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[FONT="Oswald"]Mega Evolution, part 1[/FONT]
Tower of Mastery​

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The Emma Kuzunoha Case Files

"Let's go, Tentacruel!!"

A Tentacruel rose up from the energy of the released Pokeball, right from an opposing trainer's hand. It was Emma's turn in the tournament, and with everyone watching things were a bit nerve wracking at first, but in a way, this tournament was something... Emma needed. Something to keep her mind off things and focus on the energetic and exciting battles ahead. Emma's first opponent was a swimmer named Leanne, who had a Tentacruel up for battle. There was something about Leanne herself that Emma couldn't put her finger on... was she someone Emma had seen before? Curious, but not world shattering.

Emma pondered on what Pokemon she needed to use. She wanted someone strong, yet stable enough to take on the pressure of these battles... after a brief moment, she had decided. "Alright then," she started. "I choose Titani--" owever, she was cut off, by a sudden opening off one of her pokeballs form her handbag. It was none other than Drago the Bagon, who popped out from his pokeball. "...Drago..."

Drago was more of a go-getter in Emma's pokemon group; he loved fighting, and defeating challenging opponents. Perhaps the lust for battle from this atmosphere made him pop out? "...I suppose you want to battle?" Emma asked him, as Drago responded with a confident yet nonchalant nod. Emma thought about it... Drago was not her first choice, but, it was a respectable one. She nodded back in agreement. "Alright then. Let's go, Drago!"

Drago greeted the battlefield with a loud roar, spitting out flames towards the sky. His battle cry. He then leaped more out in front of Emma, facing and staring down his aquatic opponent with ferocity. Tentacruel responded in kind, by vigorously waving around it's many poisonous tentacles. All that was left was the signal by the Champion.

"And now... let the battle begin!"



"Drago! DRAGONBREATH!" Emma shouted. Drago gathered up waves of mysterious energy from within himself to release a blast of strong vapor, sending it right to the Tentacruel.

"Uuuuuse BUBBLEBEAM!" Leanne ordered. Her Tentacruel released a strong stream of bubbles, colliding with the Dragonbreath attack, resulting in a blast that neutralized both attacks. Things looked even, for now. There was then a thick cloud of fog that enhanced the battlefield. "Now! CONSTRICT!" there was then a steady march of tentacles from Tentacruel, under the guise of the smoke. Drago barely managed to evade each of them, until it got blinded sided by two, as it coiled around him. The force released the vapor, making the two pokemon clearly shown. Tentacruel was holding Drago up. "Perfect! Now, BUBBLEBEAM!"

"Quick, Drago! Bite it!" Emma responded. Drago bit down on Tentacruel's tentacles as hard as he could, causing tentacruel to release it. Drago stood on both of its legs, back on the ground. "Now! HEADBUTT!" He then charged back right in, lowering his head intending to charge right against Tentacruel.

"Use Barrier!" Tentacruel activated a small barrier that covered itself around it. The protective shield blocked Drago's Headbutt, causing Drago to be pushed back a bit in the air. "Now! Screech!" Tentacruel then emitted loud soundwaves, right at the mid-air Drago, hurling him a few feet.

"Quick! EMBER!" Emma called out. During mid-flight, Drago released a swarm of flames from it's mouth, coming in contact to the Tentacruel, fending him off and causing it to stagger for a brief moment. Drago landed to the ground, landing on his stomach.

"Get up, Drago!" Emma encouraged. It slowly risen to it's feet. It took damage, but it was enraged more than before; even more fired up to battle. "Focus your Energy!" ordered Emma, as Drago collected his focus to the top of his head, directing the focus of his damage to a more singular point. "Now! Another Headbutt!"

"POISON JAB!"

Drago and Tentacruel both charged in the field, performing both of their separate attacks. Drago's Headbutt charge, collided with Tentacruel's poisonous jab, resulting in a collision that whipped up a strong force, causing wind to feedback from it, causing both trainers to endure the ongoing force to avoid being pushed back.

Miraculously, both pokemon remained in tact. "Another Headbutt! Go!!" Emma quickly ordered. Drago responded in kind, charging right back towards his opponent.

"Barrier!" retaliated Leanne. Her Tentacruel once again put up a strong barrier, blocking Drago's attack. She then tried to get the upperhand, commanding her Tentacruel to fire off a strong Water Pulse. Drago battled back, releasing an equally powerful Dragonbreath, colliding the two attacks in a stalemate once more. But Drago charged right back in with another Headbutt, only to be repelled once again by Tentacruel's barrier. Drago was hurled away, landing on his back on the ground, but soon was able to recover back on his feet.

As long as it keeps up that Barrier, we can't get any Physical attacks through... Emma thought, but in a strange twist... she smiled a bit. How strange... Just the challenge of trying to beat this opponent.. excites me! It was actually quite a long while since Emma battled for fun, and this was the match to help her do it. "Headbutt it again! You can do it!!" she cheered on. Drago charged right in, with even more speed, towards his target.

"You can try and try, all you want, Emma!" Leanne boasted. "Barrier will just block it!" Her Tentacruel sent up its Barrier once more, as Drago collided with it. But this time, it remained engaged with the barrier, trying it's best to push it back. As it pushed, it grew frustrated, then frustrated, then enraged. Eventually, then was then a glow coming from him. The glow vibrated to blue waves, crashing upon the barrier. There was then a strong, blue light, covering the field in a marvelous bluw glow. Emma and Leanne both observed, as Drago... seemed to be slowly having an advantage.

"That's way too strong to be a Headbutt..." Emma observed. "...Wait! Could it be... Zen Headbutt? Drago learned a new move!" Drago let out it's fierce growl, as the blue pulse from it's new and stronger Zen Headbutt, pushed back against Tentacruel's barrier. A moment's notice later, the Barrier started to crack. Then crack some more. Eventually, the barrier was shattered into pieces.

"Alright!!" Emma cheered. "GO! ZEN HEADBUTT!"

"POISON JAB! QUICKLY!!"

The two attacks from both pokemon collided once more... and for the final time. Drago's new attack was gaining the upper hand, pushing back the Tentacruel as Tentacruel desperately tried to find leverage, using all it's might to overpower Drago. Eventually there became a large boom, sending the field upon a strong gust of wind, and dust.

The dust eventually settled, with Drago standing on top of his fallen opponent. Tentacruel was on the ground, and it didn't get back up. Leanne collected her breath, sending Tentacruel back into its pokeball, sending Drago to drop on the ground, on it's feet, releasing it's Draognbreath in the air, declaring it's victory.

Soon, both of the trainers looked at each other... then gave a warm smile, as they both approached each other, giving each other a handshake as the crowd applauded the match.

"Whew... good match!" Leanne complimented. "More of a work out than swimming, I'll tell ya'!"

"It was fun. Thank you!" Emma thanked in kind. "By the way... have we met? I can't help but think I've seen you before somewhere."

"Mmm.. no, I don't think we have," Leanne explained with a shrug. But she then looked solumly down on the ground, trotting away from the field. This was a nagging question to Emma. She probably hadn't met this person before, but... what if she had seen someone who looked like her? And where? It was not too distant ago... Emma had almost put her finger on it...

"The winner is, Emma Kuzunoha!" called out Steven Stone, which disrupted her train of thought. She sighed. It was probably nothing too worry about anyway, she thought, as she waved to the crowd.

Unknown to her, however... Leanne turned back to her to watch her, blended in from the crowd. "If anyone can help me, it's her..."

---

[FONT="Oswald"]Mega Evolution, part 2[/FONT]
Tower of Mastery​

Margarita Fas
Tower of Mastery : 1​

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​

Shalour City Gym Battle

Annika was headed towards the gym after healing up Bagel, who was now sitting in his Pokeball. "That was a big detor" Annika said to herself. "But now I can finally challenge the gym!" But then suddenly, after turning a corner, she slammed into somebody which knocked them both down. Annika was dazed for a bit before closing her eyes and shaking her head.

"I'm sorry!" someone said. Annika recognised it as a girl's voice and opened her eyes, seeing the gym leader before her leaning down. "I should've really watched where I was going. I'm Korrina by the way" Korrina held out her hand to her.

"I'm Annika" Annika said, grabbing her hand. Korrina pulled her up to her feet and she started wiping dust off her. "And there's no need to apologize. There's a slim chance we would've seen each other around the corner."

"I guess that's true" Korrina said sheepishly as Annika noticed that Diopside's Pokeball was missing. She started looking around and found it on the ground. Picking it up, she put it back on her belt as Korrina asked "Wait, are you a trainer?"

"Yea" Annika answered. "In fact, I was-"

"Really?!" Korrina shouted happily. "You should come challenge my gym! It's a great one! Come on, pleeeaase? I'll give you some spare roller skates that I have right now if you want"

"I was just- wait, Roller skates?" Annika said, confused as last time she was in there she could've sworn she saw someone riding a pokemon.

