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[PKMN FULL] Journey Optional [T] [IC]

MurkMire

[font=special elite][color=#FF3399]Toxic Terror[/c
910
Posts
12
Years
Dmitrix the Clown
aka Dmitri Bolokov
ClownSprite_zpsu4ljogoj.png

Spoiler:



Dmitri was dressed in a bit of heavier attire than usual. A black coat, with a purple scarf. He wore a wool cap and still shivered to boot. It was chilly at this part of the day, getting late and all. He had been late more than he had liked. Due to specific training and catching another new Pokemon to his beloved troupe, he was practically a day behind.

"Yeesh... at least I'm almost there. Leave the next gym I'm late for being in the mountains... at least being a clown has a bit of a workout regimen." Damien thought back to when he left home and joined a circus that travelled the region. It was true inspiration for Dmitri, watching the acrobats, the clowns, the performers and their Pokemon working so hard. They seemed like no one could keep up with their tricks and movements. It was only then, Dmitri found a new meaning to life. He looked down, down at the Pokeballs clipped to his waist. All five of them... not only was he proud of his Pokemon, but he practically felt blessed to have such loving Pokemon on his side. He smiled, and continued his trek up the mountain. Up to Charol Town.

But...,

A couple of hours later, almost there, Dmitri stumbled on a rock before he caught himself, and looked up. There, he finally made it to Charol Town. It looked... lovely, in a certain way. Was it how secluded it looked from the rest of the world? Or maybe, it looked like it was only curious with it's own surroundings. "I don't think my original troupe came here... I can see why. And, moreso, feel it in my calves." He groaned with a slight agitation, but he was glad to finally make it to his next destination.

Dmitri looked around, until he spotted what looked like an observatory. A large, impressive telescope could be seen. "Oh, that's right! Let's see...." Dmitri slipped a small booklet out of a coat pocket. It contained a description of all the region and it's cities. And most importantly, the gyms and where they were. But before he left, he went to the Pokemon Center, and met with the nurse in charge."Hello, welcome to our Pokemon Center! How can I help you?" The nurse had short, pink hair and had a smile that made any heart melt. Dmitri smiled, and replied with, "Hello, could you take care of my Pokemon for a moment?" She nodded, and held up a tray for Pokeballs. "Thank you very much." He placed them inside, and thanked her for her help. "No need. It's what I do. Your name is... Dmitri Bolokov?"

She saw after the id popped up from the pokeball. "Yes, yes I am." The nurse's eyebrows scrunched for a small second. The name sounded... familiar. Shaking it off, she said, "Well then Mr. Bolokov, your name will be called when your Pokemon are checked out!" She smiled at him again, and walked away. Dmitri immediately headed for the nearest restroom to change.

~

"Dmitri Bolokov, please come to the front desk. Your Pokemon are checked out and are ready for you."

The nurse from before called on an intercom, and looked left to right. Not a sign of him showed up for a couple of minutes. Before she grabbed the intercom, she saw a purple clown walk up to the counter. Her eyes widened, and she almost gasped from the surprise. "My apologies, I was getting changed. Thank yo- Err, is something wrong, miss?" Dmitrix saw the surprised look on her face.

"N-no, I just remembered your name being familiar. So it is true, you're the wandering clown I heard about." She smiled again, and giggled at his appearance. Dmitrix laughed with her, blushing slightly. "Yes, it's true. I guess people do talk. I'm very sorry to cut this short, miss, but... I'm actually late."

She handed the tray, the Pokeballs seemed to shine as they were presented. "I understand. Have a good day, Dmitrix." She winked at him. Gratefully, he took them, and left the Pokemon Center.



Dmitrix, with Pigaro at his side, stepped through the automatic door that led to the Pokemon Gym. He had taken some time to look at the information regarding the Gym Leader, Egeus. He was a Dark-type specialist. Not something Dmitrix felt he could properly counter. Maybe his Venonat could be his ace for this gym.

A young man dressed in a green jacket, wavy black hair and covered in scientific equipment, he stepped out into view. "Oh, hello there! I see you're here for a match. What good timing. I just came back to the gym about half an hour ago after my trip. Just had another challenger."

Not wasting any time at all, he stepped up to the opposite side of the battlefield. "I'm Egeus, but you can call me Eg. I'm the gym leader here, and who might you be, mystery clown?" He smirked, interested by the opponent he was facing.

"I am Dmitri Bolokov, but you can call me Dmitrix, the Clown. This little Spoink is my partner, his name is Pigaro!" "Spoink-oink!" The small Spoink hopped and waved at the gym leader. Eg chuckled, and seemed to relax where he stood. "You're an interesting fellow, I'll give you that. Let's begin."

From inside his jacket, he revealed a Pokeball. "Sableye, I choose you!" He chucked it into the air, and out came an energized Sableye. "And who might your first be? Of course, this will be a three on three battle. Only you can a substitution. When one of us loses three matches, it's over."

Dmitrix nodded, and unclipped a pokeball. "Pigaro, let's go!" Spoink hopped excitedly, and jumped out onto the field. "Let's begin. Sableye, use Will-o-Wisp!" Blue flames immediately fired from the Darkness Pokemon's hands, aimed at the Spoink.

Dmitrix retaliated with, "Pigaro, send it back with a Magic Coat attack!" Sparkling blue lights coated the Spoink, and the flames bounced off of them, catching Sableye off guard and striking. "Eeee-yaaah!" The Sableye was covered in flames. Eg grinded his teeth for a moment. "How careless of me. Oh well...." "Alright Sableye, onto the offensive! Use Shadow Claw!" "Pigaro, dodge, and use Shadow Ball!" Spoink bounced high into the air, and caused a ball of dark energy to form. "Sableye, go after it!"

Sableye leapt up, but blue flames sparked and lit across it's body. It groaned with pain, but it's claws enlarged. Pigaro released the Shadow Ball, sending it higher into the air. It made contact, and knocked Sableye into the ground. The flames flared up again shortly before dispersing. "Now, Power Gem!" Pigaro began to fall head first, a large pearl forming underneath. "Sableye, dodge and use Shadow Claw again!"

Before Pigaro could complete the Power Gem and crush Sableye with it, Sableye crawled away with swiftness. Pigaro's Power Gem slammed into the ground, but to no avail against Sableye. With a sudden motion, Sableye slashed Pigaro with large, black claws. "Spooiiink!"

"No, Pigaro! Use Power Gem again!" Pigaro straightened it's tail to stick to the ground before slamming into it. "Spoiiiiiink...!" Once again, a large, glowing pearl began to form. "Sableye, quick, use Confuse Ray!" Sableye's eyes flashed a mixed of odd colors, Pigaro getting an eyeful. It and the Power Gem began to topple and lose form.

"Pigaro, quick, release!" The Power Gem, though sloppily fired, hit Sableye with force. It flew into the wall, and was knocked out. "Wow... Sableye, return. Get some rest." Returning the Pokemon, he quickly chucked another Pokeball. "Absol, I choose you!"

A beautiful Pokemon with a shiny white coat appeared. It's eyes, sharp and cold, made contact with the tired Spoink. "Oh my... what a Pokemon. Pigaro, come back!" The Spoink bounced over to Pigaro's side, slumping against his leg. "Alright then. Octavius, I choose you!"

A flippy, flopping Remoraid appeared before the Absol. It looked offended, but stood it's ground. "Alright, you may have the first move." "Octavius, use Lock-On!" Remoraid flailed it's tail, leaping into the air and locked eyes with the Disaster Pokemon. "Absol, use Quick Attack! Knock it into the ground." Absol disappeared for a brief moment, then crashed into the Remoraid. As it fell, Dmitrix called out, "Octavius, use Aurora Beam!" From Remoraid's eyes, a beam of beautiful colors shot at the Absol. It recoiled from the ice-type attack, feeling a cold chill run across it's entire body. It flipped backwards onto it's feet, shaking off the bright attack. Remoraid slammed it's tail onto the ground, flying into the air once more.

"I see... you've trained your Remoraid to be able to battle outside of water. Absol, use Psycho Cut!" Absol's scythe began to glow a bright purple. With a slice into the air, a crescent blade of violet flew towards Remoraid. "Alright Octavius, fight back with Bubble Beam!" Remoraid fired a Bubble Beam. Half of them popped when making contact with the Psycho Cut, but Absol still got pelted by countless bubbles. Remoraid was knocked out of the air, after Psycho Cut hit it. It hit the wall, and then began to fall.

"Octavius... use Bullet Seed!" It fired a Bullet Seed at the ground, slowing it's descent. "Absol, take this chance to use Night Slash!" The Absol took off like lightning, the scythe seemed to sharpen as it ran at the Remoraid. "Now, change direction!" Octavius flipped around, and pelted Absol with two more rounds of Bullet Seed.

The Absol growled with anger, and leapt at the Remoraid, slashing him with the scythe. Remoraid slammed into the ground, weakly flailed before passing out. "Octavius, no... oh dear. Return." Dmitrix woefully returned, and plucked his third Pokeball. Holding it up, he whispered, "I believe in you." He hurled the Pokeball into the air, and out came a Venonat. "Venomiss, let's do our best!"

The Venonat shrinked at the sight of the intimidating Absol, but she didn't move an inch. "Okay, Venomiss, use Poison Powder!" She jumped up, right over Absol. Before Eg could properly react, the Absol was coated in a purple powder. It coughed and struggled, but Absol was poisoned and weakened by the previous Pokemon. "Absol, use Night Slash!" The Absol jumped towards Venonat, growling as it swiped at her with it's scythe. "Venomiss, jump back, and use Giga Drain!"

Venomiss jumped back with panick, and from her mandible, a green energy fired and leeched onto the Absol. "Aaaa...Ab-so-" The Absol fell to the ground. "Oh no, Absol! You fought well, return." After that, he unclipped his final Pokeball.

"I'll say this, you really are impressive. Come on out, Pawniard!" With a hurl of the final Pokeball, a Pawniard appeared, battle ready. This Pokemon radiated the thrill of battle. It scraped the blades on it's hands, making screeching sound.

"Alright Pawniard, use Leer!" The Pawniard gave Venomiss a mean, awful look. She shuddered, and wimpered in her place. "Now, follow up with Slash!" The Pawniard immediately leapt forward, and slashed Venomiss with no time lost. Venomiss squealed, and rolled across the ground. "No, my little miss! Let's fight back with Metal Claw!" The blades shimmered, Pawniard flew again at the Venonat. She squeaked, and hopped out of the way. "Let's use Giga Drain!" Again, Venomiss fired a leeching energy that grabbed Pawniard. It groaned with a minor annoyance, but stood idly.

"Eugh... this isn't good. Time to pull a miracle... Venomiss, keep up the Giga Drain!" Venomiss complied, and held her Giga Drain latched onto the Pawniard. "Pawniard, use Slash again!" It jumped above, and began a downward slash attack. Venomiss, however, jumped to the side. The Pawniard looked greatly agitated, and slashed at the Venonat again. It connected, slashing across the frightened Venonat. "Ve-ve-veno...."

It squeaked and squirmed, but just as she was told, she did all she could to hold the Giga Drain attack. Pawniard still felt little damage, scoffing at Venomiss. "Now, Metal Claw!" Pawniard flew again, once more, and slashed at the Venonat. It knocked her out, as she rolled on the ground. She wimpered on the ground, twitching. "Venomiss!" Dmitrix hurriedly ran to pick her up. "I'm sorry... you really did your best. Please, get some rest." The Venonat's eyes quivered and nodded, before returning to her Pokeball. "So... here we are. Time to play out the finale. Pigaro, let's go."

The Spoink bounced onto the battlefield. "Not very good odds... but hey, I've seen stranger things. Pawniard, this is our last bout! Get ready!" Pawniard scraped the blades for it's hands, screeching into the air. Pigaro flinched back, but didn't turn away.

"Pigaro, use Power Gem!" "Pawniard, use Metal Claw!" Pigaro released a large Power Gem, hurling at the Pawniard. Without any waiver, it slashed through the gem, clean in half. It disappeared, startling both Dmitrix and Pigaro.

"Alright, now. Focus the Power Gem, and fire again!" Pigaro focused power into the pearl on his head, and fired again, a bright purple light fired at the Pawniard. It struck the Sharp Blade, knocking it on one knee. It grumbled again, and hopped out. "Now, Fury Cutter!" The blades began to glow green, and grew like scythes. It slashed at the Spoink, knocking it away. "No no no! Pigaro, use Shadow Ball!" Pigaro fired off a Shadow Ball, knocking down the Sharp Blade again.

They traded blow after blow, one attack after another. "Pawniard, one more Fury Cutter!" The blade grew even bigger, and began to close in on the Spoink. "Pigaro, time for a combination attack! Dodge, and use Shadow Ball!" It jumped high into the air, and another Shadow Ball began to careen into the Sharp Blade. "Not this time. Pawniard, cut through the Shadow Ball and end this!" It leapt up, and cut the Shadow Ball. It struck through, but Pawniard still rose up. "Power Gem!" Pawniard was hit directly with a concentrated Power Gem, knocking the Sharp Blade directly back down onto the battlefield.

It too, fell unconscious.

The two trainers fell silent. That was, until Eg began to clap. "Congrats, Dmitrix. You win." Eg looked completely worn out from the battle that had dragged out. "Come Pawniard, return. And you, Dmitrix... you have one the Night Badge."

He returned the last Pokemon, and held up a small chest. It contained a shining badge, designed like the moon.



"You really impressed me today. Good luck." "Thank you. The battle was fierce, indeed." The two shook hands outside the gym. "You can get to the next town travelling the road behind town. I think a wagon is around, for anyone willing to pay their way down." Eg smiled, and waved him off as he walked back to the gym, the doors closing behind him.


Dmitri sighed, and asked if he could hitch a ride from the man who owned the wagon, pulled by a single Tauros. The man agreed, and Dmitri paid him for his services. It was a steady, downward ride. Quiet, and cozy. He could use it, after such a wild battle.

Ring, ring. Ring, ring

"...Who is it?"

"It's me. Glad you finally answered, Dmitri."
 

Aquacorde

⟡ dig down, dig down ⟡
12,453
Posts
19
Years

(JUST OUTSIDE OF) CHAROL TOWN

Mihira vs Egeus


Why Mihira thought she could get over the mountain in an afternoon, she would never know.

No. She knew. She just didn't want to admit the reality. Pampered by company-funded hotels and tailored transit, Mihira hadn't needed to physically push herself in many years. Her last journey was before she even had Viveka- basing her abilities on what she could do back then was ludicrous. And yet, unthinkingly, she had done just that.

Not that it mattered now. She was where she was, and that was halfway up a mountain. At dusk.

Camping. Yes. That was a thing that trainers did on their journeys. She'd never enjoyed it- she'd chosen to journey through Diminia based almost exclusively on its small size, anticipating never having to spend the night outside of a town. All she had with her were a few sets of clothes, basic journalism equipment, and a water bottle… she'd be so hungry in the morning. Mihira sighed as she found a tunnel to duck into. It opened into a fairly large, deliberately carved cave- the gentle arc of the walls met a ceiling just taller than she and the flatness of the floor was interrupted only by a recessed fire ring near the entry. Wide, regular stairs descending further into the mountain indicated that this was an oft-used base for expeditions into the intricate cave systems. Though all this information pointed toward the place likely being avoided by wild Pokémon, Mihira still called Grotle to her side.

"We're staying here tonight," she told him, as she dragged a sweater and a long raincoat from her backpack. Grotle nodded and settled down next to the cave entrance, offering Mihira an even more sheltered nook to sleep in. She draped her raincoat over one of his branches to create a makeshift tent and crawled in with her backpack. It was already trapping Grotle's body heat nicely, so she spread her sweater under her hips and used her backpack as a pillow and dropped into a fitful doze.

---

The smell of smoke made her sit bolt upright, immediately tangling herself in the coat above her and startling Grotle, whose movements did nothing to help the situation. Just as claustrophobia began to set in, the coat was plucked from her head by human hands. Mihira scrambled away from the touch, panting and confused.

"Sorry, sorry! Just trying to help."

The confusion of sleep began to dissipate as Mihira was finally able to take in her surroundings. Directly in front of her, still holding her raincoat, was a bemused young man in durable but dirty activewear. It occurred to her that being able to see him was fairly surprising- glancing past Grotle revealed light coming not from outside, but from a small cooking fire in the carved fire ring. A Sableye sat next to it, teasing the wispy flames into small shapes.

"Um. Sorry. Is this… your cave…?" Mihira started mentally slapping herself halfway through the dumbest sentence she'd uttered since asking her ex-husband to move in with her.

"Well. Sort of? I did help carve it out and I use it a lot. But it's a public cave. I don't… live here or anything."

"Yes, you don't look like you live in a cave."

The man shuffled his feet. Mihira picked up her sweater and brushed it off.

"So, uh, you're camping here?"

"I didn't intend to. It got dark faster than I anticipated."

"Fair, fair. That explains the clever makeshift sleeping arrangements." he laughed lightly. "Are you trying to get to Charol?"

"Yes. I thought I could get there in an afternoon."

"Yeah, the mountain trails are trickier than people expect. You're not too far away though! About an hour's walk when the sun comes up, I think."

"That's good to know."

"I'm Egeus, by the way. Gym leader by day, spelunker by night! Or something along those lines." He made a motion that seemed to be the beginning of a handshake, but forgot he was holding Mihira's coat and instead ended up offering it out to her. She graciously accepted it as well as the handshake waiting underneath.

"My name is Mihira. I'm currently challenging the Dimina League."

Egeus' eyes lit up. "Oh, nice! We could battle now, if you want."

Mihira frowned. "In this small, dark cave?"

"Why not? I've battled in caves before. Not this one, but you kind of have to when you're a spelunker. Besides," he grinned, competitive spirit glinting in his eyes, "my team does well in darkness."

Discreetly using Grotle for support, Mihira rose to her feet and the challenge. "We accept." Grotle stamped his feet, getting worked up for battle.

