Pokemon - Shadows Unbound - Chapter 2(IC)

[BluesEclipse]

First Topic is Here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=247336)

Ban, Lorenzo
Pearl's eyes glow as she tries to hypnotize the crystal Pokemon, but the creature seems unfazed. The boy says, "Nice try... put it on ice, Winter!" The Pokemon gives off a soft, tinkling cry, and a burst of chilling wind slices at the Munna.

As Lorenzo watches, he hears a familiar voice call out, "Hey, Lorenzo!" Turning to look, Lulu can be seen approaching, Alexa following behind.

Round Summary
Pink Pearl missed Winter with Hypnosis.
Winter hit Pink Pearl with Icy Wind for 24 damage. Pink Pearl gets -1 Speed Combat Stage.

Haruka
The elderly woman smiles, and says, "Ah, a Pawniard... one of little Rina's favorites, actually. I think I'll start with Queen, though..." She releases her own Pokemon - an insect-like creature shrouded in what appears to be an amalgamation of broken metal and purple sludge.

Bara is faster.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A|~~|~~| | | | | | | |
B|~~|~~|~~| | | | | |Qu|
C| |~~|~~|~~| | | | | |
D| | |~~|~~|~~| | | | |
E| | | |~~|~~|~~| | | |
F| | | | |~~|~~|~~| | |
G| | | | | |~~|~~|~~| |
H| | | | | | |~~|~~|~~|
I| |Ba| | | | | |~~|~~|~~
J| | | | | | | | |~~|~~[/table]

Pokemon
Ba - Bara
Qu - Queen

Terrain/Other
~~ - Toxic Channel (2M Deep, Poisons any Pokemon that enters it)


William
You head into the forest, the late evening light barely shining through the trees here. After a short time, you see a blinking light nearby - following it leads to a small, insect Pokemon similar to a firefly. It has a blue and black body, with a purple crest almost like a collar coming up around its head, and two short yellow antennae protrude from its forehead. It sees you, and looks on, curiously.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Oh hey Lulu. Ban is in a match right now. Whats up?

[EdroGrimshell]

"Let's start this off right, Bara," she says, Bara dashes to G4 and leers at the bug thing.

Leer
AC: [roll0]

Should be just in range

[dethkruzer]

William looks at the pokemon, trying to avoid staring right into it's eyes. he then slowly takes some food from his pack, and crouches, before handing the food at the wild pokemon, carefully trying to avoid any sudden movements. "Hi there little fella, you want some food?" The psychic whispers.

Charisma check(if applicable): [roll0]

[KujiUn]

"Alright, Pearl, snap out of it and use a Psybeam!"

AC2: [roll0] CONF 19+
Damage: [roll1] S-Psy

[BluesEclipse]

William
The Pokemon looks at you curiously, before approaching slowly, looking at the food, then at you. After a moment, it takes the food, eating it happily, and looking at you with a wondering expression.

Ban
The psychic blast strikes the crystal Pokemon, which your Dex returns as Cryogonal. The ice crystal Pokemon shrugs off the blast, however, as the boy calls out, "Alright, sharpen your edges a bit, Winter, and get ready!" The Cryogonal spins in the air, and the edges of its crystalline form seem to grow finer and sharper.

Round Summary
Pink Pearl missed Winter with Psybeam.
Winter used Sharpen. Winter gains 1 Attack Combat Stage.

Lorenzo
"Not much..." Lulu replies, while Alexa heads a bit closer to the battle, watching closely. "So... when he's done, any thoughts on what you'd want to do?"

Haruka
Remember, distance across diagonals is 1-2-1. So you're not in Leer's range... if you want to change your move, go ahead. And also keep in mind, Steel types are immune to Poison.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Not sure. I've been prepping for the gym challenge, but not sure I'm ready. I have one of my two mon selected, having trouble selecting a good second.

...

Or did you mean something else? It was a serious question.

[dethkruzer]

William slowly reaches out toward the pokemon , his palm up, keeping his hand close to the ground, while taking out a bit more food, and offering. "No need to be scared little fella, I won't hurt you."

Charisma check: [roll0]

[KujiUn]

"Alright, hit it with a Psywave now!"

AC5: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
On 1 or 2, Winter takes 9 damage.
On 3, Winter takes 18 damage.
On 4, Winter takes 27 damage.

[BluesEclipse]

Ban
The Cryogonal cries out as the psychic wave buffets its mind directly, bypassing its remarkable defenses. The boy calls out, "Hang in there, Winter! Hit it with Ice Shard!" The Cryogonal whips itself around, sending a sharp-edged blade of ice forward at surprising speeds to slice into the Munna. You hear a soft voice behind you muttering, "Come on, Ban..." and look back for a moment, seeing Alexa watching you from the edge of the field. She blushes slightly as she notices your gaze on her.

Round Summary
Pink Pearl hit Winter with Psywave for 27 damage.
Winter hit Pink Pearl with Ice Shard for 14 damage.

Lorenzo
Lulu rolls her eyes with a sigh, before giving a patient smile and saying, "You could take a break - stressing yourself out about a competition is the worst thing you could do. Why don't we go grab a bite to eat after this - there's a really good sushi place in town, you know..." She looks at you, almost expectantly.

William
The Pokemon steps back a bit as you reach towards it, watching you - a mixture of caution and curiosity on its face.

[Tybar]

Aron smiles at her.

Thank you...I really appreciate this. If someone comes, I'll take the blame. Also...I wouldn't trade Helios...he and I have been together far too long, he's basically family. Though if you had asked, I'm sure he would have helped give you an egg.

He pats his Ivysaur affectionately on the head, then releases his other pokemon one by one, letting them go through the course...he adjusts the difficulty based on how much he thinks they can handle...going lighter on them.

Oakheart's Run:


Difficulty 2

TN: 17

Overland/Sky
[roll0]
Failure dmg: [roll1]
Overland/Sky
[roll2]
Failure dmg: [roll3]
Overland/Sky
[roll4]
Failure dmg: [roll5]
Overland/Sky
[roll6]
Failure dmg: [roll7]
Overland/Sky
[roll8]
Failure dmg: [roll9]
Jump
[roll10]
Failure dmg: [roll11]
Jump
[roll12]
Failure dmg: [roll13]
Jump
[roll14]
Failure dmg: [roll15]
Jump
[roll16]
Failure dmg: [roll17]
Jump
[roll18]
Failure dmg: [roll19]
Power
[roll20]
Failure dmg: [roll21]
Power
[roll22]
Failure dmg: [roll23]
Power
[roll24]
Failure dmg: [roll25]
Power
[roll26]
Failure dmg: [roll27]
Power
[roll28]
Failure dmg: [roll29]
Intelligence
[roll30]
Failure dmg: [roll31]
Intelligence
[roll32]
Failure dmg: [roll33]
Intelligence
[roll34]
Failure dmg: [roll35]
Intelligence
[roll36]
Failure dmg: [roll37]
Intelligence
[roll38]
Failure dmg: [roll39]



Arluin's Run:



Difficulty 1

TN: 16

Overland/Sky
[roll40]
Failure dmg: [roll41]
Overland/Sky
[roll42]
Failure dmg: [roll43]
Overland/Sky
[roll44]
Failure dmg: [roll45]
Overland/Sky
[roll46]
Failure dmg: [roll47]
Overland/Sky
[roll48]
Failure dmg: [roll49]
Jump
[roll50]
Failure dmg: [roll51]
Jump
[roll52]
Failure dmg: [roll53]
Jump
[roll54]
Failure dmg: [roll55]
Jump
[roll56]
Failure dmg: [roll57]
Jump
[roll58]
Failure dmg: [roll59]
Power
[roll60]
Failure dmg: [roll61]
Power
[roll62]
Failure dmg: [roll63]
Power
[roll64]
Failure dmg: [roll65]
Power
[roll66]
Failure dmg: [roll67]
Power
[roll68]
Failure dmg: [roll69]
Intelligence
[roll70]
Failure dmg: [roll71]
Intelligence
[roll72]
Failure dmg: [roll73]
Intelligence
[roll74]
Failure dmg: [roll75]
Intelligence
[roll76]
Failure dmg: [roll77]
Intelligence
[roll78]
Failure dmg: [roll79]



White Queen's Run:


Difficulty 2

TN: 17

Overland/Sky
[roll80]
Failure dmg: [roll81]
Overland/Sky
[roll82]
Failure dmg: [roll83]
Overland/Sky
[roll84]
Failure dmg: [roll85]
Overland/Sky
[roll86]
Failure dmg: [roll87]
Overland/Sky
[roll88]
Failure dmg: [roll89]
Jump
[roll90]
Failure dmg: [roll91]
Jump
[roll92]
Failure dmg: [roll93]
Jump
[roll94]
Failure dmg: [roll95]
Jump
[roll96]
Failure dmg: [roll97]
Jump
[roll98]
Failure dmg: [roll99]
Power
[roll100]
Failure dmg: [roll101]
Power
[roll102]
Failure dmg: [roll103]
Power
[roll104]
Failure dmg: [roll105]
Power
[roll106]
Failure dmg: [roll107]
Power
[roll108]
Failure dmg: [roll109]
Intelligence
[roll110]
Failure dmg: [roll111]
Intelligence
[roll112]
Failure dmg: [roll113]
Intelligence
[roll114]
Failure dmg: [roll115]
Intelligence
[roll116]
Failure dmg: [roll117]
Intelligence
[roll118]
Failure dmg: [roll119]


Banafrit's Run:


Difficulty 2

TN: 17

Overland/Sky
[roll120]
Failure dmg: [roll121]
Overland/Sky
[roll122]
Failure dmg: [roll123]
Overland/Sky
[roll124]
Failure dmg: [roll125]
Overland/Sky
[roll126]
Failure dmg: [roll127]
Overland/Sky
[roll128]
Failure dmg: [roll129]
Jump
[roll130]
Failure dmg: [roll131]
Jump
[roll132]
Failure dmg: [roll133]
Jump
[roll134]
Failure dmg: [roll135]
Jump
[roll136]
Failure dmg: [roll137]
Jump
[roll138]
Failure dmg: [roll139]
Power
[roll140]
Failure dmg: [roll141]
Power
[roll142]
Failure dmg: [roll143]
Power
[roll144]
Failure dmg: [roll145]
Power
[roll146]
Failure dmg: [roll147]
Power
[roll148]
Failure dmg: [roll149]
Intelligence
[roll150]
Failure dmg: [roll151]
Intelligence
[roll152]
Failure dmg: [roll153]
Intelligence
[roll154]
Failure dmg: [roll155]
Intelligence
[roll156]
Failure dmg: [roll157]
Intelligence
[roll158]
Failure dmg: [roll159]


White Hat's Run:

Difficulty 2

TN: 17

Overland/Sky
[roll160]
Failure dmg: [roll161]
Overland/Sky
[roll162]
Failure dmg: [roll163]
Overland/Sky
[roll164]
Failure dmg: [roll165]
Overland/Sky
[roll166]
Failure dmg: [roll167]
Overland/Sky
[roll168]
Failure dmg: [roll169]
Jump
[roll170]
Failure dmg: [roll171]
Jump
[roll172]
Failure dmg: [roll173]
Jump
[roll174]
Failure dmg: [roll175]
Jump
[roll176]
Failure dmg: [roll177]
Jump
[roll178]
Failure dmg: [roll179]
Power
[roll180]
Failure dmg: [roll181]
Power
[roll182]
Failure dmg: [roll183]
Power
[roll184]
Failure dmg: [roll185]
Power
[roll186]
Failure dmg: [roll187]
Power
[roll188]
Failure dmg: [roll189]
Intelligence
[roll190]
Failure dmg: [roll191]
Intelligence
[roll192]
Failure dmg: [roll193]
Intelligence
[roll194]
Failure dmg: [roll195]
Intelligence
[roll196]
Failure dmg: [roll197]
Intelligence
[roll198]
Failure dmg: [roll199]

Helios' Run:


Difficulty 2

TN: 17

Overland/Sky
[roll200]
Failure dmg: [roll201]
Overland/Sky
[roll202]
Failure dmg: [roll203]
Overland/Sky
[roll204]
Failure dmg: [roll205]
Overland/Sky
[roll206]
Failure dmg: [roll207]
Overland/Sky
[roll208]
Failure dmg: [roll209]
Jump
[roll210]
Failure dmg: [roll211]
Jump
[roll212]
Failure dmg: [roll213]
Jump
[roll214]
Failure dmg: [roll215]
Jump
[roll216]
Failure dmg: [roll217]
Jump
[roll218]
Failure dmg: [roll219]
Power
[roll220]
Failure dmg: [roll221]
Power
[roll222]
Failure dmg: [roll223]
Power
[roll224]
Failure dmg: [roll225]
Power
[roll226]
Failure dmg: [roll227]
Power
[roll228]
Failure dmg: [roll229]
Intelligence
[roll230]
Failure dmg: [roll231]
Intelligence
[roll232]
Failure dmg: [roll233]
Intelligence
[roll234]
Failure dmg: [roll235]
Intelligence
[roll236]
Failure dmg: [roll237]
Intelligence
[roll238]
Failure dmg: [roll239]

[MesiDoomstalker]

A gurgling stomach reminds Lorenzo he only had a light breakfast. Food sounds nice.

[BluesEclipse]

Lorenzo
Lulu laughs at your growling stomach, and says, "Hopefully your buddy hurries up, then, huh?"

Aron
You spend an hour having your Pokemon run the obstacle course, Karina watching intently.

Oakheart runs first, doing surprisingly well - leveraging his small stature to help dodge obstacles, and enduring what blows he takes quite well. Arluin has much more difficulty, often trying to bite at obstacles in his path instead of finding ways around them, and comes out rather battered because of it. White Queen runs the course reasonably well - caught by the various traps a number of times, but enduring it well, while Banafrit has difficulty supressing his instinct to phase through the walls to avoid obstacles, and having the overall slowest run. White Hat has a fairly average run, barely beating Arluin's time, while Helios makes his way through the course reasonably well, making use of his vines to avoid obstacles, though he comes out somewhat singed.

As you reclaim Helios, Karina says, "We'll have the medics patch up your team - really, from the looks of things, you've got a pretty solid bunch there, though. I'd have to see them in battle to see what they can really do, but definitely I'd say you can handle the challenge here with a bit of strategy. Ground-type moves would help you out, but don't rely too heavily on them - There are a few trainers here that pack flyers for that very reason." With that, Karina leads you back out to where the medics are, before a beeping from her Pokedex draws her attention while you hand your Pokemon over. "Anyway, I've got to get going - I'll catch you around, Aron. And good luck!"

Obstacle Course XP Gains:

Oakheart - 600 XP
Arluin - 175 XP
White Queen - 400 XP
Banafrit - 300 XP
White Hat - 350 XP
Helios - 450 XP

[Tybar]

Aron waves after her. That's great advice! Hopefully I'll see you around soon...I need to thank you for your help too!

