• Our software update is now concluded. You will need to reset your password to log in. In order to do this, you will have to click "Log in" in the top right corner and then "Forgot your password?".
  • Welcome to PokéCommunity! Register now and join one of the best fan communities on the 'net to talk Pokémon and more! We are not affiliated with The Pokémon Company or Nintendo.

[PKMN OPEN] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

Valerie's Quest for 100 Friends
Poké:
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
1000 Friends: 17

    [tab=backtostory24]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=pokemon24]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=journal24]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=id24]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=badges24]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab]



vs. Ninetales

Where... am I?



[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]


We're now back to the SUPER AMAZING FLAAAAAAAME SHOW!

♪ School and boys and parents too! A whole lot to juggle for Mr. You-Know-Who.
(Who?) It's Flame! (Who?) Super Amazing Flame! ♪

♪ This Cyndaquil knows the score. Center of attention and so much more!
C'mon Flame. C'mon Flame! ♪

♪ The pokemon for me, The pokemon for you...
C'mon Flame! C'mon Flame!
The pokemon for me, The pokemon for you... -laughter-
C'mon Flame! C'mon Flame!
Super Amazing Flaaaaaaame! ♪​

Er, I dig the décor, but... Flame looked around, the strange environment. Well, not so strange - it was just a simple living room with all what you'd expect from it. His eyes surveying the area, he didn't notice the object he bumped into. A glass light stand.

"Eeep! Careful or else I'd shatter, bro!" A talking glass light stand. But wait, this bubbly voice felt all too familiar to Flame... could it be...

V-Valerie?!

"Yuppers! Val, your irreplaca-Val glass light buddy!" Valerie was... apparently a glass light stand. "But don't get me too excited, you don't want me to get turned on!"



The heck is that? Laughter? Flame rubbed the side of his head. Let's see... I was about to do something, but I forgot...

"Oh! Hey! Heyheyhey, Flame-bro! Val-amp's got an idea!" Valerie then said. "Why don't you... switch me on!"



I thought you didn't want to be turned on. Flame rebutted. And how will that help?

"Nononooooo. You're switching me on. That's different! And toootally fits in PG-13," she replied. "Waaaaaait, pog, I got a joke! Ready? What did one traffic light say to the other? Don't look at me! I'm changing!!"



Still, I can't shake this odd feeling... something that I'm forgetting?

I hope you're not forgetting me, Flame! Suddenly, a friendly-looking Ninetales came in the room. Flame gathered himself for a moment, rubbing his eyes.

N-Ninetales! It's you! Flame rushed to the Ninetales, giving her a cute embrace.



That's right, Flame! It is me! the Ninetales said with a friendly smile. Now, let me introduce you to the rest of the family! A bunch of other Pokemon came in, wearing different, yet oddly... relaxing expressions for Flame. This is Rapidash, Arcanine, and jolly ol' Monferno!

Welcome to the family! the Rapidash said with a follow up neigh.

Awwwwwright! the Arcanine cried. He seemed to be the most excitable one.

Meh, yeah, The Monferno however, wasn't so energetic. Like a teen who didn't even want to be there.

Flame, it broke my heart when I heard about your mother, The Ninetales knelt down to Flame, with a saddened look on her face, and in her heart. On reaction, the Cyndaqul's eyes started welling up. She was my best friend, and I miss her terribly too. I can never replace her, but I'm going to try my best to become a good mother to you.

Flame rubbed his eyes, wiping away his tears. He gave the Ninetales a small smile in turn. Thanks, Ninetales.

The saddened look on Ninetales turned into a smile, nuzzling up Flame. She then rose back up on all fours. Now, wait here, okay? You're still young and haven't gotten the strength to ignite your fire to protect yourself yet. she then told Flame.

Flame gave a reluctant, yet understanding nod. Okay.

We meanwhile, have to now protect our home and kin from poachers, and die!

Wait, wha--

Let's go, everyone! the Rapidash bravely cried, with the rest of the Fire-type pokemon, except for Flame, nodding in agreement. It's time to begin!

No, STOP--

♪1, 2, 3, 4!
We are Fire-type pokemon, right down to our soul ~ ♪
We will fight and die because that's how we roll ~ ♪

Not sure what else to expect when humans torture us like it's some kind of game ~ ♪
We will fight and die against him, leaving behind dear o' Flaaaaame! ♪


But--

No more time to shed tears Flame, no more looking for loopholes ~ ♪
Just wave goodbye to your second mooooooom ~ ♪
And avoid getting in to battles! ♪


Ninetales! Please, wait! Flame pleaded, welling up again. I already lost one mom, I can't lose you too...

Okay, everyone! It's time to spell it out!

D-I-E!
D-I-E!
D! I! E!
Let's DIE!

W-Wait! I can ignite my back! I can fight with you! W-Watch! Flame then yelled, and pushing himself as far as he can to ignite the flames on his back, but to no success. He tried again, and again, and again, but still, nothing. He then panted and panted - but when he collected himself from exhaustion, the Fire-pokemon was no where to be found. Flame then back away. I... I gotta get outta here--

"Now worries, Flame!" Valerie said cheerfully. "I mean, now that both of your moms are dead, you can come live with your sis-Valerie! Poggers, right?"

Valerie... Flame with a heavy heart looked at Valerie the... light fixture. That was until... the room started to shake.

"Ohhhhh man," Valerie alerted. "I guess she's hungry again..."

Sh-she? Flame repeated, but what kind of monster would... his thoughts were interuppted by the roof of the room coming off, and all his questions were soon answered, face to face... with her. A very, giant her.

HEEEEEERE'S ELDEGOSS!



Flame woke up, finding himself at Valerie's lap, in a frantic state. "Wooo, pog! You're awake bro," Flame looked up to see Valerie, now human, greeting Flame with a wide grin, and a soft, gentle pat on his head. Slowly and eventually, Flame could remember now... he was in a battle against Eldegoss... and now. "Good thing Wind-Mil gave us that Sitrus Berry!"

Flame shied away from Valerie's face, looking downwards as he gave a disappointed sigh. "Yeah, I know. We couldn't do a thing against Eldegoss, huh?" Valerie then spoke. "Being a trainer is kind of a trip, huh? Soooo much better trainers out there? Like maaaaan..."

"...After that battle, do you really call yourself a trainer?" Valerie and Flame both looked up and behind them - to the source of the sudden outburst. It was a lone older-looking man, who wore a distinct white jacket on. He met Valerie with a serious and firm gaze. "Tell me something. Do you even know the abilities and characteristics of your pokemon?"

Valerie gave him a perplexed look. "What do ya' mean?" She stood up, holding Flame close to her chest.

"To start with, it's quite obvious that you and your pokemon are not in sync," the man said bluntly.

"Waaaait, not in sync?" Valerie and Flame both exchanged glances. "That ain't it, chief! Flame-bro and I are buds!"

"That Gym Leader's Eldegoss responded quickly to specific instructions, while dodging and blocking attacks quickly based on her own judgement," the man explained. Valerie blinked. It did seem like there was something special about those two. She at first wrote it off as Milo was this super-amazing Gym Leader, but... even Valerie could see, there was something more that they had during the thickness of the battle.



"...Because the pokemon and its trainer, are connected," the man continued. "That Eldegoss battles, clearly recognizing its trainer's power."

"It's trainer's power?" Valerie questioned.

"Pokemon won't connect with trainers who have none," once again started the man. "A pokemon's strength is proportional to its trainer's power." Valerie and Flame looked at each other. Perhaps sensing that Valerie and the Cyndaquil didn't quite get it, the stranger let out a sigh, then proceeded to turn his back from Valerie. "...Come to the Barnham Bakery in town, after you visit the Pokemon Center to heal your pokemon."

"Wait! Mr. Old Guy--" Valerie tried reaching out to him, but the man had already started to walk off with his departing message. Valerie was left, standing in thought. "Barnham Bakery, huh...?"




P1 Valerie's Party

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]




[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]




Current Location

Route 4
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

A road dotted with wheat fields, long dirt paths and rolling hills, Route 4 is where most of the crop focused farms of Galar find a home, as opposed to the livestock trade of Wedgehurst and surrounding regions. Route 4 is the heart of this cultivation, the source of food, hard work and life across Galar. A bright and happy place to contrast the gloomy overcast of the mine before it, the hopeful atmosphere is known to attract some species of rarer, popular pokémon, making this place popular for trainers as well.



Trainer ID

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]


Valerie (Val) Amity

Her main goal for her journey is to seek at least 100 friends - humans, or pokemon. So, she seeks to meet and obtain as much pokemon as she can for friends. She also seeks a successful endeavor within her Gym Battle challenge in Galar, in the hopes of one day, becoming champion, like many other trainers who have the same dream.

Items

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Pokeball x1
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Greatball x1
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Moomoo Milk x3
Sweet Apple

--

TR: Rock Tomb x1
TM: Dig

Badges

---

Galarian Pokédex V. 8

#032: Nidoran♂
#035: Clefairy
#172: Pichu
#155: Cyndaquil
#158: Totodile
#246: Larvitar
#255: Torchic
#263: Zigzagoon
#270: Lotad
#293: Whismur
#335: Zangoose
#336: Seviper
#384: Rayquaza
#416: Vespiquen
#420: Cherubi
#532: Timburr
#546: Cottonee
#582: Vanillite
#684: Swirlix
#778: Mimikyu
#821: Rookidee
#824: Blipbug
#867: Runerigus
#885: Dreepy
#887: Morpeko






Remember: Val loves you!
Struggle: Valentine Chatter: @WillUBMyVALentine? Dizcord: Valentine#1196
 
Last edited:


[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

Name: Clovis Solanine
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Current Party
:
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]



Chapter 6-2: The Sheepish Shepherd, and A Rowdy Rumble


"Bl-BLUGH... Oh, dear... oh plea- HUGH." In the Turffield Pokemon Center, at a rental room, Clovis was keeled over the side of the toilet, praying to the deity of porcelain. "Huugghhh, HOLGH," he continued to wretch and contort, while his belongings sat on the bed. His Pokemon, out of their balls to greet their newest (mischievous) member, Id. Cortex sat watching Clovis, while occasionally observing the other Pokemon. Namely, having to move Pariet with Confusion. Pariet would hop over and lick Clovis' hand when it wasn't on the seat. Archimedes perched on the bed frame, looking on in concern, but mostly groomed himself. Id, meanwhile... well, he was lounging in the air, seemingly swinging from an invisible hammock.

"Hugghh... what a terrible event that was. I don't want to run into Hop or Melody for quite some time. And, I DEFINITELY don't want to be shaken like a rattle again.... Hugh... okay... I'm fine, it's fine, we're fine." Clovis reassured himself, as he stood up on his feet, and began to wash up, getting ready for the first Gym Challenge.

... "HULGH, DAMNIT!"

~~~

"Young man, are you... feeling better? You really shouldn't to a gym challenge if you're si-" "It's fine, I just had to... get something out of my system." Nurse Joy looked unconvinced, but Clovis definitely looked a lot less pale than he did when he first came in. "Well, if you do, just remember you can get medicine here, or at any of the stalls here in Turffield. Good luck!" She called out cheerfully, waving out the young man as he walked out.

"Huhh... finally. Fresh air," he sighed, the sunlight shining down on the young man. Looking down, he saw the glimmer of light reflecting off of the occupied Pokeballs on his belt. "Alright... time for the first challenge. This will be fine." He huffed, and trudged on, walking down the dirt path. The large dome stadium, seeming to get bigger, and more imposing as Clovis stepped closer. No! I am a GENIUS! I can overcome anything! I will not lose to the first challenge!" Clovis stepped on, with more purpose. He stepped towards the door. The door, opening as Clovis stepped closer.

"Well howdy! Welcome to the Turffield Stadium! Ya'll ready to enter, and get your hands dirty, young man?" A jovial Turffield attendant greeted Clovis, shaking his hand excitedly. "W-Whoa, uh, yes, of course. I, Clovis, am here to-" "Well, in that case, go on yonder and git ya'self changed! Then, talk to that feller o'er there, near the back door. He'll escort ya to the challenge. Have yerself a good day, sonny." The attendant gave a beaming smile, and patted Clovis on the back, pointing him to the side door with a nameplate that read, "Dressing Room."

"W-Well... thank yo-" "Awww, what a nice feller you are! Good luck to ya!" Clovis hurriedly ran, reaching the door and slipping through before he was greeted again and gave a swift closing of the door. "Huff, huff, huff, what was THAT about?!" He slumped to the floor, already out of breath from the excitement that nearly suffocated him. "Okay... okay... just need a moment to breathe... and then... change."

~~~ One 10 minute Breather Later ~~~

Standing tall as he walked out of the dressing room, Clovis was donning the Challenge Uniform custom made for him. In it, he felt... more confident. More capable. More... ready.

"Well, partner... your uniform is fancy, I'll give ya that, but uh... ya'll better reckon you're ready. In ya go," the door attendant showed Clovis in. Stepping through... Clovis' stomach dropped. "HOWDY, challenger," a female voice called. "Welcome to the Turffield Gym Mission! Ya'll ever been a ranch hand before?" "Uhh... no. I'm from-" "Well, I'll help ya with the explanation! See these sweet lil Wooloo?" His eyes dialed over to the small herd of Wooloo, ten of them in total. "The name of the game is to wrangle these lil darlins and round them up into that there paddock!" And just as she described, Wooloo were scattered here and there, the field was... grass and dirt, and the paddock as described was fairly large in size. Center field.

"Oh, gosh, before I forget... ya'll can use any Pokemon you want, but don't knock 'em out! Otherwise, disqualified! And, you got ten minutes!" Ten minutes... to herd ten Pokemon? That's essentially one minute per Pokemon... not to account for- "AAAND YER OFF!" The buzzer sounded the mission, Clovis instinctively charged in and immediately scaring off two Wooloo down the field a few feet. "Alright, uh... Archimedes, I choose you!" Tossing the ball into the air with shaky hands, the Wild Pigeon appeared in proud form. "Crr-aww? ... Crr?" Archimedes looked confused about the situation. "Id, I choose you too!" Joining Archimedes in the air was Id, less confused and more curious. "Archimedes, Id, we need to herd these Wooloo into their pen!" Pointing hard with his right hand, both Pokemon followed the aim to the stable.

"Crraw!" "In-inkay?" Archimedes got the idea, but Id didn't really understand. "Id, just watch Archimedes!" With a nod from both of them, Archimedes began, flying down in front of three, cawing and flapping at them. "Meeh, Meehh...!" The Wooloo scampered off. Inkay seemed... less than enthused, but shrugged. Again, better than getting scraps from the last guy. To the best of it's ability, Id followed Archimedes' and Astonished the Wooloo into moving closer to their pen. Clovis followed suit, but used a commanding voice. "Come, come, to the pen everyone!" But... not many Wooloo were left impressed. Instead, they continued to graze. "Urgh... must be more assertive." To the best of his ability, Clovis puffed up his chest, and stood taller than usual. "Get going! Let's go!" Inkay turned, after sending in a couple of Wooloo saw his trainer slowly getting it with a group of three. "Innn.. Inkay!" Floating over, Inkay slithered behind Clovis without his notice, floated above, and....

Zzzzrt!

"MAAEH!"

Between Clovis and the Wooloo, a blast of multicolored energy struck the field, immediately scaring off the Wooloo. Enough to send them all the way to their pen. "Wh...What? Archimedes? Id?" Archimedes was sending in another pair of Wooloo, but Id was nowhere to be seen. Until- "Inn-KAY! Kakakakaka!" Id popped down in front of Clovis' face, laughing at the start he gave. "Id, you can't do that! Come on, we've got three more!" "Inn-kay..." Disappointed in the reaction, but complying, Id floated by Clovis. Archimedes was already working on one, the last two grazing together. "Alright, Id, we can do this," Clovis huffed, putting his hands out as if he was going to push without the actual intention. Indeed, the first Wooloo began their move.

"Ya'll got sixty seconds! So close!" The voice called, the counter now apparent to Clovis ticked down with a blinking red visage. "AAAHH! Id, we're so close, let's do this!" The Inkay, however, sighed. With a "sad" face, he urged the Wooloo on, slowly moving it. Clovis, with a panicked expression, watched the counter... forty seconds... thirty seconds... I don't want to needlessly hurt them, but...

"Id, use Psybeam!" "In-kay! Kakaka!" In that instant, Id saluted his trainer, and fired once more from his eyes. With another blast right behind the last Wooloo, it dashed right on in to the pen. "Archimedes, keep them close. Id and I will close the gate!" With the combined effort, Id and Clovis managed to close the get in less than ten seconds.

"YOU DID IT, CONGRATS, CLOVIS!" the voice rung out one more time, before the door to the stadium could be seen at the back of the room. "Huff, huff, huff... if I knew this would happen, I would've commissioned grandfather to make something intelligent and athletic...." At the back, just next to the stairs, was another attendant with a bottle of water. "Come 'ere, young fella! You worked yer keister off, better have a drink before your battle!"

"Archimedes, Id, you were both brilliant," he sighed, patting them lovingly. Archimedes rubbed his face in Clovis' hand, Id eating up the praise with a somewhat purring sound. "Alright, you two, return. The real event will begin soon."

Stepping up to the attendant, Clovis shakily grabbed the bottle, and drank. Heavily. As if it was the first time he tasted water in his life. "Listen, young feller... I get the rules are what they are... but yer lil Inkay? You be sure to train that thing. We don't like seeing our Wooloo get hurt in these here missions." "Y... Yes, it won't happen again from me." With a firm pat on the back, the man gave Clovis a smile. "Go on, then. Milo awaits." Thanking the man, he walked on, tossing the bottle into the trash bin, and stepping on.