"Sableye, with me." The named Pokémon slunk along next to Egeus, still playing with its flames, as they retreated to the other side of the cave. "Ready?"

"Yes."

The words left her mouth and Sableye was grinning inches from her face- a blink and its handful of flames was sinking into Grotle's neck, searing the skin. Grotle roared and Sableye was away again, buffeted only slightly by the vengeful Sand Tomb chasing it. The tiny fire flared, blinding both Mihira and Grotle to Sableye again darting forward- this time, sinking its claws into Grotle's back. The hard shell absorbed most of the pain and Grotle reared back, slamming the embedded Sableye into the wall of the cave. The impact shook it loose and it slumped down, melting into the shadows. Mihira cast her gaze wildly around the cave, trying to find it- "The fire!"

Grotle's Razor Leaf zipped across the flames just after they flared again, but a tiny spark sneaking along the wall gave away the slightly singed Sableye's position. Sand swirled around the surprised Pokémon, snuffing out the flames but scraping against its skin. It whined, trying to get away, but the sandstorm was too much for its weakened state and it fell to the ground as Razor Leaf hit true.

"I think setting Sableye on fire might have been an accident, but that worked well!" Egeus said as he recalled said Pokémon.

"I'll certainly remember that." Mihira turned to Grotle, who nodded when she asked if he would be fine a little longer.

A Pawniard appeared next, arms folded and head held proudly high. The glint of its polished metal made it easier to see than Sableye, but not by much. At Egeus' command it darted forward, but Grotle was ready with a Sand Tomb to keep it pushed away just long enough for Mihira to call him back and send out, as far as Egeus could see, a hole in the cave floor. Pawniard dragged itself from the sand and backed toward the wall, looking everywhere for its new opponent.

Trapinch burst from the wall just where it met the floor and clamped its jaws around a shocked Pawniard, dragging it from sight. The cave shook around the two trainers, sand and small rocks falling across the battlefield. Muffled growling and clanking moved around the walls and into the ceiling as the Pokémon struggled, cumulating in an avalanche of rock spilling from the weakened ceiling. Mihira just made out the shape of Trapinch releasing Pawniard as they both fell onto the rubble.

"Pawniard?"

"Trapinch?"

No movement. No reply.

"Double knockout."

"Looks like it. I wish I could have seen more of that fight," Egeus laughed. Twin flashes of light retrieved the combatants, and a third revealed Egeus' next Pokémon- an Absol, looking especially large in the confines of the cave. Mihira clicked her one Lure Ball to release Corsola into the rocks. A shimmering bubble of water surrounded it immediately.

"What's that?"

Mihira smirked. "Find out."

Absol primly picked its way over to Corsola, confident it had nothing to fear from this ball of sea waste. Corsola blew a few bubbles, annoyed, and her shell of water grew minutely. Absol very deliberately turned its back to walk back across the rubble to its trainer when some rocks shifted under its feet and it stumbled. It glared at the wickedly grinning Corsola. A shadow step was all the warning she got before she was assaulted with a Quick Attack- the shell bent with the blow to soften it, but the hit still landed. The bubble shrunk as Corsola was tossed across the rocks, rolling to a stop near Mihira's feet. It puffed to twice its original size when Corsola bounded upright, blowing angry bubbles that soon turned to icy spikes shooting their way across the cave. Absol gracefully dodged the majority of the spikes, sneaking ever closer with each motion, until it was close enough to rake its claws across Corsola. The shell softened the blow and shrunk again as Absol bounded away but as soon as its paws hit the rubble it was thrown into the wall, rocks hammering into it until Corsola had used every one on the floor. Absol fell limply into the pile. Corsola sauntered toward it while it struggled to its feet, blowing cheerful bubbles. Absol glared and Corsola was thrust away with a psychic shank, rolling back to Mihira again. The bubble, this time, did not bend with the blow and that realization was physically visible on Egeus.

"Psycho Cut, again!"

Corsola slammed into the wall, bubble shrinking to almost nothing. Ice shot toward the struggling Absol, but only two made their mark. Another Psycho Cut and the bubble was gone. Corsola slid down the wall and Absol dragged itself toward her, panting with the exertion. Corsola cracked one eye open and the ground rumbled. Absol swayed but pressed forward, nearly in range for a Night Slash. Six steps away. Five steps. Both of Corsola's eyes focused. The cave shook. Four steps. Three. Two...

A rock pulled itself from the ground just in front of Corsola and flew straight up, slamming into Absol's chin. Its jaw snapped shut and it fell to the floor, finally down. Mihira sighed and Corsola slumped down, blowing a few bubbles to form the ring again.

"Oh wow, that was intense." Egeus settled down to tend to Absol. "I thought I would've had more of an advantage, but Sableye was the only one who could maneuver well in here."

"Admittedly, my team has to compensate for its own lack of maneuverability as a rule."

"That... makes a lot of sense, looking back."

"I'm almost unsure what I'll do when Trapinch evolves."

"I'm sure you'll adapt! It might take some figuring out, but you seem good at applying your Pokémon's strengths."

Mihira smiled. "That means a lot, coming from you. Your Absol's ability is Super Luck, is it not? Its moves complement that ability greatly."

"Thanks! Sableye's a Prankster, I'm sure you noticed that, but you're so straightforward that Pawniard's Defiant didn't even come into play."

"I've been considering becoming a bit less straightforward, but it seems to have worked for me in this case."

"Don't fix what isn't broken, right?"

"I just hope it doesn't come back to bite me later."

"Oh, speaking of later- here. You're going to need my badge." Egeus pressed it into her palm. "It's called the Night Badge. Shows everyone you've kicked my butt."

Mihira actually laughed.

tumblr_oo8k2hDqxe1us4052o1_250.png

MIHIRA
with

Solrock // Levitate
Rock Polish - Sandstorm
Smack Down - Rollout

Trapinch // Hyper Cutter
Crunch - Dig
Bug Bite - Gust

Grotle // Overgrow
Work Up - Razor Leaf
Sand Tomb - Tackle

Corsola // Natural Cure
Aqua Ring - Ancient Power
Bubble Beam - Icicle Spear

tumblr_oo8k2hDqxe1us4052o2_250.png

 
Last edited:

HyperMorian

Busy with University.
3,084
Posts
7
Years

Dy4D40t.png
Bewildering Sunshine
rFfJlwY.png

Beautiful granny, soon.

In the bright morning of vibrant sunlight, the sun has come to shine the day once more--a common natural cycle entrusted by both Mother Nature and Father Sky. Separated but closely related, they became the embodiment of the life itself, along with the inhabitants living in this very world until today. From here, a Pokémon Trainer was seen talking with a gigantic-serpent Pokémon.

"C'mon Middle Mac!" Said the Trainer, "We can catch a lotta' of Pokémon here! Now use Surf so we can go fishing right away!"

"Gyaaaaaraaa-AAAARRGGGGHHHH!!"

As the Trainer says, Middle Mac the Gyarados splashed into the water surface. The mass has caused a temporary drizzle around the area, sparkling and looking beautiful at sight. The next minute after submerging, shadows appeared from the water edge. Motionless, the Atrocious Pokémon only floated at the water surface with several statics around its body. Confused, the trainer said, "Middle Mac? Are you OK?"
----
"I'm sorry, I should've known that we need to put extra signboards for you travelers." Egeus apologized.
"I'm concerned about my Middle Mac..." Said the Trainer worriedly.

As the two checked the wounded Pokémon inside the Pokémon Center, Shin stepped in with his Noctowl and Floatzel. Walking to the counter asking for Nurse Joy to rejuvenate the tired, she handed back the Poké Balls and so he left.

"Wait." Before he exited the building, he was stopped by Egeus, "Are you looking for the Gym Leader?"
"No, I want to do some fishing first." Replied Shin.
"Well, I suppose you shouldn't do it. The water is dangerous there." He warned.
"...Here I go then." He said, leaving the conversation with adrenaline. Egeus tried to explain the dangerous part but instead tripped. When he was about to chase him, Shin was already long gone.

"Will he be OK?" Said the Trainer.
"Well...maybe he'll come back soon." Replied Egeus.

Standing up to observe the outer world, Egeus sat on the bench and exhaled a sigh. Still concerned with the ongoing problem that happened days ago, he tried to find a way by contacting his friend Reed.

*ring ring* *click*

"What's up, Weedges?"
"It's Eg."
"Whatever, Eggman. So what?"
"Reed, what happened to the Power Plant?"
"Meh, none of my business anymore. You see, some rascal burned my ding bong and left like a Wimpod."
"Oh no...wait, your what?"
"Sorry, forgot you're not used to my lang'. Alas, that's my gym."
"...Okay..."
"The better side? Now I can be together with the bogs."
"...Uh..."
"New trailer yo. Can look, no touch."
"...So you had any idea on wh-"
"Oh crap, it's past twelve! Ciao buh-bye."

*click*

Feeling ambiguous, Egeus can only sigh more as he returned back to his gym. With gloomily dim lights surrounding the area, he saw a familiar entity waiting at the end of the gym. When the door and the lights were closed on purpose by two unidentified Pokémon, Egeus stared at the afro-haired man sitting at the wooden chair with a candle being lit by a Fire-Type Pokémon in front of him.

"Sit." He commanded.

"...Okay?"

Sitting on the other side, the two looked at each other like some kind of thorough interrogation. Confused, Egeus tried to ask what was all this for but was overridden by the one who did it. "Do you know why I'm here?"

"Uh, you want me to compliment on your new hair, right?" Replied Egeus.

"Partially right, but I've got something to complain about firstly."

"O-okay... So what was it?"

"I'll tell you."
----
"Why do you think fishing is the best thing like, is it worth it to wait for hours to get something?" Asked Noctowl.
"Heh, if I don't get one, then I won't do it in the get go." Answered Shin.

Heading out to the famous mountainous spring in hopes of getting some rare Pokémon, he sent out his Floatzel into the water surface. The Sea Weasel Pokémon snarled with joy as he came out from the small sphere of red and white, until he touched the water surface and...

"Floaaa-rrraaaaaAARRRGGGHHH!!"

"What the heck happened?" Said Noctowl, being shocked by the loud roar.

Floatzel jumped right back at the ground, paralyzed. Obviously, Shin and Noctowl realized that he was electrocuted by something, possibly a high voltage that's very conductive with the water. Looking back at the bright, dazzling spring, they also noticed a black Magikarp floating at the water surface looking motionless, hinting them that the water itself was indeed dangerous. From that point, Shin and Noctowl decided to take a look at the strange works inside the suspicious cabin surrounded by the waters. Landing safely albeit feeling a bit tingly on the bottom, Shin knocked the door gently.

"Go away!" A feminine voice yelled from the inside.

"Look man, I don't know what you're up to but-"

"I'll hear no more! Leave at once! None will take my sun away! Never ever!" She said loudly.

Curious by such violent and hasty behavior, he decided to take a look inside. The moment he took a peek, it was very bright that he backed off into the water edge. Singed slightly on the hair, they dropped the idea and decided to discuss for a troubleshooting with the one who's in charge.
----
"And that's about it, at least put a nearby signboard to notify people who doesn't know this, duh." Shin protested.

"Oh right, so sorry about that. Already warned you but you ignored me so that's a given." Apologized Egeus sarcastically, "Well...the workers who put the notice right at that islet thought that it was a good idea, so we left it just like that. Again, we're sorry."

"You don't specify the dangerous part very clearly." Shin denied, "Anyway, don't you have a plan to resolve this?"

"Actually, we had some related case few days ago." Explained Egeus, "We had a recent blackout, where there was a sudden stop for the electricity. Our main power supply located at the Power Plant provides as the power of this town's and also the other town just below this mountain. We had no idea what went wrong with the Power Plant, as we're unable to receive any info from them lately."

"Don't you people have some kind of safer alternative?"

"Now it's not and that's where your case comes in. We're aware that the wires connected below the water level has been broken. We had no idea how that thing can last for that long nor it was supposedly broken for its extended use on hazardous location. Egeus continued, "And before you come up with blowing up the place, no. We can't resort to vandalism either, as in destroying that place or the generator for the sake of the spring safety."

"Wouldn't shutting down the generator solve it?" Said Shin.

"Yeah, like you think it would be that easy." Countered Egeus, "To summarize it, the Power Plant went wrong, alternative generator automatically activates when it happens. The catch? The generator also went wrong because most of the wires located below the water level are broken, thus making it dangerous for people to live a feasible living. As a result, we have to cut the current and that's where we ended up at. We don't have enough electricity even with the help of Electric-Type Pokémon we had right now to even open the steel door leading to the still active generator. If we can somehow get inside and shut it down, the spring will be less dangerous. We'll still have to wait until things were made right at the Power Plant."

Sighing, Egeus continued, "Some brave people and Pokémon have tried to move them, but to no avail, they all failed for being incapable. One is very resistant to electricity, but either too weak or can't even swim. Due to such discouraging results, people were afraid and decided to left it just as it is. As for now, we have to use our personal power in the form of using Electric-Type Pokémon to do the charging. We're not sure if they're fine with the given power, but not a lot of our Pokémon are capable to create such amazing power for the time being. I would rather blame the architects from the cities for designing such one way buildings though, so to speak."

"I see...I still think the shutting down part is the best choice to take though." Stated Shin, scratching his sparkling hair moving onto another subject, "I'm curious about that one place at the middle of the cabin. It was very flashy and shocking. What kind of person would turn on the lights at the noon?"

"Previously, it was the home of a fellow sailor who already left years ago to embark on his quest to find the rarest treasure overseas. He's obsessed with portable bright lighting and flashy stuff." Summed up Egeus, "You guessed it, it's supposedly empty and all. From the looks of it, the activity on the cabin itself looked very recent and was very well lit even at the noon just like you said. It could be that somebody has indeed occupied the place and turned on all of his collective lamps, but what I've yet to know is how it can stay bright all the time despite not being connected with the generator. That's something that I've yet to know. Well, who knows? If you can cross past the water, maybe you can expose the bright activity behind there."

"I see. Then, I'm gonna give it a try."

Not quite surprised by his decision, he responded, "So you have a plan in your mind?"

"Definitely, and I want a payback too."

"Then let's battle if you're up to the task!" Challenged Egeus, "I mean, let's do it outside, we don't have Flash here."

Accepting his challenge as a Pokémon Trainer without knowing the strength and weakness, the two went outside the dark gym. At the outskirts of the mountainous town, several people joined in to watch the battle. The two took their battle stances, Egeus took the first turn and sent out his Sableye. In return, Shin sent out his Heatmor to fight against the Darkness Pokémon.

"Mooooooo!"

"I guess, you can still battle by yourself?" Said Shin.
"Alright, Sableye! Confuse Ray!" He commanded. The Darkness Pokémon shone a bright light, blinding enough for making the Anteater Pokémon dazzled, as well several people in the back.

"Um, sorry, maybe you guys shouldn't really get way too close." Warned Egeus.

Taking few steps back, the battle went on. Although confused, Heatmor stayed defiant and unleashed a flame chain through its snot and began to swing his head along with the confusion tempo, walking closer toward Sableye. The Darkness Pokémon tried to sneak and attack with a Shadow Claw from the rear. Thinking it was a great idea, Sableye quickly slipped past through the side and engulfed its hand with shadowy aura.

"Shadow Claw!" The attack hit, but to its surprise, Heatmor didn't budge nor flinch despite the damage he took. Instantaneously spinning his body, the vicious counterattack instead knocked Sableye away, severely. Falling down onto the grounds wounded, Sableye attempted on the second try, except more careful and to stay out of range after the hit. Successfully slipping past the Anteater Pokémon, Sableye once again engulfed both of its claws with shadowy aura. But things were made worse, when Heatmor snapped from the confusion and deflected Sableye's attack away for the second time. Unable to withstand the taken damage, Egeus withdrew Sableye.

"Your Heatmor is tough!"
"Hehe, thanks." Chuckled Shin.

Sending out his second Pokémon which is a Pawniard, Shin decided to switch out into Floatzel instead of keeping Heatmor on the battlefield even if he was advantageous.

"How unusual, huh?" Said Egeus.
"I should give him a try, though."

"Listen Floatzel, you're a powerhouse to that thing but don't get too overboard." Whispered Shin, "One and Two, then clench your fists."

Floatzel stared back at his foe, and decided to overpower the Sharp Blade Pokémon with Double Power-Up Punches. Walking toward Pawniard while cracking his fingers, Pawniard was aware that he will go for a frontal strike instead of attacking from a safe range. Moving into the side, Floatzel followed the movements as well. As Floatzel came closer, Pawniard jumped in hopes to land a critical hit with Slash. Sharpening the right blade, the attack was quickly intercepted when Floatzel corkscrewed it on the belly while it was in midair. The attacks were unavoidable for being not fast enough, thus Pawniard went down rather quickly.

"Oh man, but we're not finished yet!" Said Egeus cheerfully, taking his last Poké Ball revealing a white, elegant-looking Pokémon with a strangely human face. It can't be mistaken however, as it's uncommonly known as Absol--the Disaster Pokémon. Floatzel, being unfazed by its sleek yet menacing appearance clenched his fist again.

"Absol, Quick Attack then Psycho Cut!" Commanded Egeus.
"Floatzel, keep on with the pace using Aqua Jet, then Sonic Boom!"

The two Pokémon clashed at each other--one with a scythe and one with a powerful fist. Evenly matched at power, Absol jumped midair and unleashed pink crescent blades toward its foe. At the same time, Floatzel opened his mouth and let out supersonic shock wave through his gaping mouth. The two projectile impacted and exploded, causing a smoke that hinders vision. Floatzel struggled to track its movement, as for how quick it turned out to be--as if it was invisible. When he least expected it, Absol was already on the rear and attacked with a swift Night Slash.

The smoke cleared up for a period of time, and Floatzel was already on the ground. Absol might have won this round, but Shin knew that the next round will be a surefire win for him. Withdrawing Floatzel back for doing a good job despite his apparent defeat, Shin replaced his stead with Noctowl.

