[PKMN FULL] Airborne: A Hoenn Journey (T) [IC]

Welcome to the Hoenn Region, a vast tropical land, filled to the brim with exotic locations and boundless oceans. This beautiful region, created by the legendary pokémon, Groudon and Kyogre, is a treasure trove of fun and adventure just waiting for eager pokémon trainers to explore its riches.

It has been exactly fifteen years, since the legendary trainer May thwarted the nefarious schemes of Teams Aqua and Magma, which threatened the entire pokémon world. She has since been hailed as one of the greatest trainers the region had ever seen and thrived in her role as the Poké-League champion. However she has mysteriously gone missing for the past year, leaving Elite Four member, Winona, to take her place.

Regardless of the league matters, Hoenn is as prosperous as it has ever been. Today marks a special day in which a number of aspiring trainers in Rustboro City are to receive their starter pokémon... including you! The leading pokémon researcher of the region, Professor Roxanne, has promised to entrust you with a pokémon and a pokédex in return for your participation in her studies. With your starter in hand, and an entire world to explore, who knows what sort of experiences are waiting in store for you out there?

Are you ready? Your very own adventure is about to unfold! Be courageous and leap into the world of pokémon where dreams, adventures, and friendships await!​

It's been 15 years since the events of Emerald (NOT ORAS). As stated before, the pokémon champion, May, has gone missing for quite some time. Gym Leaders have come and gone with the years, technology has advanced and with it towns and cities have blossomed. Gym Leaders will, for the most part, be original NPC characters, controlled by the GM. However, you'll see a number of familiar faces around the RP :3

For the sake of not making things a pain, there will be no levels or IV/EV system. The RP will take a very anime-style approach on pokémon. Since there are no levels, the Pokemon can earn new moves whenever the roleplayer sees fit, but please be reasonable about this. Also, since there are no levels, pokémon evolution is one of the few things that must be checked for approval with the GMs. PM me first before making your pokémon evolve.

The diversity of Pokémon in Hoenn has changed dramatically over the passing years with the growing popularity of pokémon training. The release of pokémon throughout the region and daycare center have introduced different species into the ecosystems of Hoenn, making the fauna the most diverse it has ever been. Basically, there will be pokémon from all the regions available during this rp, not just the ones native to Hoenn.

You do not need the GM's approval to capture wild pokémon. However, while there may be exceptions, for the most part you are limited to catching one pokémon per route. You can go ahead and capture any pokémon in the given area that you want. Just try and be reasonable with it (making a long detailed post if the captured pokemon is rather rare or hard to catch) Available wild Pokémon, and their attacks will be in the chapter description.

This roleplay will be broken up into a multitude of chapters. Each one will have a number of different events that you may choose from, each event warranting a reward for its completion. However, there will be an overarching story that may take the place of these events. All the chapters will also have a main objective that you much complete by the end, such as making it to a certain town.

The RP will be accepting characters on a "first come-first serve" basis with a limited number of spots. Right now i'm thinking around 9, but that number may expand depending upon interest. However, because of this I will be judging a little harsher than other journey rps may be. If I don't accept your character at first, it's nothing personal and I will work with you in expanding upon your application if you'd like. :D

The starter pokémon that your character receives is up to you! However, it must be one of the 18 starter pokémon that are given out throughout the games. Also note that you may not have the same starter as any other players. If you submit an SU with the same pokémon as another player who has yet to be accepted, it will be considered a competition and I will accept whichever character I believe to be a better fit for the RP. If this ever happens you could just switch your pokémon to a different one :p

Each starter will start off knowing four moves with a maximum of six learned at any one time. The starters may come knowing a single egg move of your choice. They may also have an ability of your choosing from the list of abilities that they can have naturally.​

1. Follow all PokeCommunity/RPC rules and guidelines
2. The GM ruling is law :3
3. The rating is T for Teen, don't go too crazy. Leave all that for the fan fictions.
4. Try to be as active as possible. I understand that we can all be busy and such, but we gotta move on. If you won't be posting as much, let the GM know in advance. However, you will be booted off if you do not return or if you go inactive without messaging me.
5. Be respectful to one another, and have fun cause isn't that what it's all about? lolno​

Frozen Heart as Robin Morris

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Pastel Phoenix as Danielle Metts

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LinearAxel as Rose Burneshttp://www.pokecommunity.com/showpost.php?p=9228285&postcount=13

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Oddball_ as Belle Blackwood

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Godzil as Carter Fontaine

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FireSnow as Cyrus Capaldi

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Etherion as Dylan Josh Thompson

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adventure as Paige Perrary

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HTS123.0 as Hunter Trait

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​

Belle casually strolled through the grassy pathway, stopping to point out some of the more interesting wildflowers to his new friend.

"This looks like Viola riviniana more commonly known as the dog violet of course. Didn't know they were native to regions like Hoenn, but with all the international travel, it isn't a surprise. Just takes one seed to destroy an ecosystem. You know all about plants and gardening don't you Vyl?" The white haired teenager asked the green wood Gecko Pokémon on his shoulder, who stared at him with a curious large yellow eye.

"Treeko tree?" The Pokémon responded.

"Well of course!" Belle nodded in approval despite having no idea what his new Pokémon had just said.

The two continued on their way through the grassy route, passing several trainers who were engaged in battles with wild Pokémon.

"That is a valid point isn't it." Belle thought to himself. If I want to keep doing this, i'm going to need to have Syl battle other Pokémon and get stronger...