"Yea!" Korrina said. "We usually give them out at the gym since one of the rules is to keep moving and with the layout it's hard to do that with running, and most trainers don't have anything that they can use to keep moving."

"I guess that makes sense" Annika said. "And I was headed towards the gym anyway, but there's no need to give me roller skates, someone at Santalune gave me roller skates that also apparently act as shoes."

"Oh, okay!" Korrina said "I always like to carry around a pair just in case these ones get damaged"

"Smart" Annika said, activating a button on her shoes that pulled out the wheels. She started stumbling, trying to regain her balance, before falling back down on the ground. "Wow this is hard."

Korrina skated over to her and held out her hand. "I thought you had these all the way back in Santalune"

Annika grabbed the hand as she replied "That doesn't mean I know how to use them" She stood up and started stumbling again, but this time Korrina kept near her so she wouldn't fall.

"I can be a bit of support as you get used to this then!" Korrina said, skating back towards her gym with Annika's hand still in her grasp as she tried to figure out how to skate.

___

They finally got to the gym after many fall downs courtesy of Annika. She had gotten used to the skates by now, but she does highly dislike it. "I'll be waiting for you inside!" Korrina said, skating in the gym and letting go of Annika's hand. "Make sure you give me your all!"

Annika watched as Korrina entered the gym, then sighed, saying to herself "Why does this gym's ruleset have to be so deficient?" She deactivated her skates and went inside, forgetting that she wasn't skating anymore and nearly lost her balance. After entering the gym for the third time that day, she walked down to the battling arena, seeing that Korina was already there.

"Welcome to the Shalour Gym!" Korina said with a tone that Annika had never heard while they were skating together. "Would you like the rules explained to you?"

"Yes, please!" Annika said, knowing from past experiences that if she broke any of those rules that she would immediately lose.

Noticing a movement from the corner of her eye, she turned her head and saw an announcer up away from the battlefield. He spoke with a booming voice as he explained the rules.

"The rules are as follows - You and your pokemon have to keep moving no matter what. If either trainer stops moving for any reason they forfeit the match, however directly interfering with the opponent is not allowed. If a pokémon stops moving and is left behind during the battle for any reason, then it is considered to be fainted by league rules regardless of its conscious state. The battle itself is a two on two single battle, both trainers selecting their chosen pair of pokémon in secret beforehand. The battle continues until one trainer stops moving or both of a trainers pokémon are considered to be fainted."

"You got it?" Korrina asked, causing Annika to look back towards her.

"Yep!" Annika repiled, already thinking about what mons she would pick.

"Okay, pick your mons, then lets go!" Korrina said.
Annika looked down at her four pokemon. She had already decided that Bagel would be the first to go out since he was apart of each gym battle beforehand, but she was stuck between sending out Diopside and Viserion. She ruled out Rina because of her normal typing and her move set wasn't suited for this fight.

Diopside was fast and basically had loads of stamina, however was easily distracted and didn't really hit hard plus his dark typing, while Viserion was more focused and hit harder, but didn't have the best stamina as of yet. After a bit, she decided on the mon and looked up, saying "I'm ready!" She went down and activated her roller skates, stumbling a little before regaining her balance.

"Excellent!" Korrina said, grabbing a Pokeball. "I have my mons picked out too." She looked up at the announcer and nodded.

"Let the battle… Begin!"

Annika and Korrina started skating around, with Korrina being confident and Annika still trying to not lose her balance. "Go, Hawlucha!" Korrina said, sending out a Hawlucha.

"Go, Bagel!" Annika said, throwing out Bagel's pokeball. He immediately started running after Annika.

"Hawlucha, use Agility!" Korrina said, and Hawlucha started to move faster. "Again!" Hawlucha moved faster still.

"Bagel, use Thunder Fang!" Annika shouted, and Bagel changed her directory, aiming for Hawlucha and leaping into the air.

"Hawlucha, dodge and use Swords Dance!" Hawlucha dodged the attack easily as swords appeared round it, strengthening its attack.

"Thunder Fang again!" Annika said, and Bagel lept for Hawlucha again.

"Hawlucha, Baton Pass!" Hawlucha returned to its pokeball, rendering the next thunder fang useless as well. Lucario appeared in its place, running about at very high speeds.

"We're not getting anywhere like this" Annika muttered under her breath. "Bagel! Try to slow it down with Scary Face!" Bagel put on a terrifying face which lowered Lucario's speed.

"Lucario, Bone Rush!" Korrina said, causing it to run towards Bagel, a bone appearing in it's hand.

"Use Thunder Fang when it's close enough!" Annika shouted, and Bagel ran around 'till it got close before jumping at it, electricity surrounding its teeth as it bit down on Lucario's arm. It's eyes twitched a bit as it hit Bagel with the bone, causing him to get knocked off. "Again!" Annika said, trying to keep up. Bagel did the same thing, this time causing him to howl as again Bagel was hit by the bone, causing it to once again be knocked off, and Bagel stumbled up and kept running, though slower then before.

"Lucario, Blaze Kick!" Korrina said, causing the bone to dissapear from it's hand as it's leg covered in fire. It lept over at Bagel.

"Bagel, Spark!" Annika shouted, and Bagel's body covered in electricity as it was knocked down. After a bit of not getting up, the announcer said "Luxio has fainted!"

"Good try!" Korrina said, smiling. "But I'm afraid your strategy didn't go so well here." Suddenly, Lucario stopped moving, electricity covering it's body. After a little bit, the announcer said "Lucario has fainted!"

"Both of you, send out your next Pokemon"

(To Be Continued)

The Emma Kuzunoha Case Files

"A Plusle and Minun?" said Emma, after a brief sips of her tea.

Emma had once again met up with her previous opponent of the Shalour Tournament, Leanne, who had invited her to her nearby home. It was a sudden request by Leanne; she had asked Emma to have a word with her about a certain matter. Leanne also had known that Emma was a pokemon detective, and Emma couldn't just ignore someone in need. She had a little bit of time before the next round starts, so she decided to assist her. Thus, she found herself upon Leanne's estate.

"That's right," Leanne responded, who sat across from her upon her kitchen table. She had poured some hot peach Camille tea for the both of them. "I would like to find those two pokemon... they were the former pokemon of my older sister's." She clasped her hands together with a pained face, pausing for a short while. Emma rested her cup, giving Leanne a patient, yet empathetic look. Leanne sighed, finally composing herself.

"You see... my sister became a member of Team Cinder," Leanne explained. It was quite a shock to Emma, but Leanne gave a more determined look. "But... but she's really a kind and good-hearted person! You see, ever since our father died, we've always took cared of each other. My sister was always looking out after me, taking on this big, rotten world on her own. At first, she wanted to be a trainer, which is why she befriended a Plusle and a Minun. Things were tough, but we were a happy family, and that was good enough for me. But as we grew older, I saw it in her face; things were getting more and more harsh, and the future was beginning to become even more painful for her. That was when she made a decision: she was going to help change this world for us, no matter what. No matter what the cost to herself... it was all for me. Her family."

Emma remained silent, as she continued her story. "That's when she came across some... questionable work, one that required her to be away from home for a long while," Leanne continued. "I begged her to stay! I really did, because I needed her here! But, it was no use. Before she left, I noticed that she released her prized Minun and Plusle. She wanted them to watch over me, I think." Leanne then shed a tear. "One day, the police told me that her corpse was found. She was dead. When Plusle and Minun found out, they vanished; escaped from home. I've tried looking for them, but.. nothing. I just hope that they're ok..."

Emma then nodded as she stood up. "Don't worry. I'll find them," she calmly stated, giving her a smile. "They'll be safe. I promise." Leanne gave Emma a genuine smile back, wiping away the tears. She gave a bow to Emma, thanking her for this help. It's time for the case of the mission pokemon to begin.

CASE START
RED AND BLUE

​

Emma stepped outside, as her Bagon was anxiously waiting for her. It gave her a greeting growl in which Emma gave it a smile, but Emma also had to stop and think. Now then... what do I know about Plusle and Minun?


So, they have the habit on letting loose sparks of electricity to cheer on its friends. If they're in danger, they help each other out by letting loose those sparks too. Still, unless they're both in trouble, that won't help me much on trying to locate them. Speaking of location, it's safe to say that they're within this city somewhere. After all, they both grew up here, so a Plusle and Minun's instincts tell them it's far too dangerous to be wondering around territory that's not familiar to them.


Still, Shalour City is a fairly big place, and they can be anywhere... Maybe my best bet is to gather information from the people here. At least that will get me somewhere. Alright, it's time to go.


******

"Naw, can't say I've seen pokemon like that," Emma had asked several people -- including a man who worked as a baker. Unfortunately, there was no such luck from anyone yet, even from the baker. "Well, y'see, things have been kinda... chaotic for me."