"Alright, listen carefully." Whispered Shin, "That thing is fast, you wouldn't want it to get hit by any of its attacks, or that's if you can copy the moves which wouldn't be effective for the likes of it. If Hypnosis at point blank range doesn't work, then you should fly upward then unleash the strongest wind blades you could ever create. Got it?"

Noctowl nodded, entering the battlefield with an adamant stare. Absol walked to the side very carefully, with a sneaky smirk, it pointed its fingers at its foe then moved its claw below its chin with a swift stroke, like it was doing a taunting pose. Before Shin could told him that he shouldn't be carried away, the Nocturnal Pokémon decided to close his eyes and fly high into the skies. Materializing destructive energies made of air on both wings, diving in with a mighty blade of air that slices even the skies, Noctowl surprisingly didn't launch the attack and simply went closer to his foe. Absol swiftly moved from its spot and unleashed more pink crescent blades, whereas Noctowl simply evaded the incoming projectiles easily with the attack still ready on his own arsenals.

Coming ever closer, Egeus commanded Absol to stay away from range using Quick Attack. However, the momentum acquired from the Nocturnal Pokémon was too fast for Absol to catch on, thus landing the first hit by throwing the blade that successfully made the Disaster Pokémon to flinch. Unable to steadily stand from the attack, Shin smiled as Noctowl flew upward once more and launched his second attack right at the top of the battlefield. The saber went ahead and once more hit the foe, quickly dispatching it when Floatzel can't do it.

"And that's a critical hit! Great job, Noctowl." Congratulated Shin.

Returning back to his shoulder without a scratch, the crowd clapped their hands in congratulation for his achievement on defeating a Gym Leader in a fair battle. The moment the two heard this, Shin and Noctowl realized that they were victorious. Withdrawing the wounded Pokémon, Egeus walked up to him.

"In recognition of your bonds with your Pokémon, I'm going to award you with the Night Badge." Handing over the badge that looked like a crescent moon, Shin gladly took the badge while raising the badge upward followed by a thunderous applause, "That was an intense battle! I knew that you could actually do it!"

"Heh, they call me an Ace Trainer for a reason." He proudly stated.
----
After sharing most of their ideas into one, the two agreed and carried on with the plan. Shin became the volunteer who suggested things that are needed, while Egeus then gathered some people who can prepare useful items for the operation to reveal the suspicious work behind the door of the naturally-guarded cabin. Standing on the safe grounds followed up by his temporary companions and supporters, he packed all the equipment needed and returned back to the dangerous spring. Grabbing his forearm with the talons, Noctowl carried him through the spring with a silent mouth. Passing through the danger safely, they landed on the other side as Egeus yelled, "Be safe! We're counting on you!"

Giving him a determined nod, they put on their black shades and equipped their proper insulator suits also temporarily acquired from a local weaver.

"...You looked like a Trubbish with wings, Noctowl." Commented Shin.

"They don't make good cuts for a Pokémon like me."

Putting Floatzel and Heatmor on guard from the outside, they agreed on the plan. Knocking the door off with force, they barged in, revealing a yellow lizard-like Pokémon sitting amidst the lamps engulfing the entire room with a collection of blinding lights. Startled by their arrival, the Generator Pokémon hissed and extended its collar, releasing forth a burst of lightning straight toward them. To its surprise, not even the Electric Terrain was enough to make a single dent toward the suit they wore.

"No! Get out! You won't get any closer to my sun!" Scowled the Heliolisk.

Startled by the voice coming from the Pokémon residing inside the cabin, the two lowered their stance. Feeling familiar with the similarity of a certain foe that was fought in his previous journey he took before reaching here, he tried asking Noctowl for clarification, "Is that one of those...education system thingy?"

"Forced evolution thingy you mean? Well...with an unusual physical appearance, red irises, talking capability, she's definitely one...I think?" Answered the Nocturnal Pokémon, feeling a bit unsure.

"How come a Pokémon like it appear at places like this?"
"How would I know?"

Too busy discussing rather than taking care of their foe, Heliolisk took the given ample time to prepare another move. Extending her collar once more, destructive energies began to form through her gaping mouth to ensure a quick wipe out with Hyper Beam. However, two more bipedal creatures in rubber hazmat suit interrupted and rushed forward to execute their attacks by their own accord. Amplified by the held item on hand--wooden signboards stolen from the entrance of the cabin.

"Zeal!"
"Moooooo."
"Ack! Ow! Aaahh!"

With repeated beatings, the two kept on pummeling Heliolisk as she cried in pain.

"Aaahh! Stop! Please! I beg of you!" Pleaded the Generator Pokémon.
"Uh, Floatzel, Heatmor, I think you can stop now." Commanded Shin.

Heatmor stopped based on his demand. On the other hand, Floatzel was too energetic and kept on beating her with the sturdy signboard.

"Aaaahh!"

"Floatzel! She's dying!" Yelled the Trainer angrily.

"Eeep." Floatzel stopped on his tracks, hiding the signboard on his back.
"Moo." Heatmor squinted at Floatzel intently.

"What...what did I do wrong?" Groaned the hurt Pokémon, breathing erratically, "All I wanted is...an everlasting light..."

Closing her eyes with tears, she fainted due the damage taken from the biased beatings done by the two. With a rather uneasy feeling for everyone, Shin put his hands into his head and backed off, "That's it, everyone! I'm not responsible nor affiliated from this Pokéabuse accusation here."

"Shin, we really should bring her to the Pokémon Center." Suggested Noctowl.
----
"So that Pokémon was the only one living in that place?" Concluded Egeus curiously, "And you said that it can understand human speech and talk like one?"
"A lone Pokémon with the lights all over the place, claiming them to be her sun." Stated Shin, "And yes, I'm not lying. You can even ask her when she recovered."
"O-okay then." Said Egeus, "It appeared that we don't gain a lot from this as the two places don't have any sort of relation whatsoever."
"Don't fret, at least we solved one of several things here." Cheered up Shin, "May our path cross again, I've got to do the other work here."

Clasping their hands together as a friendly sign of good luck and friendship, the spring still remained dangerous. Down to the mountain, Shin continued his journey by descending the mountain to locate the Power Plant while also trying to get his fourth badge. On Egeus' side, the defiant Pokémon has already awoken. Jumping from sudden shock, her breath became more heavy and she began to panic.

"W-where am I?! Why is it so dark?! My sun, where's my sun?!"

Feeling reluctant with what he should do as he isn't used to babysit a wild Pokémon that somehow can talk without knowing their clear origins and what not, he decided to pat her on the head lightly, "Please calm down, you should relax firstly."

His words effectively lessen her temperament. To keep on with the flow so that she might open up, he continued on comforting her, "Please, don't be afraid. You're safe now."

"...Who...who are you?"

"My name is Egeus." He grinned, "You can call me Eg if you want."
 
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Who's Kiyo?

puking rainbows
3,229
Posts
12
Years
How to Avoid Being The Charol Carnivore's Next Meal
Charol Town -- Don't allow disbelief to lead you into harm's way!
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A rampant plague of skepticism has claimed many folkloric leviathans over the past century, to the point where it's debatable who has the higher body count: them, or our incredulity. But while I'm thankful that our grasp on the natural world allows us to sleep better than our ancestors, perhaps this trend is allowing us to grow presumptuous?

-----
Before that hamlet nestled in-between the Charol Mountains became known for housing the region's leading technological facilities, it was a colonial village steeped in superstition surrounding a vicious butcher: I am, of course, slyly referencing the Charol Carnivore, the winged serpentine abomination blamed for various deaths in the adjacent woodlands. And while there have been serious efforts to extract said creature out of the realm of cryptozoology, the vast majority of the town's citizens have developed an aloof attitude towards their historical beast; discrediting it as wives' tale meant to keep children in line.

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experts say that they'd totally forgive the murders if the carnivore ended up being a rad evolution of dunsparce

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I speculated that a savvy scientist had preceded my visit and slayed the fiend in the minds of the populace with an in-depth debunking of its quintessential details, so I took a trip to the renowned observatory on the border of Markemak to search out the evidence: but I was quickly ushered out of the building with "who are you," and "how did you get into the ventilation shaft." It seems they too were disillusioned with my interest, which proved my growing fear: that the Carnivore has only ever been called a fraud out of association with beings proved to be myth, such as the Lacu Nosa Monster and Gogoatman. For all we know, the forests are still a playground to an ancient evil.

-----
But don't start suddenly screaming like I did, your girl has you covered. I sleuthed out the most gruesome fables about the demon and pitted them against the skills of Leader Egeus as he was camping alone in the woods, who you might be familiar with as that outdoorsy heartthrob on the cover of October's issue of Rolling Everstone. Here are tips I learned from the experiment:

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Diligently Ignore All Warning Signs

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Multiple stories reference an ethereal fog that foreshadows the approach of the creature, which I faithfully recreated by having my Yamask set a Haze while my Wingull layered a dusting of Mist around the area. While it made for a haunting sight, Egeus remained unimpressed with the change in weather, and went about his business sticking a marshmallow onto a stripped stick. I continued the performance by having my newly captured Ditto mimic the shape of an artistic rendition of the monster and weave in and out of nearby trees, the rest of my entourage close behind making pained and disjointed cries, but this failed to elicit even rudimentary forms of acknowledgement: no glances, no nods, no raising of the head, nothing.

-----
I was utterly captivated. It is my supposition that this stoicism was an act of purposeful flippancy, meant to dissuade oneself from smelling of fear; the beast's primary avenue of finding victims. Ingenious tactic from our hero, but I wasn't content to imagine that the torments would stop there: I had Ditto slap down a tree with its massive tail, and that's when Egeus dropped his facade and bolted up to his feet. Goes to show, even the most steadfast of spelunkers make their mistakes.

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Immolate Your Pokemon For An Opportunity To Escape

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If you failed to uphold the first tidbit of advice like our friend did, don't worry! All you need to do is send out a Pokemon you currently have in your roster and lead it to danger under the pretense that is it "checking out what's going on."

-----
Egeus picked out a tasty Pawniard for his initial offering, commanding it to walk up to the wreckage and search for signs of any hurt critters and what caused the break. I eventually caught onto what he was doing, so I had my Lileep use AncientPower to pull the very earth out from underneath the Sharp Blade Pokemon and bury it alive; as there have been a scattering of claims that the Carnivore could cause landslides. Though, two Pokemon are customary in this measure, as Egeus almost immediately pulled out a Sableye - convincing it that they were about to battle - and took his chance to run away when its fate fell upon in turn. I tried to get a little creative, so please don't mind when I say that I had my Ditto burst forth from the trees and swallow the dark-and-ghost-type whole: I'm not one-hundred-percent sure if the monster would reveal itself to consume sacrifices in this manner.

-----
Now that you've evaded the clutches of your assailant, use any remaining Pokemon at your disposal to aid in transporting you away from the scene. Egeus had an Absol on hand, but it's easy to see a Rapidash or Tauros filling this role instead. In fact, I'd urge you to choose anything other than the Disaster feline, as my Ditto - with a base speed lower than fifty, mind - was able to catch up to the duo fairly easily, especially after the Absol collapsed in exhaustion underneath the weight of its trainer after a measly mile.

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What To Do If Facing Off Against The Beast

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"But, Rhodes," you're thinking, "what if I wake up in the middle of the night and find that I'm eye-to-eye with the horror? What do I do then?" I had the same query throughout this whole process, and was very concerned that I was going to have to delete all the similarly phrased comments that were going to appear on this article and bring my credibility into question. Thankfully for all of us, Egeus had to come up with an answer when he was staring into the pupils of my transformed Ditto as it drooled over the shape of his head.

-----
You don't do anything, apparently. You cry, as Egeus did, extolling your regrets, and then you consequently die. There is no hope for you then, and if you wanted to live out the rest of your natural lifespan you shouldn't've camped in woods famous for billeting an otherworldly terror.

-----
But luckily for Egeus, this was all a simulation, and he was thrilled to find out that not only were his Pokemon going to be recovered, but that he was going to be featured on the news! "I'm going to call the police," he said, eager to call his friends at the station about the upcoming segment. Sadly I wasn't able to stay, since I had to catch a late train to Tethely for an appointment, but I just want to send them a shout-out for taking my experiment to heart; I hear that they're investigating the campsite as if it's a crime scene! Hopefully my work there and the results published in this article will keep future generations safe from the real spook lurking in those mountains.
Parasol Lady Rhodes // Having worked her way up from a meteorology internship, she's now proudly known as ONBS' most prolific online columnist. May occasionally bleat like Gogoatman.

Spoiler:
 
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Who's Kiyo?

puking rainbows
3,229
Posts
12
Years
Scandal at the Markemak Gym
Markemak City -- Leader Reed has been removed following a spectacular series of events.
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Incendiary Man, Markemak City's widely anticipated yearly music festival, quickly fell apart last Friday when a person unexpectedly burst out of the eponymous effigy. While most attendees scattered out of fear, Leader Reed - who had been performing onstage at the time of the incident - instead stripped bare and alternated between pleading for his life and chanting semi-coherent psalms. When authorities went to apprehend the individual who caused the disturbance, Reed lashed out in uncharacteristically aggressive behavior, leading them to detain him as well.

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Ingrid Rhodes of ONBS, later revealed to be the perpetrator, claimed that she had been doing investigative work that lead her to conceal herself within the wickerman. "You have to be willing to get down and dirty for your passion, even if it means you'll get set on fire," she commented. In a surprising turn of events, interrogation of the reporter lead to provocative insight into the gym leader's manic episode: "based on his ramblings, I believe he thought I was the distorted embodiment of his mother endowed with unholy powers; probably a hallucination brought on by that ..." - she made a gesture that illustrated the smoking of a blunt - "... good stuff, you know?"

-----
Reed spent the night in holding to assure he was not a danger to himself or others, but was released Saturday morning on a probationary measure until police could confirm Rhodes' information and prompt an investigation. They wouldn't have to wait long however, as the following night, firefighters were dispatched to Markemak Gym after a neighbor discovered the building completely ablaze while an intoxicated Reed stood hypnotized by the sight. He was put into custody under suspicion of substance abuse and arson.

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A search of the teen's collection of greenhouses uncovered a wide range of homemade herbal concoctions utilizing the controlled byproducts of plantlike Pokémon, a large distillery, and plans for an underground breeding ring. There is also cause to believe that he exported many of his creations to other settlements in Diminia. These discoveries have lead to Reed's roster and title being seized, and he currently awaits trial. The minimum sentence is conjectured to be ten years in prison.

-----
In related news, plans for a new Markemak Gym are in progress, and the city council is now accepting applications. There will be a thorough background check on all aspiring leaders.
Veteran Mihira // In twenty-five years of service to the Lumiose Press, she has won the coveted Gabriela-Tyler Award for Outstanding Journalism five times. Proud advocate of #ReedBehindBars.
 
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Journey Optional

Chapter Five - Cere City

Town Info: A small and simple coastal city located on an island, Cere City has a lucrative fishing industry and a thriving market square. Ferry rides leave from the main port to other nearby islands and the mainland frequently.

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Leader: Hiraani
Type: Flying
Info: Ambitious and hardworking, Hiraani would like to be considered one of the world's top trainers one day. She prefers to chip away at her opponents, waiting to make a decisive strike. She takes on opponents in 3 vs 3 single battle where only her challengers can make switches. She awards the Ascension Badge.
Team:

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Oricorio-Sensu (Dancer) - Double Team, Revelation Dance, Air Slash, Teeter Dance

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Gligar (Immunity) - Toxic, Roost, Acrobatics, X-Scissor

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Minior-Red (Shields Down) - Shell Smash, Confuse Ray, Ancient Power, Double-Edge​

Chapter Six Starts on 25/04

 

ImMrRoboto

That's MISTER Roboto to you!
254
Posts
8
Years
Damien King
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Spoiler:


Damien yawned and stretched as the sun rose. He had gotten to sleep late last night after his battle with Egeus, so he was still pretty groggy.

"C'mon out, everybody." Damien yawned as he rubbed his eyes and pulled out his Pokéballs, letting all of his Pokémon out. From the white light, Gible, Ralts, Happinny holding her Brown Rock, Treecko, and Rockruff formed and started yawning and playing. He was always getting better at capturing Pokémon. He had actually captured two, Rockruff and Pineco, but when he caught the Pineco, The Voices told him that he could only have six Pokémon in his party at a time, so it went into his PC… somehow.

Taking a look at Happinny, Damien saw her cradling the rock like a child, laughing. Before he went to sleep, Damien made a call to his old Operator and asked her about the stone, and she pulled up an old mission report from before the Almia Crisis. The Stone itself was called the Odd Keystone, and the Pokémon was called Spiritomb, and for some reason, it seemed to love the Happinny that Damien had caught. It the fight with Egeus, it looked like Spiritomb came to protect her. It was most bizarre.

Suddenly, Damien heard a cry to his right. Turning, he could see that Gible had once again bitten Ralts' hand, causing her to cry. Damien was just running over to when Ralts turned her head and shot a soundwave at Gibble, sending him flying. To this, Gible replied with his claws lighting up and him leaping toward Ralts, but he wasn't fast enough, Ralts easily leapt out of his way and grabbed him out of the air with Grass Knot before swinging him around. Panicked, and trying to not get hit by the flying Gible, instinctively reached toward an empty loop on his belt, where his Capture Styler used to be. Meanwhile, Ralts let got of the vines, sending Gible flying, but as soon as he hit the ground, he burrowed under ground and sped over to Ralts, reemerging under her and knocking her back a few yards

The other Pokémon were starting to panic. Happinny grabbed the Keystone and leapt behind a larger rock, and Treecko scuttled up a tree. Rockruff alone stayed and tried to get in on the fight, though who he was protecting was unclear, as Damien quickly returned him to his ball. Ralts arose just as Gible surrounded himself with an aura and charged at her. Dragon Rush. In response, Ralts began firing a constant beam of soundwaves, slowing Gible down considerably, but not stopping him. The constant strain on both of them was showing. Neither could hold on forever. Taking the opportunity, Damien ran over to them. Just as he was almost there, something happened that Damien had never seen before. As if they were both ignited by some hidden resolve, they became stronger. The sound waves became stronger, and Gible's aura became larger.