As if answering his silent prayers, the bushes to the boy's left began to rustle and shake. Seconds later a small brown head poked out and began to sniff the air around it and, upon noticing the boy and the treeko, waddled forward and began sniffing them.

"Well you're certainly a friendly little guy!" Belle noted as he sat down stroked the Pokémon's fur. "Not exactly the kind of monstrous thing they warn you about on the road signs... can you imagine a beware of wild Pokémon sign with this guys face on it?"

"Treeko tree." Vyl noted plainly prodding his trainer with a nearby stick.

"Whats up Vyl?" Belle asked looking towards his starter Pokémon. As he did so, the starter Pokémon merely pointed at the bidoof, which had been digging through the boy's bag since he had sat down.

"Hey you little..." Belle grunted pulling a bidoof with a half eaten sandwhich in its mouth out of his bag. "You little thief." Belle chuckled shaking his head.

"Bidoof" The Pokémon responded and pawed the ground, a gleam in his eyes.

"Oh? Alright, Syl lets show this little guy how we deal with thieves." Belle called out, pointing at the Pokémon with an overly dramatic finger.

"Treeko..." The Pokémon sighed, disapointed that this idiot had become his trainer. The Pokémon leaped off of the fallen log it had been sitting on and landed infront of Belle with the grace of a circus acrobat.

The bidoof wasted no time, throwing itself forward and rolling towards the Treeko with great speed.

"Pound him into the ground with you tail!" Belle called out, watching all of this unfold with a slight smile.

The Bidoof was rolling forward at a good speed, but the nimble Treeko easily used his tale as a paddle and swat the bidoof into the air and acrost the little field. The plump mouse Pokémon fell to the ground and climbed back onto its feet, clearly not very injured by the fall. It then began to roll forward again at a faster pace than before.

"It doesn't matter how fast you go, use quick attack!" Belle ordered.

Syl stepped forward and seemed to disapear in a flash of light. The rolling bidoof suddenly lurched to the side as a green shape appeared next to it, lashing out at him with a painful looking kick.

The bidoof stopped rolling about and stared at the wood gecko pokemon as if trying to devise a plan that could stop it.

"Vyl dragonbreath while its distracted!" Belled called, still using his dramatic pointing finger.

The wood Gecko closed its eyes and took a deep breath and released the energy infused air as a single blast, smashing it into the pondering Bidoof.
"Bi... doof." The Pokémon gasped, pouncing forward and sinking its its large buck teeth into the neck of the Treeko.

"Hyper fang?!" Belle gasped, not knowing if he should go and help his Pokémon or not. As if in answer to his thoughts, the Bidoof began to glow with a green energy, which started to flow into Vyl. "Oh I see, Absorb." Belle noted, watching as his Pokémon litterally sucked the life out of the bidoof.

The bidoof wobbled around and stared at the enemy Pokémon with determination. It lowered its head and let out a battlecry before charging forward.
"Vyl! Thats skull bash! Don't let that connect!" Belle shouted, realizing that this battle could be over in an instant.​

THUD!!!​

A flash of green. The bidoof fell to the ground mid charge, as Syl stood over it with a a branch in its hands. A comedically large welt formed on the top of the Bidoofs head.

"Alright!" Belle cheered happily. He dug through his pocket and pulled out one of the red and white Pokéballs that the professor had given him and tossed it at the unconscious Bidoof. The ball shook once... twice... three times... CLICK!
​

Cyrus straightened his tie and pulled on his blazer. Today was the day his quest to become the champion began and his first obstacle, Route 116, was laid out in front of him.

"Chim Chim?" His partner, Chimchar, said, seemingly asking something.

"That's correct Titus. Today marks the beginning of our quest to show everyone that we are the best battlers that Hoenn has ever seen" Cyrus said confidently, giving a slight shake of his head to shape up his green hair.

Titus and Cyrus were a match made in PokeHeaven. When Cyrus walked in to Professor Roxanne's office just two days ago, he was uncertain he would be able to find a Pokemon that shared his desire to be the best. When he left, those uncertainties were gone. When he left, he had a partner for life.

Cyrus had walked into the lab and made his way into Roxanne's office.

"Hi there Professor Roxanne. My name is Cyrus Capaldi. I believe you have a Pokemon for me?" Cyrus had said politely, bowing his head in respect.

"Yes, of course. Follow me"

Cyrus followed the professor into a large room with a fairly large table in the middle and a line of Pokeballs on it.

"Let me show you your choices."

Roxanne, one by one, released the Pokemon from their balls. Totodile. Turtwig. Chespin. Froakie. Tepig. Roxanne continued until almost all the starter Pokemon were standing there on the table. Cyrus' eyes were only drawn to one Pokemon though.

That Tepig.

The look in its eyes told Cyrus all he needed to know. This little pig wanted to win and prove its power. Just when Cyrus was about to tell the professor his choice though, things took a surprising turn. Out of nowhere, the Tepig was sent flying into the wall. In its place was a fiery little monkey.

Chimchar.

It's left hand was crackling with electricity and Cyrus quickly realized what happened.

"Darn it Chimchar! What have I told you a million times!" Roxanne yelled, turning towards Cyrus now, "I'm so sorry Mr. Capaldi. Chimchar is a bit of a troublemaker. Let me put him back in his Pokeball. You wouldn't want a Pokemon like him." She reached for Chimchar's ball.