"Chaotic?" Emma asked, her eyes lighting up. "How so?"

"Augh, it was awful," the baker grunted. "My shop was closed for half a day, 'cause of a small power shortage. They managed to fix it in time, but it wasn't a good time for business 'round here."

"Was the power out for the whole city?" asked Emma.

"That's the weird part," the baker replied. "It was only out for a small section of the city. Well, I guess in the thick of things, for a city this big it couldn't be all THAT weird, but it rarely happens for such a small section, y'know?"

clue 3 said:

The power was out for only a small section for the city. It does seem odd. Could of it really been an accident?

Click to expand...

******

That blackout in the city sometime ago... an odd, sudden occurrence that happened. Plusle and Minun emits sudden sparks, so...

Wait! Brain storm!

Could it be...

They had a really big festival?! yes! A really big one, one with large quantities of fireworks and electrical appliances going off and on over and over again! A complete disrespect and waste to energy! Someone shoulds sue those HMOs--

OWWWWW!

Drago had bitten Emma on her head, slightly. "I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A SERIOUS BREAKTHROUGH, DRAGO! WHAT?!" Emma shouted at him. Drago released his grip, to point Emma to a rather curious direction. There seemed to be ears sticking out of a small trash can, as two small figures then popped out of it. A Plusle, and a Minun. "Oh... or, they can be the ones responsible and they were living right here all the time. I knew that." Drago rolled his eyes.

Emma with Drago then rushed in, trying to come in contact with the two pokemon. The Plusle and Minun were scared, thus they both ran off. "W-wait! We don't wanna hurt you!" Emma called off during the chase. The two pokemon were rather quick and nimble, evading each obstacle within the narrow alley. Emma and Drago managed to do all they can, but they found that the two pokemon were slipping further and further away from them.

However, the two pokemon found themselves trouble. A larger pokemon themselves blocked the way - a Zangoose, who looked vicious and territorial. The Piusle and Minun backed away, as the pokemon leered the both of them, giving them both a vicious growl. Emma and Drago finally caught up, seeing the two pokemon scared out of their wits by the large Zangoose. The Zangoose was probably just defending its territory, but... that was no excuse to be a bully!

"Go, Drago!" Emma called. Her Bagon leaped into action, releasing a strong Dragonbreath to his enemy. The Zangoose was knocked back a bit, giving Plusle and Minun more breathing room. They were both surprised by the rescue, as Drago leaped before the two of them, giving them both a confident thumbs - or in this case, claws -- up. The Zangoose roared, extracting it's fierce claws, intending to use it's powerful Slash attack, as Drago retaliated with a strong Headbutt. The two attacks collided, but Zangoose proved to be the stronger of the two of them, easily knocking Drago away.

"Hang in there!" Emma cheered. Drago growled and released spores of embers in the air. It was mad. It charged in again, for a Zen Headbutt attack. Zangoose managed to evade, hitting Drago with a fierce knee strike, hitting Drago with another slash attack, knocking him fierce to the ground. it then stepped hard on Drago, chuckling menacingly over his pathetic opponent. Emma grunted worryingly and angrily. The wild Zangoose was far stronger than it looked, and was easily overpowering the two of them.

Meanwhile, Plusle and Minun watched on. The pokemon that had saved the two of them was in trouble itself. They both exchanged glances, and reached an agreement. They both then started to dance. Emma looked in in curiosity, as they both continued. Soon she saw that the two of them slowed red and blue lights respectively. After a moment, the two came in contact with each other, releasing red and blue sparks of what it seemed like electrical current towards Drago. Drago was wincing in pain, until the bolts hit him. It was strange, but.. Drago soon felt invigorated. It managed to lift itself up from Zangoose's foot, followed up with an even more powerful Zen Headbutt, that sent Zangoose flying through the alleyway, crashing upon the wall where it had stopped moving where it collapsed.

"I... think that was Helping Hand..." Emma recognized. The Plusle and Minun exchanged hi-fives, and approached Emma with a friendlier vibe. "Did you two help us?" They both nodded, releasing small sparks of electricity in enjoyment when they both touched. Drago went other to the two of them. Plusle and Minun were both Drago made it, but Drago turned away, perhaps in embarrassment. He perhaps communicated to the two of them that he didn't need both of their help, even though he wasn't prepared to admit that he did.

Emma smiled. "Thanks you two," she thanked. "Hey listen... do you think you two can follow me for a minute? There's someone who is really itching to see you two." The Plusle and Minun once again exchanged looks. mma was a stranger to them, but she still saved them both. So, they figured she was at least, trustworthy. After a moment, they both agreed.


*****



"Alm! Celica!" Leanne cried. Emma, Drago and the Plusle and Minun both found their way back to Leanne's home. Leanne was ecstatic to see the two of them, and while Plusle and Minun were both shy of everything has happened, they were both glad to see her as well. Leanne turned to Emma. "Oh! Um, Alm and Celica are the names my sister gave to these two. Minun is Alm, and Plusle is Celica. Thank you so much for finding them!."

"Well, I'm glad the two are safe," Emma responded with a smile, followed up with a blush. "Well, actually... they did technically save me. And Drago was the one who found them..."

"It doesn't matter," Leanne said, looking lovingly to the two pokemon. "I'm really happy the two are safe again. But... why did you two run away from home?"

Plusle and Minun.. also now known as Alm and Celica, both gave a saddened and pained look. "I think when their master was dead, they both ran from home to get stronger," explained Emma. "Remember what you said, her sister instructed those two look after you. And when she died, those two wanted to grow stronger so something doesn't happen to you either. They practiced their attacks nearby; like nearby the bakery, where that sudden blackout from within the small area happened. Well, at least, that's what I think. I'm usually wrong about these sorts of things, so... haha..."

"I see," said Leanne, in relief. "But, her being dead wasn't your faults, you two. It's regrettable, but... I'm sure she died, trying her best to help us live for the better. I'm sure she had no regrets."

Died... that triggered ssomething within Emma. Her memories. So... this was the final piece of the puzzle. Emma crossed her arms, giving a more serious vibe. "... About her death," she started. "She didn't just die."

"...Huh?" Leanne asked in shock. "What are you talking about?" Plusle and Minun both looked equally surprised, as they sat quietly to listen in.

Emma sighed, preparing to share the worst. "Remember when I've asked you, if I had seen you before?" Emma began. "Well, I realized, it wasn't you I've seen. But someone who looked just like you -- your sister. I saw her... dead. It was in Santalune Forest, as I recall. I saw her body; she was shot, point blank on her forehead, and was charred and burnt because of flames. I'm sorry to tell you this, but... she was killed."

"No..." said a flabbergasted Leanne. She was taken so far back by the news, that she collapsed upon her house's porch steps. Plusle and Minun looked grim as well, as if they were frozen in place. "Who... who could of possibly...?"

"I... I think I know who," said a more reluctant Emma. "My main case in this region all about them, actually. Team Cinder. They'll stop at nothing at killing and destroying lives, even their own men and women in the ranks. It's just unfortunate that your sister was one among them. But I... no, my friends and I, we're going to stop them. We will avenge your sister, just you wait and see!"

Leanne continued to look grim. Plusle and Minun, however, had other ideas. They both nodded in each other. They didn't need to think about what they wanted to do next. They both ran up to Emma, looking at her with fierce looks. Leanne looked up, seeing those two. She then stood up. She knows well enough what those two want.

"Emma?" Leanne said. "Take those two with you."

"What?" asked Emma. "But.. these pokemon both belong with you! And... and this is dangerous work I'm getting into..."

"Please, Emma," begged Leanne. "These two and I... we want justice for my sister!"

"Justice..." Emma repeated in a softer tone. The two pokemon, Alm and Celica, climbed their way up to Emma's respective shoulder's each. Drago wasn't really much caring for the idea, at least from his surfaced disgruntled expression, but deep down, he wanted new friends too. Emma looked the two, as they both nodded in her direction.

"I think this is what my sister wants too," Leanne explained. "I felt it. She was suffering deep down. She loved our family above all else. But for someone to take her away from us is just..."

"Yeah," Emma finished. "But still, she was a criminal. I can't forgive the actions of a criminal, let alone someone from Team Cinder. Still... even criminals are people, right? And when people die, they effect those who are left behind. I know that feeling all too clearly." she looked upon the two pokemon, then opened up her bag. "I'll do everything in my power for you guys. As for you two, you two can travel with me in the bag."

The Plusle and Minun were both delight as they both climbed inside Emma's travelling handbag. They both poked their heads out from it, greeting Leanne a warn cry of a goodbye."


That's right, even criminals are people...
...Including the ones from Team Cinder.

They live, and breathe just like the rest of us.
Why do they want to take away the preciousness of life away from us?

Why do criminals want to take away everything that's dear to us?
...That's why I can never forgive them.