Suddenly, they both became bright white before twisting and growing until the white glow faded and they had taken a different form. His Pokémon had turned into Kirlia and Gabite, their second forms. Just after the glow faded, their attacks briefly ceased, and Damien ran over to them, grabbing them both by the ear and lifting them up. Even now, they started swinging at each other wildly in midair. Eventually, Damien managed to return them to their Pokéballs.

"Alright guys, I think we should go now. The next gym isn't far off." He said, calling all of his Pokémon back. Once they were all safely in his bag, he started toward the next gym. After defeating Egeus and walking away the night prior, Damien had actually gotten quite lost and had to return to Egeus for directions, at which point he was told about the next gym. Supposedly, it was Normal type. To be honest, this was both good and bad. It was good because Normal doesn't have an advantage over any type, but bad because there was only one type that was effective on Normal, that being Fighting, which Damien didn't have, but he'd managed to take down Reed, right?

It was a decently long walk to the next town, during which ate and rested rather little, wanting to make it to the next town quickly, eager to make up for the accumulated lost time over the last few days.

Eventually, he made it to the base of a mountain where he found Tethely Town, where Egeus had said the next gym would be. The town itself was very small, and the gym was not difficult to find, as Damien was fairly sure that it was the largest building.

Inside, Damien found a rather plain arena. A brown stone rectangle with a few rocks scattered around. Somehow, however, it looked quite nice and calming. It almost made him forget that he'd gotten about two hours of sleep in the last twenty four hours.

"Hey!" Damien heard behind him. Whirling around, Damien saw little more than a pair of huge green eyes staring into his soul. Screaming and stumbling backwards, Damien saw the rest of the person. She had brown hair and a yellow dress on. It may have been the drowsiness, but Damien could've sworn he'd seen the design on her belt buckle somewhere before.

She began to laugh. "What are you doing down there? Aren't you here to battle? That's what I'm here for, after all, c'mon!" Before Damien could even register her words, they were both standing on opposite ends of the square and she started bouncing in place and reciting all of the rules in a sing song voice, but too fast for Damien's sleepless, exhausted mind to comprehend.

Suddenly, she sent out three Pokémon, snapping Damien back into reality. Reactively, Damien reached into his bag and threw out Happinny, Treecko, and Rockruff. Why do they call it Rockruff? Did they call it that because that's the sound it made or…?"

Y'know what, how about we just go to the battle, m'kay? M'kay.

Treecko, Rockruff, and Happinny faced down the three Pokémon on the other side of the arena. Komala, Dodrio, and Ursaring. Almost at once, all six Pokémon burst into action. Treecko launched himself at Ursaring, quickly dodging his large, broad swings. Rockruff and Dodrio ran to each other, ready to attack, and, with seemingly nothing better to do, Happinny skipped over to the sleeping Pokémon and sat down next to it.

As Rockruff and Dodrio ran towards each other, Rockruff broke off, leaping to the left and jumped toward Dodrio, mouth open. Being caught off guard, Dodrio got hit. Rockruff leapt onto it, biting into it with his small, rock hard teeth. Dodrio began to thrash and flail around trying to shake him off. Eventually, Rockruff was shaken off and fell back onto the ground. Dodrio reared all three of its heads to attack, but just as they came down, Rockruff leapt up, bouncing off each of its heads before landing on its back. Once there, he used Rock Tomb, summoning a large boulder from… somewhere. (Damien wasn't paying attention.) Rockruff launched the rock straight up into the air. Just then, Dodrio thrust its middle head backward at Rockruff, who narrowly managed to escape. As soon as he touched the ground, Rockruff turned around to face Dodrio just in time to watch the boulder fall straight onto its back, knocking it out. Rockruff then turned around just in time to get knocked back by a flying Treecko. The two struck the wall, trapping both of them as Ursaring laughed triumphantly as he lifted his foot and then brought it down, causing the ground to shake in a straight line towards the two, causing the two to faint.

Happinny and Komala, on the other hand, were engaged in a battle of their own. Occasionally, Happinny would approach, and lightly begin punching with her little arms before stepping back to avoid Komala's arm attempting to brush her off.

The quake had slightly woken up Damien, who pulled out his last two Pokéballs and threw them. From the light came Gabite and Kirlia, who tried to attack each other the moment they saw each other, in an attempt to reignite their fight from earlier, but as Ursaring charged toward them, they seperated and leapt to either side of the charging Pokémon, who stopped just short of Damien. Gabite ignited its airs from earlier and charged at Ursaring, who easily used Hammer Arm, to knock him aside. Kirlia, on the other hand, prepared to launch soundwaves, but Ursaring jumped out of the way, toward her, and Slashed her. This went on for quite some time. No matter what they did, Ursaring always countered their attacks. Eventually, however, Ursaring began to attack, violently swinging its claws. The two were barely able to dodge quickly enough, and were quickly becoming fatigued. They found themselves stuck side by side in front of it as Ursaring picked up Komala's wooden drum from beside a sleeping Happinny and threw it at them (with Komala still hanging off of it) they both side stepped the Pokémon rather easily, but the fact remained that at this point, Ursaring was playing with them. It picked up another rock, laughed and sent it flying toward Gabite. At this, Kirlia cried out and fired soundwaves at he rock blowing it out of the air. Gabite seems taken aback, Ursaring was still throwing rocks, sending another straight for Kirlia, at which point Gabite dashed over to her and launched her into the air. As she was being launched, she grabbed Komala off of the ground and as she went into the air and threw it back at Ursaring, who caught it easily, but it caused it to not see the two running toward him until Kirlia jumped into the air, bounced off its face, and landed on the other side. While it was dazed, Gabite began Dragon Rush, igniting the aura and charging it. Ursaring raised its arm, preparing to knock him aside once more, but it couldn't move. Behind it, Kirlia using Confusion to hold it in place (that's what it does in the anime, right?) as Gabite's aura grew larger and larger, it crashed right into the center of the circle on Ursaring's stomach, blowing it back over Kirlia and into the wall. They had won.

"Good job, everyone." Damien said sleepily, calling of his Pokémon back and slowly walking over to the Gym Leader. She started speaking too fast for him to understand again, and eventually pulled out the badge and handed it to him.

Damien's poor, tired mind had only a few seconds to celebrate before he collapsed in front of the leader and fell asleep.
 

Who's Kiyo?

puking rainbows
3,229
Posts
12
Years
History of the Missing Meadow
Tethely Town -- A hazy look into one of Diminia's most famous artists.
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-----
We live in a time arguably supersaturated with images. At any given moment I could look up a word on my phone and get hundreds of photos based on what I'm looking for ... most useless or pornographic, but instantly, is the case I'm making a point of. Although I remain a huge proponent for the convenience technology has gifted us, I do carry an amount of respect towards the Tethely Regional Gallery for adhering to a strict code that disallows the free-sharing or recreation of art currently in their collection. I took a trip there last night whilst bar hopping with my grade school friend Jane, and I have to admit that the pieces held a certain reverence; granted I don't remember much of what I saw, considering the amount of Mai Tais running through my system, but I distinctly recall a strong feeling of appreciation for the privilege my ten dollar entry fee provided me.

-----
Which is why it comes as a great yet ironic tragedy to hear that a highly influential painting - that I'm apparently familiar with ... ? - has been reported missing as of this morning: the common citizen wouldn't recognize the work even the thief passed by with it uncovered through the street. In the interest of apprehending the culprit, my superiors are in cahoots with the Gallery to release this article elaborating on its history with a temporary picture of "In the Second Meadow," which will be edited in below.

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Although I can't vouch for it personally, amateur aficionados have no problem identifying the distinct style as Leonid Afreimov's: "ugh, hard to mistake those unskillful splotches of obnoxious colors as anyone else's," groaned Roza, the woman I found sipping grain vodka and chained beside my hotel room's toilet as I awoke from my blackout this afternoon, "he basically finger-paints until he makes a shape that resembles something coherent." At first I was quite surprised to hear her be so critical, but that feeling subsided when she briefed me on the creator's infamous hatred towards all non-abstract forms of expression, and also when I realized that I was laying in a bathtub of ice and down one kidney. In fact, "In the Second Meadow" is more exceptional than it first appears, as it's one of Afreimov's rare attempts at realism; later denounced on his deathbed out of bitterness, him bemoaning that his "least inspired" work became his most popular. I tried to reach Jane for specific wording on this statement, as her mother was a close friend to Afreimov in his later years, but she was mysteriously absent from all her local haunts and left her cell - as well as all of her clothes, oddly stained with an unidentifiable substance - in my room.

-----
Luckily I was able hack past her lockscreen and discover a series of long-winded recordings that detailed the origins of the piece and helped fill in large gaps of my memory. The painting was made as a commission to the visiting King of Kalos many decades ago, who enjoyed the unique joyful composition of the artist but demanded that the portrait capture the likeness of a precious pet faithfully. Afreimov reportedly stated that it felt like he was being asphyxiated throughout the whole process of making it, and I'm sure there were many times that he wanted to ruin the canvas with a messy splash of champagne, but the curator didn't appreciate when someone - me, I guess - accidentally committed that gesture during an impromptu gym battle with Jane that I apparently engaged in within the museum's lobby. Although the King paid what compares to be a few hundred dollars, we discovered that the work is prized at nearly a million today, and had to pay the museum a significant portion of that price for repairs. Also, there were assorted monologues about our mutual deep-seated emotional problems and need to pee at various points, which I assume are irrelevant to this artistic canon.

-----
The painting would be shipped back to Afreimov in a fit of spiteful despair once the pet depicted suddenly died of sickness barely a year later, only to be sold again for a pitiful price to an aspiring entrepreneur that would later theme his casino, the name now lost under legal nonsense, after it. Said business still exists - as the alternatively christened Black Tie Affair - a small drive from town, and Roza claims that while she was drunk texting a provocative "hey bea i gotta axee a ques. Why gotta faxxure my hart? (thas my way 2 tel u my litte draagon evolved, my little dragn ; )" to a love interest, she heard Jane and myself describe how lovely the establishment was as we ventured to win big at the tables and pay off our debt. As the popularity of the business grew, so would Afreimov's anger, as ours did when bouncers attempted to apprehend us for cheating at blackjack and trying to use Meowth coins as valid currency. A huge battle broke out; well, a legal one between Afreimov and the founder regarding copyright, and a literal one once I had my Porygon2 use Magnet Rise to yank slot machines out of their place and Jane used Roza as a body shield hostage to escape. Afreimov would eventually win in court, seizing the work and storing it in his attic until his death. Many people outspokenly criticized the artist for his miserly demeanor as the casino was cleaned of all its iconic merchandise and forced to re-brand itself, but it stood that the painting would not see the light of day until semi-recently when it was sold by his granddaughter at an auction to the Gallery.

-----
The curator gave a private interview in which he granted me amnesty for my debt - considering the circumstances - and divulged that hours after my friend and I left, he was held at gunpoint in his office by masked vandals and robbed of "In the Second Meadow" and an exorbitant amount of money from a secret vault within the bowels of the building. He hopes that this article will help spread awareness and lead to the recovery of the piece, as he wishes to sell it to the owner of Black Tie Affair once it's grown to be a stale fixture. My Cofagrigus seemed beside itself too as we departed, coughing up bills and artwork of an Eevee out of its chest as we walked towards Cere City that I assume it ... simply conjures inside itself when it's upset? Ghosts confuse me.

-----
In any case, if you see the painting or have any information that could aid the search, please contact the Tethely Police immediately. Also, do so if you find Jane. Or my missing organs. Any of those will do.
Parasol Lady Rhodes // Having worked her way up from a meteorology internship, she's now proudly known as ONBS' most prolific online columnist. Unregistered organ donor.

Spoiler:
 

MurkMire

[font=special elite][color=#FF3399]Toxic Terror[/c
910
Posts
12
Years
Dmitrix the Clown
aka Dmitri Bolokov
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Spoiler:


Darkness... dark, darker, yet darker still.

"Hello...? Where are you? Pigaro! Venomiss! Aero...?! Where are you?!" Dmitri cried aloud inside the abyss. Only his echo could be heard. It seemed to bounce around, almost as if they were imitations of his frightened voice. Taunting him.

"Octavius... Escargoo? Please, my Pokemon... answer me!" Dmitri fell to his knees, and wept. The makeup began to smear against his face as tears rolled down his cheek. White makeup mixed with his tears, as they dripped on the floor. "Ugh... gugh... PLEASE! SOMEONE!" His eyes widened, bloodshot and drenched with tears. He continued to weep, laid on the floor and curled into the fetal position as he felt the darkness surround him.

Just when it felt suffocating, Dmitri could hear a voice.

"Hello... young Dmitri. You look so adorable... when you're broken."

Dmitri rapidly shook his head, cursing himself. The only person that greeted him in this abyss was... that nightmare. "Come now... let's get a good look at you." The next thing he knew, he was sitting straight up, his chin held up by a white glove. The fingers caressed Dmitri's cheek, slowly and softly. Dmitri shivered, feeling a sharp chill run up his spine. "What's wrong, young Dmitri? Don't you like me anymore...? You hurt me so." The voice taunted him, with a fake sadness to his tone of voice.

But Dmitri whimpered in his seat, the tears hadn't halted for even a moment. The white glove gently flecked a tear onto a finger, and made a wagging motion, with the voice scolding Dmitri. "Tsk, tsk, tsk... I thought you stopped crying. Isn't that what you said to yourself?"

Between the two, white gloved hands, a pair of eyes popped from the shadows. Beady, black, full of malice and glee. They were shaped like the eyes of a Seviper, or a Hypno. And what accompanied the disturbed eyes was a wide, toothy grin. The hands slowly glided over to his face, to cup his cheeks. But before the hands could touch Dmitri again, a bright, purple light flashed between them. The light ripped Dmitri away from the abyss.

~

"Augh! AAUUGH!" Dmitri jerked, and flailed in terror, but was immediately held by what felt like multiple, strong hands. "Hnngh... ungh... oh my, what-" "Grump... grum-pig." Dmitri's eyes rolled over, seeing his Grumpig standing next to his bed, using psychic power. The beautiful, black pearls shined with a violet light, and could feel his mind being probed.

Without even hearing the words, but seeing them in his mind, he could see Pigaro trying to communicate with him. "Please... are you okay?" Pigaro's purple eyes were deadset on his trainer's, concerned with what just happened. The man began to tear up, but shook his head. "I'm okay... thank you, dear Pigaro." Pigaro let go, seeing his trainer was back to normal. He sat up out of bed, and held his head in his hands. He could feel the temples pulse with a headache, but compared to what he just experienced, he was just fine with a mere headache. He looked over at Pigaro, and lovingly stroked the Grumpig's head. He was met with a happy snort.

"Come... I think it's time for breakfast." Dmitri stood up, almost losing his balance before he slipped on some clothes. Just enough to go outside and feed his Pokemon.

"Come out, my dear Pokemon!" Pigaro was already before his trainer, but Dmitri was met by his enthusiastic troupe of Pokemon. Venomiss immediately clung to Dmitri's leg, sensing his worry and fear. "Come now, little miss... it's okay. Everyone, I have your breakfast ready. Please, help yourselves."

The night before, Dmitri slaved over a stove that the nurse allowed him, so that he could prepare specific food for each of his Pokemon. They were neatly organized, and was served before the Pokemon. They happily feasted, and Dmitri chuckled with joy. Seeing this, he almost forgot the nightmare.

Almost.

~

In the Pokemon Center rental room, Dmitri was getting prepared for the next battle. He was becoming Dmitrix, once again. After he topped his cap and donned his big red nose, Dmitri began to apply the white makeup. A round circle of white over his mouth, and both of his eyes. When applying makeup to his eyes, Dmitri made sure to keep his eyes closed. But when he made the finishing touches, and felt the table before him, and he flipped open the mirror.

For a split second, serpentine eyes flitted to life, before the hallucination disappeared.

His own, jolly reflection returned. He sighed, and blinked a couple of times. Shaking off that familiar chill of terror, he focused on the task ahead of him.

Pigaro snorted, feeling the trainer suddenly chilled. He spun in his chair, and hopped. "It's okay. Dmitrix is here. Nothing will stop us now."

~

Dmitrix strolled through Tethely Town, straight towards the next Gym, that being the largest building in the city. Just as it was in every other town. Pigaro walked beside him, mindful of his surroundings, and wondering what challenge they were to face next. The town looked more like a village, or at least gave off the feeling of a village.

But as Dmitrix reached closer, he felt no need for any bravado, or any wild entrance. He strolled through the door he swung open, allowing Grumpig to follow suit. What could be heard was the laughter of a young girl. Dmitrix and Pigaro walked on, until they found the Gym itself. It was a plain, normal gym floor with a few rocks, scattered here and there. In the center, was a young girl playing with her Komala. A Dodrio and an Ursaring relaxed close by. Slowly, Dmitrix walked closer. Though he didn't want to disturb the happy girl, he could tell she was the gym leader of Tethely Town. "Ahem," he made a mock cough, just enough to possibly catch her attention.

No such luck.

She was playing wildly with a Komala, holding it up and spinning. The small Pokemon snoozed, completely detached from it's own surroundings. The Ursaring and Dodrio paid no mind to her, and didn't quite notice the purple clown.

