capture A1 with Basic Ball.
Novan hits A4 with Water Gun - 34 damage.
A1 is Asleep.
A2 uses Harden.
A3 uses Harden.
A4 misses Dexter with Tackle.
A5 hits Helios with Tackle - 10 damage.
A6 uses Harden.
A7 uses Harden.
A8 hits Lorenzo with Tackle - 23 damage.

[MesiDoomstalker]

MUK YES! Wonder what I can do with it? Lorenzo spots the great ball that rolled away and the ultra ball that snagged the shiny aron. He quickly darts to both, scooping each with a flick of his ankle into his open palm, before tossing the great ball back at Haruka. Catch! Snaggles, show stopper! Snaggles charges a greenish orb and flings it at the aron that wasn't asleep.

[roll0] Energy Ball, AC 2 special grass drops S.Def 17-20, aimed at A8
[roll1]
Lorenzo ends up at Q10, where the great ball was.

[EdroGrimshell]

"Aw, I wanted that one," Haruka says when Lorenzo catches the shiny Aron, she sighs, "Lily, hit that one again and we'll see if i can't snag it." she pulls out a red and white pokeball as she says this.

Absorb
AC: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Quick Attack if I don't catch/get attacked by another Aron
AC: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Capture Roll: [roll4]

[Gaekub]

Dexter ignores the Aron struggling to hit him, attention focused on the one directly in front of him. He reaches back and grabs an Ultra Ball from an open pocket in his pack. "Hit him with a Thuderwave Ohm!" he shouts, throwing the ball before the move gets a chance to go off.


Thunderwave is an auto-hit and paralyze (electric type)

Capture Roll (-10 for ultra, -2 for capture point): [roll0]

[Tybar]

Still a bit dizzy from the hit, Aron can't quite concentrate enough to get the figures and facts in his head to coalesce. He looks to see what is going on.

Helios, hit him again! We'll see if we can't follow the trend here.

Aron slips a pokeball from his pack and tosses it after the vine from Helios.

Oakheart wiggles a branch, trying to make it a vine, but just ending up with a waving, shiny branch.


Helios strikes at A6 with vine whip

AC:

[roll0]

Dmg:
[roll1]

Aron throws a regular old pokeball:

[roll2]

[Niria]

Even before the water gun hits, Samara’s hand was already in the motion of grabbing a pokeball and chucking it at the targeted aron. “Alright Novan, switch targets and aim at the aron that is off to the side.”

Capture Roll at A4 with a basic ball
[roll0]
[roll1]
Water Gun at A3
AC:[roll2]
AC Goal:2
Damage:[roll3]

[dethkruzer]

"Dont give up yet, get close and hit it with a Bite." William gave his mental command, pulling out another pokeball and tossing it.

Snowy Shifts to M11.
Uses bite on Aron 1
AC Roll, Target 2, flinches on roll of 15-20 [roll0]
damage for Bite [roll1]
Throwing basic Ball at Aron 1
Capture Roll [roll2]

[BluesEclipse]

Dexter flings an Ultra Ball at one of the Aron, striking it and drawing it in with a flash of red energy, while Ohm releases a burst of electric energy at the one nearest Lily, shocking it and locking it in place. A green glow connects the metal Pokemon with the grass-type as Lily leeches energy, before Haruka flings her own Pokeball at it. The two Pokeballs rattle once, twice, three times, and two clicks are heard as they lock.

Lorenzo darts across the field, picking up his own capture, and returning Haruka's Great Ball to her even as the Tangela fires a green orb of power at another of the silver creatures, launching it back. It slams against a rock with a resounding crack, unmoving. Helios lashes at another of the Pokemon with his vines, and Aron flings a red and white Pokeball at the creature, which strikes it and draws it in. The ball rattles once, then twice, before bursting.