He wanders out shortly after, releasing Helios and wandering around the town.

<AronNotAPokemon>Hey Dex, want something to eat? I've been doing some training and forgot to eat something...

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo sits down, waiting for Ban. He wouldn't admit it, he was a bit weak legged when so starved.

[KujiUn]

"Alright, heal back up!" The Munna uses Moonlight to heal itself back up!

[BluesEclipse]

Ban
Scowling, the boy calls, "Almost back to square one, eh? Well... let's go back to what we started with. Swagger!" Winter begins its reckless spinning, but this time the Munna remains calm in the face of the Cryogonal's actions.

Round Summary
Pink Pearl healed herself with Moonlight for 27 HP.
Winter missed Pink Pearl with Swagger.

[KujiUn]

The Munna takes a nosedive in its confusion. "Come on Pearl, snap out of it!"

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka
Remember, distance across diagonals is 1-2-1. So you're not in Leer's range... if you want to change your move, go ahead. And also keep in mind, Steel types are immune to Poison.

I thought I was just in range, eh, switch it to Torment then. Has a longer range.

[dethkruzer]

"It's okay, I just wanna be your friend." William clamly whispers, placing the small amount of food on his open hand and offering his hand to the pokemon.

Charisma check: [roll0]

[BluesEclipse]

William
The Pokemon looks at you, its tail blinking agitatedly. After a moment, it flies off into the trees a short distance - the blinking tail still within sight as it hovers nearby.

Haruka
Bara rushes forward, a dark glow in its eyes as it torments the mind of its opponent. The insect-like Queen responds by launching a thread forward and pulling itself across the toxic river, snapping at Bara, and tearing the Sitrus Berry away from the Pawniard, chomping it down itself.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A|~~|~~| | | | | | | |
B|~~|~~|~~| | | | | | |
C| |~~|~~|~~| | | | | |
D| | |~~|~~|~~| | | | |
E| | | |~~|~~|~~| | | |
F| | | | |~~|~~|~~| | |
G| | | |Ba|Qu|~~|~~|~~| |
H| | | | | | |~~|~~|~~|
I| | | | | | | |~~|~~|~~
J| | | | | | | | |~~|~~[/table]

Pokemon
Ba - Bara
Qu - Queen Tormented

Terrain/Other
~~ - Toxic Channel (2M Deep, Poisons any Pokemon that enters it)


Round Summary
Bara hit Queen with Torment. Queen is Tormented for [roll0] turns.
Queen hit Bara with Bug Bite for 24 damage, and consumed Bara's Sitrus Berry.

[BluesEclipse]

Ban
As the Munna stumbles, the boy gives a relieved cry and calls, "Alright, nail it with another Ice Shard!" The Cryogonal launches another icy blade, striking Pink Pearl squarely.

Round Summary
Pink Pearl hurt itself in its confusion.
Winter hit Pink Pearl with Ice Shard for 22 damage.

[EdroGrimshell]

"Bara! Come back," she says Returning Bara before sending out Hisei to I2.

[KujiUn]

Pearl snaps back with the impact, firing a Psybeam in defense!

AC2: [roll0] CONF 19+
Damage: [roll1] S-Psy

[dethkruzer]

"Aww, you don't want to be my friend?" William speaks somewhat saddened, he then got an idea from the pokemons blinking tail. He take out his pokedex, in hopes of scanning the wild pokemon, before releasing Snowy, and instructing her to blink the light she can produce, hopefully pleasing the wild pokemon.

Charisma(if applicable): [roll0]

[BluesEclipse]

Ban
The beam of psychic energy strikes true, and the Cryogonal shudders before collapsing to the ground unconscious. The boy blinks, before recalling his Pokemon and saying, "Not bad... not bad at all. I honestly thought I had you for a while..." Handing over the money, he says, "Maybe we'll run into each other again, eh?" before heading off towards the Pokemon Center.

As he leaves, you notice that Alexa is still waiting off to the side of the field, while Lorenzo is talking with Lulu on a bench nearby.

Round Summary
Pink Pearl hit Winter with Psybeam for 11 damage. Winter is Fainted.

Pink Pearl gains 1000 XP.

Haruka
You quickly recall the Pawniard, releasing Hisei on the field a short distance from the insect Pokemon.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A|~~|~~| | | | | | | |
B|~~|~~|~~| | | | | | |
C| |~~|~~|~~| | | | | |
D| | |~~|~~|~~| | | | |
E| | | |~~|~~|~~| | | |
F| | | | |~~|~~|~~| | |
G| | | | |Qu|~~|~~|~~| |
H| | | | | | |~~|~~|~~|
I| |Hi| | | | | |~~|~~|~~
J| | | | | | | | |~~|~~[/table]

Pokemon
Ba - Bara
Qu - Queen Tormented

Terrain/Other
~~ - Toxic Channel (2M Deep, Poisons any Pokemon that enters it)


William
You release Snowy, and the Snorunt begins flickering its light. The insect Pokemon makes its way back into the clearing, slowly, before it suddenly picks up speed, playfully flying in circles around you and Snowy. Your Pokedex registers it as an Illumise, and it gestures towards your Pokeballs, expectantly.

Something I've been neglecting that I really shouldn't have been - even if you persuade a Pokemon to join you, it still requires a Pokeball to capture. No capture roll will be needed, but the ball will still be used.

[KujiUn]

Ban quickly recalls Pearl before looking at Alexa. "Oh! You came back!" Ban then shifts mood, looking apologetic. "Sorry for not saying anything... I wanted to make sure Pearl was okay, you know?

[EdroGrimshell]

"Let's end this quick, Ember!"

Ember
AC: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Crit: [roll2]

[MesiDoomstalker]

Good job Ban. Wanna grab something to eat?

[BluesEclipse]

Ban
Alexa smiles softly, blushing, and says, "It's alright... I'm glad Pearl's okay, though. That was a great battle..." Looking over at where the other two are sitting for a brief moment, she turns her attention back to you and says, "Erm... We were going to go get dinner... want to come?" She blushes and shyly ducks her head away as she waits for your answer.

Haruka
Hisei flings a ball of flame at the insectoid Pokemon, which narrowly dodges out of the way. The older woman calls out, "Oh... this could be troublesome indeed. Take it down, Queen! Hidden Power!" The purple-coated insect releases a wave of viridian energy out from it, buffeting Hisei - though the Vulpix weathers the attack well.

The Battlefield
{table]
X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A|~~|~~| | | | | | | |
B|~~|~~|~~| | | | | | |
C| |~~|~~|~~| | | | | |
D| | |~~|~~|~~| | | | |
E| | | |~~|~~|~~| | | |
F| | | | |~~|~~|~~| | |
G| | | |Qu| |~~|~~|~~| |
H| | | | | | |~~|~~|~~|
I| |Hi| | | | | |~~|~~|~~
J| | | | | | | | |~~|~~[/table]

Pokemon
Ba - Bara
Qu - Queen Tormented

Terrain/Other
~~ - Toxic Channel (2M Deep, Poisons any Pokemon that enters it)


Round Summary
Hisei missed Queen with Ember.
Queen hit Hisei with Hidden Power for 10 damage.

[KujiUn]

"Sounds good! Where to, though?"

[EdroGrimshell]

"Try again, Hisei."

Ember
AC: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Crit: [roll2]

[BluesEclipse]

Ban, Lorenzo
Alexa smiles and says to Ban, still blushing slightly, "There's a place called The Riverside not far... they have wonderful seafood." Lulu smiles fondly at her sister and says, "Yeah... hopefully it's not too busy - though their busy nights are Tuesdays, with all the stuff caught from the contest." The two girls lead the both of you away from the gym, and down towards the river, to a large, fairly busy restaurant. You enter and find there's no real wait for seating, being shown to a comfortable table.

After placing your orders, Lulu says, "So, you guys both planning to challenge the gym, then?"

Haruka
As Hisei's ball of flame is launched forward, the woman calls out, "Block it, Queen! Protect!" With a cry from the insect Pokemon, a shimmering barrier forms just in time to block the fireball.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A|~~|~~| | | | | | | |
B|~~|~~|~~| | | | | | |
C| |~~|~~|~~| | | | | |
D| | |~~|~~|~~| | | | |
E| | | |~~|~~|~~| | | |
F| | | | |~~|~~|~~| | |
G| | | |Qu| |~~|~~|~~| |
H| | | | | | |~~|~~|~~|
I| |Hi| | | | | |~~|~~|~~
J| | | | | | | | |~~|~~[/table]

Pokemon
Ba - Bara
Qu - Queen

Terrain/Other
~~ - Toxic Channel (2M Deep, Poisons any Pokemon that enters it)


Round Summary
Queen used Protect.
Hisei hit Queen with Ember, but the attack was blocked.

[EdroGrimshell]

"Give it another shot," Haruka calls out.

Ember
AC: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Crit: [roll2]

[MesiDoomstalker]

Ya. It be my first gym challenge. I'm kinda nervous.

[BluesEclipse]

Haruka
Hisei's ball of flame strikes true this time, engulfing the Pokemon in flames and flinging it back. It cries out as it splashes into the toxic pool, the fortunately non-flammable chemicals extinguishing the flames as the Pokemon disappears under the surface, before rising to the top unconscious. "Well... I suppose that wasn't expected. Still, where the Queen has fallen..." the woman says as she recalls the Pokemon, releasing her second one - an insect of blue hues, with sharp mandibles, two large needled talons arcing in front of it, and a long tail arcing forward above it with two sharp pincers adorning the tip. "...King shall rise victorious. Why don't you relax yourself a bit before we begin, King?" The scorpion-like Pokemon responds by bringing its tail down on its own body, rapidly poking itself in several spots, seeming to loosen up as it does.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A|~~|~~| | | | | | | |Ki
B|~~|~~|~~| | | | | | |
C| |~~|~~|~~| | | | | |
D| | |~~|~~|~~| | | | |
E| | | |~~|~~|~~| | | |
F| | | | |~~|~~|~~| | |
G| | | | | |~~|~~|~~| |
H| | | | | | |~~|~~|~~|
I| |Hi| | | | | |~~|~~|~~
J| | | | | | | | |~~|~~[/table]

Pokemon
Ba - Bara
Ki - King +2 Sp.Atk CS

Terrain/Other
~~ - Toxic Channel (2M Deep, Poisons any Pokemon that enters it)


Round Summary
Hisei hit Queen with Ember for 60 damage. Queen is Fainted.
King used Accupressure. King gained 2 Special Attack Combat Stages.

Lorenzo, Ban
Lulu smiles and says, "Eh, I wouldn't worry too much about it. It's expected to be tough, after all. What Pokemon were you planning on using?"

[MesiDoomstalker]

Stark, my Golett, for sure. His typing is amazing for the gym, but typing won't win the match, obviously. My second.... I honestly not sure. I recently caught a Heatmor, but he lacks 'oomph' to pose a threat. My main battler is a Grass type, so she won't be terribly useful. Also recently caught an Absol, it is very strong. But doesn't have really anything particularly useful against Steel or Poison types. I have Dynamo too, but he lacks anything meaningful in the physical offense, which is his preferred method of assault. I honestly not sure.

[EdroGrimshell]

"Hisei, stay at range, but see if you can't hit it from the river's edge," Haruka says. Hisei does just that, going to the edge of the river that put her in range and firing a small fireball.

Hisei moves to G5

Ember
AC: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Crit: [roll2]

[BluesEclipse]

Lorenzo, Ban
Lulu thinks for a moment, as Alexa says, "The Absol sounds like it would work, at least against a Poison type." Smiling at the younger girl's comment, Lulu adds, "She's got a point, you know - you don't necessarily need to type-trump if you've got a Pokemon that can keep up without it."

Haruka
Hisei's blast of flame strikes the insect Pokemon, singing it, and the woman calls out, "Oh, dear... King, bring it down, quickly! Pin Missile!" The insect Pokemon fires a barrage of darts at Hisei, battering the Vulpix.

{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A|~~|~~| | | | | | | |Ki
B|~~|~~|~~| | | | | | |
C| |~~|~~|~~| | | | | |
D| | |~~|~~|~~| | | | |
E| | | |~~|~~|~~| | | |
F| | | | |~~|~~|~~| | |
G| | | | |Hi|~~|~~|~~| |
H| | | | | | |~~|~~|~~|
I| | | | | | | |~~|~~|~~
J| | | | | | | | |~~|~~[/table]

Pokemon
Ba - Bara
Ki - King +2 Sp.Atk CS

Terrain/Other
~~ - Toxic Channel (2M Deep, Poisons any Pokemon that enters it)


Round Summary
Hisei hit King with Ember for 40 damage.
King hit Hisei with Pin Missile five times for a total of 16 damage.

[EdroGrimshell]

"One more Ember to finish this, just don't go all out, don't want to kill it," Haruka says.

Ember
AC: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Crit: [roll2]

[MesiDoomstalker]

My main concern is prediction. If I open with Stark, and the Leader opens with a Poison, great. But when the Steel comes out, Stark will be weakened. Then if I bring out the Absol, she doesn't have anything to take it on head on. Though I guess I could switch but there are other complications in that as well.

[BluesEclipse]

Haruka
The blast of embers strikes true, and King lets out a cry before falling, unconscious. The woman smiles as she recalls the Pokemon, and says, "Well done, child... well done. I expect you'll give little Rina quite the challenge when you face her." Walking over to you, she pulls out a small coin with an engraving of the gym's badge and hands it to you, along with 500 Meseta. "Be sure to hold onto that - you'll need to present two challenge tokens to face the leader. Anyway, you had mentioned wanting to find wild Pokemon... my suggestions would be the woods nearby, since I'm assuming it's not water Pokemon that you're after. There's a glade in the forest where Fighting types gather on occasion, as well." Smiling, the woman leads you back out of the room, and into a side room where the gym's medical facilities are located. Your Pokemon are quickly healed, and she says, "I'll be going now... but I wish you luck, dear."

Lorenzo, Ban
"To be honest, with your quick-switch tricks, you'd have less than most to worry about as far as prediction goes - I saw you switch out that Elekid of yours to save it, after all," Lulu says, smirking. "I'm actually wondering if those tricks might help me out in contests..."

[MesiDoomstalker]

I suppose so. You do contests? I've never seen one of those.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka smiles at the woman, "thanks for the advice," she says before heading out. She pulls her dex and sends a message to everyone

<KiNoChi_Haruka>Got info on a good spot to catch fighting types, anyone interested meet me at the Ranch.

With that done, she heads home to talk to her parents about getting a grove to grow some of her berries and wait for anyone else interested to message her back.

[BluesEclipse]

Haruka
You get back to the ranch, and find your parents tending to a pair of Pokemon - one you recognize as a Blitzle, the other is similar, but has a pale white coat - with just a hint of orange - and a mane and tail made of what appear to be blue flames. Your father breaks away from the two Pokemon to approach you, and says, "Haruka... just in time. A young man passing through asked us to keep those two for a bit," he gestures back at the two horse-Pokemon as he speaks, and says, "so your mother's going to be tied up with them for a while. Doing her dream work, I suppose. Anyway, I'm kind of surprised - I expected your friends to be with you... what's up?"