I didn't expect Inkay to do that, but... it got the job done. No harm, no foul play. Besides, they said nothing about having to hurt them.

~~~

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen! We've got another fine challenger for you today that just wrangled up his way to Milo! Please, give a warm Turffield applause to Clovis Solanine!"

With a newfound confidence and bravado, Clovis stepped proudly onto the field. On the field, Milo awaited him. A burly, red-haired man with an air of hospitality and warmness. A smile could be seen on his face, as he watched Clovis step proudly onto the field. "Welcome to the gym, young fella. I'm sure ya heard, but I'm Milo, leader of this here gym. We'll be battlin' via two-vee-two, a double battle! Of course, once both of either of our Pokemon go down, it's done. Now, let's shake on a fun match!" He held out his right hand, with a smile that felt earnest, and kind. Clovis... slowly accepted, but was again shaken by the powerful force of Milo's handshake.

"And with that, ladies and gentleman, begins the battle! Trainers, please step back, and choose your Pokemon!" Milo stepped back, as did Clovis. Why is he so calm, and so... friendly? I suppose as a first gym leader, he would be more supportive, since many of the trainers will beat him.... "Alright then, Eldegoss, Flapple, I choose you!" "Cortex, Archimedes, I choose you!"

All four Pokemon hit the field. Clovis (and Cortex) focusing their attention to their opponents. Eldegoss, Milo's partner Pokemon and a Flapple... this will be a bit intense... but, I can do this! The bigger threat is the Flapple, but Eldegoss will truly have tricks up their sleeve...

"You see before you, folks, the Pokemon that will fight it out for this gym battle! Now, begin!"

"Cortex, Reflect! Archimedes, Leer!"
"Eldegoss, Cotton Spore! Flapple, let's start off with a Grav Apple!"

The geometric sphere appears around Clovis' Pokemon while Archimedes eyes both opponents with sharp eyes. However, Reflect is still unable to prevent the plume of cotton Eldegoss blows forth, coating both Cortex and Archimedes in cotton. Flapple, taking this chance, flaps over and above Archimedes' and tucks himself into a solid apple, before falling down and conking the Wild Pigeon on the head, making Archimedes "Crr-AAWWW" in pain, the shock made it's spine tingle.

"You see it first, folks! A defensive start for our up and coming, but Milo takes that chance to slow them down AND leave the hurt on Tranquill! How will Clovis react?"

This is already annoying. That Eldegoss will slow me down no matter what, hitting it or not. I have to take it out first before Flapple. "Cortex, Struggle Bug! Archimedes, use Air Cutter!" Flying up with less than excellent climb, Archimedes flew above Cortex, both of which beginning their assault with combined efforts. Archimedes, flapping furiously and creating blades of air while brilliant streaks of green surged alongside. "Not a bad idea, but you'll be in for a tussle! Eldegoss, Pollen Puff on Cortex! Flapple, Sucker Punch on Archimedes!"

Bright, glittering pollen could be seen as it flies from Eldegoss, floating on the wind and striking Cortex with a powerful blow. Cortex, for the first time, reeled from the attack. "No, Cortex! Archimedes-" But Flapple was able to knock Archimedes from the air, before both it and Eldegoss ate Clovis' retaliation. "Wh-... Ahh, of course! A better idea! Archimedes, use Swagger on Flapple! Cortex, Light Screen!"

Walls of light encased Team Clovis, while Archimedes looked Flapple dead in the eye, Flapple matching it's glare. "Crr-AWWW!" "FLLIIII!" Archimedes, agitating the Flapple immensely, began to confuse the Apple Wing. "My, quite clever... you know your stuff. Still, you haven't hurt my Pokemon much. Eldegoss, Pollen Puff again! Flapple, Dragon Claw!" "Cortex, Struggle Bug again! Archimedes, Quick Attack!"

Glittering pollen burst from Eldegoss once again, hitting Cortex hard and leaving it hurting. Cortex struggled to stand(?), while Archimedes picked up the slack. As Flapple flew close, it missed, giving the Wild Pigeon ample time to counter and knock Flapple out of the air, onto the ground. "Now, Cortex, Confusion! Archimedes, Air Cutter!" "Eldegoss, Synthesis!"

Slowly than ever, Archimedes took flight above Cortex again. Flapple, now lifted to the air, was thrown at Eldegoss with heft, knocking her down before a flurry of Air Cutter attacks struck the field. "Flapple, can ya keep going," Milo called, waiting for the dust to settle. Eldegoss still stood, but Flapple was knocked out. A hush fell upon the audience, surprised at the development.

"Flapple is unable to battle! The challenger has gained leverage, and took the battle from Milo! But, Eldegoss is nowhere near done, folks!"

I beg to differ.

"Cortex, Recover! Archimedes, Taunt!"

While Cortex sat steady, and began to recover, Archimedes landed in front of Eldegoss and cawed aggressively. Eldegoss, now fuming mad, began to attack Archimedes. "Nice try, young fella! Eldegoss, use Hyper Voice!" "GOOOOOOOOSSSSS!" A ringing, harmonic voice called loudly throughout the stadium, knocking Archimedes and Cortex away. "Cortex, Struggle Bug! Archimedes, Air Cutter!"

The combined efforts struck Eldegoss one last time, an explosion blasted the field in front of Milo. "Eldegoss... can you hear me?" Silence. The dust settled once more, and Eldegoss was seen face down.

"And that's it! Eldegoss is unable to battle! Both Cortex the Dottler, and Archimedes the Tranquill, have bested the opposing team of Flapple and Eldegoss. Despite Milo's strategy of slowing down his opponent and mowing them down like summer grass, Clovis was just too much for Milo to cut down! Let's give him another round!"

An uproar echoed through the stadium, Clovis' name echoed. Clovis stood, shocked... until Archimedes shook him out of his stupor when he perched on his shoulder, and cawed happily. Cortex, having shuffled to face his partner, showed his enthusiasm with a Struggle Bug light show.

"My, my, some fine Pokemon you raised, young fella," Milo called. Already called back his Pokemon, Milo stepped up to Clovis, and held out his hand. "You beat me, with brilliant strategies. Keep doin' what you're doin', and you'll go far. As long as you trust your Pokemon, and they trust you," he warmly spoke. Clovis, somewhat unable to process as the sound of his name being cheered shocked him. "Haha, come on! Smile! You did a good job! You're a fine trainer." A heavy back smack shook Clovis again, with a stuttered, "A-Ah, yes, a great battle, indeed... thank you." In his hand, he took Milo's and shook. Milo warmly smiled, and presented to him... the Grass Badge. "You deserve this. Go on," he encouraged to Clovis.

Taking it, he looked at the glittering badge, and held it up proudly. Archimedes cawed once more with pride, and Cortex fired off a more brilliant Struggle Bug.

"And that's it for this gym battle, ladies and gentleman, what a dynamite match! What will be ahead for this trainer? Will we see this level of strategy again in Hulbury? Stay tuned, and find out!"


[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
 
Last edited:
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]Simon Pearburgh
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Spewpa ♀ Harden | Tackle | Stun Spore | String Shot | Poison Powder Friend Guard
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Caterpie ♂ Tackle | String Shot | Bug Bite Shield Dust
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Burmy ♂ Protect | Hidden Power (water) | Electroweb Shed Skin
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Snom ♀ Powder Snow | Mirror Coat | Struggle Bug | Icicle Spear Ice Scales
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Princess ♀ Electroweb | Spider Web | Fury Cutter | Beat Up Swarm
Spoiler: Inventory
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Xtransceiver
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Pokédex
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
ATC
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Blackspear License
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Pokéball x2
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Mysterious egg
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Strange Rock
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Potion x3
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Nevermeltice
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Venoshock TR
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Bug Catcher Net
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Noticeably less cinnamon buns
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Camping Supplies
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Badges: 1

Turffield

"That was incredible!"
"We knew ya could dae it!"
"Have ya been eatin' well, laddie?"
"We was all watchin'!"
"Ya won me 20 quid at th' pub, lad!"
"You keep tha' winnin' streak goin' now, aye?"


"Thank-"
"Ah shucks, than-"
"Aye, auntie, I ha-"
"Tha-"
"Wait, what?"
"I'll try my b-"

Simon could barely manage to get a word in between all the phone calls from his family. From the cousins in Postwick to his aunts in Circhester, the boy's phone had been bombarded with texts and calls from the minute he'd turned it back on at the hotel. Sitting on his bed in the little room he'd rented - a luxury he could afford thanks to his Blackspear payout - he took on the insurmountable task of answering every single family member's comments as briefly as he could, though most just boiled down to congratulating him on his victory. He'd gotten to the room pretty late after spending the entire day watching battles, from Haleigh's trouncing of Milo to even Catherine's surprisingly effective defense against his Pokemon. Despite the exhaustion, he still felt the excitement of the battle course through his veins and had enough energy to run a marathon.

He still couldn't believe how the battle had ended - and that he'd won! Princess' family had somehow gotten to them here all the way from the mines, and had left just as quickly once he exited the stadium, darting into the trees and cracks between buildings like a veritable ninja security team. Simon's entire team seemed to be radiating confidence after the win - the Joltik in question was now asleep on the nightstand along with Snom, both of them healed now but clearly exhausted from the battle. Caterpie and Burmy were enjoying another cinnamon bun on the windowsill (one clearly more than the other), and Spewpa had snuggled herself onto Simon's lap, listening in curiously to his phone conversations.

The phone clicked as Simon hung up on the last caller, who happened to be Gramma Tina from Wedgehurst. Simon laid back on the bed, relieved he'd finally gotten through the congratulatory assault. Petting Spewpa's head gently, he dialed a number on his phone, one final call before he'd call it a night.

The phone rang for barely a few seconds before it was picked up. "Hey, da'."

"Bah hah, finally got through all the family calling? Expected as much." Simon's father laughed loudly on the phone. "That battle caused quite the ruckus at the pub, lemme tell ya. Pretty sure the lads woke up half the forest with their screaming, we're all so proud of you. But most of all, I'm proud o' you, son."

Simon's eyes teared up a little at that; even though he'd heard it from every relative before him, hearing it from his father felt even better. "Thank you. I wouldnae have made it without knowing you had my back."

"Aye, but your victory's all thanks to you and your team. You've put t'gether your own wee family now, and you take care of them as much as they take care o' you." he could hear his dad sniffle a little on the phone. "I 'member when Grimms and I were just like yous, starry-eyed 'n rarin' to grab the world by the horns."

"Yes, da', I've heard all about it." Simon replied, anticipating his dad's inevitable dive into stories about his youth. "And hey, I'm keeping the Pearbugh legacy going!"

"Ahahah, that's me lad. Speaking of, how's things been wit' that 'friend' o' yours, eh?" his dad asked, a cheeky tone in his voice. "If yer keeping me legacy alive, I needtae know my son's just as good with th' ladies."

Simon was pretty sure his dad could hear him blush through the phone. "It's been, uh, going… fine? I, sorta had to rain check on her at the Christmas market, which might've been a bit of a-"

"You what?!" He could hear his dad's disbelief in his voice. "Lad, you do not rain check on a date wit' a lady."

"Well, it wasn't really a-"

"It never is with th' birds, lad- listen, you needtae make it up to her or she'll never let you hear the end of it." his father urged.

"Da', I don't think Sachi's that type of-"

His dad chuckled. "Ah, so her name's Sachi then? Oriental girl? Can't fault you on good taste, yer mum certainly was a beautiful lass when-"

"Da'!" Simon snapped, blushing even harder now. Though he knew Sachi would never bring it up to him, his dad was right; Simon had pretty much bailed on her on route 3. If he actually wanted her to take him seriously, he'd need to make it up with an even more impressive date idea.

---------------​

It was late morning as Simon walked down the quaint streets of Turffield once more, with a spring in his step and a badge in his pocket. After yesterday's battle he'd thought of storing the trinket away in the intended lockbox in his bag, but had decided to hold on to it for a while as a good luck charm.

Despite the lack of sleep, Simon was in full spirits and had his mind set on one objective. He glanced at his phone, checking to see that he had enough time. He was set to meet Sachi in about an hour at another local cafe, but he had to stop by somewhere first. Through talking with Pia he'd learned that Turffield was hosting the very first event of the Galar Contest Circuit - the very first ever broadcasted in the region! He'd never had much interest in the ones of Sinnoh or Hoenn, but after finding out that gym challengers got free entry to the event, he couldn't resist. After some more research Simon also found out that the event was a full formal - this was the perfect date idea he'd been looking for.

He finally stopped in front of a little boutique, adorned with flowers and a sign reading "Haute Couture Turffield". The few mannequins placed behind the shop's window displayed an ensemble of extravagant, sparkling dresses, as well as elegant tuxedos and suits for men. It certainly wasn't like any clothing store Simon had ever been to, and frankly, it intimidated him a little. Nonetheless, he took a deep breath and stepped through the doors. A bell above him chimed as soon as he entered, prompting a voice to call out from the back of the store.

"One minute, chéri! I will be out right away." A woman's voice called out, thick with a Kalosian accent.

Simon took the time to look at the outfits lining the walls of the small shop in the meantime. From large, poofy dresses to strange shining suits and bowties, each article of clothing felt more outlandish than the rest, as he wondered what value people even found in these. Glancing at the price tag, all of them were certainly far out of his price range, with the cheapest dress costing almost double what he'd earned for his deliveries so far. As he fiddled with a tag while waiting, he noticed another, much more reasonable price on the back, with the text 'rental' beside it.

Before he could look at any more outfits, the shop's owner came out from the back and appeared at the front desk. She was an older lady in her late fifties or so, dressed in a plain white shirt covered by a colourful blitzle-print shawl, and multiple pins in her hair that looked like crochet hooks. "Sorry about that. How can I help- oh, seigneur! Please put those wretched things away once!" The lady suddenly reeled back and closed her eyes in disgust at the sight of Simon. The boy stood there for a second, confused. As he opened his mouth to ask what she meant, the woman snapped again, "Your b-bugs! Please, get them away from here!"

"Oh." Simon replied plainly. He tapped all five buttons on his belt at once, which quickly recalled his Pokemon into them.

The shop owner peeked through her fingers and finally released her breath once she saw the bugs were gone. "Thank the heavens." she huffed, standing back up straight, and her expression shifted into a stern glare. "Now, before I eject you from my shop for bringing such vile creatures in here, what is it you want?"

Simon furrowed his brow and considered snapping back at the lady for her rudeness, but thought against it - he was trying to be classy, after all. "I was looking for a pair of outfits to wear to the contest happening later." he began. "One for a girl and one for me."

The woman's eyes quickly sized him up from head to toe as she turned up her nose. "I would suggest looking at the price tags of my garments first, gamin. I doubt someone of your… fashion sense would be able to afford anything in here." she said.

"I was actually thinking of renting them instead!" Simon replied.

"Hah, as if I would make the mistake of doing that again! I would not dare rent one of precious creations to a trainer- a bug trainer of all things." the owner scoffed. "I would need to charge over double the amount as insurance - can you still afford that?"

"It's bug catcher- and you're right, but-"

"I thought so." the lady smirked and turned around dismissively.

"I'm a gym challenger! From the Wedgehurst academy!" Simon exclaimed. "In fact, I just beat Milo yesterday."

The shopkeeper stopped, her interest now piqued again. "Wedgehurst, you say…?" she muttered and turned around. "I thought the only notable thing to come out of that town was Wooloo and that fraud Michael Armstrong."

Simon had no idea who she was referring to, but was glad he'd gotten her attention again. "Yeah! And a lot of people are following the gym challenge, so maybe... I could do some free PR for you! In exchange for a discount on the rentals." the boy said, flashing her a winning smile.

The lady looked unimpressed, but tapped her chin pensively. "That Armstrong has-been somehow managed to make waves through the fashion world recently, and he's been crediting his success to some Wedgehurst trainer as well…" she thought out loud. "Maybe I should give you a chance too."

"Alright, now we've got a deal!" Simon grinned and stuck out his hand.

"We haven't discussed any deal yet."

"Oh, right."

The shopkeeper took a deep breath and closed her eyes, as if getting into some trained creativity trance. After a brief moment, her eyes opened again, and she spoke up. "I want you to orchestrate a promotional battle. The street in front of the shop should do just fine. Shout, do some theatrics, whatever it is you silly trainers do. Most importantly, inspire me."

Simon had no idea what that meant, but he didn't really care. He stuck out his hand. "I'll get you a battle that'll blow your socks off, and I know just who to bring along! You can count on me, miss…?"

The shopkeeper looked at Simon's hand briefly before sighing and shaking it. "Coutelas. Juliette Coutelas." she said, quickly reaching for the sanitizer by her desk once her hand was free.

"Well, Miss Cowtless, you can count on me!" Simon replied, butchering the name entirely. "I'll be back in a couple hours!" And with that, the boy turned around excitedly and ran out of the shop.

 
Last edited:
Pia McGuire
Poké:
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
5550 Pokémon: 4

    [tab=backtostory36]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=pokemon36]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=journal36]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=id36]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=badges36]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab]


A challenger approaches!




"Well then…" Pia sighed as she stretched herself, readying herself while in her gym challenge uniform. She stood in a handmade field inside a stadium with about 10 Wooloo in front of her. This was the gym challenge that she had seen some of her classmates do. She had seen Raphael's, Simon's and even Catherine's. All three of them had approached the challenge in a different way and Pia was going to do the same. She gave the two Pokemon that she chose as a partner for this challenge a trusting nod. Milla and Cintra, Pia's Pikachu and newly acquired Eevee, nodded back at her. Both had a determined expression on their faces, especially Cintra who had seen her sister in the challenge the other day as well.

Pia herself was wearing a long sleeved, turtle neck crop top and baggy shorts in a mint coloured green. Half of her hands were covered by the sleeves that had conveniently gloves attached to them. Her number was shown on her shorts and on the center of her back.

" Number 18, Pia McGuire, are you ready?!" The announcer yelled through the speakers. Cheers were being heard from the other side of the stadium, the place where Pia had to be. The place where she would challenge Milo like many of her classmates had done before her. Pia sighed again.

"As ready as I can ever be." She answered, putting her short wavy hair into a cute ponytail. She seemed a bit unmotivated but in reality she was just really nervous. Was she able to do this? She also started wondering if it was a good idea to take on the gym challenge before the contest that would happen the next day… But all of those thoughts were interrupted when the announcer screamed through the speakers again.

"You get a full 10 minutes to herd all of these unruly Wooloo's to their assigned spot to the side of the field. Then… 3! 2! 1! Begin!"

Pia glanced towards Milla who was eagerly waiting right beside her with her tail wagging, looking up at her trainer with expecting eyes. Cintra was excited for other reasons because this was the first time she was going to be used in a pokemon and trainer dynamic.

"Play to your heart's content. I'll call you back when the time's up." Pia said to the happy Pikachu with a smirk. Milla jumped up and down a few times and immediately ran off towards the Wooloo who were surprised at the sudden appearance of the Electric-type Pokémon. It didn't take long for the Sheep Pokémon to warm up to the charismatic Milla and soon they were all dragged into one of Milla's infamous games of tag. Pia glanced down at Cintra again. The Eevee only glanced up at her trainer in confusion. Weren't they supposed to herd this pack of Wooloo? But no, Pia gave her a soft smile and tilted her head towards where the chaos, caused by the hyperactive Pikachu, was unfolding. She was telling the fox Pokémon to go play with the rest.

"Evah?" Cintra tilted her head in response. A tiny bit confused what her trainer was getting at. Pia tilted her head again, making it a bit more obvious this time. Cintra's eyes widened. She wasn't one for… playing… but only this time was fine she supposed... She wagged her tail, hesitated for a moment and then ran off to where Milla was playing, tackling her to the ground while the Wooloo tried to follow the Pikachu. It was a cute sight and earned a "awwwwww" from the crowd that were watching the livestream.

"What is this?! Pia's Pokémon have dragged the unruly Wooloo into a game?!" The surprised voice of the announcer once again sounded through the speakers. Pia didn't pay it much mind and nonchalantly walked towards the other side of the field while the Pokémon were playing. On her wrist was a small watch on which she kept track of the time. They still had time.

7 minutes passed like that and as Pia waited on the exit of the field, she put two of her fingers underneath her tongue to unleash a loud whistle. Milla and Cintra's ears immediately perked up. Both of them knew what that meant. It was time to drive the Wooloo to their designated spot and Milla did just that by leading the Wooloo away. Within moments they were inside the fences that were closed off by both Milla and Cintra. They ran back being content with what they did. Pia welcomed them back into her arms with a smile, Cintra significantly more tired from all the running than Milla was.

"You did good. Now, let's go see this gym leader." Pia spoke. She grabbed Cintra's Pokéball and returned her inside for her to rest, something the Eevee seemed very glad about as the red light enveloped her and she left them with a grin. Milla moved to Pia's shoulders and pointed ahead. Pia scratched her chin and moved towards the actual stadium. She felt strangely anxious, stepping inside the tunnel like that. It was an odd nostalgic feeling but also something entirely unknown to her. It felt… weird.

"Number 18, Pia McGuire, has moved on to the battle with 42 seconds to spare! What an unique way to complete the challenge!" The announcer spoke again and when he did, an even louder cheer was heard from the crowd.




[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]



Pia's Party

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]



Pia's journal

Arrietty Maverick
Pia and Arrietty met in the Wild Area although the two have shared classes before. It struck Pia as odd that the girl seemed to have no ambitions or goals at all. Although disappointed upon finding out this girl had no fire burning that would light her path, Pia made it her mission to help this girl get a goal and become a bit more social. Arrietty is the closest Pia can consider a "friend".

Ruben Sancho
Pia met Ruben during Motostoke while on a double date with him, Arrietty and Ainsley. The date went disastrous with both Arrietty and Ainsley running off but Ruben and Pia were able to grow just a tiny bit closer during their search for Arrietty. They have been texting since and are on good terms with each other. They both seem to be interested in just a little bit more...

Ruben and Pia are officially dating since the end of the year festival on Route 3 following their "official second date" that went well. Pia knows about Ruben's ankle and that it's still hurting. They're in close contact with each other through calling and texting. They went on another date on Route 4 where Ruben had a gig for a coaching session with kids with the promise to spend time together after that. Both confirmed their feelings for the other by sharing a kiss. Pia likes him a lot.

Their relationship became public knowledge when a picture of Ruben staring down Pia's shirt was shared on social media and all gossip magazines. Ruben has been hiding it from Pia but as they went shopping, Pia got vocally attacked by a group of girls calling her out for being a whore and having no dignity. Ruben stood up for her and made their relationship public knowledge, no longer wanting to submit Pia to such harassment. Ruben publicly announced he likes Pia a lot and that they have been dating as opposed to what he has been saying before. Pia still doesn't know about the picture that's going around.

Raphael Allard
Pia met Raphael during her train ride to the wild Area together with Aeliana. Thinking that he had a lot of potential in becoming a chamption which would benefit her, Pia approached him thinking they could become friends. Their interactions didn't go as smoothly as Pia had hoped. After their argument at the end of her battle with Aeliana, the girl ran off thinking she had blown her chances. Raphael doesn't harbour any ill intend towards the girl and only hoped to give her some advice.

They have resolved their issues in Galar mine 1 and worked together to battle Oleana in which they were victorious. Raphael brought the issues with Pia's overprotectiveness of Milla back up on Route 4 when Pia was refusing Milla from battling. Raphael spoke some sense into her, prompting her to finally trust Milla. Raphael understands Pia better now and Pia has a better opinion of Raphael now too.

Aeliana Kekoa
Pia met Aeliana during the train ride to the wild Area together with Raphael. Although her interactions with Aeliana went a little bit more smoothly than with Raphael, Pia still ran off at the end of their battle in an attempt to distract her since Pia owed her money for losing. Although Pia has declared Aeliana her rival, they haven't spoken since and Pia attempts to keep it that way.

Pia met Aeliana again on Route 3 when she was on her way to the end of the year market. Together with Rosa and Valerie they went into an haunted mansion. Although they didn't converse much, Aeliana made some comments that Pia saw as snarky that were meant well by Aeliana. This indicates that Pia still thinks that Aeliana is out to get her.

Ainsley
Ainsley was Pia's date partner during the double date in Motostoke and is Ruben's best friend. Ainsley pretended to be rich and paid for the date with Ruben's money. Pia saw through the charade and called him out on it after Ainsley suggested they'd book a hotel together and make love. He ran off afterwards, angry that the feelings of lust he harboured towards Pia were not returned. Pia doesn't think highly of Ainsley and told Ruben that he needs "better friends".

Melody Argent
Although Pia and Melody attended the same Trainer school and were in the same class, they never once teamed up for an assignment. Both didn't have a very good impression of the other and avoided them like the plague. It's not until the Festival Fun-time Flurry that they have tried teaming up to win a competition as both of them were interested in the prize. They chased down a cheater together and have a better opinion of each other since their teamwork. They figured out that they're a pretty good team actually. Both of them thinks "the other is not so bad after all".

Valerie Amity
Pia met Valerie on route 3 where they went inside a haunted mansion together with Aeliana and Rosa. They didn't get to converse much but it was enough for them to establish some sort of familiarity. Valerie calls Pia "Lady P" as a nickname. Pia thinks of Valerie as someone with too much energy but not a bad person overall, maybe a little too naïve.

Rosa Valdés
Pia met Rosa on Route 3 and went inside a haunted mansion together with Aeliana and Valerie. They were stuck inside a room together where Rosa found golden nuggets and shared one with Pia. Rosa's small moments of kindness seemed insincere in Pia's eyes, someone who is well versed with duality. When Rosa left the end of the year market after they had gotten out of the haunted mansion, Pia followed her and saw her crying. Pia comforted the crying Rosa but as soon as Rosa had gotten herself together again, Pia fell the need to call her out on her duality, telling her that how she was acting now was quite different from before. Rosa denied at first but as soon as Pia had driven her into a corner, she stopped trying. After Jirachi appeared for a brief second, Rosa walked off. They're neither on bad or good terms but both have things they probably need to speak off.

Simon Pearburgh
Pia met Simon in Galar Mine 1. Pia thought nothing more of him than a bug nerd. They partnered up to battle against Oleana and his clever strategies impressed Pia, prompting her to compliment him after their shared life/death situation on Route 4. They're neutral with each other.

Catherine Carlisle
Yeah.... Pia really doesn't like Catherine but she enjoys getting under her skin.

Kit
Pia met Kit in the Wild Area. Kit had been trying to catch a Pokémon for days but had yet to catch one. He begged the girl to help him in exchange for money and a strange rock that he found. Pia taught him how to catch a Pokémon but after hearing that Kit is in search for his father, she decided to only take the strange rock as her reward and left the pouch with Poké behind for the boy to keep. Kit seems to have developed a crush for her because of that.

Trainer ID

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

Pia McGuire:

Pia was born in the town of Hammerlocke in the Galar region and is part of the first graduating class of the Wedgehurt trainer's academy. Despite having lived in poverty, her mother has been able to pay for her tuition in alternative ways. She's quick witted and rather clever but is sometimes a bit "too" honest. Pia dreams of becoming an actress and does almost anything to get more money. When it comes down to it, what she really wants is to no longer live in poverty and live a bit more happily.

Inventory:

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]



  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    4x Pokéball
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    Galarian Pokédex
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    Xtransceiver
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    Broken Flashlight
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    King's Rock
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    Sun Stone
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    Thunderstone


Outfits:

Daily Outfit:
Spoiler:


Contest outfit:
Spoiler:


Ribbons:

Badges:


 
Last edited:
VS Milo (I)
Tristan Trevall: starting trainer, CEO
Magnemite — Growlithe



"So let me get this straight," he looked at the field just in front of him. "Ten Wooloo." They baa-d, as if mocking him. Had he looked twice, he could have sworn there were smirks coming from those bastards. "Supposed to be corralled In ten minutes."

The gym staff nodded, "Milo wanted some... physical activity, as a first exercise for you trainers."

Tristan groaned, "You've got to be kidding me."

"Whenever you're ready, Mr. Trevall."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever... I have a business meeting to attend to in an hour and my father's going to have my head if I miss it."



It had been four minutes and thirty seconds.

He'd only managed to round up three, the other seven for some reason rolling for their lives like their life depended on it. He didn't see them this aggressive when they were on TV!

Tristan sighed. The world really was out to get those up top.

He chose not to use his Pokemon to make sure he had an element of surprise when he eventually battled Milo, but he clearly underestimated the wooly Pokemon- and of course, Milo's physical capacity as a trainer.

Not like he wasn't fit, mind. Even with the fuckers rolling around aimlessly, the blonde still hasn't completely fainted from exhaustion. He made a mental note to raise his trainer's fee as he (force) kicked another Wooloo, bumping it to another one like they were billiard balls, using the chain effect to move them to the center where they thankfully stayed.

Nine minutes in, two Wooloo remaining.

It was him against the world. The Wooloo were on both edges of the stadium, and he was only one person. Both were openly berating him. How these sheep had such expression in those normally innocent faces amazed and terrified him. As if reading his mind, the Pokemon baa'd, turning their backs on the trainer and moving them side to side. Kick their ass, they whisper. They dare him.

"Fine, Magnemite, let's go!" He scowled, summoning his partner from his backpack. The Pokemon buzzed in excitement, sparks flying from its magnetic arms. "Okay, here's the plan. One minute, get that," he pointed to the Pokemon on the right side, now yawning from boredom as it watched the trainer discuss to the electric type, "and move them to the center. I'll handle the one on the left."

The Magnemite nodded, and quickly sped off, using the electricity to zap itself towards the sheep catching it off guard. Tristan smirked and ran towards the other one, who now began to roll away after seeing the duo get itself together. To the viewers, Tristan probably looked like an idiot. But he was an idiot running out of time.

Twenty seconds left and the plan was working. Magnemite was actually handling itself well, sending little jolts of electricity to the Wooloo to move in the direction it was supposed to go. Tristan, on the other hand, barely making it with the Wooloo as it made a last effort attempt to fight back by rolling towards him and nearly pushing him to the ground, only to realize that the sheep was baited into jailing itself to the center as the trainer quickly dogdged out of the way— but not before sending the Pokemon off with a smirk.

With the mission won, all that's left is the easy part: beating Milo.



"You're not a familiar face I've seen in the league," Milo started, smiling at the trainer as he walked towards the main stadium, still breathing heavily after the mission. "Were you not there when they announced the challengers?"

Tristan shook his head, "I was busy on a business meeting with Macro Cosmos. I'm actually lucky I had some time before my next meeting to do the gym mission, but time's of the essence."

Milo nodded, "Fair enough, well then, if you want to start the battle, here are my rules—"

"A single battle where we can only use two Pokemon, I know, I've read the memo." Tristan cut off, "Let's just get this over with." He motioned his Magnemite to take the stage, the Pokemon buzzing to the front in response, excited to finally show off what it can do to it's trainer.

Milo smiled, "Someone's pretty cocky. Okay then, good luck to you. Let the battle begin!" From his Pokeball, yet another white puffball appeared, almost traumatizing him when he taught it was a Wooloo only to be met with relief when he saw the cotton spores— immediately into the ring, the leader thew his Eldegoss into battle; one that he had thankfully done his research on.

"Don't underestimate Magnemite just because of the type matchup, let me show you what we can do!" Tristan smirked, "Thunder Wave, go!"