"No"

Roxanne stopped. "Pardon?"

"No. I want the Chimchar" Cyrus said emotionless, staring into the Chimp Pokemon's big brown eyes, "I want Chimchar" Cyrus repeated.

"Well, um, if that's what you want..." Roxanne handed Cyrus the Pokeball.

"Let's go...Titus. We've got a journey to go on" Gesturing Titus towards the door and casually walking out of the lab.

Cyrus thought about this as he and Titus walked down the main path on Route 116. A Chimchar with Thunderpunch and willing to do anything to win, even cheap shots? Sign Cyrus up for that. He and Titus weren't about to let anyone or anything stand between them and their goal.​

"The bond between humans and Pokemon is a rare and wonderful connection. To some, Pokemon are pets. Others use them to battle. And some study Pokemon, and send aspiring young trainers off on a romantic journey of self-discovery so they may learn the ways of life, friendship, and what's really important to them... And it beats getting a real job, am I right?"

Carter tossed away the brochure he had been reading from (and subsequently mocking), and his new friend Snappy jumped up and caught it in his mouth, idly tearing it to shreds as he followed behind Carter. "I mean, it was nice of the Professor to send me on my way like this, but what exactly does she expect me to do? Write her a letter every week explaining what I learned about friendship? Challenge the Gym Leaders and take on the Elite 4? I moved to Hoenn to make a fresh start for myself, not go wandering across the country fighting people."

Snappy followed behind quietly, honestly just happy to be outside. Carter glanced back at him and smile. "You got it good, kid. You're young and carefree, and what you're gonna do with your life isn't a problem right now. So maybe you should decide. What are we gonna do?" He pointed at Snappy, who merely tilted his head in confusion. Carter raised an eyebrow, expecting an answer. "Well, what do you wanna do?" Snappy suddenly leaned forward and bit down on his hand.

"YEEOOOOWWW!"

Carter pulled his hand back, shaking it quickly in pain. Snappy grinned happily, running up and nuzzling Carter's leg. Looking at his hand, he realized that he wasn't bleeding, and in fact none of Snappy's teeth had broken skin. The bite was more playful than malicious, and the little guy probably didn't even know his own strength. "Heh... alright, let's go burn off some of that excess energy, huh?"

---

Arriving at Route 116, Carter had to admit that it was pretty. It was green, and calm, and had a certain quality to it. He knew there was a word for it. Pastel? No, pastoral! Route 116 was a pretty, pastoral place. And Snappy seemed to like it, as he was running around, chasing leaves that had fallen from the trees.

"You know, if I had a camera, I'd probably take a picture of a place like this. It'd look great on somebody's wall, and I'd probably get payed pretty well for it! Rich people will buy anything! But I don't have a camera. So let's go beat something up, huh?" Snappy fell into line behind Carter, and the two made their way to the long grass. He was certain they'd find a Pokemon there.

Sure enough, him crashing through the grass scared away a flock of Pidgey, and one of them was a brave enough bird to stand up to him. "Alright, Snappy! Whoop its butt! Use... uh... use your instincts, I gotta look up your attacks!" Carter powered up his Pokedex, searching for Totodile's moves. Meanwhile, Snappy followed his instincts and charged the Pidgey, his fangs glowing blue. His Ice-infused fangs dealt severe damage to the Tiny Bird, and it was taken out in one hit.

Carter glanced up to see the fight was already over, and shrugged as he put his Pokedex away. "Guess I know what your favorite snack is, huh? We'll go find you some more birds!"​

We should be able to find a grass type here." Rose thinks out loud as she treks through the tall grass. Now that their journey had officially begun, getting a team started was priority number one, and there was no better place to start than a Pokémon that could cover her Cyndaquil's weaknesses. With the brightest of smiles on her face, she glances down at the fire mouse in her arms, slowly placing him on top of her head. "See anything?"
The small creature glances from left to right, searching intently for movement within the tall grass. A few feet away is some rustling, and it's coming closer…closer…very quickly. "Quil-quil!" Keaton taps on his trainer's head urgently.

Rose blinks in surprise as the rummaging comes closer. It's—not a Pokemon at all...it's a schoolgirl. "Woah there!" She calls out as the frantic little girl comes hurtling towards them. She skids to a stop, only an inch from Rose's outstretched arm. "Where's the fire?"
"N-no fire." The young girl sniffles as she speaks. "I-I just need to get to the Pokemon Center." The schoolgirl looks down to her arms, where a rather obliterated Poocheyna lay.
"Oh gosh!" The words fly from Rose's mouth before she can think them through. That Poocheyna looks like it's been through far more than a friendly battle with the low level Pokemon of this route. "What happened?"

"I…I just wanted to see the Whismur." The schoolgirl whimpers. "B-but…there's this man…he said I could only go to the tunnel if I beat him in a battle." The sniffling intensifies. "Poochy did her best…but his Loudred was so strong…"

"Loudred?" Rose asks angrily. Some guy's bullying little girls into battles with an evolved Pokemon? Oh no. This is NOT going to fly. "Where's this man now?"

"O-over there." A shaky finger points the way. "Where we found him…"

"Go on to the Pokemon Center." Rose' glare melts into a sweet smile as she locks eyes with the little girl. "When you get back, he won't be there anymore. We're going to take care of him."

"Y-you're sure?"