Lorenzo, Ban
"They're fun to watch," Alexa says, smiling. "I've thought about entering some, but I don't think I'd do as well as Lulu does." Lulu replies to her sister, "I'm not that good... and don't sell yourself short. We just need to get you into a Cute contest, that's all..." Turning back to Lorenzo, she says, "The new contest season doesn't start for another month yet, otherwise I'd have you check one out. But it's interesting - it's all about style, rather than power."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Style? Style is one thing I don't have. Lorenzo places his elbows on the table, rubbing his temples. There is a reason he's an acrobat. All it takes is skill. Style, charm, charisma? He has none of that.

<Sure, at dinner with some new friends. Later?>

[KujiUn]

Ban leans forward, his arms draped out on the table. "I don't even know what typing this gym is..."

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka looks at the mon for a bit, scanning the one with the blue flames before her father comes over, "I was actually at the Gym not to long ago, got one of the challenge tokens," she says, taking it out, "and I was selling some food out at the river earlier to get enough to enter the fishing contest," she continues, "but I actually wanted to ask if I could plant some berries here. I have my planter, but I can't really grow much, esspecially since I'm growing apricorns too now," she says, sweatdropping a little.

[BluesEclipse]

Ban, Lorenzo
Lulu smirks at Lorenzo and says, "I don't know... the quick-switch tricks you use seem pretty cool. Besides, it's something you pick up over time, really."

At Ban's comment, Alexa blinks at the younger boy before saying, "They use Steel and Poison types... the gym is designed like a chemical factory, with conveyor belts, chemical pools, and things like that."

Haruka
Nodding, your father replies, "It's not like we don't have plenty of room, and your mother and I can tend to them while you're away. We can give you enough space for a dozen plants or so."

[KujiUn]

Ban lifts his head up. "Really? I think I should be good then." He sits back up. "I guess I'll challenge too! Not sure who I'd use, though."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenoz pulls out Snaggles ball and rolls it around on the table. I've actually been thinking about a new technique. Releasing a pokemon in a bright flash. Could make a impressive entrance right?

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka nods, "that's what I was hoping. I can only do so much with the planter, and you could use some of the berries yourself once we get enough of them," she says, smiling slightly, "I'm going to be heading out in a while, I heard about a spot where I might be able to get a few fighting types. Any you'd like me to look out for? I know we could use a few to breed some pokemon for new trainers."

[Gaekub]

Having finished his array of balls, Dexter responds in the positive to Aron's message, and suggests a nearby cafe.

[dethkruzer]

William nods, pleased with how this turned out. Pulling out his last unused basic ball, he held it up to the waiting bug pokemon. "Welcome to the team."

[BluesEclipse]

Ban, Lorenzo
Lulu looks at Ban and thinks for a moment, saying, "Well... of the three that I saw, I'd say that Numel of yours is probably your best bet - covers both of the gym's types quite well." Alexa nods, and adds, "Pearl could do well against Poison-types, as well..."

At Lorenzo's suggestion, Lulu smiles, and says, "Absolutely... that could definitely score you some points with the judges."

Dexter
You make your way towards a small cafe nearby, waiting for a response from Aron.

William
The Illumise pokes the ball, being immediately absorbed. The ball doesn't even rattle.

Level 20 Illumise - Female/Naive/Tinted Lens

Haruka
Thinking for a moment, your father nods and says, "A Machop wouldn't hurt... and maybe a Timburr, if you come across one."

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka gives a short nod, "I'll keep an eye out for them, though if I get a machop I'd probably keep one of the eggs myself."

[Tybar]

Aron gets the message and heads toward the cafe, waving once he sees Dex.

Well, how was your day?

He orders a sandwich and a lemonade, and something for his pokemon, if they have food for each of them.

[KujiUn]

"Alright! I'll add my Gastly as the last one then!" Ban looked around, wondering where his food was, before turning back. "Yeah, sorry, I'm not used to this region much. I've lived in Esper all my life."

[Gaekub]

"Mmmmm, alright," Dexter says, munching on a sandwich he'd ordered before Aron arrived. "Won a battle with Haruka, sold a few balls... Oh! That reminds me!" He pulls out a wad of cash. "Here's some of your money back. I don't have all of it yet..."

There's two thousand in there.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo starts thinking about his battle. What did his dad always tell him? "Always have wear your best for the show. All eyes are on you." Looking down, his current outfit was a little bit worse for wear. Uh, Lulu? Do you have a sewing kit? And know where I can buy some silk fabric?

[dethkruzer]

William looks at the pokeball for a moment, cradling it in his hands, before nodding approvingly. "Come on Snowy, let's go back before they get worried." William spoke to the snorunt, before returning to the ranch.

[BluesEclipse]

Haruka
Haruka's father nods, and says, "Definitely understandable... Venomblade's not exactly the easiest gym to handle, after all. Anyway... I'm going to go help your mother with those Pokemon. I hope you find something there, though." With that, he turns to head off, passing William as he makes his way back from the nearby woods.

William
You make your way back to the ranch, spotting Haruka in a conversation with her father before the man turns and heads past you, clearly attending to some task on the ranch.

Lorenzo, Ban
The waiter arrives with your food, and for a few minutes the conversation takes a back seat to the sumptuous offerings in front of you all. Still, the conversation picks up, with Lulu saying, "Hmm... not really sure, to be honest - never been that interested in making my own stuff. I buy what I think works. We could always wander around after we're done here, see if we find something."

Alexa, meanwhile, turns her attention to Ban, and says, "Oh... you're from Esper? I've heard it's an amazing place..."

[EdroGrimshell]

"Just waiting to see if anyone else wants to go with me," Haruka says, "don't want to go on my own." Once her father heads off, Haruka sees William. She waves, "William, did you get my text?"

[KujiUn]

"Yep! Dad's still there! There's a lot of stuff to do, like school and training and all that stuff." Ban nodded before continuing it eat his food. "So what about you? Where are you from?"

[Tybar]

Aron nods to Dex.

Good to hear about the battles.

Aron reaches for the money, but pauses.

It's not an issue...and you don't need this for seed money still right?

He feeds Helios a bit of food.

[Gaekub]

Dexter shakes his head. "No, no, I've got ten balls made now, so I should have enough left over after for more parts."

He eats the last of his sandwich, and wipes at his mouth at his napkin. "Hey, so did you get that message from Haruka about fighting pokemon?"

[dethkruzer]

"Oh, hi Haruka, what's that, a message?" Hi said, jumping straight from the first sentence to the next, before frantically starting to dig out his pokedex. "No, I didn't, was it anything urgent?"

[Tybar]

Aron nods and puts the money up.

That's great! Let me check on the message...

Aron flips open his pokedex, and reads through Haruka's message.

Hm...well, that would be interesting, wouldn't it? Want to head there with me?

Aron finishes up his food and gets up, ready to go if Dex is.

[EdroGrimshell]

"Not really all that important, I found out about a good spot to find Fighting pokemon, was wondering if anyone wanted to go with me," Haruka replies, giving a brief smile, "Dad wants me to see about getting a Machop and Timburr for breeding. It'll also be useful against the Gym's steel types."

[MesiDoomstalker]

That sounds good. Barter always said to wear your best when your on stage. Frankly, after traveling so long in these clothes, I'm definatley not wearing my best anymore.

[KujiUn]

Ban finally sees the text, and asks, "Hey, one of our friends wants help catching Fighting types! Do you two want to join us?" He soon texts to Haruka:


<ULTRASUPERBESTDREAMER> Hey, Haruka, is it alright if we bring a couple friends with us?

[dethkruzer]

"Thanks, but I think I'll pass this time, it's been a long day, and I'm trying to save up my pokeballs for tomorrow."

[EdroGrimshell]

"Alright then, I'm still waiting on -" she looks at her dex which just started going off. She smiles, "looks like Ban's coming, and bringing a few friends," she says, sending a quick reply:

<KiNoChi_Haruka>If they'd like to come they can join us.

[BluesEclipse]

Ban, Lorenzo
"Fighting types? Well... it probably would help to have one..." Alexa muses, before turning to her sister and asking, "We can go with them, right?" Lulu smiles at the younger girl and replies, "Sounds good to me, then. You game, Lorenzo?"

[MesiDoomstalker]

Sure. I'm running low on balls, but not on empty yet. I'm pretty good at catching anyways. Lorenzo calls for the waiter, making sure to pay for Alexa. He wasn't completely hopeless.

[BluesEclipse]

Ban, Lorenzo
Lulu smiles, and answers, "It'll be interesting to meet your friends, I think," as you finish your meal and make your way back to the ranch. After a short walk, you see William and Haruka talking near the entrance to her family's ranch.

Ban, Lorenzo, Haruka and William
Haruka and William see Lorenzo and Ban approaching, amicably chatting with two girls - the older, a dark-haired girl standing about 5'5", wears a black t-shirt and a pair of blue jeans, and has a pink pouch on her belt for carrying Pokeballs and other items. The younger of the two is a girl in a powder blue sundress, barely clearing five feet. Her hair falls in golden ringlets around her face, and she smiles as she and Ban discuss something.

[EdroGrimshell]

"Hi guys," Haruka calls out, waving. Once everyone gets a bit closer she gives a slight bow to the newcomers and introduces herself, "hello, I'm Haruka Salt, nice to meet you," she says, smiling lightly.

[Gaekub]

"Yeah, sounds good," Dexter says, standing up. "I just need a few minutes too try and fix a great ball and a basic one for the catching."

Need 15
Great Ball: [roll0]
Basic Ball: [roll1]

[BluesEclipse]

Lulu smiles and replies, "Name's Lulu Travers... and this is my little sis Alexa." The last is punctuated with a gesture at the blonde, who replies a bit shyly, "Um... it's nice to meet you." Before any further introductions are made, Aron and Dexter approach the group, Dexter having been able to fix a couple of his less damaged Pokeballs on the way.

Alright, if you're not going, let me know what else you want to do with the time - if you are going, have at it. Haruka knows the area well enough that there won't be much trouble finding the place.

[EdroGrimshell]

"You sure you don't want to come with us, Will?" Haruka asks the psychic, "even if you don't want to catch anything we could breed a few when we get back so you could have an egg."

[dethkruzer]

"well... I'm guessing I could tag along, get osome training and all that. Probably won't try catching anything."

[BluesEclipse]

With everyone gathered, the eight of you head off, introductions and light conversation being made with the two girls accompanying you as you head into the woods, making your way towards the forest clearing. An hour's walk puts you near the clearing you're looking for, and you hear the sounds of combat nearby as you approach.

Wis Checks, please.

[EdroGrimshell]

"Hear that? Let's take a look," she says.

Wis Check: [roll0]

[Gaekub]

"Sounds like a fight," Dexter whispers, more for something to say than anything else.

Wis: [roll0]

[dethkruzer]

"We'd best be careful, there could be anything." William said, thinking he'll porbably regret tagging along.

[roll0]

[Tybar]

Aron pauses for a moment, nodding to Helios.

Well, whatever it is...we'll see if any of the others can handle it before you head in Helios.


Wisdom:
[roll0]

[BluesEclipse]

As you draw closer to the clearing, the sounds of combat suddenly cease, and after a moment, a tall pokemon with a green torso and white lower body - which Aron recognizes as a Gallade - drops from the trees, landing gracefully - and almost silently - in front of you. It looks you over for a moment before bowing, and you hear a voice echo in your minds. Greetings, travellers... I bid you welcome to the Circle of Honor. Sensei is currently overseeing a match, else he would greet you himself. I would guess that like so many others, you come here seeking Pokemon who would battle in your stead? You notice that the last sentence carries a definite tone of disdain.

William, Ban
Even without the ability to read minds, you can identify where the disdain is coming from - you've seen it enough among arrogant martial artists back in Esper, many of whom have a great disdain for trainers in other regions. There's a bit of a stigma in Esper against non-Esper trainers, with many believing that those unwilling to fight themselves are unworthy of having Pokemon fight for them.

Haruka, Aron
You sense something farther within the forest... and notice a faint, barely detectable pulse from your shards at the same time.

[MesiDoomstalker]

We come looking for new friends, if thats what you mean. Who is this Sensei? Lorenzo sets himself apart from the others taking a few steps forward. He didn't know about the sisters but he knew the rest of his allies were not great in direct fights.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka raises an eyebrow, "I can actually fight rather well," she says, pulling one of her figy berries from a pouch and causing it to glow a pale green and emit a high buzz like that of a beedrill before letting it fade and returning the berry to the pouch, "but my pokemon prefer to fight themselves," she checks the shard to see if Hahn had a message, every time he's reacted, it's been around someone from Esper, she thinks, I wonder... "would your Sensei happen to hail from Esper?" she asks, adjusting her glasses slightly, causing them to flash for a moment.

[BluesEclipse]

The Gallade tenses slightly at Haruka's demonstration, before fixing his gaze on Lorenzo. If you truly will call them friends, perhaps you may find a new companion here... but we shall see. As to your other question... Sensei is the most skilled among us, and as such his word is law within the Circle. And no, he glances at Haruka as he continues, Sensei does not hail from Esper.

Haruka
You don't see any message from Hahn, though you get a feeling that he is contemplating whatever force you noticed.

[MesiDoomstalker]

May we know your name? I'd like to refer to pokemon beyond their species name. My friend tells me your a Gallade, but that is only part of the story that is you.

[BluesEclipse]

Nodding, the Gallade replies, I am known as Enker. I serve as a guardian to this place. And yourself?

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo Filard. Nice to meet you Enker. Lorenzo offers his hand to the Gallade.

[KujiUn]

Ban nods. "Yep, we came here to get some Fighting types! Do you need us to do a test to get in or something? I can fight if needed."

[BluesEclipse]

Enker looks at Ban for a moment, and says, It is not to me to decide whether you deserve a companion from among our ranks, youngling - though those of us who seek human partners do normally test their worthiness with combat.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka checks her berry reserve and winces, she only has one Sitrus berry on hand, the others she could actually use were 5 Oran, 2 Figy, and 3 Kelpsy, "If I had some more time to prepare I'd probably be able to fight fairly well here, but as it is, I can probably last one, maybe two, fights before I run out of resources," she says to herself, "and I'd like to prove I'm worth joining at the very least... Are their any machop or timburr here?" she asks the Gallade, "if so I'd like to see if one of each would like to join me back in Lily. If there are rules to the process, I would like to hear them so I don't offend."

[dethkruzer]

"William Fairbanks. I cam mostly to tag along, but I don't like your tone, perhaps you would be willing to let me show that I'm not that weak as you probably expect." The psychic spoke, keeping his cool, even though small pebbles on the ground seemed to rise into the air ever so slightly as he clenched his fist.