Not now, not ever.

Margarita Fas
Tower of Mastery : II​

Shalour City Gym Battle

Korrina went over to Lucario to put it back into its Pokeball, while Annika went over to Bagel to do the same thing. "Good job, Bagel" Annika said, before putting his Pokeball back on her belt.

She then went over to her next mon, grabbing it off her belt as Korrina shouted "Go, Hawlucha!" Hawlucha appeared on the battlefield, running near Korrina.

Annika smiled and said "Go, Diopside!" She threw the Pokeball and Diopside came out, disguised as a Dragonair thanks to his ability. He started running about wildly, causing Annika to shout out "Diopside! Keep running but stay focused!" Diopside sheepishly ran back to Annika, this time running beside her.

"Your Pokemon is really excitable, huh?" Korrina said

"Yea, it's sometimes hard to keep him still" Annika replied, before telling Diopside "Okay, Diopside! Use Taunt!" Diopside smiled at the Hawlucha, before sticking his tongue out and beckoning it forward. It got really mad at this.

"Wait, how did..." Korrina started asking, before Annika shouted, "Great! Now use Torment!" Diopside started shouting at the Hawlucha. 'Zorua, Zorua!' Ha! You look like your mom. If your mom was an ugly wreck!

"That's not..." Korrina started saying as Hawlucha was affected by the words.

"Hawlucha, use Aerial Ace!" Hawlucha leapt into the air and aimed for Diopside, its body covering in a white light. It hit Diopside, knocking it back a little and destroying it's disguise.

"Gocha!" Korrina said, smiling. "Hawlucha, Flying Press!" Hawlucha leapt into the air again and went crashing down towards Diopside.

"Diopside! Dodge it and use Fury Swipes!" Annika shouted, and Diopside barely dodged it before getting his claws out and swiping furiously. It managed to get multiple hits on one wing before it ran too far to hit.

"Aerial Ace!" Korrina shouted, and Hawlucha was covered in a white light as it leapt back into the air.

"Pursuit!" Annika shouted, and Diopside ran forward, its body covering in darkness. It hit the Hawlucha head-on and knocked them both out of the air. They both recover quickly and continue running.

"Now use Flying Press!" Korrina said, and Hawlucha hit Diopside this time, knocking him flying. He slammed against the wall, but managed to get up and keep moving, however he was visually struggling a bit.
By this time the taunt had weared off. Korrina smiled and shouted "Now use Swords Dance!" swords surrounded the Hawlucha as it upped its attack stat. Diopside saw this and was intrigued, running towards the Hawlucha for a closer look as the Torment wore off and Korrina called for another swords dance.

Annika seized this opportunity when Diopside got close. "Now use Foul Play!" she shouted, and Diopside snapped out of his trance immediately, its body covering in darkness as it hit the Hawlucha, knocking it flying. It hit the wall, but managed to get back up quickly and start running again, with some near fall-overs.

"Flying Press!" Korrina shouted and Hawlucha leapt into the air.

"Foul Play!" Annika shouted, and Zorua bounced forward, hitting the Hawlucha square in the chest. They knocked each other out of the air and onto the ground. They both struggled to get up and keep moving, but by that time they could barely walk. After a little bit, the Hawlucha fell over and hit the ground, not moving at all a few seconds before Diopside did the same.

After a quick moment, the announcer said "Hawlucha has fainted! Annika wins!" Annika sighed and, removing the skates from her shoes, went towards Diopside, putting him back inside his Pokeball as Korrina did the same with Hawlucha.

"Good match!" Korrina said, skating up to her. "Although, it was a close victory for you. Maybe do less attacking head on and more dodging"

Annika turned to Korrina, saying "My strategy won, I'm sticking to it"

"Well, If you're sure you want to stick to your strategy, I won't stop you." Korrina replied. "Anyway, I present you with this, the Official Pokemon League Shalour City Gym Badge!" Korrina handed Annika the badge, and she gratefully accepted.

Obtained the Shalour City Gym Badge!

Annika left soon after, headed towards the Pokecenter. Now that the gym was done, she can focus full-on the festival.

​

Avril Morris

Shalour City

Chapter 19-1 | Unexpected Reunion

Current Party:

Avril stared at the tournament lineup in disbelief. Someone must have really thought that she needed a lot of grief in life recently. It was either that or Arceus itself thought that this was going to be absolutely hilarious. Now, Avril wasn't naive when it came to things like a tournament. She knew that there would be a multitude of trainers from across Kalos that she would have to face. Likewise, with so many of her former schoolmates all heading for Shalour City, the girl figured that it wouldn't be out of the ordinary that several of them would enter this tournament. That said, the last thing she expected was the very first match up in the tournament to be...

"Crane..." Avril thought, feeling more than just a little bit anxious at the moment. Yes, out of all the possible trainers in the tournament, Avril was matched up against a Crane. And while it wasn't Jackson that the blonde would have to be dealing with right out of the gate, it was still more than just a little bit nerve wracking who she did get matched up against. "Out of everyone here... It had to be Malorie Crane."

Avril had no idea that the girl in question was even a trainer. While she did indeed remember that she had given the girl her Mudbray a long time ago, all the way back when she and the others were beginning to make their departures from Lumiose to be exact, Avril was fairly certain that Jackson's younger sister was more of just an admirer of the creatures so to speak. In fact, she was fairly certain that the Mudbray was actually helping Malorie get around when she parted ways with the Crane siblings back then.

Meanwhile, also just outside the arena, but at the other side, Malorie too was shaking in her boots. She had wanted to show Jackson AND Avril that she had become stronger... much stronger. Benjamin too! The little Mudsbray she had been gifted, the single moment of generosity that had inspired her so much. Both of them had grown up so much since that time a few months prior. Now fully evolved and packing a powerful moveset to boot? Malorie had been so eager to show the two trainers who had given her a pokémon of her own just how far she'd come. In terms of her health as well as her strength.

Yet, to think, they'd both be going up against Avril for the very first round? Sure she wanted to show off her strength, but could she do that while fighting against the one who had granted it to her? Much like Avril, she was glad at least that it wasn't Jackson she was facing off against, but that was a small comfort. "...Benjie, I'm worried. I know we said this was the right thing but..." She placed a hand to the Mudsdale's neck and patted him lightly. He was nervous too, maybe moreso than her. Avril had saved him. She had given him hope and a chance when it seemed like he had none left. Avril had let him find Malorie too, as two broken individuals, both with so much to gain and not much left to lose, they had become stronger. Benjamin didn't want to let Avril down, not after everything she had done.

"But we have to... right?" Malorie smiled gently and nodded to her Pokémon, glancing into his emphatic eye. "For Avril, for Jackson, for the Professor too... we owe it to them to show them what we've done, to let them see our strength. You think so too, right... Benjamin?" While it hesitated for a moment, after taking a deep breath the Mudsdale's eyes squinted with a small smile and he nodded, rearing up a little and neighing his approval. Just in time too, now that the previous fight had ended, it was their turn to take the stage. A member of the staff approached Malorie at the same time one did Avril.

"Miss Morris?"

"Miss Crane?"

"It's time for your battle."

"Right... I'll be right out," Avril responded. She put on her best smile for the staff member as they left, before turning to face the Jigglypuff by her side. "Okay, Mint... I guess it's now or never. We need to go out there and give it our all, you know?" She paused, thinking for a moment. Was it really in her best interest to go out there and throw all of her energy into this? She didn't want to accidentally put too much into this and hurt Malorie or anything of the sort... She could already picture Jackson's death glare... which she was pretty sure was a normal expression for the young man given a majority of their interactions, but it was generally never aimed at her. Then again, if she went too easy it might be just as bad. "I got a feeling there's no way outta this thing clean, huh?"

She glanced down at Mint, the Jigglypuff too busy staring at the door to the arena and then back at her trainer with excitement plastered all over her face. Avril didn't know why she was even bothering questioning her concerns to the Jigglypuff. So long as Mint got to properly throw down in a good battle, anything was good to her apparently.

With a sigh, Avril motioned for Mint to follow her and the duo made their way out to the tournament arena. As they got closer, the Pokémon and her trainer could hear the cries of excitement echoing out into the Shalour night sky. For something that was supposed to be such a simple little tournament, it certainly was drawing a lot of attention. In that regard, Avril began to reach the conclusion that giving anything less than 100% was not going to be well received.

Malorie was already waiting inside... and immediately Avril would notice she was different than before. She stood with a warm gaze, just as she had before, but she stood up straight now with no walker in sight. She wore new clothes comfortably and confidently and her hair was different, a similar color now to Jackson's and even Avril's own, cut shorter to reach just below her shoulders. Her hand was placed to Benjamin's neck once more and the large Pokémon whinnied in acknowledgement as he noticed Avril approaching. He had evolved from the Mudsbray that the approaching trainer had given to Malorie so long ago. In seeing her, standing there, all of his fear had melted away.