"Very sure." Rose thrusts her arm against her side as Keaton hops from her head. Once on the ground, he releases a tiny battle cry, as well as the flares from his back.

"B-be careful, okay?" With that, the young girl runs off.

"Ready, Keaton?" Rose asks strongly. A nod from the fire mouse, and the pair march off.

"You're gonna need to work off that sandwich." Belle muttered to the Bidoof, which was now riding happily on his shoulder.

"Doof."

"Don't you doof me... hey whats going on over there..." As he spoke, the boy pointed towards a young girl running out from deeper in the route.

As he arrived, Belle overheard bits and pieces of conversation. Something about a guy with a Loudred. "Well this sounds interesting." The white haired boy mused, appearing from nowhere.

"Who are you?" The little girl sniffled.

"Belle Blackwood, Pokémon trainer for professor Roxxane. Having issues?" Belle replied, kneeling down so that he was on head level with the young girl.

"Well... there was a mean man with a Loudred. The other girl went in to go fight him, but I don't know if she'll be strong enough!" The little girl sobbed.

"Oh well have no fear, Belle is here. I'll go make sure this other girl has all the backup she needs, and that this Loudred training jerkface stops picking on little girls." Belle replied, hoping to his feet.

"Be careful!" The little girl shouted as Belle began to walk away.

"Careful is my middle name. Actually its Bryce, but figure of speech and all that." He replied with a wave.

Belle and his party ran off towards the cave, once again leaving the snivveling little girl alone with her mutilated Poochyena.

Be careful!'

Rose heard the same schoolgirl make the same request, which caused her to turn her head. She wasn't calling after her again, was she?

No, someone else was coming this way. A boy—and a Bidoof. Rose paused mid-stride as Belle came closer. "You were at Professor Roxanne's lab." It was hard to forget that silvery hair. Rose puts on a smile, albeit a slightly uncertain one. "You saw her too, didn't you? The girl with the Poocheyna."

"Yes and Yes. Belle Blackwood here to help." The boy said with a slight nod. The girl was about his age, if on the shorter side. Like his, her hair was unusually colored, albeit hers blue instead of his silver.

"Bidoof" The plump mouse Pokémon input.

"Treeko-Tree" Vyl contributed.

"Oh of course, Professor Roxanne gave me Vyl, and uh... Doofy here happened to steal my sandwich so I sort of caught him. Its a long story." Belle explained quickly.

As they were speaking a loud sound came from deeper into the route, and moments later a young boy with a Skitty in his arms ran out crying.

"Well I don't know about you... but I think somebody needs to teach this guy not to pick on little kids." Belle said dryly as he watched the boy run past.

The uncertainty melted away from Rose's eyes when the two Pokemon spoke up. There's just something about the presence of Pokemon that makes everything easier. "Y'know, I think I'd like to hear that story sometime." Sandwhich theft turned capture, that's bound to be good for a laugh-- bur for now, there are other matters to attend to. "I'm Rose. Rose Burne." She gives a small nod before her head tilts to her Cyndaquil, who hops from the ground to his trainer's shoulder. "And this is Keaton."

"Cynda-quiil." The fire Pokemon puffs a tiny ember from its mouth in a joyful greeting.

"We were trying to catch a-" The loud sound from within the cave caught her story short. Another young trainer comes running from deeper in the route, clutching a Skitty that looks about as well off as that girl's Poocheyna.

Seems her story will have to wait; their friendly neighborhood jerkwad was going to keep looking for young trainers to pick on until they put him in his place.

"I was thinking the same thing. Say we make it a tag team?" Rose asks, her hands coming to rest on her hips in a confident stance.


"I say we shall." Belle replied with a grin. "Lets go get this jerkwad."

They didn't have to walk long to find the source of these childrens problems. A middle aged man in a charizard looking costume was standing in the middle of a clearing, sneering down at a young boy and his heavily damaged Aron.

"Oi, Why don't you grow up and pick on somebody your own size?" Belle cried out, flailing his arms into another dramatic point, this time at himself and his new companion.

"Oh ho? You think you twerps are going to be strong enough to take on the Jimster? HA! As if. I'll send you two crying back to your mommys just like the rest of these brats!" The Pokémaniac shouted, his Loudred stomping its feet and turning towards the newcommers.

"Jimster?" Belle snorted as Vyl hopped off of his shoulder and began to stare down the Loudred.

"Well if this is going to be a two on two battle, I had better send out my new pet as well!" The man chuckled, and in a flash of red light a Bunnelby stood beside the Loudred.

"You read my mind." Right down to her choice name for the guy they were hunting. This Belle character is shaping up to be a pretty cool guy.

Their heroic quest soon landed them in front of a middle aged man...in a...Charizard costume. Oh. Ooh...this is embarassing. Just looking at this guy makes her feel a whole new level of pity for everyone involved.

Jimster.

"That's...what he said." Rose leers at the cosplaying man-child as Keaton hops off her shoulder and goes to join Treecko. The flames from his back erupt as he stares at the stomping Loudred.

"If you think winning will be that easy, you won't mind us going first. Keaton, smoke screen!"

Belle shook his head. He thought HE was childish. "Vyl, Lets give this man baby something to cry about! Quick attack!"

The wood gecko Pokémon disapeared into a blur of green and dove right into the smokey cover which the Cyndaquil had created.

"Loudred! Silence these brats!" The Pokémaniac shouted, pounding his chest with a styrofoam claw.

