PTA: Wuhtu (IC)

[HZ514]

OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=13728216)

Wuhtu
Lore
You are each about to become one of the newest trainers in Wuhtu, another region of the Pokemon world, a la Kanto or Johto. Wuhtu operates quite a bit differently than its counterparts, though. For starters, there aren't just three starters (hah, get it?) but instead, the only "limitation" is that trainers will always start with a pokemon of one of the types associated with the gym in their hometown.

The primary reason for that is the way trainers receive starters--from none other than their local gym leader. When a prospective trainer shows potential, they are invited to battle* the leader one-on-one with their would-be-starter. (This is where you'll start!) Winning grants the kid the right to keep the pokemon, receive a pokedex, and be officially inducted into the Wuhtu Pokemon League.

*Starter Battle
The circumstances behind a trainer’s invitation to battle their local gym leader are always different, but the result is simple. The leader provides the challenger with a League-approved starter, and the two have a battle to determine whether or not the challenger keeps that pokemon and joins the League. Win, and you’re in. Lose, and you go home empty-handed. A challenger is allowed three cracks at the leader. Three strikes and you’re out for good. Technically this battle operates under normal League rules, but common sense dictates that the leader lets up a little bit, since the challenger is a complete rookie. The leader will do his/her best to at least give the challenger a chance to win, but it is always on the challenger to seize that opportunity. Winning this battle does not grant the challenger the gym’s badge. Leaders will, however, tend to give out a useful TM along with some sage advice before ushering the newly inducted League member out on their merry way. It is tradition for any trainer to wait until they are halfway done collecting Wuhtu’s badges before coming back to challenge their home gym for real.

Keen readers will notice the phrase "one of the types" above referring to gyms. There are still only 8 gyms in Wuhtu, but types are sensibly paired--or even tripled--up so that every single type is represented once.

Furthermore, gym leaders and the trainers who reside in their gym all have an incredible variety of Pokemon. Not in terms of types, obviously, but in terms of levels and species. Retired trainers will donate pokemon to their local gym, breeders will drop eggs off, even other gym leaders will occasionally happen to catch a pokemon and send it off to their friend at the type-appropriate gym. Functionally, this means that fights in gyms will always be level appropriate. It isn't the gyms you have to worry about...it's the routes.

Pokemon in the wild don't follow a nice, preset level structure in Wuhtu. There are all kinds of beasts on any given route, actually hiding in the grass or perched in trees. There will be Ratata nests from which the rats will endlessly swarm until the nest is closed (with diminishing XP, nice try). Cute little Shinxes will run off when hurt to get their Luxray parents (which will be much harder to catch, nice try again). On the plus side, defeating the alpha male of a Houndoom pack will make the rest respect you, trivializing the capture of one (and only one) Houndour. There will be fights where your only choices will be to run or die (escaping will be easier). Nature will run its course with or without you, and you will do well to remember that you are an intruder in these places.

The good news is that you can hire mercenaries to escort you through the more dangerous zones, should you be unable to trek it alone but able to afford their rates. You won't be gaining any XP or capturing any pokemon with them around, but you'll make it to the other side. In that vein, you may also find yourself in need of money at some point. If so, you can be one of those mercenaries and help other trainers! For a price.

All of this to say, I want you all to feel like you're actually people living in a world, not just trainers hopping from city to city to hit a gym and run along.

Geography
Wuhtu is arranged in a roughly circular fashion. Dozens of routes connect the various cities to one another, and the species of Pokemon that take up residence on those routes tend to be a product of the cities around them. Also, the cities each serve a very real purpose outside of their gyms. Wrystone Nature Preserve houses the region's Safari Zone. Mirror Mountain Base Camp is a gathering ground for those seeking to summit the eponymous Mirror Mountain, which is also the only way to reach the sky-scraping Maelstrom City. Xylo Central is the bustling shopping center for all of Wuhtu. The gyms spring up from the cities, not the other way around.

Cities

Name | Location | Type(s) | Leader
Port Tidings | South | Water/Ice | Leia
Wrystone Nature Preserve | West | Fire/Grass | Halle
Mirror Mountain Base Camp | East | Ground/Rock/Steel | Rusty
Elrem Forest Clearing | Southeast | Bug/Poison | Shea
Orum Town | Southwest | Psychic/Ghost/Dark | Avu
Xylo Central | Center | Electric/Flying | Zayir
Gateway Dojo | Northwest | Normal/Fighting | Trip
Maelstrom City | Northeast | Dragon | Bryce
Victory Road | North | ??? | ???
Elite Four | Norther | * | *
* Elite Four info below

Port Tidings: At the southern tip of Wuhtu, Port Tidings serves as the entire region’s gateway to the world. It is a beautiful coastal city, perfect for a honeymoon or summer vacation. The beaches are splendid, though a few pokemon do make their homes in certain areas. Local establishments are frequented by captains and their crews, often with fantastic stories of faraway lands across the sea. Goldeens and Horseas swim to and fro, sometimes chased by fearsome Sharpedos. Wingulls fly overhead and Duckletts waddle along the shore. Every so often, one can even see a family of Laprases floating off in the distance. The local gym leader is Leia Reynaud, a widely respected Photographer. In her younger days, she traveled all around the world in search of the perfect picture. She claims that she found it in taking a snapshot of the sunset over Port Tidings’ harbor on a warm summer night. Now, she has settled down in perfect view of that sunset, riding off into it on the back of her swift Milotic whenever she gets the urge. She uses Water and Ice pokemon and loves nothing more than a good view.

Wrystone Nature Preserve: It’s a sad fact of life that sometimes, a species of pokemon dwindles dangerously low in number. When that happens, the species is rounded up and taken west to the Wrystone Nature Preserve, named after the philanthropist Del Wrystone who financed its growth. There, they can stave off extinction while also populating Wrystone’s Safari Zone. The opposite case is when a species proves to be too aggressive in the wild, threatening everything around them. Those species are quarantined in the separate, much more vicious Danger Zone. Most tourists who visit Wrystone are only allowed to enter the Safari Zone for their sightseeing desires. Trainers who demonstrate sufficient ability are granted permission to wander around the Danger Zone, potentially catching very rare and powerful predators. As a side note, trainers are allowed (and required to for the Danger Zone) to bring pokemon into these zones, unlike other regions. Wrystone’s gym is run by Halle Wrystone, one of Del’s descendants and an immensely accomplished Rider in her own right. Halle spends much of her free time riding around the Safari Zone on her fierce Arcanine, occasionally venturing into the Danger Zone to quell any potential uprisings. She uses Fire and Grass pokemon and relishes the rush of battle.

Mirror Mountain Base Camp: Wuhtu’s most immediately recognizable feature from far away is the Markrum Mountain range along the east and northeast parts of the region. The tallest of these mountains is Mirror Mountain, named for the ample steel pokemon which call its exterior home and reflect sunlight like a mirror. Hundreds of hikers and climbers attempt to summit Mirror Mountain every year, but only a few dozen have ever succeeded. Still, that doesn’t stop droves of would-be-heroes from congregating at the Base Camp in preparation for their climbs. Trainers who enter the Base Camp can find Rusty Sten watching dutifully over his gym. In his heyday, Rusty was one of the greatest climbers Mirror Mountain ever saw. He reached its peak twice, the second time with only his sturdy Gigalith accompanying him. Rusty uses Ground, Rock, and Steel pokemon and wants a challenging fight above all else.

Orum Town: Residents of Wuhtu, pokemon and people alike, face the inevitability of death just like everywhere else in the world. Orum Town contains the largest graveyard in the region, and people from all over Wuhtu will venture southwest to Orum to bury their dead if they can afford to do so. Many more will travel to Orum to pay their respects to fallen friends. A large monument in the center of town is inscribed with the names of every pokemon ever accidentally killed in a League sanctioned battle. It is rumored that this monument holds a sinister secret...but such talk is universally dismissed as crazy conspiracy theory nonsense. Orum’s gym leader is named Avu Sylum, an enigmatic Psychic and Wuhtu’s newest gym leader. A few years ago, Avu got off at Port Tidings, walked to Orum and took over the gym. All that is known of him is that he came from an unknown far-off land after surviving a deadly tournament of some sort. Now, he atones for the lives he took by watching over the dead with his hauntingly solemn Gengar at his side. In battle, Avu uses Psychic, Ghost, and Dark pokemon and is ever reluctant to go all out, lest he take another life.

Elrem Forest Clearing: The southwest section of Wuhtu consists primarily of the very, very dense Elrem Forest. Trees in this region can be well over 200 feet tall, covering almost the entire forest floor in eternal shade. This environment is perfect for critters of all kinds to take up residence, as any traveler will quickly notice. Swarms of Ledian fly by as Spinaraks try to capture their young Ledyba in their webs. Many Venonats and Nincadas creep across the ground. A lucky collector may stumble across a Shedinja slowly floating toward Orum. At the heart of Elrem Forest is a relatively small clearing which hermits and bug enthusiasts call home. Elrem Forest Clearing’s gym is led by Shea O’Riley, a jolly world-renowned Botanist. Shea, along with his hyper Kricketune, maintains the Clearing’s ample berry gardens, which serve as a food source for the local citizens and surrounding wildlife. Shea uses Bug and Poison pokemon and revels in the bounties of nature.

Xylo Central: In Wuhtu, all roads lead to Xylo, “The city that never blinks.” It is the cultural, economic, and physical center of the entire region. Anyone who sets foot in the city for the first time is instantly taken over by bright lights and blaring sounds. It is much bigger than the other cities, yet is still feels cramped from the sheer number of residents and tourists walking its streets. Skyscrapers are the norm and a sprawling underground subway system serves as transportation from one location to another. There are shows from sunup to sundown, and then more shows from sundown to sunup. All of the commerce and glamour result in the cost of living in Xylo being as sky-high as the buildings that dominate the cityscape. Xylo’s gym leader, Zayir Noir, was once the headliner at one of the biggest shows in town. The fantastic Juggler still occasionally does shows assisted by his flashy Jolteon, but for the most part has retired to the less style, more substance life of a gym leader. He uses Electric and Flying pokemon, and always battles with an intent to entertain.

Gateway Dojo: Deep in the frozen northwest of Wuhtu, a few dozen brave souls inhabit the Gateway Dojo. The entire town is inside one single, albeit quite large, building. The unforgiving tundra outside necessitated constant shelter, as even a trivial trip to the PokeMart would carry risk of frostbite if the city were actually outside. But the cold outside is in stark contrast with the hot-blooded residents of Gateway. The city takes its name from the huge Dojo that dwarfs the rest of the buildings. Inside, trainers and non-trainers alike exercise fiercely and constantly, training their bodies to withstand anything. They do this out of necessity, as trips to other parts of Wuhtu mean venturing through the frigid wasteland that surrounds Gateway. The entrance to Victory Road is also a short--though arduous--walk from Gateway Dojo’s front door. Trip Grayson, the Dojo’s leader, is a tough-as-nails Blackbelt who has honed his body to incredible levels of strength and endurance. He spends almost all his time training with his gutsy Ursaring to maintain his physical fitness. Trip uses Normal and Fighting pokemon in battle and favors close combat.

Maelstrom City: High atop Mirror Mountain lies the most remote locale in Wuhtu, Maelstrom City. It takes a very special person indeed to reach Maelstrom’s golden entryway. Around Wuhtu, “having one’s head in the clouds” has a different meaning: being powerful. Maelstrom’s residents literally touch the sky whenever they go outside, and the entire city is so high that weather is never a factor. It is a gorgeous place to live...if you can reach it. Some people in Wuhtu don’t even believe that Maelstrom City exists, convinced that it must be a myth. One can see the entranceway to Victory Road from the city’s western plateau, but hiking down the steep path to reach it is another thing entirely. Maelstrom’s gym also has quite the reputation. Officially, every gym in the Wuhtu League is equal. To those in the know, the running joke is that Maelstrom’s gym is “more equal” than its counterparts. Maelstrom’s leader Bryce Daggson commands a veritable armada of fearsome dragon pokemon led by his awe-inspiring Salamence. Bryce himself is a peerless Dragon Type Ace. Though a very gracious gentleman outside of battle, Bryce is absolutely relentless in the ring, pulling no punches and giving no quarter to challengers.

Victory Road: Just like the other regions, Wuhtu's Victory Road serves as a final test of a trainer's mettle after they have acquired all 8 badges. Though completing the gym circuit and reaching Victory Road's entrance is no simple feat, making it through to the other side is considerably harder yet. This dire cave houses the most powerful pokemon in the wild, and the trainers who frequent it are very dangerous foes as well. It is a grueling gauntlet designed to weed out the weak. Even trainers who breezed through the rest of Wuhtu often find themselves hitting the wall along Victory Road, forced to train for weeks, months, or even years before they are able to reach its exit. But the reward for coming out the other side is considerable, for the light at the end of this particular tunnel is the Elite Four!

Elite Four
Members of Wuhtu's Elite Four separate themselves from their gym leader brethren by focusing their teams on things beside types. They also forego their given names and adopt a new, thematic moniker upon donning the mantle of Elite Four status. It is said that Wrath, the current champion, has never lost a battle, sanctioned or otherwise. Per Wuhtu League rules, a challenger may battle the Elite Four members as many times as they choose, but they may only face Wrath once. Win, and they take over as Champion. Lose, and they can never battle for the title again.

Name | Rank | Theme
Wither | Member | Status Effects
Jet | Member | Critical Hits
Nile | Member | Beauty
Storm | Member | Weather
Wrath | Champion | Power

Wither: Status effects don’t feel as powerful as attacks that simply hit hard. It takes a certain maturity to start to see how effective they are, and that is a huge lesson for any would-be-master. When Wither was given the honor of joining the Elite Four, he made it his mission to teach young trainers about how important statuses could be. He adopted the name “Wither” and filled his team with pokemon capable of inflicting crippling status effects. Expect a long, arduous war of attrition when facing Wither.

Hawk: Critical hits are flashy, and they are deadly. For some reason, trainers tend to think about them as “luck” or “chance” instead of doing everything they can to make them happen. Hawk hopes to change that belief. His goal is to demonstrate that “We make our own luck” through an insane amount of critical hits that defy all odds. His team consists of a strike force of pokemon united in their common goal of maximizing crit chance and and hitting hard. Expect a quick, painful flurry of criticals when facing Hawk.

Heart: There is no force in the world quite like it. It builds mountains and it tears them down. Trainers tend to forget about the power of love while poring over their type charts and move lists. The only female member of Wuhtu’s Elite Four, Heart would remind everyone of how important and dominant love can be with her beautiful temptresses and casanovas. Her team focuses on pulling their opponents into the clutches of infatuation so that they lose their will to fight. Expect a starry-eyed tug of war when facing Heart.

Storm: The weather comes, the weather goes. A lot of people, even trainers, consider themselves at the whim of whatever gods control the clouds. But Storm never believed such things. He demonstrates to all that the weather is just as malleable as putty in our hands by constantly manipulating it with a variety of methods and purposes. His team makes sure it always has the upper hand in battle by changing the environment itself. Expect an ongoing battle of wits when facing Storm.

Wrath: Power. Power equals power. While the rest of the Elite Four equate power to one thing or another, Wuhtu’s champion makes it even simpler. His pokemon hit hard and often. Wrath has held the title of champion for as long as anyone can remember, and he is considered the most powerful trainer in the entire region--by a wide margin. No one besides the Elite Four is allowed to watch a challenger’s battle with Wrath. All anyone else sees is a confident almost-master strut in and a broken never-master trudge out. As such, no one really knows what pokemon he has or how they are so powerful. But they are indeed powerful, as Wrath has never lost a battle, League sanctioned or otherwise. Furthermore, it is said that he has never even been forced to use his last pokemon, his ultimate trump card. “Wrath” isn’t just a name, the champion is the embodiment of the word and very idea. Expect to lose when facing Wrath.

Team Ostra
Just like the other regions, Wuhtu contains a large, quasi-criminal organization working behind the scenes to accomplish some goal. This one, however, was unwittingly created by the Wuhtu League itself.

"Team Ostra," also known as "The Exiled," consists of trainers who find themselves on the outside of the League looking in. ("Ostra" is short for "ostracized.") They seek to overthrow the League.

The League has two natural barriers, at the beginning and at the end. A sad truth is that some young trainers simply cannot defeat their local gym leader within three tries. The leader won't be ruthless, but it is their League-mandated duty to provide a legitimate test. As such, they can't just take a dive so that a kid can join the League.

These unfortunate losers, deprived of status and starter, turn to the only other organization who can make their dream of becoming a powerful trainer come true: Team Ostra. Once initiated, they carry out missions of various disrepute. At the start, it doesn't seem that bad at all. But over time, as their loyalty to Team Ostra increases and their chances of doing anything else wane, they willingly do worse and worse things. Yet it always seems like they're doing the right thing to them. They are an endless natural resource for the upper echelons of Team Ostra to use and abuse.

The leadership of Team Ostra mainly consists of trainers who have lost to the champion at the very end of the League. Their dream, so very close to coming true, is irrevocably shattered once their last pokemon faints against Wrath. These powerful, disillusioned trainers are wooed by Team Ostra's leader to join the ranks as an officer, so that they may enact their vengeance on the League's final cruelty.

Team Ostra's leader is an outstandingly charismatic man known only as Grail. Not much is known about him, as his life before creating Team Ostra is shrouded in mystery. Was he one of the first trainers to fall to Wrath? Or was he an outsider who saw a chance to manipulate others for power? No one, not even his most trusted lieutenants, knows who he really is. Perhaps that no longer matters. Perhaps "Grail" is all he is now, the ruthless driven leader of Team Ostra.

Other Organizations
Good as Gold Mercenary's Guild: Because the roads in Wuhtu are so dangerous, the business of travelers paying strong trainers to guide them to their destination naturally sprang up. At first, the process was absolute chaos, as without any rules to guide people, sellers kept undercutting each other's prices and buyers found themselves stuck with clueless or apathetic escorts. Mercenaries quickly became a dubious joke around Wuhtu. To change that, the best mercenaries from the region worked together to form a respectable organization with real rules and exclusive membership with an assurance of quality. Thus, the Good as Gold Mercenary's Guild was born. Now, prices for each route are clearly defined and a Mercenary's Guild ID is "good as gold." Trainers who seek membership must visit the Guild Headquarters at Mirror Mountain Base Camp and pass a series of tests to prove their abilities.

Wuhtu Ranger Corps: The people of Wuhtu enjoy the protection of a great regional Ranger Corps. Wuhtu's primary peacekeeping force oversees everything from law enforcement to disaster relief. There are outposts and academies at every major city throughout the region where thousands of eager recruits enroll each year. Though everyone is accepted into the program, considerably fewer make it through the process. Basic training tests the body, then advanced training tests the mind. Those who prove themselves able-bodied and dedicated enough are given their badge of Ranger status to wear with pride. Throughout Wuhtu, Rangers are anywhere from respected to revered. After years of successful service, Rangers can be promoted to various higher titles such as Detective and Commander. According to the Port Tidings Home Office, no Special Operations branch officially exists. Yet every so often, tales of incredible heroics will spread and then fade into the gray area between memory and myth.

Serenity Corporation: Run by genius Poke Ball Designer Kaylee Washburne, Serenity Co.'s mission statement is "To enrich the lives of Wuhtu's citizens through science and technology." The conglomerate has divisions in every field imaginable, all funded by Miss Washburne's private fortune. Serenity Co. employs hundreds of the brightest minds in all of Wuhtu, from Engineers to Scientists to Petrologists. They provide many different services for the people of Wuhtu at their daughter companies in the outer cities, but one must visit Serenity Tower in Xylo to receive the best products. It's easy enough to find, since it's the tallest building in town. There, world class Move Tutors can teach pokemon incredibly powerful moves, for the right price. Miss Washburn herself heads Serenity's Orange, Inc. and is the visionary behind the revolutionary Poke Balls they produce.

Orange, Inc. Poke Balls
Name | Mod | Special | Price
Eye Ball 4 | +0 | -4 per eye the pokemon has | 1000
Strategy Ball | +0 | -2 per lowered combat stage target has | 1000
Attrition Ball | +0 | -1 per turn in combat until -10 | 1000
Chance Ball | ? | Random mod between -15 and +4 | 1000
Chance Ball + | ? | Random mod between -20 and -1 | 2500
Retry Ball | +10 | -15 if previously failed to catch pokemon | 2500
Collector Ball | +0 | Increases captured pokemon's trade value | 2500
Eye Ball 4s | -10 | -4 per eye the pokemon has | 5000


It's a gorgeous day outside in Wuhtu. The sun is shining, Spearows are chirping, and a nice cool breeze runs through your hair. And yet you're all cooped up inside, in various degrees of nervousness and excitement.

Bad Situation, Kantolin, Mistral, CosmicOccurence
You close your eyes and tightly grip the pokeball in your hand. Your heart races as everyone else in the gym falls silent. Today is one of the biggest days of your young life; your first battle ever is about to begin--with everything riding on it. You open your eyes and see your local gym leader across the battlefield from you.

"Are you ready?

Arcran
You sit in the stands at Port Tidings' gym and watch as Leia hands another young man about your age a pokeball, then both take their places. Leia has informed you that your turn is next and advised you take notes. Everyone falls silent, and Leia says in her graceful voice, "Are you ready?"

[Arcran]

Pitch watches the first battle intently, barely blinking, watching the Pokemon exchange blows. It was so strange how they called out to them as friends, as equals. They didn't know the truth. They were weak, emotions tying them down to their Pokemon.

But enough of those thoughts. Pitch just watches, taking in as much as possible about the leader, idly rolling the Pokeball containing Thales. He hadn't had the time to teach this Pokemon; it better obey. He would win. That was no question. But without having the time to break in the Pokemon, he wasn't sure by what margin.

As the first battle ends, Pitch strides silently down to the arena, unspeaking, hat pulled down perhaps slightly more than one would expect, just enough to cast a shadow over his face.

Remember, look average. Normal. Don't draw attention. No lasting damage. No injuries, he thinks to himself. He could do all he wants with wilds later but right now, right here, staying anonymous was more important.

He throws down the Pokeball, trying to seem nervous. The Oshawott appears, looking around with wide eyes.

"Sh-shall we begin?" he says, throwing in a slight stutter. Perfect.

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo Blackwell stood across from Halle in the gym, the people around him deadly silent. His palms were sticky, and he gripped the pokeball tightly, fearing it would slip from his grip. I can do this, Piri Piri will have the advantage over most pokemon Halle might use. Facing her on the battlefield, she looks so fierce with her Arcanine, her long luscious brown hair, her perfect skin, teeth as white as Leo turned face turned from lightly tanned to bright red in the blink of an eye, and he quickly ducked his head. You won't impress her by drooling all over her. I have to win. He released Piri Piri, and put the ball in his pocket.

I'm ready. Piri, we win, and I'll make you my favorite spicy tea. The Darumaka grinned and walked out to the middle of the field. Let's do this.

Using Frantic Research on whatever she sends out. [roll0] On 15+ I know level, on 20+ I know current health

[HZ514]

Pitch watches the first battle intently, barely blinking, watching the Pokemon exchange blows. It was so strange how they called out to them as friends, as equals. They didn't know the truth. They were weak, emotions tying them down to their Pokemon.

But enough of those thoughts. Pitch just watches, taking in as much as possible about the leader, idly rolling the Pokeball containing Thales. He hadn't had the time to teach this Pokemon; it better obey. He would win. That was no question. But without having the time to break in the Pokemon, he wasn't sure by what margin.

As the first battle ends, Pitch strides silently down to the arena, unspeaking, hat pulled down perhaps slightly more than one would expect, just enough to cast a shadow over his face.

Remember, look average. Normal. Don't draw attention. No lasting damage. No injuries, he thinks to himself. He could do all he wants with wilds later but right now, right here, staying anonymous was more important.

He throws down the Pokeball, trying to seem nervous. The Oshawott appears, looking around with wide eyes.

"Sh-shall we begin?" he says, throwing in a slight stutter. Perfect.

As all eyes have been on Leia and Mordecai during the first battle, no one has given you so much as a second glance. Murmurs start up as you approach the battlefield, but nothing you can make out as recognition.

Upon hearing your question, Leia pulls out another three pokeballs from her belt.

"We shall. But first, you must choose your opponent for this battle. This first pokeball contains Carvanha, a vicious Water/Dark type. This second one contains Wooper, a quirky Water/Ground type. And this last one contains Cubchoo, an adorable Ice type. Which one would you like me to use today?"

[HZ514]

Leo Blackwell stood across from Halle in the gym, the people around him deadly silent. His palms were sticky, and he gripped the pokeball tightly, fearing it would slip from his grip. I can do this, Piri Piri will have the advantage over most pokemon Halle might use. Facing her on the battlefield, she looks so fierce with her Arcanine, her long luscious brown hair, her perfect skin, teeth as white as Leo turned face turned from lightly tanned to bright red in the blink of an eye, and he quickly ducked his head. You won't impress her by drooling all over her. I have to win. He released Piri Piri, and put the ball in his pocket.

I'm ready. Piri, we win, and I'll make you my favorite spicy tea. The Darumaka grinned and walked out to the middle of the field. Let's do this.

Using Frantic Research on whatever she sends out. [roll0] On 15+ I know level, on 20+ I know current health

Halle can clearly see your bond with your Darumaka, and it makes her smile. "Don't go easy on me, Leo! But before we begin, it is up to you to choose which pokemon I will be using. Here are your three choices." She pulls out three pokeballs. "First, there's a Growlithe, one of my Arcanine's recent sons. Second, a Numel that Rusty was nice enough to send me. Third, an adorable little Petilil that I found walking around the other day." She clearly changed her intonation for the third choice. "Well, which will it be, Leo?"

[Arcran]

"I- I'd like to fight the Cubchoo, if that's alright," Pitch says. While his first instinct was the Carvanha, an adorable Pokemon didn't sound too tough. He didn't need to look good, just win and an easy fight is far preferable.

[Kantolin]

Why were there so many people here?

It actually probably wasn't that many. It just felt like everyone in the world was staring at him. This, if nothing else, served to show just how nervous he was - while he wasn't a showboat, he wasn't one to avoid a crowd.

Right. Everyone's watching you. Presence.

Now granted, he wasn't sure how successful he'd be in the endeavor, but he kept the butterflies in his stomach where they belonged. If nothing else, he'd look confident.

"I'm ready!" He said, enthusiastically. He shifted the pokeball - hesitating one more time. The last time was the first time he'd interacted with this totodile without the totodile opting to turn and bite him.

Still, with a shift, he released the pokemon, who snapped his jaws once upon being released. He then turned and glared at Mordecai - the trainer, unsure what to make of the gesture, nodded.

He then looked back up to Leia, waiting.

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas held onto the Pokeball like a lifeline, as if would disappear if he slackened his grip in the slightest. And in some ways it was. Avu must have known what his home life was like, for it was the only possible explanation for the sudden test exam. And if so, Avu must have known what was waiting for him at home if he failed. He knew he didn't deserve this chance at freedom, and that there were children in Orum who would give their life for a chance to train Pokemon.

He didn't know the first thing about Pokemon training. How would he beat the gym leader? How could he? It was impossible. His father had told him on several occasions that he would never amount to anything. Why should this be any different?

As if in response to his questions of self doubt, the Pokeball in his hand began shaking and jumped out of his hands. In a cascade of bright white light, a small humanoid Pokemon stood before him. It stared at him with unopened eyes and then turned toward the gym leader standing opposite.

"Ab-abra!" it squeaked in a tone that did not match its ardor. And just like that, Nikolas made his decision. The Abra wanted to fight and for the life of him he could not say no.

"L-looks like it huh?" he managed to laugh.

True, he didn't know the first thing about Pokemon training, but for the sake of his future he would try.

[HZ514]

"I- I'd like to fight the Cubchoo, if that's alright," Pitch says. While his first instinct was the Carvanha, an adorable Pokemon didn't sound too tough. He didn't need to look good, just win and an easy fight is far preferable.

Leia nods, puts the other two pokeballs away and releases her Cubchoo. "Good luck, challenger." She waits for your first move, as per tradition. "Say, what'd you say your name was again?"

Map! (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtZsssa3c8PJdFluOVZEVm5MTDItYkprUDlrZTcyc 2c#gid=0)

[CosmicOccurence]

Umm, adorable petilil, I probably should avoid it, it would look cowardly. No I need to be impressive this battle. He hesitated for a moment, and then Growlithe. If it's one of his pups, it'll be a good fight.

[HZ514]

Why were there so many people here?

It actually probably wasn't that many. It just felt like everyone in the world was staring at him. This, if nothing else, served to show just how nervous he was - while he wasn't a showboat, he wasn't one to avoid a crowd.

Right. Everyone's watching you. Presence.

Now granted, he wasn't sure how successful he'd be in the endeavor, but he kept the butterflies in his stomach where they belonged. If nothing else, he'd look confident.

"I'm ready!" He said, enthusiastically. He shifted the pokeball - hesitating one more time. The last time was the first time he'd interacted with this totodile without the totodile opting to turn and bite him.

Still, with a shift, he released the pokemon, who snapped his jaws once upon being released. He then turned and glared at Mordecai - the trainer, unsure what to make of the gesture, nodded.

He then looked back up to Leia, waiting.

"Good to see Kamoho isn't chomping on your flesh anymore, Mordecai." She pulls out three pokeballs. "Alright, you get to choose which pokemon Kamoho will be chomping on! First, there's the Ice type Snorunt that Trip recently sent my way. Second, I have a Water type Remoraid that I caught just last week. Last is an adorable little Shellos from across the sea! Oh, it's a water type by the way. So which shall it be, Mordecai?"

[Arcran]

"My friends call me Pitch." A total lie. Pitch has no friends.

The initial thrill of battle is suppressed by Pitch. No. It's not a fight like that. He can't draw attention. Just do the battle. Win, then leave. Win, then leave. Win.

"Alright Thales, Get close and Tackle it," Pitch says in a flat voice, devoid of the emotion shown so often in these initial trainer battles.

The Oshawott races across the field, ending with slamming its small body into the Cubchoo.

Thales shifts to G4 and uses Tackle!
Normal, Physical
AC: 3 [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] 2d8+6 (Base) + 10 (Attack) + 1 (Ace Trainer)

[HZ514]

Nikolas held onto the Pokeball like a lifeline, as if would disappear if he slackened his grip in the slightest. And in some ways it was. Avu must have known what his home life was like, for it was the only possible explanation for the sudden test exam. And if so, Avu must have known what was waiting for him at home if he failed. He knew he didn't deserve this chance at freedom, and that there were children in Orum who would give their life for a chance to train Pokemon.

He didn't know the first thing about Pokemon training. How would he beat the gym leader? How could he? It was impossible. His father had told him on several occasions that he would never amount to anything. Why should this be any different?

