Behind Every Monster Is a Person in a Cute Costume: Let's Play Moemon Leafgreen!

[Mystic Muse]

I'm fairly certain there are a plethora of ice related one liners in "Batman and Robin"

However, you may go insane with nerdrage after watching it. The Nostalgia Critic certainly did.

[Domochevsky]

I'm fairly certain there are a plethora of ice related one liners in "Batman and Robin"

However, you may go insane with nerdrage after watching it. The Nostalgia Critic certainly did.

He always does. That's no indication for anything. >_>

[Destro_Yersul]

He always does. That's no indication for anything. >_>

So much so that even mentioning one item from the movie is enough to get him to do it all over again? So far, this is one of the few where his nerdrage over it has become a running gag.

[Rae Artemi]

So much so that even mentioning one item from the movie is enough to get him to do it all over again? So far, this is one of the few where his nerdrage over it has become a running gag.

You're talking about the Bat Credit card, right?

[Mystic Muse]

You're talking about the Bat Credit card, right?

THE BAT CREDIT CARD?!?!? I'll KILL YOU ALL! YOU WILL ALL DIE YOU WILL ALL DIE! *Gunshots*

I love that joke

[FantasyFoxMan]

It was ice meeting you.

...Okay, as corny as that was, I still lol'd. :3

[Deme]

Bumping this. Update later tonight or tommorow, but in the meanwhile... Who should I train to level 30?
Basically, like last time, vote up 6 pokemon, in the format of
1. A pokemon.
2. A second pokemon
3. Another Pokemon
4. Yet another pokemon.
5. And still ANOTHER pokemon
6. Boy this is a lot of Pokemon

They should be taken from anyone on the reserves list (and, since I have yet to add them -- bad Deme -- the following pokemon:
Pixie the Vulpix
Sandra the Sandshrew
Ala the Dratini
Normally Aquamarine would be on the list, but she's already level 30.)
Happy voting ^^

[Mystic Muse]

1. Ala
2. Ala
3. Ala
4. Ala
5. Ala
6. Ala

In case you can't tell, Dratini are one of my favorite pokemon.

1. Mellow
2.Erika
3. Ala
4. leafe
5. Jasmine
6. Sandra

[Deme]

1. Ala
2. Ala
3. Ala
4. Ala
5. Ala
6. Ala

In case you can't tell, Dratini are one of my favorite pokemon.

XD

Forgot to add that you can't vote for a pokemon more than once. Thank you for reminding me.

Edit: NINJA'D!

[Dusk Eclipse]

1. Azula (how could is it possible that the starter is the lowest level pokemon in the main team? even if you don't plan to over level them, I think she should be the highest leveled poke)
2. Phoebe ( She deserves a chance to prove herself!)
3. Tanith (If her rival is getting stronger, she should get theopportunity too)
4. Eve (I like snakes >.>)
5. Ala (Dragons are awesome)
6. Pixie (Fire types are awesome, and I also would like to see ninetails/tales [I never remember the correct spelling])

[Hawk7915]

1. Phoebe
2. Ala
3. Jasmine
4. Mellow
5. Jewel
6. Belle

I know Belle probably won't win, but it's worth a shot. And I'd love to see the GENTLEWOMAN ADVENTURER get some xp.

[Deme]

1. Azula (how could is it possible that the starter is the lowest level pokemon in the main team? even if you don't plan to over level them, I think she should be the highest leveled poke)
2. Phoebe ( She deserves a chance to prove herself!)
3. Tanith (If her rival is getting stronger, she should get theopportunity too)
4. Eve (I like snakes >.>)
5. Ala (Dragons are awesome)
6. Pixie (Fire types are awesome, and I also would like to see ninetails/tales [I never remember the correct spelling])

Azula's not in the reserves... But, also, she's doing a lot of leveling in the next chapter.
... But she ended up a little underleveled at this point mainly because there wasn't a lot of excuse to use her in casual fights. I really need to find some improvements to her moveset to make her more versatile...