"Avril..." Malorie said a little quietly, but loud enough to be heard. She wasn't sure what to say, meeting this person now on the field of battle, so she could only speak what she felt, smiling gently all the while. "It's... good to see you again."

Avril was speechless upon her reuniting with Malorie. It was like she was a completely different person than the girl she parted with back in Lumiose. "W-Wow... I... I hardly even recognized you," she eventually managed to spit out. "I guess there's no point in my asking if you've been doing well, the answer's pretty obvious."

"Ah well... hehe..." Malorie giggled lightly in embarrassment, gently rubbing the back of her head in a pose that very much imitated Jackson's when he was embarrassed. "...in reality, it's only thanks to you and-"

"Pardon me, Miss?" Malorie jumped slightly as she was interrupted, before gazing up starstruck at the gentleman who had done so. He was tall, sleek and handsome, his voice stern and strong as steel. His eyes shone in the moonlight and Malorie had to struggle to compose herself as she was greeted by the magnificence of one Steven Stone. "Why don't you tell the audience your name... and what it is you're doing here?" He smiled warmly and held the microphone out to her, which she spoke into gently. Smiling with a modicum of self understanding as she did so.

"My name... is Malorie Crane." It was the first time she had ever announced it like that, it felt good to say it out loud. "...and I'm here to show my gratitude."

Steven smiled and nodded his understanding, even as a portion of the crowd scratched their heads in confusion. Moving swiftly to the other side of the arena, he smiled an exceedingly charming smile to Avril in turn, holding out the microphone as he had before. "And you miss? I would ask of you the same."

Avril felt her cheeks suddenly heat up. Battling was one thing, but suddenly being put on the spot was something completely different. Besides, what was she supposed to say for her intro? That she was forced to be here by her older sister's insistence? Avril was fairly certain that the only response that she'd receive from the crowd in that regard was one of pity, a feeling that she really wasn't looking forward to getting.

"My name's Avril Morris," the girl began, though not without a prod on the back of her leg from her Jigglypuff. She paused for a moment, her head flowing with different responses until she finally settled on one."And um... I guess I'm here to see how strong I've gotten since this whole journey of mine started..."

Steven noticed her reluctance, but gave her time and patience, as the words left her lips he smiled in turn, satisfied. "Both wonderful answers! I'm impressed by this young talents resolve..." He smiled and turned to the audience swiftly with his words, leading all around to clap and cheer their approval. "Now young trainers... the moment of conflict appears. Both of your Pokémon are ready and waiting... so now this battle begins!"

"Alright then... Let's give it all we've got, Malorie... Benjamin," Avril stated, taking a deep breath before putting on her game face. As if to echo her trainer's point, the Jigglypuff by her side puffed out her cheeks before flexing one of her stubby little arms. "Mint, start things off with a Body Slam!"

The Jigglypuff wasted no time in obeying Avril's orders. She quickly bounded forward, puffing out her round body with each step before suddenly launching herself straight in the Mudsdale's direction. Avril kept her focus on Benjamin the entire time, the girl being quite curious to see just what her former Pokémon had learned during their time apart.

Malorie grinned a little as the thrill of battle took over. She shared more than she cared to admit with her brother sometimes, it was true. Now that she was fighting she felt the same rush he assumed took over him as well. A determination to win, after all, he was watching her. She knew he was. "Benjamin... brace yourself with iron defense!" The Mudsdale whinnied and reared, slamming its hooves into the ground below and stancing up. The small hairs on his body tightened and flattened, glowing a slick silver for a moment as Benjamin's defense increased significantly. His eyes focused on the Jigglypuff as it approached, there was a solidified determination in that gaze. Confidence and discipline was evident in the large Pokémon's stance, it had become the type of character to obey orders without question regardless of the origin. The amount of trust he now seemed to have in Malorie was deep.

Mint slammed into Benjamin hard, but while the attack chipped away slightly at Benjamin's HP, the raised defense of the draft horse negated a lot of the incoming blow. However, Malorie's strategy wasn't done just yet... as the balloon Pokémon bounced back Benjamin closed his eyes and focused, catching his breath after the attack and using the force of the impact to adapt to Mint's power. Instantly he huffed out and the slick metal hairs shimmered on his body once more. His defense had increased even further.

"High Horsepower!" Malorie called out and Benjamin responded, eager to show his strength. Rearing up before landing hard he broke into a charge towards Mint, before sliding to a stop and spinning swiftly, bucking his back hooves towards Mint with a powerful ground type impact.

Avril winced herself as Benjamin slammed his hooves into Mint. The Jigglypuff let out a loud wail that was full of both pain and surprise, the balloon Pokémon just barely managing to regain her composure before she would have crashed into her trainer. Avril let out a small sigh of relief as Mint climbed back up to her feet, shooting off a rather angry looking glare in the direction of the Mudsdale. Clearly the Jigglypuff was not amused.

"Let's go Mint, you can do this," Avril encouraged, trying her best to reassure the pink Pokémon. "Go for a Gyro Ball!"

Mint quickly began to spin around on the ground, the Jigglypuff collecting a great deal of velocity and speed as she spun in a tight circle. With a sudden, loud cry Mint flung herself forward towards Benjamin. The Pokémon was rolling so fast that Avril could have sworn that she saw smoke coming from her.

"Benjamin use Bulldoze!" Rearing up once more and turning in place to face his opponent, Benjamin's hooves surrounded themselves with a crushing ground type aura. Eagerly he charged forward, the ground shaking slightly with his vast weight, his head poised to slam into Mint full force. However, in his desire to get there as fast as possible, he failed to see the trajectory and movement of Mint's spinning. Missing by just a hair's width, he attempted to stop, sliding to a grind across the flagstones as Mint collided hard with his side. A whiney of pain echoed from the horse as he stumbled somewhat off balance and Malorie winced as her Pokémon suffered the critical hit.

Still, even with a chunk of HP gone, Benjamin's special ability activated again. With the power of Stamina, his muscles tensed to the impact, hardening his form even further and boosting his defense more and more with every attack.

He could take a few more hits like this, Malorie knew the Pokémon's ability to withstand damage better than anyone. Still, chipping away at Mint wasn't going to do much of anything either. She was far too quick for Benjamin to flail around at... he had to lure her into a false sense of security. Malorie nodded to herself, putting her faith in the plan. No more room for hesitation. "Benjamin... Bide your time!" Nodding it's head Benhamin slammed all four hooves into the ground, becoming the immovable object, he closed his eyes and braced himself for whatever Mint could throw at him next.

"Mint, use Gyro Ball again!" Avril ordered.

Jigglypuff continued on her spinning tirade. The pink Pokémon essentially made a u-turn before making her way back towards Benjamin with just as much speed and force as she did the first time. Without missing a beat, Mint slammed her rapidly spinning form into the Mudsdale. He grunted in response to the attack, clearly feeling some of the pain from the velocity at which Avril's Jigglypuff was moving, however the reaction from the Mudsdale was... visibly less than Avril was expecting. In fact, he seemed to be hardly moving at all. A part of it reminded the girl of her time with Benjamin back in Lumiose and Santalune City.

"...Mint, Body Slam now!" Avril ordered. Mint released herself from her furious spinning long enough to jump her way forward. The Jigglypuff' took a deep breath, increasing her size a bit before throwing herself at Benjamin with all the strength she could muster. Once more however, there seemed to be very little effect from the attack. Benjamin remained firm in his stance, as if the battle wasn't even happening. "What in the world is going on...?"

Both times as the attack hit, Benjamin's hairs grew tougher and his form bolstered in strength. His muscles were tight and an aura infused with ground type energy and flecks of sparkling iron surrounded him now. His defense had been raised by six stages, to its absolute maximum... and after two turns of attacks, the Mudsdale's attack was ready to be unleashed. All of the energy and damage Benjamin had taken so far rushed through his body and focused on his forehead, the ground and iron aura rushing to that singular point and letting his forehead light brightly with energy and power.

"Benjie now! Unleash bide!" Suddenly rejoining the battle in force, Benjamin rushed forward, without caution or hesitation he put everything on the line, moving towards Mint at rapid speed, his head lowered to collide with the balloon Pokémon, in an attack that was poised to decide the entire battle.

"Damn it! Mint, Sing!" Avril cried out.

In a surprising change of pace, Mint's spinning came to a screeching halt. The pink Pokémon quickly stood to her feet and calmed herself... before closing her eyes and beginning to sing out a somewhat soothing melody. Despite the charging rampage that was Benjamin, the Jigglypuff seemed to be completely at peace. A soft smile escaped her lips as the gentle melody echoed out into the stadium, one that was causing even Avril to have difficulties keeping her eyes open. Still, she remained resolute in her attempts to stay awake. Much to her surprise and delight, it seemed like her last ditch effort to stop the oncoming onslaught was working.