As if in response to his questions of self doubt, the Pokeball in his hand began shaking and jumped out of his hands. In a cascade of bright white light, a small humanoid Pokemon stood before him. It stared at him with unopened eyes and then turned toward the gym leader standing opposite.

"Ab-abra!" it squeaked in a tone that did not match its ardor. And just like that, Nikolas made his decision. The Abra wanted to fight and for the life of him he could not say no.

"L-looks like it huh?" he managed to laugh.

True, he didn't know the first thing about Pokemon training, but for the sake of his future he would try.

"We were all rookies once, Nikolas." It's as if he heard every thought that just ran through your head. "There is no need to be nervous. That Abra is one of the most promising young pokemon I've seen in a long time--and the same can be said of your future as a trainer."

"But you know as well as I do that I cannot just throw this battle. So your first test!" Avu pulls out three pokeballs, one in one hand and the other two in the other. "In my left hand, I'm holding two pokeballs with a Misdreavus and a Ralts, respectively. In my right hand, I'm holding a Scraggy. Which would you like to face today?"

[HZ514]

Umm, adorable petilil, I probably should avoid it, it would look cowardly. No I need to be impressive this battle. He hesitated for a moment, and then Growlithe. If it's one of his pups, it'll be a good fight.

Halle looks genuinely surprised by your choice. "Never were one to take the easy way out, huh? Very well, Growlithe it is." She puts the other pokeballs away and sends it out. The Arcanine sitting by her side noticeably perks up. "Good luck, Leo!" She waits for you to make the first move, as is customary.

Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtZsssa3c8PJdGQ2X1RBdGhaek81TTBqQlQ5ZHlBZ FE#gid=0)!

[Bad Situation]

"D-do you really think so?" Nikolas felt a faint glimmer of hope in his stomach. A strong trainer like Avu couldn't be wrong? Right?

His smile faltered as Avu continued speaking. What little hope he had was dashed by the 'test' the man was currently imparting. The imposing gym leader began listing Pokemon and suddenly Nikolas wished he had payed more attention to the other children growing up. The Pokemon named by Avu were surely Pokemon of different type, the determining factor of the test no doubt. That would mean the test was about choosing a Pokemon that his own starter could more easily beat.

Unfortunately, he knew nothing about the Pokemon in Avu's hands. Type advantage meant nothing if he picked the wrong type. He held back the urge to beat himself over the head. perhaps fearful for potential head beatings, his brain worked out a plan in desperation.

"Abra. I d-don't know anything about those Pokemon. Do you know which one I should pick?"

He desperately hoped that asking his own Pokemon wasn't cheating. After all, weren't trainers and their Pokemon expected to work together?

[Kantolin]

"I'm glad too."

The totodile perked up at the word 'remoraid'. He clamped his teeth together a couple times, eagerly awaiting. Remoraid!

"A pokemon from the gateway dojo's gonna be rough..."

And once he said his next few words, he'd be stuck for it. It wasn't that he didn't trust Kamoho, it was him - was he really ready for this? If he failed here...

"But we'll give it our all! The Snorunt, please."

That sounded awfully like 'not the remoraid' to Kamoho, whos eyes dimmed. He did, however, remember the previous time - this guy was willing to accept being bitten.

He'd bite the human again a little later.

[HZ514]

"My friends call me Pitch." A total lie. Pitch has no friends.

The initial thrill of battle is suppressed by Pitch. No. It's not a fight like that. He can't draw attention. Just do the battle. Win, then leave. Win, then leave. Win.

"Alright Thales, Get close and Tackle it," Pitch says in a flat voice, devoid of the emotion shown so often in these initial trainer battles.

The Oshawott races across the field, ending with slamming its small body into the Cubchoo.

Thales shifts to G4 and uses Tackle!
Normal, Physical
AC: 3 [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] 2d8+6 (Base) + 10 (Attack) + 1 (Ace Trainer)

Leia seems to take your word for it, and does not say anything in response. After the Oshawott hits home, the Cubchoo is noticeably dazed. You can see a tear falling down the side of its face.

"Well, Pitch. I'd hate for this to be a bore for you. Cubchoo, use Ice Punch!" The Cubchoo rallies and launches a frigid fist into your Oshawott's side.

Ice Punch
Ice, Physical
AC: 2 [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] / 2

After the blow, the Cubchoo tries to scoot away over the ice, but seems too hurt to make it. It only succeeds in tripping and getting back up.

[HZ514]

"D-do you really think so?" Nikolas felt a faint glimmer of hope in his stomach. A strong trainer like Avu couldn't be wrong? Right?

His smile faltered as Avu continued speaking. What little hope he had was dashed by the 'test' the man was currently imparting. The imposing gym leader began listing Pokemon and suddenly Nikolas wished he had payed more attention to the other children growing up. The Pokemon named by Avu were surely Pokemon of different type, the determining factor of the test no doubt. That would mean the test was about choosing a Pokemon that his own starter could more easily beat.

Unfortunately, he knew nothing about the Pokemon in Avu's hands. Type advantage meant nothing if he picked the wrong type. He held back the urge to beat himself over the head. perhaps fearful for potential head beatings, his brain worked out a plan in desperation.

"Abra. I d-don't know anything about those Pokemon. Do you know which one I should pick?"

He desperately hoped that asking his own Pokemon wasn't cheating. After all, weren't trainers and their Pokemon expected to work together?

Your Abra stares up at you and tilts its head. Suddenly, something...influences you to slowly move your eyes toward the pokeball in Avu's hand by itself. You feel compelled to stare at it. Avu's voice reaches you, but in the periphery of your focused gaze, you would swear his mouth isn't moving. "Oh I have been wrong plenty of times. But I am not wrong this time. I am right about you. Now, please make your choice."

[HZ514]

"I'm glad too."

The totodile perked up at the word 'remoraid'. He clamped his teeth together a couple times, eagerly awaiting. Remoraid!

"A pokemon from the gateway dojo's gonna be rough..."

And once he said his next few words, he'd be stuck for it. It wasn't that he didn't trust Kamoho, it was him - was he really ready for this? If he failed here...

"But we'll give it our all! The Snorunt, please."

That sounded awfully like 'not the remoraid' to Kamoho, whos eyes dimmed. He did, however, remember the previous time - this guy was willing to accept being bitten.

He'd bite the human again a little later.

"Snorunt it is." Leia puts the other two pokeballs away and sends out the Snorunt. "After you, Mordecai!"

Map! (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtZsssa3c8PJdFRwZWwtLWIycjk2UmdHcVFHbHY2Y Wc#gid=0)

[Bad Situation]

With a confidence he didn't know he had, Nikolas gestured toward the ball in Avu's right hand.

"That one," he says with finality, "the Scraggy." He really didn't know why, but he knew without a doubt that he had made the correct choice. Was this the influence of Pokemon on his life? Was this very bond the reason his father had become so resentful over the years? It hurt him to think what would happen if he failed..

[HZ514]

With a confidence he didn't know he had, Nikolas gestured toward the ball in Avu's right hand.

"That one," he says with finality, "the Scraggy." He really didn't know why, but he knew without a doubt that he had made the correct choice. Was this the influence of Pokemon on his life? Was this very bond the reason his father had become so resentful over the years? It hurt him to think what would happen if he failed..

Avu gave the faintest nod as he put the other two pokeballs away. More noticeably, the Gengar by his side grins when Avu sends out the Scraggy. It isn't the mischievous grin Gengars are known for, but a strangely genuine one for its species. "You get the first move, Nikolas. Show me what you've got!"

Map! (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtZsssa3c8PJdDlrOW1FSjlZcVJuZHRDRGJWdTJkZ EE#gid=0)

[Kantolin]

A deep inhale, and an exhale to steady himself. Okay!

"Let's start off fierce! Kamoho - use the water for momentum, strike it with a scratch!"

There was a momentary pause - just for a couple moments really, but enough for Mordecai's heart to thump. Was he gonna disobey?

But no - the totodile then rushed forward, skimming briefly across the water towards the snorunt before leaping into what was essentially a rushing bite. Which wasn't a scratch per se, but...


Kamoho zips to H-5, going through the water!
Kamoho uses scratch!
Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage Roll: [roll1]
(Damage roll from OOC topic: (1d12+13)[19] )

[Bad Situation]

From the elevated platform, Nikolas calls out to the small psychic type, "Abra. I know I've been relying on you a lot so far but from here on we're working together, o-okay?"

It seemed to get the message and replied fiercely, "Abra Ab-Abra!"

Surveying the field before him Nikolas prepared his strategy. Though he didn't know much about the Pokemon itself, he did know that Psychic types tended to be special attackers and that something as small as Abra was likely to be weak in the physical department. On the other hand, the so-called, Scraggy, looked somewhat intimidating for its size. It was probably more physical and if the reasoning of the test was anything to go by it was probably going to be weaker to his Abra's special attacks.

"Stay away from it and blast it with everything you've got Abra," he ordered in the most commanding voice he could muster, which ended up being a slightly gravely squeak.

Copied from the OOC thread:
Shift to H8
Accuracy Check - (1d20)[16]
Hidden Power (Dragon) - (1d12+17)[25]

[HZ514]

A deep inhale, and an exhale to steady himself. Okay!

"Let's start off fierce! Kamoho - use the water for momentum, strike it with a scratch!"

There was a momentary pause - just for a couple moments really, but enough for Mordecai's heart to thump. Was he gonna disobey?

But no - the totodile then rushed forward, skimming briefly across the water towards the snorunt before leaping into what was essentially a rushing bite. Which wasn't a scratch per se, but...


Kamoho zips to H-5, going through the water!
Kamoho uses scratch!
Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage Roll: [roll1]


The crowd oohs and ahhs as your Totodile skillfully crosses the battlefield and gasps as it hits home. The little Snorunt reels from the hit and shudders a bit in the aftermath. Leia rallies it by saying, "It's alright, Snorunt! Use Powder Snow and run across the ice!"

Powder Snow
AC 2: [roll0]
Damage: 9 as per roll in OOC
Snorunt moves to C3.

[HZ514]

From the elevated platform, Nikolas calls out to the small psychic type, "Abra. I know I've been relying on you a lot so far but from here on we're working together, o-okay?"

It seemed to get the message and replied fiercely, "Abra Ab-Abra!"

Surveying the field before him Nikolas prepared his strategy. Though he didn't know much about the Pokemon itself, he did know that Psychic types tended to be special attackers and that something as small as Abra was likely to be weak in the physical department. On the other hand, the so-called, Scraggy, looked somewhat intimidating for its size. It was probably more physical and if the reasoning of the test was anything to go by it was probably going to be weaker to his Abra's special attacks.

"Stay away from it and blast it with everything you've got Abra," he ordered in the most commanding voice he could muster, which ended up being a slightly gravely squeak.

Copied from the OOC thread:
Shift to H8
Accuracy Check - (1d20)[16]
Hidden Power (Dragon) - (1d12+17)[25]

An awe-inspiring energy radiates from your Abra and the impact of it almost makes the Scraggy fall over. It is clearly woozy from the attack, but Avu wills it onward. "Scraggy, get up close and use Low Kick!"

The Scraggy musters up all its remaining strength to shuffle over to your Abra and sweeps your Abra's legs! It doesn't look too effective.

Scraggy moves to H7, Low Kick!
AC 2: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] / 2

[Kantolin]

"Keep after him, Kamoho! Dash across the ice!"

This time Kamoho's reaction was immediate. The totodile was grinning after his previous successful bite, and after sliding on his stomach, leapt up with another of his odd bites. His mouth, after all, hadn't fully developed for a more proper one.


Kamoho slides across the ice, heading directly to the left. He attacks uh... either on the way there or after he arrives on the other side of the ice, I'm not sure if you can use pass moves while sliding. Anyway!

Kamoho uses scratch!
Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage Roll: [roll1]

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas began to worry when the yellow Pokemon managed to pick itself up but thankfully its weakness seemed to carry into its 'Low Kick'. The slight worry trailed into his voice, prompting him to ask, "A-are you okay Abra?" The attack didn't look entirely effective on Abra but then again, looks could be deceiving. It would be best not to take any chances with a trainer like Avu.

Thankfully, the Abra nodded in the affirmative. Good. He just had to finish this then.

"N-now that he's already closed in, try to knock him back."

Not entirely sure of what to do with himself, he adds, "Y-you can do it Abra!"

Accuracy Check - [roll0]
Tackle (Normal) - [roll1]

[HZ514]

"Keep after him, Kamoho! Dash across the ice!"

This time Kamoho's reaction was immediate. The totodile was grinning after his previous successful bite, and after sliding on his stomach, leapt up with another of his odd bites. His mouth, after all, hadn't fully developed for a more proper one.


Kamoho slides across the ice, heading directly to the left. He attacks uh... either on the way there or after he arrives on the other side of the ice, I'm not sure if you can use pass moves while sliding. Anyway!

Kamoho uses scratch!
Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage Roll: [roll1]


Kamoho tries his best to scratch the Snorunt as he slides on by, but completely whiffs and the crowd lets out an audible sigh. Leia says to you, "Always know your terrain, Mordecai! Your Totodile is at home in the water, but my Snorunt will run circles around it there on the ice. You didn't think I'd make this easy on you, did you?" she asks with a smile. "Snorunt, Powder Snow again and back across the ice!"

Powder Snow!
AC 2 [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] / 2
Snorunt moves to the right, across the ice.

[HZ514]

Nikolas began to worry when the yellow Pokemon managed to pick itself up but thankfully its weakness seemed to carry into its 'Low Kick'. The slight worry trailed into his voice, prompting him to ask, "A-are you okay Abra?" The attack didn't look entirely effective on Abra but then again, looks could be deceiving. It would be best not to take any chances with a trainer like Avu.

Thankfully, the Abra nodded in the affirmative. Good. He just had to finish this then.

"N-now that he's already closed in, try to knock him back."

Not entirely sure of what to do with himself, he adds, "Y-you can do it Abra!"

Accuracy Check - [roll0]
Tackle (Normal) - [roll1]

The Scraggy dodges your Abra's fumbling Tackle and promptly moves back a bit. As far as you could tell, Avu hadn't issued any commands but the Scraggy proceeds to throw some sand into Abra's face and sniggers for a moment before it coughs painfully instead once it realizes that it missed. Apparently its eyesight was waning from exhaustion.

Moves to H6, Sand Attack!
AC 2: [roll0]
(Abra needs +1 on Accuracy Checks for the duration of the battle)

[Kantolin]

...right!

He'd done so many drills on slick terrain that it hadn't occured to him that Kamoho hadn't. He didn't lean forward into his run or anything, nor was he prepared for the sudden halt in momentum.

"She's right, Kamoho! Hold on!"

The totodile had been about to directly follow the snorunt. "Don't go back through the ice - keep your feet on solid ground! Go around it, towards me!"

Another moment of hesitation, until Mordecai added, "...'cause I don't want the ice messing with you biting it again."

That caused a grin, and obedience.


Kamoho heads down and around the icy patch, ending at G5 for another bite!

I'm not sure how diagonals work in PTA, but he can get there regardless with his overland of 6, so it's not too focal right now. :P

Kamoho uses scratch!
Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage Roll: [roll1]

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas could scarcely believe his luck. Abra had fumbled an attack and rather than be punished for it, the Scraggy had actually messed up on its own move. This could be his break. He would have to capitalize on his advantage now, before somewhat could tamper with his own luck.

"Don't let that miss discourage you, just keep up with your own offensive."

Accuracy Check - [roll0]
Hidden Power (Dragon) - [roll1]

[HZ514]

...right!

He'd done so many drills on slick terrain that it hadn't occured to him that Kamoho hadn't. He didn't lean forward into his run or anything, nor was he prepared for the sudden halt in momentum.

"She's right, Kamoho! Hold on!"

The totodile had been about to directly follow the snorunt. "Don't go back through the ice - keep your feet on solid ground! Go around it, towards me!"

Another moment of hesitation, until Mordecai added, "...'cause I don't want the ice messing with you biting it again."

That caused a grin, and obedience.


Kamoho heads down and around the icy patch, ending at G5 for another bite!

I'm not sure how diagonals work in PTA, but he can get there regardless with his overland of 6, so it's not too focal right now. :P

Kamoho uses scratch!
Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage Roll: [roll1]


Upon seeing you adapt correctly, Leia noticeably smiles. "Good, Mordecai! Don't worry that it missed, your Totodile seems to be just a little hyper at the moment. You might say that it needs to chill out." The Snorunt proceeds to enact the same strategy as before.

Nat 1s for days...
AC 2 [roll0]
Damage [roll1] / 2
And diagonal movement follows distance formula, and so long as the total distance < movement capacity, it's allowed. This however won't apply in this case because diagonal around an ice patch would include walking over the ice, thus negating the entire point. But like you said, 6 move is enough to go around the long way, so it's all good in this case.

[Kantolin]

The snapping bite met only air, but this time the totodile was moving even before Mordecai commanded him to do so.

"Quickly! Back the other way!"


Kamoho heads back as well! More scratching!

Kamoho uses scratch! Mordecai gives scarifices to the dice gods!
Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage Roll: [roll1]

[HZ514]

Nikolas could scarcely believe his luck. Abra had fumbled an attack and rather than be punished for it, the Scraggy had actually messed up on its own move. This could be his break. He would have to capitalize on his advantage now, before somewhat could tamper with his own luck.

"Don't let that miss discourage you, just keep up with your own offensive."

Accuracy Check - [roll0]
Hidden Power (Dragon) - [roll1]

With this second burst of draconic energy, the Scraggy falls over unconscious. Avu returns it to its pokeball and begins to walk over to you.

"Congratulations, Nikolas!"

Your Abra receives 250 EXP for the battle!

[HZ514]

The snapping bite met only air, but this time the totodile was moving even before Mordecai commanded him to do so.

"Quickly! Back the other way!"


Kamoho heads back as well! More scratching!

Kamoho uses scratch! Mordecai gives scarifices to the dice gods!
Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage Roll: [roll1]



Kamoho's aim is true, and the blow clearly causes the Snorunt great pain. Leia tries to tell it to keep up the same tactic, but her voice seems to fall on deaf ears. The Snorunt is visibly shuddering so much that some audience members look away.

Before you can command your Totodile to finish it off, Leia steps in. "Hang on, Mordecai. This battle is done, I'd rather not run the risk of getting this little guy seriously injured." She returns the Snorunt to its pokeball, then starts walking toward you. "But you know what that means, right? You won!"

Your Totodile receives 100 EXP from the battle!

[Bad Situation]

For a second, Nikolas almost forgets who he's talking to and he awkwardly rubs the back of his head, laughing. "T-Thanks, but I couldn't have done it without the help Abra here." Faintly realizing that he's been calling the Pokemon by its species name the entire time, he thinks to ask, "I-is it alright if I name him? Would he like that? I wouldn't want to offend him or anything," voice getting smaller and smaller as he continues to doubt himself.

[HZ514]

Avu smiles and nods. "Of course that would be alright. After all, he is yours now. Allow me a moment to say farewell to him, please." Avu crouches in front of your Abra and stares into its eyes, silently communicating somehow. A few seconds later, the two of them turn to you.

"He says he would be happy to accompany you. What name did you have in mind, Nikolas?"

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas smiled at their farewell, happy that the Abra had chosen him as its trainer. Luckily, he had the perfect name for the little psychic type. "A-ah, there's a demon named Orobas. It's said that he would give his conjurer perfect information about the past, present, or future, bestow honors, reconcile them with foes, and protect them from being tempted by demons." He says this without stuttering once, clearly reciting it from memory. If there was one thing his dumb brain was good for, it was that.

Turning his smile toward Avu, he continued, "It's also said that he would never deceive anyone and so far, the little guy hasn't steered me wrong yet. It's only thanks to Orobas that I managed to win."

"I-I'm not really confident as a trainer but with him by my side, I know I can do it."

Almost uncharacteristically, Nikolas takes the initiative and extends his hand toward Avu. "But I'd also like to thank you for giving me this chance sir."

[HZ514]

Nikolas smiled at their farewell, happy that the Abra had chosen him as its trainer. Luckily, he had the perfect name for the little psychic type. "A-ah, there's a demon named Orobas. It's said that he would give his conjurer perfect information about the past, present, or future, bestow honors, reconcile them with foes, and protect them from being tempted by demons." He says this without stuttering once, clearly reciting it from memory. If there was one thing his dumb brain was good for, it was that.

Turning his smile toward Avu, he continued, "It's also said that he would never deceive anyone and so far, the little guy hasn't steered me wrong yet. It's only thanks to Orobas that I managed to win."

"I'm not really confident as a trainer but with him by my side, I know I can do it."

Almost uncharacteristically, Nikolas takes the initiative and extends his hand toward Avu. "But I'd also like to thank you for giving me this chance sir."

Avu nods as you explain your choice of name. He seems to approve wholeheartedly. "Orobas it is." He then takes your hand and shakes it firmly. "Before you go, I have some things for you. Hang on." He walks to a different section of the gym, and shortly returns with a bag full of items. He picks them out one at a time and hands them to you with a short explanation.

"These are essential things that every trainer should always have on them. First, here's your Pokedex. It will record the pokemon you see and catch, so long as you take the time to scan any new ones you come across. It will also give you valuable information on an unfamiliar pokemon's types and behaviors. Simply collecting data as you travel will help you grow as a trainer, so be sure to use it early and often."

"And here's your Pokegear. This little gadget is a lot of things in one. It's a watch, a phone, a map, and more. Plus it's solar powered so you'll never have to worry about charging it unless something goes very wrong. It's also programmed with all your League identification if you ever need to show those for any reason. Don't lose this, alright? It's a pain to replace."

"I also have some potions to heal your pokemon, some enriched water to keep yourself hydrated, and some pokeballs to catch more pokemon. 3 of each, here you go."

"Oh, Orobas here likes sour food, so here's an Iapapa berry for him to hold onto. He'll use it when he feels like he needs a boost."

"And lastly, I'd usually give new trainers a TM but since I've already taught your Abra Hidden Power, that probably already covers it. That said, I think I may have accidentally dropped one out back. They're just so hard to keep track of, you know?"

"Anyway, that's about all the help I can give you without raising some eyebrows. But if you ever need any advice, feel free to give me a call. I took the liberty of putting my number into your Pokegear."

"Good luck, Nikolas." This time it is Avu extending his hand to you.

[CosmicOccurence]

Piri Piri back up behind the grass. The firey pokemon's grin faded, and he turned to look at Leo. Look at it, if you try and close with it, it'll run circles around you.

Piri Piri sighed, and walked behind the grass. No flashy entrance for him, oh no, lets just hide behind some grass. He was soo scary right now.

Assuming thick grass is rough terrain, Piri shifts to J12. Also do the xs count as blocking terrain?

[Arcran]

Leia seems to take your word for it, and does not say anything in response. After the Oshawott hits home, the Cubchoo is noticeably dazed. You can see a tear falling down the side of its face.

"Well, Pitch. I'd hate for this to be a bore for you. Cubchoo, use Ice Punch!" The Cubchoo rallies and launches a frigid fist into your Oshawott's side.

Ice Punch
Ice, Physical
AC: 2 [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] / 2

After the blow, the Cubchoo tries to scoot away over the ice, but seems too hurt to make it. It only succeeds in tripping and getting back up.

The blow hits the Oshawott but the ice can't take hold on the Oshawott. While it dazes the small Pokemon, it is far from dropping.

Doesn't want it to be a bore... Could she know? Is that possible? Pitch thinks to himself, worried. If she knows, I'm already blown. If not, then I still need to finish this fast and get out. Anyways, no taunting. That might make her angry.

"Thales, finish it."

The Oshawott backs up, then dives forward, aiming to knock out the Cubchoo.

Thales shifts to G4 and uses Tackle!
Normal, Physical
AC: 3 [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] 2d8+6 (Base) + 10 (Attack) + 1 (Ace Trainer)]

[Arcran]

And we be critting. I think I'll like Thales.

[roll0]

[HZ514]

Piri Piri back up behind the grass. The firey pokemon's grin faded, and he turned to look at Leo. Look at it, if you try and close with it, it'll run circles around you.

Piri Piri sighed, and walked behind the grass. No flashy entrance for him, oh no, lets just hide behind some grass. He was soo scary right now.

Assuming thick grass is rough terrain, Piri shifts to J12. Also do the xs count as blocking terrain?

"Are we playing hide and seek, Leo? Alright, find his Darumaka, Growlithe!" The Arcanine shouts a word of encouragement as well as the Growlithe dashes across the battlefield. It stops just short of the grass on your side and starts to look around intently, sniffing the air for any trace of Piri Piri's scent. Luckily for your Darumaka, this Growlithe has not been trained to track yet, so it may take a while for its natural abilities to succeed in finding you.

Yep it is rough terrain, and it counts as blocking for vision purposes but not for actual blocking purposes (ice beam would go through it, for instance). Also, fire attacks used on the square of thick grass will have interesting consequences for any pokemon around it, or god forbid inside it."

[Mistral]

Celeste was nervous. She couldn't help but be nervous, as she looked at the gym leader across the battlefield. Zayir, she knew, was among the most powerful trainers of the region; he had to be, to become a gym leader. She couldn't just set it aside, but if she wanted to become a trainer and leave home, she had to make it through this battle. "Yes...", she got out, barely audible. "Ah, y-yes," she repeated, louder.

[HZ514]

The blow hits the Oshawott but the ice can't take hold on the Oshawott. While it dazes the small Pokemon, it is far from dropping.

Doesn't want it to be a bore... Could she know? Is that possible? Pitch thinks to himself, worried. If she knows, I'm already blown. If not, then I still need to finish this fast and get out. Anyways, no taunting. That might make her angry.

"Thales, finish it."

The Oshawott backs up, then dives forward, aiming to knock out the Cubchoo.

Thales shifts to G4 and uses Tackle!
Normal, Physical
AC: 3 [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] 2d8+6 (Base) + 10 (Attack) + 1 (Ace Trainer)]


And we be critting. I think I'll like Thales.

[roll0]

"NO!" Leia screams as she tries to intervene this time like she did with Mordecai's battle. But she's too late, and your Oshawott thuds into her Cubchoo with vicious force. A collective gasp of horror escapes from the audience, as everyone in the gym can tell that tackle hit especially hard. The Cubchoo flies backwards and starts convulsing on the ground. "No no no no no..." Leia tries everything she can to stabilize it, but the Cubchoo only seems to get worse. Realizing she doesn't have the ability to save it, she rushes it off to the Pokemon Center, telling you simply, "Stay put until I get back."

Your Oshawott receives 120 EXP from the battle murder.

[CosmicOccurence]

If you didn't want people to use the grass, then why did you put it here? Piri Piri, prepare to attack I'll only get one shot with rollout, and then ask her to move the growlithe out of the way so I don't kill it. From there tackle should work

Since Piri Piri can't get close enough to attack, he shifts to K10 to hide in the grass and pray to mew the growlithe doesn't know ember

[Bad Situation]

"T-thank you!" Truthfully, he could hardly believe it himself. He had won the same battle his father had lost three times, and in his first attempt no less. Though, knowing his father, the stubborn man had likely chosen a bad match up and then stubbornly clung to challenging that Pokemon again and again. Luckily Nikolas has Orobas with him. Orobas. It just sounded right.

He accepts Avu's hands and smiles in turn.

Though he was grateful for the gifts Avu was giving him he paid a special interest in the Pokeballs. How could he not. He didn't know much about Pokemon, but he considered himself very knowledgeable about the devices used to capture them. If it was just catching Pokemon, then he wasn't too worried about his prospects. However, he had no intention of training every Pokemon he caught. What did trainers do with all of their unused Pokemon? Surely they didn't just keep them in storage for all their life? Was selling them an option? Was selling a sentient creature even morally right? It would be best if he ask Avu about this before he left.

"If you don't mind me asking, what should I do about the Pokemon I catch? I don't know enough about Pokemon that I have a team in mind and I don't think I would be able to raise them all."

"Oh, and do you know where I can get a Pokeball Repair Kit? I used to have my own before my dad..." he looks down ashamedly as he trails off, not willing to talk about the implied abuse.

[HZ514]

Celeste was nervous. She couldn't help but be nervous, as she looked at the gym leader across the battlefield. Zayir, she knew, was among the most powerful trainers of the region; he had to be, to become a gym leader. She couldn't just set it aside, but if she wanted to become a trainer and leave home, she had to make it through this battle. "Yes...", she got out, barely audible. "Ah, y-yes," she repeated, louder.

"Wonderful!" Zayir shouts with a flourish. He is nothing if not dramatic. He spins around, addressing the audience members. "Then without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, let me present to you...Miss Celeste Noricen!" The audience cheers loudly as if you were a world famous magician. Zayir had a way of making that happen.

His voice lowers to reflect a solemn mood. "She has known tragedy, oh yes. Some of you may remember that vicious wildfire that almost consumed Wrystone! Well, Miss Noricen's mother Maria may well be the only reason that wildfire was stopped! But she gave her life to do so, God rest her soul."

"And now Celeste has come here, to our lovely gym, to begin her own journey! She has the blood of a hero within her, so between you and me, I'd say we're all in for a show today."

He finally turns to you, with a changed look full of determination on his face. "Your first test, Miss Noricen. You must choose which pokemon you will face!" Zayir's Jolteon tosses him three pokeballs, which he promptly starts to juggle, deftly throwing one high into the air when he introduces it. "Here are your potential opponents: Joltik, the electric spider! Hoothoot, the vigilant night owl! And Emolga, the happy-go-lucky flying squirrel! So which shall it be?" The audience is absolutely enraptured at this point. They were hanging on Zayir's every word, now they all shift their attention to you.

[HZ514]

If you didn't want people to use the grass, then why did you put it here? Piri Piri, prepare to attack I'll only get one shot with rollout, and then ask her to move the growlithe out of the way so I don't kill it. From there tackle should work

Since Piri Piri can't get close enough to attack, he shifts to K10 to hide in the grass and pray to mew the growlithe doesn't know ember

"Oh I do want people to use it! First timers just don't usually think to do that. But I'd watch out if I were your Darumaka, Growlithe will find it eventually." The Growlithe seems to already know what to do. It walks up to the edge of the thick grass and around a bit, trying to find a scent. The Arcanine across the field howls, and the Growlithe follows suit. Then, it waits for you to make a move.

Howl!
Raises Growlithe's Attack 1 stage.

[HZ514]

"T-thank you!" Truthfully, he could hardly believe it himself. He had won the same battle his father had lost three times, and in his first attempt no less. Though, knowing his father, the stubborn man had likely chosen a bad match up and then stubbornly clung to challenging that Pokemon again and again. Luckily Nikolas has Orobas with him. Orobas. It just sounded right.

He accepts Avu's hands and smiles in turn.