Samara deftly chucks a Pokeball at one of the creatures, drawing it in and turning away to command Novan, watching as the Psyduck blasts another of the steel-types across the rocky plain with a spray of water. Another click resounds across the field as the Pokeball locks, even as the soaked Aron lands limply some distance away. Snowy bites into the sleeping Aron, taking time to find a relatively unprotected spot on its body, before William flings a Pokeball at the sleeping creature. The ball impacts, and shakes once, twice, three times before bursting - the Aron thrashing slightly in its sleep as it rematerializes.

One of the two that remains conscious scrapes its leg along the ground, sending a spray of dirt and mud at Helios, though the Ivysaur is mostly unaffected aside from a bit of dirt in his eyes. The other swipes at Dexter, its leg shining and appearing to sharpen, but the engineer dodges back, the short leg swiping harmlessly at the air in front of him.

The Battlefield:
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20
A| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
B| | | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | | | |
C| | |RR| | | | | |RR|RR| | | | | | |RR| | |
D| | |RR| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | |RR| | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | |
F| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |RR|RR| |
H| | | | | | | |A6|A5|BB| | | | | | | | | |
I| | | |RR| | | |He|AS|DL|Oh| |UB| | | | | | |
J| | |RR|RR| | | |BB|HS|WF|SP| | | | | | | | |
K| | |RR| | | | | |Li|Sn| |No| | | | | | | |
L| | |RR| | | | | | | |A1| | |RR| | | | | |
M| | | | | | | | | | |Sw| | | |RR| | | | |
N| | | | | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | |
O| | | | | | |RR| | | | | | | | | | | | |
P| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Q| | | | | | | | | |LF|RR| | | | | |RR| | |
R| | | |RR|RR| | | | |RR|RR| | | | | | | | |
S| | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | | | | |
T| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Party
LF - Lorenzo
SP - Samara
AS - Aron
DL - Dexter
HS - Haruka
WF - William

Pokemon
Sn: Snaggles
No: Novan
Sw: Snowy
He: Helios -1 Accuracy
Oh: Ohm
Li: Lily
A1: Aron Asleep, -1 Speed CS
A5: Aron
A6: Aron +1 Def CS

Other
RR - Rocks(Rough Terrain - Increases Accuracy Check by 1 for attacks aimed through it, costs double to move through)
UB - Ultra Ball containing Aron
BB - Basic Ball containing Aron

Round Summary:
Dexter captures A2 with Ultra Ball.
Ohm hits A7 with Thunder Wave - A7 is Paralyzed.
Lily hits A7 with Absorb - 12 Damage, Lily heals 6 HP.
Haruka captures A7 with Basic Ball.
Snaggles hits A8 with Energy Ball - 53 damage. A8 is KOd.
Helios hits A6 with Vine Whip - 10 damage.
Aron fails to capture A6 with Basic Ball.
Samara captures A4 with Basic Ball.
Novan hits A3 with Water Gun - 56 damage.
Snowy hits A1 with Bite - 9 damage. A1 is Flinched.
William fails to capture A1 with Basic Ball.
A1 is Asleep.
A5 misses Dexter with Metal Claw.
A6 hits Helios with Mud-Slap - 3 damage. Helios's accuracy is reduced by 1.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka picks up the ball before having Lily help Aron and Helios, "Use Mega Drain, on the one next to Aron."

AC: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Gaekub]

"Gyah!" Dexter shouts, twisting away from the shining appendage. "Cut it out!" he yells, slamming his metal fist downwards at the offending pokemon before dodging away, the small Budew at his feet toddling after him.

Ohm waits for Dexter to be out of the way before floating up and launching another blast of lightning at his attacker.

Dexter uses a weapon attack on A5 and shifts to I13.
Accuracy Check (AC 6): [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Ohm shifts to I10 and uses Thundershock on A5.
Accuracy Check (AC 2): [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[Tybar]

Aron frowns as Helios uses his vines to try to get the mud out of his eyes.

Helios, I know you can do it! Keep up the attacks.

Aron readies a ball, launching it if he sees Helios connect.

Oakheart watches, looking intently at all of the fighting going on.