[BluesEclipse]

The Gallade's eyes flash, and the pebbles that were levitating from William's power... appear to disintegrate. Enker's voice rings out, You cannot even maintain control over yourself or your power... while you may have the ability to fight, it would be pointless for me to waste effort against you. Still, if you-

ENOUGH, ENKER. A voice booms out all around you - not in your minds... but seeming to echo within your very souls. Enker blinks, before bowing his head and jumping away, vanishing into the trees faster than you can follow. The second voice resonates through you again, calmer and softer - I bid you welcome, travellers... and I apologize for Enker. He was raised in Esper, and inherited much of the same prejudices his trainer held... Come, enter the circle. As you enter the clearing, you see a Machop and a Breloom there, both scuffed as if having been in a battle, but having recently been healed. Both are standing back near the far end of the clearing, and watching you warily.

Of greater interest is the Pokemon standing in the center of the clearing - a tall, canine warrior, whose fur is pure white save for deep blue bands along its face and waist, and the matching fur over its hands and lower legs. Aron recognizes the form as that of a Lucario, but the coloring is wildly different even from the rare yellow examples of the species. A pale blue aura shines around the Lucario, and it bows to you respectfully. The aura flickers wildly as the voice echoes again through you. I am Zakar, oathsworn of the First Sentinel, guardian and Master of this Circle. You have come to seek allies in your journeys, correct?

[MesiDoomstalker]

Its an honor to meet you Zakar. We do seek new companions. This is a lovely setup you have here. May I ask, what drew you here? Specifically here?

[Gaekub]

"I, uh..." Dexter stutters, unsure how to respond to the strange voice. "Sure?" he says, his tone questioning, as he bows stiffly to the white pokemon.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka bows respectfully, in awe of the Lucario, "that is correct, Master Zakar," she says the way her brother had taught her to talk to a sensei, "my parents are also breeders in Lily Town and would like to offer some fighting pokemon to the newer trainers, if possible, I would ask for volunteers to help in that regard," she continues, "I myself am interested in befriending a croagunk, riolu, or mienfoo. I am also here to help one of my own pokemon that seeks to train and become stronger," she says, "a heracross that is currently learning Vaccuum Wave from a friend of mine in town. I would like to let him train here for a time once he learns the technique so he can master it and achieve his goal of being stronger," she continues, "would that be acceptable?" she asks the white lucario.

[BluesEclipse]

Zakar's gaze rests on Haruka for a moment, before he blinks. Nodding, his voice resonates through the clearing, You would be the first trainer in my lifetime to make such a request. Before I offer an answer, I have one question for you... in fact, a question for you all. Why do you seek power?

[MesiDoomstalker]

Power? Thats not what I want. I want a diverse team. Something to really wow the crowd. Strongmon are always a staple and I lack any at the moment. Define Power? I don't think I understand your meaning. What does power have to do with seeking companions?

[BluesEclipse]

Zakar's gaze bores into Lorenzo, and his voice rings out, We are warriors... humans know this - it is why you call us Fighting Pokemon. For what purpose do you seek us as companions? For what reason do you fight?

[Tybar]

Aron barely has time to react to the pulse before introducing himself quickly to Enker, almost certainly overlooked due to lack of physical prowess.

He listens to Zakar and bows as well.

I wish for my pokemon to become better however they wish...and to be friends with them. I don't really seek power really...though I suppose if I would start, it would be to protect my friends.

He gestures to Helios, his pokeballs, Dexter, Lorenzo, Haruka, William, and Ban.

...well, and anyone else who needs help. I also am a scholar...I enjoy learning new things, and about new people and pokemon. For instance, I'm very curious about you...your aura, voice, and coloration are all unique. Er, I mean that with all due respect of course.

He bows again, lower.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Ah! That's much simpler. I am an entertainer, of sorts. I seek to gather a great deal of companions and together we will wow the world with our talent. To do so, I need many friends of varied talents. I currently lack Fighting types, warriors as you put it. I seek diversity in this diverse world. I admire your ferocity, Zakar, but I wouldn't want to take you from this circle, your home. Nor do I believe I could if I tried. Is that satisfactory?

[EdroGrimshell]

"I never set out to do so," Haruka responds, "recent events have made it necessary, however," she says, "I simply want to help my friends and make sure we all survive," her brow furrows and she gains a hint of steel to her voice, "we've encountered people that want to harm pokemon and human alike, they're the reason, they're the ones that made it necessary to get stronger... any more than that, I don't know," she finishes, "I don't know any other reason I'd want to grow stronger, it's reason enough for me."

[Gaekub]

"I don't, really," Dexter says, considering the question. "I seek knowledge. Which I guess is power, although not in the technical way." He scratches his head. "As for why I seek knowledge... I don't really know. I just do. I can't imagine not."

He snorts with laughter. "Probably not the answer you were looking for, huh?"

[KujiUn]

Ban thinks about it for a moment, hearing everyone's answer first before responding in kind. "I fight because it's what I'm used to. It's what I was taught from early on, and it's what I'm used to." Ban nods to his own words, pausing a bit to gather his thoughts before continuing. "Nowadays, though, I fight to help everyone correct what's wrong. There's a lot of different things I still don't know about, but I know that if I want to help make the world better, I have to fight for what's right. That's what I think, anyways."

[dethkruzer]

"Why do I seek power?" William seemed taken by surprise, and he pondered on it for a moment. " I seek power, so I could protect those dear to me. But my pokemon are also dear to me, as are these people I travel with. But I too wish to grow stronger, so I might help and protect those around me, even if I were ever seperated from my pokemon."

William pauses for a moment, contemplating what to say next. "Nonetheless, you seem like an extraordinary individual, so might be aware of... recent events. Something bad, something sinister is going about, that in itself could qualify for a reason to prepare."

[BluesEclipse]

Zakar's gaze sweeps over each of you, calmly, as you speak. Finally, he nods, and says, I see. You all have your reasons for seeking power... whether to defend those close to you, to brighten the lives of others, or simply to help uncover the truth of the world. The Lucario pauses for a long moment, before saying, I believe you will be trustworthy companions for those among my students who wish to see the world. However... Turning his attention to Haruka, he says, You speak of a threat to humans and Pokemon alike. What is it that you speak of?

[EdroGrimshell]

"I... I forget what it's called, but we've run into trainers from Esper that have... i guess the best word would be corrupted, pokemon. One of them even attacked Raikou, and seemed to have the upper hand at the time," Haruka replies, "each of us has something that seems to counteract it," she pulls the shard from her planter, "these. They have their own personalities, I'm almost positive you'd be able to speak with them, Sakura, one of my companions, can speak with them telepathically," she offers the shard, if Zakar would like to take a closer look, "he pulsed when we first arrived here, otherwise I wouldn't have brought him up."

[BluesEclipse]

Zakar looks at the shards curiously, and his aura extends towards it slightly. After a moment, the aura returns to normal, and he says, I see... I have heard rumors from others that have travelled here, of humans who have made pacts with the greatest of evils. Calling themselves the Order of Eternity, they are said to have the ability to shroud the souls of Pokemon within darkness, turning them into creatures of destruction. These shards... while they hold a powerful light, it seems that even I cannot commune with the spirit it holds - though I can sense it, it seems that it only responds to certain auras. Giving the matter some thought, he says, Still... it seems hardly coincidence that such artifacts would appear now, when darkness begins to stir as it hasn't done in eons. And if you bear these shards of light... then I feel you will have little difficulty finding companions among those present here.

Lulu, who has remained silent along with Alexa this entire time, looks at you all and says, "Wait, you guys have run into those Order of Eternity thugs? I thought they were just a bunch of thieves who steal Pokemon, but you're making them out to be some big threat..." She has a look of confusion and slight apprehension on her face, while Alexa still seems nervous in the presence of the powerful Pokemon.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka looks at the girls, and shakes her head, "they're a lot more dangerous than that. We've encountered a few of them, what they do to the pokemon they get... just ask Lorenzo, his Ditto was stolen by one of them, it didn't even recognize him when we fought it."

[Gaekub]

"They're also crazy," Dexter adds helpfully. "And murderers. And nihilists," he continues, checking off the group's attributes on his fingers. "They're crazy pokemon-corrupting murder-nihilists," he concludes. "And that's just the stuff we know about."

[dethkruzer]

"And that creep that was attacking Raikou, probably trying to enslave it to the darkness as well, they're probably much more than thieves, or even murderers, they have something big going on, but I have a feeling we're still missing pieces of the proverbial puzzle." William pointed out.

[KujiUn]

Ban shakes his head. "I just got my shard a while ago, so I'm not really sure what's going on exactly."

[Tybar]

Aron speaks up after the others.

Zakar...I did some research...

He holds open his pokedex with the scanned files and notes he's taken so far.

It looks like these are similar to this...Shadowspawn. These shards have helped purify two of these corrupted pokemon so far...and I've noticed that a few of our pokemon's attacks seem to be...odd...but similar to the shards. They seem to be more effective against them as well.

[MesiDoomstalker]

They are a bigger threat than what any of us think. I don't think we can fathom they depths of their madness. Lorenzo stares woefully at Doubles ornate pokeball. After a while he see's Alexa's apprehension. Don't worry, he won't hurt you. And if he did, he'd have to get through us first.

[BluesEclipse]

I see... Zakar says, a somber tone in his voice. Before he can elaborate, though, Lulu says, "So... just to clarify, you guys have found yourselves up against a bunch of crazy nihilist murderers who can somehow twist Pokemon into weapons of mass destruction... and they're actually capable of taking on legendaries without becoming a smear on the ground?" Shaking her head, she looks at Lorenzo with a wry smile and says, "At least you're not as crazy as my old boyfriend - he swore he could talk to Rattata, and used nothing but them in battle. I kinda wish I could help you... but I'm a performer, not a fighter. Still... if there's anything I can do, let me know, alright? Maybe me and Lexa can put our heads together and figure out some ways to help you out." The younger girl smiles, still remaining silent, as Zakar's attention is directed to them.

It is said that the greatest of warriors grow strong through the support of their friends and allies... Simply being there to offer your aid will make more difference than you realize. Turning his attention to the rest of you, he says, And I fear that you are correct, Lorenzo Filard. To truly grasp their madness... I fear that would require falling into the depths of darkness just as they have. Still, it seems that you have the greatest means of overcoming this threat - particularly if you have drawn Pokemon to you that resonate with the artifacts you hold. Hope lies with you, it seems... If you seek companions from this place, then prove yourselves worthy. Those of you who seek aid, step forward - you shall be given the chance to show your strength.

Alright... For anyone who wants a fighting type, I want a list of at least 6 different Pokemon you're looking for. They must have Fighting somewhere in their evolutionary tree.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka steps up, obviously.

Combusken, timburr, scraggy, croagunk, riolu, or mienfoo

[KujiUn]

Ban turns back to the two girls. "Are you trying the challenge? If you aren't, I can stay behind with you two so you don't get lonely!"

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo steps forward

riolu, croagunk, chimchar, shroomish, scraggy, heracroas

[BluesEclipse]

Lulu shrugs and replies to Ban, "Eh, I'm not too worried about it - I've got Blitz, after all." Alexa smiles at the boy as she answers, "I'm fine... I don't really use fighting types... but go ahead and try. I'm sure you can do it..."

[KujiUn]

"Oh, alright then." Ban nods, before stepping up!

Ralts, Meditite, Machop, Poliwag, Mienfoo, Heracross

[Tybar]

Aron smiles and steps forward, Helios stepping forward with him reflexively.

I certainly hope that I will find another companion...I've been blessed by Arceus for the ones I have so far.

He nods to Helios, as well as to the others.


In no particular order: Mankey, Tyrogue, Riolu, Makuhita, Ralts, Mienfoo

[Gaekub]

Dexter steps forward as well, cracking the knuckles on his non-metallic hand nervously. He winces, and shakes his hand to dull the pain where the silvery metal bit into it. "Alright, I'll give it a shot."

Riolu (already picked a bunch, but I can't pass up the steel), Meditite, Machop, Heracross, Scraggy, Ralts

[BluesEclipse]

As the five of you step forward, Zakar directs you to different sections of the large clearing. Glowing lines arc across the ground, forming into shimmering barriers that separate the clearing into six sections - one containing Zakar, William, Lulu and Alexa, and each of the others containing one of you. Zakar says, This shall be a test of your skills and strength... whether you rely on the strength of your mind and skill in directing your companions, or allow your own might to show by joining the battle yourself, the choice is yours. Those here who seek partners will watch your trial, and decide based on your skills if they will ally with you. Select one, and only one, of your current companions to aid you in this trial... and bow to your opponent when you are ready to begin.

As Zakar finishes speaking, a figure emerges from the trees to face each of you - Lorenzo and Dexter find themselves each faced with a stocky red humanoid that appears to be wearing a gi with a pale red tinge, tied with a black belt. Haruka and Ban find themselves faced with tall, lean blue humanoids garbed similarly - their gis having a blue tint rather than red. Aron finds himself facing a Gallade - not Enker, though it still holds itself with a confident poise.

Select your Pokemon, and go ahead and post your opening turn. I'll tell you now, you won't be able to catch these ones - this fight will determine what you do get, though.

[KujiUn]

Ban nodded, thinking about it for a moment before electing not to use a Pokemon. Instead, he waited for the others to get ready before bowing to the Sawk and adopting a standard pose. He backed up and lifted one of his arms up, generating a blue sphere which he threw at the Sawk, splashing him with water!

Chaos Magic: Lesser -> Water Gun
AC2: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] S-Water

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka looks at her opponent and goes to grab a pokeball before stopping, she furrows a brow and instead reaches into a pouch on her planter and pulls two Kelpsy and a Sitrus Berry. She holds the Kelpsy Berry in her right hand, the other two in her left. At this point she bows to her opponent, then holds the Kelpsy Berry up, getting it to glow a dark red-brown and streak towards her opponent, looking like a comet.

Natural Gift
AC: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Crit: [roll2]

[MesiDoomstalker]

Fighting types require flying or psychic. Well then lets make this quick. Lorenzo releases Stark with a flash and dashed towards the mon, slicing through the air. Shadow Punch! Stark, flying upwards 2m, sends the spectral fist at the mon, swerving around Lorenzo as he runs into the mon.

Aerial Ace
[roll0] for the critz
[roll1]
Shadow Punch
[roll2] for the critz
[roll3]

[Tybar]

Aron sizes up his opponent, reading him carefully and noting coloration...

...and Helios bats a vine at Aron's hand reaching for a pokeball, striding forward and letting out a challenge.

Well...Okay Helios, you're with me then, like usual. I hope to learn your name after this fight too!

He grins a bit and draws a throwing dagger, bowing, before spinning it in an arc toward the Gallade.

Helios whips out a vine, flinging it alongside the dagger.


Dagger:
AC: 6
[roll0]
[roll1]
Vine Whip:
AC: 2
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Gaekub]

"Alright, Scar's the fightinist pokemon I've got!" Dexter declares, releasing the blue pokemon. "Scar, use Waterfall!"