"AHEM," Dmitrix "cleared" his throat louder. "Oh? Komala, are you sick?" She stopped, and put a palm to it's forehead. One of the three heads that belonged to Dodrio rised, and cawed at her. She looked back, before she realized what was possibly happening. "Oh! Another challenger! Hello! Nice to meet you! Are you really a clown? Do you perform, or are you a challenger? Is that Grumpig yours? I really wa-" But before she could sputter another sentence, her Ursaring was already behind her, surprisingly quick. With two claws, it picked her up for a split second. She squeaked in surprise, and bowed her head. "Sorry... teehee." The Ursaring gently put her back down, and sat back down against one of the rocks. It only gave Dmitrix and Grumpig a passing glance, before it slumped over.

"Ah, yes... where are my manners, eh-heh... I'm Jane, Tethely Town's gym leader! Who are you, Mr. Clown?" Her wide, green eyes curiously looked over Dmitrix and his Grumpig partner. Collecting himself, Dmitrix stated, "I'm Dmitrix the Clown. And yes, I'm requesting a battle from you. Would you care to battle?" Jane eagerly nodded, and jumped for joy. The Komala, seemingly flung out of her arms as she jumped, grasped onto the gym leader's shoulder.

"So, who will you be starting off with?" Jane gave a big smile, and waited for her challenger's decision. But before Dmitrix could even think, Pigaro immediately hopped onto the battlefield.

"Grump." Pigaro looked back at his trainer, his eyes looked so much different than just yesterday. When he was an innocent, sweet Spoink. But seeing his trainer's mind, and what plagued it... Pigaro evolved to be strong enough to help his trainer recover, if only for a moment.

Dmitrix knew what had to be done. "I trust you, dear partner. This stage is just for you... and I will not only be your trainer... but your audience." His lips quivered, as did his eyes. But he shook it off, and recovered the bravado Dmitrix the Clown was known for. "Pigaro, let's win this, just the two of us."

Jane turned her head over to Komala. It slipped off of her arm, and bounced onto the battlefield. It lazily rose, and held itself up by holding onto it's trusty log. "Welp, here are the rules, but I'm sure you're familiar, Mr. Dmitrix! This'll be a three on three battle. Only you can make subs. Soooo!"

Komala jerked itself up, it's eyes still closed. "Pigaro, use Psybeam!" "Komala, use Bulk Up!"

The black pearls on Pigaro's head glowed again, and fired a beam of multiple colors, aimed at Komala's own head. It struck with gusto, but Komala stood strong. It beat the top of the log as if it was a bongo, and then it flexed it's little muscles. A bright, red aura flashed around Komala. "Pigaro, continue your assault with a Power Gem!" "Komala, counter the attack with Wood Hammer!"

Pigaro raised above his head a glowing pearl, larger than it had ever been when used as a Spoink. However, the Komala sprang up and bashed the Power Gem with the log, growing twice it's size and glowing green.

"Do it, Komala!" On cue, it came down and struck Grumpig square on the head. It reeled, and oinked in pain. But it shook it's head, and huffed. "Pigaro, Psybeam again!" The colorful, incomprehensive beam fired again, and knocked Komala down again. "Komala, use Yawn!" "Pigaro, reflect with Magic Coat!"

Jane blinked in confusion, but saw the scene unfold. Komala yawned extra hard, creating a small, pink cloud to float towards the Grumpig. However, violet, glittering lights formed around, and reflected the Yawn attack to hit Komala. Albeit, to no affect. Komala simply snored where it stood. "Pigaro, Power Gem!" This time, a brilliant, violet beam fired from Pigaro's pearl, and made full contact into Komala, knocking it into the wall.

Completely knocked out. Or, at least, moreso unconscious than it is normally. "Oh, wow! Your Grumpig is strong! Sorry Komala, return!" After that, she called out to her Dodrio. "Hey Dodrio, let's go!" All three heads perked up, and leapt all the way to the field. It cawed and screeched at the Grumpig. "Now, Dodrio, use Fury Attack!" Dodrio struck fast, pecking the Grumpig without a moment wasted. Pigaro shielded it's face, but felt sharp beaks prodding him. "Pigaro, use Psybeam!" Pigaro fired another beam of brilliant light, hitting Dodrio and knocking it away.

"Dodrio, Drill Peck!" But after she called out her order, the three heads began fighting each other. "Oh no, confused! Come on Dodrio, use Drill Peck!" It snapped back together, and the beaks began to glow, and looked like they were spinning like drills. It jumped high into the air, raining down upon Pigaro. "Pigaro, fight back with Power Gem!" Another concentrated beam fired straight up, knocking Dodrio up, and back down onto the ground, knocking it out.

Both Jane and Dmitrix fell silent. "Alright Dodrio, return. Sorry, buddy." She held the Pokeball close, almost hugging it. "I gotta hand it to you, your Grumpig really came through for you! There really is a tight bond between you two! But now, it's our turn! Ursariiiiiing! olly olly oxen free!" A large, menacing Ursaring lumbered towards the battlefield. But before it crossed the lines, Jane gave it a big hug. Ursaring returned the gesture, and growled contently.

Ursaring's fierce eyes flicked over to the Grumpig. It huffed with tiredness, but did not falter. "All right Ursaring, let's test their resolve! Use Swords Dance!" Ursaring made slashing motions, raking at the air with his sharp claws. He roared, the power seemingly echoed through the Gym. "Pigaro, use Power Gem!" Firing another concentrated beam, Ursaring stood tall and took the attack. Not even a budge was had by Ursaring. "Ursaring, use Earthquake!" "Rrrrrnnggghhh, Rrrahh!" The Ursaring stomped the ground, the entire building began to quake. The field crumbled, and broke open. Some of the field jutted out of the ground, knocking Pigaro into the air. "Pigaro, use your tail to catch yourself!"

His tail held it's shape as a spring, as an effort to "cushion" his fall. Pigaro landed, the tail bunching up, and relaunched Pigaro into the air. This gave Dmitrix an idea.

"Pigaro, use Psybeam!" Pigaro fired that same, odd beam and struck Ursaring square in the face. It reeled, holding it's head in it's hands and snarled with anger. "Ursaring, use Slash once it reaches the ground!" Ursaring rushed over to where Pigaro was supposed to fall, and raked him with a fierce swipe of sharp claws. Pigaro snorted in pain, rolling to the ground. "Pigaro, we can't stop here! Use Psybeam again!" Crawling back up, it fired, and hit Ursaring again. It reeled again, and roared in anger. "Ursaring, Earthquake!" The ground had split, and erupted a powerful energy as Ursaring stomped with it's right foot. "Pigaro, into the air!" Jumping back, Pigaro bounced into the air with it's tail. Jane and Ursaring looked up in disbelief. "Now Pigaro, use Power Gem!" "Ursaring, deflect it with Hammer Arm!" As the brilliant light of violet rained down on Ursaring, the Hibernator raised his arms to hold back the attack.

Struggling and holding it's place, it pushed back the beam with unmatched strength, dispersing the beam. A cloud of dust spread out, Pigaro and Ursaring huffed and groaned. "Ursaring, Slash!" The Ursaring rushed again, swiping at the Grumpig. "Pigaro, Psybeam!"

It held up it's hands, concentrating power to the black pearl between it's eyes. The Psybeam hit Ursaring at a close range, but not before Pigaro was mercilessly slashed again. An explosion of many colors erupted between the dueling Pokemon, making both trainers shield their eyes.

A loud boom could be heard, the power echoed through their bodies again, silence filled the gym again. When the light died, both trainers looked at the field. Who was still standing?

The answer was neither of them.

Both Pigaro and Ursaring fell forward, motionless and unconscious.

Jane ran over, sliding on her knees to check on her Ursaring. "Ursaring, are you okay? Please, grumble something!" The Ursaring rose up, and rubbed it's head. It hugged her tight, and she squealed with joy. Dmitrix was already at Pigaro's side. He quietly snorted, and drearily opened it's eyes. "Pigaro... you were outstanding. I couldn't ask for a better partner than you." Dmitrix began to weep again, but with tears of joy. "Hmm... well, I say you two passed, with flying colors." Jane warmly smiled at Dmitrix and Pigaro. "I'm proud to say... you've one my badge." She rifled through a pocket and pulled out a small chest. Click it open, revealed a shining, grey badge.

"This is the Grey Badge. You really earned it, Mr. Dmitrix!" She laughed with joy. Dmitrix happily took the badge, and eyed it. It was a small, circular badge colored grey. The outer circle was silver. The two trainers rose up, and returned their Pokemon. They shook hands, but Jane immediately gave Dmitrix a hug. "Buh?! Ahem... heh." He hugged back, and said, "Thank you. I won't forget this battle for a very long time. "Neither will I," Jane beamed. She wished him well, as he trekked back to the Pokemon Center.

~

Later that night, Dmitrix settled into bed, ready to get going just at sunrise. But before that, he sat at the bed, and called out his Grumpig. He rubbed behind the ears, getting a happy oink out of his partner.

"I can't believe how strong you've gotten... Now I know it's my turn. Thank you Pigaro, from the bottom of my heart." Pigaro oinked again, and smiled back.

"And I thank you, Dmitri."

The man smiled, and returned Pigaro to his Pokeball. Dmitri laid in bed, and fell soundly asleep.
 

Aquacorde

⟡ dig down, dig down ⟡
12,453
Posts
19
Years

TETHELY TOWN

Mihira vs Jane
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"Excuse me, is the gym leader in?"
"Jane? Oh, she left hours ago. I think she went for a run in the park?"

"Sorry to bother you- have you seen Jane around?"
"Hf… hf… craft store… hf… hf.."

"Hi, welcome to-"
"Is Jane here?"
"Ah, she went to the library. Good luck!"

"Jane went out to lunch."
"Oh... thanks. How did you-"
"Happens a lot."

"Are you here to pay Jane's tab?"
"I don't know who you're talking about."
"Uh, Jane? The gym leader? She owes me--"
"Goodbye."

---

The apologetic assistant at Jane's gym had referred to it as "the best place in Tethely to watch the sun set," and he had been absolutely correct. It was a single bench facing westward, overlooking the town snuggled up against the sheer wall of the cliff. The path up had been thin, steep, and treacherous- she was irritated already and didn't look forward to picking her way down in dim twilight. But the reward promised was great, and so she had come.

Someone dropped unceremoniously onto the other half of the bench, sprawling out as she clearly had done many times before. A gentle tug at Mihira's hair had her swatting away one head of a Dodrio.

"Sorry about them."

Mihira made a dismissive gesture.

"You're Mihira, then?"

"Mm."

"Eli said you were looking for me."

"Yes."

"He sends people up here to get me sometimes. I come here every evening- it's my favorite place in the world. It's the one thing I've never gotten bored with. My brain goes a mile a minute, you know. But here, with just the sunset… it's the most at peace I ever am."

A rueful smile drifted across the woman's face as she spoke. "I wish I could feel like this all the time. I don't really know what's wrong with me. Everyone else can just… exist. I can't."

Mihira breathed out with the evening breeze. She'd finally found the person responsible for her hectic day and was now presented with… this. A woman sabotaged by her own mind, apologetic for who she is but unable to control her own behavior. The only thing Mihira could think of was Viveka… and the only thing to do was let go. Enjoy this moment, this peace. Let her companion have what she could- set aside her own intention to battle here and now, keep this place sacred for her.

The sun gently kissed the horizon. Jane finally turned to look at Mihira.

"Tomorrow morning at eight. I'll be at the gym, I promise."

"Okay."

---

"Yes! Finally! You're here!"

"It's seven forty-three."

"Yeah but I got here early and waited so I wouldn't lose track of time! I didn't want to miss you again today. So I stayed put and redecorated!"

"I appreciate that."

Various mismatched decorations filled the gym, tacked to the walls and haphazardly placed wherever they would fit. Mihira thought she could see a system in there, but it mostly came off as clutter. However, not a single thing touched the field's boundary lines. The field itself was a flat arena, completely plain and standard. How unexpected. Eli waved to her from where he was lounging in a lifeguard's chair at the midline. Mihira suspected he was mostly responsible for keeping Jane here this morning.

"Let's go, Mihira!" Jane danced in place as she threw a seal-covered Pokéball into the field. "You've met Dodrio already! They like to dig around in the dirt and run and jump around and chew on people's hair. They're my troublemaker!"

Dodrio took this description proudly as the sparks dissipated, scuffling at the dirt in anticipation. Mihira's choice had been cemented since seeing the bird last night- Corsola popped into the arena, surrounding itself immediately with a watery shield.

"Aaaah! It's so cute! I almost don't want to battle it!" All three of Dodrio's heads whipped around to stare at their trainer incredulously. "Nonono don't worry we're going all out! Double Hit!"

Dodrio sped across the open field, trailing dust as it curved around to come in at Corsola's left side, kicking her up into the air with one foot and swinging the other right back around to send her hurtling toward the wall. Bubbles puffed up the shield to protect Corsola from the impact- she bounced off and back into the field, water splashing to the ground around her. The watery shield reformed but was easily penetrated by a blinding barrage of beaks aimed at vulnerable eyes. A panicked Ice Beam only froze the shield, trapping Corsola in a solid ball of ice. One head flailed and a foot scrabbled at the ball- one of Dodrio's beaks had been frozen inside.

"Oh, what? Dodrio, just drill!"

In a feat of incredible acrobatics, the bird tipped itself upside-down and began spinning like a Hitmontop, the frozen beak turning inside the ice and forcing it to crack apart. Corsola rolled out and away, landing in front of Mihira and shooting another Ice Beam at the now-prone Dodrio. Two necks frozen to the ground pinned it in place just long enough for Corsola to drag rocks from beneath the earth, hurling them at an easy target.

Eli peered down into the cloud of dust. "Dodrio is unable to battle! Leader Jane has two Pokémon left."

"Tch! You're stronger than I thought. That's okay though- Komala! Your turn!"

Mihira blinked as it appeared on the field in a shower of confetti, cuddling a… pillow? No, a short log. "Is it… sleeping?"

"Yeah, he sleeps all the time," Jane shrugged, apparently unconcerned with this.

Komala snuffled gently and gripped its log tighter. Eli coughed. Corsola inched forward curiously.

Jane bounced in place impatiently. "Come on, Mihira, make a move!"

"Hm. Keep your distance, Corsola."

Corsola circled warily. Komala snored.

"Ugh, fine. Wood Hammer!"

The best word to describe an apparently unaware creature suddenly hurtling toward you at full speed would likely be… terrifying. Especially when it stops directly in front of you, still not looking at you, and smashes you in the side of the head with an energy-infused log.

Corsola slammed into the wall for the second time that morning. A well-placed Ice Beam let her slide back into the arena, throwing off short bursts of Bubble Beams at Komala as she went. A few knocked him back before he started using the log as a shield, taking each blow in stride and still advancing on Corsola. Ancient Power dragged rocks from the field and zeroed in on Komala from all sides. He was only able to fend off a few with the log but kept his stride, finally reaching Corsola and slamming her with devastating Wood Hammer.

Eli caught Corsola as she was thrown into him. "Whoa! Corsola is unable to battle; Challenger Mihira has two Pokémon left."

"Good hits, Komala!" Jane cheered. Komala continued to sleep- it was really extremely unnerving.

Mihira clicked her tongue as she recalled Corsola. I feel like I need to keep my distance here. But I also need defense… "Torterra."

"Ooooh, big guy! Komala would love to climb those trees if we weren't battling!"

"What?"

"We're battling though. Come on and Slam!"

The final word was accompanied by a strange basketball imitation from Jane and the now-expected dash from Komala aiming to get close enough to land a blow. Jane didn't change her patterns- shifting, swirling sands threw Komala off easily. Razor Leaf was an easy hit on a still target, and a few of them beat the koala back toward its trainer. He fell over and fell still at Jane's feet.

"Um, that's… wait, Jane, is he sleeping? No? Right, Komala is unable to battle; Leader Jane has one Pokémon left."

"And what a lovely girl she is, too!" Jane's Pokéball burst open in the most extreme shower of seals yet. Ursaring stretched and roared, gearing up for battle. Torterra stomped the ground in return. Shifting sands whirled around Ursaring even as the ground shook with her stomping. Torterra kept balance easily, firing off Razor Leaf while Ursaring rushed in to slash at his shell. Torterra whipped up a tornado of sand around the pair to blind his opponent, but at such close range the impact of the blows were only reduced rather than forced to miss. Leaves whirled into the tornado, slicing Ursaring from all sides while the sand still scraped her skin. She backed up, cut and blinded, and Torterra followed with a bodyweight tackle, knocking her to the ground.

"Ursaring! Get up, my girl!"

The bear struggled to kneel but before she could stand Torterra blasted her with a final Razor Leaf. She keeled over and lay still.

"Ursaring is unable to battle! Victory goes to Challenger Mihira!"

Mihira was suddenly met with a vicelike grip around her waist and a head full of hair in her face. "That was such a fun battle! You did a great job and it was so exciting but maybe your Torterra needs better moves? Just saying it probably would have been easier if he had more power at his disposal. And your Corsola, wow! I've never seen Aqua Ring used like that! This makes me want to be more strategic. But I couldn't handle that!"

Jane laughed and Mihira smiled through her discomfort. "Thank you very much."

"And thank you." her voice turned serious, just for a moment. "Thank you for listening to me."

"Any time. Really."


tumblr_ooqlwgQYTg1us4052o2_250.png


Vibrava (Levitate)
Crunch, Dig, Bug Bite, Gust

Solrock (Levitate)
Rock Polish, Sandstorm, Ancient Power, Rollout

Torterra (Overgrow)
Work Up, Razor Leaf, Sand Tomb, Tackle

Corsola (Natural Cure)
Aqua Ring, Ancient Power, Bubble Beam, Ice Beam


 
Last edited:

HyperMorian

Busy with University.
3,084
Posts
7
Years

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Impurity
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A somewhat hapless day for someone.

"From there, you will see a big gate leading into the said place. Enter inside and investigate the cause behind it. I'm counting on you!" Hung up Egeus.