Though he was grateful for the gifts Avu was giving him he paid a special interest in the Pokeballs. How could he not. He didn't know much about Pokemon, but he considered himself very knowledgeable about the devices used to capture them. If it was just catching Pokemon, then he wasn't too worried about his prospects. However, he had no intention of training every Pokemon he caught. What did trainers do with all of their unused Pokemon? Surely they didn't just keep them in storage for all their life? Was selling them an option? Was selling a sentient creature even morally right? It would be best if he ask Avu about this before he left.

"If you don't mind me asking, what should I do about the Pokemon I catch? I don't know enough about Pokemon that I have a team in mind and I don't think I would be able to raise them all."

"Oh, and do you know where I can get a Pokeball Repair Kit? I used to have my own before my dad..." he looks down ashamedly as he trails off, not willing to talk about the implied abuse.

Avu seems to be following your train of thought, and responds to your questions almost before you've finished asking them. He puts his hand on your shoulder and says, "It is good of you to worry about unused pokemon. Most trainers tend to forget about them entirely. The first, perhaps best for everyone involved, method of handling pokemon you don't wish to train is to find someone who does want it and trade with them. That way, both trainers get a new pokemon and both pokemon find a new home. If you can't find a trading partner though, you can always send the pokemon to any appropriate type gym. I and my colleagues do our best to raise every pokemon we receive. And who knows, maybe the one you donate will be another lucky trainer's starter!

He also seems to have anticipated the second question, as he simply steps to the side and floating in the air behind him is a new Pokeball Repair Kit! He motions for you to take it. "Nothing wrong with a few raised eyebrows."

[CosmicOccurence]

Alright Piri let's get moving. Flatten him!
Piri Piri flew from the grass, tucked into a tight ball, picking up stones in his coat as he went, and hurtled towards the growlithe, rolling over and past him.

Great job Piri! The Darumaka smiled a huge smile, and crouched in a combat stance incase the growlithe managed to stay on its feet.

Piri Piri uses rollout. [roll0]. Damage [roll1] rock type, +4 base, +11 Atk. Piri Piri ends up in H10

[Kantolin]

Mordecai paused for a moment as he was told to hang on - really looking at the snorunt.

Had he... really been about to do that? He had been going to attack it again, and hadn't really looked at his enemy the entire bout.

That was a nagging thought to keep at the back of his mind... as excitement took over. Wait! He'd won!

"Yeah!" He shouted loudly, stepping on the field. Kamoho seemed similarly excited when Leia intervened - snapping his jaws energetically.

"We won, Kamoh-" Began Mordecai in his exuberance - when the totodile clamped his jaws on Mordecai's arm once more. This time, however, before the trainer could particularly react, the totodile let go - and continued his victory dance.

Confusing the heck out of Mordecai, who had no idea what to make of the gesture. Was that the totodile's way of saying 'I approve'? Was it a warning?

Aaaaaaalso said totodile was not in the best of shapes. All of those frosty hits really had worn down at him. So he looked up to Leia. "Thank you, Leia! I... uh. I..."

Blast, he had a speech prepared but it had totally escaped from his mind at the time being in lieu of happy Kamoho. "Thank you." He repeated instead.

[HZ514]

Alright Piri let's get moving. Flatten him!
Piri Piri flew from the grass, tucked into a tight ball, picking up stones in his coat as he went, and hurtled towards the growlithe, rolling over and past him.

Great job Piri! The Darumaka smiled a huge smile, and crouched in a combat stance incase the growlithe managed to stay on its feet.

Piri Piri uses rollout. [roll0]. Damage [roll1] rock type, +4 base, +11 Atk. Piri Piri ends up in H10

The Growlithe clearly wasn't expecting that, and though it tries its best to dodge your living wrecking ball of a pokemon, Darumaka's attack connects. The Growlithe tries to get back up, but is too weak and falls down, defeated. Halle's Arcanine quickly rushes across the field at your Darumaka, but only to retrieve its son. It picks up the Growlithe and trots back toward Halle, who heals it up with some medical supplies. Having made sure her pokemon is alright, Halle starts to walk toward you with a wide smile on her face.

"Excellent tactics Leo! When you picked Growlithe, I was afraid you didn't realize that it could run circles around your Darumaka while taking potshots. But it appears that you not only neutralized that, you also played type advantage brilliantly. Congratulations, Leo! You won!"

Your Darumaka receives 100 EXP from the battle!

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas gratefully accepts the Repair Kit and resists the urge to open it up to look inside. But that would probably be rude to Avu and he wanted nothing more than to make the man proud. In all honesty he wasn't interested in the gym leader challenge, but he was a trainer now and if he just sat around dong nothing he really would be the 'waste of space' his father claimed he was. He quickly organizes the items and sticks them into the appropriate pockets on his messenger bag without another word.

It was a sad thing to admit, but his entire life was in the bag. He had packed everything he had last night, unwilling to return to the house should he win. Or lose.

Remembering the difficulties he faced earlier during the test, he withdrew from his pocket his Pokedex and began pressing buttons. Did it have any information on it yet? He had been able to make the correct choice due to Abra's influence but what if he had chosen incorrectly. Not being able to find the information he sought, he decided to ask Avu, "Where's the information about 'Misdreavus', "Scraggy', and 'Ralts'?"

He says each name with deliberation, afraid to mispronounce them and embarrass himself in front of the gym leader.

[Mistral]

"Wonderful!" Zayir shouts with a flourish. He is nothing if not dramatic. He spins around, addressing the audience members. "Then without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, let me present to you...Miss Celeste Noricen!" The audience cheers loudly as if you were a world famous magician. Zayir had a way of making that happen.

His voice lowers to reflect a solemn mood. "She has known tragedy, oh yes. Some of you may remember that vicious wildfire that almost consumed Wrystone! Well, Miss Noricen's mother Maria may well be the only reason that wildfire was stopped! But she gave her life to do so, God rest her soul."

"And now Celeste has come here, to our lovely gym, to begin her own journey! She has the blood of a hero within her, so between you and me, I'd say we're all in for a show today."

He finally turns to you, with a changed look full of determination on his face. "Your first test, Miss Noricen. You must choose which pokemon you will face!" Zayir's Jolteon tosses him three pokeballs, which he promptly starts to juggle, deftly throwing one high into the air when he introduces it. "Here are your potential opponents: Joltik, the electric spider! Hoothoot, the vigilant night owl! And Emolga, the happy-go-lucky flying squirrel! So which shall it be?" The audience is absolutely enraptured at this point. They were hanging on Zayir's every word, now they all shift their attention to you.

She looks nervous, partially turning away to hide her face as it turned red from embarrassment. It was ancient history, wasn't it? Her father, too, never let it go, always held on to those memories that would never come back. It wasn't...it wasn't something to be hated, but she had nothing like that herself, those memories or that steadying hand of the past. She had to keep going, even if she didn't know where. She looked at Zayir, watching the three Pokeballs as they flew through the air. Flying Pokemon were weak to electric Pokemon, right? Then..."I'll challenge Hoothoot," she called out, forcing herself to speak clearly enough to be heard.

[HZ514]

Mordecai paused for a moment as he was told to hang on - really looking at the snorunt.

Had he... really been about to do that? He had been going to attack it again, and hadn't really looked at his enemy the entire bout.

That was a nagging thought to keep at the back of his mind... as excitement took over. Wait! He'd won!

"Yeah!" He shouted loudly, stepping on the field. Kamoho seemed similarly excited when Leia intervened - snapping his jaws energetically.

"We won, Kamoh-" Began Mordecai in his exuberance - when the totodile clamped his jaws on Mordecai's arm once more. This time, however, before the trainer could particularly react, the totodile let go - and continued his victory dance.

Confusing the heck out of Mordecai, who had no idea what to make of the gesture. Was that the totodile's way of saying 'I approve'? Was it a warning?

Aaaaaaalso said totodile was not in the best of shapes. All of those frosty hits really had worn down at him. So he looked up to Leia. "Thank you, Leia! I... uh. I..."

Blast, he had a speech prepared but it had totally escaped from his mind at the time being in lieu of happy Kamoho. "Thank you." He repeated instead.

Leia doesn't seem to be angry at all that you were about to cou de grace her Snorunt. She's probably seen much worse aggression in higher level fights. She grins at your obvious excitement over having won. You'd best get use to that little guy biting you, Mordecai. After all, he's yours now! Let me just say goodbye first, please." She walks over to the Totodile and picks it up to exchange a few words. Then she hands it over to you. "Before you go get him healed up, let me get you your prizes for winning." She heads to another part of the gym and returns shortly with a bag full of goodies. She picks them out one at a time to hand to you, along with a short explanation.

"This is your trusty Pokedex. It will contain all the information you collect along your travels. All you have to do is take it out and scan any new pokemon you come across, and it'll download data about it to help you out. Don't forget to use it! Knowing your opponent will always make things easier, and you'll find that battles get easier the more you use your Pokedex.

This little gadget is called a Pokegear. It's got a bunch of neat functions, like being a cell phone and a navigation system. It's solar powered and should get service almost anywhere. Just, you know, don't try to call home from inside Mirror Mountain and you'll be fine. It also contains all of your identification for the League, so be sure not to lose it!

I also want to give you some supplies for the road. Three potions to heal your pokemon, three bottles of enriched water so you don't keel over, and three pokeballs to catch Kamoho some friends! Use 'em wisely.

And here's an Iapapa berry for Kamoho. It'll be a yummy snack for him since he likes sour things so much.

Oh and lastly, here's a TM. You know what TMs do, right? They teach your pokemon moves if they're compatible. This one contains Rain Dance, which will make it rain over the battlefield. It's perfect for water types to get the upper hand!"

Leia extends her hand to you. "Good luck out there, Mordecai. Trust in yourself and in Kamoho. You two will be great."

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo's cheeks flushed all over again, but this time he held his head high. I won on my first try! Against one of her Arcanines pups, and Piri Piri didn't even get hurt! Thanks, I've been here enough that if I didn't know hou to use the arena, I'd be slower than a slowpoke. Is the growlithe going to be ok?

Piri Piri walked right up to Leo and held out his hand. Leo grinned, and pulled out a pepper from his pocket and handed it to the little pokemon. You deserve it! Piri Piri, that was absolutely amazing! Piri Piri grinned himself, and greedily ate the pepper and held out his hand for mor. Later, tell you what, I'll have my mom make you some food, and by mew, she is the best cook you will ever meet.

Looking up at Halle again, Leo said His appetite is bigger than mine, I dread to think what it'll be like when he evolves! If it's ok with Piri Piri, can I use him as my starter? He glanced at the Darumaka, his eyes full of hope.

[HZ514]

Nikolas gratefully accepts the Repair Kit and resists the urge to open it up to look inside. But that would probably be rude to Avu and he wanted nothing more than to make the man proud. In all honesty he wasn't interested in the gym leader challenge, but he was a trainer now and if he just sat around dong nothing he really would be the 'waste of space' his father claimed he was. He quickly organizes the items and sticks them into the appropriate pockets on his messenger bag without another word.

It was a sad thing to admit, but his entire life was in the bag. He had packed everything he had last night, unwilling to return to the house should he win. Or lose.

Remembering the difficulties he faced earlier during the test, he withdrew from his pocket his Pokedex and began pressing buttons. Did it have any information on it yet? He had been able to make the correct choice due to Abra's influence but what if he had chosen incorrectly. Not being able to find the information he sought, he decided to ask Avu, "Where's the information about 'Misdreavus', "Scraggy', and 'Ralts'?"

He says each name with deliberation, afraid to mispronounce them and embarrass himself in front of the gym leader.

Avu gladly obliges. "Ah, since that's a brand new Pokedex it's a clean slate. Much like you now that you've become a trainer, if I might so observe. But here, this is a perfect chance to practice using your Pokedex." He releases the three pokemon that you mention, and the Gengar appears beside them as well. "Press that button right there to scan each of these guys one a time, and your Pokedex will record their information. Oh, looks like Face here wants to get scanned too. Go ahead, Nikolas. They won't mind."

[HZ514]

She looks nervous, partially turning away to hide her face as it turned red from embarrassment. It was ancient history, wasn't it? Her father, too, never let it go, always held on to those memories that would never come back. It wasn't...it wasn't something to be hated, but she had nothing like that herself, those memories or that steadying hand of the past. She had to keep going, even if she didn't know where. She looked at Zayir, watching the three Pokeballs as they flew through the air. Flying was weak against Electric, right? Then..."I'll challenge Hoothoot," she called out, forcing herself to speak clearly enough to be heard.

Zayir nods vigorously and deftly tosses the other two pokeballs back to Jolteon before releasing his Hoothoot. "And so we begin! Ladies first, Miss Noricen." He awaits your move, as does the audience.

Map! (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtZsssa3c8PJdFp2ZzZINzdPa0pESWNKWjlEVlZra Wc#gid=0)
(Spikes hurt anything non-flying, electrified floor hurts anything non-electric, non-steel, non-flying. Both are rough terrain with the same specified exceptions.)

[Bad Situation]

Though he was slightly unnerved by the frightening ghost Pokemon, Nikolas did as Avu directed. He aimed his Pokedex at each Pokemon and pushed the appropriate button, letting the device spin and whir a bit before pulling up windows of information about the Pokemon he had just scanned. Looking at the move lists of each Pokemon he could see why Scraggy had been the best match up. Fortunately he had not picked Misdreavus.

"W-well, I guess I should get going. TMs don't pick themselves up, heh."

He slung the newly heavy bag over his shoulder and bent down to pick up the Abra to carry in his arms. Judging from the fight, the small Pokemon didn't look like a strong walker.

"Goodbye Avu, and again, thank you," he said with a small unsure nod.

[HZ514]

Leo's cheeks flushed all over again, but this time he held his head high. I won on my first try! Against one of her Arcanines pups, and Piri Piri didn't even get hurt! Thanks, I've been here enough that if I didn't know hou to use the arena, I'd be slower than a slowpoke. Is the growlithe going to be ok?

Piri Piri walked right up to Leo and held out his hand. Leo grinned, and pulled out a pepper from his pocket and handed it to the little pokemon. You deserve it! Piri Piri, that was absolutely amazing! Piri Piri grinned himself, and greedily ate the pepper and held out his hand for mor. Later, tell you what, I'll have my mom make you some food, and by mew, she is the best cook you will ever meet.

Looking up at Halle again, Leo said His appetite is bigger than mine, I dread to think what it'll be like when he evolves! If it's ok with Piri Piri, can I use him as my starter? He glanced at the Darumaka, his eyes full of hope.

Halle is clearly impressed by your connection with Piri Piri. "I think he'd love to be your starter, so long as you keep feeding him well! Allow me a moment to say goodbye, please." She crouches down by the Darumaka and playfully pokes it a few times before laughing and standing back up. "He's all yours, Leo. And the Growlithe will be fine, no need to worry. I think you actually taught my pokemon a thing or two about strategy today. Ah, I have some things for you before you go." She walks off to another part of the gym and returns with a satchel full of unidentified presents. She takes them out one at a time to hand to you with a short explanation.

"This here's your most important companion aside from your pokemon. It's called a Pokedex, though I'm sure you already knew that. It'll scan and record information about new Pokemon you come across, so be sure to always keep it handy! After all, you can't research everything yourself, can you Leo?

And this is a Pokegear. It can tell the time, make phone calls, show you where you are, all sorts of things! It's like your own personal assistant, plus it's solar powered so it'll basically always work. Just be sure to charge up before you venture into Elrem Forest, it's always dark in there.

I also want to make sure you're set on supplies for a bit. Here's three potions, three enriched water bottles, and three pokeballs. Try your best to make each one count, alright?

And here's a TM for you as well. This one contains Incinerate, a relatively weak but useful long range fire move that will prevent opposing pokemon from being able to eat any berries they were holding onto. You only get one shot with it, so choose wisely!

Lastly, I have a Cheri Berry for Piri Piri to hold himself. If he ever gets paralyzed, this berry will perk him right up to full speed. Plus it's spicy just the way he likes it.

Well, that's all the stuff I have for you, Leo. Is there anything else you feel you might need before you set off?" Halle flips her hair and looks at you with a pleasant smile.

[Mistral]

Zayir nods vigorously and deftly tosses the other two pokeballs back to Jolteon before releasing his Hoothoot. "And so we begin! Ladies first, Miss Noricen." He awaits your move, as does the audience.

Map! (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtZsssa3c8PJdFp2ZzZINzdPa0pESWNKWjlEVlZra Wc#gid=0)
(Spikes hurt anything non-flying, electrified floor hurts anything non-electric, non-steel, non-flying. Both are rough terrain with the same specified exceptions.)

"Please, Randel, let's try our best." The Magnemite beside her bobbled slightly, beeping as its magnets spun gently, and flew forward into the electric webs that crossed the floor. "Use your Supersonic attack!" Stopping halfway across the battlefield from the Hoothoot, it let off an intense high-pitched sound.

Move to F8, use Supersonic on Hoothoot, with penalty for targeting through rough terrain.

Acc: [roll0]

[HZ514]

Though he was slightly unnerved by the frightening ghost Pokemon, Nikolas did as Avu directed. He aimed his Pokedex at each Pokemon and pushed the appropriate button, letting the device spin and whir a bit before pulling up windows of information about the Pokemon he had just scanned. Looking at the move lists of each Pokemon he could see why Scraggy had been the best match up. Fortunately he had not picked Misdreavus.

"W-well, I guess I should get going. TMs don't pick themselves up, heh."

He slung the newly heavy bag over his shoulder and bent down to pick up the Abra to carry in his arms. Judging from the fight, the small Pokemon didn't look like a strong walker.

"Goodbye Avu, and again, thank you," he said with a small unsure nod.

Avu returns the nod and waves goodbye as you leave. "Come back when you have enough badges, and we'll have ourselves a real fight!"

You get outside and are temporarily blinded by the light. Avu keeps his gym fairly dark.

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas climbed down the steps on the platform, settling into the new found weight in his arms with every step, taking care not to shift too suddenly. "Before I take you to the Pokemon Center to heal you, let's check the back for that TM Avu was talking about, okay?"

The Abra lazily says it's name, "Abra," and melts into Nikolas' arms to get comfortable.

"Heh, I guess I'll take that as a yes."

He exits the building and immediately shields his eyes from the sudden appearance of light. Before long though, he reaches the back of the building and begins his search for the TM Avu had hinted at. He puts Orobas down on a comfortable spot along with his bag and begins to search. The sooner he got out of the town the less likely he would have to deal with his father.

[HZ514]

"Please, Randel, let's try our best." The Magnemite beside her bobbled slightly, beeping as its magnets spun gently, and flew forward into the electric webs that crossed the floor. "Use your Supersonic attack!" Stopping halfway across the battlefield from the Hoothoot, it let off an intense high-pitched sound.

Move to F8, use Supersonic on Hoothoot, with penalty for targeting through rough terrain.

Acc: [roll0]

Electricity surges through your Magnemite's body as it floats above the magnetic floor. The electricity seems to give it strength!

"Watch out, Hoothoot!" Zayir's Hoothoot manages to dodge the stream of sound, and flies on over to your Magnemite, bashing into it with its body.

Randel's ATK & SATK raised one combat stage!
Hoothoot moves to F7, Tackle!
AC 3 [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] / 2

[HZ514]

Nikolas climbed down the steps on the platform, settling into the new found weight in his arms with every step, taking care not to shift too suddenly. "Before I take you to the Pokemon Center to heal you, let's check the back for that TM Avu was talking about, okay?"

The Abra lazily says it's name, "Abra," and melts into Nikolas' arms to get comfortable.

"Heh, I guess I'll take that as a yes."

He exits the building and immediately shields his eyes from the sudden appearance of light. Before long though, he reaches the back of the building and begins his search for the TM Avu had hinted at. He puts Orobas down on a comfortable spot along with his bag and begins to search. The sooner he got out of the town the less likely he would have to deal with his father.

While you search for the TM, Orobas watches with interest. Some commotion starts taking place on the other side of the gym, but you can't make out what's happening and you're focused on finding this TM. Soon enough, he starts to scan the ground as well, looking for the hidden present. Suddenly, you hear it call out. "Abra!" When you turn around to check on him, you see that he has moved to another spot entirely. A few inches in front of him, you can make out the long thin syringe of a TM.

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo took a deep breath, and prepared himself. Thank you, Halle. Also, I was wondering if I could have yo- At that moment Piri Piri belched loudly, flames shooting from his mouth. And I think Piri Piri just learned incinerate. I really want to use it on him as a thank you gift, so could I have a different one? If not, its alright, I understand. Also, can I visit the safari zone now? As a trainer, not a tourist? I know it's too early for the danger zone, but still. His eyes shone in anticipation.

Then he got a nervous again. Also, could I ... could I have your pokegear number? He said the second part very fast. You know, in case I have any questions about being a trainer. He flushed bright red again, hoping nobody laughed.

[HZ514]

Leo took a deep breath, and prepared himself. Thank you, Halle. Also, I was wondering if I could have yo- At that moment Piri Piri belched loudly, flames shooting from his mouth. And I think Piri Piri just learned incinerate. I really want to use it on him as a thank you gift, so could I have a different one? If not, its alright, I understand. Also, can I visit the safari zone now? As a trainer, not a tourist? I know it's too early for the danger zone, but still. His eyes shone in anticipation.

Then he got a nervous again. Also, could I ... could I have your pokegear number? He said the second part very fast. You know, in case I have any questions about being a trainer. He flushed bright red again, hoping nobody laughed.

"Oh!" Halle gasps at Piri Piri flaming belch. "Why indeed he did. In that case, let me exchange that TM I gave you with this one." She takes it back and pulls out another from her pocket. "This contains Sunny Day, which will make the sun shine especially bright over the battlefield, boosting the power of fire type attacks like that one."

She hears your question about the Safari Zone and thinks for a second before responding, "I'm sorry Leo, I can't recommend you enter the Safari Zone as a trainer quite yet. Maybe come back when you have a few badges? I'd just hate for you to get hurt in there because I bent the rules to let you in."

She smiles at your last question. "Of course, Leo. I'm here to help whenever you need advice." You can't tell if she knows why you really asked, but you can bet that everyone else in the gym does.

"Well, good luck! There's a whole world out there waiting to be found. Keep your pokemon happy and they'll do the same for you. Hope you come back for a real battle someday, Leo."

[Mistral]

Randel took the impact head-on, knocked back by the blow. Its steel shell creaked as it drifted backwards, spinning slightly as it tried to recover. Plainly worried, Celeste looked on, but if Supersonic hadn't worked..."Use Tackle!" Randel's single eye slitted slightly as it rushed forward, trying to return the favor.

Randel
HP: 14/20
Battle Stages: +1 ATK; +1 SPATK

Shift to F9, then back to F8, using Tackle on Hoothoot.

Acc (3): [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Arcran]

"NO!" Leia screams as she tries to intervene this time like she did with Mordecai's battle. But she's too late, and your Oshawott thuds into her Cubchoo with vicious force. A collective gasp of horror escapes from the audience, as everyone in the gym can tell that tackle hit especially hard. The Cubchoo flies backwards and starts convulsing on the ground. "No no no no no..." Leia tries everything she can to stabilize it, but the Cubchoo only seems to get worse. Realizing she doesn't have the ability to save it, she rushes it off to the Pokemon Center, telling you simply, "Stay put until I get back."

Your Oshawott receives 100 EXP from the battle murder.

For a flash of a second, some of the spectators may see a vicious grin flash across the face of Pitch, only to disappear as fast as it came. Perhaps it was just a trick of the light?

"Thales, return," he says in an angry voice. "I'll deal with you later."

The new murderer climbs out of the enclosure. "Leader Leia! Wait! I-I'm sorry!" he says, sounding perhaps slightly less torn up than he should. "It was an accident!"

Of course it wasn't an accident. The whole time Pitch had been thinking Kill, kill, kill. While outwardly he had said not to, that didn't change the fact that that was what he had wanted. This was risky. He only needed to win. Killing the Cubchoo was a mistake. He needed to get out of here....

But running would be suspicious. A semblance of a plan formed in his head, Pitch sits down, putting his head in his hands. His body shakes in what may be sobbing, but if somebody were to get close enough they'd hear a low chuckle, barely audible, escaping from the trainer's mouth.

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas chuckled, embarrassed that his Pokemon had beaten him to the punch yet again. "Thanks Orobas, I don't know where I would be without you." Probably on the run, or joined with Team Ostra. But that didn't really matter right now.

Gathering the syringe in his hand, he placed it into his bag. He didn't really know what it would teach and knowing him, he would probably mess it up if he tried to use it. He would probably be able to ask about it at the Pokemon Center and see if it suited Orobas.

"L-let's go see what that commotion is all about, Orobas. Maybe Avu is having trouble with something, we should probably go help him if that's the case." He bends down to sling his bag and pick up Abra before returning to the front of the gym. He would repay his debt to the man yet.

[HZ514]

Randel took the impact head-on, knocked back by the blow. Its steel shell creaked as it drifted backwards, spinning slightly as it tried to recover. Plainly worried, Celeste looked on, but if Supersonic hadn't worked..."Use Tackle!" Randel's single eye slitted slightly as it rushed forward, trying to return the favor.

Randel
HP: 14/20
Battle Stages: +1 ATK; +1 SPATK

Shift to F9, then back to F8, using Tackle on Hoothoot.

Acc (3): [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

The crowd shifts their eyes back and forth as the two combatants exchange blows. In another environment, tackle battles would be much less entertaining, but it was a testament to Zayir's showmanship that the crowd was eating this up.

Following the Magnemite's strike, more electricity courses through it. Sparks start to fly off of it as it gets stronger! "Hoothoot, tackle it again! We don't have long before it gets overwhelmingly powerful!" Unfortunately, the sparks seem to diminish the Hoothoot's will just enough for it to miss it's attack.

Randel receives another +1 to ATK and SATK!
Hoothoot shifts back and forward again, Tackle!
AC (3) [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] (/2 upon resistance)

[HZ514]

For a flash of a second, some of the spectators may see a vicious grin flash across the face of Pitch, only to disappear as fast as it came. Perhaps it was just a trick of the light?

"Thales, return," he says in an angry voice. "I'll deal with you later."

The new murderer climbs out of the enclosure. "Leader Leia! Wait! I-I'm sorry!" he says, sounding perhaps slightly less torn up than he should. "It was an accident!"

Of course it wasn't an accident. The whole time Pitch had been thinking Kill, kill, kill. While outwardly he had said not to, that didn't change the fact that that was what he had wanted. This was risky. He only needed to win. Killing the Cubchoo was a mistake. He needed to get out of here....

But running would be suspicious. A semblance of a plan formed in his head, Pitch sits down, putting his head in his hands. His body shakes in what may be sobbing, but if somebody were to get close enough they'd hear a low chuckle, barely audible, escaping from the trainer's mouth.

Leia does not say anything, too busy running full speed to the Pokemon Center. As you sit down, the murmurs from the audience grow more intense. You can make out snippets of their discussions. "Can't believe...What is wrong with...Is it actually...What happens now?"

Some time later, the doors to the gym open once again. Leia slowly walks in, without the Cubchoo in her arms. Her face is contorted in grief and sorrow as she walks past you to the back of the gym. She returns to you with a bag of items like she had given Mordecai, but there was no joy in her voice. She merely dropped the items in front of you in silence.

First, a pokedex. Then a pokegear. She pockets the TM instead of giving it to you. She gives you the three potions but holds on to the water. She puts a single pokeball down. "Get out." She makes no motion to take your pokeball with Thales in it away. The crowd is utterly silent. No one dares say a thing until you are gone.

[Mistral]

Randel flew up, sparks flying as the electricity continued to rush through it. As the Hoothoot's rush barely skimmed past below, it flipped off to one side, magnets spinning wildly with the Pokemon's excitement plain to see. "Again, Randel; Tackle." Celeste gave the order, even as Randel was already moving in again.

Randel
HP: 14/20
Battle Stages: +2 ATK [+1]; +2 SPATK [+5]

Shift to G7 via I9, use Tackle on Hoothoot.

Acc (3): [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Arcran]

Leia does not say anything, too busy running full speed to the Pokemon Center. As you sit down, the murmurs from the audience grow more intense. You can make out snippets of their discussions. "Can't believe...What is wrong with...Is it actually...What happens now?"

Some time later, the doors to the gym open once again. Leia slowly walks in, without the Cubchoo in her arms. Her face is contorted in grief and sorrow as she walks past you to the back of the gym. She returns to you with a bag of items like she had given Mordecai, but there was no joy in her voice. She merely dropped the items in front of you in silence.

First, a pokedex. Then a pokegear. She pockets the TM instead of giving it to you. She gives you the three potions but holds on to the water. She puts a single pokeball down. "Get out." She makes no motion to take your pokeball with Thales in it away. The crowd is utterly silent. No one dares say a thing until you are gone.

Pitch takes the bag, silent.

"I'm sorry," he says, gently patting her on the shoulder as he walks out, trying to seem like he's in grief.

It was really immature of her, holding rewards back like that. He had won fair and square, and it wasn't his fault Thales had killed the Cubchoo. She should be thanking him. He had removed a weak tool from her possession. He had helped her. He would return someday to repay her rudeness, but today was not that day.

He exits the Gym without looking back, heading towards the Pokemon Center to get his new 'friend' patched up. He had planned on going straight into the wilds to make him train, but he had done well. He deserved a little reward.

[CosmicOccurence]

I'll make sure that I do. Oh, can I try out this contraption on the pokemon you would have used and your Arcanine to make sure it works?

(Assuming he scans them and then leaves)
As soon as Leo exits the gym, he gives the berry to Piri Piri. Don't eat it now, save it for when you need it. You'll get fed plenty, I promsie. Hopefully that berry will still be there by the time the day is over. Looks like he's hungry. His stomach growls Aaaand I am too. He heads to the cafe that his mom runs with Piri Piri behind him.

Cosmic Cafe was a small little establishment. It was famous for its outrageously spicy food, but if you liked it hot, you were in heaven. It brought in enough money for the Blackwells to live relatively comfortably, but they weren't rich by any means.

Mom you here?

[HZ514]

Nikolas chuckled, embarrassed that his Pokemon had beaten him to the punch yet again. "Thanks Orobas, I don't know where I would be without you." Probably on the run, or joined with Team Ostra. But that didn't really matter right now.

Gathering the syringe in his hand, he placed it into his bag. He didn't really know what it would teach and knowing him, he would probably mess it up if he tried to use it. He would probably be able to ask about it at the Pokemon Center and see if it suited Orobas.

"L-let's go see what that commotion is all about, Orobas. Maybe Avu is having trouble with something, we should probably go help him if that's the case." He bends down to sling his bag and pick up Abra before returning to the front of the gym. He would repay his debt to the man yet.

Orobas smiles at you as you pick up the syringe. All you can tell is that the contents have a purplish hue.

As you walk back to the front of the gym, the shouting gets louder and clearer. Then, for some reason, it stops entirely. Upon reaching the front door, you see that it's shut tight with a few guards standing outside. There is a small crowd gathered, obviously drawn by the ruckus. Most of them look as confused as you are about what's happening.