Waterfall:
[roll0] (AC 2, physical, flinch 17-20)
[roll1] (Physical Water damage)

[BluesEclipse]

Lorenzo dashes forward at his opponent, wind trailing in his wake, and slices across the Throh even as he leaps over the low kick it throws to try and stop the ninja's advance. Grunting in pain, the Throw turns and raises an arm to block a return strike from Lorenzo, rolling back away from a powerful kick as Stark slams down with both feet right where it was standing before. The Golett launches a fist of shadows at the fighting Pokemon, who crosses his arms to guard rather than trying to evade the blow. The shadowy energy explodes against the Pokemon's guard, and from the resulting cloud of dust the Throh launches itself forward, ignoring Stark entirely and launching a ferocious string of attacks at Lorenzo. The performer turned ninja is able to block some of them, but still finds himself quite battered - though the Throh seems no better off.

Lorenzo hit Throh with Aerial Ace for 60 damage.
Stark hit Throh with Shadow Punch for 17 damage.
Throh hit Lorenzo with Revenge for 57 damage.

Scar surges forward in a spiral of water, only for the Throh to hold its hands out as if expecting to catch the Pokemon - and that's exactly what it does. Lulu's whisper of "Nice one..." can be heard as the fighting Pokemon skids back from the force of the blow, still battered somewhat by the rush of water accompanying the Croconaw. With a roar, the Throh launches the water-type back across the clearing, where it skids across the ground. Albeit battered, Scar rises to her feet quickly, glaring at the Throh.

Scar hit Throh with Waterfall for 29 damage.
Throh hit Scar with Vital Throw for 35 damage.

The Sawk facing Haruka barely has time to raise its arms to block, as the energized berry slams into it with the force of a frieght train. Skidding back, the Sawk looks at the girl appraisingly, before nodding at her. Dashing forward, the fighting Pokemon returns the favor with a fierce kick to Haruka's midsection that doubles her over. A roundhouse from the fighting Pokemon lashes across her head, launching her back away from it and onto the dirt near the barrier.

Haruka hit Sawk with Natural Gift for 24 damage.
Sawk critically hit Haruka with Double Kick for 49 damage, then hit her again for 6 damage.

Ban's burst of magic takes the Sawk by surprise, leaving him unprepared for the water blast that it creates. Dripping, the Sawk gives the young boy a look of curiosity before darting forward, a cold blue aura forming around its hand. Alexa's soft gasp can be heard as the fighting-type uppercuts the young mage with a suddenly icy fist, throwing the boy back. Ban shivers for a moment, but finds himself still able to move - cracking can be heard from a thin layer of ice that formed over him from the blow.

Ban hit Sawk with Chaos Magic: Lesser - Water Gun for 26 damage.
Sawk hit Ban with Ice Punch for 42 damage.

Aron flings a dagger quickly at the Gallade, who catches it in his hand by the blade - surprisingly without actually being harmed by the weapon. Tossing it down at the researcher's feet, the Gallade darts... everywhere, literally splitting into four clones of itself. Helios's vine lashes through one of the copies, causing it to vanish in a puff of smoke - but none of the remaining clones reacts to it at all.

Aron hits Gallade with Dagger, but does no damage.
Gallade uses Double Team.
Helios hits a copy with Vine Whip, dispersing it. Gallade takes 2 damage from feedback.

William, Alexa, Lulu and Zakar watch the ongoing battles, the Lucario with a passive expression, Alexa with a look of concern, and Lulu with a smile as she enjoys the show. William barely notices a faint pulse, similar to what he felt from his shard, but coming from a relatively short distance outside the clearing - from the opposite side of where you all entered.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo stumbles back, spitting blood out of his mouth. Tough little sh*t. Lets wrap this up. Lorenzo flings a knife at the Throh, while Stark slams a Mega Punch his way.

[roll0] AC 4 Physical Normal
[roll1]
[roll2] Ac 4 Physical Normal
[roll3]

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka grits her teeth, these things hit hard, she thinks before grabbing the Sitrus Berry from her other hand. It instantly glows a dark purple before dispersing into several smaller spheres that then converge on the Sawk.

HP: 33/88

[Tybar]

Aron watches as his knife falls at his feet...and glances between the four clones as they appear, unable to puzzle out any differences among them...even as Helios dissipates one almost immediately after.

Helios! I think I see an opening...no, ignore that.

He frowns in frustration as the clones shift again, hiding the momentary weakness.

Okay, try Poison powder over all of them! That should flush out the real one!

Helios emits a spray of powder over the Gallade clones.


AC6 for poison powder:

[roll0]

[KujiUn]

Ban backs away even more before yawning. Sleepy time...

Augur's Trance (-10 HP) -> Sleep + Miracle Eye

[dethkruzer]

William watches events unfold, but keeps to the back of the spectating group. After a moment, he starts trying to sneak away from the group, toward the direction where he felt the pulse.

Dexterity check (if necesarry): [roll0]

[Gaekub]

Dexter's mind races as Scar flips backwards. He can see that she doesn't have much left, and realizes that another straight attack will only lead to a similar counter. "Scar, after me!"

At least, he hopes it will as he charges towards the pokemon, metal fist raised. The blow is blatant and obvious, and hopefully enough to distract from Scar's follow-up attack.

First, melee attack
[roll0] (AC 6, Physical)
[roll1] (Physical Normal damage)

And then Rage:
[roll2] (AC 2, Physical)
[roll3] (Physical Normal Damage)

[BluesEclipse]

Lorenzo flings a knife at the battered red warrior as Stark rockets forward, the Golett's approach distracting the Throh from the weapon. The blade sinks into the Pokemon's arm, and it stumbles back, clearly in pain, before collapsing from the combination of its injuries. Stark stops, fist raised, and turns to Lorenzo, awaiting command.

Lorenzo hit Throh with Knife for 4 damage. Throh fainted.

Stark receives 1125 XP.

As Dexter charges his opponent, the Throh shifts his stance to one of defense, enduring the blows both from Dexter's Laconium arm and Scar's fury stoically. A faint flash is visible at each point of impact.

Dexter hit Throh with Mech Arm for 2 damage.
Scar hit Throh with Rage for 6 damage.
Throh does nothing.

Also, the laconium arm is steel-type - I mentioned that to you when you first got it.

Haruka launches another berry at her foe, the iridescent pink energy flaring as it strikes the blue Pokemon. The Sawk dashes forward in reply, striking with a swift jab from an electrically-charged fist. The electricity courses through the botanist, and Haruka collapses to the ground. The Sawk looks for a moment, nodding towards her unconscious form.

Haruka hit Sawk with Natural Gift for 10 damage.
Sawk hit Haruka with Thunderpunch for 46 damage. Haruka is unconscious.

Ban slips into a trance, falling into a deep slumber. His opponent blinks, before faintly growling in irritation. Striding forward, the Sawk chops fiercely at the sleeping mage, who doesn't even attempt to dodge.

Ban used Augur's Trance! Ban is Asleep.
Sawk hit Ban with Karate Chop for 43 damage.

At Aron's command, Helios releases a burst of virulent purple spores, covering all of the Gallades. The three step together, and a brilliant blue aura flares around them for a moment, the poisonous spores seeming to be burned away by it. The Gallades step away from one another again, seemingly unaffected by the poison.

Helios hit Gallade with Poisonpowder. Gallade is Poisoned.
Gallade succeeds in self-curing his Poison.

William, watching the battle for a bit, ghosts away to seek out the pulse, drifting around the clearing and deeper into the forest. While he seems mostly unnoticed, a few of the evolved fighting types watching the battle from the trees give him stern looks - as if warning him not to interfere in the ongoing matches - but he remains unhindered as he moves around to seek the pulse he felt.

So... I need to know how you're trying to find the shard, and a WIS check for perception.

[KujiUn]

Ban, still sleeping, grabs on to the Sawk's daydreams, eating them up!

AC2: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] S-Psy

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo straightens up and released the breath he was holding. No Stark. He is defeated. We are done. Lorenzo turns towards the barrier separating him from their host. I believe thats match Zakar.

[Tybar]

Aron grins a bit as the Gallade shakes off the poison, each one looking pristine.

Okay Helios, see if he can shake off sleep powder!

Helios concentrates again, letting out another fine powder over the Gallade clones.


Sleep Powder, AC6:
[roll0]

[Gaekub]

Dexter staggers back, stunned from the returned ringing force in the laconium arm. He shrugs, and repeats the same procedure.

First, melee attack
[roll0] (AC 6, Physical)
[roll1] (Physical Steel damage)

And then Rage:
[roll2] (AC 2, Physical)
[roll3] (Physical Normal Damage) (Also raises attack one step)

EDIT: Scar's damage roll should be eight higher (and so should have all the others, if you want to retroactively change them, but understand if you don't.)

[dethkruzer]

William continues following in the rough direction of the pulse, trying to keep his eyes open for anything out of place, until he can get away from the commotion of the battle, at which point he attempts to focus, trying to mentally work out the source of the pulse.

Wisdom Check: [roll0]

[BluesEclipse]

Dexter slams his arm into the red Pokemon again with a wild punch, but despite the force of the blow the Throh simply shrugs it off. Scar's furious attack proves to be more successful, the fighting-type giving a hiss of pain as it endures the rage. A flash of white at the point of impact punctuates each of the blows. It remains standing at the end, however it doesn't move to respond, simply watching you carefully.

Dexter hit Throh with Mech Arm for 0 damage.
Scar hit Throh with Rage for 10 damage.
Throh is Waiting.

Ban, still asleep, is engulfed by a disturbing aura of pink light as the Sawk attacks him. The aura extends, seeming to form numerous hungry mouths which begin tearing at the blue Pokemon, an odd trilling noise emanating from everywhere and nowhere as it does. Though the attack leaves no visible wounds on the Sawk, bits of bluish power can be seen torn away from the fighting-type with each bite from the countless mouths, and with a soul-chilling scream the Sawk collapses, shuddering. Lulu can be heard saying, "What... what in the Creator's name just happened?" Alexa shivers nervously as her eyes remain fixed on that section of the field, watching the young Magus with concern.

Ban hit Sawk with Dream Eater for 124 damage. Sawk is fainted.

Aron watches as Helios releases another cloud of spores to engulf the three images of the Gallade, and smiles as the dust clears. The three images are all dozing silently, unnoticing of the world around them.

Helios hit Gallade with Sleep Powder. Gallade is Asleep.

William slips away from the clearing towards where he thinks the pulse came from. As he tries to reach out to it, however, he finds himself unable to pinpoint it - the presence of his own shard is strong enough to mute out anything similar he might be able to track.

[KujiUn]

Ban snapped awake, looking at the fallen Sawk. "...oops. Looks like I overdid it." He clasps his hands together before starting to sing his song. After a good minute, he turned to the Sawk and made sure it was well enough not to be in danger of anything.

[Tybar]

Aron watches with satisfaction as they all sleep. He had hoped to have Helios follow up with a strike as they fell...but the obscuring powder left him unable to make a call in time.

Helios, good job! Try hitting another one with your vine!

Helios lets out a triumphant roar and whips a vine out toward the sleeping Gallades.


Targetting roll:
[roll0]

AC2 for Vine Whip:
[roll1]

Dmg:
[roll2]

[Gaekub]

Dexter can't help but anticipate something horrible happening in the near future. The way this pokemon just kept blocking and blocking... it seemed like it was leading up to something.

On the other hand, Scar seemed to be working through its defenses, and maybe they'd be able to take it down before it happened. "Scar, again!"

First, melee attack
[roll0] (AC 6, Physical)
[roll1] (Physical Steel damage)

And then Rage:
[roll2] (AC 2, Physical)
[roll3] (Physical Normal Damage) (Also raises attack one step)

[dethkruzer]

William sighs in disappointment, but doesn't give up yet, and instead, let's out Snowy and Marduk to help him search for the source of the pulse manually.

Wisdom Check (if still applicable): [roll0]

[BluesEclipse]

Dexter's wild swing glances off of the Throh harmlessly, while Scar continues pummeling it with its fierce attacks. As the last blow lands with a burst of white, the red Pokemon smoothly glides out of its stance, pulling a palm back. White dots begin flaring over the fighting-type's body, each one marking a blow landed on him, and all of them flow over the Pokemon to coalesce in a ball of light in the creature's palm. The Throh considers for a moment before focusing, causing the ball of light in its hand to shrink somewhat, then slams its palm fiercely into Scar, launching the Croconaw back across the clearing and into one of the barriers. The Pokemon falls to the ground, unmoving.

Dexter misses Throh with Mech Arm.
Scar hit Throh with Rage for 18 damage.
Throh hit Scar with Bide for 48 damage. Scar is fainted. (Yes, it pulled the attack - it would've been 72 damage otherwise.)

Helios swipes at one of the Gallades with a vine, slicing through the copy. As it bursts into smoke, the two remaining Gallades both dash at the Ivysaur, slashing into the Pokemon with the blades protruding from their elbows before jumping back away.

Helios hit a copy of Gallade with Vine Whip. The copy is dispersed, and Gallade takes 3 damage from feedback.
Gallade hit Helios with Slash for 33 damage.

William, Marduk and Snowy search the clearing, and after a bit of close inspection notice a glint of metal from beneath the roots of a large tree. It's nearly impossible to tell what it is due to dirt and roots in the way.

[Gaekub]

Dexter's head snaps around, following the path of the fallen pokemon. For a moment, his mind flashes back to the ruins where he had nearly lost Scar before. However, the Croconaw's chest rises and falls with the tell tale of rhythm of breath, calming his fears.

Abruptly, he spins in place, lashing out again at the Throh with a wild swing."I'm not done yet!"

First, melee attack
[roll0] (AC 6, Physical)
[roll1] (Physical Steel damage)

[dethkruzer]

The psychic approaches the glint with caution, kneeling down to see if he could dig it up.

[Tybar]

Aron winces as Helios is hurt, though the Ivysaur gets back to his feet quickly, growling and looking ready to go another round.

He points to one of the Gallades at random Helios! Attack...

The other one shifts slightly in his view, looking more...real...for a moment.

The other one! Use your leaves!

Helios pivots and twists his shoulders, leaves flying from the plant on his back, razor-sharp and heading straight for the real Gallade.


Helios uses Razor Leaf
AC4, Crit on an 18-20
[roll0]
[roll1]

[BluesEclipse]

Dexter lashes out at the red fighting Pokemon, and the Throh takes the blow stoically, staring down the engineer. The Throh then clamps its hands onto Dexter's metal arm, and spins, hurling him away into the barrier.

Dexter hit Throh with Mech Arm for 0 damage.
Throh hit Dexter with Storm Throw for 55 damage.

Watching carefully, Aron is able to see flickers within the form of the illusory double, just before both Gallades seem to vanish just as Helios pivots to strike at the real one. The leaves pass harmlessly, while a pair of violet streaks pass right through the spot Helios just vacated, the two Gallade appearing next to one another a short distance away. Aron watches carefully, still noting the subtle differences in the copy.