AC:
[roll0]

Dmg:
[roll1]

pokeball, if the above hits:

[roll2]

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo draws anouther knife and tosses it at the sleeping one (A1), almost absentmindedly. Alright Snaggles, lets clean up the stragglers. Siphon up! Snaggles whips a glowing green vine at A6.

[roll0] AC 4 normal physical
[roll1]
[roll2] AC 2, special grass
[roll3] Snaggles heals half

[dethkruzer]

"Again." He gave the mental command, grinding his teeth, before reaching into his little pouch again, this time pulling out a great ball. "Third times the charm, perhaps?" He questioned, trying to sound poetic, before flinging it.

Snowy uses Bite on A1
AC Roll, Target 2, flinches on roll of 15-20 [roll0]
damage for Bite [roll1]
Throwing Great Ball at Aron 1
Capture Roll [roll2]

[Niria]

Seeing that there was only one aron left, Samara felt a stab of pity for the creature and dug out one more pokeball before moving closer. “Novan, go use scratch on that last Aron.” After watching Novan go in for the attack, Samara sends another pokeball flying at the creature.


Novan's scratch

[roll]1d12+6+3
Capture roll
[roll1]

[BluesEclipse]

Lily darts around the group, the golden glow surrounding her as she strikes one of the metal Pokemon, leeching its energy. Snaggles follows, lashing a glowing green vine at it, sapping the last of its strength and causing it to fall to the ground. Lorenzo flings another of his knives at the sleeping Pokemon, leaving a small scratch on its steel carapace.

Dexter slams his metal fist into one of them, the clang of metal on metal the only result, then darts away, collecting his captured Pokemon as Ohm releases a bolt of lightning at the steel-type, the electricity coursing through it briefly. Helios then lashes out with his vines at the Pokemon, striking it before Aron flings another Pokeball at the creature. The ball engulfs it, rattling once, twice... then bursts apart.

Snowy bites at the sleeping Pokemon once more, before William tosses his blue and red ball at it, which shakes once, twice, thrice, then clicks, signifying a successful capture. Novan waddles around the group, and scratches at the remaining Aron, scraping ineffectually against its hard shell, and Samara flings a ball at the creature, which shakes once before shattering.

The remaining Pokemon turns and begins fleeing, a lustrous sheen flashing over its shell as it begins moving more stiffly.

The Battlefield:
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20
A| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
B| | | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | | | |
C| | |RR| | | | |A5|RR|RR| | | | | | |RR| | |
D| | |RR| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | |RR| | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | |
F| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | |No| | | | | | |RR|RR| |
H| | | | | | | | | |BB| | | | | | | | | |
I| | | |RR| | |Li|He|AS|Oh| | |DL| | | | | | |
J| | |RR|RR| | | | |HS|WF|SP| | | | | | | | |
K| | |RR| | | | | |Sn| | | | | | | | | | |
L| | |RR| | | | | | | |GB| | |RR| | | | | |
M| | | | | | | | | | |Sw| | | |RR| | | | |
N| | | | | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | |
O| | | | | | |RR| | | | | | | | | | | | |
P| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Q| | | | | | | | | |LF|RR| | | | | |RR| | |
R| | | |RR|RR| | | | |RR|RR| | | | | | | | |
S| | | | | | | | | | |RR| | | | | | | | |
T| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Party
LF - Lorenzo
SP - Samara
AS - Aron
DL - Dexter
HS - Haruka
WF - William

Pokemon
Sn: Snaggles
No: Novan
Sw: Snowy
He: Helios
Oh: Ohm
Li: Lily
A5: Aron +1 Def CS

Other
RR - Rocks(Rough Terrain - Increases Accuracy Check by 1 for attacks aimed through it, costs double to move through)
GB - Great Ball containing Aron
BB - Basic Ball containing Aron

Round Summary:
Lily hits A6 with Mega Drain - 17 damage. Lily heals 8 HP.
Snaggles hits A6 with Absorb - 22 damage. A6 is fainted. Snaggles heals 4 HP.
Lorenzo hits A1 with Knife - 2 damage.
Dexter hits A5 with Mech Arm - 0 damage.
Ohm hits A5 with Thundershock - 21 damage.
Helios hits A5 with Vine Whip - 12 damage.
Aron fails to capture A5 with Basic Ball.
Snowy hits A1 with Bite - 18 damage.
William captures A1 with Great Ball.
Novan hits A5 with Scratch - 0 damage.
Samara fails to capture A5 with Basic Ball.
A5 uses Harden.