"What's going on?" one asks.

"I have no clue," another answers. "Some guy just barged into the gym saying that he was looking for his son."

"Seemed dangerous, if you ask me."

"Nothin' Avu can't handle. Our leader could take on anything."

[HZ514]

Randel flew up, sparks flying as the electricity continued to rush through it. As the Hoothoot's rush barely skimmed past below, it flipped off to one side, magnets spinning wildly with the Pokemon's excitement plain to see. "Again, Randel; Tackle." Celeste gave the order, even as Randel was already moving in again.

Randel
HP: 14/20
Battle Stages: +2 ATK [+1]; +2 SPATK [+5]

Shift to G7 via I9, use Tackle on Hoothoot.

Acc (3): [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

The crowd is going wild as your Magnemite deals another strong blow to the Hoothoot! Just when it looks like your opponent's pokemon is stabilizing itself, the Hoothoot starts twitching uncontrollably in midair. It seems to have lost control of its body! It falls out of the air onto the electrified floor, where it takes further damage. The crowd collectively draws their breath.

Suddenly, Zayir jumps down from his platform and recalls his Hoothoot before it gets fried. "A thrilling battle! Type advantage has indeed won you this contest, despite your Magnemite not having any electric attacks! Congratulations, Miss Noricen," he says, bowing deeply. "You have won!" He walks over to you and raises your hand in victory for the crowd to applaud.

Randel gets 120 EXP (100 * 1.2) from the battle!

[HZ514]

Pitch takes the bag, silent.

"I'm sorry," he says, gently patting her on the shoulder as he walks out, trying to seem like he's in grief.

It was really immature of her, holding rewards back like that. He had won fair and square, and it wasn't his fault Thales had killed the Cubchoo. She should be thanking him. He had removed a weak tool from her possession. He had helped her. He would return someday to repay her rudeness, but today was not that day.

He exits the Gym without looking back, heading towards the Pokemon Center to get his new 'friend' patched up. He had planned on going straight into the wilds to make him train, but he had done well. He deserved a little reward.

Leia recoils hard when you touch her. She walks away and you can hear her telling the gym that the rest of the battles for today are cancelled as you leave.

The outside world is remarkably beautiful, a stark contrast to the pall of death that hung over Port Tidings' gym. You enter the Pokemon Center without incident. You can see a few other trainers bustling about and the nurse at the counter looks up at you as you walk in. "How may I help you, sir?"

[Bad Situation]

"Oh no." Waves of dread rolled down on Nikolas' chest and the sweating was back in full force. He had to get away. Before his father could find him. Before everything was ruined. He turned to leave but stopped. He wanted to scream at his legs to move forward but before he could help it he was determinedly marching back toward the gym.

Avu had done so much for him in he short amount of time that they had met. Nikolas had initially been afraid of the man but all that had changed the second the psychic opened his mouth. The gym leader he had also given him warm words, encouragement, and a friend that he didn't know he had. More than he could say about his own father.

He could not leave, would not leave until he helped deal with his father. Sure, Avu could probably take care of himself but Richard Torel was a problem Nikolas Torel had to deal with. He'd spent half his life running and hiding from his father all his life; this was going to change right now.

"That man who barged in is my father. Please let me in sir. We need to have words"

[HZ514]

I'll make sure that I do. Oh, can I try out this contraption on the pokemon you would have used and your Arcanine to make sure it works?

(Assuming he scans them and then leaves)
As soon as Leo exits the gym, he gives the berry to Piri Piri. Don't eat it now, save it for when you need it. You'll get fed plenty, I promsie. Hopefully that berry will still be there by the time the day is over. Looks like he's hungry. His stomach growls Aaaand I am too. He heads to the cafe that his mom runs with Piri Piri behind him.

Cosmic Cafe was a small little establishment. It was famous for its outrageously spicy food, but if you liked it hot, you were in heaven. It brought in enough money for the Blackwells to live relatively comfortably, but they weren't rich by any means.

Mom you here?

"Sure thing, Leo." She releases her pokemon and calls over the Arcanine, who brings the Growlithe. You scan them, and they bid you farewell. You can hear her calling up the next trainer as you leave.

Piri Piri eyes the berry greedily, but he obeys your orders to stash it away for later.

You enter your family Cafe during the lull between lunch and dinner. A few loyal customers were in the place chatting about random things, and they wave to you when you walk in. "Back here, son!" your mother calls out from the kitchen.

[Arcran]

Leia recoils hard when you touch her. She walks away and you can hear her telling the gym that the rest of the battles for today are cancelled as you leave.

The outside world is remarkably beautiful, a stark contrast to the pall of death that hung over Port Tidings' gym. You enter the Pokemon Center without incident. You can see a few other trainers bustling about and the nurse at the counter looks up at you as you walk in. "How may I help you, sir?"

She cancelled the battles. She's weak. She doesn't understand anything. If all the Gym Leaders are like this, then I'm in luck. All naive fools who will easily fall.

"Uh, yes," he says, placing Thale's Pokeball on the counter. "Just a quick heal for my friend here."

Don't mention the Gym, you just killed her muking Cubchoo. Don't brag, don't mention it, don't brag....

"I just got him. Battled the leader for him and everything. He's a little enthusiatic in battles, but that can be trained out, right?" he says, leaning on the counter as he brags, making conversation.

Why the muk did I spill that? Needs, not wants. No more bragging. What was the name of the competitor in front of me.... Maximus? Mordimus? Mordecai? Mordecai.

[Mistral]

The crowd is going wild as your Magnemite deals another strong blow to the Hoothoot! Just when it looks like your opponent's pokemon is stabilizing itself, the Hoothoot starts twitching uncontrollably in midair. It seems to have lost control of its body! It falls out of the air onto the electrified floor, where it takes further damage. The crowd collectively draws their breath.

Suddenly, Zayir jumps down from his platform and recalls his Hoothoot before it gets fried. "A thrilling battle! Type advantage has indeed won you this contest, despite your Magnemite not having any electric attacks! Congratulations, Miss Noricen," he says, bowing deeply. "You have won!" He walks over to you and raises your hand in victory for the crowd to applaud.

Along with Zayir, Randel came flying back to her, headbutting her in its enthusiasm for a hard-fought victory. She catches him in one hand, even as Zayir holds up her other one for the riotous crowd. "Thank you, Randel, she murmured to it, and to Zayir, she added, "And thank you, sir, both for Randel and for allowing me to become a trainer."

[HZ514]

"Oh no." Waves of dread rolled down on Nikolas' chest and the sweating was back in full force. He had to get away. Before his father could find him. Before everything was ruined. He turned to leave but stopped. He wanted to scream at his legs to move forward but before he could help it he was determinedly marching back toward the gym.

Avu had done so much for him in he short amount of time that they had met. Nikolas had initially been afraid of the man but all that had changed the second the psychic opened his mouth. The gym leader he had also given him warm words, encouragement, and a friend that he didn't know he had. More than he could say about his own father.

He could not leave, would not leave until he helped deal with his father. Sure, Avu could probably take care of himself but Richard Torel was a problem Nikolas Torel had to deal with. He'd spent half his life running and hiding from his father all his life; this was going to change right now.

"That man who barged in is my father. Please let me in sir. We need to have words"

"Are you Nikolas? Master Sylum told me to give you this." The guard hands you a note. It reads:

Nikolas, don't worry about me. I can handle your father. I invited here so that I could detain him while you made your departure. If you need anything else from your house, this is your chance. Your first pokemon's pokeball, perhaps?

Your father is something you will have to deal with eventually, but today is not that day. I wanted to make sure you had the chance to grow stronger before you grappled with that particular demon.

I do have a small favor to ask of you, though. A little while ago, a young man attempted to burglarize my gym. I believe he also murdered his mother before disappearing. If you happen to come across him on your travels, please let me know.

[A hand drawn picture labeled "Steven Atratus"]

Farewell, Nikolas. Until we meet again,

Avu Sylum."

[CosmicOccurence]

Don't touch anything Piri. He then took the pokemon to the back room, inhaling deeply. He loved the smell of this place, and it was as much of a home to him as his bedroom was.

Mom I passed! he yelled when he saw her. On my first try too. Halle said that it's too early for me to go to the Safari zone, but I passed. I'm a leauge member now! Oh and this is Piri Piri, the Darumaka I told you about. He did a great job, and I told him he could have some of your spicy tea. He rambled, before having to take a deep breath from lack of oxygen.

Leo glanced back to see if the Darumaka had followed him in.

[HZ514]

She cancelled the battles. She's weak. She doesn't understand anything. If all the Gym Leaders are like this, then I'm in luck. All naive fools who will easily fall.

"Uh, yes," he says, placing Thale's Pokeball on the counter. "Just a quick heal for my friend here."

Don't mention the Gym, you just killed her muking Cubchoo. Don't brag, don't mention it, don't brag....

"I just got him. Battled the leader for him and everything. He's a little enthusiatic in battles, but that can be trained out, right?" he says, leaning on the counter as he brags, making conversation.

Why the muk did I spill that? Needs, not wants. No more bragging. What was the name of the competitor in front of me.... Maximus? Mordimus? Mordecai? Mordecai.

The nurse looks amused by your bravado. No doubt she hears various degrees of it every single day. I shall heal your friend right away, Sir. And here are a few potions on the house, since you just became a new trainer and all, Mister...what'd you say your name was? she asks as she hands you two potions.

[Bad Situation]

In retrospection, Nikolas probably had been planning to enter the gym half cocked. He smiled though, happy that Avu had yet again given him another chance. To think, he had almost forgotten his prized memento. He didn't want to know how Avu had known about it, but thought it better than to ask too many questions.

He crumples the note, as well as the picture, and stuffs it into his pants pocket. The bit about the murderer was worrying but it wasn't as if Avu was sending him in to fight the man. He internalized the picture, to ready himself in case he ever saw the man. Finished with that, Nikolas looks down at the bundle in his arms and speaks to Orobas, "Good news. You'll get to see my house after all."

Without risking being caught by his father, Nikolas returned to the grand, if dusty home, that had been in his father's family for generations. No one lived there anymore, saved he and his father, and until they had moved back in, there were rumors going around that the building was haunted. The creaking and groaning of the ancient plumbing did not do much to help in that regard. Sometimes he wondered if the house really was haunted. But if he really had to say, a lot of the houses in Orum seemed to be haunted. A side-effect of living in a Pokemon graveyard he supposed. Luckily he had Orobas to help him out.

Sensing his trainer's apprehension, Orobas yips its name excitedly, allaying Nikolas' fears yet again.

[HZ514]

Along with Zayir, Randel came flying back to her, headbutting her in its enthusiasm for a hard-fought victory. She catches him in one hand, even as Zayir holds up her other one for the riotous crowd. "Thank you, Randel, she murmured to it, and to Zayir, she added, "And thank you, sir, both for Randel and for allowing me to become a trainer."

"Why, don't thank me, you've earned it! It is all of us who should thank you for a great show today. But please allow me to part ways with young Randel here." Zayir bends over to tell your Magnemite, "You're destined for great things, Randel. So long as you stick with Miss Noricen here!" Then he excuses himself to go grab some parting gifts from backstage. He returns and hands you one thing at a time, accompanied by enthusiastic explanations.

"This is a Pokedex! You just point, click, and bam! Info about whatever pokemon you've happened to come across. It takes a bit of time to warm up, but all great ones do! Be sure to constantly use it, as you'll find the knowledge is invaluable to any growing trainer.

And this flashy item is a Pokegear. It is a watch, a phone, and a map among other things. Consult it whenever you need a little help scheduling a show or finding one. Never be late, dear! The trick to proper showmanship is to always be early, in case something goes drastically wrong.

Here are some items for the road as well. Three potions to patch your pokemon up, three bottles of enriched water to quench your thirst, and three pokeballs to add more members to your lineup!

Of course, this little guy will be your headliner. So here's a metronome to help him perfect his act. Practice makes perfect, Randel!

And finally, here's a TM to help you out. It contains Thunder Wave, a magnificent move for any rising star.

I do hope you come back someday for an even more thrilling battle, Miss Noricen. Until then!" He bows deeply to you.

[HZ514]

Don't touch anything Piri. He then took the pokemon to the back room, inhaling deeply. He loved the smell of this place, and it was as much of a home to him as his bedroom was.

Mom I passed! he yelled when he saw her. On my first try too. Halle said that it's too early for me to go to the Safari zone, but I passed. I'm a leauge member now! Oh and this is Piri Piri, the Darumaka I told you about. He did a great job, and I told him he could have some of your spicy tea. He rambled, before having to take a deep breath from lack of oxygen.

Leo glanced back to see if the Darumaka had followed him in.

Your mother is positively beaming back at you and runs over to hug you, knocking over a bowl of some peppers on the way. "That's wonderful, darling! I'm so proud of you. Spicy tea, coming right up." She rushes over to whip up some tea for your Darumaka, who already has his hands full of the peppers on the floor. He looks up at you. "Maka?"

[Kantolin]

Mordecai noted that Kamoho didn't bite /her/. Huh. So maybe it was a trust issue. Still, that'd be something to work towards... and now there'd be time. Phew!

He accepted the pokedex gratefully, looking over both it and the pokegear. Ironically, the latter he didn't need too much - being a ranger, he already had similar built into his styler - but he knew he could link the two anyway.

Potions reminded him - he had to take care to ensure he wouldn't run out of money, or his journey would get exceptionally difficult.

Mordecai noticed that Kamoho noticed the berry - pretty much exclusively. Sour foods, then. Yeesh.

"Thank you, Leia!" He glanced at the TM. "Never heard of... uh, raining dance before. Kamoho definitely needs to head to the pokemon centre, though."

It was all he could do to make his walk to the pokemon centre merely a walk and not a mad dash.

~~

"H-hello! Can you help my totodile?"

Mordecai reached towards his pokemon, but did catch the mischevious smirk. Expecting another bite, he instead paused. "You need me to return him, right?"

"Yes, please. It does expedite healing."

He then instead returned the pokemon, bypassing biting for the precise instant.

"Oh, I see you have a TM. From Leia, right?"

"Yeah."

"Would you like me to apply it? It's much safer to have them applied in pokemon centres."

Mordecai... hadn't realized that. "Oh. Yes please, then."

After the healing, the nurse handed Mordecai his pokemon back. He released Kamoho who watched him idly.

"Please hold him steady."

Mordecai knelt. "Okay, Kamoho! Leia gave us a TM. It may hurt a bit, but I need you t- "

Granted... he should've probably expected the totodile to latch onto his arm. He was already getting a pretty good feel for when that was about to happen.

The nurse raised an eyebrow, however, as Mordecai didn't remove his hand. "Okay, he's ready." His voice was only slightly shaky.

She watched for a few more moments - the totodile seemed quite content biting Mordecai's arm pretty hard. Trainers nowdays... Shrugging, she prepared to administer the TM when she heard a commotion outside. Mordecai turned as well - was that... Leia? Why was she coming in here?

Kamoho, jaw still on Mordecai's arm, watched as well.

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo looks at Piri Piri, his eyes big, and arms full of peppers. Go ahead, you earned it. Piri Piri grinned, and started to gobble the peppers by the handfull At least its not the berry As Piri is eating, Leo clears off a portion of the counter, and pulls up a stool for his new partner to sit on.

Hey mom, Do you need any help here today?

[HZ514]

In retrospection, Nikolas probably had been planning to enter the gym half cocked. He smiled though, happy that Avu had yet again given him another chance. To think, he had almost forgotten his prized memento. He didn't want to know how Avu had known about it, but thought it better than to ask too many questions.

He crumples the note, as well as the picture, and stuffs it into his pants pocket. The bit about the murderer was worrying but it wasn't as if Avu was sending him in to fight the man. He internalized the picture, to ready himself in case he ever saw the man. Finished with that, Nikolas looks down at the bundle in his arms and speaks to Orobas, "Good news. You'll get to see my house after all."

Without risking being caught by his father, Nikolas returned to the grand, if dusty home, that had been in his father's family for generations. No one lived there anymore, saved he and his father, and until they had moved back in, there were rumors going around that the building was haunted. The creaking and groaning of the ancient plumbing did not do much to help in that regard. Sometimes he wondered if the house really was haunted. But if he really had to say, a lot of the houses in Orum seemed to be haunted. A side-effect of living in a Pokemon graveyard he supposed. Luckily he had Orobas to help him out.

Sensing his trainer's apprehension, Orobas yips its name excitedly, allaying Nikolas' fears yet again.

You weave your way through the growing crowd as each new bystander seems just as confused as the last. You are the only person in town walking away from the gym right now.

When you reach Torel Manor, the gate creaks loudly ad you open it. The cobblestone walkway looks just as uninviting as always, but at least your father won't be here this time.

But perhaps the enemy you know might be preferable to the one you don't...

[Mistral]

"Why, don't thank me, you've earned it! It is all of us who should thank you for a great show today. But please allow me to part ways with young Randel here." Zayir bends over to tell your Magnemite, "You're destined for great things, Randel. So long as you stick with Miss Noricen here!" Then he excuses himself to go grab some parting gifts from backstage. He returns and hands you one thing at a time, accompanied by enthusiastic explanations.

"This is a Pokedex! You just point, click, and bam! Info about whatever pokemon you've happened to come across. It takes a bit of time to warm up, but all great ones do! Be sure to constantly use it, as you'll find the knowledge is invaluable to any growing trainer.

And this flashy item is a Pokegear. It is a watch, a phone, and a map among other things. Consult it whenever you need a little help scheduling a show or finding one. Never be late, dear! The trick to proper showmanship is to always be early, in case something goes drastically wrong.

Here are some items for the road as well. Three potions to patch your pokemon up, three bottles of enriched water to quench your thirst, and three pokeballs to add more members to your lineup!

Of course, this little guy will be your headliner. So here's a metronome to help him perfect his act. Practice makes perfect, Randel!

And finally, here's a TM to help you out. It contains Thunder Wave, a magnificent move for any rising star.

I do hope you come back someday for an even more thrilling battle, Miss Noricen. Until then!" He bows deeply to you.

Randel, pleased by the attention, continues to float around both Zayir and Celeste, the small metronome ticking away from where it rested, strapped around its left magnet. "Thank you for all of these," she said as she accepted the gifts, bowing deeply in response. "I'll definitely come back when I'm ready for a badge."

Her part in the day's show complete, she stepped back, and then through the door leading off-stage. Out of sight of the crowds and the bustle, she sighed, slumping slightly against a wall. It had been far harder than she had expected to get up in front of everybody, but she had done it. She was a trainer, free to go where she wanted, wherever that was. Randel bumped into her, the metronome still ticking faintly, and she smiled as she pet him. "I've done it, so now what? We should go for gym battles since that's what trainers are supposed to do, right?" Her hand ran over the dent left by the Hoothoot's first tackle. "Well, let's get you to a Pokemon Center for now. And, let's see how this works." She walked, carrying Randel snug in one arm, as with the other hand, she pulled out the Pokedex and scanned Randel into it.

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas hugged Orobas tightly to him, eliciting an annoyed squeak from the Abra. "S-sorry Orobas. I've just always been afraid of the place. Don't worry, we're just going back to my room and then we're leaving. There won't be any time for the gho-Nothing. Because nothing will attack us."

He turns this line intro a mantra as he chants it like a buddhist incantation, "Nothingwillattackusnothingwillattackusnothingwilla ttackus," as he half walks-half scrambles through the empty halls of the manor. If the Abra minds the shaky trip he doesn't say.

Soon enough, the door to his room comes into view.

[HZ514]

Mordecai noted that Kamoho didn't bite /her/. Huh. So maybe it was a trust issue. Still, that'd be something to work towards... and now there'd be time. Phew!

He accepted the pokedex gratefully, looking over both it and the pokegear. Ironically, the latter he didn't need too much - being a ranger, he already had similar built into his styler - but he knew he could link the two anyway.

Potions reminded him - he had to take care to ensure he wouldn't run out of money, or his journey would get exceptionally difficult.

Mordecai noticed that Kamoho noticed the berry - pretty much exclusively. Sour foods, then. Yeesh.

"Thank you, Leia!" He glanced at the TM. "Never heard of... uh, raining dance before. Kamoho definitely needs to head to the pokemon centre, though."

It was all he could do to make his walk to the pokemon centre merely a walk and not a mad dash.

~~

"H-hello! Can you help my totodile?"

Mordecai reached towards his pokemon, but did catch the mischevious smirk. Expecting another bite, he instead paused. "You need me to return him, right?"

"Yes, please. It does expedite healing."

He then instead returned the pokemon, bypassing biting for the precise instant.

"Oh, I see you have a TM. From Leia, right?"

"Yeah."

"Would you like me to apply it? It's much safer to have them applied in pokemon centres."

Mordecai... hadn't realized that. "Oh. Yes please, then."

After the healing, the nurse handed Mordecai his pokemon back. He released Kamoho who watched him idly.

"Please hold him steady."

Mordecai knelt. "Okay, Kamoho! Leia gave us a TM. It may hurt a bit, but I need you t- "

Granted... he should've probably expected the totodile to latch onto his arm. He was already getting a pretty good feel for when that was about to happen.

The nurse raised an eyebrow, however, as Mordecai didn't remove his hand. "Okay, he's ready." His voice was only slightly shaky.

She watched for a few more moments - the totodile seemed quite content biting Mordecai's arm pretty hard. Trainers nowdays... Shrugging, she prepared to administer the TM when she heard a commotion outside. Mordecai turned as well - was that... Leia? Why was she coming in here?

Kamoho, jaw still on Mordecai's arm, watched as well.

Leia waves goodbye and calls forth the next challenger. In your hurry to leave, you don't catch a glimpse of his face or his name.

-----

Leia rushes into the Pokemon Center, cradling a small bear pokemon in her arms. She runs straight to the counter, proceeds to jump right over it and yell, "I need a doctor!!" A man in scrubs quickly appears and ushers her into another room. Everyone in the building is thinking the exact same thing: What just happened?

[Arcran]

The nurse looks amused by your bravado. No doubt she hears various degrees of it every single day. I shall heal your friend right away, Sir. And here are a few potions on the house, since you just became a new trainer and all, Mister...what'd you say your name was? she asks as she hands you two potions.

Pitch's face darkens. Mordecai is still here. Looks like the nurses may have already treated him as well. No way that was going to work.

"I-I was hoping you wouldn't ask that," he says, looking down. "I promise, it was an accident. Can you just heal my Pokemon so I can leave?" he says, continuing to look down, not trusting himself to pull off an appropriate face.

[HZ514]

Leo looks at Piri Piri, his eyes big, and arms full of peppers. Go ahead, you earned it. Piri Piri grinned, and started to gobble the peppers by the handfull At least its not the berry As Piri is eating, Leo clears off a portion of the counter, and pulls up a stool for his new partner to sit on.

Hey mom, Do you need any help here today?

Piri Piri hops onto the stool, clearly entranced by the plethora of spicy foods. It must seem like paradise to him.

"Why Dear, you've just become a hotshot trainer and your first reaction is to offer to help your mother in the kitchen? I do believe you are the only person on this planet who would make that decision!

But sure, if would be OK delaying your adventures a little while longer, I could always use the help. I'll be fine without your help though if you want to go fight some bad guys!

So did you get that pretty gym leader's number like I told you to?"

[CosmicOccurence]

Well I'm not leaving town right away. I could probably get to Xylo with the money I saved up, but I'd rather make some more before I go, and I'd like to catch another pokemon, just so I have some variety on my team.

When she said the bit about "the pretty gym leader" Leo got a little angry. Mom she's not just pretty, she's radient, and full of fire and life and ... Realizing what he was telling his mom the stopped quickly. And I thought you said you would stop meddling. If you're going to be like this I'm going out to train. Piri Piri let's go. Leo walked out of the kitchen without another word, promptly turned around, and went back in. And don't even think about talking to her about me when I'm gone.

With that he left for the pokemon center, leaving his mother, and her cafe's grinning patrons behind him.

[HZ514]

Randel, pleased by the attention, continues to float around both Zayir and Celeste, the small metronome ticking away from where it rested, strapped around its left magnet. "Thank you for all of these," she said as she accepted the gifts, bowing deeply in response. "I'll definitely come back when I'm ready for a badge."

Her part in the day's show complete, she stepped back, and then through the door leading off-stage. Out of sight of the crowds and the bustle, she sighed, slumping slightly against a wall. It had been far harder than she had expected to get up in front of everybody, but she had done it. She was a trainer, free to go where she wanted, wherever that was. Randel bumped into her, the metronome still ticking faintly, and she smiled as she pet him. "I've done it, so now what? We should go for gym battles since that's what trainers are supposed to do, right?" Her hand ran over the dent left by the Hoothoot's first tackle. "Well, let's get you to a Pokemon Center for now. And, let's see how this works." She walked, carrying Randel snug in one arm, as with the other hand, she pulled out the Pokedex and scanned Randel into it.

You catch the tail end of Zayir's exciting introduction of the next challenger before you walk far enough that the noise dies down.

Your Pokedex makes some beeping noises and a few moments later, some information about Magnemites pops up.

Magnemite floats in the air by emitting electromagnetic waves from the units at its sides. These waves block gravity. This Pokémon becomes incapable of flight if its internal electrical supply is depleted.
(Info as per PTA 'dex. Figure it's not too crucial, this being your starter and all.)

Randel looks at you happily, metronome faintly ticking.

PS Randel got 120 EXP from that battle, I'll also edit the previous post to reflect this. By the way, do you know about the chatpad (https://tr.edupad.ch/3?) Arcran made? We're all on it, you should join us!

[HZ514]

Nikolas hugged Orobas tightly to him, eliciting an annoyed squeak from the Abra. "S-sorry Orobas. I've just always been afraid of the place. Don't worry, we're just going back to my room and then we're leaving. There won't be any time for the gho-Nothing. Because nothing will attack us."

He turns this line intro a mantra as he chants it like a buddhist incantation, "Nothingwillattackusnothingwillattackusnothingwilla ttackus," as he half walks-half scrambles through the empty halls of the manor. If the Abra minds the shaky trip he doesn't say.

Soon enough, the door to his room comes into view.

A dark shadow flits across the face of your door, but when you look around for what cast it, you see nothing. The same old faulty plumbing noises come from around the house. You think you hear some faint laughter coming from somewhere, but you aren't sure if you imagined it or not. The air is still.

[HZ514]

Pitch's face darkens. Mordecai is still here. Looks like the nurses may have already treated him as well. No way that was going to work.

"I-I was hoping you wouldn't ask that," he says, looking down. "I promise, it was an accident. Can you just heal my Pokemon so I can leave?" he says, continuing to look down, not trusting himself to pull off an appropriate face.

She gives you a look before it dawns on her. "Oh God. That was you? You...I hope it was an accident, for your sake. Luckily for this little fella here, we don't hold them responsible for stuff like that. We're sworn to do no harm, so I'll heal your Pokemon but then I'm going to have to ask you to leave." She doesn't take the potions away, and she tends to your pokemon in silence. She hands it back to you and looks down, pretending to be busy with some paperwork.

No one else in the center seems to have recognized you.

[HZ514]

Well I'm not leaving town right away. I could probably get to Xylo with the money I saved up, but I'd rather make some more before I go, and I'd like to catch another pokemon, just so I have some variety on my team.

When she said the bit about "the pretty gym leader" Leo got a little angry. Mom she's not just pretty, she's radient, and full of fire and life and ... Realizing what he was telling his mom the stopped quickly. And I thought you said you would stop meddling. If you're going to be like this I'm going out to train. Piri Piri let's go. Leo walked out of the kitchen without another word, promptly turned around, and went back in. And don't even think about talking to her about me when I'm gone.

With that he left for the pokemon center, leaving his mother, and her cafe's grinning patrons behind him.

Your mother struggles to stifle her own laughter at how much her mention of Halle irked you. "Be safe out there, Son!"

On your way to the center, one of the patrons from your family's cafe catches up to you. "Hey, Leo! Can I ask you for a favor?"

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas bit back a wailing shriek, wanting to seem brave in front of Orobas. Though, he had a sneaking suspicion that the psychic type knew more about his insecurities than he let on. "T-that wasn't you was it Orobas?"

The small Abra shook its head as if to say no and Nikolas' fears double. Once again sensing his trainer's hesitation it cries out loudly, "Abra abra ab abra!" to whatever it is that's making the noise.

Nikolas wanted to cover the Pokemon's mouth but could not lest he drop the psychic in turn. Instead he settled on lightly reprimanding it, "C'mon Orobas, we need to hurry up and get out of here."

Almost afraid of what might happen if he delay any further, Nikolas grips the door handle and swings it open.

[CosmicOccurence]

Hey Gale, what's up? Please let him not have overheard me and mom.

[HZ514]

Nikolas bit back a wailing shriek, wanting to seem brave in front of Orobas. Though, he had a sneaking suspicion that the psychic type knew more about his insecurities than he let on. "T-that wasn't you was it Orobas?"

The small Abra shook its head as if to say no and Nikolas' fears double. Once again sensing his trainer's hesitation it cries out loudly, "Abra abra ab abra!" to whatever it is that's making the noise.

Nikolas wanted to cover the Pokemon's mouth but could not lest he drop the psychic in turn. Instead he settled on lightly reprimanding it, "C'mon Orobas, we need to hurry up and get out of here."

Almost afraid of what might happen if he delay any further, Nikolas grips the door handle and swings it open.

Nothing seems to respond to Orobas's little outburst, except the faint laughter from before grows a little bit louder. But it goes away so quickly that you're still not sure it's real. Your door opens without incident. In front of you is your room just as you left it, as far as you can tell. The laughing from before gets louder yet. Now you can't be sure it isn't real.

[HZ514]

Hey Gale, what's up? Please let him not have overheard me and mom.

"Well, since you just became a trainer and all, I was hoping you could help me out." He lets out a pokemon and holds it up in his hands. "My family's had this Karrablast for as long as I can remember and I always wanted to travel around the world with it, but real life always got in the way. Now I just want it to find it a good home!

Anyway, I heard that Karrablasts evolve when they interact with another pokemon that looks like it has a helmet for a shell. If you could catch one of those and bring it back, I'll let you have whatever by Karrablast evolves into! I just want to see the pair evolve, because that sounds really neat.

Could you do that for me, Leo? If it's not too much trouble."

[Kantolin]

(This section takes place the first time Leia steps into the pokemon centre, and thus is while she's trying to rescue her Cubchoo)

"Hi Leia! Thanks again fo-"

She more or less ignored him. She was clearly in a hurry - what was wrong? He watched to the back - after a moment, the Nurse applied the TM and then went to the back herself for a time.