Helios missed Gallade with Razor Leaf.
Gallade missed Helios with Shadow Sneak.

William crouches down, noting immediately that the roots around the object make it impossible to reach in and grab it.

[Tybar]

Aron grabs the knife at his feet and tosses it at the real Gallade.

Helios, try again!

Helios lets fly another flurry of leaves at the same Gallade.


Aron's knife:
AC 6:
[roll0]
Damage:
[roll1]

Razor Leaf:
AC 4:
[roll2]
Damage:
[roll3]

[dethkruzer]

William looked at the shard for a moment, before trying to grab it using Telekinesis.

[Gaekub]

Dexter raises his hand from his position face down in the dirt. "Concede," he grunts.

[BluesEclipse]

The Throh nods at Dexter, relaxing its posture and offering a hand to the downed Trainer.

Aron flings his knife at the Gallade, which dodges - directly into Helios's flurry of sharp leaves. Wincing slightly at the attack, the Gallade charges towards Helios, an icy blue aura forming around his fist, and swings only for the Ivysaur to dodge aside at the last moment. Helios quickly retaliates with another spray of razor-sharp leaves, the attack causing the Gallade to drop to its knees, clearly unable to continue.

Aron missed Gallade with Knife.
Helios hit Gallade with Razor Leaf for 25 damage, and dispersed his copies. Gallade took 4 damage from feedback.
Gallade missed Helios with Ice Punch.
Helios hit Gallade with Razor Leaf for 31 damage. Gallade fainted.

Stark gains 1125 XP.
Scar gains 563 XP.
Helios gains 1250 XP.

Zakar releases the barriers calmly, before stepping into the center of the arena. His aura flares, turning an emerald green as it floods through the clearing, and you all find your injuries fading. After a moment, he pulls his aura back, and his voice echoes out, You have all fought well. Now... Turning his attention away from you, he continues, Let any student of this circle who wishes to journey with one of these warriors present themselves now...

A moment passes, before a rustling is heard in the branches near Haruka. A humanoid frog Pokemon, its skin a deep blue and eyes a bright yellow - a Croagunk, as Aron recoognizes - steps out, approaching the botanist closely. A grey-skinned humanoid walks up to Dexter shortly after, looking curiously at his metal arm and tapping it - forcefully - with his own palm. Nodding, the Machop smiles as he looks at the engineer.

A small, white humanoid form with a green top - one that Ban remembers as a Ralts - walks out, slightly nervous as it approaches Ban. I... I think I can help you learn control... if you can help me grow strong... the Ralts's voice echoes in his mind. A familiar yellow humanoid - a Scraggy - walks over to Lorenzo, giving him an appraising look before smirking confidently, while a blue-and-black bipedal canine, looking much like a smaller version of Zakar, walks out and stands before Aron, giving the trainer a respectful bow.

Zakar nods, and says, These ones will be your companions, then. Teach them what it truly means to be a warrior, and they shall in turn aid you in your own quests. I wish you all luck in your journeys... and should you wish to return, you will be welcomed here.

New Pokemon:
Haruka - Croagunk, L20, Female, Anticipation
Lorenzo - Scraggy, L20, Male, Moxie
Ban - Ralts, L20, Male, Synchronize
Dexter - Machop, L20, Female, Focus
Aron - Riolu, L20, Male, Inner Focus

You choose the nature. And make sure to mark one Pokeball off for actually capturing it - if, for some reason, you don't HAVE any Pokeballs, deduct the cost of a basic ball and it'll be assumed you get one ASAP.

William
You grasp the object firmly with your telekinesis, pulling at it as hard as you can. You're able to dislodge some of the dirt from it, but the object itself is stuck within the roots - but you can see it is broader than you initially thought. While a shard of silver metal is present - and is what drew your attention - the object itself appears to be made of a different metal, being more of a golden color. Or perhaps bronze... it's difficult to tell with the object still mostly buried and dirty.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Hiya little guy. You...have pants? Huh, not something you see everyday. C'mon... Buck. Lets call you Buck. Lorenzo lacks a regular pokeball, so he lets Buck follow him back to town before buying a ball for him. You have Brick Break? That.... could be very useful. Hey Alexa, are you doing ok?

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka gets up as Zakar speaks, then smiles when the Croagunk comes forward, "hello," she says to the frog-like mon, "would you mind if I call you Belladona? It's the botanical name for Deadly Nightshade," she says, it fit given that Croagunk was a poison type. The croagunk nods and Haruka smiles before pulling out a pokeball and holding it out, to which the newly named Belladona taps and gets pulled into the ball.

"I'll bring Blitzkrieg here tomorrow, Zakar Sensei, if that's alright," Haruka says, bowing to him, "It was a pleasure to meet you and your students," she says, being as polite as possible. She then looks around, "where'd Will go?" she asks.

[dethkruzer]

"Marduk, can you give us some water, try to turn the dirt around the roots into mud. I'll try to dig." William instructs the Lombre, beforing kneeling down, waiting for the water.

[KujiUn]

Ban pats the little Ralts. "Okay, it's a deal then!" He has the Ralts ride on his shoulders for now, not really wanting to zot the Pokemon in the Pokeball, and then he looks at the visitors worriedly. "Alexa, are you alright?"

[Tybar]

Aron nods to the Gallade. Thank you for the match.

He pats Helios as the Ivysaur is healed.

Aron bows back to the Riolu.

Hi. I hope you will help teach me a bit about fighting...as you can see, it isn't exactly my strong suit personally. Um...what should I call you?

The Riolu takes a stick and draws in the dirt...a laughing face and a puff of wind. He looks up at Aron with a placid expression.

Hm...Laughing Breeze then? That will work.

Aron takes out a pokeball, and Laughing Breeze taps it, capturing himself with a satisfied nod.


Going with a jolly nature, but only with what he draws. Otherwise, he looks serious.

[BluesEclipse]

Everyone but William
Alexa looks at Ban curiously, not saying anything. Lulu, meanwhile, speaks up, saying, "Um... just what, exactly, did you do to that thing? I mean, it looked like you ate its soul or something..."

William
Marduk sprays water over the base of the tree, creating a pool of mud. You find it easier to telekinetically move the mud away rather than simply trying to dig with your hands, and before long you're able to at least see the object stuck there - the hilt of a sword, gleaming gold, with blue wrapping around the grip. A small silver shard, about half an inch long, protrudes from the hilt where the blade would be.

The roots are thick enough that you still can't pull the hilt out, though.

[KujiUn]

Ban thinks about it. "Let's see, after I passed out... I don't remember exactly. All I do remember is that there was somewhat kicking me and I had to fight back. But it looks like I'm much stronger when I'm sleeping." Ban nodded, as that was all he could think of.

[Gaekub]

Dexter takes the hand and pulls himself to his feet. "Thank you," he says, pained but sincere. He gives the Thor a shallow bow, as deep as he can manage without hurting his bruised ribs, and recalls Scar.

"Hey, what's going on?" he asks the rest of the trainers. "Someone's eating souls?"

[BluesEclipse]

Alexa blinks, and says to Ban, "Y-you really don't remember what happened? It... it was pretty scary..." Lulu shrugs, and Zakar says, Your companion, White Cloth, will aid you in learning to better control your power. I have seen others with the gift of dream magic... master it, and you will possess a truly potent means of fighting.

[KujiUn]

Ban nodded to Alexa. "Oh, I scared you? Sorry. I'll try to keep it down as much as I can." He then turns to Zakar. "Alright. Thank you for the advice." He bows as much as he can with the Ralts on his shoulder... which isn't much. "Now..." He checks around the clearing, looking for William. "Where's Will?"

[dethkruzer]

"Alright Marduk, you've done enough, return." The psychic speaks, recalling the Lombre. He then reaches into his bag, thinking. Taking a moment, he then pulls out a great ball. Come on out, Bastion."

"Bastion, use Metal Claw, try to cut the roots around that shard of metal." William instructs the Aron, pointing at the shard embedded in the roots.

[Tybar]

Aron looks around and frowns at the conversation.

I don't know a whole lot about dreaming magic...but maybe when we get back to town I can do some research to help you out Ban.

He looks to Laughing Breeze and Helios. Helios, for now, take a rest...Breeze and I will help look for William. Sound good to you Breeze?

He returns the Ivysaur, and Laughing Breeze makes a smiley face in the dirt with his stick again, then moves to Aron's side while Aron looks around for Will.

[BluesEclipse]

William
Bastion is quickly able to cut away enough of the roots to allow you to pull the sword out with your telekinetic abilities. As you bring it out, you notice that the mud and dirt seems to slide off of it like water, leaving it clean, the metal gleaming in the dim light. Grasping the sword in your hand, you feel a sudden pulse from both the sword and your own shard.

The Group in the Clearing
As you look around for William, you all feel a sudden pulse from your shards, echoed by another pulse coming from deeper in the forest. As your attention turns towards the source of the pulse, Lulu says, "What's up, guys... is something out there?"

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka looks in the direction the pulse came from, "I think Will may have found something," she says, "I'll send him a message."

<KiNoChi_Haruka>We just got a pulse from our shards, any idea what caused it?

[Gaekub]

"Yeah, I think my shard just pulsed," Dexter says. "Although I am still a little woozy..."

[KujiUn]

Ban stared at the direction of the pulse, closing his eyes. "Yeah... and Will's in the same direction..." He started walking towards the source and Will. "We should go see him. He might be in trouble."

[Tybar]

Aron touches the shard hanging around his neck, and feels an odd sensation in his mind. It looks like a smiley face, turning to a question mark.

Aron looks at Laughing Breeze, startled.

You can communicate mentally? He thinks for a moment. Oh, yes, I suppose you should have an aura too...

The smiley face returns and the riolu nods, still looking stoic. Aron thinks at him.

Alright, these shards are important...they're basically other party members...this one is Odin...and they react to different things...we should check on Will to make sure he's alright.

He heads toward the feeling as best he can.

[dethkruzer]

William stares at the sword hilt for a in awe. He knew he was holding something important. He is startled out of his trance by the message noise of his pokedex, making him lower the sword hilt and dig out his pokedex.

<DurendanteMelin> I think I might have found something important, you should come and see this. William wrote in the message, also adding any possible instructions to his location, before sending it. The pychic then tucks away the pokedex, and proceeds to recall his partners.

[EdroGrimshell]

"He says he found something important," Haruka says, she turns to Zakar, "would you like to accompany us? It might be of interest," she then turns to Enker, "would like to accompany us as well? If this is related to the shards it might be of interest to yourself."

[BluesEclipse]

Zakar nods, and you all head out towards the source of the pulse. It doesn't take you long to locate William, though you find the psychic is a bit muddy and is holding what appears to be the hilt of a broken sword.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Hey Will, you alright? Where did you find that?

[Tybar]

Aron looks at William, then the sword, then the tree.

That is...very unusual...

He takes a few pencil shavings and sprinkles them on Odin.

Odin, any thoughts?

Laughing Breeze looks on, curious.

[dethkruzer]

"I'm okay, just a little muddy." William replies, having seemingly just noticed it himself. "Back when you were fighting with those pokemon, I felt something, like the pulse from the shards, and thought it would be best to find it's source. Thinking about it, I probably should have waited instead of going."

[BluesEclipse]

Tybar
The graphite shavings on Odin's shard read only a single word. ELSYDEON.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka tilts her head a little then takes her shard out and sends out Sakura, "Sakura, would you mind relaying my conversation, please?" she asks, getting a nod from the Kirlia, Hahn, can you tell me about this sword? It looks like it has something to do with the shard you're imprinted on.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Hey Will can I see that for a second? I have an idea.

I called this way back at game start and I'll call it again. Our shards are part of a sword and I'm bettting its this sword. I will be cashing in my bragging rights.

[Tybar]

Aron frowns at Odin.

Elsydeon...what is that?


Random knowledge, go!

Number to beat is a 13.

[roll0]

[BluesEclipse]

Haruka
After a moment, Sakura's mental voice rings through your mind. He says that it is the hilt of a blade known as Elsydeon... a sacred weapon of light, that once carried the spirits of those sworn against the darkness.

Tybar
Though you're unable to place the name Elsydeon, Odin replies to your muttered comment. ELSYDEON, THE SOUL OF HOPE... OR AT LEAST THE HILT OF IT. THE BLADE ITSELF SHATTERED IN THE LAST BATTLE AGAINST THE DARKNESS...

Odin's words bring to mind a tale you remember hearing during your childhood - one that would have simply remained within your memories but for the shard's response.

Legend holds that the world once was far different from what is known now - that when created, the world was not one, but three. Three worlds, each circling the same star, and together serving to seal a great evil away from creation.

An avatar of darkness, a being of pure malice... such a thing cannot truly be banished from the world, as its evil is echoed within the hearts of humankind. As such, this entity was able to draw power, and once every 1000 years, would release a part of itself into the world.

War, devestation, death... once every millenium, the great evil would bring these things to the world, in the hopes of weakening the seal further, and of drawing humanity farther from the light.

As the powers of light waned, the Creator found herself unable to battle the darkness - as it remained bound within the seal, she could not combat its machinations directly. Humanity, however, was not so bound.

A young woman, filled with righteous anger over the actions of the darkness, took up arms against the darkness and its servants. Gathering allies from across the worlds, she led a great battle against the dark avatar, and the corrupt king who worshipped it. However, mortals alone cannot challenge something so primal as pure darkness. While the woman and her three allies fought their way through the mortal servants of darkness, when they faced the beast spawned of evil incarnate, they found that its power was far beyond their own. And though they fought, one by one they fell. Even then, they gave all they had to stop the beast.

The mighty warrior who aided her fought fiercely, but his axe shattered against the beast's black hide, and its ebony claws tore through his own armor. As he fell, he offered his strength to the woman who saved him from a curse of stone.

The great hunter who followed her attacked furiously, but despite his inhuman strength, speed and magical talent, he was dwarfed by the fell beast of darkness. Eventually, the dark creature tore into the hunter with its fangs, even as he shielded the woman who freed him from a life of slavery.

The great mage who swore himself to her cause clashed against the creature's own fell power, but even his arcane might was not enough to overcome the raw hatred fueling the beast's black magic. His efforts to break the beast's defenses failed, and as the dark one's own magic tore at his very soul, he wove spells of protection and alacrity over the woman who brought him away from a life of solitude and exile.

And as each of the woman's allies fell, they poured their will, their hearts and souls, into her sword, and where the Creator could not act to stop the avatar of darkness, the hope of humanity could. The blade, imbued with the will of the four to fight against the darkness - to protect the world from this evil - shone with a heavenly light, and the woman found herself somehow greater than before.