[Niria]

Samara simply watches the aron attempt to escape and makes her way over to collect the already captured aron. "Good try Nov, can't catch them all."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lets end this already! Energy Ball! Snaggles fires a green orb at the fleeing Aron

[roll0]
[roll1]

[BluesEclipse]

Snaggles fires off a sphere of green energy at the fleeing Aron, launching it back. It smacks hard against a rock, its shell splintering from the impact, and falls limply to the ground.

And you win. Dynamo, Snaggles, Buddy and Ohm get 847 XP each. Novan, Lily, Helios and Snowy get 1695 XP each.

Plus, with the exception of Aron, all of you captured a Pokemon. Stats are as follows:

Lorenzo's Shiny Aron(Level 17)
Shiny Mods: +1 Base HP, Ancientpower Known
Status: 80% HP, Asleep
Male, Unbreakable, Rash

William's Aron(Level 12)
Status: 25% HP, Asleep
Male, Mountain Peak, Lonely

Dexter's Aron(Level 12)
Status: 30% HP
Female, Sturdy, Docile

Samara's Aron(Level 12)
Status: 30% HP
Male, Sturdy, Naughty

Haruka's Aron(Level 12)
Status: 70% HP, Paralyzed
Female, Unbreakable, Bold

[MesiDoomstalker]

Good show Snaggles. Ingrain, lets get you refreshed.

[Gaekub]

Dexter inserts one sneakered foot under the Ultra Ball on the ground, lifts his leg awkwardly with the sphere balanced on top like a hacky sack, and then flips his ankle upwards and snatches the ball. "You were a tough one, but I gotcha. I think I'll call you... Tank."

"Speaking of, Buddy, you doing okay? Tank hit you hard." The small grass pokemon squeaks angrily. "I'll make him apolagize. But for now, I think it's best if we get you in a ball, alright?" He produces a plain pokeball from his pocket, and captures the baby pokemon, careful not to hurt it further.

All pokemon but Ohm safely contained, he turns to Haruka. "And you broke a great ball, yeah?" He holds out a hand. "Give."

[dethkruzer]

William looks around for a moment, before nodding contently, he pulled out his Dusk ball. "Well done Snowy, return." he said, recalling the Snorunt. He then reached out toward the Great ball lying on the ground, which rose up on it's own accord and floated to his hand. "I guess that means we are done here?"

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka tosses the ball to Dexter before going over to Lorenzo, "you know I called that one right?" she asks, pointing at the shiny Aron's ball, she smiles lightly, "don't take ones I call in the future, I'll let it go this time, but please refrain from doing so," a glint of mischief appears in her eye as she speaks. With that she spins around and walks over to Lily.

[Niria]

"Actually, if it's okay, can we take a quick break so I can look around a little?" Samara pocketed the newly captured pokemon her eyes already scanning the ground.

Using Feat: Stone Search
[roll0]

[MesiDoomstalker]

As Haruka walks away, Lorenzo looks up from Snaggles and the ball in his hand. Huh? Eh, whatever. Hey is everyone alright? And Samara, if you spot my knives could you grab them for me? Be careful their sharp.

[Gaekub]

Dexter catches the thrown ball and slips his bag off his back. "Ohm, ten feet," he says absently, as he pulls a small tool kit out of his pack. The Magnemite floats slightly farther away from the boy and settles to the ground as he flicks open the tool box.

"Actually, if I could get a minute too, that would be great," Dexter says, pulling the glasses off his face and folding them carefully. He reaches up into his hair and pulls down a set of goggles that magnify his eyes grotesquely. Clicking open the broken ball, he sets to work on the delicate parts inside.