Which did bring Mordecai's attention to details about his arm - he gave a tug, and it came out. Seemed Kamoho was just as curious about Leia's behavior.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(This section takes place afterwards - when Leia had already gone back to her gym, and Pitch was about to leave the Pokemon centre)

'New trainer'? And he /had/ said something about just battling the leader. Hey, maybe that'd been the new trainer Leia had spoken to just before battling him. Granted, he'd been too busy and nervous to really pay attention to his face. Kamoho was sitting relatively calmly for the first time, too.

That particular statement from the nurse, however, was particularly worrisome - what precisely had happened?

Still, it would be rude for him to say absolutely nothing, so he stepped over. "Hello! Sorry I didn't say anything earlier - I was kinda preoccupied. But I see you earned a pokemon - congratulations on your victory!"

He did notice the nurse tense, just slightly, at that statement. Had he /not/ won? Mordecai would feel pretty bad if that was the case.

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas quickly enters the room, ignoring the laughter for now, and pulls out his memento box from underneath his bed. There were a few pictures inside, as well as a few pieces of scrap that he had experimented with when he was younger. Shoving all of that aside, he digs out a slightly dulled Pokeball. It is identical in make to the other standard issue Pokeballs, save for its dulled color and a holographic thunderbolt sticker he had stuck on it when he was younger. To his joy, the sticker still flashed as he rolled the ball in his hands.

"You're my starter Orobas, but the Pokemon that used to live in this Pokeball was my very first. Something my mom gave me," he said, smiling nostalgically.

Realizing where he was currently kneeling and mot wanting to stick around for much longer, he shrunk the ball down and placed it with the rest of his Pokeballs. He could fix it later. When he was nowhere near the manor.

"I-I'm leaving now ghost. Y-you wouldn't want to eat me anyway. My soul probably isn't very tasty a-anyway."

[Arcran]

Pitch turns when the other trainer says hi.

"Oh, thanks," he says, unsure how to react. Apparently this trainer didn't know about him killing the Cubchoo, otherwise he wouldn't be congratulating him. Then again, if he didn't know, maybe know would be a good time for a battle? Just a quick one? Pitch could see if Thales' win was a fluke, or if he was really a Pokemon he could come to like.

"Hey, you just beat the leader, right?" he asks. "Would you-" he says, looking over at the nurse. He shouldn't openly ask for a battle here. "Like to go to the ocean or something? See what our new Pokemon can do? Mine had an accident at the Gym and I'd like to make sure he's OK."

Please say yes, please say yes...

[HZ514]

Nikolas quickly enters the room, ignoring the laughter for now, and pulls out his memento box from underneath his bed. There were a few pictures inside, as well as a few pieces of scrap that he had experimented with when he was younger. Shoving all of that aside, he digs out a slightly dulled Pokeball. It is identical in make to the other standard issue Pokeballs, save for its dulled color and a holographic thunderbolt sticker he had stuck on it when he was younger. To his joy, the sticker still flashed as he rolled the ball in his hands.

"You're my starter Orobas, but the Pokemon that used to live in this Pokeball was my very first. Something my mom gave me," he said, smiling nostalgically.

Realizing where he was currently kneeling and not wanting to stick around for much longer, he shrunk the ball down and placed it with the rest of his Pokeballs. He could fix it later. When he was nowhere near the manor.

"I-I'm leaving now ghost. Y-you wouldn't want to eat me anyway. My soul probably isn't very tasty a-anyway."

Orobas tilts his head as you tell him about your first pokemon.

Your pleas meet only an increased volume of laughter. This time though, the laughter doesn't stop. It just grows louder and closer until right before your eyes, a ghost appears! It's still too busy laughing to attack quite yet.

Map! (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtZsssa3c8PJdGxPNnFnZUlEbmkxczVrbjd4VWJRM 2c#gid=0)

[Bad Situation]

This was bad. He was stuck in a room without anyway of knowing how to beat the ghost. He'd heard of ghost-types before but that really told him nothing important he could use against the Pokemon that had appeared before him. Weren't psychics weak against ghost Pokemon? What if the ghost had a move that could kill Orobas. Remembering how his Magnemite had been torn away from his Nikolas places himself defensively in front of Orobas, trying to make himself as big a target as possible.

Shift to E6 and withdraw Pokedex to scan the Pokemon.

"Stay behind me and attack it while I'm distracting it, Orobas."

Shift to C6 and use Hidden Power.
Accuracy Check - [roll0]
Hidden Power (Dragon) - [roll1]

[CosmicOccurence]

A Karrablast! Those pokemon are fascinating. The pokemon you're thinking of is Shelmet. They only evolve when they interact with one another, but nobody knows why. I'd love to witness it firsthand instead of just read about it. I'm afraid even if I do find one, I won't be back in town for quite a while.

Leo makes his way to the pokemon center, scanning any pokemon he comes across. Hello, I'd like to apply a Sunny Day TM to my Daramuka. And do you have a kitchen here i can use? I'm ready for some food.

Home cooking check [roll0] portions of spicy food.

[Kantolin]

An accident?

"Hrm. Well, I did want to go catch some more pokemon first... but sure! I'm sure Kamoho wouldn't mind a friendly battle." He glanced at the totodile, who noticed his look and chomped at the air. Ugh.

"But how about we battle just outside the entrance to town, still on the path? It's a lot closer than the docks, and I'm pretty sure there won't be any collateral damage there."

Not to mention, a battle to help Kamoho get more used to not-water locations would help him out. Not every battle will be where he has the advantage of the field.

[HZ514]

This was bad. He was stuck in a room without anyway of knowing how to beat the ghost. He'd heard of ghost-types before but that really told him nothing important he could use against the Pokemon that had appeared before him. Weren't psychics weak against ghost Pokemon? What if the ghost had a move that could kill Orobas. Remembering how his Magnemite had been torn away from his Nikolas places himself defensively in front of Orobas, trying to make himself as big a target as possible.

Shift to E6 and withdraw Pokedex to scan the Pokemon.

"Stay behind me and attack me while it's distracted, Orobas."

Shift to C6 and use Hidden Power.
Accuracy Check - [roll0]
Hidden Power (Dragon) - [roll1]

Your Pokedex is making some beeping noises as your Abra launches a blast of energy that strikes the wild pokemon. It's laughter is instantly silenced and floats at a much lower level now. Your attempt to shield your Abra from its response works, as the ghost instead floats toward you. It proceeds to extend a long pink tongue and lick you. It's quite...disconcerting.

Lick!
AC 2 [roll0] (Paralyze on 15-20)
Damage: [roll1] (ghost)

Afterward, the wild pokemon is noticeably tired. It's eyes droop and its attempt to laugh comes out as a course cough.

[HZ514]

A Karrablast! Those pokemon are fascinating. The pokemon you're thinking of is Shelmet. They only evolve when they interact with one another, but nobody knows why. I'd love to witness it firsthand instead of just read about it. I'm afraid even if I do find one, I won't be back in town for quite a while.

Leo makes his way to the pokemon center, scanning any pokemon he comes across. Hello, I'd like to apply a Sunny Day TM to my Daramuka. And do you have a kitchen here i can use? I'm ready for some food.

Home cooking check [roll0] portions of spicy food.

Gale nods and simply asks you to bring a "Shelmet" back if you can.

You manage to scan a couple of pokemon that others are taking for strolls around town. They give you funny looks and scoff when they notice what you're doing, however.

Scanned: Tangela, Vulpix, Cacnea.

Sure thing, Sir. I will take care of that right away. And there is a basic kitchenette right through there," the nurse says, pointing to a door on your right.

You manage to make a fair bit of spicy food, enough to feed you and Piri Piri and possibly another friend for a day.

An orderly comes to find you and let you know that your Darumaka is good to go.

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas winces from the pain and stumbles back slightly, but not enough to give any ground to the Gastly. Not sure if he could take another hit like that, Nikolas withdraws a ball from his bag and throws it at the Gastly desperately, hoping to at least scare it away.

Nikolas throws a Pokeball at the Gastly and activates Curve Ball.
Gastly takes 2 damage that cannot be reduced.
[roll0]

[Arcran]

An accident?

"Hrm. Well, I did want to go catch some more pokemon first... but sure! I'm sure Kamoho wouldn't mind a friendly battle." He glanced at the totodile, who noticed his look and chomped at the air. Ugh.

"But how about we battle just outside the entrance to town, still on the path? It's a lot closer than the docks, and I'm pretty sure there won't be any collateral damage there."

Not to mention, a battle to help Kamoho get more used to not-water locations would help him out. Not every battle will be where he has the advantage of the field.

"Alright, town gate it is," Pitch says completely unphased by the change in destination, looking at the nurse who is likely looking at him disapprovingly for fighting so soon after his Pokemon's death. "Mind if we swing by the Pokemart? I could really use some Pokeballs."

Once Mordecai agrees, he swings by the Pokemart to pick up some supplies. At the Pokemart, Pitch buys four Pokeballs and two beers. In addition, he asks the shop owner if he knows a good way to make some quick money around here.

Pitch heads towards the town entrance and, once outside, turns to Mordecai.

"Will this do?" he says, gesturing to a fairly wide open area. He releases Thales next to him.

"You may have the first move."

I made us a map. Put Totodile wherever you want and the battle shall start! (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akuo1v6xJCoXdDFRbmN6aG5JYWs4bk95MlR3aWZSR EE#gid=0)

[HZ514]

Nikolas winces from the pain and stumbles back slightly, but not enough to give any ground to the Gastly. Not sure if he could take another hit like that, Nikolas withdraws a ball from his bag and throws it at the Gastly desperately, hoping to at least scare it away.

Nikolas throws a Pokeball at the Gastly and activates Curve Ball.
Gastly takes 2 damage that cannot be reduced.
[roll0]

The pokemon disappears into your Pokeball, which falls to the ground and bounces a few times. Then it starts to shudder and whip around on the floor. You can almost see the ghost pokemon trying to break free.

Moments later--you hear a click. The pokemon is caught! Your pokedex beeps, a little late to the party.

Gastly - The Ghost Pokemon. It's climbin' in yo' windows, snatchin' yo' people up.
And, y'know, further info.
Gastly caught!
Level: 4
Base stats:
HP 3
Attack 4
Defense 3
SATK 10 (+2)
SDEF 4 (-2)
Speed 8
Nature: Rash
Moves: Hypnosis, Lick
Ability: Levitate

Also, your Abra gains 60 EXP!

[Kantolin]

Mordecai thanked the nurse on the way out. She seemed to be watching him, but at this point he wasn't completely sure what was up. Either way, he couldn't afford to have his mind wandering like that - this was his second battle, and his first one as an official trainer!

Kamoho was still rubbing his sore neck. The totodile contemplating another bite, but he'd had his fill of Mordecai's arm for the time being. He had not, however, expected Mordecai to return him.

Mordecai waited outside as Arcran bought things, then stepped to the field. He glanced aside - right next to town. "This should be good!"

He then wasn't sure what normal rules were for where you started a match. Summarily, he tossed the pokeball next to himself at G-12. Kamoho glared at him again, but Mordecai pointed. "This will be our first battle as official trainers, Kamoho!"

Which reminded the totodile that the ranger needed a bite for not selecting remoraid. He glanced to the other side, and nodded. "Tot."

[HZ514]

"Alright, town gate it is," Pitch says completely unphased by the change in destination, looking at the nurse who is likely looking at him disapprovingly for fighting so soon after his Pokemon's death. "Mind if we swing by the Pokemart? I could really use some Pokeballs."

Once Mordecai agrees, he swings by the Pokemart to pick up some supplies. At the Pokemart, Pitch buys four Pokeballs and two beers. In addition, he asks the shop owner if he knows a good way to make some quick money around here.

Pitch heads towards the town entrance and, once outside, turns to Mordecai.

"Will this do?" he says, gesturing to a fairly wide open area. He releases Thales next to him.

"You may have the first move."

I made us a map. Put Totodile wherever you want and the battle shall start! (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akuo1v6xJCoXdDFRbmN6aG5JYWs4bk95MlR3aWZSR EE#gid=0)

The shopkeeper mentions some odd jobs he wants done that you can come back for whenever you have free time.

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo thanks the orderly, and goes to Piri Piri. Well how did you enjoy your first TM injection? According to some psychic pokemon, the process is supposed to feel ... interesting. Piri Piri grimaced and patted his stomach with one of his hands.

It's alwasy food with you isn't it? The Darumaka nods vigorously. Well I just made some tomato soup. It's not as spicy as what mom made, but I don't have her kitchen or skill, sue me. Leo makes to eat at the nearest bench, but one of the nurses asks him to take it outside so others wouldn't be disturbed.

Piri Piri ate gustily, spilling half his soup on the ground in his haste to get to it. Probably a good idea we ate outside. After they finished, Leo stood with a groan.

Well, we still have some time before nightfall, how about we see if we can find some friends for you? If not, we can train by ourselves. Piri Piri nods vigorously and they head off to the edge of town, looking for trouble.

[Kantolin]

Mordecai nodded, and glanced up. Kamoho probably couldn't reach that far that quickly. "Okay! Kamoho - move in! Blast it with water!"

The totodile paused for a moment. That sounded awfully like 'don't bite it'. And they'd started off so well too...

Mordecai did note the hesitation, and smiled. "Just until you get closer. You can bite at it soon, I promise."

Better be able to. The totodile stepped forward, delivering a blast of water from its mouth.


Kamoho moves to F-7
Kamoho uses water gun!

Attack roll: [roll0]
Damage roll: [roll1]

[Arcran]

Thales takes the blast of water, using his shell to deflect most of it, taking barely any damage.

"Thales. End this. Tackle."

The Oshawott dashes forward, head down, aiming to drop the Totodile like the Cubchoo.

Tackle!
Normal, Physical
AC: 3 (1d20) [20]
Nah, just kidding. That roll isn't real. [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] 2d8+6 (Base) + 10 (Attack) + 1 (Ace)
If a Crit happens (Please no) [roll2]

17 damage on that hit after your Defense.

Oh, forgot shift. Goes to F8.

[HZ514]

Kantolin, Arcran

As the Oshawott slams into the Totodile, the earth suddenly shakes beneath all of you! Both pokemon fall over, and both of you stumble as well. A rumbling moves through the area from one side of your battlefield to the other. Suddenly, a trio of mole-like pokemon pop up from the ground! They seem to have taken exception to your little show of force above their home. It looks like they are discussing how best to approach...but it almost certainly will not be to talk.

New map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtZsssa3c8PJdDZUTW8yX2s0Ni1IQ1BYU1FZVjBve kE#gid=0)!

[HZ514]

Leo thanks the orderly, and goes to Piri Piri. Well how did you enjoy your first TM injection? According to some psychic pokemon, the process is supposed to feel ... interesting. Piri Piri grimaced and patted his stomach with one of his hands.

It's alwasy food with you isn't it? The Darumaka nods vigorously. Well I just made some tomato soup. It's not as spicy as what mom made, but I don't have her kitchen or skill, sue me. Leo makes to eat at the nearest bench, but one of the nurses asks him to take it outside so others wouldn't be disturbed.

Piri Piri ate gustily, spilling half his soup on the ground in his haste to get to it. Probably a good idea we ate outside. After they finished, Leo stood with a groan.

Well, we still have some time before nightfall, how about we see if we can find some friends for you? If not, we can train by ourselves. Piri Piri nods vigorously and they head off to the edge of town, looking for trouble.

You and Piri Piri make it a little bit outside of Wrystone's gates when you suddenly hear some rustling behind you. You turn around and all you can see is some bushes and trees.

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo whipped around quickly, scanning the foliage quickly. Piri Piri walked forward and let out a low growl. Quiet Piri, you might provoke it. And here, eat this. He tossed a small red pepper to the little monkey.

Earlier in the day, Leo had discovered that Piri Piri could only use inferno if he ate something spicy first. The little red pokemon looked at Leo with disdain, as if to say "Really, don't provoke it, but get ready to belch flames, that makes total sense." But food is food, and he ate the pepper anyways.

[HZ514]

Leo whipped around quickly, scanning the foliage quickly. Piri Piri walked forward and let out a low growl. Quiet Piri, you might provoke it. And here, eat this. He tossed a small red pepper to the little monkey.

Earlier in the day, Leo had discovered that Piri Piri could only use inferno if he ate something spicy first. The little red pokemon looked at Leo with disdain, as if to say "Really, don't provoke it, but get ready to belch flames, that makes total sense." But food is food, and he ate the pepper anyways.

There seems to be nothing there at all. A cool breeze blows through the air and you hear some chirping above you. You look up and see a pair of bird pokemon on a low-hanging branch, evidently conversing with each other.

[Bad Situation]

Hastily, Nikolas grabs the Pokeball containing the Gastly and stuffs it deep into his bag. He was going to have to deal with the purple gaseous Pokemon eventually but that could wait until he was feeling better, and not covered in ectoplasmic slime. Or at least, what he assumed was ectoplasmic slime. He really didn't know what to think when it came to ghost Pokemon.

With the manor incident behind him, Nikolas bends down to once more Orobas. Like always, he owed that victory to the small Psychic Pokemon, and when he entered the Pokemon Center he would see to it that his Pokemon ate like a king.

Provided of course, his wallet was willing. Until they reached the Pokemon Center though, the Abra would simply have to settle for head pats. Thankfully, the Pokemon seemed to enjoy this.

He returns to town and looks for the Pokemon Center, eager to rest up before continuing on his journey. There was also the matter of Gastly to attend to. Avu had told him to call in case he needed advice. And from what he could see, Gastly was only 2 numbers behind Gengar in the Pokedex. Their wide faced smiles had to connected somehow, and Avu's own Gengar might know how to deal with his ghost problem.

[HZ514]

Hastily, Nikolas grabs the Pokeball containing the Gastly and stuffs it deep into his bag. He was going to have to deal with the purple gaseous Pokemon eventually but that could wait until he was feeling better, and not covered in ectoplasmic slime. Or at least, what he assumed was ectoplasmic slime. He really didn't know what to think when it came to ghost Pokemon.

With the manor incident behind him, Nikolas bends down to once more Orobas. Like always, he owed that victory to the small Psychic Pokemon, and when he entered the Pokemon Center he would see to it that his Pokemon ate like a king.

Provided of course, his wallet was willing. Until they reached the Pokemon Center though, the Abra would simply have to settle for head pats. Thankfully, the Pokemon seemed to enjoy this.

He returns to town and looks for the Pokemon Center, eager to rest up before continuing on his journey. There was also the matter of Gastly to attend to. Avu had told him to call in case he needed advice. And from what he could see, Gastly was only 2 numbers behind Gengar in the Pokedex. Their wide faced smiles had to connected somehow, and Avu's own Gengar might know how to deal with his ghost problem.

The manor feels a lot less scary without the Gastly wreaking havoc around the place, as if the air of malevolence was being swept away entirely.

Upon your return to the center of town, it looks like the crowd around the gym has died down a bit. There are still about a dozen people and the door is still locked and guarded. No one notices you as you walk by on your way to the Pokemon Center.

Inside the center, you see a few trainers doing various things and the nurse behind the counter smiles at you. "Hello there! How may I help you, young man?"

[Bad Situation]

Noticing the trainers inside the Pokemon Center, Nikolas almost unconsciously adopts a blank expression, and presses his lips together into a surgically thing line. He knew it was silly but he had never quite felt comfortable with himself in public. He could almost feel the eyes on him whenever he went out, watching for even the slightest discoloration of his skin to peek out from underneath his clothing. He doubted things like this would change even if he was now a trainer.

Not wanting to give away anything on his part he smoothly steps toward the counter, and places Orobas on the counter and slides over the Pokeball containing Gastly. "My Abra is injured and the Gastly I've caught probably isn't in much better shape," he says in a dulled monotone.

"And do if there is anywhere private I could take a call?"

[HZ514]

Noticing the trainers inside the Pokemon Center, Nikolas almost unconsciously adopts a blank expression, and presses his lips together into a surgically thing line. He knew it was silly but he had never quite felt comfortable with himself in public. He could almost feel the eyes on him whenever he went out, watching for even the slightest discoloration of his skin to peek out from underneath his clothing. He doubted things like this would change even if he was now a trainer.

Not wanting to give away anything on his part he smoothly steps toward the counter, and places Orobas on the counter and slides over the Pokeball containing Gastly. "My Abra is injured and the Gastly I've caught probably isn't in much better shape," he says in a dulled monotone.

"And do if there is anywhere private I could take a call?"

The nurse dutifully takes your pokemon to patch up. "Right away, Sir. There's the trainer cot room over there, I don't believe anyone is in there right now," she says, pointing to a door on your left. She walks off to get your pokemon healed. "An orderly will come get you when your pokemon are set to go."

[Arcran]

Pitch looks at the newcomers. They'd be more fun. As much as he wants to just straight up finish this fight with the Totodile, has has no choice but to delay this battle.

"Perhaps some other time," he says to Mordecai. "Thales. New foes. Let's go," he says, jogging over, the Oshawott trotting after him. He thinks of pulling out his switchblade; it would help if they got too close. He flicks it open, the sound of the blade coming out like a symphony to his ears.

It's been too long old friend.

"Thales," Pitch whispers at his Pokemon. "Thales, when you attack, aim to kill. No mercy."

The Oshawott looks back in a face that is a mix of shock, horror, and, could it be? a little pleasure?

"Yes, kill. Like the Cubchoo."

The Oshawott turns back. While the Cubchoo had been an accident, this would be on purpose. He really hadn't meant to break the bear's back. Sure, he wanted to win badly, but it was an accident. This is murder. But, it did feel good. To win so completely. Anyways, this was an order from his trainer. He wasn't killing them, he was just following orders. Right? His trainer was the killer.

Pitch to J10, Thales to J9.

Pitch takes the time to scan the moles as well as the Pokemon Mordecai is using.

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas nods coolly and manages to find the trainer cot room without any difficulties. When he is certain he is alone he digs out his special Magnemite ball and sets to work on repairing it. It was an old make, but he was familiar with the design and would take special care to fix it. It was his very first Pokeball after all.

Target DC 15 - [roll0]

[HZ514]

Nikolas nods coolly and manages to find the trainer cot room without any difficulties. When he is certain he is alone he digs out his special Magnemite ball and sets to work on repairing it. It was an old make, but he was familiar with the design and would take special care to fix it. It was his very first Pokeball after all.

Target DC 15 - [roll0]

After your careful repairs, the old pokeball clicks together and you can feel that it is back to fully operational status. It feels natural in your hands. As you rotate it to examine it, the holographic sticker glistens, possibly a little brighter than before.

[HZ514]

Arcran, Kantolin

The three Drilbur are still ostensibly discussing strategy. One is merely pointing at the four of you and slashing at the air. Another is shaking his head and motioning to stay put. As they argue back and forth, the third one looks to just be laughing at his friends and seems generally happy.

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo looked up at the birds, frowning. The birds must be rare if he didn't recognize them on sight, were they escaped from the safari zone? They didn't seem to be aggressive, but that might change. He dug in his pockets, and pulled out a few more peppers, offering them to the birds. Would you like something to eat?

Piri Piri shot a glare at Leo, those were his peppers, not some peabrained bird's. But that tea earlier was simply volcanic. He'd let it slide ... for now.

[HZ514]

Leo looked up at the birds, frowning. The birds must be rare if he didn't recognize them on sight, were they escaped from the safari zone? They didn't seem to be aggressive, but that might change. He dug in his pockets, and pulled out a few more peppers, offering them to the birds. Would you like something to eat?

Piri Piri shot a glare at Leo, those were his peppers, not some peabrained bird's. But that tea earlier was simply volcanic. He'd let it slide ... for now.

The birds slowly fly down toward your extended hand, but suddenly another pokemon appears out of the bush beside you! The birds are scared away, and this chubby new pokemon swipes the peppers from your hand and promptly waddles away while eating them. It's fur is mostly a bluish hue with some whitish patches. It has a pair of pointy ears sticking out of the top of it's head. You think back to your endless research and realize it must be a Munchlax. Luckily for you, Munchlaxes aren't exactly known for their speed.

Map! (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtZsssa3c8PJdFJ0WUVFMHpFcWgteVpkQ1BHVmhaW VE#gid=0)

[Kantolin]

"Yeowch! Okay Kamo-"

In which the ground quaked. In came a trio of wild pokemon. And thus, training and instinct promptly took over - he had trained for scenarios much like this one. Don't let them get prepared. Out came his styler in a whirl.

"Kamoho! Come by me - strike the middle one - another blast of water so you can get in close!"

Kamoho was far less than psyched. He leaned slightly towards the oshawott.

"Kamoho! They'll come to us!"

Grr, he'd been promised a bite. Still, he listened once again - stepping towards Mordecai and doing another blast of water at the one in the middle.

Mordecai, for his part, sent out his styler - twirling it with an expert arc around the upper one. "Come on..." He'd done this in controlled environments, but this would be his first time doing so in an actually hostile environment. Still, he focused on his training - wilds he was more used to. He wanted to get their attention so they'd focus in his direction, and not towards the other trainer who he just realized he didn't have a name for.

You didn't putz around with wilds.


The less happy Kamoho will move to B4 and watergun D2!
Mordecai will attempt to restrain on D1!

Restrain attempt: [roll0]
Watergun Attack roll: [roll1]
Watergun damage roll: [roll2]

[HZ514]

Pitch looks at the newcomers. They'd be more fun. As much as he wants to just straight up finish this fight with the Totodile, has has no choice but to delay this battle.

"Perhaps some other time," he says to Mordecai. "Thales. New foes. Let's go," he says, jogging over, the Oshawott trotting after him. He thinks of pulling out his switchblade; it would help if they got too close. He flicks it open, the sound of the blade coming out like a symphony to his ears.

It's been too long old friend.

"Thales," Pitch whispers at his Pokemon. "Thales, when you attack, aim to kill. No mercy."

The Oshawott looks back in a face that is a mix of shock, horror, and, could it be? a little pleasure?

"Yes, kill. Like the Cubchoo."

The Oshawott turns back. While the Cubchoo had been an accident, this would be on purpose. He really hadn't meant to break the bear's back. Sure, he wanted to win badly, but it was an accident. This is murder. But, it did feel good. To win so completely. Anyways, this was an order from his trainer. He wasn't killing them, he was just following orders. Right? His trainer was the killer.

Pitch to J10, Thales to J9.

Pitch takes the time to scan the moles as well as the Pokemon Mordecai is using.


"Yeowch! Okay Kamo-"

In which the ground quaked. In came a trio of wild pokemon. And thus, training and instinct promptly took over - he had trained for scenarios much like this one. Don't let them get prepared. Out came his styler in a whirl.

"Kamoho! Come by me - strike the middle one - another blast of water so you can get in close!"

Kamoho was far less than psyched. He leaned slightly towards the oshawott.

"Kamoho! They'll come to us!"

Grr, he'd been promised a bite. Still, he listened once again - stepping towards Mordecai and doing another blast of water at the one in the middle.

Mordecai, for his part, sent out his styler - twirling it with an expert arc around the upper one. "Come on..." He'd done this in controlled environments, but this would be his first time doing so in an actually hostile environment. Still, he focused on his training - wilds he was more used to. He wanted to get their attention so they'd focus in his direction, and not towards the other trainer who he just realized he didn't have a name for.

You didn't putz around with wilds.


The less happy Kamoho will move to B4 and watergun D2!
Mordecai will attempt to restrain on D1!

Restrain attempt: [roll0]
Watergun Attack roll: [roll1]
Watergun damage roll: [roll2]





Unfortunately the Drilbur you attempt to restrain is able to break free of your styler. The spray of water from your Totodile does hit home, however. That Drilbur is clearly dazed from the blow.

The Drilbur quickly resolve their argument when "revenge on the human with the whip" becomes their number one priority. The trio moves as one pretty intimidating group toward Mordecai and Kamoho. The one in the back (the one that was hit by Kamoho's attack) has a bloodthirsty gleam in its eye.

Movement as per map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtZsssa3c8PJdDZUTW8yX2s0Ni1IQ1BYU1FZVjBve kE#gid=0), they all used mud sport for +3 irrelevance points.

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas smiles at a job well done. He didn't know about many Pokemon but he knew just the species he was going to catch with this very ball. After admiring his work, Nikolas restores the ball to its resting place in his bag. Hopefully his Pokemon were ready. He definitely wanted to get some training in with Orobas before he moved onto the next city.

He gets up and exits the cot room, reflexively putting on his 'public' face. Where were the orderlies supposed to be? If his Pokemon weren't ready he would just go shopping to buy some Pokemon supplies. And Orobas still needed food.

[Arcran]

"Thale, get closer to behind them. We'll let those two take the hits for now."

The Oshawott agrees; he isn't really close enough to do much right now either. Better to let those two get hit anyways.

We haven't hurt them, so hopefully they won't do anything. Maybe that other trainer will attack them again; then they'll hit them for sure.

Thale to M6, Pitch to M7.

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo looked on in amazement as the pokemon just walked away with the peppers. Munchlax were known for eating anything and everything, so getting rid of those peppers would probably upset it. Time to test his skill as a trainer. You can't just take food from people whenever you feel like it. He told the munchlax, who studiously ignored him.

Piri, time to use that pepper you ate, flame it. The Darumaka was more than happy to oblige his trainer. He had been content with letting the birds get it. But if anyone were going to steal peppers, it would be him, and only him. He ran up to the small blue pokemon and loosed a gout of flame at it, hopefully burning those peppers before it could eat any.

Darumaka uses incinerate. AC 2 [roll0] fire damage, 1d10+4 base 1 spAtk. On crit, [roll1]. This burns berries, so I figure it might burn peppers too. Piri Piri shifts to F7. Leo shifts to G6

[Kantolin]

"Alright!"

Mordecai knelt, briefly. "Kamoho - look at that one."

The totodile glowered at the trainer... but did look. And he blinked.

"Yeah, he's really mad, huh? You hit him pretty hard. Not as fun as biting, I know, but just look at the guy!"

Huh. The totodile watched.

"So hey - give the lower one a blast. Make him just as mad." And with this, Mordecai stylered D1 once again. While the totodile still wasn't happy with this not-biting nonsense... sure, he'd try water blasting once more.


The tolerating Kamoho will watergun D3!
Mordecai will attempt to restrain D1 again!

Restrain attempt: [roll0]
Watergun Attack roll: [roll1]
Watergun damage roll: [roll2]

[HZ514]

Nikolas smiles at a job well done. He didn't know about many Pokemon but he knew just the species he was going to catch with this very ball. After admiring his work, Nikolas restores the ball to its resting place in his bag. Hopefully his Pokemon were ready. He definitely wanted to get some training in with Orobas before he moved onto the next city.

He gets up and exits the cot room, reflexively putting on his 'public' face. Where were the orderlies supposed to be? If his Pokemon weren't ready he would just go shopping to buy some Pokemon supplies. And Orobas still needed food.

As you're about to walk out of the center, the nurse calls out to you. "Sir! Your pokemon are ready. Sorry about the orderlies, they'll all off at the gym for some reason." She hands you back your Abra and your pokeball with Gastly inside of it. "Is there anything else I can help you with today, Sir?"