The Magnet Pokemon hummed, using its magnets to form a continuous electric current and sped towards the grass Pokemon, encasing the Cotton Pokemon in a wave of electricity, not allowing it to move. Milo flinched, not expecting the Pokemon to start off with a status attack, and one that hindered his already slow Pokemon.

"Tsk," He smiled, "Straight to the point aren't you? Well good to know, since we're just the same. Eldegoss, use Pollen Puff, push the Magnemite away with brute force!" The Cotton Pokemon nodded, creating a bunch of purple balls of pollen and threw all of them straight at the Magnemite, each exploding with every hit. The Magnemite could only withstand the attack, each puff explosion not giving it a chance to counteract and get away.

Tristan scowled, looking at the battlefield. Even with its speed lowered, the Eldegoss could still pack a punch from far away. He expected this to some extent, however, as he motioned for Magnemite to head right and circle around to dodge, using the explosions caused by the Pollen Puffs as makeshift camouflage as he planned his next move. He didn't need to ask Magnemite if it was okay, he knew it could handle it. While it's special defense stat wasn't as good as it's defense, the type matchups still made sure he wouldn't get too damaged from the attacks.

"Keep hiding in the shadows, Magnemite. Use Gyro Ball to throw it off balance, then follow up with Tackle!" He commanded, the Magnemite following through, hitting the Eldegoss from behind while it couldn't move from its electric prison. The Eldegoss whined before countering with another Pollen Puff landing a hit straight to the Magnet Pokemon as it sped up to Tackle, both Pokemon hitting each other in the process. "Don't stop Magnemite, Gyro Ball again!"

"Eldegoss, Hyper Voice straight on the enemy! You're nearly there!" Milo cheered for her as she used her power to hit the Magnemite's Gyro Ball with an attempted screech only to get cut off with another Tackle to make the Cotton Pokemon stumble from her footing, and quickly met with a steel ball just like before.

"Again!" Magnemite was in control this time, readying another Gyro Ball as the Cotton Spore Pokemon struggled to get away, attempting to float out but barely dodging the last one. "Give it up, Milo. Thunder Wave lowers your speed considerably. You can't get away from my Magnemite's barrages."

The gym leader shook his head, "We never run away. I trust my Pokemon to do her best." As he said so, the Eldegoss shone brightly, some of the cuts and bruises from the previous beating disappearing in an instant. "Don't you?"

"...All I'm aiming for is results." With that, Tristan took Magnemite's Pokeball and returned the Pokemon back, to the Magnemite's dismay. "Clearly we're not going anywhere with that Synthesis, so I'll have to quickly cut you down."

"So you're saying you have an ace with you then?"

"Of course I do." He threw a Pokemon to reveal his card, a fire Pokemon—Growlithe. It barked on contact with the ground, ready for battle. "Found this one with exceptionally high attack and that's where you're going down." He smiled, "Growlithe, flamethrower!"

The Growlithe nodded before sending out a breath of pure fire, burning the Eldegoss and hitting it hard, as Tristan expected.

"A Growlithe? That's super cute."

"It has the best stats out of every potential fire type I encountered earlier. It'll do for now."

"You know, you're really weird."

"I'm taking that as a compliment. Keep going, Growlithe! She's nearly out!"

"Eldegoss, move back and use Hyper Voice—" Milo didn't get a chance to complete his sentence when the Cotton Spore Pokemon fainted in front of him, not able to withstand the brunt of multiple flamethrowers and lacking the speed to get away. He looked in dismay and smiled as he returned her to her Pokeball, "You did great, dear. Take a rest, you earned it."

One more Pokemon to go, thought Tristan as he watched Milo in anticipation as he chose which one to send out. He had a faint idea from research and gossip, but nothing conclusive. But he had a fire type ready for him. He was—

"Okay, let's go Appletun!"

...Fuck, he thought as the ground shook on the fat Pokemon's arrival.

Maybe it wouldn't be that easy after all.
 
Last edited:
Catherine Carlisle
18 | Female | From Wyndon
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Indra (Male, Swift Swim) - Rain Dance, Hypnosis, Bubblebeam, Double Slap, Mud Shot, Refresh
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Stampede (Male, Swift Swim) - Water Gun, Smokescreen, Twister, Focus Energy, Dragon Breath, Icy Wind
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Holo (Female, Lightning Rod) - Tackle, Thunder Wave, Spark, Howl, Flame Burst
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Vessel (Female, Dry Skin) - Fury Cutter, Scratch, Absorb, Poison Powder, Spore

Fear the Dragon


With the Flapple defeated, Catherine and Indra now found themselves facing down Milo's famed Ace, his Eldegoss. The fluffy dandelion-like Pokemon stared down Idra as thoughts raced through Catherine's head.

Her strategy was going fine, it had gone off without a hitch really. The only snag was that she had underestimated the damage Milo's first Pokemon would be able to do and that left her with a dilemma. Indra was on his last legs and her rain was fizzling out. She needed to set the rain up again, but opting for Rain Dance would leave Indra open to an attack now that Milo was ready for it. There were no bubbles left either so she couldn't even use those to buy time.

The logical strategy was to prioritise the rain, have Indra set it up and risk him being taken out in that instant since Stampede could then come in fresh and finish the job. But…

I can't use Indra like that. He's a teammate, not fodder. I won't be one of those people.

That meant she'd have to go on the offensive and hope for an opening, preferably without Double Slap setting off the Eldegoss' irritating Ability. "Idra, Bubblebeam!"

"Use Hyper Voice!"

Milo's counter was an effective one. Even as Indra's Bubblebeam rushed forward, the Eldegoss let out an ear-splittingly loud cry, the shockwaves felt across the arena. The force of the sonic attack pushed the bubbles back as it expanded out towards Indra. He was about to be hit by both the Hyper Voice and any of his bubbles that hadn't burst immediately upon the attacks colliding.

"Mud Shot, up and down!" Catherine instructed.

Blessedly, Indra got what she meant. He spat a torrent of mud, moving his body up and down to alter the flow of the attack. The effect was essentially a wall that was in motion, tightly packed waves of mud.

The Eldegoss' attack hit, breaking through the liquid wall and knocking Indra sprawling as he tumbled toward Catherine. The worst of the attack had been cancelled out, but Indra was already severely worn down. It took some effort to stand up.

"Leaf Tornado!" Milo continued the offensive. His Eldegoss summoned up a vortex of glowing leaves that surged forward towards Indra.

Indra dodged out the way, and that was her chance. "Rain Dance!"

While the Eldegoss was focused on maintaining its Leaf Tornado, Indra twisted in mid air in the middle of his dodge, landing into a series of graceful twirls. The rain started to fall again as the clouds reformed above them.
"Impressive timing!" Milo commented.

Catherine ignored him again, not even noticing his beaming smile falter again as she focused on the battle before her. "Let's see them block this one. Bubblebeam!"

"Poli!" Indra called a determined affirmative. He leaded back slightly before throwing his body behind the attack, unleashing the biggest surge of bubbles he could muster.

"Hyper Voice!" Milo countered again.

Once more, the Bubblebeam was walled by the force of the Eldegoss' Hyper Voice. This time though, the attacks exploded against each other, carrying a glistening spray of water over the battlefield.

"Leaf Storm!"

The Eldegoss followed the command instantly. Like before, glowing leaves whipped up around the Eldegoss. There was more though, many more. They didn't form into a twister either. Instead they all rushed forward at once, a wall of an attack.

"Watch out!" Catherine found herself yelling without even thinking. She watched as Indra started nimbly dancing through the blizzard of leaves, narrowly avoiding being hit over and over because of his increased speed. There were too many though. He was too tired.

One leaf struck Indra, knocking him off-balance. From there, he didn't have the strength to recover and resume dodging. Several more impacts soon followed. Indra dropped and didn't get back up.

"Well done." Catherine returned Idra to his ball and looked out on the battlefield. She had until the rain stopped to win, but Indra had done his job and done it well. She tossed Stampede's ball and the Horsea emerged with a defiant snort, ready to show the world what he was made of.

"Another Water type?" Milo questioned.

"Sure, but don't underestimate Stampede. He's more of a dragon than your Flapple will ever be." Catherine smirked. She didn't know where that had come from, but she and Stampede were both ready for the fight ahead. She had the rain and Stampede's Swift Swim, the Eldegoss had to sacrifice offensive power by using Leaf Storm and she still had her strategy too.

"Stampede, Focus Energy!" At the order, waves of orange light began to wash over Stampede as he focused his gaze on his opponent and readied himself.

"Leaf Tornado!" Milo instructed.

"Twister!" Catherine countered.

Two tornadoes billowed into existence on either side of the battlefield, rampaging forward before colliding in a storm of leaves and detritus. The vortex attacks merged before exploding outwards in a powerful gust, cancelling each other out.

"Interesting." Milo grinned.

Catherine returned to ignoring him, she couldn't let him distract her now. "Stampede, Smoke Screen!"

Stampede opened his mouth wide and spewed out a thick cloud of dark smoke. The battlefield was much darker than it had begun now, rain clouds above blocking out sunlight and the swirling smoky darkness on the battlefield itself.

"Clear it with Hyper Voice!" Milo called.

His Eldegoss screamed again, the sonic waves forcing the smokescreen back and apart, dissipating it. Stampede wasn't hit by the attack though.

Catherine smirked, she couldn't see Milo's face through the remnants of the smoke. But she hoped he'd lost his dopey grin and adopted an expression of shock. "Icy Wind!"

She felt the attack before she could see it. From right next to the Eldegoss, a chilling wind whipped up around Stampede. Droplets of rain froze solid, flinging around the Horsea before the Icy Wind swept forward. The attack collided with the Eldegoss as the orange light waves surged over Stampede again.

Its power at its maximum thanks to the earlier Focus Energy, the Icy Wind slammed into Milo's Eldegoss and launched it across the field. It rolled across the field before floating back into an upright position, chunks of sleet and ice collected in its fluff. It glared at Stampede, not taking kindly to being snuck up on.

"I see, another Swift Swim Pokemon," Milo said, "That's why you're using Water types here. You want to overwhelm us with speed. You picked the wrong Pokemon to try it on though. Cotton Spore!"

A meagre cloud of cotton puffed out from the Eldegoss and dissipated in the rain. Milo and his Pokemon briefly displayed matching looks of confusion before the latter's changed to one of frustration.

Catherine's smirk deepened. The plan had worked. The puff on top of the Grass-type's head had been rendered ineffective because of all the frozen rain through it.

Milo laughed jubilantly. "Quite the schemere, aren't you? You were aiming for that from the beginning! In that case then, we'll just have to out muscle you. Leaf Tornado then Hyper Voice!"

"Twister!" Catherine countered again.

Once more the two vortexes collided in the middle of the battlefield, merging together. Before they could finish the process and explode though, a deafening cry blasted out from Milo's Eldegoss. The sonic shock waves hit the merged tornado as it detonated, rushing through it and taking several of the trapped glowing leaves with it.

Stamped dived to the side, but even with his Swift Swim-enhanced speed he couldn't avoid the entire scope of the attack. He was hit both by the Hyper Voice and the remnants of the Leaf Tornado and found it was his turn to be catapulted along the pitch.

"Don't let up!" Milo commanded, a second Leaf Tornado rushed forward toward Stampede as he hopped up.

Stampede took a glancing blow, leaves ripping into his side as he lunged away, landing on his coiled tail. Catherine didn't even have to give the command, with a fierce gleam in his eyes, Stampede barrelled towards the Eldegoss that dared challenge a hero such as himself.

"Icy Wind!"

A third Leaf Tornado was in the process of forming when Stampede closed the distance in little more than an instant, blasting the Eldegoss and its leaves with another sub-zero gust. The leaves froze and the Eldegoss was blown back, its own frozen leaves pummeling it as more rain froze into the puff on its head.

The Eldegoss' angry glare had turned from frustration to pure rage now.

"Leaf Storm!"

"Dragon Breath!"

Milo's Pokemon summoned the hurricane of shimmering sharp leaves again, the attack rumbling forward toward Stampede. The Horsea retaliated, meeting the Leaf Storm with a torrent of violent purple flames.

The two attacks met with a roaring sound before exploding violently against each other. Stampede was knocked off his tail, tumbling backwards as a few leaves broke through and made contact. Conversely, Milo's Eldegoss was pushed back about a foot but took little damage from the detonation.

"Synthesis!" Milo instructed. Its effects would be dampened by the rain, but any health recovered was an advantage Catherine couldn't afford.

"Like hell, Icy Wind!"

The Eldegoss began to glow with a warm golden radiance as Stampede coiled his tail and against the ground and pistoned himself forward into range. He hit the ground on his belly just in front of the Eldegoss and unleashed the Icy Wind. The Grass type was thrown back, losing control of the attack as it bounced across the field to barely land upright.

"One last time then," Milo said, his ever present grin widening. "Leaf Storm!"

"You heard the man, Dragon Breath!"

One last time, the raging Leaf Storm met the blazing purple Dragon Breath. The attacks met, pushing against each other, but as they did so the waves of orange light washed over Stampede again. The flames of his Dragon Breath doubled in intensity as Stampede's Focus Energy kicked in again.

The flames broke through the Leaf Storm and rushed over the battlefield, engulfing Milo's Eldegoss. As the flames slowly faded away, the Eldegoss could be seen unconscious on the grass.

"Challenger 861 has done it. Using only Water types, she has defeated Leader Mil!"

Milo returned his Eldegoss with words of thanks before crossing the pitch to meet Catherine and Stampede, who stood proudly at her side.

"You were right, your little Water type is quite the dragon." Milo laughed, "I can't say I understand or even really appreciate your attitude, but you clearly put a lot of love into raising your team and it's paid off. Congratulations."

Milo raised his hand, palm up. Resting on it was the Grass Badge.

"Thanks." Catherine said half-heartedly. She took the badge and turned to leave the battlefield with Stampede at her side and the cheering of the crowd slowly dying out behind her.


Spoiler: Inventory
- ATC
- Expensive PokeGear
- Pokedex
- 800 Poke (On ATC)
- TM Icy Wind
- TM Flash
 
Aeliana Kekoa
Turffield
Chapter 6-1 | Balls













Aeliana's Current Party:
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]



"No… No, this isn't working out at all…" Aeliana mused, watching her Pokémon stumble and tumble into the dirt yet again.

The pink-haired trainer frowned watching as Tampa gurgled and rubbed the back of her head while picking herself up out of the dirt. A broad grin stretched across her toothy mouth, clearly a sign that she was having fun despite her constant trips and flubs. By her side, Fiesta did not seem to be enjoying himself as much. The Lombre grunted in frustration, making an attempt to try to hide the shame on his face by lowering his lilypad over his eyes.

"Lom…" Fiesta sighed.

"H-Hey, ease up buddy…" Aeliana called out, making her way towards the dejected Pokémon. Mahina was close in tow, the Clefairy gently patting Fiesta on his arm in an act of comfort. "I know you're giving it your best, but… I mean, there is a bit of a height difference between you two now, you know?"

The pinkette gestured over towards Tampa. Her Totodile was already being tended to by Clara. Cheeks bright with embarrassment, the Ralts was gently prodding Tampa with her nubby hand. Her eyes, when they could manage to actually make contact with Tampa, were closely examining the blue gator for any signs of injury. It was very cute in a way, while still being somewhat sad. Tampa seemed to be completely ignorant with how the Ralts was smitten with her. It honestly reminded Aeliana of something from one of those cheesy romantic comedy films.

"What we need is someone a bit more… even height for Tampa," Aeliana muses allowed. Her eyes drift over to a nearby stump, coming to rest on one Pokémon who happened to be sitting with his arms crossed and his back resting against a nearby stump. He was probably the best option she had. The question was, would he even be willing?

She pushed the thought to the back of her mind for now. What her team needed was a break for the time being. Aeliana would be lying if she said she didn't fancy one herself. She sighed, stretching her hands over her head and with a yawn. "Let's take a breather gang… Maybe do some window shopping or something, yeah?"

Fiesta seemed to be more than overjoyed at the news they were catching a break. The Lombre was quick to join Aeliana's side, with Mahina in close pursuit. The Clefairy tugged at the trainer's pants leg, motioning for the girl to pick her up and carry her for a bit. Aeliana grinned and scooped the Clefairy into her arms, where she then nestled comfortably against the pinkette's chest as Tampa and Clara also joined up. Eyes drifted over to the stump, where Jet still sat in a huff. By his side, the Eevee Aeliana caught on the route outside of Turffield seemed to be quite content with her current situation. This team of misfits seemed to be somewhat capable, given what she had seen of their brief time together. While she wished they were a bit more… level headed, she knew that beggars couldn't be choosers.

"Jet, Elia? You two coming?" Aeliana questioned.

The Eevee sighed, her ears twitching at the mention of the name that the pink-haired human had dubbed her with. While she had had heard worse, it certainly did little to strike her as a name befitting someone of her caliber. She stretched her furry body out, a small yip slipping past her mouth as she stood upright and began to prance towards the trainer's direction. She paused after a few steps, quickly realizing that Jet had yet to move from his resting spot. The Eevee gave the Tyrogue a somewhat expectant look, eyes practically asking if he actually intended for her to travel unattended, even though Aeliana was only a few feet away. Jet let out an annoyed grunt and climbed to his feet, the fighter sending Elia an annoyed glare as the two moved to join the rest of their party.

Turffield was abuzz with excitement. Aeliana wasn't sure if the excitement of the league getting its first official kick-off with all the challenges to Milo or of it was on account of the farming town also being the opening location to the contest season as well. Regardless, Aeliana didn't mind the crowd too much. It helped bring a little life to the hamlet, and the excitement was infectious. Various stalls lined the dusty dirt roads, with vendors selling a wide array of goods including fruits and vegetables, to crafts and home knicknacks, and even various Pokémon tools.

As she walked, Aeliana felt a small weight grasp on to her pants leg. Looking down, she noticed that Clara had suddenly become… a bit closer than she had been expecting her too. The Ralts' cheeks were flushed, her body twitching nervously as she tried to hide as best she could from the hustle and bustle of the makeshift market street. Aeliana smiled down at Clara, gently kneeling down to her level.

"Hey there, sweetpea… This crowd must not be doing you any favors, huh?" she questioned, gently patting the Ralts on her head. Ralts let out a small mewl, nodding her head in response to the dancer. Aeliana reached into her bag, pulling out Clara's poké ball. "Would you like to rest inside here for a bit? It's a bit more… private, you know?"

Clara stared up at her poké ball, her eyes shifting away from the ball-shaped capsule to rest on Tampa. Said Totodile was sniffing the air excitedly, a tempting aroma filling the blue gator's nostrils coming from a nearby stand that was selling the Sinnoh treat, poffins. Her tail was thumping back and forth with excitement, waving and babbling with glee as she pointed out the treat to a stoic and unamused Jet. There was a small glint in the Tyrogue's eye though, something resembling a bit of desire as he tried to brush past Tampa.

"It'll be okay," Aeliana said in an attempt to calm the Ralts' fears. Clara turned her attention back to her trainer, noticing a mischievous glint in the dancer's eyes. "I can arrange for you two to have some private time later."

Clara's face was redder than a Tamato berry at this point. The Pokémon began to blindly flail her arms around, attempting to somehow push the button on her poké ball herself. The flailing came to a stop however, when a shadow soon seemed to cast down on the duo from above. Aeliana's eyes widened. She didn't know why, but she suddenly felt very uncomfortable and wanted to be somewhere, anywhere else. She slowly turned, gazing over her shoulder as a look of abject horror was quick to rush over her facial features.

Standing before her was a creature that left her absolutely speechless. Tall and imposing, the man was capable of striking fear into the steeliest of hearts. He was toned, muscular enough to likely bench press a Mudsdale if he truly wanted to. His skin was as pale as the snow the girl had trudged through back on Route 3. If his solid white skin wasn't enough to grab attention, the brightness of his clothes would be more than enough to. The man was clad in a solid red polo shirt that was giving Clara a run for her money in regards to the colors of her cheeks. His head was another sight all together. It was round. Perfectly, absolutely round. The bottom half was white, the same pure shade of his skin. The top half was red, with the same vibrant intensity of his polo shirt. The face that went with this rounded head was a sight to behold in and of itself. Bright red lips were always curved into a smile, seemingly never even twitching in the slightest. A tuft or red hair swept over the man's forehead, with a baseball cap on top of his head helping in keeping the bright afternoon sun out of his eyes. His eyes? They were deep, never blinking. Aeliana trembled under the man's gaze, feeling as if he was staring into the depths of very soul and reading every secret that rested within it.

"Can… Can I help you…?" Aeliana finally managed to squeak out, her voice trembling with every syllable.


"Hello there young lady! It's me! Everyone's favorite Pokémon League enthusiast, Ball Guy!" the man exclaimed, his voice echoing out so loud throughout the street that practically everyone was staring in his and Aeliana's direction. If the volume of his voice wasn't enough, the constant gyrating of his hips with pumping and fluid motions of his arms were. "I remember you from the opening ceremony! There are a lot of you challengers here and it's getting me absolutely pumped for the season heading forward! I bet you're just bursting with excitement, am I right?!"

"I um… y-yeah…" Aeliana replied.

"Of course you are!" Ball Guy declared, pointing dramatically at the pink-haired trainer. "As as a league challenger, I can tell that you must really love poké balls! What, with such a unique team of champions-in-the-making assembled!"

Fiesta let out a startled squawk as Ball Guy's gaze fell in his direction. He panicked and flailed before diving face first into the dirt in an attempt to hide from the masked man's eye-sight. Elia could only stare in absolute confusion. The Eevee wasn't sure if she should bite this freak of a human or attempt to make her own escape. She kept her gaze on Ball Guy, tail twitching all the while with anticipation. She wasn't against fleeing, undignified as it was. She only hoped if this beast was as dangerous as he seemed that her guardians would be wise enough to not get killed in some foolish attempt to prove their might.

"I… I mean…" Aeliana stammered. "Poké balls are always nice to have around if you're a trainer, so… yes…?"

"Wonderful! Then I have some juicy information for you, young lady!" Ball Guy declared. He paused, reaching into his pocket for something before extending his hand forward. Aeliana and Clara glanced into the pale white hand of the mascot cautiously, taking note of the strange, seed-like object resting in his palm. It looked something like an acorn… bit the bottom half was a bright and vibrant pink. "Tell me, have you ever heard of apricorns?!"

Aeliana looked down at Clara, who could only offer the trainer a vacant expression. "No…?"

"Then let me tell you about them, pal!" Ball Guy responded. He tossed the apricorn up into the air, spinning around several times before catching the seed-like object in his hand and performing Leon's trademark pose. The apricorn put on full display for the girl and anyone else in the area to see. "You've heard of poké balls, great balls, and ultra balls! I'm sure you're familiar with balls like dusk balls and dive balls as well! Well, what if I told you there were some special balls that can only be made from these apricorns? Unbelievable, yes? Well, I can attest this is true! They may be small in size, but they're great in potential!"

Aeliana had to admit, as… off putting as this guy was, her curiosity was piqued. "Is that so…? How do you get a poké ball from something like that?"

"Special devices are planted inside the apricorns once they get hollowed out! Even our specialist is standing by to craft them here in the market!"

Ball Guy gestured towards a stall not far behind him. A young woman, looking to be about in her mid-twenties, offered a friendly wave to Aeliana which the pinkette offered back.

"Alright… I'll take one of these apricorn balls then," Aeliana decided.

"Ah! I knew you'd be interested! Unfortunately, we're sold out at the moment!" Ball Guy exclaimed.

A moment of silence passed. Aeliana stared up at the league mascot in disbelief. Did he really just go through all of that to try and sell her something that they were out of stock on?

"Alright then…" Aeliana sighed, picking herself off the ground. Ball Guy was weird and creepy and she just wanted to move on now. "Maybe next time…"

"Wait a moment, please!" Ball Guy exclaimed. The man hopped into the middle of her path, outstretching his arms in an attempt to block the trainer's path. "Please, let me explain!" He pointed towards a field located down a nearby hill. "The apricorns are actually grown here on the Turffield farms! They're harvested by being pulled off those trees when they're good and ripe! The problem is… there's a bit of an infestation down where they're grown."

"An infestation…?" Aeliana questioned. Her mind immediately took her back to the Wild Area when she had to deal with that Greedant and Skwovet that were hoarding the berries. There was also the possibility of the Pokémon being like the Pumpkaboo and Electrike that she and Melody had taken care off the other day as well. Having to relive more of that moment was not something the pink-haired trainer was wanting to experience. "There's nothing unusual about them, right? Like no smoke or mist or anything…?"

Ball Guy stopped moving for what seemed to be the first time. Aeliana couldn't see the man's expression from beneath the mascot head, but she knew he was likely perplexed by what she had just asked.

"Forget it… So basically, you're wanting help with this infestation, right?" Aeliana asked.

"That's right!" Ball Guy replied. "As a challenger, someone with your talent is just the kind of help we need in a situation such as this! Think of it as a warm-up for your big battle with Milo! What do you say, friend? Can we count on your assistance?!"

Aeliana mulled it over in her head. While she knew that she needed to put more effort for the time being into their routine for the upcoming contest, her brain wasn't providing her with any ideas on how to really shine or what to do. To say that she was starting to get a bit frustrated was an understatement. Reluctantly, the pink-haired trainer nodded. Maybe a battle would prove to be a good stress reliever and help clear her mind so she could think up a good act.



Aeliana and her team reached the small grove in which the Turffield locals harvested the apricorns within a few moments. Despite the fact that the trainer had agreed to take care of the horse that was interfering with the harvest of the fruit, there seemed to be a spring in everyone's step as they reached the designated orchard. Even Fiesta, who had been known to be surprised by his own shadow at times, seemed to be relieved to be here. Whether or not that was because the group had managed to get some space between themselves and Ball Guy, Aeliana couldn't be sure. She honestly couldn't blame the Lombre if that was the case. While she knew the mascot likely meant no harm, there was just something about the man that made the pinkette uncomfortable in general. As to just that something was? Aeliana wasn't exactly sure, nor did she care to dwell on the thought much longer.

"Alright gang, keep your eyes peeled for anything unusual," Aeliana instructed.

The apricorn orchard was eerily quiet. With it being a bit of a distance away from the Turffield market, the chattering of gathering shoppers and cries of vendors peddling their goods had become nothing more than a dull whisper being carried away in the air. They had instead been replaced by the rustling leaves, mixing in with the fluttering wings and cooing of two Pidove who had likely stopped to rest before resuming their migration to wherever they were headed.

The breeze brought with it a chill in the air. Aeliana, who had been practicing dancing for the contest ahead, shivered gently as she rubbed her arms for warmth. While not really noticeable when she had been dancing, the change in temperature was quite apparent when she was constantly moving. Her hands moved down to the zipper of her black windbreaker, pulling it up to cover her white sports bra in an attempt to block out some of the chill.

"Elia, think you can sniff anything out?" Aeliana asked her Eevee.

Elia glanced up at her trainer with an annoyed huff. This human was starting to test her patience. Did she think that she was built for this kind of manual labor? Why did these peasants constantly force her to suffer so?

Regardless, Elia decided to humor this request for the time being. That said, the Eevee wasn't going to go alone. Her eyes narrowed to Fiesta. An expectant look took to her face as she yipped, demanding that the Lombre accompany her.

"Lommm… Lombre…?" Fiesta questioned, his voice shaky and quiet.

Elia huffed and rolled her eyes. "Eee! Eevee!"

Fiesta quivered in place, the Lombre looking to Tamber and Jet for some sort of help. Tampa merely offered her friend a thumbs up with a broad smile of encouragement. Jet on the other hand merely grunted in response, crossing his arms over his chest in annoyance. Even Clara merely responded to the Lombre's peril with a gentle pat on the leg and a small smile of reassurance.

Realizing that not even Aeliana was going to save him, Fiesta sighed and began to travel with Elia. "Lombre bre…"

The duo began to slowly traverse the apricorn orchard. Elian's nose was to the ground as she sniffed around. Her ears would gradually twitch and perk up, as if she had heard something unusual, but she would resume her search a moment or so later. By her side, Fiesta was nervously wringing his hands. The Lombre would go as far as to hold his breath whenever Elia seemed to pick up something's trail. Eventually, the two came to a lone bush located in the center of the field. The bush seemed to rustle slightly, moving with much more weight than a breeze would be capable of shaking it. Elia paused, pointing a single paw at the shrubbery before glancing at Fiesta.

"Bre…?" Fiesta questioned with wide eyes. Was this Eevee really asking him to check? He took a step back, shaking his head in disagreement. "Lombre! Lom!"

Elia glared in annoyance. Before Fiesta could even process what was going on, the Eevee had managed to whip around him and began growling at him. Fiesta visibly gulped. He took a step back from the Eevee and towards the bush. His legs trembled with every step until he was within arms grasp of the apricorn bush. He hesitated for another moment or two, before leaning and pushing the bush branches aside so he could get a better look. Peering in slowly, the Lombre's eyes widened as he saw…

Nothing. There was absolutely nothing in the bush.

A sigh of relief slipped past the Lombre's bill. It looked like Elia had been on the wrong track all along. Fiesta squawked with glee, stepping aside to let his companion see inside of the shrubbery for herself. However as the Lombre turned to show Elia, he noticed the Eevee's eyes were wide as saucers.

"Lom…?" Fiesta asked, curiosity evident in his voice as he called out to Elia.

He noticed the Eevee was staring intently at the bush. A feeling of dread quickly filled Fiesta's stomach. Slowly, the lilypad-sporting creature turned to see what Elia found so intriguing. A shiver quickly ran down the Lombre's spine.

A pair of yellow eyes were staring right back at him, seemingly glowing in the darkness of the shrubbery. Before the Lombre could even process what he was looking at, a second pair of eyes lit up beside the first. Fiesta looked like a Deerling in headlights.

"L-Lom… Lom… Lomb-b…" Fiesta wheezed. Two shadowy figures suddenly darted out from the bush, pouncing onto the Lombre and tackling him to the ground. Fiesta let out a shrill scream, snapping Elia out of her trance-like state while sounding like he was being murdered in the dead of the night. "LOOOOOOMMMMBREEEE!"

From across the field, Aeliana's eyes went wide with fear at the sound of the Lombre's cry. "Fiesta…? Fiesta?! Tapu Lele, let's move!"

Aeliana, Tampa, and the rest of her Pokémon quickly ran to the source of Fiesta's cries for help. The sight that awaited her was that of two Galarian Meowth, claws and fangs at the ready, staring down against a trembling Lombre and a very irritated looking Eevee.

"Are these two the troublemakers?" Aeliana questioned, despite knowing that a battle was unavoidable at the moment. She quickly gathered her composure, standing at the ready behind her two Pokémon. "Alright, Elia and Fiesta! You two have this, no sweat!"

Elia rolled her eyes, tilting her nose into the air with a huff. Did this human actually expect her to handle such unworthy riffraff? This was something much more worthy of that Totodile or Tyrogue's efforts. Still, Elia would not allow her good name to be tarnished by running away like a coward. After all, it was her duty as an elite to set forth a good example. The Eevee stood ready, an angry growl being heard as she stared down one of the Meowth.

Fiesta didn't seem as sure of himself, however. These Pokémon looked a bit unnerving, especially with those glowing yellow eyes… He wished that Aeliana would have substituted him out for Tampa, but it looked as though the pink-haired trainer thought he was capable enough to handle this.

"Elia, start off with Swift! Fiesta, Astonish!" the girl called out.

Elia lurched forward. a stream of stars shooting forth from her fluffy little body as Fiesta suddenly zipped forward and struck one of the Galarian Meowth. Before either of the two wild Pokémon could react, Elia's barrage from her Swift attack collided into them. Both seemed more annoyed than hurt by the stars, however. One of them launched itself at Aeliana's Eevee, unleashing a furious barrage of scratches with Fury Swipes. Meanwhile, the other Galarian Meowth slashed at Fiesta, sending him staggering back with a Metal Claw.

"Water Gun, Fiesta! Elia, use Bite!" Aeliana called out to her Pokémon.

Elia staggered back, growling in annoyance as the Galarian Meowth slashed at her with its steely claws in rapid succession. Without warning, the Eevee suddenly yipped and lunged forward, She chomped down on the paw of the wild Pokémon, causing a furious and feral screech of pain to echo forth from the cat. The other Meowth tried to launch another Metal Claw at Fiesta. However, the Lombre managed to dodge off to the side before grabbing hold of the cat Pokémon's paw. Holding the Meowth at point blank, the Lombre's bill snapped open before a chilling spray of water shot forth and drenched the wild Pokémon.

"Elia, follow up with a Quick Attack! Knock that Meowth into the other one!" Aeliana commanded. The Eevee dashed forward, slamming her body into the Galarian Meowth. The wild Pokémon staggered back, tripping over its own feet before tumbling into its wild partner. This offered Aeliana just the perfect moment they needed. "Fiesta, Mega Drain!"