Repair roll (Need a 15 to succeed): [roll0]

[Niria]

Samara and Novan give Lorenzo a small nod before setting out and making their way around the area in search of any unique stones or formations. They search thoroughly for a good thirty minutes as they overturn various rocks and chip away at others, but the only noteworthy items they find are Lorenzos two knives that he had thrown earlier. Samara makes her way back towards the others and precedes to hand Lorenzo his knives back. She smiled sheepishly scratching the back of her head. “Found them, and that’s about all we found. We are ready to go whenever everyone else is. “

[Gaekub]

Dexter pulls the goggles from his eyes and snaps them back into his hair. One hand snatches up the ball, as the other grabs his glasses and places them back on his face. He clicks the button on the face of the sphere, testing it, and finds it working to his satisfaction. "Haruka!" he shouts. "Fixed it!" He tosses the ball underhanded towards her, and collects Ohm into its own ball.

"Yup, I'm ready to go," he says, swinging his backpack back into place.

[dethkruzer]

"I'm ready to go whenever you are."

[Tybar]

Aron looks sheepishly at the remains of his two pokeballs, then looks to Helios.

Ah well, I think that would have been confusing anyway.

He walks over to Dexter.

Hey Dex, mind if I get a sketch of...Tank you said? I wanted to get some information on it, and study it when you have some time.

He scoops up the pokeball remains, putting them in a bag.

Oh, and if you want to tinker with these, feel free...I know you always enjoyed seeing if you could fix them up better than new in college.

[BluesEclipse]

You finish picking up your discarded Pokeballs and Weapons from the area, and continue on the way to Daffodil Village. The next day of the trip goes by uneventfully - you see a few wild Pokemon in the distance, but none close enough to identify.

On your fifth day, as you follow the path southwards nearing the village, you see a group of people milling around the side of the road, discussing something - you can't make out what from the distance you're at. One of them, a figure in a black travelling cloak, gestures towards you, and the others fall silent, turning to your direction as well.

Samara, William, Lorenzo:
You recognize the style of the figure's cloak as one often worn by trainers from Esper - designed to block the cold winds of the region and offer warmth, while allowing freedom of movement in battle.

OOC Note: You recover HP per day equal to a trainer's CON stat or a Pokemon's HP stat.

[Gaekub]

"Hey!" Dexter waves enthusiastically at the gathering. "What's up?"

[BluesEclipse]

The cloaked man approaches you, his three companions trailing close behnd, and says, "You are travelling to Daffodil..." His eyes trail over the Pokeballs you visibly carry, the Grovyle following Haruka, and the Elekid sitting in Lorenzo's arms. "You are trainers, I see. Perhaps you would indulge us in a battle?"

[dethkruzer]

William immediately pulls toward the back of the group as he recognizes the cloaks, reaching into his pouch, just to be safe.

Trying to feign a headache, William rubs his temples as he mentally reaches out into the mind of the figure who had gestured toward the group.

Using telepathy to read surface thoughts of the assumed leader.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Dynamo wiggles and squirms excitedly at the challenge. Bebeeebee! Lorenzo squeezes the infant protectively, stoping the squirming and eliciting a confused look. A battle? Would it be by Esper rules?

Lorenzo feels the knife he has concealed around his left wrist. Always hide one there to throw the crowd off, thinking he was out of knives. He didn't trust this fellow. He wasn't the man in black, but he looked similar. William, I don't trust these people. They look like the men who attacked my father and mother.

[EdroGrimshell]

"Esper Rules?" Haruka asks, "what are they? My brother referenced them once, but I never got any details on the term."

Healer Berry Search
[roll0]
[roll1]

[MesiDoomstalker]

Its rules they use in the Esper region. The trianers are included in the battle just as much as 'mon are. Its a bit riskier than normal battles obviously. Its for those who are more... hardy and competent in direct conflicts than others. You have to knock the trainer and the active pokemon out.

[Gaekub]

"Yeah! Alright!" Dexter says, excited, his finger dancing on the button to release Ohm. "Oh, but... I'm not really that... hardy..." he says, poking at his skinny torso with one pale finger.