[HZ514]

"Thale, get closer to behind them. We'll let those two take the hits for now."

The Oshawott agrees; he isn't really close enough to do much right now either. Better to let those two get hit anyways.

We haven't hurt them, so hopefully they won't do anything. Maybe that other trainer will attack them again; then they'll hit them for sure.

Thale to M6, Pitch to M7.


"Alright!"

Mordecai knelt, briefly. "Kamoho - look at that one."

The totodile glowered at the trainer... but did look. And he blinked.

"Yeah, he's really mad, huh? You hit him pretty hard. Not as fun as biting, I know, but just look at the guy!"

Huh. The totodile watched.

"So hey - give the lower one a blast. Make him just as mad." And with this, Mordecai stylered D1 once again. While the totodile still wasn't happy with this not-biting nonsense... sure, he'd try water blasting once more.


The tolerating Kamoho will watergun D3!
Mordecai will attempt to restrain D1 again!

Restrain attempt: [roll0]
Watergun Attack roll: [roll1]
Watergun damage roll: [roll2]



Your practice pays off as your styler deftly wraps around the Drilbur, restraining it completely. It fights for a bit but eventually resigns itself to obeying your commands. It looks at you expectantly.

The third Drilbur manages to dodge Kamoho's stream of water! It looks to be a bit quicker than the other two. The two Drilbur who are still free to move look angry about their friend being restrained. They advance toward Mordecai and Kamoho.

None of them seem to notice Pitch and Thanes sneaking around behind them.

[Kantolin]

Mordecai's voice seemed to echo, just for a moment. "Keep back! Away from the conflict!"

And then to the slightly startled Kamoho, "Okay now, buddy. Try it again - line it up!"

And with a hurl, he threw the pokeball. Kamoho was in fact too startled to do anything other than listen to Mordecai's statement.


The startled Kamoho will attempt antoher blast at D3!
Mordecai orders the restrained pokemon to keep away from combat!
Mordecai will attempt to capture D2!

Pokeball attempt: [roll0]
Watergun Attack roll: [roll1]
Watergun damage roll: [roll2]

[Bad Situation]

Before he could wave her away, Nikolas realized there was something he needed to ask about. "Actually, there is something I require assistance with." Once more digging into his bag, he retrieves the purple syringe planted behind the Orum Town Gym. "I would like to know what kind of technique is stored within this vial and which of my Pokemon is compatible with it."

[Arcran]

"Alright Thales, take the restrained one. No survivors. I've got the last one," Pitch says, dashing up and tossing a Pokeball. The Drilbur could be useful. Anyways, if they're used to a group, they should be easy to break solo.

He pulls back. That stupid trainer had thrown a Pokeball at the one he was going to catch. Whatever. He would catch one. Pitch lobs his Pokeball at the other one that had been attacked.

The Oshawott listens, getting on all fours to rush at the other Drilbur. Just following orders...

Pitch throws his Pokeball at 3. [roll0]
Thales runs to J3 and Tackles D1.
AC: 3 [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
Crit: [roll3]

[HZ514]

Leo looked on in amazement as the pokemon just walked away with the peppers. Munchlax were known for eating anything and everything, so getting rid of those peppers would probably upset it. Time to test his skill as a trainer. You can't just take food from people whenever you feel like it. He told the munchlax, who studiously ignored him.

Piri, time to use that pepper you ate, flame it. The Darumaka was more than happy to oblige his trainer. He had been content with letting the birds get it. But if anyone were going to steal peppers, it would be him, and only him. He ran up to the small blue pokemon and loosed a gout of flame at it, hopefully burning those peppers before it could eat any.

Darumaka uses incinerate. AC 2 [roll0] fire damage, 1d10+4 base 1 spAtk. On crit, [roll1]. This burns berries, so I figure it might burn peppers too. Piri Piri shifts to F7. Leo shifts to G6

Piri Piri's stream of flame hits the Munchlax and burns away the peppers it had been holding in its hand. Only a light singe mark appears on the Munchlax's fur, it doesn't even seem to feel it. What it clearly does feel is sadness. The Munchlax waddles toward you, very clearly pouting. It looks like it's about to cry. It looks hungry.

[HZ514]

Mordecai's voice seemed to echo, just for a moment. "Keep back! Away from the conflict!"

And then to the slightly startled Kamoho, "Okay now, buddy. Try it again - line it up!"

And with a hurl, he threw the pokeball. Kamoho was in fact too startled to do anything other than listen to Mordecai's statement.


The startled Kamoho will attempt antoher blast at D3!
Mordecai orders the restrained pokemon to keep away from combat!
Mordecai will attempt to capture D2!

Pokeball attempt: [roll0]
Watergun Attack roll: [roll1]
Watergun damage roll: [roll2]



This time Kamoho's aim is true, and the third Drilbur stumbles backwards a bit following the hit.

Your pokeball makes contact with the second Drilbur and a stream of energy pulls it inside. The pokeball drops to the ground, jumps around a bit, but settles to a stop fairly quickly. You caught Drilbur!

Level 4
Ability: Sand Force
Nature: Adamant
Base Stats
HP 6
Attack 9 (+2)
Defense 4
SATK 3 (-2)
SDEF 5
Speed 7

[CosmicOccurence]

I'm not saying I won't give you food, I'm saying you can't take it without asking. Leo removed the remaining portions of soup from his pack. Would you like some? We can all eat together.

Piri Piri grimaced, he wanted to eat too. You just ate! The grimace stayed in place. Fine, you can have the other. But be polite. Piri Piri grinned and sat down expectantly.

He put the two soup containers on the ground in front of him and Piri Piri, and sat down on the ground. After pulling out some peppers for himself to snack on, he looked over to the munchlax. Well? Will you join us?

[HZ514]

Before he could wave her away, Nikolas realized there was something he needed to ask about. "Actually, there is something I require assistance with." Once more digging into his bag, he retrieves the purple syringe planted behind the Orum Town Gym. "I would like to know what kind of technique is stored within this vial and which of my Pokemon is compatible with it."

The nurse nods diligently and takes the vial. "Be back in a minute." She walks to the back, and a minute later she returns. "Looks like this TM contains Dream Eater! That's a very powerful move, young man. Please be careful not to seriously harm another pokemon when you have one of yours use it." She hands your TM back to you.

[HZ514]

"Alright Thales, take the restrained one. No survivors. I've got the last one," Pitch says, dashing up and tossing a Pokeball. The Drilbur could be useful. Anyways, if they're used to a group, they should be easy to break solo.

He pulls back. That stupid trainer had thrown a Pokeball at the one he was going to catch. Whatever. He would catch one. Pitch lobs his Pokeball at the other one that had been attacked.

The Oshawott listens, getting on all fours to rush at the other Drilbur. Just following orders...

Pitch throws his Pokeball at 3. [roll0]
Thales runs to J3 and Tackles D1.
AC: 3 [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
Crit: [roll3]

You throw your pokeball at the third Drilbur, freshly weakened by Kamoho's water attack. The pokeball consumes the wild pokemon, and it falls to the ground. It shakes once or twice, but the pokemon can't manage to really put up a fight. The pokeball clicks shut and stays still. You caught Drilbur!

Level 4
Ability: Sand Rush
Nature: Jolly
HP 6
Attack 9
Defense 4
SATK 3 (-2)
SDEF 5
Speed 7 (+2)


Meanwhile, your Oshawott rushes at the newly tame Drilbur. It looks confused by your Oshawott's advance and shocked when it connects. The hit registers, but the Drilbur is clearly very angry as a result! It promptly retaliates with a full swing of its claws at Thales.

Scratch!
AC 2 [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[HZ514]

I'm not saying I won't give you food, I'm saying you can't take it without asking. Leo removed the remaining portions of soup from his pack. Would you like some? We can all eat together.

Piri Piri grimaced, he wanted to eat too. You just ate! The grimace stayed in place. Fine, you can have the other. But be polite. Piri Piri grinned and sat down expectantly.

He put the two soup containers on the ground in front of him and Piri Piri, and sat down on the ground. After pulling out some peppers for himself to snack on, he looked over to the munchlax. Well? Will you join us?

The Munchlax eyes your food hungrily, but it hesitates. It seems like he's wary of humans for some reason. But as you look at him for longer without hurting him, he slowly waddles over to you and sits down. He looks at the soup, then at you one more time, then starts to devour the food. Occasionally he will look up at you as if but quickly shift his gaze if you catch it.

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo watched the wild pokemon out of the corner of his eye. When the munchlax looked like it was close to finishing, he looked up. Did you enjoy the soup? Spicy food is a passion of mine, and I love to cook it. I learned from my mother, who runs a cafe in town. If you liked this, you would fall in love with the dishes she puts together. Isn't that right Piri Piri?

Piri Piri, who had finished a while ago, nodded fervently.

If the munchlax appears to be still hungry (and if he likes the food), he offers the pokemon a pepper. Here, jalepenos are some of my favorite peppers.

[Bad Situation]

When the nurse is out of sight, Nikolas excitedly fiddles with his Pokedex and finds that both of his Pokemon were capable of learning the move. However, upon reading the move's description, his shoulders sag. He had been planning on using the TM on Orobas but the psychic type did not unfortunately, learn any moves that could induce sleep.

His Gastly on the other hand, already had the sleep inducing Hypnosis. But was it a good idea to impart such a powerful move onto such a mischivous Pokemon? Perhaps Avu could answer that particular question.

Pocketing the Pokedex, Nikolas withdraws his Pokegear in its place. There was supposedly a phone function somewhere on the device. He looked for Avu's number and prepared to call.

[HZ514]

The Munchlax finishes and listens intently to your words. His response is a vigorous, "Munch! Munch Munch Lax." He smiles the cutest, widest smile you've ever seen.

[HZ514]

When the nurse is out of sight, Nikolas excitedly fiddles with his Pokedex and finds that both of his Pokemon were capable of learning the move. However, upon reading the move's description, his shoulders sag. He had been planning on using the TM on Orobas but the psychic type did not unfortunately, learn any moves that could induce sleep.

His Gastly on the other hand, already had the sleep inducing Hypnosis. But was it a good idea to impart such a powerful move onto such a mischivous Pokemon? Perhaps Avu could answer that particular question.

Pocketing the Pokedex, Nikolas withdraws his Pokegear in its place. There was supposedly a phone function somewhere on the device. He looked for Avu's number and prepared to call.

The Pokegear rings a few times, then you hear the click of someone picking up.

"Hey, Nikolas. If you're calling to check in on things here, it's all under control. I sent your father back home just as soon as I got word that you'd walked by the gym on your way back from your house."

"Or is there something else you wanted my advice about?"

[CosmicOccurence]

Tell you what. Leo said as he rummaged in his pack, pulling out a pokeball. If you want, you can join my team, which as of now consists of only Piri Piri. As long as you like spicy food, you'll never go hungry again.

Piri Piri seemed to have gotten over his initial dislike of the munchlax, and grinned as widely as the munchlax.

Leo was on tenderhooks, he wanted the munchlax to accept so badly. It seemed like a nice pokemon, just hungry. And it will always be hungry, between him and Piri Piri, I'll never have a spare dime. But it'll be worth every dollar.

[Bad Situation]

"Ah, well the thing is I've captured a Pokemon. It's a ghost type by the name of Gastly. And I figured since you're a ghost specialist and all you could tell me what to expect with it. He's...already given me a lot of trouble."

[HZ514]

Tell you what. Leo said as he rummaged in his pack, pulling out a pokeball. If you want, you can join my team, which as of now consists of only Piri Piri. As long as you like spicy food, you'll never go hungry again.

Piri Piri seemed to have gotten over his initial dislike of the munchlax, and grinned as widely as the munchlax.

Leo was on tenderhooks, he wanted the munchlax to accept so badly. It seemed like a nice pokemon, just hungry. And it will always be hungry, between him and Piri Piri, I'll never have a spare dime. But it'll be worth every dollar.

The Munchlax hears your offer and doesn't even have to think twice. It hugs your leg and starts poking at the pokeball, as if trying to get itself captured.

[HZ514]

"Ah, well the thing is I've captured a Pokemon. It's a ghost type by the name of Gastly. And I figured since you're a ghost specialist and all you could tell me what to expect with it. He's...already given me a lot of trouble."

"Oh, you've already caught a Gastly!" A mixture of pleasant surprise and pride radiates through his voice. "My starter was actually a Gastly, so I'm pretty familiar with the process. Simply put: it's a pain. Gastlys like to mess around a lot, and bonding with one is all about teaching them about limits while still letting them have their fun. Their antics become more infrequent as they grow to trust you as a trainer. It'll be hard at times, that's for sure. But believe me, the payoff is worth it. I don't know where I'd be without Face by my side." You can hear a content "Gengar" from the other end of the line.

"Ah, and I trust you stumbled across my wayward TM?"

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo taps the pokeball gently against the Munchlaxes back. If it's a ball Halle gave me, it'll do the job.

[roll0]

[Arcran]

You throw your pokeball at the third Drilbur, freshly weakened by Kamoho's water attack. The pokeball consumes the wild pokemon, and it falls to the ground. It shakes once or twice, but the pokemon can't manage to really put up a fight. The pokeball clicks shut and stays still. You caught Drilbur!

Level 4
Ability: Sand Rush
Nature: Jolly
HP 6
Attack 9
Defense 4
SATK 3 (-2)
SDEF 5
Speed 7 (+2)


Meanwhile, your Oshawott rushes at the newly tame Drilbur. It looks confused by your Oshawott's advance and shocked when it connects. The hit registers, but the Drilbur is clearly very angry as a result! It promptly retaliates with a full swing of its claws at Thales.

Scratch!
AC 2 [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

The Oshawott takes the hit soundly; while it hurt, the Oshawott isn't going down yet.

"Finish it Thales."

The Oshawott backs up to gain momentum, then launches itself at the Drilbur again.

AC: 3 [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Crit: [roll2]

[HZ514]

Leo taps the pokeball gently against the Munchlaxes back. If it's a ball Halle gave me, it'll do the job.

[roll0]

The Munchlax disappears into your pokeball, and doesn't even move once. It merely clicks shut in your hand. You caught Munchlax!

Level 4
Ability: Pickup
Nature: Careful
HP 14
Atk 9
Def 4
SATK 4 (-2)
SDEF 9 (+2)
Speed 1
Movelist: Odor Sleuth, Tackle, Defense Curl

[HZ514]

The Oshawott takes the hit soundly; while it hurt, the Oshawott isn't going down yet.

"Finish it Thales."

The Oshawott backs up to gain momentum, then launches itself at the Drilbur again.

AC: 3 [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Crit: [roll2]

Your Oshawott is getting very skilled with that move. From your point of view, you can't quite see it, but the Drilbur's face is filled with fear when it watches Thales back up. An evil glint shimmers in Thales' eyes as he looks at the Drilbur he is about to finish off.

The Drilbur is knocked backward by your Oshawott's tackle and does not get back up. Its chest still moves up and down so you can tell it is not dead...yet.

In any case, the two of you have emerged victorious from this unexpected encounter.

Kamoho receives 120 EXP and Thales receives 144 EXP for the battle!

[Arcran]

Pitch grins. The Oshawott was learning. And unless he was mistaken, it had enjoyed that.

"Thales! Come here! And bring the Drilbur!"

The Oshawott starts. He had yelled. That wasn't good.... The Oshawatt pick up the body of the Drilbur and waddles over.

Pitch squats down, a mad glint in his eyes.

"You did well Thales. You didn't kill it, but that suits our purpose. You earned yourself a reward," he says, pulling out a Potion and spraying it over the Oshawatt's wounds. "Welcome to the team Thales. You are officially a part of us."

Pitch makes sure to pocket the empty Potion bottle. He would need it later.

The Oshawatt doesn't know how to react. Sure, he wasn't the nicest guy, but he had treated his wounds. Anyways, weren't all Pokemon supposed to serve their trainer? The Oshawatt awkwardly waddles over and hugs his trainers leg. Pitch, unsure what to do, simply pats the Oshawatt before pulling him off and standing up. He scoops up the body of the unconcious Drilbur.

"Mordecai, this one's hurt. I'm going to see if I can do a bit more training, then take it in to be patched up, alright?" he says, tossing the Pokeball containing Mordecai's capture to him as he scoops up his own.

He had some training planned, but definitely not of the normal kind.

Potion Heal: [roll0]

[Bad Situation]

At least Avu had some experience with the troublesome Pokemon. It wasn't too helpful but it was definitely better than groping around in the dark. "Thanks for your advice, sir. I'll keep it in mind when I'm training him."

"A-and yeah, that's the other reason I'm calling. I'm thinking of using it on the Gastly but I'm worried it might be too powerful a move for a Pokemon I'm not sure I can handle just yet. But I've also checked the Pokedex and it doesn't look as he's going to have much in the way offense. Should I go through with it, or just be patient?"

[HZ514]

At least Avu had some experience with the troublesome Pokemon. It wasn't too helpful but it was definitely better than groping around in the dark. "Thanks for your advice, sir. I'll keep it in mind when I'm training him."

"A-and yeah, that's the other reason I'm calling. I'm thinking of using it on the Gastly but I'm worried it might be too powerful a move for a Pokemon I'm not sure I can handle just yet. But I've also checked the Pokedex and it doesn't look as he's going to have much in the way offense. Should I go through with it, or just be patient?"

"I see." Avu takes a moment to think about it "Well, it would certainly make your Gastly a force in battle. But there's always the risk that it rebels, or even worse, turns on you on a whim. And there's something to be said about not using TMs on pokemon to teach them move they'll learn naturally."

"I know you were looking for an answer from me, but I'm afraid there is no clear-cut right answer. For what it's worth, if I were you, I would at least wait until you've grown a little closer to your Gastly before teaching it Dream Eater."

"In the end it's up to you, Nikolas. Do what you feel is right, and no one can fault you for that."

[Bad Situation]

"Thanks again. I appreciate the advise. I think I'm going to have that talk with my Gastly now."

Taking Avu's words to heart, Nikolas stashes the TM once more. The syringe didn't need to see immediate usage, and after all, there were still other Pokemon out there to catch. First he would need to have words with the Gastly. He would need to be firm and strict to keep the Pokemon in line.

That alone did not bode well.

Finding a remote location, Nikolas released both Pokemon. Abra first, and then Gastly. He would needed Orobas' help. The small Pokemon's presence always made him feel braver than he really was.

"Let's talk.," he says in his closest approximation to a firm tone.

[HZ514]

"Thanks again. I appreciate the advise. I think I'm going to have that talk with my Gastly now."

Taking Avu's words to heart, Nikolas stashes the TM once more. The syringe didn't need to see immediate usage, and after all, there were still other Pokemon out there to catch. First he would need to have words with the Gastly. He would need to be firm and strict to keep the Pokemon in line.

That alone did not bode well.

Finding a remote location, Nikolas released both Pokemon. Abra first, and then Gastly. He would needed Orobas' help. The small Pokemon's presence always made him feel braver than he really was.

"Let's talk.," he says in his closest approximation to a firm tone.

Your Gastly floats around frantically for a bit upon being released, and you can't tell what's going through its mind. It floated down to Orobas' level and looked at your Abra for a moment, then up to your eye level when it hears you speak. It starts making all sorts of silly faces at you, sticking its tongue out and spinning itself over in circles. "Gas-Gas-Gastly!"

[Kantolin]

"Yeah!" Mordecai knelt down and patted his totodile on the head. "We did it, Kamoho! But!"

He sat backwards. "You did great, buddy. I, however, need some work. For one thing, commander Kane would have my ears if he saw the way I used a styler out there - sloppy! But two!"

And he tapped Kamoho on the nose. "You didn't get to bite anything! Not even once! I mean, the only thing I really /know/ about you right now is that you like biting things, and I don't even let you do so once? Unacceptable!"

...now Kamoho was confused. He hurt himself in his confusion!

"So! Let's get back to the centre for a moment, then let's rectify this." He said, before stepping towards where his pokeball had fallen - to have it tossed to him.

The other trainer was going right back out there?

Well, he did use a potion on his pokemon, so he'd probably be okay. "Alright then! Thanks - I'm heading back to the centre. Maybe we'll meet up later... oh, one last thing - I didn't catch your name. I'm Mordecai - Mordecai Aumakua."

And after the response, he hoisted his totodile, carried him under one arm, and headed back towards town. Patting the totodile on the head, he nodded. "Still haven't forgotten, Kamoho. If you -"

And with a chomp, his pointing arm was partway into the totodile's mouth, and no part of his increasingly cavalier attitude towards being bitten made it hurt less. Still, he gritted his teeth and continued, while Kamoho smiled. He knew, after all, what made him happy.

Back to the pokemon centre he went.

[HZ514]

"Yeah!" Mordecai knelt down and patted his totodile on the head. "We did it, Kamoho! But!"

He sat backwards. "You did great, buddy. I, however, need some work. For one thing, commander Kane would have my ears if he saw the way I used a styler out there - sloppy! But two!"

And he tapped Kamoho on the nose. "You didn't get to bite anything! Not even once! I mean, the only thing I really /know/ about you right now is that you like biting things, and I don't even let you do so once? Unacceptable!"

...now Kamoho was confused. He hurt himself in his confusion!

"So! Let's get back to the centre for a moment, then let's rectify this." He said, before stepping towards where his pokeball had fallen - to have it tossed to him.

The other trainer was going right back out there?

Well, he did use a potion on his pokemon, so he'd probably be okay. "Alright then! Thanks - I'm heading back to the centre. Maybe we'll meet up later... oh, one last thing - I didn't catch your name. I'm Mordecai - Mordecai Aumakua."

And after the response, he hoisted his totodile, carried him under one arm, and headed back towards town. Patting the totodile on the head, he nodded. "Still haven't forgotten, Kamoho. If you -"

And with a chomp, his pointing arm was partway into the totodile's mouth, and no part of his increasingly cavalier attitude towards being bitten made it hurt less. Still, he gritted his teeth and continued, while Kamoho smiled. He knew, after all, what made him happy.

Back to the pokemon centre he went.

You arrive at the pokemon center, Kamoho still firmly clamped down on your arm. The nurse looks up and seems to remember you from before. After all, how many trainers could she possibly see per day with pokemon attached to them by the teeth? She motions you toward the counter for the healing she presumes you seek.

[Kantolin]

"Th-Thank you in advance, heh."

He returned his totodile for healing purposes, and rubbed his arm for a moment - it really did hurt. Sigh.

He then held up the other pokeball. "I caught my first pokemon!" He exclaimed, before realizing that if nothing else, the nurse probably didn't care. Hey, /he/ was excited!

"Er, so he'll need healing too." He added, slightly sheepishly passing it along.

[HZ514]

"Th-Thank you in advance, heh."

He returned his totodile for healing purposes, and rubbed his arm for a moment - it really did hurt. Sigh.

He then held up the other pokeball. "I caught my first pokemon!" He exclaimed, before realizing that if nothing else, the nurse probably didn't care. Hey, /he/ was excited!

"Er, so he'll need healing too." He added, slightly sheepishly passing it along.

Though she had probably heard plenty of trainers celebrate that exact thing, she did seem genuinely happy for you. "Congratulations! That's great." If nothing else, she was infinitely familiar with just how much that moment means to a new trainer. She walks away with your pokemon to get them healed, and you hear the door to the center open.

Leia, looking more crestfallen than you can ever remember seeing her, walks up to the counter and leans over it right next to you. "Hey, Mordecai," she says. Her voice is low and has a faint tremble to it.

[Kantolin]

Okay... next, it was time to head out. Maybe a different direction - he'd want to be very careful before he set out on his own. Any ranger could tell you that - and still being relatively fresh out of the academy, the lessons were still firmly pounded into his head.

He'd have to get to know the strange mole poke.... oh geez, he'd forgotten his pokedex entirely. Ugh, at the moment that was okay as he caught the only new pokemon he'd seen, but he'd have to keep touch with that better. After all, knowing what you were -

... Leia?

"Uh, Hi Leia." Mordecai blinked, and turned towards her. "Whoa. Leia, what's wrong?" He asked, bluntly enough - she looked /miserable/.

[Kantolin]

Okay... next, it was time to head out. Maybe a different direction - he'd want to be very careful before he set out on his own. Any ranger could tell you that - and still being relatively fresh out of the academy, the lessons were still firmly pounded into his head.

He'd have to get to know the strange mole poke.... oh geez, he'd forgotten his pokedex entirely. Ugh, at the moment that was okay as he caught the only new pokemon he'd seen, but he'd have to keep touch with that better. After all, knowing what you were -

... Leia?

"Uh, Hi Leia." Mordecai blinked, and turned towards her. "Whoa. Leia, what's wrong?" He asked, bluntly enough - she looked /miserable/.

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo jumped in the air as the munchlax was captured, I did it! I caught my first pokemon. Though, between Piri Piri and Munchlax, I'll be using up a lot of food. Leo sighed, knowing it would only get worse, Snorlax ate much more than the Munchlax ever would. Still, it was nice to have pokemon who appreciated food as much as he did.

Leo released the Munchlax, and gave him a big hug. Welcome to the team buddy. Do you have a name? The munchlax shook it's head no. Well then how about we call you Belladonna. Bella grinned that wide grin of hers, and nodded vigorously.

Leo stood tall. I don't know about the two of you, but I'm tired. Time to go home and sleep like the dead. With that, Leo headed towards home, his two pokemon following behind him.

This is assuming it is female, if male I can come up with another name. Name comes from poison that, in small quantities, causes deeps sleep. Also if this counts as the end of an encounter, Belladonna uses pickup.

An interesting note, you gave it a SpDef nature, which puts that stat up to 11 and raised evasion to 2. Incinerate should have missed, but I'm not complaining :p

[Arcran]

"Yeah!" Mordecai knelt down and patted his totodile on the head. "We did it, Kamoho! But!"

He sat backwards. "You did great, buddy. I, however, need some work. For one thing, commander Kane would have my ears if he saw the way I used a styler out there - sloppy! But two!"

And he tapped Kamoho on the nose. "You didn't get to bite anything! Not even once! I mean, the only thing I really /know/ about you right now is that you like biting things, and I don't even let you do so once? Unacceptable!"

...now Kamoho was confused. He hurt himself in his confusion!

"So! Let's get back to the centre for a moment, then let's rectify this." He said, before stepping towards where his pokeball had fallen - to have it tossed to him.

The other trainer was going right back out there?

Well, he did use a potion on his pokemon, so he'd probably be okay. "Alright then! Thanks - I'm heading back to the centre. Maybe we'll meet up later... oh, one last thing - I didn't catch your name. I'm Mordecai - Mordecai Aumakua."

And after the response, he hoisted his totodile, carried him under one arm, and headed back towards town. Patting the totodile on the head, he nodded. "Still haven't forgotten, Kamoho. If you -"

And with a chomp, his pointing arm was partway into the totodile's mouth, and no part of his increasingly cavalier attitude towards being bitten made it hurt less. Still, he gritted his teeth and continued, while Kamoho smiled. He knew, after all, what made him happy.

Back to the pokemon centre he went.

"Pitch."


As the other trainer leaves, Pitch grins. It was just him and the Drilbur now.

Pitch goes a little bit further towards town, finding a tree to hide behind.

"Thales. You will never tell the Drilbur what happened here today, understand?" he says. The Oshawatt nods. He didn't know what his trainer would do, but whatever it was, he was suspecting the worst.

Pitch lays the unconscious Drilbur on the ground. The Totodile had claws, right? He pulls out his switchblade, cutting the unconcious Drilbur. He tried to make the cuts rough, shallow, cuts that would pass as the claws of a Totodile. He tries to get the thing close to death; not dead, but close. He wipes his blade on his shirt, both cleaning the knife off and making it look like he might have carried the Drilbur.

Perception to get it close to death: [roll0]

[Mistral]

You catch the tail end of Zayir's exciting introduction of the next challenger before you walk far enough that the noise dies down.

Your Pokedex makes some beeping noises and a few moments later, some information about Magnemites pops up.

Magnemite floats in the air by emitting electromagnetic waves from the units at its sides. These waves block gravity. This Pokémon becomes incapable of flight if its internal electrical supply is depleted.
(Info as per PTA 'dex. Figure it's not too crucial, this being your starter and all.)

Randel looks at you happily, metronome faintly ticking.

PS Randel got 120 EXP from that battle, I'll also edit the previous post to reflect this. By the way, do you know about the chatpad (https://tr.edupad.ch/3?) Arcran made? We're all on it, you should join us!

Fiddling with the Pokedex as she walked, Celeste brought up first a description of Magnemites, and then a list of other useful trainer information. Finding the moves that she could expect Randel to learn, she found that the list already included the Thunder Wave TM that she had been given. "Guess that means we can save it, right?" she says.

---

Arriving at the Pokemon center, with Randel still floating alongside her, she hesitates a moment before walking in. She's a trainer now, after all; it's perfectly normal for her to be going in. The nurse behind the counter looks up at her, as she walks up, somewhat timidly. "Um, hello. I came to have Randel healed." Randel beeps several times in succession.

OOC EDIT:
Ah, I didn't know. Thank you for that link.

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas sccowled, annoyed that the captured Gastly wasn't taking him seriously. But then again, who would? He hadn't exactly proved himself as a trainer, something that the ghost Pokemon was sure to pick up on. If he had any intention of getting through to the Pokemon he would just have to be persistent. "I'm naming you Loki, after a god who loved to cause trouble, because that's who you are and nothing I do is going to change that."

He couldn't just tell the Pokemon that it simply couldn't play around anymore. Was it really fair to deny a Pokemon what it really liked to do? Memories of a shattered tool kit said otherwise. "But you're going to have to know that there are going to be limits and while I want you to have your fun you need to know that sometimes I can't let you do that. Got it?" Thankfully, he manages to get through his message without stuttering even once. He didn't want to know what the Gastly would do if it knew he was afraid of it.

[HZ514]

Okay... next, it was time to head out. Maybe a different direction - he'd want to be very careful before he set out on his own. Any ranger could tell you that - and still being relatively fresh out of the academy, the lessons were still firmly pounded into his head.

He'd have to get to know the strange mole poke.... oh geez, he'd forgotten his pokedex entirely. Ugh, at the moment that was okay as he caught the only new pokemon he'd seen, but he'd have to keep touch with that better. After all, knowing what you were -

... Leia?

"Uh, Hi Leia." Mordecai blinked, and turned towards her. "Whoa. Leia, what's wrong?" He asked, bluntly enough - she looked /miserable/.

She sighs and looks straight into the back wall as she answers with a shaky voice. "That Cubchoo I brought in earlier...it was fighting against the trainer after you...his Oshawott hit a weak spot and my Cubchoo was already hurt...poor little guy didn't make it." Her voice breaks and a tear falls down the side of her face.

The nurse brings back your pokemon and sees Leia. Miss Reynaud, I'm so sorry...your Cubchoo is ready for transport though."