That evening, Shin and his Pokémon headed out hastily into the pinpointed area. Step by step, he ran through the stoic concrete stairs until a big, steel gate appeared before them. Upon quick surveillance, it was surprisingly quiet, for how they've yet to find any activities in the site as if it was deserted for good. With curiosity, Shin entered the scene by elevating himself through the gate with the help of the Nocturnal Pokémon. Now landed onto the other other side, the Power Plant was just several meters ahead of him.

However, before he stepped in to enter the facility in order to check and activate the electric flux, Shin took another quick look from the outside. Was it an old-aged building? Check. Swarthy atmosphere? Check. Sheer helplessness in the dark? Check. Flock of Murkrow hanging out on the top of the building? Check. Obvious hidden danger? Possibly. Realizing that the facility was absolutely a must-no-go to place, he nervously stepped back and turned back with a reluctant feeling to investigate what was going on inside.

"Where are you going?" Asked Noctowl defiantly.
"...Forget it, let's just save it for tomorrow morning." Replied Shin.

Flabbergasted by his sudden timidity, Noctowl pecked his hair to snap him out of his unusual cowardly act.

"Ow! What was that for?" Complained the Trainer, rubbing his head.
"Don't you remember what we need to do?" Reminded Noctowl.
"I know, our task is very simple and all." He continued, "But I never said I agreed on visiting places like this."
"Are you telling me...that you're being chicken?" Teased the Nocturnal Pokémon.

Pointing at the pitch black entrance waiting for somebody to enter in, he bluntly said, "Are you kidding me? I mean, look at that dark thing. Have you ever visited a place this big, turned out to be a very lonely building and then you heard some creaking noises crawling on every corners that you don't even know what that is?!"

"You're exaggerating, so what if there's spooky stuff inside?"
"Shut up." He denied, "Besides, we don't have Flash, you dolt."
"Hah, craven coward. Let me show you how it's done."

Cockily hopping from his shoulder, he flew inside with a taunting smirk. Entering the building with a reverberating noise of mockery, Noctowl heard a faint voice in the midair. At first he thought it was his Trainer pulling out such cheap pranks, but he realized that he wasn't even following his lead. Looking back at him, the voice became louder as seconds passed, imitating the sound someone makes when they chuckled out loud. Breaking some unintended sweat, everything turned very distant. Between the dim light from the outside and the shrouded darkness inside, the urge to pull back got to him, and so he took the path aback with a drastic expression change. Trembling like after having a thorough inappropriate inspection, Shin was unimpressed at his failure on proving himself as a brave figure.

"On second thought, you're right. Let's call it quits." Stated the Pokémon.
"Serves you right." Scoffed the Trainer, "Though we both share our fear, we're not going to turn back away now because we have two towns in need. Didn't we want to become heroes for everyone's sake?"
"I've got a bad feeling about this." Said the Nocturnal Pokémon.

Taking his pessimism as a mark of encouragement regardless of the situation they were in, Shin decided to enter in the Power Plant. He did several preparations before entering the building. Holding a spare candle obtained somewhere prior to his current initial visit, dimly lit by a weak ember from the Anteater Pokémon. Melting an ounce or two of the topmost candle to serve as a safe standing point onto the inclined side of a piece of rock he picked right after, he firmly took a hold of it and advanced forward into the depths of the black abyss of machinery.

Traversing through several blocks and sides with a piece of candle as their own only lighting, static noises from the dead machines on the walls can be heard closely.

"...mi...mi..."

Staying steadfast in the way they walked in, the familiar faint noise was heard again. With his Pokémon shuddering all the sudden, Shin remained tough and asked him, "What's wrong?"

"I...I heard that familiar voice again. It's as if someone's calling out for...someone." Explained Noctowl.
"I don't hear anything other than my footsteps. Must be your imaginations?"
"Sheesh, don't be so loud now." Hissed the Nocturnal Pokémon, "It can probably hear us."

Proceeding with caution, the two went deeper into the corridor of electronics. The fiery spirit pointed at the opposite direction they were heading for, giving them a little warning on what would come before them implying that they should turn back instead of pressing on. However, the Trainer responsible for the embarking in the first place won't just return back and do nothing when there's somebody and uninformed people required his help. With a simple task shouldering him and his Pokémon, Shin yawned and move onward.

Several steps forward from the spot they were previously at listening to the quiet ambience of the technology breakdown around them, they ascended through the stairs cautiously. The candle was now at its half length, one blow could always wipe out the very flame dancing amidst the pitch black site. Gently moving his legs upstairs, the present room itself is much more lit than the previous even if it was slight, and it was with the aid from the glimmering indigo skies.

Luckily enough, Shin managed to locate a room serving as the towns' power support. Walking past the stunned steel door placing the light nearby to carefully determine which switch goes where, he noticed something else that caught his attention instead. A pile of paperwork on the worktable at the side, branded by a complicated list of organizations of some sort. Thinking it was boring to read through certain things like terms of service and attendance, he skimmed past only to find something interesting, and somehow he came across upon a pink book with a flashy background.

As Noctowl flew back to inform his Trainer about which switch to flick, though acknowledging his sentences, Shin was busy reading out something that managed to get his interest. Peeking in to find out what he was reading, he pecked at him in the hair once more.

"Ow! Noctowl, what was that for?"
"Shin, this isn't the right time to read that!" Scowled the Pokémon.
"...Ehehe, so you did saw that." Blushing to his admittance, he closed the book, "But I'm gonna keep this book anyway. No comment."

Feeling careful, he blew the candle to prevent unwanted accidents. Now just a whiff, he hid the book behind his multipurpose vest and went straight to where the feathery Pokémon pointed at. Breathing in and out, Shin tried to grab the hold.

"What the heck?" Said Shin, as his hand suddenly bumped into something solid albeit unseeable. Like touching a wall, but the wall itself was nonexistent through normal sight.

"Hmm, that's odd. I don't think there's anything like a barrier or..." Stopping a bit from the first impression that the Pokémon guessed, he continued, "...A score in the first hunch! This is certainly the work of Pokémon moves. From the looks of it, it's a combination of barrier moves. We'll just need to find the user who casts those moves altogether."

"The host isn't in this floor, could it be that they're just below from us?"
"Of course, then it would be way too easy, huh?" Sighed the Pokémon, "Shouldn't have blown that candle yet."

Assigning themselves a new task to find the host of the protected master generator, Shin instructed his Floatzel to keep on guard upstairs if things go wrong before they descended back into the dark room through downstairs with a bright stone on hand. Step after a step, they tried to determine the directions based on the spot they're at before they descended down to find the cause. Following the path correctly, they found a steel door.

"Mimimi...mimi..."

"So it came from here..."
"Alright, come out team, we're gonna bust another door."

Predictably sending out his Pokémon to unleash their moves against the steel door, the door easily broke and they unraveled the source that turned the upper floor into a no go. What they saw was a lone, pink bipedal Pokémon facing upward with two of its hands raised toward the floor. Noticing the sudden intrusion that the group gave to it, it stopped and faced toward them with a grotesque smile, and obviously shining red pupils.

"What the heck is that?!" Said Shin.
"Mimimimi... Mimimimi."

"Sit on my...lap?" He reluctantly translated, "And spread your...uh..."

Focusing most of its psychic power into pink wall of imbued glass, the Barrier Pokémon pushed forward the barrier infused with pixie element toward them. Acting quick, Shin discarded the candle and withdrew all of his Pokémon inside, then he took a sidestep toward the side of the entrance. Almost hit by the attack from the suddenly turning aggressive Pokémon, he sent out the Pokémon back to combat out the lunatic Pokémon. The loudness has alerted Floatzel enough for him to follow the instructions his Trainer entrusted to him. Flicking the switch without hesitation, the generator started up immensely.

*Bzzt*

With the engine turned on, its massive power was enough to turn the entire Power Plant into a bright world. Distributed thoroughly from one into every sections and corners, the place is no longer out of order. The creepy Mr. Mime came out from the entrance levitating with electricity surrounding it. Rotating every of its limbs erratically discouraged some of his Pokémon to attack the target, but Heatmor was unhindered and rushed in with a chain of fire on his snout. The barrier, however rendered most incoming blows into nothing but useless attempt on offense.

"Is that even a Pokémon?" Asked Shin confusedly.
"I...I have no idea." Continued Noctowl, "I never saw a Pokémon being able to do all this."

With a tough clash between the two Pokémon, Boldore assisted the Anteater Pokémon with their respective moves by offensively attacking Mr. Mime. Launching multiple rocks consecutively, however to no avail, the attacks were blocked easily with barriers still guarding it. Sylveon tried to stare at the Barrier Pokémon with a saddened look, but with the constantly rotating head and unpredictable move pattern, it glared at the Intertwining Pokémon evilly, only to cause her to back off in fear. Noctowl joined in the battle by shrouding both of his wings into blades of air, but once again the barriers easily shrugged the attack away. With all attacks unable to damage the opposing Pokémon, they regrouped together in one spot to attack at the same time.

"Mimi?" It mockingly stared, cracking a finger to cast a barrier encasing all of his Pokémon inside a cubical psychic prison, effectively restraining them. His Floatzel descended down the stairs to see what was happening, but he couldn't get past the barrier that blocked the path with any of his moves. Approaching closer and closer, without his Pokémon able to help him, Shin was cornered. Rambling in panic at the direst time, Shin shouted, "Crap! Noctowl, what do I do now?!"

"Mimimi..." Curiously stopping its movement, it stared intently toward the ill-fated man.

"Oh, right! Use the gun!" Yelled back the Pokémon.

Remembering the object that he confiscated in the past days, almost forgotten but was there. he stood up with a provocative gesture. A quick draw from the holster, he pulled the trigger and a projectile was shot from the barrel moving forward past through the Pokémon, hitting no one but the walls--it was a miss. The failure of making a good comeback discouraged his restrained Pokémon greatly, for how he screwed that one job that he usually didn't suck at. Now that it's aware about the incoming attack from the Trainer, it materialized another psychic barrier in front of him and began to push it in hopes to crush him against the walls. Panicking even more, he rolled into the side corridor and ran away as fast as he could. It's all now a human versus Pokémon situation, with one being the helpless and the one who has the power that can be easily abused.

"Darn it, Shin!" He cursed to himself, "With my strongest Pokémon being sealed away, who am I going to rely on now?"

Inside the warehouse room with the lights all bright, rustling all over the objects stored, he managed to find something usable--a pipe. No longer worrying if he will be charged for looting and Pokéabuse, between life and death, he hid himself at the side of the walls waiting for it to come over. When the barrier came close, he prepared himself by taking a battle stance carefully. Sweat falling over from the adrenaline to defend himself, the demonic Pokémon appeared behind him and glanced at him with a smile. With full force, he swung in with a mighty blow.

"Take this!" He shouted.

The powerful blow, however inconsistently hit the idle walls once again. Nimble tackled by the Barrier Pokémon, the Trainer was knocked down into the floor. With a repeated, child-like laugh, it slowly walked ever closer to him. Soaked in many cold sweats, he remained steadfast and instead gripped its head on its midway, then smashed the grappled head into the floor to keep it toppled down. It was made worse when it started to crawl away on arachnid-like limbs with an ugly ravaged plastic face, jumping into the walls nimbly teasing the Trainer for its swift movements ready to strike at any time.

Instead of being fazed by its demeanor, he took another spare Quick Ball given the ample time it wasted on him and threw it into the actively hopping Barrier Pokémon. Its carelessness cause to its containment inside the ball of yellow and blue, falling on the ground wobbling on its way, to the left, to the right. Stopping in the middle, a clicking noise was heard, followed with a loud roar coming from the inside with a shadowy aura engulfing the mechanical sphere, soon mysteriously vanishing for known reasons. He just caught a demon with physical defect.

With the barriers completely all gone, Shin sat on the cold floor and sighed in relief. His friends soon approached him to ensure that he was safe and sound, but apparently the recent happening that have just happened took a much bigger toll for him. He really couldn't look at the said species the same anymore, nor he'll even use the thing that he had just caught by now, sitting inside the PC System as its temporary prison. Feeling a bit aghast in both body and soul for the deed he has done, he put the weapon he picked up earlier back into the warehouse, then he curled to stare into nothingness.

"Shin! Are you okay?" Asked Noctowl worriedly.
"Happy little Skitty...flying with a Finneon...in a hurricane...they both flap away..."
----
Dusk drew near, signifying the incoming nighttime phase for the day. From an eagle-eyed view, a twinkle shone in the mountainous civilization, soon followed tremendously by the others until there were no more lamps to join in the party. Shin managed to reactivate the offline Power Plant for the towns in the mountains. Still taking time to recover from the disturbing occurrence back then, he soared down toward the nearest town known as Tethely Town. Bristling brown feathers falling in front of the Pokémon Center, he stomped down the road and quickly rushed in to check on his PC System so he can withdraw the monster of animosity out for purging reasons.

"Welcome to the newly-opened Wonder Trade! You may put a Pokémon you wish to trade with one of the Trainers found around the Diminia Region in here." Explained the attendant.
"Yes please, I'll put this 'daunting' one in here."

He hurriedly placed the Quick Ball of pure darkness into the advanced warping machine, just wanting to banish the thing out from the realm his living on for now. For a minute, the attendant took a look at the horribly ominous Quick Ball he hastily placed on, but she failed to see anything suspicious in it, therefore shrugging it off although everyone in the Pokémon Center can listen to its angered snarling. Watching the Quick Ball to vanish within the air, a Dive Ball appeared in return. His first thought that he was getting another Water-Type Pokémon whereas he has too many of them remaining unused. Still better than nothing, he picked the light blue Poké Ball and left with a happy grin--an expression showing how glad he was when he managed to get rid a nightmare material.

"Now let's see what surprise lie before us!" Exclaimed Shin, throwing the newly acquired Pokémon onto the air to reveal the Pokémon inside. As the enveloping watery effect faded to reveal a long blue body, with an odd spherical head and three claws on the rear, it appeared to be the obvious Iron Ball Pokémon--Gengar!

"Noctowl, where's the nearest Name Rater available?" Asked Shin in dissatisfaction.
"I thought you can't nickname someone else's Pokémon?" Continued the Nocturnal Pokémon, "And I think Gengar is a great name. Very deceptive."

Levitating on the midair docilely, Gengar blinked and gave a happy robotic nod as Shin squinted at the intentionally misnamed Pokémon closely. Upon close inspection, Shin noticed a mail with zigzag pattern hung on its socket joint, he took the mail with him and read the crudely handwritten letter out loud.

"Jokes on you! It's Beldum! ...and there it goes."
"This region is getting weirder as it gets."
----
Leaving the place to find an interesting hot spot, the two thought on visiting the local garden to continue their absorptive reading. Beautiful flowerbeds scattered along the road with various Bug-Type Pokémon flying around the garden enjoying the flowers, the two sat on an empty bench with the pink book on hand. With all the street lights turning bright again, they felt accomplished even though no one thanked them. Yawning from the tiring work they did, he opened the book into the page where he last read it along with his Nocturnal Pokémon sitting beside him.

"What are you two reading?!"

Startled by the sudden loud voice coming from behind, the two jumped and immediately closed the book. They turned around to find a girl in a simple brown and beige dress with an innocent smile. Feeling awkward, he tried to reason smoothly, "It's an education book about...Pokémon."

"Education? But I thought you were reading a no-"
"Oh, hey! That Pokémon looks so small and actually cute!" Interrupted Shin in order to avert her attention. Though usually despising them, he spotted a certain Pokémon that caught his attention and he readied a spare Quick Ball on hand to make it genuine.

"Oh! That's a Cutiefly! They usually hang around at night with the other Pokémon following the sweet scents of an Illumise!" Explained the girl.

"I see! I should catch it!" Clutching a Quick Ball on hand to aim at with precision, Shin threw the Quick Ball determinedly toward the Pokémon he wanted. The speed of the ball managed to knock the Bee Fly Pokémon inside, soon falling down into the grassland. Wobbling several times, the very favorable clicking noise was heard. Still vanishing mysteriously for a known reason, the girl spun herself again and posed cutely in conjunction of his successful capture.

"...You look weird." Stated Shin.
"It's a victory pose! Every Pokémon Trainer I met so far does this! Don't you have one?" Asked the girl curiously.
"...Well I do...no, I don't."
"Don't be so modest! You should show it to me!" Begged the girl, then she pulled a threatening tone, "Or I'll take this toy gun and shot you with it!"

Surprised by the instantaneous act from the crazy girl snatching the dart gun he had without feeling anything, he asked worriedly, "When and where did you get that?"
"Oh. c'mon now. It won't matter where I took it. I mean you just need to show me your pose. Easy right?" Said the girl, spinning the dart gun intentionally waiting for him, "I'll count from one to three, teehee."

"Crap, what do we do, Noctowl?"
"I think I got a good idea."

From a quick whisper between the two, they agreed on doing their pose. Firstly, Shin grabbed him with both of his hands and lifted him in the middle of the streetlight, in which the Nocturnal Pokémon responded by spreading his wings and began to flapping away, somehow carrying Shin from the grounds into the midair majestically. Not quite amazed by the pose he did, she went closer and aimed the barrel at him.

"Wait, I already did mine. Aren't you entertained enough?" Questioned Shin.
"I'm just bored, do you have a spare so we can play gunfight?"

"Hold on, lady! You don't know what you were holding right now! You could've hurt someone with it!" He warned awkwardly.

"Oh, a roleplay! I love roleplaying!" She misinterpreted jollily, "Boop."

Through a gentle pull, a dart was already stuck at his left arm. Nausea and sleepiness struck him so fast, Shin abruptly collapsed down with a seizure and stopped moving. Spontaneously approaching his Trainer, Noctowl plucked the dart away and inspected his condition.

"And that's a victory for Sergeant Jane!~♪" " She posed once more.
"Shin, wake up! You can't just lay down like that!" Echoed the Nocturnal Pokémon, with his Trainer closing his eyes out of dizziness.