[Tybar]

Aron nods to Dexter, patting Helios and Oakheart.

Unfortunately, Esper rules would put me at a fair disadvantage as well. I can't say I'm not interested, but...I am fairly sure that even Helios couldn't make up for me.

He smiles down at the Ivysaur as he says it.

[EdroGrimshell]

"I'm a botanist, I picked up my skills with plants because I like to be at peace, not fight," she smiles as she says this, "Lily, on the other hand, likes a more physical approach."

[dethkruzer]

Williams eyes widen and pupils shrink as he clucthes his head with both hands. A gasp escapes him as he falls to his knees, trembling, before turning his gaze, filled with fear, at the cloaked man. Who... What the hell are you!?"

[Gaekub]

Dexter's eyes open wide in surprise. "William? What's wrong?" As he speaks, his finger snaps down on the button he had been caressing, releasing Ohm next to him.

"Are you alright?" he asks, keeping his metal arm up and one eye on the black cloaked strangers.

[BluesEclipse]

"Me?" the cloaked man replies, a cold smile crossing his face. "Merely... let's say I'm a collector, of sorts. Though, fair warning, you really shouldn't poke around in people's heads like that." The man's smile widens slighly as he concludes, "After all, just because you can see what's there doesn't mean you can understand it."

Turning to the rest of you, he chuckles. "As for that battle... I do believe that Esper rules will be appropriate here." He flicks a Pokeball into his gloved hand, smirking. "It is, after all, only proper... a strong Pokemon is nothing without a strong Trainer to command it, and what is battle for if not testing that strength? Come, Keren..." he flicks the Pokeball outward, releasing a white-furred, four-legged creature onto the field, a curved blade protruding from its head. As he flicks a jagged-edged dagger into his other hand, the other three trainers spread out a bit, releasing their own Pokemon.

The first, a somewhat muscular man, releases a large-headed humanoid with a white body, the lower half being yellow, and a large crumpled tail trailing behind it. He shifts his position slightly, but doesn't draw a weapon.

The second of the group, a young woman with a mischevious glint in her eyes, releases a purple, humanlike creature with gemstone eyes, before sliding her sleeve back slightly to reveal an odd wrist-mounted device there, the tip of a sharp dart glinting in the light.

The last member of the group grabs a whip attached to his belt as he releases his Pokemon, a black canine with white, bone-like ridges along its back and what almost appears to be a skull capping its forehead.

As the Pokemon are released, the man says, "Whenever you're ready, we can begin..."

The Field
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13|14|15
A| | | | | |TD| | | | | | | | |
B| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
C| | |TU| | |Sa| | | | | |TW| | |
D| | | | | | | |CM| | | | | | |
E| | |Sc| | | | | | | | |Ho| | |
F| | | | | | | |Ke| | | | | | |
G| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
H| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
I| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
J| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
K| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
L| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
M| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
N| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
O| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Party
LF - Lorenzo
SP - Samara
AS - Aron
DL - Dexter
HS - Haruka
WF - William

Opponents
CM - Gareth
TU - Unarmed Trainer
TD - Trainer w/ Dart Launcher
TW - Trainer w/ Whip

Pokemon
Ke - Keien
Sc - Scraggy
Sa - Sableye
Ho - Houndour


The map is there so you can get an idea of what you're looking at. Clear terrain. I need to know positions - anywhere in rows I through O. I will note that you aren't committed to the battle yet, though.

[EdroGrimshell]

"As I have said, I'm not a fighter, we are not in Esper, and you challenged us. This battle, as dictated by traditions around the world, we get to choose the rules, not you," Haruka says, smiling, "you disagree to that and I will not fight, and trying to attack me will get you thrown in Jail," she said the last part in a sing-song voice.

[dethkruzer]

"You want your fight?" William asked, gritting his teeth. "Then you'll get your fight." He spoke again, forcing himself back onto his feet.