Leia shakes her head and turns instead to you. "Mordecai...would you be willing to take my Cubchoo to Orum to lay him to rest? I really can't take leave of my duties here but he deserves a peaceful repose."

[HZ514]

Leo jumped in the air as the munchlax was captured, I did it! I caught my first pokemon. Though, between Piri Piri and Munchlax, I'll be using up a lot of food. Leo sighed, knowing it would only get worse, Snorlax ate much more than the Munchlax ever would. Still, it was nice to have pokemon who appreciated food as much as he did.

Leo released the Munchlax, and gave him a big hug. Welcome to the team buddy. Do you have a name? The munchlax shook it's head no. Well then how about we call you Belladonna. Bella grinned that wide grin of hers, and nodded vigorously.

Leo stood tall. I don't know about the two of you, but I'm tired. Time to go home and sleep like the dead. With that, Leo headed towards home, his two pokemon following behind him.

This is assuming it is female, if male I can come up with another name. Name comes from poison that, in small quantities, causes deeps sleep. Also if this counts as the end of an encounter, Belladonna uses pickup.

An interesting note, you gave it a SpDef nature, which puts that stat up to 11 and raised evasion to 2. Incinerate should have missed, but I'm not complaining :p

Ah, that Munchlax is male. And shush, that incinerate hit before I rolled its nature :smalltongue:

Your Munchlax and Darumaka look to be quick friends, bonding over their love of food. You make it back to your house without further incident.

[HZ514]

[COLOR="DarkRed"]
Pitch lays the unconscious Drilbur on the ground. The Totodile had claws, right? He pulls out his switchblade, cutting the unconcious Drilbur. He tried to make the cuts rough, shallow, cuts that would pass as the claws of a Totodile. He tries to get the thing close to death; not dead, but close. He wipes his blade on his shirt, both cleaning the knife off and making it look like he might have carried the Drilbur.

Perception to get it close to death: [roll0]

Had that check at a 15+ pass. Gave Bad Sit a +5 circumstance bonus for fixing a beloved pokeball, so I'll give you a +5 for fixing a beloved pokemon enacting an inspired plan.

The unconscious female Drilbur twitches each time you cut it, but it does not wake up. Though your cuts are not perfect, they are passable as a Totodile's claw marks. You very nearly kill the Drilbur, but instinct pulls your hand away at the last second. Perhaps this particular Drilbur is hardier than the average one...but certainly not luckier.

[HZ514]

Fiddling with the Pokedex as she walked, Celeste brought up first a description of Magnemites, and then a list of other useful trainer information. Finding the moves that she could expect Randel to learn, she found that the list already included the Thunder Wave TM that she had been given. "Guess that means we can save it, right?" she says.

---

Arriving at the Pokemon center, with Randel still floating alongside her, she hesitates a moment before walking in. She's a trainer now, after all; it's perfectly normal for her to be going in. The nurse behind the counter looks up at her, as she walks up, somewhat timidly. "Um, hello. I came to have Randel healed." Randel beeps several times in succession.


Xylo's pokemon center, just like everything else in Xylo, is bigger and grander than its counterparts in the outer cities.

The nurse smiles at you nicely and nods. "Certainly, Miss. Your pokemon will be ready shortly." Rather than take them anywhere herself, an assistant appears to escort your Magnemite to get healed. The nurse merely returns to her paperwork.

One of your fellow patrons at the center approaches you. "First pokemon battle, huh? Zayir's a real treat."

[HZ514]

Nikolas sccowled, annoyed that the captured Gastly wasn't taking him seriously. But then again, who would? He hadn't exactly proved himself as a trainer, something that the ghost Pokemon was sure to pick up on. If he had any intention of getting through to the Pokemon he would just have to be persistent. "I'm naming you Loki, after a god who loved to cause trouble, because that's who you are and nothing I do is going to change that."

He couldn't just tell the Pokemon that it simply couldn't play around anymore. Was it really fair to deny a Pokemon what it really liked to do? Memories of a shattered tool kit said otherwise. "But you're going to have to know that there are going to be limits and while I want you to have your fun you need to know that sometimes I can't let you do that. Got it?" Thankfully, he manages to get through his message without stuttering even once. He didn't want to know what the Gastly would do if it knew he was afraid of it.

Your Gastly has been flying all around, trying its best to make it clear that it's not listening to you. But perhaps your well-delivered message does get through in the end, because by the time you're done speaking, it's back to eye level with you. Only this time, it isn't spinning or making faces. It stares at you, looking for an indication of whether it should listen or not.

It floats down to your Abra's level and asks it something, to which your Abra simply nods. Then it comes back up to you and smiles. "Gastly." It licks your face in what you can only assume is a gesture of acceptance.

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo greets his father as he goes into the house. Pulls some tacos out of the fridge, and takes them to his room.

He, Piri Piri and his newest friend have a quick snack before bed, while Leo plays his favorite song (Frealigator Sky, by Noctowl City) and the pokemon chatter loudly. After they're done, Leo goes to brush his teeth, when he gets back, the two pokemon are asleep on the floor.

Grinning, Leo gets into bed himself, and drifts into sleep

[Mistral]

Xylo's pokemon center, just like everything else in Xylo, is bigger and grander than its counterparts in the outer cities.

The nurse smiles at you nicely and nods. "Certainly, Miss. Your pokemon will be ready shortly." Rather than take them anywhere herself, an assistant appears to escort your Magnemite to get healed. The nurse merely returns to her paperwork.

One of your fellow patrons at the center approaches you. "First pokemon battle, huh? Zayir's a real treat."

"Ah, y-yes. He was really impressive," she responds, somewhat hastily due to her nerves. "I hope I can be as good of a trainer as him, someday."

[Arcran]

Had that check at a 15+ pass. Gave Bad Sit a +5 circumstance bonus for fixing a beloved pokeball, so I'll give you a +5 for fixing a beloved pokemon enacting an inspired plan.

The unconscious female Drilbur twitches each time you cut it, but it does not wake up. Though your cuts are not perfect, they are passable as a Totodile's claw marks. You very nearly kill the Drilbur, but instinct pulls your hand away at the last second. Perhaps this particular Drilbur is hardier than the average one...but certainly not luckier.

Eh, I changed my mind after. Dead works better. :smalltongue: Cab I save that +5 for later? :smallamused:

Also, for the story, remember this guy was captured BEFORE Thales went all badass.

Pitch looks at the Drilbur. No, the story wouldn't work as well alive. He goes through his Pokedex, looking at the Totodile. Five claws.... Putting the finishing tough on, he makes five parallel lines across the Drilbur's neck, cutting into the windpipe. The final, rasping breaths are like sweet music to his ears.

Pulling out the empty Potion bottle, he unscrews the lid, pouring what few drops may remain over the Drilbur. He then puts the empty body to the side.

"Thales, if he makes any hostile move towards me, take him down."

Thales nods. He took down that one easy; he could handle this one as well.

Pitch lets out the Drilbur as he slides his switchblade into his pocket. It's in easy reach, but out of sight.

Before the Drilbur can act, he speaks.

"Don't attack me yet," Pitch says, gesturing towards Thales. "I have a little story for you."

Pitch comes closer, squatting about five feet away from the Drilbur.

"Once upon a time, two trainers were training in the wilds when three little Drilbur came out of the ground. One trainer, being a cruel, vicious, person, set his fanged menace on them, blasting them with water and attacking viciously. The other," he says, pointing to himself, "did not attack. I caught you to save you from the other trainer's wrath. Your friend," he says, gesturing towards the dead female, "wasn't so lucky. The trainer encouraged his Pokemon to attack it, even though she showed no signs of hostility. It clawed, and clawed and clawed her. I made the trainer call of her Pokemon, but it was too late. The deed was done. I tried to heal her with a Potion, but she was too far gone," Pitch says, hanging his head.

"Now is the time to teach you a reality of the world. Trainers are cruel, vicious people. If not for me capturing you, you'd look just like her, or worse. I will protect you, I will keep you safe from the other trainers. I will make you strong, make you able to fight back against these monsters that enslave Pokemon. We shall take their dignity, their honor, and perhaps their very lives. How about it? Will you come with me, safe from other trainers, or will I let you go to face them alone, without a pack to defend you?"


That should do. That should do nicely, Pitch says, holding onto his knife, just in case, already formulating a story for if it attacks him.

[HZ514]

Leo greets his father as he goes into the house. Pulls some tacos out of the fridge, and takes them to his room.

He, Piri Piri and his newest friend have a quick snack before bed, while Leo plays his favorite song (Frealigator Sky, by Noctowl City) and the pokemon chatter loudly. After they're done, Leo goes to brush his teeth, when he gets back, the two pokemon are asleep on the floor.

Grinning, Leo gets into bed himself, and drifts into sleep

Sleep takes over, and you feel yourself falling through darkness. The world starts to form around you as you slow down and land on the ground. You can't quite tell where you yet, when all of a sudden a swarm of Scizors fly by you! A few of them pass merely inches away from your face. You also hear the sounds of a stampede from some distance away.

As your ears adjust, klaxons blares all around you. A voice you recognize as Halle's comes over the PA system, "Pokemon uprising underway! All visitors and employees must evacuate!"

A Braviary is flying directly at you, talons ready and with no intention of turning!

[HZ514]

"Ah, y-yes. He was really impressive," she responds, somewhat hastily due to her nerves. "I hope I can be as good of a trainer as him, someday."

"Me too!" the girl responds, extending her hand out to you. "My name's Stephanie, I just became a trainer last week. I got this little girl," she says, releasing an adorable blue bird with clouds for wings, from Zayir too!"

"So what're you going to do now?"

[HZ514]

Eh, I changed my mind after. Dead works better. :smalltongue: Cab I save that +5 for later? :smallamused:

Also, for the story, remember this guy was captured BEFORE Thales went all badass.

Pitch looks at the Drilbur. No, the story wouldn't work as well alive. He goes through his Pokedex, looking at the Totodile. Five claws.... Putting the finishing tough on, he makes five parallel lines across the Drilbur's neck, cutting into the windpipe. The final, rasping breaths are like sweet music to his ears.

Pulling out the empty Potion bottle, he unscrews the lid, pouring what few drops may remain over the Drilbur. He then puts the empty body to the side.

"Thales, if he makes any hostile move towards me, take him down."

Thales nods. He took down that one easy; he could handle this one as well.

Pitch lets out the Drilbur as he slides his switchblade into his pocket. It's in easy reach, but out of sight.

Before the Drilbur can act, he speaks.

"Don't attack me yet," Pitch says, gesturing towards Thales. "I have a little story for you."

Pitch comes closer, squatting about five feet away from the Drilbur.

"Once upon a time, two trainers were training in the wilds when three little Drilbur came out of the ground. One trainer, being a cruel, vicious, person, set his fanged menace on them, blasting them with water and attacking viciously. The other," he says, pointing to himself, "did not attack. I caught you to save you from the other trainer's wrath. Your friend," he says, gesturing towards the dead female, "wasn't so lucky. The trainer encouraged his Pokemon to attack it, even though she showed no signs of hostility. It clawed, and clawed and clawed her. I made the trainer call of her Pokemon, but it was too late. The deed was done. I tried to heal her with a Potion, but she was too far gone," Pitch says, hanging his head.

"Now is the time to teach you a reality of the world. Trainers are cruel, vicious people. If not for me capturing you, you'd look just like her, or worse. I will protect you, I will keep you safe from the other trainers. I will make you strong, make you able to fight back against these monsters that enslave Pokemon. We shall take their dignity, their honor, and perhaps their very lives. How about it? Will you come with me, safe from other trainers, or will I let you go to face them alone, without a pack to defend you?"


That should do. That should do nicely, Pitch says, holding onto his knife, just in case, already formulating a story for if it attacks him.

Your Drilbur weakly walks over to its deceased friend. He falls to his knees and starts sobbing. From how hard he's taking it, you could assume that he had feelings for the female. The crying lasts for a few minutes.

When your Drilbur finally manages to compose himself, he turns and walks to you. You can see a certain bloodthirst in his eyes, but his arms are down so it doesn't seem like he means you any harm.

Your Drilbur raises one of his arms, points back toward Port Tidings, and then drags his other claw across his throat with a low, coarse "Drilbur."

[Mistral]

"Me too!" the girl responds, extending her hand out to you. "My name's Stephanie, I just became a trainer last week. I got this little girl," she says, releasing an adorable blue bird with clouds for wings, from Zayir too!"

"So what're you going to do now?"

"Ah, um, I'm Celeste." She extended her own hand, and Stephanie took it, shaking it energetically. Her hand feeling slightly wrung, Celeste looked at the blue bird. "Oh, that is cute," she said as she pulled out her Pokedex. "May I?"

To the girl's question, she paused. She hadn't though it through, she realized; she didn't have to go home again before departing, since she knew her father would be gone to visit her mother's grave in Orum, but now that she didn't have anything keeping her in Xylo, she didn't actually have any other location to go to, yet. "I haven't decided, actually," she admitted.

[HZ514]

"Ah, um, I'm Celeste." She extended her own hand, and Stephanie took it, shaking it energetically. Her hand feeling slightly wrung, Celeste looked at the blue bird. "Oh, that is cute," she said as she pulled out her Pokedex. "May I?"

To the girl's question, she paused. She hadn't though it through, she realized; she didn't have to go home again before departing, since she knew her father would be gone to visit her mother's grave in Orum, but now that she didn't have anything keeping her in Xylo, she didn't actually have any other location to go to, yet. "I haven't decided, actually," she admitted.

"Of course!" she says cheerfully. You scan her pokemon and your Pokedex loads information on Swablu.

When she hears you answer, she responds, "Oh! In that case...would you like to come with me? My grandparents' 50th anniversary is coming up and they absolutely love the berries from Shea O'Riley's garden in Elrem Forest Clearing. I want to go there and pick some berries to give them as a present, but to be honest I'm kind of scared to go into the forest alone and I can't afford to hire one of those mercenaries."

[CosmicOccurence]

Sleep takes over, and you feel yourself falling through darkness. The world starts to form around you as you slow down and land on the ground. You can't quite tell where you yet, when all of a sudden a swarm of Scizors fly by you! A few of them pass merely inches away from your face. You also hear the sounds of a stampede from some distance away.

As your ears adjust, klaxons blares all around you. A voice you recognize as Halle's comes over the PA system, "Pokemon uprising underway! All visitors and employees must evacuate!"

A Braviary is flying directly at you, talons ready and with no intention of turning!

Leo freezes for a moment, trying to comprehend what was happening. Then he threw himself to the ground, trying to avoid the razor sharp claws of the Braviary.

He took a calming breath, trying to think rationally. Visitors and Employees, that was important, but what did it mean? Think! Find the connection. Then he realized the only place that it could possibly be How the muk did I end up in the Safari Zone?

He felt Piri's and Nightlock's pokeballs digging into his stomach. When did they get there? Not important, just that they're not bird food.

Leo stood and started running, for now away from any pokemon that seemed to be rampaging, and then stopped suddenly. Halle! She might be in trouble!There's nothing you can do about it. If you go to her, she'll just have to waste energy trying to protect you. Run, run and don't look back!

Leo gritted his teeth, and ran away from the Nature Preserve, and away from Halle.

[Kantolin]

She sighs and looks straight into the back wall as she answers with a shaky voice. "That Cubchoo I brought in earlier...it was fighting against the trainer after you...his Oshawott hit a weak spot and my Cubchoo was already hurt...poor little guy didn't make it."

Mordecai's eyes widened. Whoa, that was nowhere in his list of expectations. "Wow, that's terrible - I'm really sorry to hear that!"

He... he stopped, and looked at the pokeball with Kamoho in it. That could've happened to Kamoho, immediately outside. Was he being careful? The totodile was trusting Mordecai with his life!

And it also reminded him - he had been about to attack the snorunt again, and was about to direct Kamoho to scratch Pitch's oshawott. Had he been being careful there too?


Leia shakes her head and turns instead to you. "Mordecai...would you be willing to take my Cubchoo to Orum to lay him to rest? I really can't take leave of my duties here but he deserves a peaceful repose."

"Oh."

Mordecai nodded. "Of course - I'm more than willing to help! I'll leave soon, your cubchoo is - is in good hands, I promise."

'Your cubchoo is safe with me' had almost come out of his mouth. He almost absently took his two pokeballs back.

[HZ514]

Leo freezes for a moment, trying to comprehend what was happening. Then he threw himself to the ground, trying to avoid the razor sharp claws of the Braviary.

He took a calming breath, trying to think rationally. Visitors and Employees, that was important, but what did it mean? Think! Find the connection. Then he realized the only place that it could possibly be How the muk did I end up in the Safari Zone?

He felt Piri's and Nightlock's pokeballs digging into his stomach. When did they get there? Not important, just that they're not bird food.

Leo stood and started running, for now away from any pokemon that seemed to be rampaging, and then stopped suddenly. Halle! She might be in trouble!There's nothing you can do about it. If you go to her, she'll just have to waste energy trying to protect you. Run, run and don't look back!

Leo gritted his teeth, and ran away from the Nature Preserve, and away from Halle.

You think you're running through the Safari Zone, but none of it looks familiar. The trees aren't where they should be, bodies of water are all moved around, and the sounds of pokemon cries aren't right at all.

You hear a vicious battle off to the side and look over to see a Zangoose and a Seviper trading blows. Suddenly, half a dozen man-sized Durants burrow up from underneath you! They look angry, they look hungry, and you are surrounded with no visible route for escape.

[Arcran]

Your Drilbur weakly walks over to its deceased friend. He falls to his knees and starts sobbing. From how hard he's taking it, you could assume that he had feelings for the female. The crying lasts for a few minutes.

When your Drilbur finally manages to compose himself, he turns and walks to you. You can see a certain bloodthirst in his eyes, but his arms are down so it doesn't seem like he means you any harm.

Your Drilbur raises one of his arms, points back toward Port Tidings, and then drags his other claw across his throat with a low, coarse "Drilbur."

Pitch grins. He would do. He didn't even need to work hard to turn this one into a weapon.

"Later my friend. First, bury your friend. She deserves that decency."

The Drilbur digs quickly, creating a large grave for the female. Pitch searches for some flowers to lay on the grave. By the time he had turned back, the Drilbur had already finished.

Better than a shovel.

Pitch lays the flowers on the grave. "Return, Shovel," he says, absorbing the Pokemon with the ball. "You too Thales. I may need you later."

And with that, Pitch heads back into town, making a beeline towards the Pokemon Center.

[HZ514]

"Oh."

Mordecai nodded. "Of course - I'm more than willing to help! I'll leave soon, your cubchoo is - is in good hands, I promise."

'Your cubchoo is safe with me' had almost come out of his mouth. He almost absently took his two pokeballs back.

Another tear falls down her face as she pulls a pokeball out of her pocket. "This is a special pokeball designed for...pokemon who have passed on. Just get it to Avu in Orum and he'll know what to do with it. Thank you, Mordecai." She shakes your hand and walks back out of the pokemon center.

The nurse observes, "Best thing about our leader, I think. How even after all the violence she's seen, after all the battles she's fought, that the loss of a pokemon's life still hits her this hard. I hope you never get used to that pain, young man."

[HZ514]

Pitch grins. He would do. He didn't even need to work hard to turn this one into a weapon.

"Later my friend. First, bury your friend. She deserves that decency."

The Drilbur digs quickly, creating a large grave for the female. Pitch searches for some flowers to lay on the grave. By the time he had turned back, the Drilbur had already finished.

Better than a shovel.

Pitch lays the flowers on the grave. "Return, Shovel," he says, absorbing the Pokemon with the ball. "You too Thales. I may need you later."

And with that, Pitch heads back into town, making a beeline towards the Pokemon Center.

By the time you reach the entrance to town again, the sun is setting. The bustle of daytime has died down for the most part, with people having gone back to their houses for dinner. One little girl seems to recognize you from the gym battle earlier and instantly runs away.

The Center, being open 24 hours a day, is still just as busy as ever. Inside, people are too busy to even look at another trainer walking in the door. The only person who pays you any attention is the nurse at the counter, who glares at you.

[Arcran]

By the time you reach the entrance to town again, the sun is setting. The bustle of daytime has died down for the most part, with people having gone back to their houses for dinner. One little girl seems to recognize you from the gym battle earlier and instantly runs away.

The Center, being open 24 hours a day, is still just as busy as ever. Inside, people are too busy to even look at another trainer walking in the door. The only person who pays you any attention is the nurse at the counter, who glares at you.

"Healing, and a washing machine, if that's possible," Pitch says, walking over to the nurse that was glaring at him. "And, have you seen Leia? I- I need to talk to her."

[HZ514]

"Healing, and a washing machine, if that's possible," Pitch says, walking over to the nurse that was glaring at him. "And, have you seen Leia? I- I need to talk to her."

The nurse takes your pokeballs, and curtly points to a door to your right, back near the entrance. She stares at you indignantly upon hearing you ask about Leia, her scorn almost palpable. She ignores your question and goes to heal your pokemon.

One of the other people in the center, an older man, chimes in, "Uhh, I heard that Leia's up and holed herself up inside the gym. She's mourning that pokemon what got killed and such this afternoon. You hear about that, youngin?"

[Kantolin]

"It's the least I could do." Mordecai said, although Leia probably only heard part of that. He glanced to the nurse, and took a deep breath before letting it out.

He didn't either.

He looked at the two pokeballs he was holding with a little more hesitation than before. He needed to make sure Kamoho and the newcomer were stronger, but...

No, there was no time like the present. Now he had to get moving - he wanted to get to Orum. Thus, after thanking the nurse and stepping outside, out came Kamoho - with another glare. He paused.

"...Kamoho, you always seem upset when I send you out. You don't like pokeballs, do you?"

"DILE!"

The totodile's energetically angry response actually brought a smile to Mordecai's face. For a moment, he wasn't thinking about the cubchoo. "Ah. Okay, I'll try to avoid that, then. But! It's time to meet a new friend!"

Out came the other pokeball - complete with drilbur. Mordecai knelt slightly, and smiled. "Hello! I'm Mordecai." He reached one hand forward. "I'm looking forward to - " He began, when the drilbur slashed him with one claw - and hard.

"YEOW!" And amidst his shout of pain, Kamoho reacted - biting the drilbur fiercely who -

~~~~

One quick repeat trip to the pokemon centre later, Mordecai tried again, releasing the drilbur. "Hey!"

That caused the drilbur to halt long enough for the ranger to talk. "Okay! Yeesh! I don't get why you're so mad - you attacked /us/!"

"Drilbur!"
"Dile!"

The drilbur swerved to the totodile. "DRILBUR!"

The totodile snapped his jaws threatening. "DILE!"

"ENOUGH! Both of you!" Resulting in two visibly pouting pokemon. Mordecai inhaled, and exhaled. Things were supposed to get /easier/ when you had a second pokemon, not harder.

So he sighed. "Look, you're mad because Kamoho and I beat you up, right?"

"DRILL!"

"Then wait for a bit. We're going to be training right now, so we can get to Orum - if you stick with it, you'll get much stronger."

Bull. The drilbur was having none of this nonsense - he wanted to go home. But as he stepped forward, he did notice Kamoho step towards him.

Mordecai noted that with interest - the drilbur was actively afraid of Kamoho.

It wasn't likely that he was getting through tonight, though. "Okay... let's get going! We're losing daylight."

He returned his drilbur. True to his word, Kamoho got to ride on his shoulder. "Let's get you something to bite - besides me!" He added, jerking his head and the totodile away from himself. What was the saying - like herding meowth?

He walked out the other exit of town, looking around - staying within or just out of sight of the city gates.

[Arcran]

The nurse takes your pokeballs, and curtly points to a door to your right, back near the entrance. She stares at you indignantly upon hearing you ask about Leia, her scorn almost palpable. She ignores your question and goes to heal your pokemon.

One of the other people in the center, an older man, chimes in, "Uhh, I heard that Leia's up and holed herself up inside the gym. She's mourning that pokemon what got killed and such this afternoon. You hear about that, youngin?"

"I'm just trying to make things right," Pitch says sadly as the nurse walks away.

Pitch tries to wash most of the blood off of his shirt in a sink.

"Yeah, I heard about it," Pitch says, not elaborating more.

When the nurse brings his Pokeballs back, Pitch heads for the Gym. Best to not let her stew on it all night.

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo looked at the giant bug pokemon that surrounded him. I can't outrun them, and neither can Piri Piri or Nightlock. Which means we need a miracle or a distraction. He crouched, and released his two pokemon. When they saw what was around them, they blanched, and started suddering in fear.

Listen Leo whispered I'm going to be honest with the two of you. We're not all going to make it out of this alive. Tears started rolling down his cheeks, I'll create a distraction, throw some pokeballs, ge them angry. You have to run, both of you.

Leo shoved the last of his peppers to the two pokemon.Piri Piri, don't eat them all at once, Nightlock, the tears fell fast and thick now. I promised you would never go hungry again. I have to break that promise. And I'm so sorry you met me that day, because if we hadn't, you'd be safe now.

He hugged them quickly, and pushed them away. Run, Run and Don't Look back. He pulled out his pokegear, his finger hovering over the send button. He clicked it, sending a message that he had typed while running. I'm sorry I never told you this in person, but I love you. And goodbye.

Then he turned to the bugs, pulling out a pokeball, and picking up a stick off the ground.

I'm sorry, so so sorry.

[HZ514]

"It's the least I could do." Mordecai said, although Leia probably only heard part of that. He glanced to the nurse, and took a deep breath before letting it out.

He didn't either.

He looked at the two pokeballs he was holding with a little more hesitation than before. He needed to make sure Kamoho and the newcomer were stronger, but...

No, there was no time like the present. Now he had to get moving - he wanted to get to Orum. Thus, after thanking the nurse and stepping outside, out came Kamoho - with another glare. He paused.

"...Kamoho, you always seem upset when I send you out. You don't like pokeballs, do you?"

"DILE!"

The totodile's energetically angry response actually brought a smile to Mordecai's face. For a moment, he wasn't thinking about the cubchoo. "Ah. Okay, I'll try to avoid that, then. But! It's time to meet a new friend!"

Out came the other pokeball - complete with drilbur. Mordecai knelt slightly, and smiled. "Hello! I'm Mordecai." He reached one hand forward. "I'm looking forward to - " He began, when the drilbur slashed him with one claw - and hard.

"YEOW!" And amidst his shout of pain, Kamoho reacted - biting the drilbur fiercely who -

~~~~

One quick repeat trip to the pokemon centre later, Mordecai tried again, releasing the drilbur. "Hey!"

That caused the drilbur to halt long enough for the ranger to talk. "Okay! Yeesh! I don't get why you're so mad - you attacked /us/!"

"Drilbur!"
"Dile!"

The drilbur swerved to the totodile. "DRILBUR!"

The totodile snapped his jaws threatening. "DILE!"

"ENOUGH! Both of you!" Resulting in two visibly pouting pokemon. Mordecai inhaled, and exhaled. Things were supposed to get /easier/ when you had a second pokemon, not harder.

So he sighed. "Look, you're mad because Kamoho and I beat you up, right?"

"DRILL!"

"Then wait for a bit. We're going to be training right now, so we can get to Orum - if you stick with it, you'll get much stronger."

Bull. The drilbur was having none of this nonsense - he wanted to go home. But as he stepped forward, he did notice Kamoho step towards him.

Mordecai noted that with interest - the drilbur was actively afraid of Kamoho.

It wasn't likely that he was getting through tonight, though. "Okay... let's get going! We're losing daylight."

He returned his drilbur. True to his word, Kamoho got to ride on his shoulder. "Let's get you something to bite - besides me!" He added, jerking his head and the totodile away from himself. What was the saying - like herding meowth?

He walked out the other exit of town, looking around - staying within or just out of sight of the city gates.

You walk around for a bit, looking for trouble. Though you find nothing interesting for a while, eventually you catch out of the corner of your eye some rocks moving. Wait...some rocks moving? You look closer and there are indeed four smallish rocks scooting across the ground. It's confusing, to say the least.

[HZ514]

"I'm just trying to make things right," Pitch says sadly as the nurse walks away.

Pitch tries to wash most of the blood off of his shirt in a sink.

"Yeah, I heard about it," Pitch says, not elaborating more.

When the nurse brings his Pokeballs back, Pitch heads for the Gym. Best to not let her stew on it all night.

You succeed in cleaning your shirt. There are still a few faint red marks, but nothing recognizable as blood.

Outside, the sun has set. Every so often, the relative darkness is brightly illuminated by Port Tidings' massive lighthouse. You reach the Gym without incident.

[Arcran]

You succeed in cleaning your shirt. There are still a few faint red marks, but nothing recognizable as blood.

Outside, the sun has set. Every so often, the relative darkness is brightly illuminated by Port Tidings' massive lighthouse. You reach the Gym without incident.

Pitch goes to the front door.

"Uh, hey," he says to whoever answers the door. "I'd like to talk to Leia. You probably remember me and my Oshawott from earlier," he says, flinching at the likely glare. "I- I never got to say a proper apology. I want to set things right."

No, he didn't. But if he helped, perhaps they wouldn't run him out of town.

[HZ514]

Leo looked at the giant bug pokemon that surrounded him. I can't outrun them, and neither can Piri Piri or Nightlock. Which means we need a miracle or a distraction. He crouched, and released his two pokemon. When they saw what was around them, they blanched, and started suddering in fear.

Listen Leo whispered I'm going to be honest with the two of you. We're not all going to make it out of this alive. Tears started rolling down his cheeks, I'll create a distraction, throw some pokeballs, ge them angry. You have to run, both of you.

Leo shoved the last of his peppers to the two pokemon."] Piri Piri, don't eat them all at once, Nightlock, the tears fell fast and thick now. I promised you would never go hungry again. I have to break that promise. And I'm so sorry you met me that day, because if we hadn't, you'd be safe now.

He hugged them quickly, and pushed them away. Run, Run and Don't Look back. He pulled out his pokegear, his finger hovering over the send button. He clicked it, sending a message that he had typed while running. I'm sorry I never told you this in person, but I love you. And goodbye.

Then he turned to the bugs, pulling out a pokeball, and picking up a stick off the ground.

I'm sorry, so so sorry.

Your pokemon manage to squeeze past the Durants, who seem to understand the sacrifice you're making. Unfortunately, they do not share your capacity for compassion.

They start to open and close their vice-like claw with brutal intent. They don't intend to cut you down methodically, though they easily could. No, they intend to execute you. The alpha male steps up for the first, perhaps only, strike.

Guillotine!
AC 15 [roll0]
If hit, target is set to 0 HP dies. (Guillotines do not render their victims unconscious, come on.)

[Kantolin]

"....hm?"

Mordecai glanced a little closer. "Are those rocks... moving?"