[Dusk Eclipse]

Err.... I know she is not in the reserves, but I felt I needed to make my point, concerning azula... if that is the case then... Sandra, cause Sandslash are awesome and it's moemon form is cute <.< >.> you didn't heard me say that....

[Mirrinus]

1. Leafe, because Vileplume rocks.
2. Tanith, always did like Fearow over Pidgeot.
3. Eve, because I also like snakes.
4. Pixie, because I also like foxes.
5. Sandra
6. Jasmine

[AtlanteanTroll]

1. Mellow
2. Phoebe
3. Jasmine
4. Erika
5. Toph
6. Jewel

[FantasyFoxMan]

1. Ala, because I love Dratinis.
2. Pixie, because Vulpix/Ninetales is awesome.
3. Leafe, because... just because.
4. Jasmine because I don't know, I'm done giving reasons anyway.
5. Helga because she shouldn't feel useless. Did I mention I lied about being done?
6. Marumari, because Electric-types are awesome plus Voltorbs/Electrodes have generally high Speed.

There, I hope that works. :3

[Illven]

1 Ala
2 Sandra
3 Erika
4 Mellow
5 Toppercent
6 Belle

[Istari]

1. Pixie
2. Ala
3. Lila
4. Phoebe
5. TopPercent
6. Jasmine

[Mando Knight]

Ala: The Dragon Ojou-sama!
Sandra: That Sandslash sprite is adorable!
Jasmine: Kitty!
Toph: Earthbending HOOooh!
Pixie: Because Firefox tells me to Cute little fox with fire!
Tanith: She will prove her worth!

...but it's too bad you're only letting us pick six: I'd also like to see Jewel, Eve, and Marumari get some more screen time. (and Belle, and Perci, and Helga, and...)

Also: Azula should get Fire Blast, it's the best move in her entire movepool. The TM is also rather easy to get: just chuck some cash at the Celadon Department Store.

[Deme]

Ala: The Dragon Ojou-sama!
Sandra: That Sandslash sprite is adorable!
Jasmine: Kitty!
Toph: Earthbending HOOooh!
Pixie: Because Firefox tells me to Cute little fox with fire!
Tanith: She will prove her worth!

...but it's too bad you're only letting us pick six: I'd also like to see Jewel, Eve, and Marumari get some more screen time. (and Belle, and Perci, and Helga, and...)

Also: Azula should get Fire Blast, it's the best move in her entire movepool. The TM is also rather easy to get: just chuck some cash at the Celadon Department Store.

Well, all the pokemon are getting to at least lvl 25, so everyone there gets some screentime... These guys just get more.

[Altaria87]

1) Pixie
2) Erika
3) Mellow
4) Leafe
5) Phoebe
6) Jewel

[Ranielle]

1 - Ala
2 - Sandra
3 - Belle
4 - Jasmine
5 - Azula
6 - Pixie

[catchthesun]

1. Lila
2. Ala
3. Pixie
4. Jasmine
5. Phoebe
6. Toph

[ShellBullet]

only 6? B-but I like them all

1. Pixie
2. Sandra
3. Jasmine
4. Tanith
5. phoebe.

[Penguinator]

I have the tally as of now.

Spoiler

Show

Jasmine-11
Ala-10
Pixie-10
Sandra-8
Phoebe-7
Mellow-5
Erika-5
Leafe-4
Tanith-4
Belle-3
Jewel-3
Toph-3
Lila-2
TopPercent-2
Eve-2
Marumari-1
Helga-1

And my votes:
1) Sandra-That Sandslash is too good to pass up!
2) Erika-I'd like to see her evolve.
3) Jasmine-I like the little "thief."
4) Pixie-Ninetales must happen.
5) Ala-This is to level 30, we'll see her evolve.

I think I'll pass on my sixth vote, at least for now.

And the current team stands as: Jasmine, Ala, Pixie, Sandra, Phoebe, Mellow/Erika.

[Deme]

Chapter 34: The Heat is On

Spoiler

Show

My dad was a member of team rocket. That beats like a second heart in my chest. My dad was a member of team rocket.