The Lombre quickly ran to the two Pokémon, slapping both with his stump-like hands onto both of their heads. The lilypad on Fiesta's head began to glow brightly as he slowly siphoned the remaining energy from them. The Galarian Meowth winced in pain, a look of pain evident in both their faces. One of the creatures let out a feral growl, causing Fiesta to slowly release his grip on the duo.

Aeliana was about to question what was going, but she was quick to receive her answer. The Galarian Meowth that Elia had been battling suddenly let out wild, ear piercing screech. Her Lombre flinched, placing both of his hands on his head in aggravation. Elia let out a very displeased grunt, before scurrying away and back towards her trainer. An angry battle cry soon shot out through the area. The bush began to shake and rattle violently before a furry, gray and black Pokémon came leaping out from the shrubbery. The creature somewhat resembled the Galarian Meowth duo that Aeliana and her Pokémon had been dealing with, only this one had a pair of horns protruding from its head. The most distinguishing feature however, was the beard like fur that lined the creature's belly.

Fiesta staggered back, his eyes wide with fear from the razor sharp horns, claws, and fangs on full display. Without a moment's hesitation, the Lombre was quick to let a fear-filled scream as he fled away from the wild Pokémon and back to his trainer.

"A-Alright, come back Fiesta! You too, Elia," Aeliana called, returning both the Eevee and Lombre to their poké balls, The pinkette put the two balls back into her bag, turning to face the wild Perrserker that now stood before her. A small tug came to her pants leg, her gaze shifting for just a moment to see Tampa come waddling in front of her. A look of determination and excitement graced the Totodile's facial features as she stood at the ready, tail thumping the ground with excitement like a stick rapidly striking a drum. "Let's do it, Tampa… Start things off with an Aqua Jet!"

A blast of water exploded from behind the Totodile, sending her charging straight towards the wild Perrserker. The Pokémon stood at the ready, claws shining in the sunlight as it braced itself for the eventual impact… only to go wide-eyed in confusion at the sight that took in. Just moments before the Totodile would have made impact, the form of a particular Tyrogue came into view. Jet slammed his foot into Tampa without warning, sending the Totodile crashing into the ground with a pained-grunt.

"Jet… what are you doing…?" Aeliana questioned.

"Ty! Tyrogue! Rogue!" Jet replied, pointing at himself before puffing out his chest and turning to face the wild Perrserker himself. He quickly took up a combat stance, his muscles tightening before he suddenly charged forward to strike with a Rolling Kick. "Tyyyyyyyyyyy!"

The Perrserker took this as its opportunity to strike. It nimbly dashed forward, suddenly slapping its paws into the sides of Jet's head. Jet staggered backwards, all of his momentum draining from his body as he regained his footing. The Perrserker followed this up by preparing to unleash a series of Fury Swipes at the recovering Tyrogue.

Aeliana stared in shock. "Tampa, quick! Fire a Water Gun!"

The gator's mouth shot open and fired a blast of chilly water at the wild Pokémon. It stopped in its tracks, sending a rather nasty looking glare towards Tampa. The steel cat dashed towards its new target, lowering its head as it attempted to slam it into the gator. As it did this, the pinkette ordered her Totodile to attack with an Aqua Jet yet again. The two Pokémon slammed into each other, with the Perrserker letting out an angry screech as it managed to overpower and send Tampa reeling back.

"Tampa, hang in there! Go for a Bite!" Aeliana cried out. Tampa picked herself up, her mouth snapping open to try and use chomp onto the wild Perrserker. However before she got close enough to do so, Jet suddenly slammed his body into the Totodile with a Tackle attack. He grunted at Tampa in frustration, before narrowing his eyes at the Perrserker. "Jet, you need to st-"

The Tyrogue didn't listen however, he attempted to follow up with another Tackle attack, only to receive a Slash to his gut. Jet went flying back, landing beside Tampa in a crumpled heap. The two Pokémon slowly picked themselves off the ground. Jet's breath was short, his eyes full of anger over this Perrserker tossing him around like a sack of potatoes. Tampa's legs buckled and quaked, the gator doing everything in her power to try and stay standing. She wasn't expecting that she'd be fighting her own teammate, and she clearly was not enjoying this.

"Toto! Totototo! Dile! Totodile!" Tampa gurgled and snapped, stomping her foot in frustration.

"Tyrogue! Ty!" Jet shot back.

The two Pokémon were glaring daggers at each other, both of them bickering and arguing over who was getting in who's way and who was the one that was actually battling this wild Pokémon. Aeliana tried calling out to the duo, but it was too late. The Perrserker was already back on the offense, delivering a Metal Claw with both paws to the pink-haired trainer's Pokémon.

"Jet… you have to work with Tampa! You two have to do this together, please! You're on the same side!" the pinkette cried out. "Just swallow your pride and work with her! It doesn't make you any less worthy to me!"

The Tyrogue seemed hesitant. He glanced over at the Totodile in question, Tampa staring at Jet with a serious look in her eyes. Jet gritted his teeth, clenching his fist as he returned his focus to the wild Perrserker. He gave Aeliana a nod, entering into a combat-ready stance beside his teammate.

"...That's it…" Aeliana whispered. "Jet, Focus Energy! Tampa, keep that thing held back with an Aqua Jet!"

Tampa propelled herself towards the Perrserker yet again, narrowing her eyes as she approached the Perrserker. The wild Pokémon stood at the ready, readying its claws as it moved to deliver a Metal Claw at the charging gator. The gator slammed her body into the cat, which caused it to grunt as it attempted to hold its ground before raking its claws across the gator's belly. Meanwhile, Jet took a deep breath. He cleared his mind, focusing intently as he felt a surge of power rush through his body.

"Jet, use Rolling Kick now!" Aeliana called out.

"Tyyyyyyyyyy!" Jet retorted as he charged towards his target.

The Perrserker stared at the oncoming onslaught with wide eyes. It moved to counter the attacking Tyrogue, but suddenly felt a sharp pain snap onto its tails. It screeched loudly, looking down to see Tampa chomping down with a Bite and a grin. The wild Pokémon then feels true pain as Jet delivers a severely damaging Rolling Kick. The cat flies back in hitting the grass with a solid thud. Both Tampa and Jet stare down at the Perserrker, until Tampa smiles with glee and Jet offers the blue gator a small nod of approval. Both are tired and worn out, but clearly pleased with themselves.

"I knew you two could do it! Aeliana cheered, with Mahina waving her arms in celebration in the pinkette's grasp. "Now we can to tell Ball Guy th-"

Aeliana's words go quiet. Tampa and Jet look at each other in confusion, before turning to look in the direction their trainer is. An audible groan is heard from both of the creatures as they spot the wild Perrserker not only back on its feet, but readying its claws to attack once more. Mahina stares in horror, the Clefairy quickly noticing that her friends are clearly not in the shape to keep going toe to toe with this thing. Unknown to her trainer or the other Pokémon, Mahina gently begins to waggle her fingers back and forth. The Perrserker began to charge forward once again… only to stop as it hears a sudden rumble overhead. Slowly, the wild Perrserker looked up… Its eyes went wide as a loud clap of thunder rumbled over its head… before a blinding flash of lightning struck down and zapped the Perrseker without warning. The wild Pokémon lets out a wild scream of pain before it finally fainted on the spot.

Aeliana and the two Pokémon could only stare on in confusion.



"Thanks to you and your Pokémon, we're finally able to start making the apricorn balls again. Sorry about Ball Guy kinda… forcing you in on this. I know he can be a bit unsettling and over the top, but he meant well."

"Oh, um… Don't worry about it," Aeliana replied. She smiled at the brown haired woman behind the counter, who was busy hollowing out some of the apricorns so she could get to work. "You guys needed them, and it was a good stress reliever anyway."

The woman let out a little giggle. "You're a challenger, right? I can see where you'd be pretty nervous about your big debut."

"It's nothing like that… It's um... Actually a contest," Aeliana answered. "I've been trying to work on an act for it, but… it's not been going too good so far."

"Ah… I guess I can relate though," the woman replied. She smiled as she looked over to see Clara watching her intently, taking a second pink apricorn and beginning to work on hollowing it out. "When I started doing this after grandpa… I was really nervous myself. I always worried what people would think or that I'd just screw up."

"So… what did you do?" Aeliana questioned.

"Well… In the end, I just stopped worrying. I mean, I either could do it or not, but it was a way to keep Grandpa's memory alive," the woman reasoned. "I figure that doing this is like… a tribute. Of course now I do it for other reasons. I enjoy it and it makes me happy. But every so often, doing it for him… just feels right."

"...I think… I think I get what you mean," the pink-haired girl reasoned. She watched as the brown-haired woman handed a pink ball with a heart on it to the Ralts. Clara stared at the ball in amazement. "Here… Take this as a thank you for your work."

"Are you sure…?" Aeliana asked, taken a bit aback by the woman's sudden act of kindness.

The woman smiled. "I insist. And hey, good luck on the contest and the gym challenge. You're gonna go far and I'll be rooting for you!"

Aeliana thanked the woman for her kindness and took Clara. She had an idea now, one that she needed to get some work on. Time was running short, but she had a good feeling on this one...

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
TM Case:
Spoiler:
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Inventory:
Spoiler:
 
Last edited:
Pia McGuire
Poké:
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
5550 Pokémon: 4

    [tab=backtostory39]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=pokemon39]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=journal39]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=id39]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=badges39]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab]


Gym battle: Turffield




Pia stepped forward through the tunnel, hearing the crowd already cheering before she even had arrived. Many of them chanted Milo's name who the girl had briefly seen at the ceremony before. For days on end she had been training for the contest… but also had mentally trained herself for this battle. She had watched previous battles while Ruben was away from the hotel room, she had seen the Pokémon and moves that he could use. She had strategized everything inside her head before this battle had even begun. She would know which move he would use… before he even used it. The girl pondered. Was this really okay? She was basically using information she already knew to get an advantage in battle… wasn't that… cheating?

"Pika!" Milla nuzzled against Pia, being careful to not touch her with her cheek as that would electrify her beloved trainer. She loved Pia, all of her Pokémon did… and Pia had no idea why. She scratched Milla's chin once more before allowing her to set another step… and another one… and then she stopped once again.

Pia took in a deep breath. Why was it that the thought of a gym battle made her tremble so while the thought of doing a contest performance excited her instead? She stared down at her hands. She was shaking.

"Maybe you'll evolve as well."

She heard Raphael's words sting. Evolve… What was that supposed to mean? Evolve into what? An even worse version of herself? Pia shook her head. The sentence itself had thrown her off when he had said it but now she could only grit her teeth. What did he know… what did anyone really know…

"Chu?" Milla questioned as she saw the face of her trainer look more eerie with the second. She had seen Pia like this a lot more often lately. Especially since she had gotten closer to that male football trainer. Ruben was his name? Milla liked him. Pia looked happy whenever she was with him.

"Ah… Sorry, Milla…" Pia gave the Pikachu another scratch. It was no use just standing here and thinking. The people were waiting and so was Milo. Pia took another deep breath, shook her shoulders and returned her outer exterior to her confident self. She might be feeling like she didn't belong here but no one was going to notice that. With that, she stepped onto the large field. Milo was already standing at the center with his arms crossed and a grin plastered on his face. For someone who looked so buff, he had a kind expression. It was gentle. That expression would never falter, not even in battle. It made Pia feel somewhat at ease Even if there was a chance she truly did not belong here, he would never tell her that.

"Took you long enough!" Milo joked. He stepped aside to make place for the much shorter and thinner girl. The contrast between the two was a funny sight but neither would comment on that or notice. To him, the girl might seem very fragile but he knew better than to judge on what someone looked like. Even the most fragile people can have the brightest fires burning. Many gym challengers had shown him that and he wanted to show many more that they have fires of their own.

"I was already celebrating my victory, then I realised… I still have to beat you." Pia answered, full of confidence and she took her spot on the field. Milo was taken aback by the response but shortly after he laughed.

"What confidence! I like that!" Milo regained himself and found himself staring at the Pikachu on the girl's shoulder. "What is your name?" He asked her with a friendly tone. There was nothing wrong with the question itself but it made Pia flinch nonetheless. He had known Raphael's and Simon's name before… there were so many of her classmates that Milo remembered. Had Pia done nothing to earn any sort of recognition? Had he not remembered her from the ceremony…? Of course he wouldn't… There are so many gym challengers, why would he remember some nobody like her? Instead of it bringing her down this time… it frustrated her.

"Pia McGuire. Graduate of Wedgehurst Academy." Pia answered him. She grabbed Soma's pokéball and clenched it gently, her frustration showing. Milla seemed a bit worried at this sudden display. Milo wasn't surprised by the show of emotions but it did make him raise an eyebrow. This was similar to the battle he had with Raphael. This girl seemed to be standing here for different reasons than she should be. He could see the dim light of passion in her eyes but that's all it was. It was dim…

"You will remember me." Pia said with a sneer.

"Then let's start this battle. Show me what you are made of." Milo nodded. This battle was going to be an interesting one. Was he allowed to see a dim light evolve into a fire? He hoped so. The thought motivated him. He took out a Pokéball and threw it up in the air, excitement showing in his throw. "Appletun, let's go!"

From his Pokéball emerged a dragon-like Pokémon inhabiting a body reminiscent of apple pie. It's body was mostly green with a hint of yellow on its stomach and lower jaw. It wore the remains of an apple as some sort of helmet. While it's counterpart, Flapple, was a Pokémon known for its speed, Appletun was known for being a tank. This was exactly the Pokémon Pia expected and hoped he would choose.

"Soma, let's show them!" Pia threw her Pokéball up as well. A cottonee took its place on her side of the battlefield. With this, the battle had officially started.

PIA Vs. MILO

"Appletun, use Apple Acid!" Milo called out for the signature move of Appletun who immediately obeyed. It bumped itself up, seemingly gathering something in its mouth before shouting a blast of what seemed like acid puke towards Soma. Pia smirked, not only had she hoped for him to use Appletun, from what she had seen in previous battles it was very likely he would start with the signature move of either of the two counterparts. In other words, she had successfully predicted Milo's first two moves in battle. The crowd cheered for Milo as if he had already won this battle but there was one small Pikachu that jumped from Pia's shoulder and started rooting for Pia instead. It made the girl smile.

"Dodge! Use Fairy Wind and Poison powder simultaneously like we practised!" Pia shouted out towards Soma. Not only did he dodge the attack that usually would've rendered him less resistant to other attacks, he flew up and released a strong gust of sparkling wind. Together with this attack, he released waves of purple powder from it's tiny leaf-like wings.
Milo was surprised by this combination of attacks as Appletun had proved to be too slow to move away from the storm that was heading it's way. It got hit by both a super effective Fairy type move and ended up poisoned from the poison powder.

"Wow! You took the advantage in just one simple turn! Seems that confidence is well earned!" Milo smiled at the pleasant surprise that had awaited him. This had become a serious challenge to him, such was apparent from the more serious body pose he was taking on. Pia responded with a shrug. She wasn't too impressed with herself and it still felt like cheating. Although Pia's body language wasn't ourightly showing that, Milo was a well experienced gym leader who had battled many battles with many different kinds of challengers. To him it felt like the girl wasn't giving herself enough credit despite how confident she seemed.

"But that will not stop us! Appletun, use Energy Ball!" He called out to the apple pie Pokémon who responded to its trainer with a cry to draw on the power of nature and collected it in a ball of green energy. Pia smirked again as this was another approach she had predicted. Milo would start with special attacks first before going physical. That's what she had gathered from watching him. The crowd once again started chanting Milo's name. Of course they would. He is this Gym's leader… but despite that, the trembling that had taken her over earlier had stopped now that it seemed her strategy was working.

"Counter with Razor Leaf!" Pia called out to the Cottonee who, despite looking very annoyed with the situation, was absolutely enjoying the attention he was getting. Tsun-Tsun boy did as his trainer told and gathered leaves around him to shoot at the pile of energy that was coming his way. He successfully shattered it in pieces, disrupted the energy and made it disappear as if it never existed in the first place. Soma looked smug at the Appletun in front of him that was still showing them a lazy expression. It didn't seem too worried. None of the attacks had seriously hurted him anyway except for the sudden poison hurls it would feel.

"Apple Acid again! Shoot the Cottonee out of the air!" Milo called out again with a grin.

"Don't let it hit you! Use Razor Leaf again! Follow it up with Fairy wind!" Pia called out right after Milo commanded his Appletun again. His understanding nod showed that it had become clear to him that Pia wasn't merely just a fast-thinker. She was predicting. Milo had a feel of nostalgia coming to his otherwise friendly and gentle expression. This battle…

"You're a smart one, Pia!" Milo complimented just before he yelled out his next command. "Protect yourself, Appletun!" Milo called out to the Dragon-type Pokémon. An invisible wall appeared in front of the Pokémon and both Milo and Appletun watched as Soma's leaves and gusts of sparkling glitter wind hit the window of the protection layer. Despite it being protected from the attacks, it still was hurt by the poison that was coursing through its veins. Soma's poison. "But I told you it would not stop us."

Pia's smirk disappeared for a brief second. She had felt herself getting overwhelmed with excitement as the strategy she had thought of had so far worked but now it looked like he was figuring her out. She couldn't have that. She wasn't strong enough to win otherwise. She stared at her hands once more as the trembling returned, making Soma look back at her with confusion. It was then that Milo did something unexpected.

"Get closer to Soma and do Rollout!" Milo called out with a smirk of his own. Pia was surprised. Milo getting closer? In every fight so far he had been barricating his opponents with special attacks and grass moves but kept his distance. What was he doing getting closer now?! Pia's panic was written on her face, she hadn't taken this in account!

"You're predicting my moves and tactics similarly to someone else I know. It just means I have to change my approach." Milo shot her a wink. Appletun got closer to Soma and knocked it out of the air as it was confused by Pia not giving him any commands. Soma fell to the ground for a brief moment but got up again. As he tried to regain himself, Milo yelled again.

"Use an Energy Ball from up close and use rollout right after!"

Pia started trembling again. She wanted to call out to Soma to dodge but the Energy ball hit the Cottonee before she could even respond. Appletun had hidden itself behind the blast of the Energy ball to come up to the Grass/Fairy-type with a powerful slam of another Rollout, more powerful than the last one. Milo had indeed figured her out. He knew. He knew she was predicting his attacks. Had she been this obvious…? Of course she was. Who did she think she was pretending she had already won the battle? She was nothing like Raphael or Simon… Or even Catherine in terms of battling. She was inferior. Like she always was. It made her… mad. Pia glanced up at Soma who was laying upon the floor, the crowd cheering louder than ever.

"Return… Soma. Thank you…" Pia spoke a bit disheartened as she returned the Cottonee to his Pokéball. Milla walked back towards Pia but the girl shook her head.

"Don't let one setback discourage you." Pia heard Milo's voice speak to her. "You trust the abilities of your Pokémon but you don't seem to trust yourself. Remember that every setback is another lesson and lessons are supposed to make you stronger." he continued.

Pia stared down and Milla who tilted her head and gave the trainer a small smile. Setbacks are supposed to make you stronger… than what has her life been so far? One major setback…? When was she supposed to get stronger?

She stared down at Soma's pokéball and retrieved Prim's from her belt around her leg. She let out a painful sigh. This was weird. Despite the earlier moment having proved to her that she really did not belong here… she was having so much fun. If only… If only she wasn't so… If she wasn't like this. This pile of mess putting distance between her and anyone she loved. If she had taken her walls down.. would they be watching this challenge…? Would they be looking at how much fun she was having? Ruben… Arrietty… Even Raphael and Simon.

"You seem to have a lot on your mind." Milo called her back to the battlefield, the smile had faltered a little bit into a look of concern.

"I'm just thinking of how to beat you. Prim, let's go." Pia threw up the Pokéball she was holding. With Prim now on the field, more determined than ever. Prim was her most experienced member on the team currently but if she wanted to win… She had to beat two pokémon instead of just one. She was at a disadvantage here but… it made it more fun to strategize. Her smile returned and the dim light she was having in her eyes earlier started to flicker just a tiny bit. Milo saw that and realised his concern was for naught.

"Go in for another rollout!" Milo called out, changing from his usual tactics once again. It felt unnatural to him but he had to treat this trainer the same way as her

"Throw him off with your Disarming voice!" Pia called out to Prim who immediately shot into attack mode and prepared her usual beautiful singing chirps into deafening sounds of terror. Appletun undid its own rolling as the sounds of literal horror reached its floppy ears.

"Shake it off and use Apple Acid!" Milo pumped his fist towards the Appletun who looked pretty damaged at this point from the Poison it was inflicted with earlier and the constant waves of Fairy type moves. Milo's confidence reached the Apple pie dragon and he got back up to unleash another pile of Acid puke on the bird. Pia raised her eyebrow at the approach. Rather than putting up his defenses, he went into offense. Was that to throw her off too?

"Fly up and use Dragon's breath!"

Prim flapped her wings to reach the sky above the Dragon-type Pokémon, watching the Apple Acid that the Appletun had released drop on the grass where she had been flying above earlier and immediately started smoking. How disgusting… The blue bird took a very deep breath and unleashes all the air from her lungs to hit the dragon type once more. Unable to move away fast enough, the Appletun dropped to the floor. Milo scratched the back of his head.

"Great job, Appletun. Take a rest." He called back the dragon. "That's a strong bird Pokémon you have there. I wonder how well it will do against the strongest member of my team." He took out another Pokéball and threw it up in the air. "Eldegoss, let's see this full potential of theirs!"

A grass-type Pokémon with a cotton atop if it's head took the place of its companion. Being a bit more fluttery than the dragon, it danced around upon being released from the Pokéball.

Pia grinned, being determined to find a new strategy she looked up at Milla briefly before returning her gaze towards Prim. Both feeling the determination their trainer was feeling in the empowered look she gave them. It filled them with confidence. Prim puffed her chest in response to that, showing Milo what he needed to see.

"Set up a mist barrier and hide yourself in it!" Pia shouted at Prim.

Within moments the field had turned into a misty area created by the blue bird Pokémon. Once again, Pia had succeeded in immobilizing another one of Milo's Pokémons moves before the battle had started. She had seen Cotton Spore in action before. Milo grinned at the development.

"Blow it away with your Leaf Storm!"

Eldegoss flew around and whipped up a storm of leaves to counterattack Prim's mist with. Pia smirked, this was exactly what she wanted. Raphael had taught her to put more trust in her Pokémon.

"Hit the Eldegoss with a Peck!"

As the mist cleared from being blown away along with the Leaf Storm, Prim had the look in her eye that she always had when she was about to jab her prey from down below. Prim attacked the unknowing Eldegoss from point blank with hunger in her eyes..

"Eldegoss, use Leaf Tornado!" Milo's shouting brought the Eldegoss back to her senses. Oddly enough, he was grinning. As if he was expecting this. Eldegoss, however, was not pleased with the bird attacking it out of nowhere… and it took form in a powerful gust of wind and leaves that circled around it, keeping Prim from getting any closer but not in an enough range to actually be able to damage her. "Hyper Voice!"

Pia flinched upon hearing the command. Hyper voice was a powerful move. She had to counter it somehow.

"Sing! Use sing!" She screamed out but every sound the blue bird tried to make was overshadowed by the loud screams of the Eldegoss. Prim was full on hit by the attack and took significant damage. "Shit…" Pia chanted. Milo was being unpredictable. His tactics seemed all over the place now.

… or was it?

Once he found out she was predicting his moves, he seemed to go into full offensive instead of going into defense. Instead of keeping the opponent at a distance, he allowed them to come closer. With Appletun he used one attack to disguise another. Her Pokémon could dodge one attack but not both. He seemed to have done the same just now.

Pia smashed a closed fist inside her open hand in an "eureka" moment. He was trying to throw her off by doing the opposite of what he would usually do and added a new strategy to his usual way of doing things! As expected of a gym leader… but now that Pia had figured out what he was trying to do, it was her turn again.

"Use Leaf Storm again now that Swablu is distracted!" Milo's grin grew wider. It was sad when he saw gym challengers lose against him. He would like to give all of his gym badges but of course there were rules. They had to beat him… and with his next two moves, he would finish Pia's last remaining Pokémon. She was holding the advantage no longer.

Or that is what the experienced Gym leader thought but even he was surprised with what happened next.

While Eldegoss made another storm of leaves go into Prim's direction, Pia smirked. To her this meant he was trying to disguise another one of Eldegoss's attacks with the one he was doing now.

"Let the leaf storm hit you!" Pia called out to Prim in a calm manner. It surprised Prim but she nonetheless obeyed. Her trainer was up to something, huh…?

"What?" Milo's surprised voice could be heard from across the field. But no matter, he had to catch her off-guard now that he could. While the leaf storm that was set up as distraction was damaging Prim even more, he tried to call out again.

"Hy-"

"And… Sing. You can do this." Pia said with a deep sigh, interrupting Milo. She was reacting faster than he could. That meant one thing… and it was an exciting one.

Prim's beautiful lullaby brought the Eldegoss fast asleep and dropped to the floor. It looked adorable being so sound asleep. You almost wouldn't think it had been damaging Pia's pokémon pretty badly but that was going to be over now.

"Ah… this is not good. Eldegoss! You need to wake up!" Milo tried to shout at his partner.

"Close in and hit it with a Peck!" Pia's trembling once again stopped now that she had regained the upper hand in this battle. Prim jabbed at the sleeping Pokémon with her beak. While the Eldegoss started opening her eyes again at the begging of her trainer, Prim's eyes started glaring with another eerie smirk appearing on her face. She knew what her trainer was going to ask next for.

"Release her from her misery with a last Dragon breath!" Pia called out for the last time, pointing in the air in front of her. Prim took another very deep breath and released all the air in her lungs for one last purple breath of Dragon mercy, shooting the Eldegoss back to Milo's feet. She had fainted.

"Ah… you worked hard Eldegoss, thank you." Milo grabbed Eldegoss's Pokéball and returned his fainted companion. With both his Pokémon now defeated, it meant he was allowed to give another gym challenger one of his badges.

"You really had me fooled there." Milo began as he walked towards the center of the field once again, where he had stood earlier before the battle.

The girl on the opposite of the field held out her arm for Prim to land on, content as she was to have delivered her trainer a victory. Milla also returned to Pia's shoulder with content sounds of her own and nuzzled her cheek against the girl's again. It had been a hard battle, probably the hardest one she ever had but… it was fun. She had fun. She released all tension she felt from her shoulders and for the first time since she started focussing more on Milo than the crowd, she heard cheers in the background again. Not for their Gym leader Milo… but for her.

"How so? I told you I would beat you." Pia's confident grin grew wide as she made her way towards the center of the field herself with both her Pikachu and Swablu on her arm and shoulder.

"You know… there is someone I know with a very peculiar nickname." Milo scratched the back of his head. "She possesses the ability to predict an opponent's movements before and during a battle… because of that she's known as the "wizard"." Milo kept on explaining. His gaze briefly strolled to the sky above them, a silence overtaking them while they listened to the cheers of the crowd, singing a victory song in tune. "You remind me of her." He then said with a smile.

Pia let out a sigh, although the smile was still apparent on her face. She knew who he was talking about and it was a huge compliment to her but not one she felt deserving off.

"Don't let that cloud you though. You still have a long way to go but your display of abilities today made me excited to see where you'll go from here." Milo chuckled. "You're more than deserving of my badge. I will remember this battle, Pia." The buff farmer took out a badge from his pocket, grabbed Pia's hand and laid it upon her palm. Pia was quiet but the gentle expression she was having herself told a trilogy of books. She stared at the gym badge.

Only moments after did two Pokéballs burst open with both Soma and Cintra jumping out of them, landing on their trainer and tackled her to the ground in the process. All four of her Pokémon had forced her into one big group hug.

Milo stared at the girl and her loving Pokémon in front of him and put his hands in his waist. The girl with a fake flair of arrogance to her but loved by her Pokémon all the same.

That's how he would remember her by. Pia the "sorceress".






[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]



Pia's Party

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]



Pia's journal

Arrietty Maverick
Pia and Arrietty met in the Wild Area although the two have shared classes before. It struck Pia as odd that the girl seemed to have no ambitions or goals at all. Although disappointed upon finding out this girl had no fire burning that would light her path, Pia made it her mission to help this girl get a goal and become a bit more social. Arrietty is the closest Pia can consider a "friend".

Ruben Sancho
Pia met Ruben during Motostoke while on a double date with him, Arrietty and Ainsley. The date went disastrous with both Arrietty and Ainsley running off but Ruben and Pia were able to grow just a tiny bit closer during their search for Arrietty. They have been texting since and are on good terms with each other. They both seem to be interested in just a little bit more...

Ruben and Pia are officially dating since the end of the year festival on Route 3 following their "official second date" that went well. Pia knows about Ruben's ankle and that it's still hurting. They're in close contact with each other through calling and texting. They went on another date on Route 4 where Ruben had a gig for a coaching session with kids with the promise to spend time together after that. Both confirmed their feelings for the other by sharing a kiss. Pia likes him a lot.

Their relationship became public knowledge when a picture of Ruben staring down Pia's shirt was shared on social media and all gossip magazines. Ruben has been hiding it from Pia but as they went shopping, Pia got vocally attacked by a group of girls calling her out for being a whore and having no dignity. Ruben stood up for her and made their relationship public knowledge, no longer wanting to submit Pia to such harassment. Ruben publicly announced he likes Pia a lot and that they have been dating as opposed to what he has been saying before. Pia still doesn't know about the picture that's going around.

Raphael Allard
Pia met Raphael during her train ride to the wild Area together with Aeliana. Thinking that he had a lot of potential in becoming a chamption which would benefit her, Pia approached him thinking they could become friends. Their interactions didn't go as smoothly as Pia had hoped. After their argument at the end of her battle with Aeliana, the girl ran off thinking she had blown her chances. Raphael doesn't harbour any ill intend towards the girl and only hoped to give her some advice.

They have resolved their issues in Galar mine 1 and worked together to battle Oleana in which they were victorious. Raphael brought the issues with Pia's overprotectiveness of Milla back up on Route 4 when Pia was refusing Milla from battling. Raphael spoke some sense into her, prompting her to finally trust Milla. Raphael understands Pia better now and Pia has a better opinion of Raphael now too.

Aeliana Kekoa
Pia met Aeliana during the train ride to the wild Area together with Raphael. Although her interactions with Aeliana went a little bit more smoothly than with Raphael, Pia still ran off at the end of their battle in an attempt to distract her since Pia owed her money for losing. Although Pia has declared Aeliana her rival, they haven't spoken since and Pia attempts to keep it that way.

Pia met Aeliana again on Route 3 when she was on her way to the end of the year market. Together with Rosa and Valerie they went into an haunted mansion. Although they didn't converse much, Aeliana made some comments that Pia saw as snarky that were meant well by Aeliana. This indicates that Pia still thinks that Aeliana is out to get her.

Ainsley
Ainsley was Pia's date partner during the double date in Motostoke and is Ruben's best friend. Ainsley pretended to be rich and paid for the date with Ruben's money. Pia saw through the charade and called him out on it after Ainsley suggested they'd book a hotel together and make love. He ran off afterwards, angry that the feelings of lust he harboured towards Pia were not returned. Pia doesn't think highly of Ainsley and told Ruben that he needs "better friends".

Melody Argent