As he spoke a blue shape was thrown out of the smokey cover, the Loudred landed on its back. The giant creature climbed to its feet and let out an uproar, shaking the trees around them and sending swarms of Tailow flying away.

"Yeow! I guess he's not called Loudred for no reason!" Belle shouted, covering his ears with his hands.

"I can't hear you!" The middle aged man cheered, sticking his tounge out at the trainers.

"This guy is a litteral child." Belle scoffed and shook his head.

This Loudred might be strong, but it was also too slow to block Treecko's speedy attack, and heavy enough that the fall probably hurt it just as much as the gecko's own impact, this was good to know—but for now, they had to silence that Uproar…and the best way was to make him flinch. "Well, not literally." Rose flashes a playful smile and a friendly wink to her partner, before turning her attention back to the man-child-izard. "Keaton, shut that Loudred up with Extrasensory!"

Cyndaquil opens its mouth, shooting a multicolored energy blast straight for the purple Pokémon's own gaping maw.

The giant Pokémon staggered back, clutching its head. The extrasensory noise had caused it to cut off its obnoxious attack.

"Guh! Bunnelby, use double slap on that flaming rat!" The Pokémaniac shouted.

The little rabbit Pokémon jumped, or perhaps more appropriatly, hopped forward and swung its large ears at the Cyndaquil.

"Vyl! While he's distracted, show him a taste of your dragon breath attack!" Belle ordered. The wood gecko sucked in its breath and released it as a charged beam of draconic energy, smashing into the nearby Loudred.

"Keaton, get away with a quick attack!"

The flames from Cyndaquil's back grew larger as it used the burst of speed to zip behind the Bunnelby's flailing ears, then launched itself at the grey rabbit's back in a full on smash.

Along with being childish (and almost as much of a loud mouth as his Pokémon) it was becoming clear that their opponent had no idea how to double battle; only focusing on one Pokémon at a time, and only commanding Bunnelby when Loudred was completely incapacitated. This worked well for them, as it didn't seem he could even attempt to protect Loudred from Treecko's Dragon Breath while he was dealing with Keaton and Bunnelby.

Belle could see that the Loudred was hardly phased. It would seem that a second stage Pokémon could take far more damage than he had at first suspected. He stole a glance over at the cyndaquil who was easily keeping the Bunnelby at bay. Had it been a newly caught Pokémon? At least the guy didn't simply beat on it and leave it to die, but then again with the way he had been acting...

"Loudred! Circle throw!" The man yelled. The giant blue Pokémon lunged at Vyl and threw him, quite forcefully, into Belle. The Pokéball which belonged to Vyl snapped open and pulled the wood Gecko Pokémon in. Doofy leaped off of his trainers shoulder in order to get in on the fight.

"Uh, okay! Doofy use uh..." Belle started, fumbling for his Pokédex to try and figure out what moves Bidoof could use.

"Bunnelby! Shake that thing with a Rollout and take out that beaver!" The man exclaimed.

Every fiber of her being wanted to scream out that using a Pokémon to assault a trainer in battle was against every rule in the book, yet she knew it would do no good…and showing that his tactics were getting to her would only add fuel to this guy's obnoxious fire.

Speaking of fire, her fire type wasn't going to last long if it was hit with a rollout. For Keaton's sake, as well as their newly partnered Bidoof, they would have to make double-certain that attack didn't hit. "Give Bunnelby another smokescreen!"

Cyndaquil lunged into the air, away from Bunnelby's rolling assault, and hurled the smoke blast straight for its eyes. Even after the smoke cleared, they wanted to make sure Bunnelby's accuracy stayed depleted.

"Oh yeah!" Belle muttered, remembering one of the moves the bidoof had used on him earlier that day. "Skull bash!"

The bidoof reared its head and pawed the ground, clearly preparing for a charge at the Loudred.

"Loudred, get over there and get that thing away from Bunnelby!" The Pokémaniac shouted, causing the big hulking pokémon to stomp over and lunge for the Cyndaquil. "Did I tell you to stop using Rollout?!" The man continued, stomping his styrofoam foot in the Bunnelby's direction.

Rose smirks as a realization hits her: Their opponent has no idea what kind of Pokémon Keaton is; she's never called him by his species name. Just a little something to add to their opponent's growing list of reasons to have to pick on small kids to boost himself up.

Skull bash?! That's a really powerful move for a Pokémon so young. If Doofy can make contact, this battle is over—but he's going to need another few seconds to charge up, and in those few seconds, Loudred can't grab it with another circle throw. No problem, she has this completely under control.

"Keaton, use Ember on Loudred!"

Bunnelby wasn't going to make contact with that rollout any time soon, not while it was blinded by the smoke, giving both trainers the chance to fully focus on Loudred. Cyndaquil leaps upward when Loudred comes charging for it, its flames once more growing larger as it fires a blast of tiny flames for the purple Pokémon's face.

That was all the distraction they needed. In the split second that Loudred was distracted, Doofy charged forward and caught the purple Pokémon in the back, adding a little leap at the end to reach. The purple giant was thrown acrost the room with surprising force considering that the impact came from something so small.

"Great job Doofy!" Belle cheered, hopping up and down with excitement.

"It's not over yet!" The Pokémaniac shouted, pointing towards a very smokey looking Bunnelby. "Rollout!" He cried, and the Pokéman began rolling forward trying to make contact with either of its opponents. However its eyesight was heavily damaged by all the smoke and it rolled right past the cyndaquil and into a nearby wall.