Calming down slightly, William took off his glasses, folded them up, and put them into his pouch, pulling out a Great ball in it's place. The young psychic pushed his way past his group, before releasing his Pokemon. Come out. Bastion!"

William will start at I8, With Bastion in I9, if the battle does happen.

[BluesEclipse]

The cloaked man nods, and slips the dagger back into his cloak, motioning to his companions to put their weapons away as well. All the while, the cold smile never leaves his face. "As you wish, then... though I do hope you have more condifence in the strength of your Pokemon than you do in your own power."

[Tybar]

Aron looks at William, alarmed, and Helios steps forward, letting out a small growl.

Oakheart imitates the Ivysaur, growling a bit at Aron's side while he draws a dagger, not sure what

I am not certain what just happened, but I don't think it was called for...let's all calm down some...

Aron is at L8, and Helios is at K8. Oakheart, not appearing in this battle, is at L9.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka continues smiling, "Lily's the one that likes to fight," she says, "and how about we do one on one fights, no targetting the trainers or you're disqualified. One pokemon each. Pokemon faints and you lose," she points at the woman with the sableye, "I think it'd be a fair match if you and I had a match."

[BluesEclipse]

The cloaked man thinks for a moment, looking over the group. "One on one, you say... very well. Which of you will fight, then? And what will you put at stake?" His eyes drift over the Pokemon you've released, lingering for a moment on Oakheart, as he says this.

[EdroGrimshell]

"I do not take wagers for pokemon, and i'm low on Mesata at the moment, bought a large number of berries recently," Haruka says, her eyes darken, "And I dislike when people try to have others ante up their friends, pokemon are not items and trophies to be collected," she maintains the smile even as her cadence darkens, "I will be on my way, we have somewhere to be, to be honest." she starts to walk by, her pokegear out as she types in a message, one that would call any rangers in the area straight to them should the people around them decide to not take kindly to her saying that.

[BluesEclipse]

Raising an eyebrow, the man replies, "And when did I suggest you should wager a Pokemon? I thought you were the one dictating the terms of our battles..." The man shakes his head disappointedly. "A pity... and here, I was hoping to see what you were capable of."

[EdroGrimshell]

"The way you looked at our pokemon, it's rather obvious," Haruka says, "esspecially the way it lingered on Oakheart. I may not be the brightest person you'll ever meet, but I'm perceptive enough to put two and two together. Good Day. Come on guys, we have somewhere to be, remember."

[Tybar]

Aron nods at Haruka, not trusting himself to say anything. He doesn't put up his knife, but he does recall both Helios and puts Oakheart in a pokeball for the first time, making sure both are secure, before moving down the road.

[BluesEclipse]

Shrugging, the cloaked man replies, "As you wish, then..." as he withdraws his Pokemon, the others following suit at a gesture. "Perhaps should we meet again, you'll be more... shall we say... accomodating." The man's cold smile remains on his face even as he and his companions step off to the side of the road, gesturing with his arm for you to proceed.

Perception checks, please.

[MesiDoomstalker]

I don't trust you. I'll be honest. I'm with Haruka, I'm not battling you under any conditions. Lorenzo studies the men carefully as he walks forward, ready to fight if need be.

1d2o-4

[Gaekub]

"Oh, so... are we not battling?" Dexter asks, leaving Ohm out of its ball for the time being.

"Alright, well, nice to meet you," he says, walking after his traveling companions.

Perception: [roll0]

[Niria]

Samara frowned as the man in black requested a battle with them knowing full well that she was both unprepared and still wasn't feeling the best. She sheepishly rubbed the back of head as the other group pulled out their weapons and released their pokemon. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea for her to invest in an weapon of her own, but before now she had never really had a reason to. She eyed the man suspiciously as he looked over at oakheart clearly showing some interest in the little pokemon. She couldn't help but to release a sigh of relief as the others decided not to fight, not fully trusting that the man would have abide by the set rules anyhow.

Perception Check:
[roll0]

[dethkruzer]

William kept a sharp gaze on the cloaked man all this time, beforefinlly, reluctantly recalling Bastion, and taking a step back.