Avril noticed that Benjamin's speed began to drop drastically, his movements becoming quite sluggish and even clumsy. His eyelids began to droop as he approached the singing Pokémon, until he just... stopped. The Mudsdale was only mere inches from Mint as he simply could not hold his eyes open any longer. The Mudsdale let out a tired, loud yawn of sorts before falling to the ground and slipping into that peaceful state of slumber... and it was at that point, that Avril knew she had to make her move.

"Mint, finish him off with a Wake-Up Slap!" she cried out.

The Jigglypuff's crooning came to an end and her peaceful face was replaced with one of eagerness and confidence. Without wasting a single moment, Mint hopped in front of the napping Benjamin and readied the palm of her stubby little hands. What followed was a mighty set of slaps that repeatedly struck the Mudsdale, before the Jigglypuff pulled back and suddenly outright punched the horse Pokémon square in the middle of his face.

A surprised whiney was what followed, Benjamin rearing back at the sudden onslaught of strikes, he did his best to gather his bearings, quickly pulling himself to his feet... but as Mint moved in, Benjamin stopped moving, instead letting out a small sigh. For the last second before the final blow he caught Malorie's gaze, she was smiling. The punch collided hard with Benjamin's back and finally his immovable defenses dropped, he stumbled backwards and lost his balance, his still sleepy mind a haze of directions and dizziness... but as he struggled to hold on he couldn't quite manage to stay standing.

There was a loud thud as Benjamin slammed onto the ground, falling onto his side and letting out a lip flapping breath before falling unconscious. There was silence for a moment, as if the crowd was struggling to make sense of what happened, before they burst into cheers and applause.

"Benjamin the Mudsbray is KO'd!" Steven cried out to the excited audience, gesturing to the battlefield before them, just before a solemn but still smiling Malorie returned her friend to his poké ball. "The winner is the lovely Miss Avril Morris!"

Mint stood proud, the Jigglypuff beaming over her accomplishment of taking down the massive Mudsdale. Avril on the other hand, while thrilled that she and Mint had managed to win their first round in the tournament proper, seemed to be a bit more reserved than the dancing pink ball of joy. The girl made her way over towards Malorie and smiled softly at the younger of the Crane siblings, before offering a hand towards the girl.

"That was incredible, Malorie!" Avril exclaimed. "If Mint had taken just one second longer, you would've definitely had us licked."

Malorie smiled gently at Avril, flushing slightly at the compliment. "Aha... I don't think it was all that fantastic..." She was bashful... and more than a little tired just from that small amount of activity. Still, a little bit of pride shone through despite it all. "I don't think I was ever going to win really... I didn't come here to win, not against you, or my brother." Her smile took on a little bit of sadness, her gaze softening as she could see passed Avril for just a moment. Leaning against the side of one of the stands she saw him there waiting. Jackson had of course been watching the whole thing. Would he be annoyed that she entered without telling him?

He was smiling... so maybe this had been a good decision after all.

"I'm not that strong, not yet, maybe not ever... even if i change the way I look, how I dress, or the color of my hair. I know it'll be a while longer before I can get to the level that all of you are standing at now." She chuckled a little and smiled a little brighter. "It's hardly fair to call me amazing when all of you are the only reason I got this far... when you're the reason I have to become stronger." She gingerly took Avril's hand, the delicate touch making it clear that despite the strength she showed, Malorie was still frail. Every last drop of her energy had been expended for just this battle alone. "You're the amazing ones... you're the strength I aspire to have. So, I promise, one day I'll meet you there, at the pique of a trainer's strength."

A distant look came to Avril's eyes. "Can't become stronger just based on looks...? You know, you're more right about that than you could possibly know." Shaking the thought from her head, Avril returned her focus to Malorie. "I'm looking forward to it, Malorie. Trust me, you're only gonna be going up from here. I can tell." As if to mirror her sentiment, Mint walked up and placed one of her stubby little hands against Malorie's leg. The pink Pokémon nodded knowingly, before jabbering away, something that Avril could only assume was some encouraging words for the girl. "Uh, yeah... What she said!"

"Pfrt... hehehe..." Malorie placed a hand to her mouth to stifle a giggle, before taking the one holding Avril's to pat the small balloon Pokémon on the head. "Maybe one day, I can't let myself fall too far behind him, a-"

"And so it is contestants! Our next pair of opponents will now be taking to the stage!" Steven declared, leaving the crowd to cheer wildly in approval once more. Two festival staff approached the girls as they still stood in the midst of the arena, each one beckoning and explaining to the pair that they were to exit at opposing sides as they had entered, so that the next match to begin.

"O-Oh... right! Ehaha..." Malorie blushed further, awkward at the realization that they were still in front of a crowd. As she was ushered away, she quickly peeked over her shoulder to wave back at Avril and Mint. "Thank you! Both of you! The next time we meet on the battlefield, don't expect to win! Isn't that what trainers usually say?"

"Heh... Yeah! We're looking forward to it!" Avril called back, making her exit with Mint by her side. She really wasn't sure just what the future had in store for herself. That said, she knew things were definitely going to be looking bright for Malorie.

The Emma Kuzunoha Case Files

Emma had some important case paperwork to fill out, so she left her pokemon behind in the Pokemon Center's play area. It was about time the group had some down time, from what has been going on. The group were all together, doing their own thing. Alm the Minun, and Plusle the Celica were both new members of the team, so things have been a little awkward for them for a while.

"What's the matter, new cuties?" asked Vida the Roselia, Emma's starter pokemon. She approached the new two members of the group with her loving, cheerful yet empathetic ways. "Feeling a bit shy?"

"Well, uh," said Alm the Minun, the bother of the two. "Don't take it the wrong way, we're just not used to so many pokemon together like this before."

"We've been always at home helping out with chores," said Celica the Plusle, the sister of the two. "We hadn't been outside much."

"I see," Vida responded. She then turned to the rest of the pokemon. "Ok! How about this, why don't we all introduce each other? We actually hadn't done that too much; I'm really curious to get to know you all!"

"Well, I'm not," said Titania the Milotic. She was beautiful, but awfully abrasive and snobby. Perhaps that was an attitude change after evolving. "Do you have any idea how much times you all make my skin crawl on a regular basis?"

"Bwahahaha! That is a silly thing to be concerned about for Kaen!" responded Kaen the Arcanine. He likes to talk about himself highly. "Even Kaen could catch up to his own skin when it crawls!"

"Kaen, it's called a figure of speech," Titania responded. "Do things like that go over your head?"

"Nothing goes over Kaen's head!" explained Kaen. "Kaen's reflexes are too fast. He will simply catch it."

"I am part of the biggest group of idiots in the region..." Titania sighed.

"Me thinks group intro is good idea!" said Espeon, also known as Linde. Linde was not like the others; she was raised fighting all her life, becoming feral every day. Thus, language was not her strength. "Connections good. Bond stronger. We stronger together."

"Aye!" Julia the Lapras agreed. She was a pokemon Emma had saved from a member of the Emerald Dragon's, after her trainer had been killed. She had a bit of an islander accent, and sense of idioms. "It takes all kinds to steer the boat, and to use an oar! I'm actually kind of a new member of the team too, so I'd love to get to know you all!"

"Grah! You wanna know about ME? VERY WELL!" said an enthusiastic Drago, the Bagon. Drago was mischievous, yet loves a good battle. Beating powerful opponents, and biting on to things, was his favourite hobbies. "I am the BEST. Do you know about the best? I JUST told you! I am the BEST! POP QUIZ! Who is the best? Is it DRAGIE? BZZZT! IT IS DRAGO!"

"As usual, Drago," Vida said with a chuckle. She then turned towards Kagura, the Lucario, who was resting against the wall, with her arms crossed. "How about you, Kagura dear?" Kagura only responded with a nod. She was awfully quiet -- the most quiet member of the team. Still, Vida accepted it, and gave her a smile. "Alrighty then! Group up, friends!"


*****

"Now then, allow me to start first!" Vida said, after the group fully gotten together. "I was Emma's very first pokemon on her journey. We've always been together; through good times, and bad times. I was a Budew when Emma first started, but I evolved into a Roselia by the time we were at Lumiose!" Vida cheerfully twirled around. but she then gave a less cheerful look. "Emma went through a lot. I really, really want to grow stronger for her, so she would have less worries... but all I can do is do everything I can."

"Ah, yes! Become strong like Kaen," said Kaen. "Strong like Kaen, kind like Vida. a combination even Kaen respects!" Kaen then stood up from the spot he was sitting down in. "Kaen was strong, but was treated as a monster. The chaos of the blooming Santalune Forest is where master Emma caught me. She was not very fond of Fire-type Pokemon, but she took Kaen either way when Kaen was still a Growlithe. Kaen promises to be stronger and stronger, which he will!"