"Is that really all you've got Jimster?" Belle asked sarcastically.

Oh, that's almost sad, watching Jimster go into a pretty heavy state of denial as Bunnelby rolls right by Keaton, without even a chance of contact. "Let's end this officially." For someone who feels so sorry for the sight before her, there was a suspiciously giggle-like sound at the end of her words. "One more Ember."

The flames on Keaton's back recede into his back as he calls upon his last attack, showing some mercy to the poor rabbit Pokémon. As the embers crash into the Bunnelby, and the little 'mon falls defeated, Rose joins her partner in a victorious show of hopping.

"Oh." She speaks once their victory bounces are complete. "Keaton is a Cyndaquil, by the way." She smirks towards their beaten opponent.

"Why you little... You haven't seen the last of me!" The Pokémaniac shouted, recalling his fainted Pokémon and running through the treeline, surprising Belle at how well he was able to move in such a ridiculous costume.

"Well then, I guess thats that." Belle sighed after a moment.

"Bidoof!" Bidoof commented from a nearby bush. As Belle looked over, it appeared he was digging through something.

"Oh not again, hey spit that out!" Belle complained as he pulled a very slobbering bag from the Bidoofs mouth. As he did the bag tore open and the contents spilled out. Two potions and what looked to be about 1,200P. "Hey not bad. Think it was old Jimsters? Either way, it would be a shame to just leave it here..."

"Apologize when you get there!" Rose shouts to the Pokemaniac's backside as he takes off. By the time he gets to the Pokémon center, Nurse Joy will have dealt with three crying children and three brutally wounded Pokémon. An earful from the Pokémon Nurse and her Chansey might be even worse than the beating he received from Team Bluebell (she will never admit to calling them that).

"I kinda hope I haven't seen the last of him." Rose comments in response to Belle's sigh. She would really like to hear how Nurse Joy (and any Pokémon trainers resting at the center) reacted to a man that attacked small kids and baby Pokémon.

Her thoughts are cut short by the sound of the rummaging Bidoof, and she watches with amused eyes as trainer and Pokémon play tug-o-war with the bag. As Belle speaks, rose bends down and collects the two potions, tossing one of them to her battle partner. "I'd say a potion and some cash is the least he can give us, for making us go out of our way."

I like her. Belle thought to himself as she tossed him a potion and some of the cash. "Well either way, the little ones should be safe to travel the wilds with nothing but a super powered creature by there side once again. All is well on Route 116. I guess I'll see you around miss Rose. Good to see another one of professor Roxanne's assistants." Belle said as he started walking away, throwing a wave to the girl and her Cyndaquil behind him and wondering what he would get up to next.
​

Cyrus was getting bored. They had been walking for a couple hours now without much going on. They had passed a group of kids not too long ago but other than that, he and Titus hadn't seen hide nor tail of life.

"What kind of journey is this? I thought it was supposed to be an exciting time full of adventure?"Cyrus looked down at Titus, "How else are we supposed to grow and become the best of the best?" Titus just shrugged his shoulders as he walked.

It was then that the two partners heard something, like a faint chirping sound.

"Tai! Taillow!"

The pair looked at each other. It was the first sign of life they had encountered.

"Let's go!"

Cyrus and Titus quickly hurried their pace as they headed towards the sounds.

"Taillow! Taillow! Tai!"

The sounds were getting louder now.

"Hurry up Titus! Those chirping sounds should be coming from past these bushes!"

The pair burst through the bushes and were surprised at what they saw. Before them were about half a dozen young Taillow, all chirping. They all looked scared and excited. One was nervously flapping its wings, like it wanted to fly but couldn't. Another was pecking at the tree they were huddled under. There was even one who must've given and been quite hungry as it dug at the ground, picking out worms and other small bugs for its enjoyment. Cyrus was stoked. This would be some perfect training for him and Titus.

"You ready Titus?"

"Chim"

His partner let out coldly. Clearly he was ready for a battle. Something clicked in Cyrus' head though. Why are these Taillow on the ground? They are fairly young and clearly aren't the best flyers if they're even able to." Cyrus inquired, "And where's the mother, Swellow? Shouldn't she be here taking care of them?" This whole situation was confusing Cyrus. Then he remembered.

That group of kids.

Maybe they would know something. With that, Cyrus turned and began walking briskly. He needed to catch up to those kids before they got too far.

Little did he know, one of the young Taillow had decided to follow him, keeping itself hidden in the bushes.​

"I like him." Rose declares to Keaton. The smile that formed on her face during their battle was yet to subside, and likely wouldn't for some time. "Hope we see him again."

"Quil!" The fire mouse nods in agreement.

"Now, ready to get back to the mission at hand?" They were on a roll, and hopefully they could keep it going long enough to find and capture a grass type. Again, Keaton nods, and settles himself on his trainer's shoulder for a better view of their surroundings.

For several minutes the route is quiet, only the sound of rustling grass breaking the tense silence that is Rose and Keaton's search—until finally a louder, less subtle sound breaks that focused tension. It sounds like…someone beating a leafy branch against the ground?

…Yes, that is exactly what it is. Several feet from the tall grass is a flowering bush, and close to that bush is a Budew, grasping a fallen tree branch between its buds, attempting to…sweep? That's what it looks like, the little fellow is trying to sweep debris away from the bush.