Although Pia and Melody attended the same Trainer school and were in the same class, they never once teamed up for an assignment. Both didn't have a very good impression of the other and avoided them like the plague. It's not until the Festival Fun-time Flurry that they have tried teaming up to win a competition as both of them were interested in the prize. They chased down a cheater together and have a better opinion of each other since their teamwork. They figured out that they're a pretty good team actually. Both of them thinks "the other is not so bad after all".

Valerie Amity
Pia met Valerie on route 3 where they went inside a haunted mansion together with Aeliana and Rosa. They didn't get to converse much but it was enough for them to establish some sort of familiarity. Valerie calls Pia "Lady P" as a nickname. Pia thinks of Valerie as someone with too much energy but not a bad person overall, maybe a little too naïve.

Rosa Valdés
Pia met Rosa on Route 3 and went inside a haunted mansion together with Aeliana and Valerie. They were stuck inside a room together where Rosa found golden nuggets and shared one with Pia. Rosa's small moments of kindness seemed insincere in Pia's eyes, someone who is well versed with duality. When Rosa left the end of the year market after they had gotten out of the haunted mansion, Pia followed her and saw her crying. Pia comforted the crying Rosa but as soon as Rosa had gotten herself together again, Pia fell the need to call her out on her duality, telling her that how she was acting now was quite different from before. Rosa denied at first but as soon as Pia had driven her into a corner, she stopped trying. After Jirachi appeared for a brief second, Rosa walked off. They're neither on bad or good terms but both have things they probably need to speak off.

Simon Pearburgh
Pia met Simon in Galar Mine 1. Pia thought nothing more of him than a bug nerd. They partnered up to battle against Oleana and his clever strategies impressed Pia, prompting her to compliment him after their shared life/death situation on Route 4. They're neutral with each other.

Catherine Carlisle
Yeah.... Pia really doesn't like Catherine but she enjoys getting under her skin.

Kit
Pia met Kit in the Wild Area. Kit had been trying to catch a Pokémon for days but had yet to catch one. He begged the girl to help him in exchange for money and a strange rock that he found. Pia taught him how to catch a Pokémon but after hearing that Kit is in search for his father, she decided to only take the strange rock as her reward and left the pouch with Poké behind for the boy to keep. Kit seems to have developed a crush for her because of that.

Trainer ID

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

Pia McGuire:

Pia was born in the town of Hammerlocke in the Galar region and is part of the first graduating class of the Wedgehurt trainer's academy. Despite having lived in poverty, her mother has been able to pay for her tuition in alternative ways. She's quick witted and rather clever but is sometimes a bit "too" honest. Pia dreams of becoming an actress and does almost anything to get more money. When it comes down to it, what she really wants is to no longer live in poverty and live a bit more happily.

Inventory:

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]



  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    4x Pokéball
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    Galarian Pokédex
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    Xtransceiver
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    Broken Flashlight
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    King's Rock
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    Sun Stone
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    Thunderstone


Outfits:

Daily Outfit:
Spoiler:


Contest outfit:
Spoiler:


Ribbons:

Badges:


 
Last edited:

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]


The Turffield Contest Spectacular



The lights in the refurbished barn dimmed, the chatter in the contest hall finally drew to a close and a single spotlight pierced the darkness from above, illuminating the center stage. Standing in that light was a young man clad in red, in his outstretched hand was a single rose of the same colour, his eyes shimmering in the light. A microphone was clenched tightly in the other, held to his lips as the onlookers waited on the edge for his first word to be uttered.

"People of Galar… welcome, to the first step on the road to the grand festival!" Ruby tossed the rose upwards, letting it shatter above him in a flutter of prismatic particles, the light bursting outwards from that spot and illuminating the entirety of the venue as the crowd cheered once more. His hand swept outwards before him to the onlookers as his smile grew wider.

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

Ruby was a former king of the contest circuit in Hoenn, a well accomplished tenure and a superstar when it came to the contest circuit on a global scale. He had participated in a number of Grand Festivals in Hoenn and beyond, more than enough to qualify him to open the new Galarian Festival Road, more than enough to stir the waiting crowd into a frenzy.

"To all those present I'd like to welcome you to this historic day, a marking event in the contest spectacular and its impact on the Galar Region as a whole! This most momentous and fantastic of traditions, originating from my own home region, is a new phenomenon to this place… but the potential for beauty in Galar is sublime and I'm excited to see it blossom into a new Contest Monarch!" Once again the crowd went wild, a much more polite form of 'wild' than the gym challenge would draw forth, but certainly a more excitable vibe than one might expect from such a high society crowd.

"For this first stage there are no rules, no specific themes and more ribbons than any other contest spectacular to come, we wish to form the foundation of those that follow along in this honoured tradition… and grant them a platform to excel based on their own skill and potential alone!" Ruby's smile widened at his own words. He was a man who believed in the innate potential and beauty of all Pokémon and all present in the know would be aware of that. This contest was free form and open, it allowed the new budding coordinators to express themselves in a pure and uninterrupted manner, not bound by restrictions and rulings.

This, he hoped… no, he knew, would grant them the platform they needed to find their spark. The spark of brilliance and beauty that his own mentor, Wallace, had allowed him to find all those years ago.

"There's no need to wait any longer then! With this, I pass you to our esteemed announcer… and with great honour and pride in my heart, I bid the Turffield Contest Spectacular to begin!"

 
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

Poké:
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
5020 Pokemon: 5

    [tab=backtostory246]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=pokemon246]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=journal246]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=id246]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=badges246]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab]


CHAPTER 6.5 - PERFORMANCE POST

It was her turn. She'd watched a few others go ahead of her in the contest, and now it was her chance. They'd all done so beautifully, and now that she had something to judge herself against, she felt as if her routine would be completely out of place. The plan was straightforward, and more of an interpretive dance that utilized the Pokemon as props, more so than a show of the Pokemons' abilities. But… it was her first time back on stage. The Pokemon had nothing to base the experience they would have off of, but for her…

For Rosa, it was more important that this first contest be about getting past her fear of the stage.

The girl made her way to the stage, squeezing between the crowd as they were all too busy with themselves to notice the tiny girl. Her Pokemon followed her, which was a given - she wasn't hiding anything in this dress. The only Pokemon which was able to conceal itself, was the star of her performance. Rosa looked down at her chest, seeing the pink bug sheltered comfortably in the flowers which adorned her kimono.

"It's showtime," she whispered, looking at the Budew and Snorunt she'd been practicing with up until now.

They each quickly took their places, one in front of her, and one directly behind her. Zorro sat on the edge of the stage, waving at the crowd with his little vines as the fully painted Yzma hid in the shadow of Rosa. The girl looked up at the ceiling, seeing the lights shining down on her. She closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath and swallowing before nodding her head.

"Showtime…" she slowly got down on her knees and pulled the fan from her chest, waiting patiently for the music to start.


As the first note echoed through the room, the girl shot her foot forward beneath her dress, prompting the Cutiefly hidden on the back of her fan and the front-facing Budew to release a shroud of weakened yellowish-green spores. If not for practicing specifically to weaken the effect for the past several days - especially on the end of the young Zorro - such particles would have been detrimental to her performance, running the risk of paralyzing her and causing her movements to slow or even stop in the worst case scenario.

However, as they had put in the work leading up to this moment, the shroud of Stun Spores simply fell onto her, leaving a thin layer of earthy color atop her vibrant kimono. She waited for the trill which was to follow, fluttering her fan through the still falling spores in an upward motion, summoning a gentle Fairy Wind from her Cutiefly. The spores rose high into the air, and then slowly began to descend once more.

As the next solitary note hit, she quickly rose to her feet, meeting the spores in the midst of their descent. As the next trills begin, she waves her fan through the air, turning 180° so that the fan flowed in front of the Snorunt, prompting an Icy Wind from the Pokemon. The breeze followed the trail of her fan as she turned the rest of the way around, clasping her fan against her chest and allowing the new wind to blow away the spores, replacing them with a thin veneer of frost atop her shoulders.

As the music continues, she spins oppositely, taking a few short steps in a circle as she throws the fan away from her chest with a gush of Fairy Wind. The wind gracefully cuts through the spores and snow which lay mixed upon the ground, sending it out into the audience and clearing the stage somewhat. As she turns, she stops to brush the snow atop her shoulders gently as the high note rings out.

Following the short pause, Rosa begins to walk about again, clearing the rest of the stage before finding herself back in the center where the next trill occurs. She reaches towards the ground, fluttering her fan as she rises back up and finally reaches behind her. The scent of roses wafts out over the audience and fills the venue, a combination attack consisting of the Cutiefly's knowledgeable repertoire of Sweet Scents and her Fairy Wind to carry it.

She slowly brings her fan back into her chest as the music continues. The next trill hits, prompting the Snorunt to fire off another Icy Wind, causing the girl to shrink down into a ball against the chill. She turns her head as the music continues, watching the Budew as he approaches with a smile on his face.

He accompanies the next trill by turning quickly to face the crowd, summoning a vibrant aquamarine dew from between his vines which runs over and covers the stage, washing away the ice crystals left behind by the chilling breeze.

The music picks up, and the girl rises to her feet, waving her fan with the next trill which comes shortly after. The combined Sweet Wind forms ripples across the dew as it flows out towards the audience with the newfound scent of spring. She steps quickly through the dew, matching the new pace of the music as she continues to wave her fan gracefully through the air.

The next trill hits, and Rosa's overtaken by a practiced look of surprise and anguish as the gentle spring wind is replaced with one of ice and snow. She spins, turning away from the Snorunt as she re-summons the spring wind. She turns, spinning faster and faster as the two winds fight for dominance against each other, sending out a frosty, early spring-like mist towards the audience as each new trill cuts in.

The music picks up slightly, as both Cutiefly and Budew inch in with another Stun Spore, mixing their moves in with the hectic battle of the winds which follow the kimono dancer's flowing sleeves and fan. As the moves begin to fuse into a natural harmony that spreads the now fragrant, weakened and frosty spores out into the audience, the Snorunt surrounds Rosa with a Double Team.The girl puts on a look of exaggerated pain as she falls to the ground before quickly being consumed by a wall of Icy wind.

As the song continues, and the girl is hidden, Rosa pulls a small spray bottle from the same place she'd hidden her fan before. The Budew and Cutiefly begin to fill the interior of the space with their Stun Spore, which is quickly coated in a pink mist from the spray bottle.

The song nears its final seconds, and from within the cage of ice, Rosa begins to spin, faster and faster until the song reaches its end. She waves her fan, summoning that Sweet Wind which disperses the false clones as well as the prison she'd been trapped in. The wind quickly picks up the painted spores, scenting them as they're spread out over the audience, letting them fall gently like cherry blossoms.

As the final few notes ring out, the girl turns slowly, falling to the ground which is covered with the makeshift pink petals. As she falls, she waves her fan a final time, sending the petals at her feet up into the air so that they can fall once more, after her.

She waited for the applause to fade, and then slowly rose back to her feet. She looked out over the audience and smiled as a bead of sweat trickled down her cheek. She slowed her breath and walked slowly towards the edge of the floor. It had definitely been different from what the others before her had gone with, but to her it didn't really matter if she won this first contest or not. It was just the experience of getting back on stage that she needed to get through, and it had been... enjoyable.

Rosa's Party











Rosa's Journal

Simon Dansen
My childhood friend. Absolute idiot. Can't ever get a read on him anymore. Buttface. Always there when I need him. Always there when I least expect him. JERK. Showed me up in battle and evolved his Pokemon before me.​


Jasper
An ex-classmate. He took my bait and threw me for a loop when we were fighting a group of Munchlax together. Not as bad a guy as I thought. Because of him, I have to re-evaluate my notes on everyone else just in case. I'm interested in trying a different approach with him when next we meet.

Helped out a wrongfully arrested girl. Really smart. Observant. Kind, but doesn't like to show it. Isn't a terrible cook.​

Charles the Biker
An eccentric, but strong man. Indulges in bad puns. Love for bikes. We left on good terms.​

Nat the Ranger
A doting older brother to several sisters. A strong trainer who follows their duty. Only spent a day with them. Not sure if I want to meet again or not since I stole a broken styler from his scene of investigation. We left on good terms, I think? Unless he notices that something's missing.​

Budew Girl
Never got her name. Apparently she's a challenger like the rest of my classmates. Comes from a family of Budew fanatics. They breed Budew in their hometown and journey around with all three forms of it. She seems endearing. It might be interesting to meet her again in the future. As long as she's not being accused of theft, that is.​

Achille Béringer
Rich kid. Pays his debts. Is keen on rich kid things. Doesn't seem much different from how he was in school, but still need to reevaluate.​

Melody Argent
Cute and kind. She keeps to herself kind of like I do. Loves music. Feels similar to Simon. Still need to reevaluate because of interactions with Jasper. Kind of maybe, possibly, a small amount of a badass. Finger guns - super corny. Don't harp on the idea of being in contests. If that culty stuff doesn't get figured out by the time we come back to Motostoke, I'll have to remember to find her around town. She's much more attuned to pop culture than I am.​

The Family // Damien(?)
Not the family himself, I don't think. I still haven't got his name or what role he really plays in all this. He's a shady motherfucker - pardon my Kalos. I still don't know how much of the stuff I've gone through in Motostoke has been orchestrated by him, but for the moment I'm not planning to try anything. I still don't know enough about him to make any real guesses. The longer that I stay around this town, the further behind the veil that I see. I'm scared even to go to sleep at night so long as I'm here. They have eyes... everywhere.​

Buggy Simon

Some kind of freak of nature. I guess he understands Pokemon in some way that I can't; like, he understands what they're actually trying to say when they speak? Kind of cool, but also weird. Him and Simon used to hang out every once in a while at school. He knows about my "secret styler".​

Valerie

An absolute ray of sunshine and happiness. She's also a streamer, and earns enough money from it to show it off. Not put off by literal ghosts. Has some kind of dream of meeting Mew.​

Aeliana Kekoa

Alolan dance girl. She's supposed to teach me sometime. Pretty much just how I remembered her in school. I didn't get to spend much time with her when we all hung out. Didn't seem too bothered by the ghosts.​

Pia McGuire

Pia... definitely is afraid of literal ghosts. I had a few choice words for her, but... after we saw Jirachi, it just felt like the time had passed, so I gave up. She's seen me without my mask, so next time we meet up is probably going to be awkward.​

Haleigh Windsor

A friend of Melody's. I intentionally ran into her after failing to catch up with Melody, due to the addition of Haleigh. We had a short battle, and then made a promise for drinks with Melody after I urged her to drag the girl along with her to the contest in Turffield. She seems quite naive, so I may be able to get some more use out of her as long as I stay true to her persona. She's battle hungry, the same as Simon, but her Pokemon are still a little lacking - that coming from someone who still has no idea what she's doing here herself. She might end up being a good sparring partner in the future since she knows a little of what I've got and we're on relatively equal footing.​

Mother Priscilla

The leader of the Turffield Sisterhood. I thought at first she was just an escort, but once we got to their hideout, I slowly started to realize what she really was. She's an incredibly dangerous woman who has no trouble pulling a gun on important people or those that she may need. There's still too much I don't know about what's going on to get a good grasp on what her and Damien's goals are, but given what I've already seen I really could do without finding out.​

Ruben Sancho

Truth be told, I hadn't cared for Ruben when we went to school together. I thought he was your average rich celebrity who was forced into something he didn't really want to be a part of. After getting involved with the family and finding myself in that gambling hall, and then finding Ruben there as well, I felt that my suspicions were true. I had no second thoughts about what I was going to drag him in to. But as time went on, I found myself feeling more and more regretful with each time that he said Pia's name. And then because of me, news about him and Pia got out before either of them were likely ready to go public. And after all that, Simon attacked him out of the blue... but even after all that, he still offered me a free room at the local hotel. I already apologized to him about Simon, and about lying to get him to go with me. But, I should apologize again. He's not as bad of a guy as I thought he was.​

Outfits

Spoiler: Here be a number of large images
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]



Inventory

Spoiler:
 
Last edited:
Aeliana Kekoa
Turffield
Chapter 6-2 | Showtime













Aeliana's Current Party:
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]


This was it. The moment that she had been waiting for was finally at hand. To say that Aeliana was nervous was an understatement. Her idea had come to her so late, that she and her team had hardly had a chance to practice. She glanced down at her assembled team, attempting to get a feel if maybe it was a better option to merely bow out and go for the second contest instead.

Tampa stood at the ready as always. The gator was wearing a small, purple bow on the corner of her head, with her red, spikes brushed down and to the side as if they were more like hair. She completed the Totodile's look with a purple skirt placed carefully around her waist. By her side, stood Jet of all Pokémon. The Tyrogue was wearing a neat, red bow tie around his neck that matched the ribbon in Tampa's "hair". A pair of cufflinks had been placed around the Pokémon's wrists as well, making him look rather dapper. The final member of their party was Elia. The Eevee was wearing a similar ribbon to that of both Jet and Tampa, placed at an angle by her left ear. Her fur had been neatly cleaned and combed, offering a lovely shine that seemed to glisten under the stage lights.

"Showtime…" she whispered, leading her Pokémon out onto the stage.

Aeliana walked out, dressed in a long, flowing purple dress. It was backless, with a slit on the skirt to show off a bit of leg. The top half had a lace like design on the front, making it look as if it was a wrap of sorts. The dress in his hands was offset by a pair of silver, strap-on, heeled sandals. She could feel her heart pound as she walked towards the microphone. Her Pokémon had waited a bit behind her, anxiously awaiting their cues.


The pinkette jumped a bit in surprise at the sound as the piano of the track had begun to play, but quickly collected herself as Jet and Tampa both walked out from opposite ends of the curtains. The Totodile smiled, offering a small curtsey to Jet. The Tyrogue returned with a stiff bow. Jet wrapped an arm around Tampa's waist, which Tampa returned around his. They then placed a hand in each other's and began to slowly sway to the music. Aeliana took a deep breath and began to sing.

"In the beginning, under the backlight
we touched each other with just our fingers
the long night started to dawn
the morning sky, birds singing
hey God, hear me
I cannot lie to myself
I've wished too many times
to see that person's smile again…"

As Aeliana sings, Jet gently spun and dipped his partner. A small blush graced the Tyrogue's cheeks as they moved slowly across the stage back and forth. Meanwhile, Elia made her contribution to the performance by unleashing a series of Swift attacks. Dropped against the dark curtains that the trainer and her Pokémon had emerged from behind of at the start of their performance, the illusion of a starry night sky with shooting stars was given to the audience. The music began to pick up intensity, the Eevee stopped her Swifts and the curtains pulled back. Spotlights fell on the backdrop of the stage, revealing a large photograph hanging on the wall. It showed a family: a man, woman and small child. They were standing in a vast valley of bright, glowing yellow flowers that seemed to be in the midst of being blown in a gentle breeze. The family, all dark skinned, smile brightly as they pose for the photograph. The man and woman have their hands linked, fingers intertwined as they smile for the camera. On the man's shoulders sits the small child, a young girl likely no older than three or four, with short, black hair that seems to bounce around her shoulders. She's dressed in a white sundress that matches that of her mother's, while the man is dressed in light blue, denim jeans and a white collared shirt. The sky is painted in vibrant hues of orange and blue, offering the audience a stunning sunset to view within the portrait.

"I want to protect the 'beautiful days'
yet another 100 years ahead
each of those days, for me
are the world's most dear season."

The song slowly faded into the distance. The audience began to clap and cheer for Aeliana and her Pokémon. The pink-haired girl curtseys for the crowd, as Tampa and Elia both cheer with the Totodile waving her arms enthusiastically back to the crowd. Jet has a small smirk on his face as he crossed his arms, thankfully neither Tampa or Elia seemed to notice this.

Aeliana felt a tear in her eye as she waved back to the crowd with a smile. "That was for you, daddy… I miss you."


[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
TM Case:
Spoiler:
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Inventory:
Spoiler:
 
Melody Argent
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

18 | Female | From Spikemuth​

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

Inventory
Spoiler:


My Garden of Shadow

Spoiler:




Applause for the previous contestant dies down, and as Melody walks onto the stage, per her request, the lights are dimmed as much as possible.

Melody walks to the center stage and faces the audience, bowing her head.



Ta… tum… ta… tum.

As the music begins to softly play, Piper floats in from the left side of the stage, her lights softly twinkling in time to the music. She floats over to Melody and uses Confuse Ray while facing her trainer. A tiny, bright, glowing orb delicately floats towards Melody. To those who are familiar with a small Pumpkaboo's Pokedex entry, they might see the little glowing orb Piper presented her trainer with as… a child's soul? It is only then that Melody lifts her head. A sinister and yet delicately playful smile comes to her lips as she stares dead into the audience. She then opens her mouth and speaks in a chilling, sing-song voice.

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]


♫ "Come little children,
I'll take thee away,
Into a land of enchantment,
Come little children,
The time's come to play,
Here in my garden of shadows." ♫


Melody takes a step back and does a small twirl as the music begins to play louder, accompanied by a soft, musical chanting.

Oooo-oooo~
Oooooh-oooo~

As the music and the haunting chant fill the air, the lights of the barn are turned bright once more. As Melody spins up stage, Piper floats backwards to the left and uses Trick-Or-Treat to summon forth ghostly, white, wispy specters that float towards Melody and begin to glide around her in a circular formation. As she reaches upstage center, the twirling comes to a stop and she extends her arm to the right. At the cue, the ghosts float upward and then into the audience, weaving right above the audience's heads. While this happens, Celeste uses Confusion to float herself and Annabelle in from the right.

Celeste places herself and Annabelle gently in front of Melody as Piper floats over to join them. Their trainer, maintaining her ghostly smile, turns to face the three and does a small curtsy of greeting, which Celeste returns. Not having arms (well, for Annabelle, visible arms) the other two can only bow in tandem with Celeste's curtsy. With the greeting done, Melody does a flourishing turn on her toes and begins to walk across the stage, her Pokemon walking (Piper floating) along behind her.

One step. Two. Melody's body begins to glow as Celeste focuses her energy and prepares another confusion.

"Follow sweet children
I'll show thee the way,"
]
Melody resumes speaking in her sing-song voice as she takes a higher step upward, as if stepping on an invisible step. She rises, thanks to Celeste's confusion, and raises her hands up to shoulder-height, the way a young girl might hold her hands up to balance herself as she skips across a stone pathway. Up another invisible step. And another.

" Through all the pain
And the sorrows,"


She begins to descend down her invisible steps as Piper's jack-o-lantern lights begin to glow again. She uses Trick Or Treat to re-summon her ghostly friends. The ghosts cut across the stage and sweep through Annabelle, who shudders dramatically before using Shadow Sneak to sink into the floor, leaving her costume behind. Celeste and Piper gather around the body with sorrowful expressions as Melody turns around to see them.

"Weep not poor children
For life is this way…"


She sings as she crosses those few steps back to them and kneels between the pair, placing a hand on each of them-- her unnervingly calm and yet subtly playful smile still remaining.

"... Murdering beauty and passions…"

Despite the comforting words, Celeste uses Fake Tears. Large droplets of water, glistening in the performance lights, float towards the audience. Melody strokes the top of the psychic type's head before beginning to rise.

"Hush now dear children,
It must be this way
Too weary of life
And deceptions…"


Melody's body begins to once more give off that surreal glow as she takes a step away from the scene.
Rest now my children
For soon we'll away,


At the word away Melody leaps into the air, Celeste's Confusion allowing her to float upward and give slowly spin.

"Into the calm, and the quiet…"

Quiet is Annabelle's cue to return. She uses her Shadow Sneak to glide across the shadows and leap back onto the stage, now wearing an even more ghostly disguise.

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]


Once as high as Annabelle could leap, she two gives a spin into the air and conjures her Fairy Wind. Just like in her gym battle, the pink, twinkling wind hits the floor below and creates a draft that allows both Annabelle and Melody to both flutter even higher, Piper and Celeste joining them in the air as the stage is taken over by the glittery pink wind.

The ghostly chants resume, and that is Piper's cue to use Trick-Or-Treat for a third time. The wispy ghosts are summoned and float along behind Melody as she flies to the opposite side of the stage. While the punk teen has never let her eerie smile falter, if one were to look closely at her eyes, they could see them shining. This was truly fun for her; getting to work in such close sync with her partners and experience their attacks so closely was something she hadn't really gotten to experience on the battlefield, where she can only sit on the sidelines and give instruction. This routine is something they crafted together, worked on together, and get to experience together. Her routine might not be pretty, in fact, it's pretty dark and macabre, and that probably won't go over incredibly well, but she can't bring herself to care that much when both she and her Pokemon had so much fun coming up with and executing the routine.

Melody reaches the opposite side of the stage and is delicately placed back on the stage as the ghostly chants reach the height of their pitch. She holds her hands out and pantomimes taking the hands of two ghosts that have landed on either side of her. More ghosts take the hands of their fellow ghosts, and opposite Melody, Annabelle extends one ghostly hand to reach out and take a ghost's hand, while the other reaches out to take the hand of Celeste, who has to float up in order to be tall enough to take the hand of another ghost. As the lights are dimmed once more, the group is now in a circle, conjoined by their hands, all moving in a circular formation and rising and lowering their hands in time with the chants while Piper places herself in the center, flickering her Jack-O-Lantern lights on and off to partially illuminate the scene and cast a sinister shadow below them.

Suddenly, the group all begin to fall backward and the music comes to an abrupt stop as both the barns lights and Piper's lights turn off, casting the entire barn into darkness. Silence lasts for only a few brief seconds before Piper casts a faint light on the center stage. Melody stands where she was at the beginning of the production, in the same position as she began, with Piper's light just bright enough to partially illuminate her face. As soon as the light touches her face, she lifts her head and opens her eyes, giving that same dead eyed, eerie smile into the audience.

The music begins to quietly play once more.
"Come little children,
I'll take thee away,
Into a land of enchantment…"


The lights of the barn begin to turn on one at a time, slowly making more of the stage visible. Annabelle can be seen to Melody's right, the little eyes underneath her disguise glowing angrily from the start of her Burning Jealousy attack, while Celeste stands on her left, her eyes glowing from the beginning of another Confusion attack. Piper glides over to float above Melody's head, her jack-o-lantern lights not glowing into the audience.

"Come little children,
The time's come to play…"


Piper's ghost slowly rise from the floor to join the others in their line.

"...Here in my garden of shadows."

The chanting returns and the ghosts once more float above the trainer and her Pokemon, weaving and rising as Melody and her Pokemon give their final bow. As Melody's heart pounds in her ears, she raises her head and quickly makes her way backstage. With her heart pounding in her chest and her mind hyper-focused on the routine, she wasn't really able to gage the audience's reactions. There's some applause, though by the time she registers it, she's too far away to really make out if they're polite or enthusiastic.



 
Last edited:
Raphael Allard
Arrietty Maverick
Ruben Sancho
Pia McGuire

> Turffield Contest Hall
> "Here and Now"
A JP by Jay, Kana, Shak and SapphireRose



Raphael sat awkwardly in his seat, tugging gently on the collar of his clothes. Was this formal? It was probably formal enough. He wore a dark blue dress shirt with the top two buttons left undone because the fabric was uncomfortable. He had a black blazer but it was too warm in this damn barn to wear, so he had it slung over the back of his seat. His legs were dressed in a pair of black denim jeans with a fairly expensive looking belt… and he didn't have formal shoes but at least he'd bothered to clean his boots. To be fair he doubted what he was wearing would have mattered… when he approached the receptionist had immediately recognized him for who he was, the first gym trainer since Motostoke to defeat Milo. Thankfully he was pretty sure he could have been wearing a pokémaniac's cringe worthy costume and they'd have let him in based on that alone.

His hair was even neat for once, slicked back and tied into a proper tail. It was awful, he hated it.

A deep sigh echoes past his lips as he looks about his surroundings. For a refurbished barn this place was fancy as anything. He felt proper out of place with all the rich and luxurious about, giving him stares of all sorts, admiration, envy, irritation, judgment… though when his icy eyes met theirs they didn't dare look again. Some parts of his cool and cold demeanor had their benefits. His gaze drifted constantly to the dance floor.

Contests… they weren't for him, but…

Back at the Christmas market, Arrietty had told him that she would be competing in this very event. Not to mention, she had said Pia would be as well. He hadn't cared about Pia's participation at the time, but after their encounter in the mines and beyond, well...

Pia and Arrietty. The first he expected to jump at the chance to strut her stuff, but Arrietty? She seemed like such a demure girl, it surprised him that she'd join a contest of all things.

His mind raced back to their daring rescue of the twins' gift at Christmas, how she stood up to that Corviknight without hesitation. Perhaps she was more suited to this sort of thing than he thought, maybe she really came out of herself when under the spotlight.

He quickly shook his head at the thought however and started glancing at the set menu in his hand, readily prepared for the contest itself. It was nice sometimes to be recognized, he supposed… and a free meal wasn't a bad deal. That had been enough to drag him out to this place surely, to have him seated amidst these pompous people. Right?

That was what he told himself, but soon after he was sighing again, back to wondering if all of this was really worth his time and effort. "...what a drag."

A disgruntled Ruben dug his hand down his trousers for the umpteenth time, earning him yet another harsh glare from Pia. He relented in defeat, allowing his tucked shirt to suffocate his mobility, at least until the next opportunity to yank it out presented itself. It wasn't as if he wasn't used to wearing shirts. In fact, Pia had even complimented the gold lining trim he wore to the casino the other night. 'I'm sure it looks better on', was likely more of a backhanded compliment but Ruben took it the way he wanted rather than how he was sure it was intended. In a place like this, he felt suffocated anyway. Why would he want his clothes to do the same.

Ruben could see the type of place he was in. As he approached the contest hall, filled with people showing off their rare exotic pokemon that they had shipped overseas, he found himself feigning a barf. These were the sorts of people Pia wanted to associate with? These were the people Catherine accused him of being. The type of people she'd probably been around all her life. These sorts of rich snobs that didn't care about anyone but themselves.

"Oh shit! I forgot I was supposed to meet with Raph. You reckon I should text him?"