Kamoho's eyes went level. Seriously. 'Sure, I'll bring you to something you can bite' and now he's staring at rocks? Did Mordecai seriously intend for him to bite rocks?!

"Maybe those are... oh! Oh right!" And out came his pokedex. He had a method of detecting 'is this a pokemon'... and he'd forgotten to sync it to his styler. Bah.

Still, he aimed it at the moving rocks. Which certainly did not help Kamoho's interest in the current situation.

[Mistral]

"Of course!" she says cheerfully. You scan her pokemon and your Pokedex loads information on Swablu.

When she hears you answer, she responds, "Oh! In that case...would you like to come with me? My grandparents' 50th anniversary is coming up and they absolutely love the berries from Shea O'Riley's garden in Elrem Forest Clearing. I want to go there and pick some berries to give them as a present, but to be honest I'm kind of scared to go into the forest alone and I can't afford to hire one of those mercenaries."

"I...sure. Yeah, if I can help at all, I'm sure I can come with. All I need to wait for is Randel's treatment to finish. Ah, that's my Magnemite." she elaborated, glancing over at the door through which the assistant went.

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo ducks, and the metal jaws snap over his head. He takes a step back Buy time, just buy as much time as you possibly can. In the back of his head, he realizes that this was his first time in the safari zone as a trainer. Irony was so bittersweet.

He throws the pokeball, hopefully the thing would die when the ball got crushed between its friends feet and the cold ground.

[roll0]

[HZ514]

Pitch goes to the front door.

"Uh, hey," he says to whoever answers the door. "I'd like to talk to Leia. You probably remember me and my Oshawott from earlier," he says, flinching at the likely glare. "I- I never got to say a proper apology. I want to set things right."

No, he didn't. But if he helped, perhaps they wouldn't run him out of town.

A girl answers the door and, yup, glares at you. "You have the nerve...Leia's in her office. I hope she beats your face in for showing it again here. She pointed to a door in the far back of the gym. That same glare is on all the other trainers who are still present. Then again, these are the trainers who spend all day every day with Leia, so their opinions of you are probably among the worst in town.

[HZ514]

"....hm?"

Mordecai glanced a little closer. "Are those rocks... moving?"

Kamoho's eyes went level. Seriously. 'Sure, I'll bring you to something you can bite' and now he's staring at rocks? Did Mordecai seriously intend for him to bite rocks?!

"Maybe those are... oh! Oh right!" And out came his pokedex. He had a method of detecting 'is this a pokemon'... and he'd forgotten to sync it to his styler. Bah.

Still, he aimed it at the moving rocks. Which certainly did not help Kamoho's interest in the current situation.

Your Totodile waits impatiently as your Pokedex beeps. Soon, it starts to load info on a pokemon called "Dwebble"! Apparently these moving rocks are indeed pokemon.

Before you can really react though, a pair of birds swoop down and pick up two of the Dwebbles! Another pair of younger looking birds try to pick up the last two Dwebbles, but suddenly a big rock nearby starts moving and intercepts the birds! It launches some rocks at one of the birds and hurts it fairly severely.

The two older birds return, and the bigger rock pokemon turns its attention to them. You are standing there, trying to decide how best to get involved if at all. None of the pokemon are paying attention to you right now.

Map! (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtZsssa3c8PJdDJ0eWhLY0dDOHhXQ0ZXZXpUVzhNR lE#gid=0)

[HZ514]

"I...sure. Yeah, if I can help at all, I'm sure I can come with. All I need to wait for is Randel's treatment to finish. Ah, that's my Magnemite." she elaborated, glancing over at the door through which the assistant went.

The assistant hands the nurse your pokemon. "Here you go, Miss!" the nurse says. She again goes right back to her paperwork.

"Great! Oooh, your Magnemite looks strong. It's a little too late to head out now, unless we want to sleep in Elrem Forest tonight...I know I don't. But we can definitely get some training done so we're a little stronger once we do go. Want to?" she asks, gesturing toward the door.

[Arcran]

A girl answers the door and, yup, glares at you. "You have the nerve...Leia's in her office. I hope she beats your face in for showing it again here. She pointed to a door in the far back of the gym. That same glare is on all the other trainers who are still present. Then again, these are the trainers who spend all day every day with Leia, so their opinions of you are probably among the worst in town.

Pitch walks through the Gym, head down, not looking to either side. He goes straight to Leia's office, trying to seem like he was blocking the glares. Really, they were praise. But he couldn't act like that. Even one of them could probably take him down.

He finally arrives at the door and knocks on it. "Leia... It's Pitch. Can we talk?"

[HZ514]

Leo ducks, and the metal jaws snap over his head. He takes a step back Buy time, just buy as much time as you possibly can. In the back of his head, he realizes that this was his first time in the safari zone as a trainer. Irony was so bittersweet.

He throws the pokeball, hopefully the thing would die when the ball got crushed between its friends feet and the cold ground.

[roll0]

The Durants had been laughing at you, dodging for your life like a little...well, ant. When your pokeball absorbs one of them though, the rest stop laughing.

Not one second later, almost before the pokeball even hits the ground, the Durant breaks free. And they all resume laughing.

This time the one you just tried to catch steps up. The rest chomp their jaws even louder than before.

Guillotine!
[roll0]
Good luck.

[HZ514]

Pitch walks through the Gym, head down, not looking to either side. He goes straight to Leia's office, trying to seem like he was blocking the glares. Really, they were praise. But he couldn't act like that. Even one of them could probably take him down.

He finally arrives at the door and knocks on it. "Leia... It's Pitch. Can we talk?"

Leia answers the door. Her eyes look bloodshot. It seems like she is about to scream at you, but she instead motions you toward the chair in front of her desk. She closes the door and takes her seat.

When you two are both seated, she leans over and opens one of the bottom drawers of her desk. She reaches inside to pull something out.

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo throws himself to the side this time. He knew he had no chance of winning. It was all a matter of how long they wanted to play with their food. But he had one more pokeball and by mew he would use it!

[roll0]

[HZ514]

Leo throws himself to the side this time. He knew he had no chance of winning. It was all a matter of how long they wanted to play with their food. But he had one more pokeball and by mew he would use it!

[spoiler][roll0][/spolier]

This time, the pokeball actually shakes a few times. For a moment, it seems like you actually might catch it!

But then it breaks out, already laughing. Seems like it was just toying with you. The Durants as a whole though, are not toying with you anymore. This time, all of them step up.

You brace yourself for the impact, as there will be no dodging this.

Guillotine! Times SIX!!
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
Wait...none of them hit?!
Screw the numbers, I have GM abilities! You die.


Everything goes dark. For just a split second, you are afraid that you've actually died.

You snap awake, safe in your own bed. It is the next morning, and your pokemon are soundly asleep right where they were before.

[Kantolin]

"Whoa!"

Impulse one was to ensure any civilians in the area were safe, and that made clear to try to back away before he became the centre of attention. With no civilians around, he could...

Wait. No, right. Pokemon trainer.

Okay so instead, he took a good look. Okay, the birds were invading the rock things - dwebble? What weird rock pokemon. Anyway, didn't rock beat flying? Why were birds trying to eat rocks? Were those actually not flying pokemon? Or... not actually rocks? But they were named /pebble/!

....a war was going on in front of his face, and he was complaining about types. Man, Mordecai. He pointed.

"Let's keep those birds out, Kamoho! Scratch that one!"

Now /that/ was something Kamoho could get on board with. He launched himself off Mordecai's shoulder - teeth giving another of his strange slashes. Out came Mordecai's styler, which he launched forward in an arc.



Mordecai uses his styler on A2!
Restraining roll: [roll0] (Whoops, forgot the -20! That's actually 48)

Kamoho moves to H-7!
Kamoho uses scratch against Y2!
Attack roll: [roll1]
Damage roll: [roll2]

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo lay in a cold sweat on his bed for a full minute while is mind was processing what had happened. Leo never has nightmare, not once that he could ever remember. And from what the books on them he had read, they usually weren't that bad.

He glanced over at Piri Piri and Nightlock It will never happen, I promise. And then, a rather unforunate thought struck him.

Oh muk! for holy love of mew and arceus and all the great pokemon above and below ... Pleas don't have sent that text in real life. He snatched his pokegear off his nightstand and checked it. No text, thank goodness.

Leo got up and went to take a shower after putting his sheets in to wash. They smelled horribly now. That dream was not normal. Not normal at all... Hypno can induce nightmares, but there was no hypno in my room... and I'd probably be dead from the way that dream ended. No, it's something much more powerful than a hypno.

After the shower, Leo went to his personal library and took three volumes from their shelves. "Legends of Wuhtu" "On the nature of the Unconscious Mind" and "Pokemon of the Darke" He heated up some spicy tea, and pursued the volumes at length, searching for an answer.

know check, [roll0] i believe. Yes I have a very specific pokemon in mind.

[HZ514]

"Whoa!"

Impulse one was to ensure any civilians in the area were safe, and that made clear to try to back away before he became the centre of attention. With no civilians around, he could...

Wait. No, right. Pokemon trainer.

Okay so instead, he took a good look. Okay, the birds were invading the rock things - dwebble? What weird rock pokemon. Anyway, didn't rock beat flying? Why were birds trying to eat rocks? Were those actually not flying pokemon? Or... not actually rocks? But they were named /pebble/!

....a war was going on in front of his face, and he was complaining about types. Man, Mordecai. He pointed.

"Let's keep those birds out, Kamoho! Scratch that one!"

Now /that/ was something Kamoho could get on board with. He launched himself off Mordecai's shoulder - teeth giving another of his strange slashes. Out came Mordecai's styler, which he launched forward in an arc.



Mordecai uses his styler on A2!
Restraining roll: [roll0]

Kamoho moves to H-7!
Kamoho uses scratch against Y2!
Attack roll: [roll1]
Damage roll: [roll2]



You nobly decide to help these Dwebbles defend their home ground. Your pokedex beeps another time and shows you more information about them. They are Bug/Rock types.

The bird you try to restrain is able to break free of your styler, but is too preoccupied with the large rock pokemon to be able to retaliate.

Your Totodile scratches the closest young bird and looks to have done some solid damage.

The battle, which you now find yourself a third party in, rages on in spite of your intervention. The two larger birds peck away at the large rock pokemon, which looks relatively unfazed. The distant small bird attacks one of the Dwebbles, also doing minimal damage to its target. The rock pokemon respond with considerably more painful strikes. The large one slams some rocks into one of the adult birds, knocking it backward. The two Dwebbles team up on the other adult bird, combining to be about as effective.

The small bird that your Totodile attacked responds by backing up and launching itself at Kamoho!

Tackle
AC 3 [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Crit: [roll2]

[HZ514]

Leo lay in a cold sweat on his bed for a full minute while is mind was processing what had happened. Leo never has nightmare, not once that he could ever remember. And from what the books on them he had read, they usually weren't that bad.

He glanced over at Piri Piri and Nightlock It will never happen, I promise. And then, a rather unforunate thought struck him.

Oh muk! for holy love of mew and arceus and all the great pokemon above and below ... Pleas don't have sent that text in real life. He snatched his pokegear off his nightstand and checked it. No text, thank goodness.

Leo got up and went to take a shower after putting his sheets in to wash. They smelled horribly now. That dream was not normal. Not normal at all... Hypno can induce nightmares, but there was no hypno in my room... and I'd probably be dead from the way that dream ended. No, it's something much more powerful than a hypno.

After the shower, Leo went to his personal library and took three volumes from their shelves. "Legends of Wuhtu" "On the nature of the Unconscious Mind" and "Pokemon of the Darke" He heated up some spicy tea, and pursued the volumes at length, searching for an answer.

know check, [roll0] i believe. Yes I have a very specific pokemon in mind.

You pore over your volumes of forgotten lore, but while you ponder, weak and weary, about your midnight nightmare query, you end up feeling fairly dreary, because you are unable to find anything concrete.

Eventually you are interrupted by your pokemon having woke up and poking you. They are--as could be expected--hungry.

[Kantolin]

/Now/ Kamoho was much happier. His jaws were happy, and thus he was happy. He batted aside the attack by the bird - Time for another!

He was then interrupted by the array of light from Mordecai zipping past him. "Keep it up, Kamoho! Scr... bite your heart out!" Mordecai shouted as his styler flashed by. The totodile happily complied.



Mordecai uses his styler on A2! Again!
Restraining roll: [roll0]

Kamoho uses scratch against Y2! Again!
Attack roll: [roll1]
Damage roll: [roll2]

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo frowns at his books. That he couldn't find anything was weird, and he didn't like it. He closed his books when the pokemon came in. I suppose you want some food, don't you? They smiled in unison. Alright, give me half an hour. We'll have scrambled torchic eggs, and tepig bacon, and toast.

Leo sets off working in the kitchen, hoping to make his mother proud of him. It was also a good way to calm his nerves. He served the food when it was done, leaving the last serving for his mother.

Leo's father doesn't especially like spicy food, so he cooks everything for himself.

[Arcran]

Leia answers the door. Her eyes look bloodshot. It seems like she is about to scream at you, but she instead motions you toward the chair in front of her desk. She closes the door and takes her seat.

When you two are both seated, she leans over and opens one of the bottom drawers of her desk. She reaches inside to pull something out.

"Look Leia, I'm really sorry about what happened earlier. It was an accident, I promise-" he says, pausing so she can grab whatever she is grabbing.

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas cringed as he let Loki's ectoplasmic tongue roll over his face. This was better than nothing and if he disapproved of it whatever rapport the Gastly had for him would go down the drain. It seemed that Orobas had been helpful once again; the name he had chosen was suiting the psychic type more and more by the second.

"Let's get some training in today. I don't think I should be risking the road just yet. When we get back I'll buy us all something too eat."

It was common knowledge that the roads were not particularly safe, so they would probably have to stick closer to the town. Or even find trainers within the tơn itself. Maybe he could challenge the other children who had received their Pokemon today. Would they be in the Pokemon Center? He would just have to see.

Returning both Loki and Orobas to their respective Pokeballs, Nikolas moved back into the lobby wearing his deadened frown, to scout out familiar faces.

[HZ514]

/Now/ Kamoho was much happier. His jaws were happy, and thus he was happy. He batted aside the attack by the bird - Time for another!

He was then interrupted by the array of light from Mordecai zipping past him. "Keep it up, Kamoho! Scr... bite your heart out!" Mordecai shouted as his styler flashed by. The totodile happily complied.



Mordecai uses his styler on A2! Again!
Restraining roll: [roll0]

Kamoho uses scratch against Y2! Again!
Attack roll: [roll1]
Damage roll: [roll2]



As the battle rages on, your pokedex finally returns full info on the pokemon you scanned.

Dwebble: things and stuff.

You attempt to restrain the bird once again, but it is able to slip out this time as well. It seems particularly quick.

Your Totodile scratches the other bird with its teeth and is able to render his opponent unconscious. The bird falls to the ground, motionless but breathing.

The two older birds, enraged at their young being knocked out, start to turn their attention to you. But the large rock pokemon is able to cut their aggression short by launching another rock into the large bird by it, knocking that bird unconscious as well! Then the two smaller rock pokemon, inspired by their bigger brethren's success, emulate it by downing their target too.

Now alone, the bird you've been trying to restrain looks like it's panicking. This would-have-been routine food pickup is proving much deadlier than it had hoped! It tries to flee, but the opening volley from the large rock pokemon has rendered it unable to fly. It merely hobbles a few feet away.

You find yourself on the victorious side, in a sense. You are unsure whether the rock pokemon will be grateful for your assistance or wary of your intrusion, as for the moment they are still paying attention to the birds.

[HZ514]

Leo frowns at his books. That he couldn't find anything was weird, and he didn't like it. He closed his books when the pokemon came in. I suppose you want some food, don't you? They smiled in unison. Alright, give me half an hour. We'll have scrambled torchic eggs, and tepig bacon, and toast.

Leo sets off working in the kitchen, hoping to make his mother proud of him. It was also a good way to calm his nerves. He served the food when it was done, leaving the last serving for his mother.

Leo's father doesn't especially like spicy food, so he cooks everything for himself.

You successfully whip up enough food to feed yourself, your two pokemon, and possible another person! That is, if your newfound Munchlax doesn't feel especially hungry today. Your pokemon are very happy as they eat the food you made them.

It would seem strange for them to have any knowledge of your noble sacrifice for them in your dream...but somehow, it feels like they understand exactly what you would do for them if push came to shove. When they are done eating, both Piri Piri and Nightlock hug one of your legs each.

Then they stand back to back, and it looks like they're comparing which one is taller. They look at you, expecting a ruling.

Piri Piri loyalty: 2 -> 3!
Nightlock loyalty: 2 -> 3!

[HZ514]

"Look Leia, I'm really sorry about what happened earlier. It was an accident, I promise-" he says, pausing so she can grab whatever she is grabbing.

Leia slowly pulls her hand out, closes the drawer, and swings her arm up over the desk.

She sets down a syringe and waves you off. "It's alright, Pitch. I believe you, that it was an accident. I mean, what kind of trainer tries to kill a pokemon in their first battle?"

"I'm sorry for being so curt with you earlier. I was in shock about my Cubchoo. It's just...it always hurts when a pokemon passes away, but for on to die that young really tears at me. I forgot how much that must have hurt you and took my anger out on you. I'm sorry, Pitch."

"I'm glad you came back, because I realized it was wrong of me to deny you a TM. You did win, after all. I also realized that I have the perfect TM for you, all things considered. This one contains False Swipe, a move that will bring a pokemon to the verge of fainting but no further. Teach it to your Oshawott--I'm guessing it feels bad just like us--and he'll never have to feel the pain of taking another pokemon's life ever again."

"I also owe you another couple of pokeballs, so here you go." She pulls out another two pokeballs and sets them down on the table next to the TM. She looks at you and smiles.

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo inspects his charges, You know, I do think you two are exactly the same height.

They looked at Leo, eyebrow's raised. yes, they just so happened to be exactly the same height, how convenient

Noticing their looks, Leo smiled. How about we do some training, and then I need to go talk to Halle about ... traveling.

The two pokemon nodded, they were looking forward to testing their strength. Leo returned the two pokemon, and headed off to try and find some of the trainers who had earned their starters yesterday.

[Arcran]

Leia slowly pulls her hand out, closes the drawer, and swings her arm up over the desk.

She sets down a syringe and waves you off. "It's alright, Pitch. I believe you, that it was an accident. I mean, what kind of trainer tries to kill a pokemon in their first battle?"

"I'm sorry for being so curt with you earlier. I was in shock about my Cubchoo. It's just...it always hurts when a pokemon passes away, but for on to die that young really tears at me. I forgot how much that must have hurt you and took my anger out on you. I'm sorry, Pitch."

"I'm glad you came back, because I realized it was wrong of me to deny you a TM. You did win, after all. I also realized that I have the perfect TM for you, all things considered. This one contains False Swipe, a move that will bring a pokemon to the verge of fainting but no further. Teach it to your Oshawott--I'm guessing it feels bad just like us--and he'll never have to feel the pain of taking another pokemon's life ever again."

"I also owe you another couple of pokeballs, so here you go." She pulls out another two pokeballs and sets them down on the table next to the TM. She looks at you and smiles.

Pitch gives a genuine smile at the TM gift, which may have not been a good idea. Not a fake, normal smile, but a real smile.

"Thanks," he says, pocketing the Pokeballs and TM. "I'll be sure to teach it to him soon. Try to avoid something like that happening again. I wouldn't want to have to put me, Thales, and another trainer through that again."

"Anyways, about why I came here. I was wondering if you would like some help with a funeral, or maybe a service? I feel bad about it, and would be willing to help in any way possible."

At least she isn't angry. Maybe they aren't as weak as I thought.

[HZ514]

Nikolas cringed as he let Loki's ectoplasmic tongue roll over his face. This was better than nothing and if he disapproved of it whatever rapport the Gastly had for him would go down the drain. It seemed that Orobas had been helpful once again; the name he had chosen was suiting the psychic type more and more by the second.

"Let's get some training in today. I don't think I should be risking the road just yet. When we get back I'll buy us all something too eat."

It was common knowledge that the roads were not particularly safe, so they would probably have to stick closer to the town. Or even find trainers within the tơn itself. Maybe he could challenge the other children who had received their Pokemon today. Would they be in the Pokemon Center? He would just have to see.

Returning both Loki and Orobas to their respective Pokeballs, Nikolas moved back into the lobby wearing his deadened frown, to scout out familiar faces.

Totally forgot you were still in the Center!

Around the lobby, conversations fly and people all seem busy. Unfortunately, you don't recognize any of the people in there at the moment.

Then the doors burst open and another trainer runs in, shouting excitedly, "Hooray! Hey everyone, I just caught my first pokemon! I'm a real trainer, wahoo!" The other patrons seem amused, and a few clap for him rather genuinely. He strolls up to the counter and tells the nurse, "Remember me? I came in earlier! I have two pokemon now. Please heal them up, it was hard capturing this one, he says with a huge smile. The nurse nods and takes his pokemon back for healing.

The trainer turns to you and his face looks roughly familiar. His memory seems crystal clear. "Hey, you're the kid that went after me! Did you beat Mister Sylum too?"

[HZ514]

Leo inspects his charges, You know, I do think you two are exactly the same height.

They looked at Leo, eyebrow's raised. yes, they just so happened to be exactly the same height, how convenient

Noticing their looks, Leo smiled. How about we do some training, and then I need to go talk to Halle about ... traveling.

The two pokemon nodded, they were looking forward to testing their strength. Leo returned the two pokemon, and headed off to try and find some of the trainers who had earned their starters yesterday.

You walk around town for a while, but you can't see any of the other trainers who would have earned their starters yesterday just like you. Suddenly your pokegear starts ringing!
This is a phone call, just to be perfectly clear.

[HZ514]

Pitch gives a genuine smile at the TM gift, which may have not been a good idea. Not a fake, normal smile, but a real smile.

"Thanks," he says, pocketing the Pokeballs and TM. "I'll be sure to teach it to him soon. Try to avoid something like that happening again. I wouldn't want to have to put me, Thales, and another trainer through that again."

"Anyways, about why I came here. I was wondering if you would like some help with a funeral, or maybe a service? I feel bad about it, and would be willing to help in any way possible."

At least she isn't angry. Maybe they aren't as weak as I thought.

She nods as you accept the TM. To your potential surprise, she doesn't seem very perked up at the idea of a funeral.

"No, it's alright. I'd rather like to just put this whole business out of mind and focus on happier things. Also, I've already asked Mordecai to bring the Cubchoo's body up to Orum for a proper burial. Avu is great with that sort of thing. Have you ever been to Orum, Pitch?" she asks you wistfully.

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo flips his pokegear open. Hello, this is Leo.

[HZ514]

Leo flips his pokegear open. Hello, this is Leo.

The voice from the other end comes out incredibly loudly at first. "HI! Leo?" Someone on the other end tells the speaker that there's no need to yell. "Oh, sorry. But hi Leo, my name's Billy and I went after you yesterday. I beat Halle too!"

"So I just came back to the gym to ask her for the other starting trainers' numbers, and I got yours and another girl's. I called her first because she's a girl, but she's apparently already out on the road. So I figured, maybe we could have a little battle? It would be good for our pokemon! Whaddya say?"

[CosmicOccurence]

Leo smiled, this was just too perfect. Actually I as just trying to find another rookie to have a battle with. I caught another pokemon yesterday, do you have two? Either way, lets meet outside the pokemon center. That way we'll be close to healing after the battle.

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas steps back suddenly, frightened by the sudden appearance of the newcomer. He quickly hid his discomfort and regarded the trainer coolly, "Yes I did. My Pokemon have just been healed." Though he was not yet comfortable with speaking to other trainers, the loud boy was exactly what he was looking for. Battling the other trainers in the gym was likely not a good idea, with at least half of them being somewhat experienced trainers or potential gym challengers. Thankfully, the excitable trainer was neither of these things, and a new trainer, just like himself.

"If you would be willing, I should like to battle you," he said, jumping straight into the point.

[HZ514]

Leo smiled, this was just too perfect. Actually I as just trying to find another rookie to have a battle with. I caught another pokemon yesterday, do you have two? Either way, lets meet outside the pokemon center. That way we'll be close to healing after the battle.

"Cool! And that's neat that you've caught another pokemon already. I still only have my starter, but we trained all day yesterday so hopefully it's pretty strong! Sure, I'll see you there."

You hear a click as the boy hangs up.

[CosmicOccurence]

A wild glitchmonster appears!

[HZ514]

Nikolas steps back suddenly, frightened by the sudden appearance of the newcomer. He quickly hid his discomfort and regarded the trainer coolly, "Yes I did. My Pokemon have just been healed." Though he was not yet comfortable with speaking to other trainers, the loud boy was exactly what he was looking for. Battling the other trainers in the gym was likely not a good idea, with at least half of them being somewhat experienced trainers or potential gym challengers. Thankfully, the excitable trainer was neither of these things, and a new trainer, just like himself.

"If you would be willing, I should like to battle you," he said, jumping straight into the point.

"Sure! Battles are a lot of fun. He extends his hand to you. "My name's Shane.

The nurse quickly returns with Shane's pokemon. "Here you are, Sir." She seems to know what you two are planning from just looking at you. "Oh geez, you two are about to battle aren't you? You kids are always so eager. Can you please go outside of town? Thanks, and I'll be here when you get back."

The boy shrugs and motions for you to follow him outside like the nurse asked.

[Arcran]

She nods as you accept the TM. To your potential surprise, she doesn't seem very perked up at the idea of a funeral.

"No, it's alright. I'd rather like to just put this whole business out of mind and focus on happier things. Also, I've already asked Mordecai to bring the Cubchoo's body up to Orum for a proper burial. Avu is great with that sort of thing. Have you ever been to Orum, Pitch?" she asks you wistfully.

"Yes, once upon a time. I have family there, family I'm not particularly fond of," Pitch says. "I try to avoid it, more to stay away from them than anything," he says.

A passable story. Not your best, but passable.

"Anyways, my condolences for your loss and thank you for the . If you change your mind about a service, call me. You should have my number; you gave me the Pokegear after all."

Unless otherwise interrupted, Pitch rises to leave and goes to rent a room at the Pokemon Center.

[Bad Situation]

Nikolas accepts the hand warily and gives it a slight shake. "Lead the way. Based on your previous statement, you have two Pokemon. I have also obtained a second Pokemon in addition to my starter." Nikolas follows Shane for a ways before remembering to give his name, "My name is Nikolas."

[HZ514]

"Yes, once upon a time. I have family there, family I'm not particularly fond of," Pitch says. "I try to avoid it, more to stay away from them than anything," he says.

A passable story. Not your best, but passable.

"Anyways, my condolences for your loss and thank you for the . If you change your mind about a service, call me. You should have my number; you gave me the Pokegear after all."

Unless otherwise interrupted, Pitch rises to leave and goes to rent a room at the Pokemon Center.

Leia bids you farewell as you leave. She pulls out her pokegear as you stand up. Right before you close her door, you think you hear her say, "Hey, Avu."

The streets are mostly dead, as it's fairly late by now. You see no one on your way to the Center. Inside, only a few people go about their business and it looks like the nightshift nurse has taken over working at the counter. It does not seem like she recognizes you. "Awful late for a kid to walk in. What can I do you for?"

[CosmicOccurence]

It sounds like his started will probably be stronger than Piri Piri if he trained with it all day. Leo released his pokemon. Nightlock I know you want to battle, but we're facing an opponet stronger than both you and Piri Piri, and Piri will probably have type advantage over the opponet. i promise we'll go training today, but I need money if I'm going to leave town this week. Are you ok with that.

Nightlock nodded somberly, and then looked up quickly. Lax? Leo laughed Yes, you can have some peppers. He hands some to Nightlock, and turns to Piri Pir. Eat this, we might need fire moves again today, and that starter will probably have the berry Halle gave them.

Then, returning both pokemon, Leo heads to the pokemon center, to have his first trainer battle.

[HZ514]

Nikolas accepts the hand warily and gives it a slight shake. "Lead the way. Based on your previous statement, you have two Pokemon. I have also obtained a second Pokemon in addition to my starter." Nikolas follows Shane for a ways before remembering to give his name, "My name is Nikolas."

Shane is quite talkative as the two of you walk.

"...so then Mister Sylum pulls out three pokeballs, right? And he's all like, 'Choose your fate' and stuff. Man that guy is cool. He's so...so...just cool. Did you know that he once survived a 50-person tournament to the death? Fifty people! And he came out on top. I can't even imagine."

"Oh so anyway, I beat Mister Sylum's Drifloon with my trusty Natu. And then I found a feisty Poochyena outside of town! Man, being a trainer is just great."

Eventually you two reach a relatively open field outside of town. There are a few holes in the ground which is par for the course around Orum. Besides that, there are only some trees around. This place looks as good as any! I'll lead with my new Poochyena. Go, Pinto! You can go first, Nikolas."

Map! (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtZsssa3c8PJdGhaNklfMmIybmk0RGZnRFlnUFZoY UE#gid=0)

[Kantolin]

Huh.

Nope, totally didn't go how he expected. Or, well, it essentially went how he'd figure with a bird trying to eat a rock, but he thought the birds had an idea as to why they were attempting this.

Or something.

Anyway! Seems the rock poke... the dwebbles are in charge of or at least reside in this area. Depending on their reaction, travel in this immediate location could get more simple. Just one more of the invader - he glanced at Kamoho. How was he?

"Dile!"

The totodile danced in joy about the unconscious bird, calling out in exuberance. Okay, that was good.

"This way, Kamoho." Mordecai looked at the last bird - and felt more than a little sorry for it, hobbling like that. Yeah, he'll ry to catch that one. He utilized his pokedex, then hurled a pokeball in that direction. Of course, the reaction of the dwebbles would determine what happened next - so there may be more biting to be done. Still, the ball was in their court.

...oh, maybe the larger dwebble was actually a different pokemon. He dexed that one too.



Pokedexing bird!
Pokedexing big dwebble!

Mordecai tries to capture the remaining bird!
Restraining Capture roll: [roll0]

Charisma check: [roll1]

[HZ514]

It sounds like his started will probably be stronger than Piri Piri if he trained with it all day. Leo released his pokemon. Nightlock I know you want to battle, but we're facing an opponet stronger than both you and Piri Piri, and Piri will probably have type advantage over the opponet. i promise we'll go training today, but I need money if I'm going to leave town this week. Are you ok with that.

Nightlock nodded somberly, and then looked up quickly. Lax? Leo laughed Yes, you can have some peppers. He hands some to Nightlock, and turns to Piri Pir. Eat this, we might need fire moves again today, and that starter will probably have the berry Halle gave them.

Then, returning both pokemon, Leo heads to the pokemon center, to have his first trainer battle.

The eager trainer is already in front of the center when you get there. He's waving enthusiastically to you and you can see a small yellow camel-like pokemon next to him. You recognize it as a Numel. "Hey there!"