I fall to my knees and heave for a while, but nothing come out. I wish it did -- my whole stomach is knotted up, balled up like a fist that won't unclench... I feel FISTICUFFS pat my back.

My father was a member of team rocket. That he is scum of the earth -- that's not news. Maybe I'm just dizzy... But it was always that way. He was never a good man, never a law-abiding citizen... Even when we all smiled, he never loved anything more than power, right?
...Yeah.

"Are you upset, Mistress?"
"...It's just those spinny tiles... I'm fine."

***

I get back up and thank them. We go back to the pokecenter and rest for the night...Or, we would, ideally. I'm awake, thinking about the past...

I want that time back, when it was Sage and I, and my father was off...I guess being a white-collar criminal. Or whatever. I maybe don't want that back, but...
I hate that Team Rocket's ruined my life. That it's taken my sister. It doesn't matter if my father was just a scumbag on his own, that things played out like they did... It should have been me, or... She should still be alive, and whole. She should still be innocent. There's no justice... if there's no room for her...
...
There are some things I can't achieve in the real world.
"Mistress? Is something troubling you?"
"...Azula, do you know about Pascal's Wager?"
"No."
"But I do. Basically, when deciding whether or not to believe in a god, this man wrote that it is wise to consider what would happen if you believed and if you didn't, and see which had the higher rewards for the least consequences if the god did exist, or if he didn't. His idea was, because you had a better chance of getting something out of believing, that you should..."
"What a strange idea...But..." She pauses. "what did he say you should do if you want to believe?"
"...He said to act as if you did. Fake it; pray, go to mass, go through the motions of believing... And you would, one day. That was maybe...where he was really smart."
"...I see."
"...So, then, there is something that you have decided is worth risking being a fool over?...Or something you'd like to act like you believe so one day you will?"
Azula and I, in unison, give the Mathemation's answer: "Yes."
We glance at one another. I remember my present of the charcoal to her and give her a little pat on the head. She touches my hand.
"Hmm... We've all made our wager, for a roulette that's been spinning for a while... Be careful, though -- there's a square, isn't there? One that's not red or black, so no bet can save you from it..."
"Wager? What are you betting on, exactly?"
"I'm not exactly sure -- Something more valuable than I could find by myself? But I've certainly put my coins in the pot. If you can keep the wheel spinning, someone's bound to win, understand, Mistress?"
...I never understand anything Terra says, really. But I think I get this one.
"Don't worry. If you guys stay strong, then so will I."
Because I've decided to place my bet on a long shot.
I'm going to defeat Team Rocket, the gym leaders, the legendaries... I'll use my favor from Beau for... Whatever I want him for... And I'm going to use my wish to get my sister back.
I don't think this is a world that grants wishes... But if I try, maybe there's a miracle waiting for me.

***

"We ready to do this, Azula?"
"Absolutely."
I take Mellow, Pixie, and Phoebe with us.
"You're taking me with you? Oh, thank you, Mistress! I won't fail!"
"I'll do my best, too. This is my first real chance to battle..."
"You guys are mainly back-up for Azula. I don't want anything going wrong here, so I'm going to have to rely on you."
"Does she think...that I need back up?"

And perverts at the gate, too. I give the man a glare.

Hey, where's that guy who gives me useless advice? I mean, he's normally here ahead of me... Did something happen?
...It's not like I'm worried, it just feels weird for him not to be here. Maybe I'll just go check around...

I eventually find him. In the game corner. Of course.

"Don't you have something to be doing, too?"
Advisor-Man: "Well, of course... But I figure I have enough material now that I'd like to get some extra cash for..."
"Material?"
Advisor-Man: "It's a secret, Champ-in-the-Making!"
Aaah, so there's his catch.

...What does that mean, exactly? It's a really annoying abstraction.

"I won't. Now stop gambling and get back to...whatever it is you do."
Advisor-Man: "Alright, Alright..."

*sigh*
Anyway, back to the gym.