She struck with the warrior's might, cleaving the creature's hide. She dodged the beast's attacks with the hunter's agility, becoming little more than a blur to its cursed eyes. She turned aside its magic with ease, the mage's arcane knowledge hers to wield. And as she thrust the shining silver blade into the beast's heart, Alis - a mere mortal - did what even the goddess could not, and struck down the avatar of evil itself.

And while evil could not die, light now found hope, embodied in a blade of silver and light, imbued with the very souls of those who stood against the darkness. The Sword of Heaven and the Blade of the Protector. The sword would vanish into history, resurfacing every thousand years when the great darkness would return once more to threaten the threefold worlds. And each time the darkness was beaten back, those who served as Protectors of creation would pour their own souls into the blade, enhancing its power further. This blade, named in the ancient tongue 'Elsydeon' - meaning 'The Soul of Hope', would remain as a weapon to strike down the darkness, until brought to bear against evil incarnate in order to strike down the great source of darkness itself.

[KujiUn]

Ban leans forward, looking at it, almost studying it. "Hm... why is my shard reacting..." He yawns. "Well, I'm gonna go see if I can talk to him..." he says before he sleeps, attempting to contact his shard spirit thingy.

[dethkruzer]

William hands over the shard. "Here you go."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo grabs the sword hilt gingerly, retrieving his shard from his pocket. He twirls it whispering Here goes nothing. Lorenzo lines the shard up with the broken blade trying to fit the shard to the blade's broken fragments.

[BluesEclipse]

Ban
As you fall asleep, the world shifts around you. The dreaming echo of the forest surrounds you, faded but nearly identical to the waking world your body slumbers in. Lutz stands nearby, a smile on his face as he says, "I see that you and your companions have found yet another piece of Elsydeon..."

Lorenzo
You try to fit your shard to the bit of blade sticking out of the hilt, but the pieces simply don't fit together. You can tell they're made of the same metal, however, and your own shard seems to resonate with the shard embedded in the hilt somehow.

[KujiUn]

Ban yawns. "Oh? So Elsydeon... a part of that broken sword is that?" Ban rubbed his chin, trying to look like he was thinking. He was thinking, but it was more the look that was important. "Wait, another one? We've seen other pieces?"

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo places his shard near the one in the hilt, spinning it to generate a light breeze. Ok I'm officially lost now. Can you help? Explain or something?

[Gaekub]

"So... we're rebuilding the sword? Is that our... job?" Dexter looks down at his own shard as he slips it from his pocket. "I really need to build you into something..."

[BluesEclipse]

Ban
Lutz smiles and replies, "You've more than seen others... Surely you've noticed how we respond to the presence of one another?"

Lorenzo
As you spin the shard, Shir's amused voice echoes in the wind. "You're telling me you've never done a puzzle before? Or tried putting something broken back together?" A light giggle rings through the air around you. "You have to fit the right pieces together, you know. Though I don't know what you'd plan on doing - it's not like you could just tape the Neisword back together or anything."

[MesiDoomstalker]

I honestly thought it was magic and it would just fix itself. It was worth a shot. Though my allies have shards as well, though not sure we have enough for a full fledged sword. Hey guys, I think our shards are part of this sword. Or atleast, some parts of it. Maybe we try to piece them together and see if they fit together at all.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka asks Hahn if he'd be able to help fitting the pieces together, having Sakura act as a relay point.

[BluesEclipse]

Haruka
After a moment, Sakura's voice rings through your head. He says they've tried to reforge the blade - while the shards tend to fit together based on when the individual bound themself to the blade, even having all of them he doesn't know of a way to restore the sword to its original form.

After a moment, the Kirlia says, He mentioned that it may be possible to use the shards in other ways, though - he wishes to give the matter more thought.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka nods lightly, "they fit together, but reforging them would be somewhere between extremely difficult and impossible," she says, "Hahn is a swordsmith so he would be the most likely to know this, but he is currently thinking of alternate ways to use the shards."

[KujiUn]

Ban thinks. "So, the shards are pieces of the sword... so should we try to fix the sword then?"

[BluesEclipse]

Ban
"You could try - you may come up with something we haven't. There could be other ways to utilize the fragments of Elsydeon, though, if you're creative enough to come up with them."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Well that's disconcerting. Tell us if he thinks of anything. Lorenzo looks crestfallen at this revelation.

[Tybar]

Aron snaps out of his revelry, and looks up from Odin's shard.

Odin also knew the name...and I remember something...a story I heard a long time ago...

Aron proceeds to recite the story he was told, while studying the broken sword and Odin.



Reposted for those who don't wish to scroll:

Legend holds that the world once was far different from what is known now - that when created, the world was not one, but three. Three worlds, each circling the same star, and together serving to seal a great evil away from creation.

An avatar of darkness, a being of pure malice... such a thing cannot truly be banished from the world, as its evil is echoed within the hearts of humankind. As such, this entity was able to draw power, and once every 1000 years, would release a part of itself into the world.

War, devestation, death... once every millenium, the great evil would bring these things to the world, in the hopes of weakening the seal further, and of drawing humanity farther from the light.

As the powers of light waned, the Creator found herself unable to battle the darkness - as it remained bound within the seal, she could not combat its machinations directly. Humanity, however, was not so bound.

A young woman, filled with righteous anger over the actions of the darkness, took up arms against the darkness and its servants. Gathering allies from across the worlds, she led a great battle against the dark avatar, and the corrupt king who worshipped it. However, mortals alone cannot challenge something so primal as pure darkness. While the woman and her three allies fought their way through the mortal servants of darkness, when they faced the beast spawned of evil incarnate, they found that its power was far beyond their own. And though they fought, one by one they fell. Even then, they gave all they had to stop the beast.

The mighty warrior who aided her fought fiercely, but his axe shattered against the beast's black hide, and its ebony claws tore through his own armor. As he fell, he offered his strength to the woman who saved him from a curse of stone.

The great hunter who followed her attacked furiously, but despite his inhuman strength, speed and magical talent, he was dwarfed by the fell beast of darkness. Eventually, the dark creature tore into the hunter with its fangs, even as he shielded the woman who freed him from a life of slavery.

The great mage who swore himself to her cause clashed against the creature's own fell power, but even his arcane might was not enough to overcome the raw hatred fueling the beast's black magic. His efforts to break the beast's defenses failed, and as the dark one's own magic tore at his very soul, he wove spells of protection and alacrity over the woman who brought him away from a life of solitude and exile.

And as each of the woman's allies fell, they poured their will, their hearts and souls, into her sword, and where the Creator could not act to stop the avatar of darkness, the hope of humanity could. The blade, imbued with the will of the four to fight against the darkness - to protect the world from this evil - shone with a heavenly light, and the woman found herself somehow greater than before.

She struck with the warrior's might, cleaving the creature's hide. She dodged the beast's attacks with the hunter's agility, becoming little more than a blur to its cursed eyes. She turned aside its magic with ease, the mage's arcane knowledge hers to wield. And as she thrust the shining silver blade into the beast's heart, Alis - a mere mortal - did what even the goddess could not, and struck down the avatar of evil itself.

And while evil could not die, light now found hope, embodied in a blade of silver and light, imbued with the very souls of those who stood against the darkness. The Sword of Heaven and the Blade of the Protector. The sword would vanish into history, resurfacing every thousand years when the great darkness would return once more to threaten the threefold worlds. And each time the darkness was beaten back, those who served as Protectors of creation would pour their own souls into the blade, enhancing its power further. This blade, named in the ancient tongue 'Elsydeon' - meaning 'The Soul of Hope', would remain as a weapon to strike down the darkness, until brought to bear against evil incarnate in order to strike down the great source of darkness itself.

[KujiUn]

"Hm. Alright, got it! I'll see what we can do!" And with that, he snaps awake, yawning as Aron tells his story.

[dethkruzer]

"So what you're saying is... We're carrying around the only weapon capable of bringing down some otherwise unkillable avatar of darkness, which supposedly is unleashed every 1000 years? And this wepon just happens to be in pieces? Am I the only one who is ever so slightly conserned about this?

[Gaekub]

"No. You're not."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Honestly at this point I'm not surprised at this poikt. Crazy militant nihilist, weird magical shards? Steems par for the course now.

[EdroGrimshell]

"It is rather strange, and foreboding, but someone was going to find it eventually," Haruka says, "it just so happens to be us this time around. We should probably bring it with us and head back into town, we need to get set up for the contest tomorrow."

[BluesEclipse]

Zakar nods, and says, The answers you seek will come in time... I am certain of that. But remember the core of the tale Aron told... the light that banished darkness came not from the blade, but from the will of its wielder, and the hearts of those connected to her. Turning away, he nods over his shoulder at you and says, Farewell, warriors... until we meet again.

As you head back towards Lily Town, the two girls accompanying you are mostly silent. Lulu walks alongside Lorenzo, with Alexa on her other side, though the younger girl's gaze shifts back to Ban frequently. By the time you return to town, night has fallen, and the last preparations are being made for tomorrow's contest. "Well," Lulu says, "I guess we'll be splitting up for now, huh? I have to admit... you guys are definitely an interesting bunch. I had a great time... maybe we can do this again sometime, Lorenzo?"

Alexa looks at Ban, a blush on her face, and after a long moment's silence, says, "Erm... well... I guess this is goodbye, huh? I had fun, Ban..." She trails off, merely smiling at the dream mage to punctuate her statement before turning to leave along with her sister.

As the two girls head off, Lulu says, "You know... you can all apparently talk to those shards... has anyone tried talking to the sword?"

[EdroGrimshell]

"We'll try that once we get back, it may be better to do so at the ranch, for now, at least," Haruka replies, "the shards take different methods of speaking, we need to find out the way this one will."

[KujiUn]

Ban nods. "Okay, then. I had a good time! I hope you did too!" Ban waves back at the two, before yawning. "Alright... so now we go to sleep? Whatever you guys want!"

[MesiDoomstalker]

Sure, uh, I guess? It was fun. Though you kind of stayed on the sidelines. The contest tomorrow. I'm gonna do it. Lulu, you joining it? Lorezno asks politely, trying to be a good conversationalist and failing.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka smiles, "let's go guys, we're heading back to the ranch, it's getting late," she says, "and we still need to see about that hilt."

[BluesEclipse]

Lulu smiles back at Lorenzo and replies, "Eh, not much for fishing to be honest. Good luck, though!" As the two girls walk off, you all return to the ranch. The house is rather quiet, and everyone else seems either to be out or asleep.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo taps Haruka on the shoulder, asking in a hushed tone. Hey, do you have that Kelpsey berry for Nebulas? And do you know if your mom has a sewing kit laying around somewhere?

[EdroGrimshell]

"Yes, and yes, your Hondew berry will be fully grown tomorrow too," Haruka replies, pulling one of the Kelpsy berries from her planter's side pocket, "hope it helps. Mome keeps her sewing kit in here," she says, leading Lorenzo to a book-filled room.

[Tybar]

Aron follows along with the rest of the group, speaking with Odin and finally recalling Laughing Breeze as they approach the house.

Odin, any thoughts on how to communicate with the hilt?

Aron catches a glimpse at the book-filled room...making a note to visit it in the morning.

[dethkruzer]

"I could try consulting my own shard to see if she knows anything about the sword." William spoke along the way.

Upon arriving at the house, the boy yawned loudly, before speaking. "But now I really could use some sleep."

[BluesEclipse]

Aron
NOT SURE... I'D JUST TRY A FEW DIFFERENT THINGS.

Lorenzo
You find the sewing kit with little difficulty in the room that Haruka led you to.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo unfortunately lacked new fabric to repair holes, so his repair job would have to wait. For the time being, he went to bed, making sure the hilt was stored somewhere safe first.

[Tybar]

Aron nods to Odin, then heads to bed, eager to hit the library and fishing competition in the morning.

[dethkruzer]

William heads off to bed as well. He considers trying to communicate with his own shard, but decides to leave it for later, as he is already tired out from todays events, and he wanted to be wide awake tomorrow.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka remains up for a while longer before going to sleep after everyone else.

[Gaekub]

Dexter remains silent for most of the conversation, contemplating the shards. When they arrive back at Haruka's place, he spends two hours working on his pokedex-shard integration, the project having been brought back into his mind, before going to bed.

Two int rolls (I think that's how it went)
[roll0]
[roll1]

[BluesEclipse]

Dexter
You make quite a bit of progress in putting together an interface, managing to build an attachment that would let you pick up the energy of the shard. As you do, you realize that the sheer raw power contained in one of the shards would potentially fry the Pokedex, but if you can create some way to limit that, then Kain should be able to interface with the Dex well enough.

You all head to sleep, and the night proves mostly uneventful. You wake up at about 9 AM, with the fishing contest beginning at 11.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo grabs a quick breakfast, dashing towards the Gym. He needed more cash for the contest. He leaves a note for Dex, asking him to make him 2 pokeballs and a Net Ball if he had the time, he'd pay him for it back.

He then runs to the Center, depositing Doubles so he was back down to 6 before going to the Gym for a quick battle, 2v2 ^1500 wager. He needed cash and bad.

[BluesEclipse]

Lorenzo
You make your way to the gym, and see a blonde man leaning on one of the walls, calmly. He looks up as you approach, and smiles. "Yo! You looking for a challenge, or just a friendly?" When you reply that you're challenging, he nods, and leads you into a small room off to the side. The arena itself is set several meters down into the floor, and he agilely hops across a series of moving pistons to reach a platform at the opposite side of the arena.

"Name's Richard, by the way... and word of advice - watch for the pistons. They'll screw with your aim if your not careful. The gym leader has a few on her personal arena as well, so you'll want to keep it in mind. Anyway... you know the rules? 2 mon only, I have to use one each of Poison and Steel types, a mon is out when fainted or when you say you're forfeiting it, and no items."

He smiles, releasing a blue metallic creature with two arms, each ending in three claws. The creature's red eyes glow as it watches you. "Alright, Mek, should be a light day for us with the fishing contest, but let's see what our friend here has to offer!"

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A| | | | | |Me| | | |
B| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
C| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
D| | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | |PP|PP| | | |
F| | | | |PP|PP| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | |
H| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
I| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
J| | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Pokemon
Me - Mek

Terrain/Other
PP - Pistons. Counts as rough terrain(-2 accuracy on attacks made into/through that square). If a mon is in that square, an AC 6 Physical attack will be made against them at the start of their turn, dealing 1d12+6 Steel damage on hit.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Good to know. I'll start with my own mechanical pokemon, Stark, your up! The shiny golem appears on the field, ready for action!

Obligatory scanning.

[BluesEclipse]

Lorenzo
Richard smiles, and replies, "Alright, then, Mek. Shields up! Light Screen and Reflect first!" The metallic Pokemon's eyes glow as it responds by raising a shimmering blue field around itself, followed immediately by a shimmering green field. It makes no move to approach.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A| | | | | |Me| | | |
B| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
C| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
D| | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | |PP|PP| | | |
F| | | | |PP|PP| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | |
H| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
I| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
J| | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Pokemon
Me - Mek Coats: Light Screen(+2 SDef CS), Reflect(+2 Def CS)

Terrain/Other
PP - Pistons. Counts as rough terrain(-2 accuracy on attacks made into/through that square). If a mon is in that square, an AC 6 Physical attack will be made against them at the start of their turn, dealing 1d12+6 Steel damage on hit.