"Now it turned into an emotional moment! Impersonating a Pokémon voice is really difficult, but you somehow nailed the gesture perfectly. You must be a really good roleplayer!"
"...He's not breathing."
----
"Ugh...am I dead yet? Where am I?" Shin thought to himself, "My body feels so stiff, I can't even move my left arm."

In the early bird of time, time passed way too quickly during his unconscious sleep. When Shin opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was a clear blue ceiling. When Shin tried to wake his body from the rock hard sofa, the first realization he realized was that his left arm was bandaged with a scrim fabric, very tightly. When Shin tried to undo the torturing bandage, the first scream was heard after he discovered his zombie-like colored hand from pulling his black, covered in dirt tunic sleeves.

"What was that loud sound... Oh, you're awake. *yawn* What a relief."

When Shin heard the lazy reaction coming from someone familiar, the first person he saw was the same girl in brown and beige cloth who shot him with his own weapon last night. When Shin stared at her for a minute, the first thing he saw was a can of RedTauros. When Shin tried to look for the properties that he had, the first object that he saw was the dart gun. When Shin glanced back at the girl who've yet to introduce herself, the first expression he saw was a modest smile.

"Aren't you feeling better now?" Asked the girl, sipping the drink.
"Who...who did this?" He asked back.
"I did."
"Oh, I know you meant well but who'd use an adhesive duct tape for wounds?" He said bluntly, "And I don't think you're supposed to drink that..."

While hearing his complain, her eyebrows immediately puckered into a frown. Squeezing the can firmly until it literally break somehow freaked him out as she stepped onward, clenching her fist tightly. In his crippled state, the blue-haired man can do nothing but to take the knuckle which will bump into him hardly--a score in the face. It seemed that the energy drink has started to kick in to carry its brutal effect on.

"Ouch! What was that for?!" Asked Shin, still touching his nose.
"I forgot that I had a lot of battles to do today!" She yelled out jollily, "See you later!"

She energetically left and slammed the door shut into the outside world in the loud morning, and the pain from the unnecessary hit made him groan way too hard. Few minutes trying to endure the pain, he stood up and tried to undo the disabling bandage with his remaining hand after inserting tissues to stick on his bloody nostrils. Peeling it over from his cloth to free some blood circulation, he slowly regained mobility over his left arm. Scratching his dirty butt full of dirt, he sat back onto the sofa to read the somewhat subtle pink book.

"Shin, you're fine! I was worried sick that I have to perform CPR on the mouth 5 times to make you breathe again."
"Nope, my limbs are breaking apa- wait what?" Stopped the worn out Trainer for the disturbing words he said.

"Oooh...oooh...uh...it's obviously not me, silly! W-what makes you think a Pokémon would do that?" He ambiguously denied, "...Um...Shin?"
"...Pe oh pe pe why...that's me..." Whimpered Shin, curling on his own very spot.
----
Deviating too much time from his supposed journey on collecting gym badges, Shin snapped out and actually took his crap together along with his Pokémon for real. Thinking about challenging the town's gym so he could rise in advanced levels way faster, he hastily ran toward the destination area in the middle of the morning where everyone in the town started to lift their limbs. In front of the gym, he hid himself between the walls when he saw a girl with a badge on hand already.

"Oh, that same Trainer from Erest Town already won." Shin thought to himself, "Now that I think of it, it's been a while ever since the last time I've seen that no-joke-clown..."

Standing in front of the entrance of the gym, he entered in with a serious manner. With all the plains looking simple and nice, he finally discovered that the same girl that has just punched him in the face was actually a Gym Leader all along.

"Ah! You came!" Greeted Jane eagerly, "Sorry for the unexpected intrusion in the morning. Let me rephrase my line formally! I'm Jane, the Gym Leader of Tethely Town!"

"And I'm Shin, a Pokémon Trainer who has been dragged into an unwanted onset without knowing the clear reason. As a payback, I'm going to challenge you in a Pokémon battle."

The Trainers took their usual stances, both readying their Poké Balls in their grasps. The referee unfortunately left to do some business in the toilet, and this is where Jane took the opportunity to set up her own rule.

"I'll be the one to decide the winning conditions and how we do the battle." Instructed Jane, "I really like the way how everyone can go all out, with the Trainers giving instructions here and there causing a confusion among the combatants. That said, we're going for a Triple Battle!"

"Playing triplets, huh?" Asked Shin, "Are you sure you're up to the challenge?"
"Hey, that's unfair! I should be the one who said that!" Shouted Jane.

Picking the three Pokémon of his choices he had in his belt, he threw all three into the battlefield--revealing an Anteater Pokémon on the left side, a Nocturnal Pokémon on the middle and a Sea Weasel Pokémon on the right side, all standing by his side. On the opposing side, Jane giggled and swiftly threw all three Pokémon to accept his challenge. The first three Poké Balls from the left to the right, exposed a large, wingless, tri-headed avian Pokémon standing on the ground with his powerful legs. Facing at three different directions, he released a loud cry of joy to battle the challenger. The second Poké Ball released a sleepy Pokémon that appeared to be hugging a short wooden log. The last and not the least, showing a big, menacing looking Pokémon letting out an intimidating ursine roar.

With the two factions ready to fight, Shin instructed them beforehand, "Listen up, it'd be very obvious for them to target at one Pokémon at the time instead of spreading the damage caused. We too, have the same plan which is to focus on one at a time, but we're going for a surprise before they do. For now, I'll give you the roles and the what to do things."

"Heatmor, you will be the physical shield since none can really get past your Fire Lash without taking damage. Keep them on bay at all cost. Noctowl, you'll be the one to hack and slash the foe, stay near with Heatmor in case things go awry. Floatzel, although you have the leeway to use Surf, it should be advised to not go overboard." He continued lecturing them, "As for the surprise part, we're going to create the field into a molten world. Those who are airborne or unaffected by the heat will benefit from this greatly. Understand?"

"Hey, what's taking you so long?" Asked Jane impatiently.
"Alright, here it goes!"

As the referee returned from his business, he left again to see that he's a needless substance in the gum right now. Jane took the first turn to start the battle.

"Ursaring, toss Komala toward that Water-Type Pokémon!" She commanded.

Picking up the Comatose Pokémon whose charging its wooden log into a big green hammer, Ursaring threw it away toward the Sea Weasel Pokémon at high speed. On the last second, Heatmor came in and swatted the attack away with his chain of flames, effectively knocking it away. However, this distraction gave Dodrio an opportunity to use Drill Peck toward Noctowl. Unfortunately, he was kept busy by Komala as it continuously swinging its log as an offensive presence, soon joined by Ursaring and so was unable to reach the two birds.

On the other side, Noctowl managed to use hypnotize Dodrio to sleep before the attack connected. Thinking about focusing toward the other Pokémon for how he managed to cripple one of its combatants, however, Dodrio was long gone and he was struck from a powerful kick from the rear.

"Guys, stick to the plan!" Shouted out Shin.
"Oh, I wonder what plan it'd be? Wouldn't it be a shame if you can't execute it at all when there's no time for a set up?" She mocked.

His side was in a rather tough spot--Noctowl was wounded by the unexpected Jump Kick from a Pokémon that was supposed to be asleep, Heatmor facing two foes at the same time, both sides trading blows toward the one in front of them, and Floatzel who can't really do much. The Nocturnal Pokémon executed his escape route and went closer toward Heatmor for safeguard, but Heatmor was more hindered by taking three Pokémon at once. From here, Shin decided to do the plan with the low amount of time given for breathing.

"Noctowl, lift Heatmor upward!" Ordered Shin, "Floatzel, use Surf! Turn the whole grounds wet then propel yourself into the air!"
"Then, Ursaring! Use Earthquake to create a fissure!" She countered.

Standing on the grounds with his stubby legs, soon on the midair. Heatmor's battle proficiency in keeping away physical attacks is top notch for a seemingly average Pokémon, even not on the grounds. They stopped focusing on the Anteater Pokémon, for now they're trying to deliver all of their attacks toward Floatzel. Intuitively, Floatzel dashed through with a weak Aqua Jet then released a big wave toward the three while flying on his rapidly rotating twin tails, but Ursaring was still there, doing its job to create a wall made of rocks draining the water away leaving them unharmed.

With some puddles of water in most areas, the battlefield was now drenched in water and someone can always slip through and fall down. Given the chance before he had to deflect the flying Komala away, Heatmor spitted several balls of flames throughout the field to engulf the area into a scalding, foggy high-temperature field like a sauna. Due to the heat, Jane's Pokémon who happened to be standing are alternating their legs awkwardly for the hotness of the area. The three Pokémon on the opposite side though owned by the challenger started to carry an all-out assault with the positively sound plan.

"My Pokémon are suffering from the heat! That was your plan all along?!" Said Jane, seemingly unable to accept the pain from hers.
"Since the arena here is exploitable unlike most indoor gyms, might as well to do what I want without worry." Smirked Shin, "You could've figured it out easily but we'll just have to finish the confusion now. Go on, focus on that troubling Dodrio!"

His command was heard by all three, squinting their eyes to perform their strongest moves against their foe they're currently focusing at. Komala and Ursaring stepped in to block their way, reading their big hammers against the charging three with burning feet. However, Noctowl simply flew past them and released Heatmor against Dodrio who happened to be idle on the spot, bickering over the three heads over the pain. Orange flames were exhaled from his snout, swiftly swinging his head from below to the upward, he defeated Dodrio with an uppercutting Fire Lash.

"Two left! We're gonna focus on that Komala!"
"Komala, jump onto Ursaring's back! Ursaring, mitigate the heat by breaking the grounds!"

Still feeling hot on their toes, Komala jumped onto his back and shielded himself with its big body. Ursaring then obediently proceeded to smash the grounds, raising some rocks and rubble into the field. The temperature has dropped slightly, but that also made them unapparent toward the attack approaching them. Noctowl was still on the midair, with white gleaming wings ready to cleave through the air with a blade made of entirely air also. He threw the first blow against Ursaring and then doubled the attack by throwing the second saber.

"Argh, how am I the one who'd struggle now?!" She sweated.

The more times the Hibernator Pokémon was hit, it eventually toppled down for being sluggish to avoid most incoming attacks. Now only the blushing Komala seemingly to enjoy its sleep on the back of a fainted Pokémon, the three Pokémon stopped as Shin decided to not go way too further. Jane was dumbstruck for being defeated by technically below average Pokémon, especially when this battle format is her's most favorite as opposed to the standard three against three Single Battles, but she swallowed it and decided to admit her defeat with glee.

"I lost! I thought you were such a goof from the start. Turns out to be an outstanding battler too!" She congratulated.
"With this, victory is ours! Excellent job, everyone!"
----
Still on the morning, he glanced upon the Grey Badge he has just won during the Gym Battle. Much more enjoyable compared with the one that he fought in the Power Plant. He then shoved the badge back into the pocket and move on afterward, but a loud, familiar voice called him from the back.

"Hey, Trainer!"
"What is it?"

"Here, you left it in my house. This belongs to you, right?" She flashed upon the pink book he previously acquired, in which Shin responded with widening eyes. Putting an awkward smile, he quickly snatched it and left without saying anything. The girl who cheered him from the back seemed to be not that bad.

...

...

"Oh yeah, since you're going to nickname that blue ball Gengar back into something more pleasant to say, how about giving me a name too? Don't you think calling me Noctowl sounds way too literal as it can refer to anyone other than me?"

"If so, what nickname do you want?"

"Okay, if you insist, I'd like to call myself...Raven, as in Raven the Menace! How does that sound?"

"Now that I think of it, Gengar suits you better."
 
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Who's Kiyo?

puking rainbows
3,229
Posts
12
Years
Cere City Police Department
Incident Report #297264-272089
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Mihira --

Spoiler:
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Rhodes --

Spoiler:
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"Could you start out by telling me why you were on the boat this morning?"

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Mihira adjusted herself in the chair. Everything about the interrogation room was sterile, cold, and about as uncomfortable as it looked. "I caught wind of a rumor concerning two Cere City fishing outfits sabotaging each other, and asked to observe operations for the day," she said, trying to be as concise as possible. "I'm a journalist, I thought running an article either confirming or - "

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Officer Kaoi scoffed. "And the sailors just let you on board?"

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A momentary silence passed between the two as Mihira recovered from the obvious display of contempt. "I have very reliable credentials and references," she stated dryly.

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"I'm sure you do."

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Mihira raised an eyebrow but refrained from commenting on the boy's highly unprofessional demeanor. Instead, she elucidated that "I was assured there would be no problems on this particular trip, and none of the dockside activity I observed before departure indicated that there would be any issues."

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"But, obviously," the officer chimed, "issues arose."
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Officer Concord struggled to maintain her friendly smile as she read an incredibly odd detail on the police report. "You decided the ideal way to gain intel on the situation was diving near the vessel?"

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Rhodes nodded proudly. "I also planted my Cradily in their office break room."

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"... Good to know." Concord jotted down a note pertaining to better security standards. "Did you identify anything suspicious?" she continued.

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"Well, I did notice a weird bit of structural damage on the side of the boat."

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The officer's ears perked up. "Oh, that's wonderfully informative! Can you tell me anything more about that?"

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Rhodes tutted in distaste. "Clashed horribly with the paint job."

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Concord attempted to convert the reporter's comment into something more objective or helpful, but quietly put down her notepad in defeat. "... So, how did you get aboard the Dancing Queen again?"

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"I can't say I intended to be on it," Rhodes said, carefully trying to articulate the scenario into words. "I was kinda ... 'pulled into the conversation', as it were."

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"Could you be more specific?"
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"Though, I presume, it is uncommon to catch scuba divers within those giant nets," Mihira expounded, "I have previously encountered this woman and do not believe her to be tied to anything unscrupulous. At least, concerning this matter."

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"What was your exchange with Ms. Rhodes like once she was hauled in?"

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"I was ... surprised to see her, to say the least," Mihira said, trying to keep her language neutral. "We exchanged pleasantries and discussed our current projects. As it happens, we were researching the same thing."

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"Interesting," Kaoi's voice was tinged with suspicion. "Did you two share your findings?"

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"We discussed some aspects, yes. Our conversation did not last very long." Mihira couldn't help but chuckle a little at her own wording. "I find her difficult to talk to," she explained, when the officer made a feeble attempt at piercing her with a scrutinizing gaze.
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"That stinks," the officer comforted, "you're not friendly with her?"

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"I'll admit, I'm kinda protective over my scoops," Rhodes sniffed, "so I say 'oh, I'm already running a piece on that,' and ask her to do something else, and she goes 'I'm planning on running a good article about it.'"

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"Oof, that's harsh." Concord put a nurturing hand on Rhodes' own. "I think you'll write a wonderful article."

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Rhodes blushed at the gesture. "Officer, please," she playfully cuffed, "I'm already married to several things: my job, a few conspiracy theories ... I'd never find the time for this."

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Concord retreated her grip. "Ah. Oh. Well then ... back to my job, I suppose!" She straightened her tie awkwardly and dug her snout into the police report once more. "I see that Leader Hiraani got involved right around this point. Can you describe her role in the incident?"

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"She was like ... around for some reason, flying about. Needed to 'check everything' after I was fished out." Rhodes clicked her tongue, obviously still as unsure about the girl in question's reason for being there as she was then. "I thought she was the coast guard before what's-her-face pinned her as a gym leader. Then, they thought it'd be a great idea to duke it out for a badge there; 'while they were in the neighborhood,' I guess."

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"I suppose that is rather unorthodox, but uh ... how'd it go?"

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Rhodes abruptly cleared her throat. "About that."
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Kaoi narrowed his eyes. "Hiraani is under the impression that the two of you intentionally damaged the boat during the ensuing battle."

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"If the boat was indeed harmed, it was certainly unintentional and she is as much to blame as we are," Mihira retorted. "Furthermore, as far as I could tell in the chaos, the back end began sinking first. We were battling in the front." She cocked her head in frustration. "Has the reason for the mishap even been confirmed yet?"

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"That's what we're trying to deduce, ma'am," the officer pouted. "Could you, perhaps, describe the duel to me?"

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Mihira leaned back, sighed deeply, and folded her hands on the table. "Hiraani led with Gligar, and I with Solrock. After exchanging a few blows, Ms. Rhodes apparently decided that she, too, wanted to battle, and had her Lunatone bulldoze my Pokemon into the cabin."
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"You mean to say you disrupted an official gym battle?"

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"'Disrupted' isn't a good word," Rhodes tried to mitigate, "I would use a something that conveys ... more aggression than that." She cracked her fingers. "I don't take well to having my credibility insulted."

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Concord tried imagining the scene, but kept grappling with details that didn't make any sense to her. "Hiraani didn't call off the battle?"

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"I suppose when a Lunatone is furiously hocking bright gems from its body towards you, you don't very much care whose it is."
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"I believe I landed the decisive blow on Gligar; dropping it into the water was a great help," Mihira boasted, "her second Pokémon was Oricorio, which Ms. Rhodes took the lead on, using an admittedly stunning technique involving a spell of Cosmic Power -"

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"And it was during the fight with Minior that the incident occurred, correct?" the officer interrupted.

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Mihira plucked herself out of her memory and found that she was very tired with this process. "Indeed. Through a combination of moves, the Pokemon was thrown to the deck, and at that point the boat lurched. Before we could understand why, a few individuals had already lost their balance and fallen off the side. The remaining crew piled into two life boats, Hiraani flew out to request assistance, and Ms. Rhodes and I were sequestered into a one-person raft."
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"I think ... a pole? ... smacked my head as the boat freaked out," Rhodes speculated. Suddenly, her eyes grew wild with fright. "Holy god, did I drown?"

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Concord smiled, attempting to be reassuring but coming off more apprehensive. "I think the fact that you are here means that you did not, love."

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Rhodes gave a loud sigh of relief and wiped her forehead clean of sweat. "Honestly, that whole time on the raft felt like a dream."

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"How so?"

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"I'm pretty sure our conversation consisted solely about the many different ways a Sharpedo could tear us limb from limb," Rhodes elaborated, " ... or maybe that was me talking to myself, it was hard to tell. All those days blend together."