Your tone implies I'm not allowed here. I do not like that tone. Guess I'll have to show this girl that I am an elegant lady of war!


Or Azula is, anyway.

"A real lady needs to be rough when the going gets rough."



Glad I could be of assistance...

Easy on the curling iron, girl! And the makeup.


Azula rips through her first two pokemon like this woman must through a singles' night.


And second verse, same as the first, only a little bit smaller and a little bit worse.

But at least she's polite enough to try and be informative.



Oh, yeah, that is what Oak said about Bulbasaur... Well, even if a grass-type is easier, I'm not sure it packs as much punch.

I suspect I will just loathe Bellsprout by the time this is through.


Ohhh yes.

Yeah, that's pretty obvious.

"Oh...that's really neat. I'd love to see some sometime."
I smile.
"Pokemon are useful in a lot of ways. They aren't just defined by battle strength.
Beauty: "How true!"
"...I see. So should I take up flambe making, then?"
Holy...was that a joke? I laugh, to encourage her.
And, once I turn around to see who else is there, I whisper,
"Naah, ZuZu, I think you're fine without it. I'd be a little freaked out by the tableside presentation, anyway."


"No. You're confusing me with that pervy guy. Don't do it again."

Oh, wow. So that's a bulbasaur in action... I wonder what happened to that one the Prof had at his lab?

An Ivysaur? How cool!

"ach..."
Ok, admiring over. It's time to finish this!

"Beautiful, Azula!"

"I wasn't looking at anyone!" She makes it sound like she wants to be stalked through a window…


Mellow picks up the pieces and munches on them.
"Why do you help me, Mellow?"
"You are the most available method to power. Power is needed for my objectives. The occaisonal cutting of pitiful plants is just a stepping stone... Everything will be nutrients for my mushrooms, after all..."
I need to stop asking these things. Really.


"I'm sorry... But Azula here's one of my favorites, so she's coming with me no matter what." I decide to meet her on her own level of false cuteness.

But I can see why. Still... Why don't they plan for their weaknesses if they know them?

Well, at least it's not another Bellsprout.

These guys love status effects, don't they?

Well, they haven't stopped us yet.

Yeah, I keep hearing about her... I have a hard time believing someone as nice as they all say would harbor Team Rocket.


"Oh, I'm not!"

Oh, another Bellsprout...

But not for long!

"I believe it's time to step things up."

You're really taking this seriously, Azula...

The Flamethrower technique creates a wide spray of flame -- that Oddish didn't stand a chance.

But evolved pokemon tend to be a bit tougher on Azula. Well, we'll just have to see...

Ok, I guess not anymore.


Azula smiles with satisfaction at the strength of her new move.


A hobby, huh? Well, this won't take long, then... But still...
I'm not sure I could say so confidently what pokemon training is to me. I’m doing it. I’m enjoying it… I’m risking my heart on it. But what is it?

That's still creepy.

...I guess I could work on my manners, too.

I see Erika whispering to one of the trainers who are at the gym.
Girl: "Miss, if you would..."
"Yeah?"
Girl: "Miss Erika isn't accepting visitors today. But she invites you to meet with her for tea tommorow."
"...Tea?"
Girl: "That's right. Excuse me, now..."
"...Ok..."
"What are we going to do?"
"We're going back to the pokecenter. And tommorow, we're having tea."
What sort of gym leader invites a challenger for tea? OK, I admit, I'm pretty worried now...

And I guess Azula is, too. She paces about the Pokecenter's sleeping quarters all night.
In the morning, with little sleep, I go to talk to her.
"Something bothering you?"
"Someone willing to calmly have tea with you...She'll surely be a confident opponent."
"So was Surge, but he wasn't tough."
"I know, but if I fail you..."
"I already said it -- for the last time -- I'm not going to just toss you away. You've been really helpful to me as a guide, and really loyal to me... as a friend."
She still doesn't look like she believes me -- it's the look of a wild animal who isn't sure if the food you're offering them isn't a trap. But then she turns her head and looks at the window at the sun rising over the forest... and she says to me,
"That is why I must not fail you."
"...I'll do my best, too."