"Whatever..." Titania mocked, rolling her eyes. She looked quite sullen... almost blushing. "Look, I-I was a ugly Feebas, before Emma evolved me, okay? There, I said it. Are you happy now? But it's not like... it's not like I desperately wanted to evolve or anything..."

"Ohoho, you totally did!" Julia laughed, only to be met with a piercing stare by Titania, who seemingly turned away in disgust. "My trainer was killed by a cruel man, that he was. Emma saved me. and took me in! I hadn't gotten much battling yet, but when I do, I'll turn everyone into sushi!"

"Lame," Drago yawned. "Let ME tell you what to do! You should BLAST them into oblivion, and then BLAST the foolish trainer who sent out that weakling pokemon!"

"Now Drago, we can't solve all our problems by blasting everyone..." Vida warned.

"AND WHY NOT?" Drago shouted. "I'll BLAST everyone SO MUCH that there will BE no more WARS! Everyone will already be BLASTED!" Drago then calmed down a little. "Papa always told me to fight and BLAST big and strong opponents, so that one day, I'll be strong enough to FLY. But, Papa was killed by those Emerald Dragons. I'll become stronger than him, and BLAST those guys away!"

"Me... don't know what do," Linde added. "Me born to fight. Had no past. Fighting was everything. Fighting... and hunting. Now adopted by Emma. I am... lost. Perhaps I find purpose now. Purpose that is not fighting. "

"You're all so different," Alm recognized. "It's kinda amazing, really."

"Yes!" added Celica. "But still, maybe... maybe we can be all friends!"

"Of course dears," Vida smiled, as she turned to Kagura. "Kagura? Do you have something you wanna share?" Kagura simply shook her head, and headed her own way, leaning back towards the wall. Vida sighed. It was typical of her, but she would of hoped Kagura would lighten up. "Don't worry about Kagura," Vida explained. "She's quiet and tough to read, but she's a loyal friend through and through."

"I see," responded Celica. "Well, I hope we can become friends too, Kagura!"

"Yeah!" Alm added. "Best friends!"

Kaen let off a hearty chuckle. "You know, you two are awfully cute. And quite... similar."

"Right," agreed Titania. "As in, they're both just kids." Alm and Celica turned to the group, seemingly in a trigger.

"I am NOT as immature as heshe is!" they both said in unison, to both of their surprise. "SHUT YOUR MOUTH AND STOP INTERRUPTING!" they both shouted at each other. The group started to laugh in enjoyment. "Quit laughing!" they both said, as they turned to each other, then turned back away, pouting and crossing their arms.

Kagura looked on to the group as they seemed to be having fun. She gave a small smile her self, as she then turned away. "This is sure to be an interesting journey..." she said to herself, seemingly in a curious anticipation.


Emma's pokemon were like a dysfunctional family.
While at home they may quarrel,
Outside, they are a team.

"Now we introduce our next two competitors," Steven said, addressing the crowd with a conversational tone "From right here in Shalour City: Dwayne Cheeseman and his opponent, Kade Andrews who hails from Laverre City. This is sure to be an exciting match!"

Kade strode out into the sunlight, paying little attention to the applause from the onlookers. He glanced up skyward hopefully before finally turning his attention to his opponent. The man opposite Kade had an interesting appearance to say the least. He had somewhat darker skin, was pushing seven feet tall and was so monstrously well built that he made the average Machoke look a little on the skinny side. Despite this however, he donned too-tight, velvety purple trousers and a matching dress vest. There was no shirt below it and it was too small to close over his muscular frame, leaving his washboard abs and bulging pectorals exposed. A cravat hung loosely around his neck and his dark hair was slicked back tight over his skull. Even someone as socially inept as Kade could tell this was a strange-looking guy.

"Hello, good sir, I'm looking forward to a fabulous battle," Dwayne said in a deep, but oddly silky voice.

"Me too," Kade said, still not entirely sure what to make of the person across from him, "I think."

Steven, for his part, looked even more bemused than Kade, but was quicker to cover it up. He straightened his tie before speaking once more.

"Well, with both trainers ready, we'll start the battle."

Kade reached down and took the azure form of the Flight Ball into his hand, expanding it to its full size. This was the moment of truth. It was time to see if Nimbus was ready to work with him. He tossed the ball and it exploded open with a bright white light and what appeared to be a swirling of clouds.

From the light, the large black-feathered form of Nimbus the Honchkrow materialised. He looked around the arena, getting his bearings. Then he turned to Kade, gave what seemed to be a begrudging, slight nod of his head and spread his sizeable wings to take flight, leaving Kade beaming until he was brought to earth by Dwayne's uncomfortably smooth voice.

"I must say, that is simply a magnificent Honchkrow," Dwayne said, "It is quite the pity that this match up is not to his favour. Brutus, if you please."

There was a second flash as the hulking stone beast appeared, red crystalline protrusions glinting in the sun. It stepped forward with each of its four stone legs, each movement heavy on the earth below. From above, Nimbus gave a squawk that sounded more like a scoff. This was one bird that wasn't going to be intimidated by a type disadvantage.

"If you think that, I can promise you meeting Nimbus will change your mind," Kade said, still floating on air that Nimbus seemed willing to work with him. He was barely aware of who he was battling now.

"I dare say we shall see about that," Dwayne smirked "Brutus, use Rock Blast!"

The Gigalith made a low, rumbling sound before unleashing the attack. Grains of sand coalesced into stones before it and fired one after the other into the air towards Nimbus.

"Spiral dodge!" Kade instructed, and to his delight, Nimbus immediately gilded into a loose spiral around the incoming projectiles causing them to fly past him and break apart into a cloud of dust in the air behind him. Before Kade could give him the order to do so, Nimbus was already streaking towards the monolithic Rock type. "Works for me, Night Slash!"

Nimbus' wings darkened even deeper, outlined in a nefarious purple glow. He swung his flight pattern to the side and swept his wing across the Gigalith, the Rock type giving a shout of pain as the attack made contact. Nimbus immediately rounded on the Gigalith again and repeated the process with his other wing. Kade grinned, this was more like it.

"That is indeed quite impressive, but we aren't done yet," Dwayne said confidently, "Stone Edge, my Brutus!"

Jagged stones erupted from the ground, savage pillars rushing up from the earth in a line after the low flying Nimbus.

"Wing Attack!" Kade yelled. Nimbus' wings glowed with a bright white this time as the attack caught up to him. He pulled up and whipped around as the last stone was about to strike him. Several members of the crowd gasped with surprise as despite the type disadvantage, Nimbus' wings smashed through the rock and he was only slightly thrown off kilter by the collision "Clear those with Night Shade!"

A shadow aura flowed over Nimbus and then shot forward, its shape mimicking that of the Honchkrow's. It spread its wings wide as it crashed through the line of jagged obelisks leaving a trail of debris before striking Brutus. The Gigalith dug its powerful legs into the ground as it was sent skidding back along the battlefield.

"I must say, your bird is putting up a surprisingly good fight," Dwayne said "But I am afraid your defeat is still iminent. Gravity!"

Kade groaned, the change in the battlefield palpable. As though some invisible fist had punched him from above, Nimbus was slammed suddenly to the ground and found himself unable to return to the air, his thrashing and pushing serving to get him to his feet and no further. He let out a low, annoyed sound - the closest a bird had ever gotten to growling.
"I really hate that move," Kade sighed.

"I imagine you would," came the response "Stone Edge again and then Headbutt, please."

Brutus was happy to oblige, taking a few steps forward, far less hindered it seemed b the strange gravitational effect. Then it stomped its hefty foot to the ground and once more the jagged stones erupted from the ground like spines, the line racing for Nimbus."

"Night Shade!" Kade instructed as the stones came in closer and closer. One more the shadowy aura flowed over Nimbus and then shot forward as a winged phantom, smashing through the rocks as they came. The attacks petered out leaving two of the stone columns standing before the Gigalith.

"Well well, not bad for a grounded bird. Headbutt, Brutus." Brutus started moving forward, building speed. He wasn't a particular fast Pokemon but his great bulk and stone body added force to his momentum. He barreled through the two remaining pillars and rushed forward in an attempt to ram Nimbus.

"Sucker Punch!" Kade responded hurriedly and Nimbus narrowed his eyes in the approximation of a smirk. As Brutus closed in he shifted forward awkwardly on his feet and flung his wing out in a backhand swipe.

Caught by surprise, Brutus was knocked sidewards and skidded back along the battlefield at an angle from his previous trajectory. Nimbus cawed mockingly at the Rock type as it charged again.

The mismatched Pokemon clashed repeatedly, Brutus rushing Nimbus and the Honckhrow narrowly deflecting him, taking some damage each time from the shear mass of the the herculean Pokemon he was deflecting. Kade couldn't help but feel his heart beating that bit faster with each collision and Dwayne seemed to finally be getting slightly frazzled, his confident smirk shifting into a grimace.