"What do you mean by text? I think I saw Raphael in the audience a little while ago when we came in." Pia raised an eyebrow at his question while coming over to fix up his tie. She was wondering how he had missed the sight of one of his friends while she immediately saw Arrietty's hair shining from miles away. That reminded her she had to go see the girl.

"Raph? In a place like this?" Ruben pondered as he reluctantly raised his chin for Pia to get at the nuisance of a tie. "You're sure you didn't just mistake someone else for Raph?" He scoffed, trying to get a proper glimpse of the networking hall where most of the participants and their families, as well as audience members, were getting in their final formalities before the festivities got going. "I doubt he'd come to watch a contest."

"Yes, I'm sure it was Raph." Pia sighed but gave him a smile. "I do wonder though. For a guy who makes everything seem like it's too much effort, I guess it's a little weird he'd show up for a contest." Pia agreed. She stepped away from Ruben and eyed him for a moment before giving an approving nod. She dared not say it but he really did look handsome in a suit. It was such a shame he didn't wear them more often. "Why don't you go find out what he's doing here? I need to go see Arrietty anyway." Pia winked. Arrietty was joining this contest and she recently heard from Raphael himself that they had met a few times before… Pia knew enough. It just needed to be confirmed now.

"Yo, Raph!" Ruben called out from across the room, earning a few icy glares of his own. He trundled over, tripping over a few lingering chairs before he found his way to the four person table Raph had claimed, presumably to maximise the distance he could hold from any straggling strangers. "Room for two more?" Ruben asked with a smile, pulling out a chair without invitation. Before he spoke again, he glanced up at the doorway he entered through, where Pia had left him to fend for himself against Raph. It was almost unfair. Ruben was certain the guy hated him at this point and just put up with him to be polite. "What brings you to the contest? Doesn't really seem like your kind of scene."

Raph seems nonplussed about the whole table tripping and calling thing. People were already looking his way, Ruben just divided the attention a little more evenly than before. He listened to the footballer rattle off some spiel asking him why he was here. That was a fair question he supposed, this wasn't the sort of place one would expect to see Raphael at all. Still, he couldn't exactly give the answer that was the truth, he was certain Ruben would try to follow it up if that were the case.

"I beat Milo first." He responds casually, nonchalantly. "So they asked me to be here, free food was promised so I didn't say no." That would do, Ruben was no doubt used to that sort of environment thanks to his career, the relatability would create a hook of credibility for Ruben to snag on.

Still best change the subject to be safe.

"Two..?" He proceeded to ask. "Is Simon with you or something?"

Ruben glanced over to where Pia had abandoned him again. He was reasonably pleased with the response. Free food was a good reason to go anywhere but if that were the case, sure Raph would've got some sort of VIP treatment. Ruben tended to when he was a special guest. Despite the fallacy, the footballer shrugged and considered the best answer he could give to cover his own back. Raph and Pia had definitely spoken since he called them, that much he knew...but how much did they know?

"Nah, just here with…" he thought for just a moment before clearing his throat over his next words, "...a friend."

"Oh." Raph responds nonchalantly as he leaned back in his chair with a small groan of discomfort, his eyes scanned the crowd, looking for this place's lousy excuse for a waiter. "So, with Pia then." A little bit too direct as usual, but Raph didn't have time to dance around the topic too flippantly. The way Ruben had said it implied he already had an idea of how this was going to go. "So how long have you two been dating anyway?"

"Hmm?" Ruben asked, grabbing the complimentary jug of water from the centre of the table and filling his glass. In a few seconds the water was gone as Ruben downed the whole thing. "We've met a few times over the last few months. It's been cool."

Huh, Ruben had been less awkward in his response than Raph had expected. Some small kudos were due for that. Still, the sudden dip in their jug of water was definitely something to take note of. Ruben was always so uptight when Raph met him in person, though he admitted they hadn't met much. Their phone conversation came to light in his mind at that thought, Ruben had asked to hang out with him directly, Raph had almost completely forgotten that.

Oh well, that wasn't something Ruben needed to know.

"Good, we ended up palling around, Simon, Pia and I, back in the mine and on route 4 just outside the city." He poured himself a small drink and sipped it cooly for a moment, it wasn't really cold enough, maybe the barn staff just weren't used to this big a turnout. They were already forced to set up more tables outside. Raph's eyes turned to theme frantically trying to seat some pompous big wigs at an outdoor table… while he had been granted a private table inside right by the stage. He had to smirk at that.

Oh wait, right, Ruben was here, what had he been saying?

"She mentioned you and her, it surprised me at first, since with your status I felt like it'd be big enough news for me to notice it." He paused mid-sentence, contemplating a frayed thought at the edge of his memory. "Oh, wait, actually… I think I did see a picture of you two online, but I didn't read the attached article, lemme see if I can find that again." As he finished speaking, he reached into his pocket to retrieve his phone.

"Nonono!" Ruben lunged forward, grabbing Raph's arm as the older man's arm reached his pocket. There was an awkward beat as Ruben realised what he just did. Quickly, he let him go. "She doesn't like seeing it. Bad hair day. We're not...y'know. We've just met up a few times. Linked, y'know...played football, caught a ghost. Just what people do." The embarrassed teen rambled. A fear welled up inside of him. First Rosa, now Simon and Raph? Who else had she told? He eased himself back into his seat, holding his gaze as far from Raph as physically possible and sinking into his seat. "That's good that you met Si though."

She looked like a little lost mareep, the way Arrietty was manoeuvring her way across the barn floor. It was crowded, far too much for her liking, and seeing everyone in such formal wear was exceedingly intimidating. They immediately looked far more mature and impressive. How did she think she was going to measure up to any of this again?

"Ah there she is." Pia whispered to herself, her eyes locked on the deerling heading towards a car light. Wearing a long blue cotton shirt and jeans, she had yet to dress up as well just like Pia. If Arrietty was the little lost lamb, Pia would be the big wolf wearing sheep clothes. She walked up to the unknowing girl and placed both her hands on her shoulders, pressing herself against Arrietty's back to gain her immediate attention. "Found you~" she announced cheerfully, distracting her from the crowd around them.

Arrietty jumped from the sudden touch, and immediately turned around to find her friend standing in front of her. "Pia… geez, you scared me." She sighed gently as she shrugged off the fright, but smiled after. "I'm glad to see you. Are you ready for the performance?"

"Saying that I am would be a lie." Pia shrugged. It was an honest answer this time. This whole morning she had been feeling a combination of Butterfree fluttering and Doduo racing through her stomach. The first could maybe be blamed on Ruben as she did enjoy spending her time with him a lot and established she had feelings for the boy, the latter was definitely her nervousness. "But I see you have to yet get ready yourself, shall we go dress ourselves?" Pia offered. She turned around and another grin blessed the girl's lips. "I'll help you with your hair."

A sympathetic smile formed on Arrietty's lips. If even Pia wasn't ready, she didn't have to feel as bad about her own unpreparedness, at least. To her next offer, she looked a little surprised. "Oh, it's fine about my hair, I'm sure you have enough to take care of already," she responded sheepishly, before following her lead towards the dressing rooms.

"Nonsense, I will do your hair and there is nothing that will stop me from doing just that." Pia winked at the other girl, to which the latter smiled apologetically, and led her towards the back where she and Ruben had been earlier. She threw a small glance to… her boyfriend? What was their relationship now actually? It reminded Pia of something else… Although she did have to be reminded. It was constantly on her mind. "Had you seen Raph is here too?"

"Huh? Raph?" Arrietty followed her gaze to find Raphael and Ruben together in the back of the room. She felt a lump in her throat. From Raphael's lack of interest when they discussed it, she really didn't think he would show up to the contest at all. Worse, Ruben and her hadn't interacted whatsoever since the unfortunate end of their encounter in Motostoke, and watching their interaction from a distance, he was apparently close to Raph as well. She could only hope Ruben hadn't turned him and Pia against her yet.

"Oh, you came here together?" she inquired as nonchalantly as she could muster.

"T-Together…?" Pia repeated Arrietty's words. "Ah… yes, I guess we did." She then responded a bit bashful. Somehow the question caught her off-guard. From Arrietty's reaction though, she seemed just as surprised as her for Raph being here. The girl clasped her hands together, shaking off the embarrassment she felt upon being questioned. She had told Arrietty that they were dating but not in so many details. It never came back up in a conversation again. "Anyway! Let's get you all pretty and tidied up!" She said as she led Arrietty to the more secluded spot with a small dressing area, a mirror and a desk, a chair and lights. She grabbed a brush and started brushing her friend's hair without giving her a chance to protest. Curls would look good on Arrietty's short strawberry blonde hair so she warmed up the curling iron.

Arrietty demurely sat in the chair, letting Pia take charge, but it felt weird not to fill the void with conversation. "I didn't realise you all were close… with Raph as well, I mean," she started.

"Raph and I met on the train before and we had a rough start. We solved a… misunderstanding we had back in the Galar mine and Route 3. We even travelled together for a bit." Pia replied, taking a few strands of her hair and slowly starting to curl Arrietty's hair. "How did you meet Raph actually? He spoke of you last time, it sounds like you two really hit it off." Pia's cunning streak resurfaced and diverted the conversation back towards the direction she wanted it to go.

For just a second, slight disappointment fell over Arrietty's face, and she tilted her head slightly to accommodate Pia's work on her hair. Raph had travelled with Pia? Perhaps that shouldn't have surprised her. Of course with how popular he was, he'd spend time with tons of girls. She shouldn't have expected any different.

"How did we meet? I mean, we did go to school together… but we happened to meet up at the fishing contest back near Wedgehurst, and again at the christmas market before, I suppose." She kept her response flat, trying to convince Pia and herself it clearly hadn't been a big deal.

"Oh~ Really~" Pia replied, very happy to hear that. Obviously Arrietty's attempt at making it seem like not a big deal didn't work on Pia once she had a certain image in mind. Pia was just glad the girl seemed to be making friends.

Their chit chatting went on for a while, catching up for the times they had spent apart from each other. Pia made curls in Arrietty's hair and together they finished up their make-ups and got themselves into their contest dresses they had bought back in Motostoke. Pia's looked significantly different from the cheap dress she bought after some alterations. It was a mint green, matching her eyes and flowing over to a dark pink on the bottom. It had a lot of sparkles. The middle part was cut open and she was wearing another shade of green coloured skirt beneath it. Pia had turned an otherwise ordinary dress into something that looked formal and fashionable. One side of her hair was neatly pulled to the back of her head so the rest of her wavy hair was visible from the other side.

Arrietty came out clad in a nude pink lace and chiffon cocktail dress, with pure white flats to match. It was simple compared to Pia's, but the design flattered her figure and was unmistakably suited to the occasion. Her hair and make-up, courtesy of Pia, were striking on her usually productless face, and the bangs otherwise helping her hide were now gracefully pulled to the side in white hair clips as well.

Pia clapped at Arrietty and the way she looked. It was very cute, for a second Arrietty didn't look like Arrietty at all. Pia could only imagine Raph's reaction if he were to see the girl like this… and that gave her opportunity for another scheme.

"C'mon, the boys need to see how good you look." Pia basically pushed Arrietty outside of the dressing rooms and backstage, with her continuously but unconvincingly protesting, right to the spot the boys were sitting at their 4-person table.

Ruben's jaw dropped mid sentence as he caught sight of the two girls stepping out in their performance frocks. He glanced between Raph and the girls, still with no words as he badgered the older man to get a glimpse of what he was seeing.

"Wow...you guys look...wow, am I right Raph?"

Raphael was paying little attention, previously focussed entirely on the mobile phone in his hand. He had promised not to look up the picture he had previously mentioned so that Ruben would stop freaking out. For Pia's sake, he had implied… right.

As he looked up the distinctly more sparkly Pia was at the forefront, the light reflecting from her made her outfit look nice but it was decidedly contrived against Raph's own aesthetic. He seemed decidedly unimpressed, perhaps as expected, yet as his eyes shifted to the girl trailing behind, they widened ever so slightly despite his efforts to stop them.

He hadn't seen Arrietty since the market a few weeks prior… though perhaps it was more intelligent to say he had never quite seen her like this. Every thought rising to his mind, every compliment he wanted to give, he batted away and his eyes darted between the girl and his phone.

Shit, Arrietty was here, right in front of him. This brought a conflict of personas he had to balance out. With everyone else he had maintained his aloof and disinterest image, but for some reason, he hadn't with her, how was he supposed to balance it now?

Silence. To everyone else Raph seemed to leave Ruben hanging and the girls without greeting… until he finally spoke. "You look fantastic." He looked at her directly as he said that. "Both of you." A quick and natural continuation saved his ass. Raph was very good at acting neutral, he had done it his entire life.

"So when's the show start? You guys are all dressed for it already?"

"A-Ah! It'll start soon! We just thought we'd take this moment to come out and have a little conversation before we have to go back." Pia answered quickly, noticing her attention had been elsewhere up until Raphael spoke. She had seen his eyes trailing at Arrietty and lingering there for a moment while his eyes widened with maybe just an inch. It was enough of a sign for Pia. She was glad to see that the transformation she gave the timid girl had some sort of effect on the otherwise stoic boy. It was a relief, really.

She glanced over to Arrietty and gave her a small reassuring smile. The latter did her best to smile back, silently embarrassed, but also much less convinced of the sincerity of the boys' reactions.

"Oh, so that's what you've been hiding." Ruben said to Pia with a smile. He paused, his cheeks flushing as he realised how what he said could be misconstrued. "The dress…" he clarified. An awkwardness hit the quartet as Ruben's comment was allowed to settle for a moment. "I meant the dress." He repeated through the silence.

Pia quietly sighed at Ruben's response with a small blush of her own appearing on her cheeks. It was cute, in a way. His reaction too. At least she had gotten the kind of reaction out of him that she wanted, he seemed to like the dress she was wearing. That meant both her and Arrietty's "transformations" had been successful. That reminded her…

"Hey Raph? Can you come with me for a second? I'd like to ask something." Pia walked past Raph and waited for him to follow her, she glanced behind her and her eyes shot at both Ruben and Arrietty for a second as a sort of sign for him that they needed a moment alone. She had seen that Raph was pretty insightful back in the Galar mine and Route 3, she only hoped he'd picked up on what she was trying to say.

Which, of course, he did. It didn't take a lot of thought for Raph to understand Pia's less than subtle intentions. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck for a moment, looking slowly between Ruben and Arrietty as he did so. He didn't like this at all, these two had just gotten here and now he was being asked to leave them alone? Ruben was a tryhard at the best of times, but what was this tension that was suddenly in the air? It felt wrong and he suddenly didn't want to follow Pia's request at all.

Still he'd give her the benefit of the doubt based on the trust they built on Route 4… even if he intended to watch the table very closely from a short distance away. "Alright… I could do with some fresh air anyway. You two want any drinks while we're gone?"

"I can get drinks if you guys-"

"It's fine, we can handle ourselves." Pia shot a smile at the both of them.

With his options cut off, Ruben sat back in his chair. He looked everywhere but at Arrietty. He peered over at Pia and Raphael, yearning for them to come to his aid but the cavalry wasn't to come.

"So...how've things been since Motostoke?" The boy asked, rolling his tongue in the side of his cheek, silently cursing Pia.

The girl in front of him had been watching the other two leave, desperate to find an excuse to go with them, but Pia seemed intent on talking to Raph alone. Arrietty couldn't stand that for some reason. Wasn't Pia with Ruben now? Why did she have to take Raph away too? And worse yet, why did she have to leave her with Ruben? Was she too oblivious to know they didn't get along… or did she want something else out of this?

She stiffly turned back towards Ruben, trying to minimize her apprehension. "E-Er, fine, I suppose. How about you?"

"Good! Good." Ruben blurted in response, surprised to get a workable answer. He was somehow convinced the girl would stand up, spit at him, then leave or maybe swing for him or toss a drink. "That's good that you've been good." He added, forcing through a laugh.



Pia and Raphael watched the two awkwardly converse from behind the curtains from backstage where the former had dragged them to. Pia was a little bit more interested than Raph, who felt like he shouldn't have agreed to accompany her after all... seeing as both Ruben and Arrietty looked awkward as anything with their leave.

"Explain then." He mumbles, his brow furrowed.

"It's a long story but something happened between the two the last time they met. Ruben said something stupid and Arrietty retaliated." Pia responded, Raph couldn't help but think that sounded very in character for the Boltund Blitz, but he held his tongue to let her continue. "Both think the other dislikes them while it can be solved by just talking it out. Problem is that both of them are super passive." Pia started explaining the summary of the situation quietly for only Raph's ears to hear. Though considering the phone incident earlier, Raph had trouble believing that Ruben was passive at all.

Pia seemed to enjoy teasing people,but in this case she actually seemed serious. "I want Arrietty to be able to perform at her best, without having to worry over what Ruben said… that's why I'm doing this." Pia sighed. It was obvious she felt guilty over putting Arrietty into a situation like this and as she saw Ruben glance at her, all she could do was shoot a glare back telling him "fix it, apologize".

"I see." Raph's response was understated as usual. His eyes balanced on the back of Pia's peeping head. "I feel like there are better ways to go about this then hiding behind curtains. Why waste time watching? Why not confront them directly? Or better yet, let things take their course?"

"I could have… just let it go and not meddle in their little argument but I just can't. It's eating at both of them and I hate seeing them like that." Pia huffed. At least she knew she was in the wrong here. "I don't mind if they get angry later, I'll apologize. I just want them to make up, right now." Pia half-lied. All her effort into making Ruben like her and she was throwing it out of the window right here and now but… somehow she knew this was at least fixable over whatever else she was hiding from him. Arrietty however… She didn't know why she cared so much about whatever happened to her. Perhaps Pia was afraid of what the girl was going to find underneath the mask she was wearing and doing this was a way for her to manipulate Arrietty into making new friends before that happened. So that at least Arrietty wasn't alone.

Raphael watched her agonize over those feelings, the frustration radiated from her like a wave that crashed on his shores. The familiar sensation he had been feeling since Route 3 resurfaced, like a frayed wire sparking in him. Pia's emotions echoed off of her. There was so much more to what she was saying and the reasons she was saying it. It reminded him of certain things he felt as well… and it was that relatability that drove him to say what came next.

"Pia… stop being so hard on yourself." The sentence hung in the air, a harsh denial of her current thoughts. "...and stop trying so hard. There's a reason I like to take it slow you know?" He had had enough spying and waiting already, but he didn't want to embarrass Pia by walking back alone. "We should head back."

"H-Huh?" Pia responded, surprised by Raph's words once again. Just like on Route 3, he somehow said something that completely crashed her line of thoughts even though he didn't seem to respond to anything she had been saying out loud. It was a strange sensation. "Uh… yeah, let's…"

As Raphael walked in front, Pia softly slapped her own cheeks to regain her composure. That was weird. Yet it seemed Raphael was still not finished, as the pair walked back to the table, while standing amidst the various portions of the crowd, he paused and looked back at her one more time. His expression was more serious than it had been before.

"Pia. In future, if you're looking to force a confrontation like this again, it's best if you don't involve me. I don't want to be part of this voyeuristic nonsense." A cold and direct statement, but that wasn't exactly unlike him. Not wanting to continue the line of conversation further, he continues to walk, moving back towards the table and the other pair, before the girl could give him much of a response. All Pia did was shrug with a sheepish grin plastered on her face as she half-snorted at what Raph was implying. She wasn't going to make a habit of this anyway.

An awkward silence hung in the air between Ruben and Arrietty, their feeble attempts at small talk failing to lead much of anywhere. Big Dunc's words seemed to echo in Ruben's mind. Own it. He looked back over to where Pia and Raph were already on their way back to the table. The look the girl gave him earlier was warning enough that he had better have something to show for the time he and Arrietty spent alone. He looked at her.

"Hey ummm...I'm sorry about what I said. In Motostoke I mean. I dunno how good an excuse it is but, I got a bad tip from a friend. I'm working on getting some new ones but...mail order, it'll take a while." He smiled, hoping his joke was well received. "Friends, that is." The boy quickly explained to ease his nerves.

The girl in front of him hesitantly looked over him, folding her hands together behind her back. She wasn't really sure how to respond. Was he serious? His playing it off with a joke made it sound disingenuous to her. She'd considered apologizing herself, but because of that, she no longer felt like it. For a moment, she averted her eyes, searching for words.

"No, er… It's fine." In the end, she couldn't bring herself to forgive him properly, despite knowing this would be the best apology she was probably going to receive. She knew it'd be easier on everyone if she'd just let it go, so why did she still feel so frustrated? Her fists clenched together for a moment. No, she had to try harder. She was about to respond—
but before she could get a word out, an announcement by a woman on stage through a megaphone cut her off.

"To all contest performers, please report to the registration desk. The Turffield Barn Bonanza will begin shortly."

As the voice stopped echoing through the building, Arrietty and Ruben looked back at each other. Another second of silence, until Arrietty resumed speaking after all.

"I… Sorry, I should hurry." She took a step backwards, and threw a brief glance in the direction Raph and Pia headed. "Tell Pia good luck, and er, enjoy your evening." An awkward smile and wave, before she turned on her heels, and headed off towards the registration desk once more.

"Wait I-uhhh…" Ruben sighed, realising he'd lost the girl and wasn't about to chase her into the dressing room. He glanced over to where Pia and Raph were approaching, stretching as though everything were going as routine as he would've liked. The awkwardness caused him to sink into his seat.

"Sounds like I have to go back in a bit. Where did Arrietty go?" Pia immediately asked upon arrival, noticing the girl was no longer with Ruben. She was prepared to throw him another lecture and already prepared herself with her hands in her waist.

"I guess, she accepted my apology." Ruben shrugged, still a little shaken by the uncertainty more than anything. He pointed off to the registration desk where Arrietty had hurried off as soon as the excuse to leave arose. "Thatta way." The disappointed celebrity said with a sigh. With two opportunities at earning validation robbed from him, he looked to where Raph was just arriving. If there was anywhere he knew he definitely wouldn't get it. It was there.

"Hmm…" Pia crossed her arms. So he did apologize…"Well, I have to go at any rate. I'll be off. Please root for me!" Pia shot Ruben a wink and waved at both of the boys before heading off herself towards the backstage area that she had left earlier.

Raph on the other hand slid back into his seat as if he'd never left at all. He was caught in a strange state. Somewhere between relieved he wouldn't have to balance his personas and disappointed he hadn't gotten to speak to Arrietty properly. He made a mental note, he decided to speak to her after the show instead. His eyes watched Pia leave, before slinking back to Ruben. He looked dejected, disappointed even. Raph could feel an air of displeasure radiating from him despite any efforts to hide it.

Ruben fucking Sancho, what an odd fellow he was, Raph never really knew how to act around him. It was easy to forget that the footballer was a few years his junior. "You look dejected." He eventually sighs out, irritated that he felt the need to make this push, but doing it anyway. "If nothing else Ruben, just try to do the right thing and you'll be doing fine in my book." It was a simple statement, but it took the form of the unexpected validation that maybe Ruben needed right now.

"Huh… thanks Raph. I'm glad you're here."

 
Last edited:


Bliant Delacroix
Location: Turffield Fields
Mood: Rested
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

Silver Nightmare & the Battle Field!



It was frigid. The cold snap of the Circhester Bay air and silver snow filled the air surrounding the young boy, the smell and taste of the harsh salty waves tingling on his tongue. He was lost and alone, barely managing to see beyond the tips of his fingers that he had stretched out before him to not walk into anything. He trundled through the knee-deep snow that smothered the towering cliffs that surrounded the bay down below, each step creating a distinguished crunch. The wind howled through his auburn, waved hair, the snow whipping up into a frenzied blizzard. The boy staggered in the mounting adverse weather.

"D…" he started, almost being strangled by the cruel chill of the air that was filling his lungs with every breath he was taking. In such a daze, the boy stumbled to his knees as the weather overwhelmed him. He could hear calls and cries of Clobbopus way out in the distance echoing in distorted unison, taking shelter in cavernous openings in the cliffs below. "Da…" he attempted once again, wondering what else he could do as snow began to blanket him in a thick sheet. He was barely able to move, let alone stand up again.

Panting for breath, the young man once again attempted to get to his feet, but it was no use. Defeated, bewildered, and weakened, he could feel his body succumbing to the deep freeze being exerted upon him. His legs went so numb, he was not even sure they were there anymore. His long, brown hair was almost completely shrouded by the harsh chill of the snow that had encrusted itself there. Each breath felt like tiny shards of glass ripping through his chest.

It was right then, at the moment of almost crashing down completely into the crunchy snow beneath him, he could hear a voice in the violent gales. Sounding broken and twisted in the conditions, he looked up to see a very faint, dark blur in his eyesight. Was he hallucinating? Was it one of the wandering monsters of the bay that he had heard so much about coming to finish off the job? He did not know what to think, although it was not as if he could barely form a coherent thought at all.

The figure kept approaching, kept calling out something towards the boy's direction, but he was almost spent. Collapsing further, his hands plummeting though layers of heavy, slushy snow, he put his head down to almost accept his fate. Seconds felt like hours as the cold continued to claim multiple parts and functions of his body.
Just as he was drawing what felt like his last, the voice he had been hearing approaching him rang true, crystal clear and without hesitation in his ears, piercing straight though to his conscious.

"BLIANT!"

"DAD!?"

Bliant jumped from his sleep, covered in sweat. Boiling with fear and shaking, he looked around at his surroundings. "D..dad?" He surveyed his surroundings. The early morning sunrise was beginning to pierce its bright rays through the slight gaps in the tent's doorway. Bliant's body felt almost paralysed with terror after the nightmare he just woke up from. He could almost feel the chill of the Bay penetrating deep to his bones, causing him to shiver right down his spine. Regardless of how much he was perspiring and burning up on his forehead and cheeks, he could still almost feel and taste everything he had just experienced. His eyes were bubbling and streaming tears down the sides of his face, hitting the sleeping bag.

As the sun's light began to reveal more of the tent to him, he noticed Iris laying down his side, with her head laying gently on his waistline, her pastel mane slightly glowing as she dreamt. Bébé was safely snuggled in a special flower bed he had fashioned for her way back before they travelled and was sound asleep too. As the smells of the fields around the tent began to penetrate the tent with an almost invigorating aroma, and soft bleating from Wooloo and Dubwool of the fields surrounding Truffield rang though. Bliant could feel his body slowly unleash from its petrified state.

Coming to his senses, Bliant rose from bed, sitting up to further survey the place. "No snow… no wind… you're safe Bliant, you're fine," he muttered to himself, stroking Iris's soft mane. As she started to stir, she glowed softly in the dim-lit tent, illuminating it.

"Poneeeeeeigh…" Iris yawned and rose her head up, gleaming with love towards Bliant and he continued to pet her. He could hear Bébé waking up also, and grinned with relief to himself. It was all just a nightmare, one that he had many times over and over since he was only young. He had managed to not let it affect him so much these days, nevertheless, they still made him reflect on his life traumas, and all he had overcome.

As the morning continued and Bliant exited his tent, he was wondering just what he was seeing as he gazed over towards Turffield stadium. "What the fu…"
A rather large flock of Wooloo had gathered themselves around the tent, practically drowning out the emerald grass of the fields with their pure white coats of wool.

"Baaaaaaaaaah!"

"Hey you! Get the hell off my field you little shit!"

Bliant span around on the spot to see an incredibly angry farmer running towards him and his tent, where Iris and Bébé were only just emerging from. Bébé tilted her head in confusion at the man, who was a rather squat man, certainly towered over by Bliant's tall stature. He must have been at least double Bliant's age, rather raggedly dressed in his yellow and black checked shirt with a worn-out denim pair of dungarees over the top. Bliant observed that the bottoms of his dungarees and boots were filthy, coated with the dirt and muck from his toil in his field.

The Wooloo in the man's direct path started to roll out the way with an almost choir like cry, bumping into each other and thus making those they bumped into roll away from the crazed man in panic. Bliant chuckled to himself slightly, the scene was rather comical and caused many of the Wooloo to become a little bit erratic with their movements there on out.

Iris hid behind Bliant's legs as the man stopped just feet away from the trio, red in the face from running and shouting with rage. "Get off my field!!" He furiously shouted again.

"Oh, I'm sorry…" Bliant said with his usual calm, deep tone, "I didn't see this was your field. Just give me a few minutes, I'll be well out your way…"

The farmer interrupted Bliant with a sharp crack of his booming voice, twanging though the air with his thick, almost stereotypical accent.
"'Ere! Look at where you are! You're trespassin' on the property of one Billy Jansen! Don't you know who the fuck I am?!"

Bliant looked at Billy with a blunt look. He'd usually find a way to talk someone down in such a situation, but he could tell this time it wouldn't work. "No… I don't know who you are. Enlighten me…" Bliant looked the enraged man up and down before continuing with a trademark, pointed quip, "or are you actually bright enough to do that?"

Billy looked at Bliant with a searing rage, heat almost looking like it was rising from the top of his head. Violently flinging around his pitchfork which still had remnants of hay all over it, he screamed with a fury at Bliant, swinging and pointing the weaponised farm tool in this face. "You little shit! "What did I just tell you to do? An' you think you can just stand there on my field, the biggest Wooloo farm in Turffield, talking bollocks about me?"

"Bébeeeeeeeee!"

The little fairy Pokémon protectively flew towards the farmer's pitchfork which was still being swung around like he was a crazed madman. She wailed and cried and shouted as much as her tiny body would allow her, getting herself right between Bliant's face and the points of the fork. For such a small Pokémon, she was furiously protective of her companion, shaking one of her tiny little hands in the air furiously at Billy, as if she were a about to launch an attack on the short man.

Even Iris, who was usually rather timid in situations that involved other people, had unusually gone out of her way to get her back up towards the ban, pointing her little horn at him with a scorned look on her face. Bliant could tell she was scared however, her billowing tail almost entirely tucked between her back legs rather than out and flowing.

Billy stopped for a second as both Pokémon's angry, pointed cries drowned out the bleating of the Wooloo surrounding them. He looked at Bébé, then at Iris, back at Bébé and then to Bliant, his face going from twisted with anger to barely holding back a cackle.
"Ha! You think a buncha fairies are gonna do anythin' to the likes of me? I told ya to get off my field, but now I guess you're clammin' for'a fight. Well, get ready ya buncha freaks!"

Bliant looked down at the green grass at his feet and let out a defiant mmph, and then back up to the bemused farmer before him. "Look… I don't want to fight, but if you're going to be such a bastard about it, I guess we have no choice," Bliant taunted.

"Why you…" Billy snapped back and stepped backwards with his pitchfork thrown onto the grass. His Wooloo by this point had practically cleared a radius around the scene as Billy's voice and actions got more and more wild. "This'll teach ya to mess with me, go, Mudbray!"

Billy tossed his pokéball out in front of him, a cascade of light bellowed out of it, forming the silhouette of the donkey Pokémon in the field. With a single flash, the Pokémon was out and ready for a fight.

"Mudddbraraaayyyy!"