They let me straight through to her at the gym, though I can only take Azula with me, they say. Erika's an absolutely beautiful girl -- maybe just a little older than me -- in a grand kimono. She sits on a beautiful chair, with a set-up for tea in front of her. She motions for me to sit.
She smiles at me, a small and elegant smile.

Her head dips down, and she doesn't say anything for a while. And then she looks back up and pours the tea.

Erika: "So... You are the girl who fought off Giovanni."
"How did you know?" I look at her nervously -- have I walked into a trap?
"I saw how you battled my dear apprentices. Only someone like you could have fought him off." She laughs a little, under her breath. "Ah, how rude of me. Allow me to introduce myself."


"Nice to meet you. I'm Seed..." I don't drink the tea, but swirl it around from the motions of my cup. "Why couldn't you have done it?"
"You're a straightforward person, I see... He must have been very startled... I couldn't have done anything -- simply put, he is a trainer of even greater power than mine. Had I gone to battle with him, it would have been as Erika of the Pokemon League... He would have prepared for me, and, more than that..."
She sips her tea gently. I don't know which spoon to use for the tea and which to use for the little flan she's put in front of me.
"The peace that high-ranking pokemon trainers have is precarious."
I remember what the people on the roof said...
"So, in other words, if you fought him, it would have caused a huge fight."
"Yes. It would have certainly torn apart my poor city...and his devotees and mine would have certainly gotten into very destructive battles. Perhaps he wouldn't have cared... But I see it as my duty to shepherd these poor souls. I want to thank you."
"These poor souls?"
"Well, they aren't like you or I. They want what we have... without understanding it. It's really very sad. But fate is a selective force -- some flowers just bloom brighter, while others are eaten in the bud."
I edge around my seat nervously, looking at the people who, in the front of the gym, are tending plants.
"They're happy to be my subordinates. They know their place."
"...People don't have a 'place."
Then she laughs, a gentle laugh that puts you in mind of flower petals hitting the water.
"Your power is still changing. You'll come to understand. I'd be happy to teach you."
"...Are all gym leaders..."
"Like us? Yes... You are inexperienced, aren't you? Don't get upset. We all began somewhere."
It wasn't what she said... but how she said it. It was so condescending.
"Still, you deserve a token of my appreciation." She slid something across the table. "Please accept my crest as a symbol of appreciation for your aid."
I stare at it. I could walk out of here with this... Easy. I'd be done.
But then she'd still think of me as a child, a weak little kid who got lucky or something, right?
I'm not the sort of person who belongs at a fancy tea table... But I am a real trainer!
"I think I'd rather fight you for it, honestly."

"I do."

"Then how's that going to work with me winning?"


Sweet bippity... That is not a bellsprout.

But Azula looks back at me and burns her down until her foe can't stand anymore. Erika withdraws her with only the smallest change of her expression.


Erika is all sorts of surprises, here.
Tangela: "What a brutish pokemon."
"I will be what I need to be for my mistress."
Tangela: "What a petty excuse."
"Don't mind her, Azula -- just blast her away!"
Tangela: "How pathetic...You're worthless without a girl at your back..."
So that's the sort of poison they use, huh?

But the Tangela goes down in a single burst.
"Mistress... I'd like to fight this next battle by myself...."
I hesistate to reply.
"Please, Mistress... Trust me. I need to prove this."
"...Ok, Azula."
Erika: "If those are the terms you are playing with, then I will be happy to oblige. Vileplume, you're on your own here."
Vileplume: "As you wish! I'm ready for you!"
And so the battle begins.
Vileplume: "Why did you ask for this?"
"My Mistress need not concern herself with the likes of you."
Vileplume: "Is that so... Are you sure you aren't just scared? That when you lose, she'll blame herself?... But certainly, you're afraid that you won't be good enough for her."

Vileplume: "I see. How pathetic."
Azula rushes forward blindly, but the Vileplume steps aside and smiles. She pushes her own advantage.
Vileplume: "And what happens then? Does she toss you away like the little worm you are?"