Rose's eyes light up at the cute creature's efforts. The little bud certainly is trying hard, despite not having hands…or something that more closely resembles a broom.
"…We have to catch it." Rose whispers. It's a grass type, exactly what she was hoping to find, it's clearly a very determined and hard worker, and…it will make her sister incredibly happy to hear she caught the Pokémon that will eventually evolve into Roselia. Upon leaving Johto for Hoenn, that was the only specific request she was given ('be safe' and 'do your best' were hardly exact directions).

Keaton looks to his trainer and gives a tiny nod. While he doesn't really share her excitement at finding a sweeping plant, he can sense how much this means to his trainer. He hops from her shoulder and lands in front of the bud Pokémon, fire springing to life from his back.

The Budew jumps in surprise, apparently so focused on its project that he didn't notice the two. His broom-like branch is tossed aside, and the grass type quickly begins to spin in a circle, water spouting from his tiny body and dampening the surrounding area—and causing Cyndaquil's flames to shrink considerably.

"—Water sport." Rose frowns. Keaton's Ember won't be doing much of anything now—and with the risk of Budew having the Poison Point ability, she didn't dare use a physical move like quick attack. That leaves the duo one option. "Keaton, use extrasensory!"

The Cyndaquil stops attempting to shake his flames back into full-gear long enough to shoot the vibrantly colored energy towards the Budew—something the grass type didn't appear to see coming. The attack lands its mark and sends the flower bud thrown backwards. Landing with a harsh thud, Budew slowly rises back onto its stubby legs. Its body begins to glow an intense green, instantly followed by Keaton's body doing the same. Tiny orbs shoot from the fire type's body and return to Budew—who looks highly displeased.

"Cynda?" Keaton's head tilts to the side. It would seem the mega drain did so little damage that neither side felt much.

Poor thing…it sure is trying hard. Rose smiles as she gives her command: One more super effective attack should do it. "Keaton, one more!"

Her Cyndaquil jumps into action, charging for the little grass type as another Extrasensory blast shoots from his mouth. Another direct hit is landed—as the bud hardly has the energy or the strength to leap after the first powerful blow. Once more Budew hits the ground, though this time it hardly seems capable of hopping back up.
Rose grips an empty Pokéball from her belt and gives it a good luck squeeze. She draws in a deep breath as the metallic object leaves her grasp, knocking into its target and collecting it in a bright light.

Shake…Shake…Shake…Ding.
​

Shortly after leaving the clearing with all the Taillow, Cyrus caught up to that group of kids walking.

"Hey! HEY!"

The kids stopped and turned around curiously. What could this nicely dressed guy want?

"Ummm hey there? You lost or something?" One of the kids stepped forward, presumably the leader, "Take a left at the big oak tree and walk straight. You'll be back in Rustboro in no time." The kid then turned around and began walking again.

"HEY! I'm from this area so I think I know hot to get back to the city!"

The kids stopped and turned again.

"Then what is this about mister? We've got places to be, people to see ya know."

Cyrus was getting very irritated with these kids with their snooty attitude. Someone needed to set them straight about who was really superior.

"Alright twerps, listen up. About a mile back there's a clearing with a bunch of young Taillow on the ground, with no nest and no mother Swellow in sight. You know anything about that?"

The kid looked at Cyrus before busting out in laughter.

"Mister, you sure are nuts. We've been walking along this path for the last 2 hours. We know nothing about no Taillow. Now if you'll excuse us, we're gonna head out now." The kids turned around and began walking again.

Cyrus gritted his teeth. That attitude of that kid was killing Cyrus. He knew they knew something but he had no way to prove it. He clenched his fists and turned back the way he came. He'd have to fix the situation on his own. Something about those Taillow all on their own really bothered him. Just then, a streak of dark blue and white flew by him.

"OW! OWWWW! HEY STOP IT YOU TWERPY BIRD!"

Cyrus turned around at the commotion and was shocked to see the scene he was now witnessing. One of the Taillow from earlier was attacking the kids, pecking at their bodies and sending gusts of wind at them. Cyrus smiled as he knew the kids were trapped now.

"You know, this Taillow was one of the ones I found in the clearing. If I had to guess, I'd say it doesn't believe that story of yours. I wonder why?" Cyrus smirked.

"We don't know what you're talking about! We didn't do anything!" The leader batted at the Taillow but missed.

"Well if that's the case, I guess I'll be on my way." Cyrus turned and began walking.

"Wait! WAIT!"

Cyrus looked back.

"Okay we did it!" The kid pulled out a slingshot and tossed it to the ground, "Now call off this blasted bird! Please!"

Cyrus stopped and turned, "Now was that so hard? Come on Taillow, I think they've had enough."

The Taillow calmed down and flew back towards Cyrus, landing on his shoulder. Cyrus walked towards the kids and picked up the slingshot. He looked at the leader and then snapped it over his leg.

"What...hey!" The kid started before being shutdown by a death glare from the Taillow.

"Now if you'll follow me, you've got some Taillow to help out."

Leading the kids back to the clearing, Cyrus learned that the kids were out shooting the slingshot at random things on the route when they came upon the clearing. Up in the tree was a Swellow and its Taillow offspring. Thinking it would be funny, they had decided to see if they could hit the nest. This proved to be a poor decision as the onslaught of rocks at the nest scared the Swellow, who could not see its hidden assailants, leading it too fly off. Soon after, the nest was to follow as it fell off the branch it was perched on, scattering the Taillow. The kids proceeded to laugh about it as they walked away from the clearing, having decided it was much more fun to hit nests and the like rather than soda bottles and apples off a tree.