It looked at Bliant and his companions with a similar rage to that of its owner, dragging its front left hoof through the ground beneath.

"I guess we have no choice then, let's go, Bébé!"

Bébé swirled and somersaulted though the air as it took its place on the battlefield before the opposing Mudbray. Still compelled to do right by Bliant, she let out a noticeably confident jeer towards the donkey before her, who must have been about 20 times her size, or more.

"Mudbray, use Mud-slap!"

On command, the Mudbray began to attack, turning around on the spot on its front hooves and aiming precisely for Bébé, kicking up and out towards her with all it's might as mud flew right towards Bébé.

"Bébé, move out of the way quickly!"

"Béééé…Bé!"

She swiftly swirled yet again through the air and dodged the oncoming muck that was being kicked out her way, that landed in a pile on the ground just before Bliant's feet.

"Alright Bébé, use Fairy Wind!"

Heeding Bliant's calls, Bébé hurtled towards Mudbray with speed and pulled her flower from underneath her by its stalk with a sharp swooping motion, causing a gale of pale silver and peach wind filled with iridescent lustre to sweep towards Mubray, who was still facing with its behind towards her after using its attack. The wind swept across its body with a might, causing it to close it's eyes with pain as tiny specs of the fae charged wind struck him with a force.

"Bray…"

"Mudbray, don't let that pathetic attack stop ya!" Billy shouted at his Pokémon, "Jump at it and send it crashing down!"

With the command, Mudbray snapped to action, swinging back around on its hooves and springing on its back legs into the air at Bébé at force, knocking her out of position and causing her to fall straight down into the field.

"Flaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

"Bébé no!" Bliant worryingly shouted out. Bliant knew that his Pokémon were not the complete best at battling outright, more raising them on the basis of wanting to protect and help other people and Pokémon. But he knew the teachings back at school would come in use here, and that deep down his Pokémon were not weak, just inexperienced. Afterall, Bébé had been by Bliant's side for years.

"Ha, you little shits are gonna get what you deserve! Mudbray, Stomp all over that thing!"

Bliant held his breath and watched as the Mudbray, who was still up in the air, poised itself to stop its hooves all over Bébé. Thinking fast, he yelled out, "Bébé, quickly roll out of the way, then use Magical Leaf!"

In an instant, Bébé managed to roll away from the Mudbray that was about to stomp on her from the sky, using her tiny body to her advantage. The margin of error for Mudbray's attack was too large when the target is such a small Pokémon like a Flabébé.

Bébé then whipped her flower in an upward motion, glowing leaves forming around her and surround her as she did so. With one more swooping motion, the leaves were unleashed upon the grounded donkey, and lashed against its skin with a ferocity. Mudbray let out a pained cry, and tumbled a little bit, the sting of the attack pulsing on its body.

"Mudbray! Power through! Use Mud-slap agai—"

Before Billy could even finish his command, a popping sound was heard in the background, followed by a more powerful sounding crackle which sent the still bleating Wooloo of the fields into an eerie silence.

"Wha' the hell was tha'?" Billy said, looking around at the field in a puzzled fashion.

"I have no idea…" Bliant replied, equally as confused by the sounds that had just interrupted their battle.

Another loud crackle was heard, and a large yellow bolt of electricity was seen coming from the middle of the crowds of Wooloo that had rolled themselves away from the fight.

"Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!"

Clearly panicked and distressed from the bolt that had just emanated from the midst of the flock, Wooloo began rolling away from the epicentre of the bolt, their panicked bleating and cries filling the ears of Bliant, Billy and all their Pokémon.

"Holy crap, wha' the hell is goin' on?!" Billy questioned with panic written all over his face.

"Billy? Billy! Something is attacking your flock!" Bliant shouted at the farmer, who had gone as white even the Wooloo's wool he kept. "You really need to go and check it out!"

"You think I don't know tha'?" Billy snapped back, his Mudbray also looking worried as Wooloo rolled back and passed the group, one narrowly avoiding hitting Iris in its panic.

"Look I'll come with you," Bliant started, "We need to check none of them are hurt!"

Billy looked at Bliant in agreement, somewhat calmed down by the way Bliant was speaking so calmly towards him, even though he had just threatened and challenged him to a battle. The pair nodded towards one another, seemingly calling a temporary truce as they ran off to see what all the commotion was about, Bébé, Iris and Mudbray in tow…




Spoiler: Inventory
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]



 
Last edited:
Pia McGuire
Poké:
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
5550 Pokémon: 4

    [tab=backtostory39]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=pokemon39]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=journal39]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=id39]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab] [tab=badges39]
    [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    [/tab]


Performance Post: Dreaming Fairy




"Give a round of applause for our next coordinator from Hammerlocke, Pia McGuire!"

The barn that had been transformed into a contest hall was loud with applause for a moment until the stepping of heels on stage were heard. It became incredibly quiet as the blonde trainer made her way to the center of the podium, each step springly and youthful but with the power and elegance befitting of a formal event. In moments, Pia's powerful steps had captivated the entirety of the room full of people eager to find out what was to come next. Her head was held low and her eyes didn't meet those around her, despite that, a confidence aura was brewing off from her. Her mint green dress was sparkling in the single spotlight that was cast on her. This was Pia in her best element.

In that silence, only one cheer was heard, that of Simon Pearburgh. "WOO, YEAH! GO GET 'EM, PIA-" His voice buldered through the entire barn. A shush was heard from next to him, a girl with red hair. Pia smirked and looked up with a fire burning in her eyes, so brightly that it could very well burn down all of Turffield. With that… the music finally started.



Pia grabbed two Pokéballs from behind her that were encased in a transparent material. She threw the two balls up in a crossed manner so that the left Pokéball ended up at the right side of the stage and the left Pokéball to the right side. From it emerged her Swablu and Cottonee, both surrounded by colorful light that seemed to be the effect of the case that their Pokéballs were in and both making a small pirouette.

Pia theatrically raised her hand towards Prim on the left side of the stage. The blue bird flew up, circling on her own spot like a torpedo before abruptly stopping in the air and dramatically spread her wings. Mist particles were released from the Swablu's cotton wings and gave the effect of a sea of clouds to the ground part of the stage. The blonde trainer did the same with her right hand towards Soma but instead of torpedoing up like Prim did, he gently flew towards Pia and started circling around her, releasing his Fairy wind at the same time which caused a small sparkling pink whirlwind on stage with Pia in the center. It lifted her from the ground just slightly.

With the combination of the pink sparkling whirlwind and the white clouds at the bottom circling around her, Pia looked like a fairy with two of her Pokémon friends right by her side. Her hair played along with the breezes that were passing her by, her dress flowed along and Pia herself looked like she was dreaming. Once the Fairy wind started weakening, Prim and Soma flew around it in the opposite directions to get rid of the whirlwind entirely, releasing a spectacle of sparkles and allowing Pia to elegantly land on her feet. The crowd clapped in amazement, however, that was not the end of her little show.

Pia held her hand up and snapped her fingers, revealing that she had yet more planned as Soma flew from one side of the stage to the other and left behind spores of Poison Powder and Stun Spore simmulainly. The crowd seemed curious about the development and wondered what it was about. Soma made sure the spores stayed lifted in the air with another Fairy Wind while Prim took a deep inhale. With a puffed chest she flew to the middle stage and circled around once more. Then she stayed in the air for a short and silent moment…

… And unleashed a powerful Dragon Breath on both spots with the spores, making both of them explode into a beautiful charade of colourful on-stage fireworks for all to enjoy with Pia, her Cottonee and Swablu taking center.

A thunderous applause unleashed from the crowd onto the trio. Pia thought that the fireworks would do well with the barn as a location and she had strived to do her very best with this performance. Yet, the welcoming cheers from the crowd were an embarrassing sight. She bowed once more together with her companions before heading off stage, giving the crowd one last wave.

She felt both lucky and proud that both Prim and Soma had taken so well to her voiceless commands and she laid her hand on both of their hands once they were back backstage.

"You both did well, thank you." She whispered with a smile and tears welling up in her eyes, the nervosity she had felt the entire time finally lifting from her shoulders.






[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]



Pia's Party

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]



Pia's journal

Arrietty Maverick
Pia and Arrietty met in the Wild Area although the two have shared classes before. It struck Pia as odd that the girl seemed to have no ambitions or goals at all. Although disappointed upon finding out this girl had no fire burning that would light her path, Pia made it her mission to help this girl get a goal and become a bit more social. Arrietty is the closest Pia can consider a "friend".

Ruben Sancho
Pia met Ruben during Motostoke while on a double date with him, Arrietty and Ainsley. The date went disastrous with both Arrietty and Ainsley running off but Ruben and Pia were able to grow just a tiny bit closer during their search for Arrietty. They have been texting since and are on good terms with each other. They both seem to be interested in just a little bit more...

Ruben and Pia are officially dating since the end of the year festival on Route 3 following their "official second date" that went well. Pia knows about Ruben's ankle and that it's still hurting. They're in close contact with each other through calling and texting. They went on another date on Route 4 where Ruben had a gig for a coaching session with kids with the promise to spend time together after that. Both confirmed their feelings for the other by sharing a kiss. Pia likes him a lot.

Their relationship became public knowledge when a picture of Ruben staring down Pia's shirt was shared on social media and all gossip magazines. Ruben has been hiding it from Pia but as they went shopping, Pia got vocally attacked by a group of girls calling her out for being a whore and having no dignity. Ruben stood up for her and made their relationship public knowledge, no longer wanting to submit Pia to such harassment. Ruben publicly announced he likes Pia a lot and that they have been dating as opposed to what he has been saying before. Pia still doesn't know about the picture that's going around.

Raphael Allard
Pia met Raphael during her train ride to the wild Area together with Aeliana. Thinking that he had a lot of potential in becoming a chamption which would benefit her, Pia approached him thinking they could become friends. Their interactions didn't go as smoothly as Pia had hoped. After their argument at the end of her battle with Aeliana, the girl ran off thinking she had blown her chances. Raphael doesn't harbour any ill intend towards the girl and only hoped to give her some advice.

They have resolved their issues in Galar mine 1 and worked together to battle Oleana in which they were victorious. Raphael brought the issues with Pia's overprotectiveness of Milla back up on Route 4 when Pia was refusing Milla from battling. Raphael spoke some sense into her, prompting her to finally trust Milla. Raphael understands Pia better now and Pia has a better opinion of Raphael now too.

Aeliana Kekoa
Pia met Aeliana during the train ride to the wild Area together with Raphael. Although her interactions with Aeliana went a little bit more smoothly than with Raphael, Pia still ran off at the end of their battle in an attempt to distract her since Pia owed her money for losing. Although Pia has declared Aeliana her rival, they haven't spoken since and Pia attempts to keep it that way.

Pia met Aeliana again on Route 3 when she was on her way to the end of the year market. Together with Rosa and Valerie they went into an haunted mansion. Although they didn't converse much, Aeliana made some comments that Pia saw as snarky that were meant well by Aeliana. This indicates that Pia still thinks that Aeliana is out to get her.

Ainsley
Ainsley was Pia's date partner during the double date in Motostoke and is Ruben's best friend. Ainsley pretended to be rich and paid for the date with Ruben's money. Pia saw through the charade and called him out on it after Ainsley suggested they'd book a hotel together and make love. He ran off afterwards, angry that the feelings of lust he harboured towards Pia were not returned. Pia doesn't think highly of Ainsley and told Ruben that he needs "better friends".

Melody Argent
Although Pia and Melody attended the same Trainer school and were in the same class, they never once teamed up for an assignment. Both didn't have a very good impression of the other and avoided them like the plague. It's not until the Festival Fun-time Flurry that they have tried teaming up to win a competition as both of them were interested in the prize. They chased down a cheater together and have a better opinion of each other since their teamwork. They figured out that they're a pretty good team actually. Both of them thinks "the other is not so bad after all".

Valerie Amity
Pia met Valerie on route 3 where they went inside a haunted mansion together with Aeliana and Rosa. They didn't get to converse much but it was enough for them to establish some sort of familiarity. Valerie calls Pia "Lady P" as a nickname. Pia thinks of Valerie as someone with too much energy but not a bad person overall, maybe a little too naïve.

Rosa Valdés
Pia met Rosa on Route 3 and went inside a haunted mansion together with Aeliana and Valerie. They were stuck inside a room together where Rosa found golden nuggets and shared one with Pia. Rosa's small moments of kindness seemed insincere in Pia's eyes, someone who is well versed with duality. When Rosa left the end of the year market after they had gotten out of the haunted mansion, Pia followed her and saw her crying. Pia comforted the crying Rosa but as soon as Rosa had gotten herself together again, Pia fell the need to call her out on her duality, telling her that how she was acting now was quite different from before. Rosa denied at first but as soon as Pia had driven her into a corner, she stopped trying. After Jirachi appeared for a brief second, Rosa walked off. They're neither on bad or good terms but both have things they probably need to speak off.

Simon Pearburgh
Pia met Simon in Galar Mine 1. Pia thought nothing more of him than a bug nerd. They partnered up to battle against Oleana and his clever strategies impressed Pia, prompting her to compliment him after their shared life/death situation on Route 4. They're neutral with each other.

Catherine Carlisle
Yeah.... Pia really doesn't like Catherine but she enjoys getting under her skin.

Kit
Pia met Kit in the Wild Area. Kit had been trying to catch a Pokémon for days but had yet to catch one. He begged the girl to help him in exchange for money and a strange rock that he found. Pia taught him how to catch a Pokémon but after hearing that Kit is in search for his father, she decided to only take the strange rock as her reward and left the pouch with Poké behind for the boy to keep. Kit seems to have developed a crush for her because of that.

Trainer ID

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]

Pia McGuire:

Pia was born in the town of Hammerlocke in the Galar region and is part of the first graduating class of the Wedgehurt trainer's academy. Despite having lived in poverty, her mother has been able to pay for her tuition in alternative ways. She's quick witted and rather clever but is sometimes a bit "too" honest. Pia dreams of becoming an actress and does almost anything to get more money. When it comes down to it, what she really wants is to no longer live in poverty and live a bit more happily.

Inventory:

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]



  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    4x Pokéball
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    Galarian Pokédex
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    Xtransceiver
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    Broken Flashlight
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    King's Rock
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    Sun Stone
  • [PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
    Thunderstone


Outfits:

Daily Outfit:
Spoiler:


Contest outfit:
Spoiler:


Ribbons:

Badges:

Turffield Grass badge
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]




 
Last edited:
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Arrietty Maverick
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]


Spoiler: Inventory
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]



"As I approach the contest hall, I somehow feel like I'm shrinking."

The announcer's booming voice called yet another candidate to the stage. "And now, put your hands together for our next contestant, miss Arrietty Maverick!"

Another applause erupted from the crowd. Finally, her turn came around. Arrietty was clad in a nude pink lace and chiffon cocktail dress, with pure white flats to match. Her hair and make-up, courtesy of Pia, were meticulously orchestrated into framing and beautifying her face, and the bangs otherwise helping her hide were now gracefully pulled to the side in white hairclips as well.

She slowly and hesitantly stepped into the center of the dance floor, flanked on either side by her Torchic and Swinub. The crowd swarmed around her, toeing the edge of the designated 'stage' area. Where until now she'd been safely concealed among them, now they turned into a mass of judging faces, a wall that she could no longer escape through.

She clutched the microphone in her hand a little tighter. No, they practiced. Even if rehearsals had still been a little shaky, her Pokémon knew what to do, as long as she managed to guide them properly. Wren even tried to show her a reassuring look, but at this point, Arrietty's gaze was fixed ahead of her, her mind racing, as she desperately hoped that the fear in her heart wasn't contorting her face too obviously.

Before her, the performances of the other contestants wowed the audience, her included. Aeliana's especially had struck a chord, in part since their ideas had been similar, but her friend Pia had impressed her immensely as well - really, all of the other contestants had set up more interesting or shows than she had thought of.

The music started. A gentle tune of guitar and piano resounded through the barn, filling it with just the warm ambience she had desired. Arrietty herself just felt the tension in her chest build up higher. Just a few more measures. She shakily stretched out her hand, her Pokémon braced themselves, she opened her mouth, and—

...

Wait… why was no sound coming out of her mouth?

The music was moving on, but Arrietty was transfixed. The Pokémon beside her worriedly looked between each other and their trainer, Wren even walking to her side and placing his little feathers on her leg. His trainer looked down at him and Swinub for a moment, tears instantly welling in her eyes. She dared not raise her head to the audience, just lifting the microphone to her lips once more.

"I'm sorry," were the only words that left her lips, before she turned her back and left the stage area. The barn was left in disarray momentarily, but the MC quickly picked up the pace to announce the next contestant.

From the audience, Raphael had casually stood from his seat to watch Arrietty perform. Yet now, stunned at the result that was playing out before him… he had no idea what to say. "Arri…" He only managed to mumble her name, before his gaze darted from the now concerned and murmuring crowd, to the other two trainers that had been sitting with him. Ruben and Pia, the latter of whom had only finished her own performance just a few minutes prior. He already knew what she'd have in mind… and had already decided it would be a bad idea.

Ruben glanced up from his phone as the piano notes seemed to overflow without interruption, far beyond Arrietty's cue to begin. No footsteps, no flames, just the sound of Raph's voice. Then... he looked up and the girl under the spotlight was gone. Ruben looked to Pia, then to Raph. The latter being the face of concern. Ruben readied himself, but Raph was quick to intercept.

"I'll go." It wasn't a suggestion, it was a statement, one he put out before the other two got a chance to even react. "Stay here, the contest is still going. I'm going to make sure she's alright." Regardless of their reactions, he didn't listen to any other complaints or responses. Using his bulk he easily squeezed passed the stunned crowd and made his way away from his friends and to the edge of the venue, quickly following the forlorn Arrietty out into the night.

Pia raised an arm out as she saw Raphael head off, she wanted to say something… but couldn't. Perhaps it really wasn't such a good idea for her to follow right now seeing how well her performance went in comparison to her friend. She glanced at Ruben, feeling a bit lost - though he could only lay his hands upon her shoulders in an attempt to comfort her.

"Arrietty…"

 
Sidequest Start!
Contest Thingamabobs

Players: Valerie Amity

Press START to begin!

"Oh no... Arri-Beam..." Valerie was streaming the contest with her X-Transiver. Unfortunately, the entry from her friend, Arrietty, was cut short. "I hope she'll be okay, fam," Valerie had added, directing to the stream. There were a mix of reactions, but the majority posted broken-heart emojis and a train of Fs.

"Can we get a we stan Arrietty train going, fam? Let's give her some love," the love train began. In Valerie's stream, it's all about giving people support they can get, and the love they sought. Like right now, it was teaming full of people typing 'we stan Arietty!' followed up with a wide variety of sparkling heart emojis, and smiling Torchic emojis.

Valerie had her XTransiever steadily readied and pointed the contest stage. "Soooo, what did you all think of the rest of the performances so far, fam?" she had asked her stream. "Who were your favs? Tell your girl Valerie!"

Different responses came in, but all filled with hype. "I knoooow zigzagyamper77, Rosie's was cute, right?! Did you all see her Cutiefly? Cuteness in my HEART, Val-uables! Oh and my girls, Aeli and Mel-Mel? KILLED IT. Like, Aeli-sis's was really sweet, and that portrait really touched my heart of hearts. Mel-Mel was something out of the Gengar-story series and I'm ALLLL here for it, yo."

<3 <3 HeartStun28 DONATED! <3 <3
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
50

Mimikyu is a Cutiekyu​

"Thanks for donating, Heartstun28!" Valerie remarked. Doom Noodle was close by, giving a small cry of agreement, reading the message. Valerie gave it a small pat. "Doom Noodle agrees! Oh man, this contest in general is gonna be a tough call, right Mahina?" Mahina the Clefairy was on Valerie's lap. The audience made her a bit nervous, but she was pleased with Aeliana's and her friends' performance too.

"What did you guys think of Lady 'Ia?" for a response, the chat was then flooded with a bunch of heart emojis, and Cottonee wink emojis. "Oh maaaaan, you all definitely stan Pia, don't ya?" Valerie cheerfully had asked, as the chat continued with a positive reception. "Oooh, true that littenlover56, she was sooo pretty, and her pokemon looked sooo cute! Ahahaha, pffft! I dunno killerkrokodile, I think it's too soon to ask to marry her! But I think she's a great gal. We stan Pia too, right chat? A fellow Pro-pinkist!"



Quest Complete!
Who do you YOU stan for? Type in the Valentine stream now!
 
Last edited:

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Simon Pearburgh
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Spewpa ♀ Harden | Tackle | Stun Spore | String Shot | Poison Powder Friend Guard
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Caterpie ♂ Tackle | String Shot | Bug Bite Shield Dust
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Burmy ♂ Protect | Hidden Power (water) | Electroweb Shed Skin
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Snom ♀ Powder Snow | Mirror Coat | Struggle Bug | Icicle Spear Ice Scales
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Princess ♀ Electroweb | Spider Web | Fury Cutter | Beat Up Swarm
Spoiler: Inventory
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Xtransceiver
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Pokédex
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
ATC
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Blackspear License
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Pokéball x2
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Mysterious egg
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Strange Rock
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Potion x3
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Nevermeltice
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Venoshock TR
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Bug Catcher Net
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Noticeably less cinnamon buns
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Camping Supplies
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Badges: 1

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Sachiko Akabane
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Spoiler: Inventory
Smart Flip-phone
1000 Pokedollars -> ???
Galarian Pokedex V.8
Advance Trainer Card(ATC)
Spare Clothes
TR Grass Knot
TR Metal Sound
Jingle Soothe Bell
Pokeballs
Moomoo Milk x3
Pink Poffins
Berries x12​
Turffield

After having met up near the Stonjourner monuments, Simon and Sachi had decided to have lunch together again at a local cafe to catch up. Recognizing both of them as league challengers, the cafe's owner had graciously offered to seat them at the best table in the house- an offer they were quick to accept. As they ate, the pair were busy catching each other up on their adventures.

"And then, POOF- just like that, the Ferrothorn was gone. Like the wind, I tell you." Simon spread his arms as he spoke, a bite of panini in his mouth.

"Wait, the pokemon just vanished?" Sachi narrowed her eyes as she used one arm to hold the egg in her lap, using her free hand to cut a piece of her strawberry cake with her fork. "I've never heard of that before… And you mentioned that it happened in the caves as well?"

"Yeah, I'm surprised you didn't see any. They all looked really dangerous though, so I'm glad you managed to stay safe." Simon replied. He looked at the egg Sachi was holding. "So when'd you get that thing? Don't recall you had one back in Motostoke."

"Oh!" Sachi glanced down at the egg with a tender gaze, "It was given to me by a mysterious cloaked person. I don't know what pokemon will appear, they never did specify..." She looked back up with a cheerful smile, "But I can't wait for the egg to hatch! I heard that giving an egg lots of love increases the chances!"

"Whoa, sick! You can always trust strange people handing out free eggs." Simon nodded sagely. "My egg's gonna be a surprise too, actually. Whatever it ends up being, I hope I can take good care of it; Raph said I'm gonna be a great father figure." he said, grinning.

"I agree! With what I've seen so far, I wouldn't be surprised!" Sachi agreed, then looked down at the egg with a contemplative gaze, "A father figure…" Her father's face flashed through her mind, making her bite her lip. She was tempted to ask Simon what his own dad was like. Her father hadn't been around as much as her mother, but when they moved to Galar his visits had become even more scarce.

Just as she opened her mouth to ask, her father's sudden voice rang through her head. 'Don't trust anyone, understand? It doesn't matter if they are amiable or reliable! Don't tell anyone anything about your personal life, thoughts, or problems! It can be used against you, like that woman did with us!' Instantly, Sachi closed her mouth and looked back down at her cake. She then realized that Simon was watching and shook her head, forcing a smile. "So have you battled Milo yet?"

Simon beamed, glad he could finally talk about his battle without bringing the topic up himself. "I did- it was bloody intense! Snom, my Joltik Princess and I took him on, and we absolutely wrecked the battlefield! Milo's a great guy, but I honestly felt a little bad for him- he couldn't see what was comin' to him." Simon laid on the bragging thick, expecting to impress the girl and secretly hoping she'd ask for more details.

"You defeated Milo on your first try? That's amazing!" Sachi clapped her hands. "You must have trained a lot to defeat him on your first try! I heard from Tori that it took Seto two tries before he could defeat Milo."

"Heh, well what can I say. You looking at the future champ, after all - guess I'm just a natural at these things." Simon closed his eyes; this was going great. Now to pop the question for stage one of his plan. "Hey, speaking of big events - have you heard of the contest happening in a couple days?"

"The contest? You mean the very first contest ever introduced in Galar?" Sachi repeated, nodding with a smile. "Of course! I already had plans to go and watch the event. I was thinking of joining myself at first, but decided against it for... certain reasons."

At the thought of these 'certain reasons', Tori and Seto flashed in her mind. If either of them saw her on TV wearing a dress or anything that showed too much skin in their eyes… Arceus have mercy.

Simon nodded. "That's great! I was thinking of going too. You probably know that the event's full formal, so... I was wondering if maybe… it would be a good idea to go together?" Simon winked. "There's gonna be tons of cool contestants and fancy food and stuff, and we get a free pass if we can meet the dress code."

Sachi stared at Simon for a few seconds, "Together? Like in a group with others?" The only other time she'd gone out somewhere together was with Seto and Tori. Did he mean with him and others?

Simon's overconfident smile faltered as he struggled to find the words to clarify. "Well, uh, that's cool and all, but I was thinking more, like… just the two-"

"Hime? Is that you?"

A honeyed voice cut in before Simon could finish. Hearing the nickname, Sachi looked in the direction of had come from and her eyes widened.

"L-Lola?" Sachi mouthed, confused but also delighted to see the source. It belonged to a young teen about half-a head taller than Sachi. Her platinum blonde hair rained down her back and stopped mid-back, short bangs framed around her eyes and some were pushed to the left with a red hair clip. Sachi hadn't seen Lola in years after moving to Galar, and thought the girl hated her since she'd never called her back. It wasn't possible for someone from her past to be here- her father told Sachi they'd forgotten about her! Lola looked almost the same as she did years ago, but more mature and beautiful. "What brings you here? Not that I'm not happy to see you!" Sachi wanted to jump in joy and hug the girl, but she was with Simon and didn't want to appear rude.

Lola's deep blue eyes twinkled with amusement, her mouth forming a small smile as she chuckled, "I saw you through the window and thought I'd stop by to say hello. It's been awhile, Hime." The girl then noticed Simon. "Who are you, sir?" 'Who is this boy? Is it only the two of them here? Were they on a date? How dare he ask Hime out on a date? Does he even like her or is he just using her? Time to find out…'

"He's-" A finger was placed over Sachi's mouth, causing the girl to clam up.

"I want to hear from him, Hime." Lola explained, not taking her eyes off the boy. She didn't want to hear Sachi's explanation; it might be biased. She needed to hear it straight from the source. "Let me repeat, who are you, sir?"

Simon glanced at Sachi with his eyebrow raised before looking at the newcomer. Who was this girl who claimed to know her- and what was that name she was using? She'd certainly approached Simon with a bit of apprehension, but if she was a friend of Sachi's, he thought he should make a good first impression. "I'm Simon!" He said, waving cheerfully. "Gym challenger and professional bug catcher. I'm Sachiko's… rival." he added with a hint of resignation.

"Hime's rival?" Lola repeated, taking note of how he said the last word. 'Why would it pain him to… Don't tell me… Does he…?' She took in this Simon person's appearance before giving a small smile with judging eyes, "My name is Lola Aukai, it's nice to meet you." She then turned to Sachi, her smile turning into a frown, "I hate to ask this so suddenly, Hime, but have you come across your aunt yet?"

At the mention, Sachi flinched, unconsciously tightening her hold on her egg. Taking a shaky breath, she hesitantly looked at Lola, "W-What do you m-mean? D-Don't tell me…"

Lola gave the girl a sad smile, nodding her head. "I'm sorry to say, but last I heard, she's on her way here. Be careful and don't let your guard down when she arrives."

Sachi stared at Lola silently for about a minute before forcing a smile. "I-I'll be careful, Lola. Thanks for the warning, I was hoping she wouldn't come…"

Lola nodded, accepting Sachi's response by wrapping her arms around Sachi and leaning her head on top of the other girl's, before looking over at Simon from the corner of her eye. "Simon, correct? Can I ask you something?"

"Of course!" the boy nodded. The way the two girls were talking about Sachi's aunt raised a bunch of questions, but he held his tongue for now.

"Are you, by any chance…" Lola looked between the girl in her arms and the boy across, "...on a date?"

Simon's eyes grew wide. Though her expression was a smile, the girl's eyes were fixed on him with a cold stare that shot daggers through him. "Oh, n-no, nono!" He stammered, putting his arms up defensively. "We're just catching up over lunch is all. Right, Sachi?" He smiled painfully at the girl.

"A date?" Sachi repeated, cocking her head to the side in confusion, "That term sounds familiar…" She placed a finger on her chin, trying to remember where she'd heard the term before perking up, "Oh! Seto told me that a date is a friendly meet up between two friends! So yeah, we are on a date!"

Lola took in Sachi's words before glancing over at Simon, "So are you or are you not?" She'd been hoping to hang out with her childhood friend, but after noticing the boy, Lola realized she may have interrupted something more interesting. The boy's answer would determine her next actions. "Well?"

A drop of sweat ran down Simon's forehead and he laughed nervously. "Sachi's just pulling your leg, c'mon! She's so funny sometimes- in a platonic way, I mean!" he quickly added. "Anyway, uh, Sachi -my rival- do you have to go, uh, somewhere? I've got a cool thing I want to show you." He looked at Sachiko's eyes with pleading eyes. He couldn't have this girl toss a wrench into his plan now.

"A cool-" Before Sachi could finish, Lola lifted a hand and placed a finger over Sachi's mouth, silencing the girl once more.

"So it's not a date, then. That means it wouldn't be rude to interrupt this… 'meeting'." Lola smirked at Simon before turning to Sachi with a smile. "Hime, I believe I found something that may interest you. Would it be okay for you to come and see?"

"Um…" Sachi looked between her two friends, hesitating on her words. She wanted to stay with Simon and spend more time with him, and was curious about what he was saying before Lola accidentally interrupted. However, she didn't want to say 'no' to Lola and make her sad.

"Dates are something that shouldn't be interrupted unless it's an emergency, Hime. I'm sure Seto told you that, correct?" Lola explained, causing Sachi's eyes to widen in awe.

"Dates are that important?"

"Yes, and Seto misinformed you on something though, but I'll let you figure it out yourself or until someone tells you." At the last few words she shot a look towards Simon. "Since this isn't a date, you shouldn't feel bad for leaving mid-way, Hime."

"I see…"

"Okay, fine- then this is a date!" Simon snapped, glaring back at Lola and putting down his food. "And you're interrupting it mate, so-"