"Finish this, Heavy Slam!" Dwayne ordered, and as he did so something in the atmosphere changed again. The air around the arena felt thinner. Kade smiled.

"Sky Drop!" He called, knowing Nimbus was about to be in the air where he belonged once more.

Brutus charged the Honchkrow, pressing off the ground and heaving his massive body into the air as Nimbus flapped his wings. The enormous Gigalith beared down upon Nimbus as he took flight, narrowly slipping below the bird and brushing his talons. Then those talons lashed out and dug into Brutus' body as with an extraordinary effort he slammed his wings into the air, flapping harder than ever before against the Gigalith's immense weight, rising as much as he could despite the strain. Then, unable to take it anymore, he thrust his legs down and let go, pushing the Gigalith towards the ground below.

The Rock type slammed into the ground with an impact that rang out through the arena and beyond. Brutus started struggling to return to his feet as Kade gave the follow up instruction.

"Night Shade!"

As Brutus was almost back up, the phantasmal attack crashed into him from above with an explosive impact, knocking him back down. This time, the Gigalith didn't get back up.

As Nimbus landed in front of Kade, he stepped forward to hug the bird, but the Honchkrow stepped back. Kade stopped and smiled at him.

"Fair enough," he said pleasantly, watching as Dwayne recalled his Pokemon and made to exit the arena. "You did really well, Nimbus. I'm pleased we can work together now."

Nimbus inclined his head slightly before he was enveloped by clouds and a light drew him back into the Flight Ball. Still smiling to himself, Kade turned and exited the arena - freezing suddenly when he saw a young woman dressed in black shorts and tights but a violently yellow shirt walking towards him. She was imposingly tall with black hair, a dark tan and bright amber eyes.

"Not too bad," Sky said, grinning widely "Definitely better than our last battles and it seems that Honchkrow of yours has defrosted a little bit. I'll see you in the next round."

"You're competing?" Kade said, still adjusting to the out of the blue appearance of his rival and mentor.

"Of course," Sky said, trademark grin still plastered on here face "Well, winning more like it."

"I guess I'll have to see about that."

"I guess you will!"

Sky poked her tongue out at him before making her way towards the battlefield and Kade headed off to get Nimbus healed up and watch her battle. He was looking even more forward to the next round now, he was confident that Sky could win her battle.

---

Tournament Round 1

Annika walked into the waiting place for the tournament. She had already notified the people that she was there, so all she had to do was wait for her call. While she was waiting, she sat down, took out her drawing stuff, and, turning to a blank page in her notebook, started drawing, planning to make a forest with a river going over a hill. She had just finished the hill and was starting on the river when…

"May Annika Jiraiya please come to the field for her battle"

Annika nearly dropped her pencil when the speakers announced that. She got up and quickly put her stuff away, and left the room to go to the battling field.

She stood just outside, looking out on the wave of people on the stands. She had a moment of nervousness until it was washed away when she saw the announcer -

Steven Stone

She was so focused on her drawing that she didn't notice that he was here. She was in shock for a moment, before she composed herself as he was saying -

"Now it is time for our next set of competitors. Please welcome them onto the field!"

Annika walked out onto the field as the crowds cheering roared in the stands. She looked over at her opponent, and saw that this man was old. He had grey hair and his face was wrinkly, however he walked perfectly normal.

Steven walked over to the old man, microphone still in hand. "Good evening kind sir" he began. "Would you mind telling us your name and why you are here today?"

The old man smiled and said "Greetings to you. My name is Lawrence, and I'm honestly just here to test the skill of these youngins. I wish to see first hand how they handle their Pokemon"

Annika liked him as soon as he answered the question, and the crowd cheered. Steven walked over to Annika and asked her the same set of questions. "I'm Annika" she replied, deciding to withhold her last name in case others knew it, "And I'm partly here to win. I'm also kinda here to have fun!" Once again, the crowd roared of approval.

"Very well then" Steven said, heading back to the middle of the battlefield. "You both may send out your pokemon and the battle will begin!" He stepped back, allowing the entire field to the two competitors.

"Hope you put up a good match!" Lawrence said, getting the Pokeball from his belt. Annika smiled and replied "You too!"

"Go Bagel!" Annika shouted, throwing her Pokeball and Bagel popping out as Lawrence sent out his Delcatty.

"Nice pokemon!" Lawrence said, before calling out "Fake Out!" Delcatty ran up to Bagel, before running back a bit, putting on an act of being scared. Bagel snorted in disapproval and Annika stared in disbelief before Delcatty turned back towards him and hit him in the face. Bagel was so shocked he stepped back a bit, unable to move afterwards and Annika was confused.

"Now Disarming Voice!" Delcatty let out a sweet cry, and Bagel started feeling bad that he was going to fight this pokemon. But he had to and shook off the feeling. Annika finally got her shit together and shouted

"Bagel! Ice Fang!" Bagel ran forward, his teeth covering with ice, and bit down onto the Delcatty.

"Double Slap!" Lawrence shouted, and Delcatty turned to Bagel, slapping him with its paws until he let go.

"Now Thunder Fang!" Annika shouted, and Bagel's teeth surrounded with electricity as he bit back down onto Delcatty.

"Hmm, more an offensive attacker I see…" Lawrence observed, and he called out "Delcatty, attract!" Delcatty sent hearts over to Bagel, and he let go, looking perplexed at it.

"Shit she's a girl" Annika said, then called over "Spark, Bagel!" Bagel's body covered in electricity and he knocked her over. He felt really bad because of this so he helped her up.

"Double Slap!" Lawrence yelled, and Delcatty started slapping Bagel repeatedly until he got away.

"Spark again!" Annika yelled, and once again Bagel's body covered in electricity. This time, however, he didn't charge forward. Instead he let the electricity rush away.

"Play Rough!" Lawrence shouted, and Delcatty rushed forward, hitting Bagel in the chest and knocking him back.

Annika was contemplating on what to do next. She decided to do another Spark and hope it would hit. "Spark one more time!" Bagel's body once again covered in electricity, and the electricity once again faded away.

"Double Slap!" Delcatty ran up, about to slap Bagel once again.


"Dodge it!" Annika shouted, and Bagel thankfully obeyed, moving out of the way. "Spark!" Annika shouted, pleading that he would attack it and possibly paralyze. Bagel didn't let the electricity fade away this time, though. He ran up and hit the Delcatty, knocking her over once again. She got up and brushed it off.

"Play Rough!" Delcatty ran up to Bagel and hit him again, this time knocking him over. He managed to get back up as Annika said "Okay, fine! Bagel use Crunch!"

Bagel's teeth started glowing and he ran up to the Delcatty, biting down on her. She cried out in pain as his teeth bit down deeper.

"Double Slap!" Lawrence cried.

"Dodge it!" Annika called out, and Bagel let go of the Delcatty right as she was about to slap him into oblivion. "Now use Ice Fang!" Bagel once again bit down on the Delcatty, his teeth surrounded by ice.

They could tell that the Delcatty was getting weaker as Lawrence called out "Use disarming voice!" The Delcatty cried out, and Bagel felt really bad that he had hurt her so much and let go, kinda unwilling to keep going but still wouldn't give up just yet.

"Thunder Fang!" Annika called out, and Bagel's teeth surrounded with electricity. He bit Delcatty once more, and this time sparks surrounded the Delcatty as she screamed. Bagel once again let go, feeling bad.

"Double Slap!" Lawrence shouted, and Delcatty attempted to hit, but the electricity stopped her from moving.

"We got this, Bagel!" Annika shouted. "Spark!" Bagel's body started covering with electricity, but it disappeared and he didn't move.

Lawrence shouted "Play Rough!" Delcatty ran up to Bagel and hit him in the chest, knocking him over. He managed to get back up, but by this point he was panting.

"Come on, Bagel!" Annika shouted. "Spark!" Bagel's body covered in sparks as he ran up to the Delcatty, hitting her and knocking her over. She tried to get up, but she failed and laid on the floor, unconscious. After a bit, Steven shouted, "Delcatty has fainted, Annika is the winner for this round!" The crowd cheered, and Annika retrieved Bagel, waving.

After Lawrence retrieved his Pokemon, he approached Annika. "Good match!" he said. "Your Luxio is pretty strong!"

"He was my starter" Annika replied. "So I'm not surprised"
"Your starter, huh? In my days, starters were set Pokemon. It wasn't often that starters were different than the usual." Lawrence said, thinking.

"Well, times change, and so must we!" Annika replied.

Lawrence smiled, growing a liking to this young lady. "I'll be rooting for you in battles to come!" He said, offering his hand.

Annika smiled back and grabbed it, saying "Thanks!" They shook each others hands, and went on their way.