Cyrus listened to this as they came upon the clearing and brought them to the Taillow.

"What are we doing here mister?"

"Well twerps, you're going to rebuild these Taillows' nest and bring back their mother."

"How 'bout no? This will take hours! C'mon on guys, lets go." The leader turned away to walk before stopping suddenly. Before him were the other Taillow. They had surrounded him and looked very angry, ready to attack.

"On the other hand, maybe a little physical labor would be good for us" He turned and chuckled nervously.

"That's what I thought. Now make sure you build the nest well. I'd hate to see what would happen if done poorly." Cyrus smirked as he turned and walked away.

"Hey where do you think you're going!?"

"None of your business twerp."

Cyrus continued walking, looking up at the sky. In the distance he could see a dark figure. As it got closer, he could see it was a Swellow. Cyrus smiled. Those Taillow would be just fine. Cyrus then looked over at the little bird perched on his shoulder. This Taillow showed great spunk and no fear about attacking its assailants. It would make a great member of the team. Pulling out a Pokeball, Cyrus tossed it up into the air. The Taillow, taking its cue, flew off Cyrus' shoulder and tapped the ball with its beak, a red light engulfing it into the ball.

The ball landed with a thud. One wiggle...two wiggles...three wiggles...a click! With that, Cyrus had a brand new partner in his quest to be the champion.

​

"Yes!" Rose calls out in victory as the Pokéball stops shaking. Keaton whirls around on his hind legs, leaping into the air beside his trainer, and tapping his paw delicately against her palm. With a vibrant smile, Rose picks up the Pokéball and holds it between her hands. "Thank you." She whispers to the tiny creature inside, before tucking the ball onto her belt loop. "Take a rest for a little while." While she wanted to call her new Pokémon out and begin bonding with it, she doubted that's what Budew wanted, after taking those super effective.

Twirling on her toes to face Keaton once more, Rose points towards their next objective: Rusturf Tunnel. "Still up for it?"

"Cyn-da!" Keaton calls forth the flames from his back to show his excitement.
"That's what I like to see. Let's go." Rose begins the trek towards the tunnel, Keaton trotting along beside her. The two are just about to take their first step into the rocky path—when something comes running towards them from the side.

"You there!" Cries a rather…crazed looking man.

"Um…us?" Rose asks hesitantly. Please don't let it be us.

"Yes!"

Crap. "Y-es?"

"I can tell you're the kind of person that craves adventure! Am I right?"

Rose delicately taps her side, calling Keaton into her arms. If it turns out this guy has been following her, he's going to get a blast of Extrasensory right in the face. "That's…right."

"Perfection! Now, what if I were to tell you that your grandest adventure yet lies within this tunnel?"

He's speaking—yelling, her language. "I'm listening."

"Within these walls lie the bones of Pokémon long gone. If you would be so kind as to guard a humble fossil maniac through the dangerous darkness, I promise you more all the excitement your heart can handle."

Cards on the table: Going deep into the tunnel in search of fossils sounds a whole lot more interesting than walking across, just to get to the other side. Her mind begins reeling with thoughts of what wonders this tunnel might hide within its depths. Slowly, Rose's hesitant expression eases into an enthusiastic smile—just…not as enthusiastic as the maniac's. Her aunt told her about this particular type of trainer years ago. Apparently they mean no harm, and are not to be kicked in the shins.

"You've got yourself a deal, Mr. Maniac."

"Bless you, sweet girl! Follow me, we've not a moment to lose!" The man hurriedly steps through the tunnel's entrance, with Rose walking just a few steps behind.

"Guess we've not a moment to lose." She smiles to the Cyndaquil in her arms, picking up her pace to catch up to her new traveling companion.
​

Cyrus picked up the ball and looked at it, clearly thinking about something.

"Fitch...yes, Fitch. That'll be your name."

Smiling, Cyrus put the ball away and continued walking. That little Taillow, though young, had the heart of a champion and the desire to be strong, exactly what Cyrus was looking for. As he walked, he decided to learn more about his Taillow. Pulling out his Pokedex, he put in the required information.

"Hmm, so its got Peck, Quick Attack and Double Team." Cyrus murmured to himself, "I can work with this. Plenty of strategies to employ in battles."

Lost in his thoughts about strategies, Cyrus didn't notice the man yelling at him until he was basically on top of him. Jumping back in surprise at the yelling, Cyrus looked up at the man blocking his way towards what appeared to be the Rusturf Tunnel, his route to Verdanturf Town.

"Where do you think you're going kid! Haven't you heard!?"

Cyrus looked at the man quizzically, "Heard what?"

The man raised his arms wide and above his head, "That there's a huge monster living in this here tunnel! Its not a safe place for kids like you."

"Huge monster you say?" The gears inside Cyrus's head began turning. It had to be a Pokemon and if it is was big as the man was saying then Cyrus just found the next member of his team.

"People are saying this monster burrows underground before striking and then plows up through the ground and attacks. Rumors say it might even eat you!" The man looked down at the empty space in front of him before whipping his head around, "Hey! HEYYYY! Where are you going!?"

"Where does it look like? I'm gong to go catch this so called monster."

Walking straight ahead into the tunnel, Cyrus immersed himself in the darkness.


​