"Let's go, thse weirdos are making me sick to my stomach."

Perception: [roll0]

[BluesEclipse]

Samara, Haruka, William
As the man gestures out with his arm, you notice the glove that he wears is connected to a larger device. While much of it is concealed within his cloak, you can see wires spiraling around his arm.

All of you pass by the group, warily. The three members of the group who haven't spoken seem a bit disgruntled - clearly, they were looking forward to a battle - but the cloaked man's smile never falters as you pass him. Once you have passed, and are out of earshot, the four trainers turn back to one another and begin discussing something, the woman pulling out a Pokedex and showing it to the others.

The remainder of your day is uneventful, and you prepare to make camp for the night, about a half-day's walk from Daffodil Village.

Feel free to do whatever you want to do for the night.

[EdroGrimshell]

"He had something on his arm," Haruka says once the group is well out of sight, "and I'm sure they weren't going to let us have a fight without anteing up one of our pokemon, esspecially if we lost, the way he looked at Oakheart worried me the most. We'll need to be careful tonight, keep watches and all that."

[Gaekub]

"I'll take first watch," Dexter volunteers. "I'm not very tired."

He turns to William. "So what happened to you? You had a headache?"

[Niria]

"There was just something unsettling about that group. I think having watches are a good idea. I can always take the second watch. Nov and I are use to late nights." She couldn't help but to stretch a bit as she sat her heavy bag down relieved to finally have the pressure off. She then proceeded to dig out three small dishes which she filled with generic pokemon food, and released Daric and Ryker alongside Novan so that they could all eat.

[Tybar]

Aron breathes a sigh of relief as they go on their way, but doesn't lose his grip on his knives until they make camp.

He nods at Haruka's suggestion.

I can take first watch as well...just like cramming at college...

He smiles a bit, but it doesn't quite touch his eyes until he releases Helios and Oakheart, paying a lot of attention to them and feeding them before his watch.

He also starts making a sketch of the other group and their pokemon, and, once he feels better, a sketch of their group and pokemon.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka smiles, "I'll take the morning watch, I'm not very nice when people wake me up," she says, pitching herself a tent. Fittingly enough, she was always one of the first to wake up in the morning, looking for berries early, usually before even Lily was awake.

[dethkruzer]

"No, it was no headache." William responded, before pausing for a moment. "When he first approached us, I read his mind, call it a bad habit, but you all will probably admit that group was rather shady. But what I saw was..." The psychic continued before his voice crumbled,and he buried his face in his hands, and one could almost hear a sob.

There was moment before he finally let go of his face, taking a deep breath. I'm sorry... Also, Haruka, do you mind If I take morning watch with you?

[MesiDoomstalker]

I'll take first watch with you Aron. I'm used to staying up late.

[Gaekub]

Dexter has no response to William's explanation, and just opens and closes his mouth soundlessly and awkwardly. "Actually, you know what, I'll take the middle watch if you two want to take the first," he finally says, turning to Aron and Lorenzo. "Wake me up in about three hours." He prepares himself for bed, removing the steel sleeve from his arm.

[Tybar]

Aron shudders at William's description and slight break down. He pats Oakheart's head and moves a little closer to him and Helios.

I feel like we just missed something very dangerous...

[dethkruzer]

William yawns loudly, before taking off his bandanna and slipping into his sleeping bag. "I'll try getting some sleep now,wake me up if something happens." He said before laying down his head.

[Niria]

After the pokemon finish eating Samara returns all of them except Novan and takes out her sleeping bag which she wiggles into to try to get at least a little bit of sleep. Novan takes out small blanket and lays down next to her imitating the majority of her gestures. "Night all.." She releases a small yawn before turning over.

[BluesEclipse]

The night goes by, and each of you takes your turns on watch - though there is no sign of the group from before. You all wake up and complete your various morning rituals, and prepare to head out, with Daffodil Village a half-day's walk away.

If anyone wants to search for wild Pokemon, or anything else, let me know.