Round Summary
Mek uses Light Screen. Richard uses Personal Walls to make it a Coat.
Richard uses Quick Setup.
Mek uses Reflect. Richard uses Personal Walls to make it a Coat.

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka wakes well before any of her friends and tends to her berries, leaving a Hondew on the table for Lorenzo when picks them, and planting new ones in place of her freshly picked ones. She then goes out on the ranch to find some more berries. Once she finishes searching, she comes back and makes some bait for the contest, and leaves a pair of blue apricorns on the table for Dex, making Lure Balls would be a good idea considering she was using bait.

She checks on her trade offers at the Center, hoping to get something good for the pokemon she had offered and setting a time to meet anyone that had made an offer for after the contest was done.

Once set up, she goes to get Blitzkrieg from Andrea and takes him to see Zakar for the next couple days. She was sure he'd like it there, he wanted to become stronger, and here, he could get stronger and test his strength as well as get his new ability to sense aura trained a bit, "Zakar-sensei, I brought Blitzkrieg with me."

Once she talks to Zakar about Blitzkrieg's stay, she gives the beetle mon a pat and then heads back to town to earn some more meseta, offering some Soul Food over at the local herb market so the trainers could use the bitter herbs without offending their mon.

Healer Berry Search
[roll0]
[roll1]

Flavor Berry Search
[roll2]
[roll3]

{table=head]Planted|Days|Number
Persim Berry|[roll4]|[roll5]
Chesto Berry|[roll6]|[roll7]
Leppa Berry|[roll8]|[roll9]
White Apricorn|[roll10]|[roll11]
Yellow Apricorn|[roll12]|[roll13][/table]

[MesiDoomstalker]

Nice strategy. Two can play at this game, Stark, get behidn that piston and use Iron Defense! Stark flies over and up to J9, up 3m, hardening its body.

New Defense: 18, now physical Evasion +3

[BluesEclipse]

Lorenzo
Richard smiles, and says, "Always good to battle someone who doesn't just try breaking through. Mek, ascend and scatter. Stealth Rock." The metallic Pokemon, identified by your Pokedex as Metang, rises into the air, before sending small stones out which hover throughout the field. You quickly lose sight of the stones, however.

{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A| | | | | |Me| | | |
B| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
C| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
D| | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | |PP|PP| | | |
F| | | | |PP|PP| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | |
H| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
I| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
J| | | | | | | | |St| [/table]

Pokemon
Me - Mek 3M up, Coats: Light Screen(+2 SDef CS), Reflect(+2 Def CS)
St - Stark 3M up, +2 Def CS

Terrain/Other
PP - Pistons. Counts as rough terrain(-2 accuracy on attacks made into/through that square). If a mon is in that square, an AC 6 Physical attack will be made against them at the start of their turn, dealing 1d12+6 Steel damage on hit. The pistons extend 7M up.


Round Summary
Stark used Iron Defense. Stark gained +2 Defense Combat Stages.
Mek used Stealth Rock, scattering hazards through the arena.

Haruka
When you head to the center to check on your offers, you see that there's a couple offers - one person has offered a Dustox for the Beedrill, another offered a Houndour for the Klink - with a mention that it's a purebred, one person offered 2500 Meseta for the Beedrill and a Starmie for the Klink, and one person wants a two-for-one - an Umbreon for the pair.

Arriving in the forest clearing, you see Zakar sitting in front of several other Pokemon - and, surprisingly, Alexa - as you enter the clearing. All of them are meditating, and a pulsing blue aura surrounds Zakar. Before you even speak, you hear in your mind, Welcome back, Haruka... What has brought you here? Your reply of having brought Blitzkrieg causes him to stand, and approach you, eyes opening as his aura recedes. Looking over the Heracross, Zakar nods. He is spirited... he will do well, I believe. We shall await your return... come, Blitzkrieg. The Heracross nods, following the Lucario back into the clearing and joining the meditation after some brief mental instructions.

When you get back to town, you find you won't have much more than an hour and a half to try and sell food, but are given the option of selling some of your Soul Food at the local apothecary at a reasonable profit.

Alright. Roll 1d10+WIS+5, to determine the number of meals you can make in the half hour. Roll 1d20, and add one-half your WIS and CHA modifiers then multiply by 10 to determine how much you make off of each meal.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Hey, I like breaking crap. Example: Shadow Punch! Stark flies forward to D9, spectral fist dodging between the jutting pistons connecting with the metal disk.

[roll0] For the critz
[roll1] Physical Ghost

[EdroGrimshell]

Haruka sets a time for a meeting with the one offering the Umbreon, then heads to the market where she sets up a temporary shop to sell some of her special cooking to earn a few meseta.

[roll0]
[roll1] x 10

[BluesEclipse]

Lorenzo
Stark darts forward, a small stone flying from behind one of the pistons to smash into its chest before it flings a shadowy punch at the Metang. The blow strikes true, but is significantly blunted by the shimmering fields surrounding the metal Pokemon, and Richard smirks. "You know... they say a good defense can be the best offense. Mek, Substitute!" The Metang closes its eyes and another field of energy, this one a shimmering white, forms around it.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A| | | | | |Me| | | |
B| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
C| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
D| | | | | | | | |St|
E| | | | |PP|PP| | | |
F| | | | |PP|PP| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | |
H| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
I| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
J| | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Pokemon
Me - Mek Coats: Light Screen(+2 SDef CS), Reflect(+2 Def CS), Substitute
St - Stark 3M up, +2 Def CS

Terrain/Other
PP - Pistons. Counts as rough terrain(-2 accuracy on attacks made into/through that square). If a mon is in that square, an AC 6 Physical attack will be made against them at the start of their turn, dealing 1d12+6 Steel damage on hit. The pistons extend 7M up.


Round Summary
Stark took 3 damage from Stealth Rock.
Stark hit Mek with Shadow Punch for 3 damage.
Mek used Substitute.

Haruka
You sell your food for a small profit, and leave yourself with just enough time to gather your gear and head down to the fishing contest.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Bulky thing. Lets try something new. Stark, drop it down a notch! Stark flies directly over it, unleashing waves of seismic energy through the air (don't ask me how).

[roll0] AC 2 Physical Ground, -1 Speed on hit
[roll1]

[BluesEclipse]

Lorenzo
Richard watches as Mek ignores the waves of seismic force, before calling out, "Time to go on the attack, Mek. Confusion!" The Metang focuses, trying to grasp the Golett's mind, but fails to affect the other artificial Pokemon.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A| | | | | |Me/St| | | |
B| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
C| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
D| | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | |PP| PP| | | |
F| | | | |PP| PP| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | |
H| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
I| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
J| | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Pokemon
Me - Mek Coats: Light Screen(+2 SDef CS), Reflect(+2 Def CS), Substitute
St - Stark 4M up, +2 Def CS

Terrain/Other
PP - Pistons. Counts as rough terrain(-2 accuracy on attacks made into/through that square). If a mon is in that square, an AC 6 Physical attack will be made against them at the start of their turn, dealing 1d12+6 Steel damage on hit. The pistons extend 7M up.


Round Summary
Stark missed Mek with Bulldoze.
Mek missed Stark with Confusion.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Anticlimactic huh? Lets change that. Magnitude! Stark releases a different wave of seismic energy, resonating in the air.

[roll0] AC 2 Physical Ground
[roll1] PLease please stop sucking.

[BluesEclipse]

Lorenzo
The seismic wave washes over the Metang, and a cracking sound is heard as it presses against the shimmering barriers. Finally, with a shattering noise and a flash of white, the Substitute shatters. Richard sighs, and says, "Wow... got some power, there. Get it back up, Mek - you can't take a hit like that!" Mek responds by restoring its barrier of lifeforce.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A| | | | | |Me/St| | | |
B| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
C| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
D| | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | |PP| PP| | | |
F| | | | |PP| PP| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | |
H| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
I| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
J| | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Pokemon
Me - Mek Coats: Light Screen(+2 SDef CS), Reflect(+2 Def CS), Substitute
St - Stark 4M up, +2 Def CS

Terrain/Other
PP - Pistons. Counts as rough terrain(-2 accuracy on attacks made into/through that square). If a mon is in that square, an AC 6 Physical attack will be made against them at the start of their turn, dealing 1d12+6 Steel damage on hit. The pistons extend 7M up.


Round Summary
Stark hit Mek with Magnitude for 26 damage, destroying its Substitute.
Mek used Substitute.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Remember that saying you told me earlier? I don't think its working. You have done a very small amount of damage to me and you've already chipped off half your own HP defending yourself. Word's for thought. Stark, continue.

[roll0] AC 2 Physical Ground, Bulldoze -1 Speed
[roll1]

[BluesEclipse]

Lorenzo
The seismic energy presses against the barrier again, with the same cracking noise as before... but this time, the barrier doesn't quite break, a few wisps of white energy remaining present. Richard smirks at you and replies, "It's working well enough... Mek, Metal Claw!" The Metang spins and swipes upward with a silvery claw, slicing into Stark's armor.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A| | | | | |Me/St| | | |
B| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
C| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
D| | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | |PP| PP| | | |
F| | | | |PP| PP| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | |
H| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
I| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
J| | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Pokemon
Me - Mek Coats: Light Screen(+2 SDef CS), Reflect(+2 Def CS), Substitute
St - Stark 4M up, +2 Def CS

Terrain/Other
PP - Pistons. Counts as rough terrain(-2 accuracy on attacks made into/through that square). If a mon is in that square, an AC 6 Physical attack will be made against them at the start of their turn, dealing 1d12+6 Steel damage on hit. The pistons extend 7M up.


Round Summary
Stark hit Mek with Bulldoze for 14 damage, which was taken by the Substitute.
Mek hit Stark with Metal Claw for 14 damage.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Almost there. Punch it!

Not even bothering with crit rolling
[roll0]

[BluesEclipse]

Lorenzo
The blast of shadowy power shatters the barrier of lifeforce, and Richard calls out, "Heh. Keep beating against my defenses all you like. Substitute, Mek!" Once more, the Metang generates the field of life energy.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A| | | | | |Me/St| | | |
B| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
C| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
D| | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | |PP| PP| | | |
F| | | | |PP| PP| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | |
H| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
I| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
J| | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Pokemon
Me - Mek Coats: Light Screen(+2 SDef CS), Reflect(+2 Def CS), Substitute
St - Stark 4M up, +2 Def CS

Terrain/Other
PP - Pistons. Counts as rough terrain(-2 accuracy on attacks made into/through that square). If a mon is in that square, an AC 6 Physical attack will be made against them at the start of their turn, dealing 1d12+6 Steel damage on hit. The pistons extend 7M up.


Round Summary
Stark hit Mek with Shadow Punch for 4 damage, breaking the Substitute.
Mek used Substitute.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Check the math. I'm coming out on top here. Any fortress will fall to a siege in enough time. Bulldoze!

[roll0] AC 2 Physical Ground -1 Speed
[roll1]

[BluesEclipse]

Lorenzo
Richard smiles as the wave of seismic force batters against Mek's barrier, but fails to break it. "And I think you'll fall before Mek will, to be honest. Metal Claw, Mek!" The Metang swipes again at Stark with a silvery claw, slashing at the Golett.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A| | | | | |Me/St| | | |
B| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
C| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
D| | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | |PP| PP| | | |
F| | | | |PP| PP| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | |
H| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
I| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
J| | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Pokemon
Me - Mek 3M up, -2 Speed CS, Coats: Light Screen(+2 SDef CS), Reflect(+2 Def CS), Substitute
St - Stark 4M up, +2 Def CS

Terrain/Other
PP - Pistons. Counts as rough terrain(-2 accuracy on attacks made into/through that square). If a mon is in that square, an AC 6 Physical attack will be made against them at the start of their turn, dealing 1d12+6 Steel damage on hit. The pistons extend 7M up.


Round Summary
Stark hit Mek with Bulldoze for 14 damage, which was absorbed by the Substitute.
Mek hit Stark with Metal Claw for 11 damage.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Keep in your delusional state long enough and the men in white lab coats will come. Stark slams another spectral fist into the disk for the bajillionth time.

[roll0]

[BluesEclipse]

Lorenzo
Richard scowls as the Shadow Punch shatters Mek's barrier once again, though it's hard to tell whether that's due to the comment or the loss of his defense. Either way, he says, "I suppose I'll have to show you. Give him another Metal Claw, Mek!" The Metang's claw shines more brightly than before, seeming to elongate as Mek swipes at the Golett, scratching deeply into its armor.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A| | | | | |Me/St| | | |
B| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
C| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
D| | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | |PP| PP| | | |
F| | | | |PP| PP| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | |
H| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
I| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
J| | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Pokemon
Me - Mek 3M up, -2 Speed CS, Coats: Light Screen(+2 SDef CS), Reflect(+2 Def CS), Substitute
St - Stark 4M up, +2 Def CS

Terrain/Other
PP - Pistons. Counts as rough terrain(-2 accuracy on attacks made into/through that square). If a mon is in that square, an AC 6 Physical attack will be made against them at the start of their turn, dealing 1d12+6 Steel damage on hit. The pistons extend 7M up.


Stark hit Mek with Shadow Punch for 11 damage, breaking the Substitute.
Mek hit Stark with Metal Claw for 24 damage. Mek gained +1 Attack Combat Stage.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Time to wrap this up. One more Bulldoze! Stark's eyes glows as it releases its pent up Seismic Energy/

[roll0]
[roll1]

[BluesEclipse]

Lorenzo
With a metallic cry, the Metang falls, drifting to the ground. Richard recalls it, and says, "Alright... let's see how you deal with this one. Belch, go - Hidden Power!" He releases a Pokemon, resembling a green sack with brown arms, into the air above Stark. As it falls, it releases a burst of swirling winds which batter Stark about, ending by slamming the Golett into the wall, where it falls unconscious.

The Battlefield
{table]X| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10
A| | | | | |Be/St| | | |
B| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
C| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
D| | | | | | | | | |
E| | | | |PP| PP| | | |
F| | | | |PP| PP| | | |
G| | | | | | | | | |
H| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
I| |PP|PP| | | | |PP|PP|
J| | | | | | | | | | [/table]

Pokemon
Be - Belch
St - Stark UNCONSCIOUS

Terrain/Other
PP - Pistons. Counts as rough terrain(-2 accuracy on attacks made into/through that square). If a mon is in that square, an AC 6 Physical attack will be made against them at the start of their turn, dealing 1d12+6 Steel damage on hit. The pistons extend 7M up.


Round Summary
Stark hit Mek with Bulldoze for 36 damage. Mek fainted.
Richard released Belch.
Belch hit Stark with Hidden Power for 22 damage. Stark fainted.