"S-she has promised me..."
Vileplume: "But you're faithless. What a useless pokemon, after all. And I heard Charmeleons were supposed to be so brave. So trusting. So good."
She laughs and lobs a ball of Acid at Azula's head. It just makes it worse. Azula stands there, wobbling on her legs, her eyes small as if a bright light's shining on them.

"Shut up! Azula's always been my most loyal pokemon! She isn't always sure, but I --"
Vileplume: "Stay out of this, human! What do your assurances matter in a match between pokemon who know their hearts?"

"..."
"I thought this was a battle, not a mindgame!"
Vileplume: "It's the same thing. Besides, your words don't mean anything -- you've given her your promises, but she has no way of knowing you aren't lying."
"...My mistress...Would not lie to me."
Vileplume: "What? Still on your feet? I was sure I hit your weakpoi --"
"MY MISTRESS IS AN HONEST SOUL! YOU DO NOT BESMIRCH HER NAME!"
She rips the charcoal off of her neck and holds it out in front of her like a vampire hunter with a cross.
"She has believed all my promises, and sealed her own into this totem! If she makes a promise to me, then I must believe it. There can be no other path."
The Vileplume tilts her head, and glances back at Erika, who's enjoying her tea. She tries an older tact.
Vileplume:"But you're not good enough for such an honest soul -- you'll let her down. Break her heart."
"Perhaps not. But she... she says otherwise."
A bright red light like flames surrounds her body as she slowly makes her stance steady again.

"A-Azula!"
"I AM HER FIRST, HER CHOSEN COMPANION! I will be good enough -- not now, but one day! She has faith in me...

And I believe in that faith."
The light subsides -- she's such a different figure now, with wings that lift her up as she blasts the Vileplume with one single, focused breath of fire.

"Azula..."

She looks over her shoulder, smiles at me... and falls over.
"You did great!" I run up and hug her. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say anything so nice about me. Not when they didn't have to, anyway. ...I'm not sure I've earned her faith, but...

I'm proud to have it. It's my privilege. Whoever hurt Azula in the past... didn't know what they were missing.

Erika steps towards us, breaking the mood.

Erika: "You are remarkably strong. That tactic normally works so well... The trainers don't know what weakens their pokemon like that..."
"That was low."
Erika: "It's what she's best at: you have to use your pokemon to their best."
... I stare at her.

Erika: "And, perhaps, this will smooth matters over between us."





"...Thank you."
I admit, grudgingly. My weakness is free stuff, I know.


"I blundered. I let my heart..."
"Azula... That was amazing. Really. You let your heart beat her completely."
"...Thank you."
"Besides, you can't argue with that sort of result, right?"
"No. You're right...Thank you, Mistress. I never really thought this day would happen."
She stares back at her wings. I'm not sure I know what to say to her there -- it'd be silly to ask her if she meant it. I'm pretty sure that a pokemon can't just evolve for pretending to feel something, right?
So I do what I always do.
"Hey, let's give those a test run. I'll race you back to the pokemon center! Unless you're too slow!"[/color]
Maybe it's immature, but... Hey. These people have faith in me, so I have to be doing something right.
"Very well, Mistress... But I shall not lose!"

And that's gym #4 down! We're now halfway through the gyms... But less than halfway through the game, since I'm taking us all the way to Mewtwo if I can.

[Dusk Eclipse]

Absolutely amazing update Deme, it was incredible. The drama, the character development, everything, you really nailed it with the banter between Azula and the Vileplum.

Also "...I see. So should I take up flambe making, then?" best line ever

[originalpimp]

Well you won't hear any complaints from us for taking it up to Mewtwo. Anything that'll make this LP longer is fine with me. Also, Mewtwo happens to be my favorite pokemon.

[Ranielle]

How is it possible that it gets better and better? We should start a Deme fanclub.

[Mirrinus]

Gotta admit, Azula looks awesome as a Charizard. The wings are a really nice touch.