He stopped as he realized he was starting to get up a little aggressively. He turned his attention to Sachi instead, trying not to look at Lola's face. "Sorry- what I meant is, I was hoping you could come with me for a little while, Sachi. Just so I could tell you something in private." He hadn't planned all of this setup for some girl to walk in and steal Sachi away.

Sachi stared at Simon for a few seconds, shocked to see him snap at someone. She'd never seen it happen before, but she'd only known him for a few months, so she was bound to see different sides of him along the way.

Blinking twice, Sachi registered Simon's words and blushed. "Oh!" Sachi turned towards Lola, giving the girl an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry about this Lola, we can meet up later and you can show me what you found?"

"It's alright, Hime." The platinum-haired girl assured, "I had a feeling it was a date, but I wanted confirmation. I'll send you a text when I'm free for our own meeting." Lola gave Sachi a smile and hugged her once more before leaving the table.

"Alright!" She gave Lola one last smile before turning back to Simon, "S-So, what is it you wanted to show me?"

Simon tried his best not to glare at the new girl as she left. Whoever this chick was, she clearly didn't like him - but he wasn't going to think about that now. He'd been so close to actually asking Sachi out, but the moment was gone now - he'd just have to pick it up again later. The plan was still on.

"Let's finish eating and I'll show you."

Joint post of Evily and Foxrally
 
Last edited:

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Simon Pearburgh
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Spewpa ♀ Harden | Tackle | Stun Spore | String Shot | Poison Powder Friend Guard
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Caterpie ♂ Tackle | String Shot | Bug Bite Shield Dust
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Burmy ♂ Protect | Hidden Power (water) | Electroweb Shed Skin
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Snom ♀ Powder Snow | Mirror Coat | Struggle Bug | Icicle Spear Ice Scales
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Princess ♀ Electroweb | Spider Web | Fury Cutter | Beat Up Swarm
Spoiler: Inventory
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Xtransceiver
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Pokédex
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
ATC
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Blackspear License
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Pokéball x2
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Mysterious egg
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Strange Rock
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Potion x3
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Nevermeltice
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Venoshock TR
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Bug Catcher Net
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Noticeably less cinnamon buns
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Camping Supplies
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Badges: 1

Spoiler: Memories
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Sachiko Akabane
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Spoiler: Inventory
Smart Flip-phone
1000 Pokedollars -> ???
Galarian Pokedex V.8
Advance Trainer Card(ATC)
Spare Clothes
TR Grass Knot
TR Metal Sound
Jingle Soothe Bell
Pokeballs
Moomoo Milk x3
Pink Poffins
Berries x12​
Turffield

After the pair had finished their meal, the two young trainers left the restaurant to walk back down on the streets of Turffield, their Pokemon at their side. Though Simon had said this was a simple leisurely walk, the boy had a clear destination in mind. They both chatted away about their experiences and their journeys as they walked, enjoying the cool early afternoon breeze and the quiet but energetic busy-ness that was common to small towns such as this. Simon continued to brag about his gym challenge as Sachi listened starry-eyed, and Sachi spoke of her adventures with Seto and told him about her new captures (to which Simon had eagerly asked to wear Pua's garland).

"I hope one day you can meet Seto and Tori. They're nice people, so no need to worry!"

"Tori definitely sounds like a handful, but I think we could vibe over her Pokemon - if she lets me even touch it. Seto sounds pretty cool, though!" Simon replied.

"I know! Also, Tori's the one who taught me how to battle, train, and strategize. Seto's the one who made the flip phone I have with me!"

"Speaking of gadgets, remind me to take you to an arcade someday and show you some of my Pro Evolution Football skills. You ever played?"

"No, I've heard of football games before, but never played any. I've never been to an arcade, either."

"Yo, we definitely have to go one day then- once you try PEF once you'll be hooked."

After a while more of walking, as they reached a seemingly random stop, Simon suddenly put his arm in front of the girl and stopped.

"Hey Sachi, you said we're rivals, right?" the boy asked, looking at her.

"Um, yeah?" Sachi replied, confused. "Is something wrong?"

"Our starters have both evolved, and it's been a few months since our first battle, so…" Simon glanced briefly at the shop window before loudly calling out, "I'd say it's time for a rematch- I'm challenging you to a battle!"

"Huh?!" Sachi looked at Simon, blinking a few times before motioning her finger around them, "I don't mind, but right outside a shop? Wouldn't it be better to wait until we are in a Route or spot where there's an appropriate battlefield? Pokemon battles tend to get… destructive." At that last word, she glanced down at Tora who was sitting beside her, licking his paw.

"Are you saying that you're afraid of my challenge? Surely not!" Simon replied, crossing his arms confidently. "And psh, c'mon, we'll be careful with it."

A small crowd began to gather around the two as passerbys heard Simon's loud challenge, interested to see where this was going. All the better, Simon thought. He just hoped that the shopkeeper lady was watching.

Giving a sigh, Sachi gave him a nod, "Alright, we can battle- but first!" She turned to the crowd around them, waving out a hand, "Everyone! Please move back! I don't want you to get injured during our pokemon battle, so stand at a reasonable distance!" She watched as the people slowly moved back a couple feet until they were a desirable distance, then turned back to Simon, "So what's the rules, who's going to be the referee?"

"That won't be necessary- one Pokemon is all I need to reclaim my victory!" Simon replied, posing dramatically. He looked at Spewpa on his shoulder, who was a little anxious now that a crowd had formed around them but was still prepared for action. "Ready, lass?" Simon asked, to which the bug gave a squeak and hopped off.

"Spewpa, huh?" Sachi mused, looking down at Tora who was at her heels, staring at the bug type. "Are you up for a battle, boy?" Tora glanced up at Sachi, looking over at Spewpa for a few seconds before giving a calm nod, walking over to stand across from Spewpa.

Tora didn't mind fighting other pokemon, it allowed him to become stronger and relieved him of his boredom… But this was personal. He stared at Spewpa, recognizing who she was right away and giving the bug-type a smirk. He remembered this pokemon very well, the one who would take his poffins at every chance, and he was going to use this battle as a way to get revenge!

Spewpa stared back at the fire-type with just as much intensity - this was her sworn rival. A warrior-like glint in her eye, she hopped forwards towards Tora and bristled her fur aggressively as a show of force. She wasn't going to let this hairball take her down again, evolved or not. Then, she would reign supreme over him and his poffins.

"We're ready! You go first, Simon!" Sachi called out, crossing her arms over her chest as Pua cooed beside her.

"Normally I'd be a gentleman and insist that you do… But all is fair in love and battle!" Simon pointed at Tora. "Spewpa, start off with harden then tackle!"

The scatterdust Pokemon squeaked as her fur gleamed in the sun while spiking up, and charged towards Tora.

"Tora, dodge her Tackle, then Bite!" Sachi called, but as Tora jumped into the fight, she registered Simon's words. "Wait- Love and battle?! What are you talking about?!"

"I-it's an expression, it means- n-nevermind!" Simon replied, flustered.

Tora swiftly jumped to the side, avoiding the attack, then opened his mouth. His teeth gained a white aura and he clamped his jaw around the Scatterdust Pokemon.

"Not so fast- counter it with Poison Powder!" Simon commanded. As Tora's teeth sank into Spewpa, the bug shuddered briefly and exploded in a puff of purple smoke, spraying her square-shaped spores into Tora's open mouth.

Tora belched when the poison rushed into his taste buds, immediately letting go of Spewpa with a yowl. He rolled out his tongue and brushed across the ground, desperate to get rid of the poison taste.

"Status moves… Two can play that game!" Sachi hummed before raising her voice, getting an idea when she saw what Tora was doing, " Tora, bear through the poison and use Lick!"

Hearing his human's voice, Tora straightened up and glared at Spewpa as a small purple hue coated the bridge of his nose. He opened his mouth and licked Spewpa's face with a smirk, satisfied with the pay back. "Jump back!" Tora then jumped away from the bug-type, staggering slightly from the poison coursing through his body.

Spewpa scowled at her opponent and she shuddered again, more annoyed that the Torracat had licked her fur the wrong way and messed it up than anything - when suddenly an aura of crackling electricity surrounded her body. She'd been paralyzed by the attack!

"Hah, I should've expected that- but don't expect to get the upper hand with just one move!" Simon replied. "Spewpa, stack on the status effects with Stun Spore!"

Wincing from the paralysis, Spewpa jumped up in the air and sprayed another cloud of yellow spores on Tora, the yellow squares clinging to the Pokemon's fur.

"Looks like I win on the status effects front." Simon crossed his arms confidently.

"Oh really?" Sachi gave the boy a small smile before, looking over to Tora, "Tora, can you still move?"

Tora let out a yowl, lifting a paw before thrusting it down on the ground hard, giving Spewpa a glare. He couldn't move from the paralysis at the moment, but it didn't mean that it stopped his fighting spirit. He was going to find a way past these status effects! "Good… Give them a hot Ember, full power."

Tora's mouth curved into a feral grin as the flame sac glowed, flaring wing-like projections from the sides as the temperature inside increased. Tora lets out a roar, rearing back to stand on his two back legs as the flame sac spat out an Ember with the chime of a bell.

Unable to dodge in time due to the paralysis, the attack hit Spewpa dead-on, striking the same spot where he'd licked her before. The bug staggered backwards, wincing from the damage, but remained standing with a determined expression.

"Great show, lass! You're gonna need more than that to take us down, Sachi- me and Spewpa have been training!" Simon exclaimed.

Then, all of sudden, little bug's body burst into flame, scorching the ends of her fur for a few seconds. "Wh-what?!" Simon dropped his smirk. "You got a burn?!"

"Does that make me the winner of status effects?" Sachi questioned, placing a finger on her chin, thinking about the status effects used so far. She shook her head when she realized she was getting off track, "Nevermind that! Tora!"

The feline hissed as sparks of electricity rippled through his fur, pinching his skin while the poison slowly depleted his health. However, this didn't stop him from glaring at Spewpa and letting out a roar of excitement. Both he and his opponent had status conditions that paralyzed them and caused harm over time, now it all depended on who could last the longest. Hearing Sachi's voice, Tora fought against the paralysis as he lowered himself to four limbs once more, grimacing from the pain of the poison.

Simon furrowed his brow. If this was a war of attrition, he was determined to be the last one standing. As Spewpa's body burst into flame again from the burn, an idea popped in his head. "Spewpa!" he called out, "String shot, then tackle- but wait for my call!"

The Pokemon was unsure of what her trainer was trying to do, but she trusted his judgement. She gave a nod and managed to blast a glob of string at Tora while hopping to the side, wrapping the feline's neck and paws with the silk.

"Tora! Dodge!" Sachi retorted. Tora tried to move, but the paralysis jolted his body, preventing him from doing so and allowing the silk to hit its target.

Spewpa continued to drape her opponent in string, dancing around Tora much like she had with Prim. Soon the Pokemon had an entire blanket of string covering him and pinning him to the ground. The little bug certainly seemed to enjoy this as she winked at her opponent.

Then, Simon's command came through, as if he'd been waiting for something. "Now, Spewpa- BURN TACKLE!"

Just as the bug's body crashed into Tora's, the burn effect activated, engulfing Spewpa's body in flame once more - and scorching the Torracat's body as well! This resulted in a fiery tackle that, while damaging Spewpa slightly, piled onto the damage of the attack. Her very own mini flare blitz!

"How's it feel to have your own fire used against you?" Simon taunted, and Spewpa did the same, spinning around and giggling at her opponent.

"Ah! Tora!" Sachi cried as she saw the feline fall on his side, yowling in pain. She didn't expect Simon to have Spewpa tackle Tora like that. She had to give him credit, it was a very good move; however, she was worried how her Pokemon would react.

The fuck?! Tora hissed loudly as he slowly stood back up, looking down at himself only to see some of his fur covered in soot and leftover silk. The fire hadn't dealt too much damage due to being the same typing, and it actually burned off some of the silk that kept his movement to a minimum. But... hearing Sachi's voice waver, that got his hackles up, by a lot. He was going to get stronger so his human wouldn't have to worry herself, and knowing her habits, he wasn't going to let this go...

"Tora, are you okay?" Tora glanced over at Sachi, giving the girl a nod, before hissing in Spewpa's direction. If glares could kill, Spewpa would have been dead on the spot just then. "Tora, use-"

Before Sachi could finish, the Torracat let out a loud roar, shaking off the leftover burned silk and charging towards Spewpa.

What?! Spewpa thought. How had he broken free of his restraints so easily?! His trainer hadn't even called an attack! She attempted to move aside, but her paralysis came back to bite her, and she froze in place.

Right as he was inches from the bug type, Tora's front paws flinched from the paralysis, but he didn't let that stop him; he was determined to end the fight. Using his leftover strength on his front paws and upper body, he swiftly turned his back to Spewpa and lifted his hind legs, giving the Satterdust Pokemon two hard kicks.

"Gah, no!" Simon yelled, but it was too late now.

"Kicks…? Was that Double Kick?" Sachi was stupefied by Tora's actions and the sudden new move he used. Had his anger triggered this?

Simon's bug was sent flying back, letting out a pained squeak before landing on the ground with a thud, defeated.

The crowd around them cheered as Sachiko was declared the victor. Sachi flinched before waving nervously at the crowd, as she'd forgotten there were people watching them in the excitement of the duel. Simon sighed and picked Spewpa up before recalling her to her ball, thanking her for a great battle. Despite his disappointment at the loss, surprisingly, the boy had a big grin on his face. Now to see if his plan had worked.

The sound of excited clapping and a familiar female voice was just what he'd been hoping for. "Absolutely stupéfiant, you two!" An older woman stepped out from the crowd, near the entrance of the shop. It was the Haute Couture shop owner from earlier. "Truly inspiring!"

"T-Thanks, miss…" Sachi blushed as she gave the woman a small bow, embarrassed by the woman's compliment.

"Non, thank you!" Miss Coutelas replied. "You have helped me immensely by staging this battle before me."

"I'm glad we did!" Simon responded as well, pretending this was the first time he'd seen the lady and giving her a subtle wink.

The shopkeeper put a hand to her chest and looked in the distance longingly. "The way your Pokemon battled… there was more than just a trainer rivalry here. There was a bitter war being fought, a conflict beyond what we saw before us! Flame and silk clashed like I had never seen before! I shall use it as my muse for my creations." she said.

She looked at Simon. "I would like to-"

Simon's eyes grew wide and he gave a subtle shake of his head, hoping the Kalosian woman would understand what he was trying to do.

She closed her eyes and gave a discreet smile as she thankfully put the pieces together, clearing her throat. "-I would like to thank you for not damaging the store as well." she chuckled.

Sachi had returned to Tora and picked the feline up before walking over to Simon to stand at his side.

"Looks like we have to take our Pokemon to the Center. Is this where the date ends?"

"But this wasn't a- ah, nevermind." Simon steeled himself internally; this was it - the moment he had to pick up. "Before we do… you remember what I said about the contest, right?"

"Of course! Why would I forget?" Sachi assured, bringing out Tora's pokeball to return the feline. She had a feeling they were going to be here for a while, but hopefully it wouldn't be too long since Tora did need medical attention for the poison. "What about it?"

"So are you still down to go to it together… as in, just the two of us together?" Simon gulped. "Like... a real date?"

"Sure, I don't mind!" The vermillion haired girl smiled, "Although, what did Lola mean by misinformed? Is a date something else?"

"Well, it's… a lot like she said, yeah. But it's not just friends hanging out, it's more like… between people who... like each other a lot?" Simon painfully squeezed out those last few words.

"Like each other a lot?" Sachi cocked her head in confusion.

Simon tensed as he desperately held back his nervousness from bursting through. "Like, r-romantically…?"

"Romantically…" Sachi stared at the boy as she processed the word: Romantically meant liking-liking someone, and that was also equal to a crush or love… Crush?! Sachi immediately blushed at the realization, waving her arms in front of her, "I-I'm sorry! I-I didn't know! Were you forced into this?! Oh god, I-I'm sorry!" She instinctively moved her hands to cover her flushed face, avoiding eye contact with Simon as much as possible, "I can't believe I missed that…"

"No, no, I wasn't put up to it!" Simon raised his hands defensively. This was not going according to plan- he had to back out, there was no way he could possibly salvage this now. Who was he to even assume she liked him back? Sachi was probably just playing dumb to avoid the issue.

But then, a familiar voice rang in his head.

She's either gonna like you or tell you to buzz off, but something's gotta give before you can find out.

Simon took a deep breath. Ruben was right. He couldn't just give up now- not after all he'd worked towards! If he didn't tell her now, he would never get the guts to. For all he knew, this was the last chance he had at this!

"Sachi, I-" he placed his hand on her shoulder. "I really like you! You're really pretty, and nice, and talented- and I want to take you out for dinner!" he proclaimed.

Sachi stiffened when she felt Simon's hand on her shoulder, but hearing his words caused her blush to worsen. She slowly moved away her hands from her face, placing them in front of her chest, and stared at Simon in shock. "W-What?" It couldn't be… Had he- No, It must be a lie, it couldn't be true.

"If you keep acting like a shy twit, nobody will like you!" Suddenly, her aunt's lost words rushed through her head, bringing up past memories that she wished to forget. "If you stay with me, I can teach you much more than that man! I can find you someone for the future!"

"But auntie! I want to find true love like mommy…"

"True love isn't real! Men only want women for their assets, don't believe them when they confess!"

"Confess? What do you mean?"

"Let me explain and tell you the real truth-" Sachi closed her eyes, hoping it would shut out the resurfaced memories. Opening her eyes again, she looked towards Simon, her feelings and memories leaving her conflicted. She wanted to tell Simon she liked him too, but her aunt's words started to make her second-guess his intentions.

'But… is he telling the truth or just messing with me? I thought men only like women for certain reasons that Auntie told me long ago… and that I can't ever forget. Even now, she still haunts me…' But she wanted to believe him.

"I-I like you too!" Sachi replied before clenching her hands together.

"You… you do?!" Simon's face lit up. "So that's a yes?!"

"Y-yeah…" Sachi slowly lifted her hands back up to cover her face, embarrassed to look Simon in the eye, "I-I've liked you for awhile, I hope this doesn't hinder your goals…" Shit, she shouldn't have blurted that out! What if it caused him problems for the gym challenge? What about his goal to be champion?! "W-Wait, you said dinner… w-what about the d-dress code?"

Bursting anew with confidence, Simon grabbed the girl's hand. "I happen to know just where to take care of that."

Joint post of Evily and Foxrally
 
Last edited:

Achille Béringer || 18 || ♂️
Location: Turffield.
Current Status: Waiting for a friend.

[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Joiuse - Shadow Sneak, Fury Cutter, Autotomize, Metal Sound, Block, Aerial Ace
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Proudhon - Tackle, Splash, Thrash
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Alizé - Absorb, Tackle, Gust, Supersonic, Double Team, Wing Attack
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Ignace - Powder Snow, Tackle, Taunt, Bite, Avalanche, Work Up
[PokeCommunity.com] Pokémon Spear [M] [IC]
Aliénor - Tackle, Tail Whip, Roar, Ancient Power, Charm, Bite





Fluffy clouds lazily floated through the sky, casting large shadows that crept across the rolling fields outside of Turffield. It was largely empty around, the tour groups he normally saw exploring the various stone edifices and cryptic glyphs were absent. It was a pretty slow day, and with an active gym challenge Achille wasn't sure how many people would be interested in poking around old rocks instead of hanging around at the stadium. Truth be told, the entire thing seemed eerie now with the whole Darkest Day event, and remembering it was unavoidable knowing what this all depicted. Even beyond that, it called to mind images of the "Ultimate Weapon" hidden in Geosenge town back home. He's only seen images of it, but visiting the crater itself left him with a dreadful feeling he couldn't adequately describe.

Which made it all the more puzzling to him that Max would want to meet out here. Achille sent his old friend a text as soon as he was in the city and received word that Max would arrive a few days after him. Surprisingly the Galarian heir apparently decided he wanted to hang out in an empty field, and now Achille was left feeling like a fool standing in a field alone and wondering if he'd been played. Turffield was pretty empty, but surely there was something better than an empty field?

"Oi!" He heard a shout from behind him. There Max finally was, casually strolling up the sidewalk between the stone monuments, carrying something in a brown paper bag. Only 30 minutes late. "I'm sorry, mate! Had to stop by the shop and the gran running it caught on that I knew about fabrics. Chatty one, she was."

The initial twinge of annoyance faded with the light-haired boy's apology. It was instead replaced by a growing curiosity of what Max needed at a place where he would be asked about fabric that was important enough to leave his good friend alone in a field for half an hour. Achille met him halfway, ending up at the edge of the path. He was realizing yet again how the Galarian now stood a good half-foot minimum above him when they stood side by side. "It's fine," he responded. "What did you need to stop for anyways?"

"Got your interest, huh?" Max said with a smirk. He held the up and peaked inside, angling it to where Achille couldn't see. He chuckled and closed the bag, tossing it over to Achille. "It's actually for you. My apologies for the shoddy bag, but thought the idea of me taking my time wrapping it while you were stood in a field might piss you off a tad."

Achille barely caught the bag, surprised by the sudden toss. Max was also right, an image of the guy taking his time to get a perfect, creaseless wrap while making him wait did in fact piss him off. He reached into the bag, grabbing something that felt like metal. Pulling it out revealed a metal clip like object with 6 large indents in the side and eight along the top. It was a very solid piece of metal, and along the top and bottom were two leather straps to connect it to something. It took him a second to figure out what the large, circular indents were for before realizing they were the correct size for a Pokeball in it's collapsed position. Sure enough, there looked to be some kind of magnet and cinching system to keep the Pokeball in place.

There still seemed to be something in the main bag, which Achille retrieved. It turned out to be a small, velvet bag with small metal pieces inside. Eighteen in total, each with the symbol of the Galarian gyms. They looked to fit perfectly in the smaller indents on the main piece. "Merde, thanks. What's the occasion though?"

"Consider it an early birthday gift. Not sure if I'll be free April 19th, or any time in April." Max explained with a satisfied look on his face and crossed arms. He leaned against a light pole along the path. "I'm sure you've already figured out it's a Pokeball holster, so you don't look like a tosser on national TV pulling the wrong Pokeball out of that jacket pocket. Also acts as a badge tracker, given the Galarian badges are larger than you're used to. All the gyms are there, but I expect you'll only need the eight."

Achille gave another round of thanks as he attached the contraption to the strap of his bag. It hung across his chest like a bandolier and thankfully didn't feel awkward, even as he clipped his current team into a spot on the device. "I don't think we need to go out to a field to give a gift though," Achille said, "why call me all the way out here?" He returned his focus to his friend. "To be honest, when I heard your offer I thought you were going to drag me to Galarian clubs, not a field trip."

"Maybe I thought my dear friend would enjoy immersing himself in the culture of the place he's lived for three years finally."

"Connerie and you know it." Achille laughed. "You've never shown an interest in things like that before. Unless you got a sudden burning passion for archeology or anthropology."

"Oi, so quick to disregard my interest in my region's history," Max replied in fake outrage. "Even after I made sure to see all ancient Kalos had to offer in Geosenge town with you."

"Don't act like I dragged you there, I recall it was your dad who wanted to go see it." Achille pointed a finger at him, causing his friend to break character and laugh at Achille defending himself over the obvious bait. He had his Kalosian dignity to defend, dammit. "Besides, Geosenge has a gigantic crater and memorial to the events of the Flare incident. These are spooky rocks with no real relation to the Darkest Day."

"Alright, alright." Max finally gave in, putting up a hand to shush the defensive Kalosian. Achille looked around and noticed a tour group had chosen that moment to pass by in range to hear the 'spooky rocks' comment. The trainer blushed a little, moving to hide himself slightly behind one of the stone pillars. "I'll let you know why I called you out here in a moment. Just follow me real quick."

Max stepped off the sidewalk and began across the field, leaving Achille following behind. They walked for several minutes, leaving the sound of the tour group a distant mutter in the background. Achille began to ask what they were still walking for, before getting shushed by Max. Confused, but not wanting to make a fuss, he let himself enjoy the walk instead. Out in the open there was a much more noticeable breeze; unrestricted by the stone pillars that blocked it before. The wind carried the floral scent of the town all the way out here, no doubt the cause of the all the bug type pokemon he passed scurrying about.

Finally Max stopped, turning to face Achille. They were pretty far away from the ruins now. They were visible, but no details could really be made out. "This should be far enough from wandering ears."

"That sounds a bit suspicious." Achille said in a joking manner. "If you're trying to win my heart, I need significantly more wining and dining."

That got a small laugh out of Max, but his face soon returned to a neutral state. He let out a deep sigh and crossed his arms again. "I want to call in the favor from taking the Skitty. Two questions, honest answer."

Achille definitely felt worried now. If he was cashing in a favor, there was probably a good reason for it. Still, he did make the promise knowing Max would make use of them. "Okay, but quick question before you start. Where is Nellie?"

"Back home." Max smiled, lightening up at the unexpected question. "Mum wouldn't have liked me taking both Maurice and Delilah with me and leaving her with neither. She does have a massive weak spot for Skitty though."

"Alright then go ahead." Achille was just relieved to hear the tiny kitten was safe.

Max remained steel faced, launching into his first question. "Alright then. Are you only staying in Galar because Roland decided to go for the Kalos Championship this year?"

He didn't hold back on the first question. The bluntness of it came as a bit of a shock, but he supposed he did owe some answers. "Nah, the announcement he was quitting the contest scene blindsided us all. Him going for the championship was just another bomb he dropped on us.

"My agreement was that I attempt at least one run of the Galarian league before attempting anything in Kalos." Achille continued, crossing his arms and sighing himself. He looked up at the sky in time to see a large cloud pass over the sun, shading the land below. The pleasant breeze didn't feel quite so refreshing in the shade. "That was the deal I made with my father, anyways. I was considering going back over there myself… but I already kind of pushed too hard on getting this in the first place." He offered an awkward smile, hoping to break the tension a little.

His friend remained stone-faced though. Max gave a short cough to clear his throat. "Okay. Second question." He paused for a moment as the cloud passed, shifting his weight to the other foot. "6 billion was transferred from your family to Lysandre. Your uncle wore the uniform and was in that bunker with him. Did your father have anything to do with Team Flare himself."

Achille's stomach sank. His legs felt weak. He'd have liked to take a seat to remedy the shaking in feeling, but the field didn't offer him much other than the ground itself, and he'd rather stand. "I… don't know." The words felt like sand. His mouth was dry, and something felt stuck in his throat.

Max's eyebrow raised, but he didn't interrupt. Instead he remained silent while Achille continued. "I know almost nothing about him, especially from then." The words were flowing easier now. The need to justify himself causing them to come out faster and faster. Soon the only thing going faster than his mouth was his own heart. "I keep thinking that the press surely would have found something if there was anything. Especially after he swore off Cinder publicly and gave all that money to the rebuilding project. But that tas de merde Rose kept it up for so long?

"I thought about asking… but…" He choked on the words again. But what? Whatever the answer to that was, he didn't need to find out right now. Max grabbed his shoulder and brought him back to focus.

"Relax. Breathe, mate." His friend comforted him. Achille followed the advice, feeling the cool air enter his lungs and back out again. It did help to calm him somewhat. "You're good. Sorry to suddenly drop something like that on you."

It was a few more breaths before Achille felt good enough to speak. He plopped down on the grass below, the thought of sitting on the ground no longer repulsive. His head spun a little, enough to make him feel unsteady but not enough to actually shake the world. He pulled his bag into his lap, grabbing his bottle of water and taking several gulps. "What the fuck was that for anyways?" He said while wiping his mouth with his shirt. Definitely not concerned about how he looks right now. "Parents push you to it or something?"

"Well, yes and no." Max took a seat next to him, leaning back on his hands as he sat. "They did ask me not long after I was old enough to actually keep secrets. They never said it outright, but I'm sure they were hoping that if there was anything suspicious that you or Mireille would let something slip. Being too young to actually remember, that is. Jean and Roland were already pretty tight lipped about the whole situation."

Achille forced back a nasty thought about manipulated to find dirt on his father. He at least deserved to finish his story. "Truth be told I told them you were clear a few months after they asked me." Max admitted. There was a bit of a mischievous look to his face as he stared at a cloud and reminisced.

"Why? If you're asking me now I don't think you figured anything out."

"Hmm?" Max responded like he'd never even stopped to consider the reasons why. "Eh, I just felt like it at the time. Call it the first time I realized I didn't just have to do what they said. Why ask now? For one I wanted to make sure my friend wasn't secretly brainwashed and about to start talking about a 'beautiful world'."

"Don't even joke about that!" Achille snipped back angrily, feeling another nauseating sink of his stomach. The thought that anyone would tie him to him unsettled him. "Merde, If Lysandre or my uncle even had a grave I'd happily spit on it. Especially if stops people from fucking talking about it."

"Relax, I.. had to be sure, okay." Max shifted to a cross-legged position. The carefree look was gone, replaced with the deadly serious look again. "The other reason was a warning. You're lucky right now that nobody bothers enough with some decade-old disaster in Kalos to recognize any names associated aside from the big players. Don't do anything to fuck it up. I don't think all the fallout from Chairman Rose has settled yet."

Achille kept quiet, letting him continue. "Despite that… I think it might be better for you to stay in Galar and not return to Kalos."

"Explain." Achille demanded. There was a feeling of disgust building within him, abandon his home? For a place he barely knew? He stopped letting his eyes wander across the scenery and shot a glare at his companion.

"Don't get pissed off at me," Max shot back, matching him in tone. "At least consider it, for fuck's sake! Are you in a rush to get back there to a family clusterfuck? Pick a side between your brother and your father over whether becoming a big celebrity might cause people to start digging for skeletons in the family closet? Miss the winces from anyone older than 25 when you introduce yourself because the first thing that comes to mind is someone they know who died as a result of Flare or Cinder?"

"For fuck's sake man," He continued his rant, standing up now. He shed the mask of cold professionalism for genuine annoyance. "Did any of the Kalosian pricks you called friends even message you since you've been here? I just want you to think about this." He sighed, letting the anger fade from his voice. "You're already a minor celebrity right now just by taking this challenge. You're doing what you always wanted to do, and newspapers aren't printing headlines like Old Terror Returns to Kalos?!. You should see the shit they printed about Roland the second he said he was going to be a trainer and not a coordinator.

"You could find yourself a nice guy or girl here. You're already on the path to making it big here. Even if anyone finds out and tries to use it against you, the defense that you're distant from your father holds weight with actual, measurable distance."

Achille mulled over the information. He made good points, Galar has treated him quite well… He may have a point with finding a nice g-, he pushed that thought away before dwelling on it. "I… can't promise anything right now," he finally answered. "You made your point though."

Max smiled again. It was a much more pleasant look for him than the robot-like seriousness. "That's all I ask. Right now anyways. Now, for the real reason we're in this field."

"Wait, another real reason?" Achille pushed himself off the ground, his legs now recovered from their earlier wobbles.

"I don't need to drag you all the wait out to an empty field for a private conversation, you know." The fair-haired boy reached into his pocket and pulled out his own poké ball. "You asked for a training partner, and I don't go back on promises."




Inventory:
Spoiler:





 
Back
Top