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"You were only out there a few hours," Concord pointed out. The reporter stared at her, confused and incredulous. "This is the same day the boat sank, dear."

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Rhodes stared at a nearby wall for the next couple of minutes, feeling time collapsing in on itself. The officer tried to catch her sight from across the table. "Are you ... okay?" she asked. "Do you need a glass of water?"

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"Yes, please," Rhodes replied, beginning to cuddle her legs and assume a fetal position.
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Mihira retrieved her purse from the officer behind the desk in the foyer, who thanked her for her time and sent her on her way. The journalist nodded in acknowledgement before exasperatedly shuffling through her things to make sure nothing had been pilfered. Her fingers grazed the shape of her phone, and Mihira suddenly felt the urge to vent to her daughter about the long, complicated day she had. Placing the device up to her ear, she thought she heard Viveka's voice just before a screaming tantrum burst through one of the interrogation room's doors.

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"You can't prove anything, you hear? Nothing, nothing, you ain't got nothing on me," Hiraani screamed as policemen rushed to sedate her. Mihira nearly forgot she was on the phone when Viveka's voice piped up for the third time.

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"Mom? Mom, what's happening?"

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Mihira blinked. "I'm honestly not sure anymore."
 
25,439
Posts
11
Years
Journey Optional

Chapter Six - Ganmondyne City

Town Info: The largest city in the region as well as a cultural hub. This is a location of towering skyscrapers and packed streets. People from around the region come here to experience the best of music, art and cuisine.

Spoiler:

Leader: Abel
Type: Ghost
Info: Abel is confident, often to the point of arrogance, and enjoys picking on people or messing with their heads. In battle he goes about frustrating his opponents by switching between evasive strategies and heavy bombardment. He himself is calm under fire and awards the Peace Badge if defeated. His rules are different from the standard: single battle format, three Pokemon aside as per usual, but only he is allowed to switch.
Team:

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Banette (Cursed Body) - Phantom Force, Shadow Sneak, Thunder Wave, Sucker Punch

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Frosslass (Snow Cloak) - Hail, Shadow Ball, Ice Beam, Aurora Veil

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Gengar (Cursed Body) - Shadow Ball, Dazzling Gleam, Sludge Bomb, Double Team​

Chapter Seven Starts on 02/05

 

MurkMire

[font=special elite][color=#FF3399]Toxic Terror[/c
910
Posts
12
Years
Chapter Five


Dmitrix the Clown
aka Dmitri Bolokov
ClownSprite_zpsu4ljogoj.png

Spoiler:



After a long ferry ride, Cere City had become his next destination. The next step for Dmitri and his Pokemon troupe, towards a brighter tomorrow. Or, at this very moment, Dmitrix, and his Pokemon troupe.

Walking down the market square, the purple clown and his Grumpig partner walked with a tad bit of haste, still behind much more than usual. Dmitrix was looking to make this gym battle happen as quickly as possible.

Still, it was strange... Dmitrix has won all of his gym battles. Something told him his lucky streak wasn't going to keep going like this. "Do not fret. It's better to be lucky than good, as some have said." Dmitrix looked over, after feeling the words flow through his mind, to see his Grumpig snort and nod at him. Dmitrix returned the smile, and they continued their way to the gym in question.

Looking at the guide, Dmitrix took the time to somewhat learn about the next gym leader. Her name was Hiraani, and she specialized in Flying-type Pokemon. "Hmm... interesting." Dmitrix went silent after he saw the picture of the gym leader. He even almost stopped in his tracks.

"Grr-ump?" The Grumpig stopped, and turned to face Dmitrix, now focused on something different.

"Do you know her? Or... does she remind you of someone?"

"Hm... it obviously isn't her, but... she looks an awful lot like her. Sorry, Pigaro." Dmitrix chuckled, and tucked away the guide back into his jacket pocket. Tucked right above his Pokegear.

The two continued down the market square towards the gym.

~

At one of the corners of the island, was a large building with a staircase that led to the inside of the gym. It was sitting atop a cliff that looked over the ocean.

Making their way up the stairs, Dmitrix and Pigaro slipped inside, the doors suddenly shutting behind them. It echoed what seemed to be throughout the entire building.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" A young lady stepped out into the gym hall. She had long, flowing pigtails, and bangs that perfectly framed her face. Her eyes were grey, and she had an athletic figure. She had big, grey eyes, and a soft smile. For a moment, Dmitrix felt like he was seeing something that shouldn't be there. He rubbed his eyes, and looked again.

The young girl gave the purple clown a quizzical look. "Umm, are you here for a gym battle?" "Oh, my goodness! I'm terribly sorry, you looked like someone I used to know... eheh. Y-Yes, I'm here for a gym battle. My name is Dmitrix." He bowed, Pigaro following suit.

"Ohh, I see. No need to apologize. I should've known you'd be coming so soon." She winked at him, before stepping forward. "There's been quite the rumor about a very talented trainer, who also works as a travelling clown. It's a pleasure to meet you! I'm Hiraani, the gym leader of Cere City." She waved, and gave him a soft smile.

Seeing the resemblance made Dmitri's heart flutter, but he shook himself back to reality. "It's nice to meet you as well, Miss Hiraani! Shall we get started?" Dmitrix immediately pulled out a Pokeball.

"Certainly eager, aren't we? Very well. I accept your challenge. My first Pokemon... is Gligar!" She threw her pokeball, high into the air. Out came a happy, excited Gligar, zipping to and fro. "As for myself... Aero, it's your time in the lime light!" Dmitrix followed the motion, tossing his Pokeball high into the air. Out came his Golbat, ready to battle.

"Same rules I'm sure you're aware of. Three on three, and you can switch out! Now, you get the first attack!" Dmitrix nodded, and looked up at the two Pokemon. "Aero, let's begin with Confuse Ray!"

Oddly colored lights flashed from the Golbat's eyes, making Gligar spin out of control for a moment, before clumsily flying upwards. "Hmm, confusion. Tricky, of course. Gligar, use X-Scissor!" The Gligar held it's claws together, and flew around Aero. "Dodge it!" Aero managed to drop before the Gligar connected, but it swooped down and scored a direct attack.

The Golbat fell, but quickly rose again. "Now Aero, Wing Attack!" Aero swiped at the Gligar with it's wings, the second time making it fall down once again. "Gligar, wake up!" Just as she called, Gligar's confusion was gone, and it flipped back into the air. "Now, Acrobatics!" The Gligar flew around Aero with style, and grace. "Aero, let's counter with a Quick Attack!" The Golbat, with a flap of it's wings, darted to Gligar's location.

Both Pokemon knocked into each other, but both of them held their ground. "Gligar, use Roost!" Gligar flapped upwards, and flew onto the railing of the gym. A white light could be seen, glowing around it. "Oh, it's healing! Aero, Quick Attack again!" Aero deftly flew into the rafters, and knocked it back into the open air. Before Hiraani could call another move, Dmitrix commanded Aero with, "Confuse Ray!" Another flash of disorienting light, and Gligar was out of sync again. It even flew into one of the pillars, making it fall further before it hit the ground.

"Gligar, X-Scissor, again!" Gligar hopped to it's feet, and barely managed to get itself airborn again. Aero, however, waited patiently. "Aero, use Wing Attack!" ""Gligar, use Acrobatics!"

Before Aero could connect, Gligar deftly flew right under the Golbat, and swung around to knock Aero out of the air. Aero also hit the ground, but flapped itself back up. "Alright then, Aero, Quick Attack!" "Gligar, Acrobatics!"

The two Pokemon seemed to be dancing in the air, but Gligar was dodging the Golbat with acrobatic flying skills. Aero was swiftly flying through any obstacles Gligar slipped through, but was hit with Gligar's tail.

"Alright then, Wing Attack now!" Aero smacked Gligar, but in an upward fashion. "Again!" Aero kept smacking the Gligar with it's wings, almost as if it was juggling the Gligar. Hiraani looked confused, but retained herself. "Gligar, get out of there and use Roost!"

"We're not gonna fall for that trick again! Aero, use Quick Attack to stop Gligar from healing!" Aero zipped right in front of Gligar, taking both it and the gym leader by surprise. "Now, knock it out!" Aero gave another hard swipe of it's large wing, and knocked Gligar to the ground, knocking it out.

"Wow, nicely done, Dmitrix. I'm sorry Gligar, return. You did amazingly well." She returned, and immediately chucked another Pokeball. "My next Pokemon is Oriciorio-Sensu!" A very unfamiliar Pokemon appeared before Dmitrix and Aero.

Regardless, Dmitrix stuck with Aero, and continued the match. "Aero, use Confuse Ray!" "Oricorio, use Double Team!" Before the lights could affect Oricorio, it vanished, and created quite a number of illusory copies, all of which were dancing some sort of slow dance. Aero looked back and forth, just as Dmitrix did.

"Impressive, I know. Oricorio, use Revelation Dance!" The copies began to "fade," or at least move much more slowly, creating after-images. This made seeing what was happening even more difficult for Dmitrix. Before he knew what happened, a pale, purple crescent cut through Aero, knocking it onto the bottom of the Gym floor.

"No... Aero, my friend, forgive me. Return." Dmitrix woefully returned the Golbat, not even able to stand up to this new Pokemon. "Hmm... my next Pokemon... it'll have to match the beautiful moves of your Oricorio." With another swing, another pokeball rose high into the air.

"Venomiss, I choose you!" A sparkling, brilliant Venomoth sprung from the Pokeball. It fluttered before Oricorio, eyes fixated. Hiraani could see Oricorio also feel a sort of fire in her Pokemon's eyes.

"Now, Double Team!" Again, Oricorio created illusory copies, and began to dance beautifully. "Venomiss, counter with a gorgeous Poison Powder!" Venomiss began to spin, and sparkling, purple powder flew forth, sprinkling all over the battlefield. The copies struggled to keep up, but they all began to glow purple. Hiraani grit her teeth, and called out, "Now, use Teeter Dance!"

The copies began to spin, and dance oddly, making the copies seem to morph and conform. After images began to cloud Venomiss' vision, confusing it greatly. "No, Venomiss! Use Giga Drain!" A green energy spread from the wings off of Venomiss, and shot randomly at the copies. But, none of them hit their mark.

"Oricorio, use Air Slash!" "No, Venomiss!" Several crescent formed slashes flew through the air, but one of them cut right through the Venomoth, making her fall and hit the ground. "Venomiss, are you okay?!" She struggled, but fluttered back into the air, back into the center of the copies. "Venomiss, use Confusion!" Almost instantly, the copies seemed to stop where they were. Suspended in time. But looking around, it was seen that the real Oricorio was weld by a psychic power. "Now, use Giga Drain!" Green energy shot out of Venomiss' wing, and leeched onto the Oricorio. It cried in pain, and Hiraani called out her next attack.

"Oricorio, get out of there and use Revelation Dance!" It vanished, escaping the grip of the Giga Drain. It flitted and faded from vision, dancing like a graceful ghost. Just then, it appeared inches behind Venomiss, and struck with it's wings. "Venomiss, use Morning Sun!"

Venomiss spread her wings wide, and a bright light shined, blinding Oricorio. The Venomoth seemed to glow with the light, the damage dissipating. Before the light faded, Hiraani commanded another Double Team. "Venomiss, use Confusion!" But Venomiss could reach her target this time. The copies moved much more faster, albeit for the few moments the poison took effect.

"Venomiss, Giga Drain!" "Oricorio, use Air Slash!" The green energy shot out in multiple directions, but the wind blades cut through, neither attack giving way. As it leeched the real one, the Air Slash cut through Venomiss again.

Out of the sky, the two fell to the ground unconscious. They were both returned, and contemplated their last Pokemon. "Minior, I choose you!" A strange, comet looking Pokemon burst forth, merely floating before Dmitrix. Clutching his last defense, he called out, "Octavius, I need you!" Plopping onto the field, an Octillery unfurled it's tentacles, and cooed out loud. "What an interesting choice for a Flying-type gym... let's do this. Your move!" Hiraani could see the type disadvantage, but was still prepared.

"Octavius, Lock On!" The Octillery immediately locked eyes with the Minior, and aimed it's mouth. It was perfectly ready for not only this battle, but for it's next attack. "Minior, use Confuse Ray!" It spun wildly, and a similar odd light shined from the cracks of the shell. Octillery got an absolute eyeful, and almost fell to his side.

"Ugh, I should've seen that one coming. Octavius, use Bubble Beam!" It spun and struggled to keep it's balance, but failed to fire a Bubble Beam in a steady stream. Instead, it shot out in a line, spreading out the attack. Minior easily dodged the attack, bouncing in the air with joy. "Now Minior, use Ancient Power!"

Giant rocks appeared, fading into existence that glowed with a mystical power. One by one, they were fired, and struck Octavius on the noggin. It grunted, and cooed in pain. Just then, Minior began to glow brightly, and sparkles. "Ahh, lucky me. Minior's abilities heightened!" Hiraani beamed, and jumped for joy. Dmitrix, however, was stuck. He only had one strategy in mind. "Octavius, Lock On!" Octavius tried again, but instead, rammed it's head on the ground. Dmitrix cringed by how hard it hurt itself. "Octavius, no!"

"Well then... Minior, use Double Edge!" Minior zoomed forward, knocking Octavius into the wall above the gym field. He shook his head, and locked back onto the Minior. "Octavius... try Aurora Beam!" A brilliant, condensed aurora fired from the mouth, and made clear contact with the Minior. It struggled with great might, but the cold blow was great. "Minior, use Confuse Ray again!" And because Confuse Ray cannot be dodged, Dmitrix could not halt the inevitable confusion.

"Octillery, use Bubble Beam!" Octavius fired a random string of Bubble Beam, spreading them out across the field again. But this time, since he was sucked onto the wall with his tentacles, he was able to hit Minior again. "Minior, use Shell Smash!"

With a brilliant red light, a starry eyed Pokemon appeared out of the shell. It had a small smile, and it's squeak sounded like a twinkle in the night sky. "Behold, my sweet little Minior's core! Now, let's use Double Edge!" Much faster now, the Minior spun into Octavius' head, knocking it down onto the ground.

"Octavius, it's performance time! Bubble Beam!" Octavius fired another random string of Bubble Beam, but intentionally all at different heights. "Now, freeze them with Aurora Beam!" Firing the ice-type attack, the bubbles froze where they were, making Octavius able to somewhat keep up with Minior. "Now, up!" Octavius bounced upwards, clinging onto each bubble it landed on.

"W-what sort of attack is this? And, how're they floating in the air like that?" Hiraani was lost for words, but she shook herself back into the battle. "Minior, knock out the frozen bubbles, and use Double-Edge!" Like a meteor, it crashed through countless bubbles, shards falling to the ground. "Octavius, fire an Aurora Beam!" Before Minior made contact, it had taken a great deal of damage from the Aurora Beam. It knocked Octavius into another wall.

"Now, use Bullet Seed on the other bubbles!" "W-what?!" Hiraani looked up, confused. Octavius shot out the remaining bubbles, and rained down frozen shards and droplets upon Minior, slowing it down. "Eheh... what a tricky trainer you are. Minior, use Ancient Power!" Boulders again faded into existence, and all of them slammed into the Octillery. But, Minior fell to the ground after the attack, losing consciousness. "Oh, Minior! But, what happened to-"

Out of the dust, the Octillery fell from the wall.

Octavius flopped onto the ground, and shook it's head. "Octavius, you did it!" Dmitrix ran up and hugged the Octillery. Pigaro sat beside them, clapping with joy. The Octillery cooed happily, and hugged back extra tight.

Hiraani sighed, and returned Minior. "You are an extremely talented trainer, sir. You've earned my badge, as well. The Ascension Badge." She held out the small chest, and presented the badge. It looked like a mountain, surrounded by clouds. The peak of the mountain shined with an emerald green.

"Thank you very much, Hiraani." Dmitrix, Pigaro and Octavius looked at the badge as it glimmered before their eyes.

~

"So... I have to ask. Do you know someone with long pigtails? I was going to ask, but you were very prepared for battle, so I couldn't stop you with idle chit-chat." Dmitrix shuddered, and turned to her. "U-um... how would you know?"

Hiraani chuckled, and pulled out a note. "A woman came by an asked me to give this to you, assuming you won. She wanted you to read this, and didn't want to leave it at the Pokemon Center."

"Oh... do you know if she said anything else?" Dmitrix opened the note, reading it over. "Well, no. She just begged me to hold onto this, and hope to give it to you." She apologized, but Dmitrix assured her and left. They parted, and Dmitrix returned Octavius.

~

"I suppose it's time. Pigaro, you're gonna get to meet her again. Excited?"

"Of course. However, you don't plan on skipping town already, do you?"

"No... it's time we had a chat."
 

HyperMorian

Busy with University.
3,084
Posts
7
Years

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Fishy
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Looking bored, with a box containing dozen of Old Gateaux he bought recently, he chomped down a piece of purple cream cakes to relieve himself from belly problems. Munching every bits of it, he was delighted with the rich taste and took another one, and another one, and another one, until he ate them all with the deliciousness of the dessert he didn't regretted to sweep cleanly at all.

"Yum, I really like these." He said, still munching the remaining edible thing he stuffed in his mouth, "Don't you agree, Noctowl?"
"You betrayed my feelings, Shin." Responded back the Nocturnal Pokémon, sitting beside him on the bench they shared with in the outskirts of the city.
"Oh c'mon, I can always buy you a new one--a whole box of it if you want." He chuckled, swallowing his food inside, "After that, shall we head to the Gym?"
"Now we're talking." He bristled his feathers and eagerly hopped on his shoulder as the Trainer ordered another set of addicting sweets.
----
Now full, the two set out immediately to continue their progress on obtaining Gym Badges--a goal that was made from the start of their adventure. Through the gravel streets they stepped on steadily, observing the scenery of the public resort briefly, Shin and his Pokémon was now in front of the door of the gym. What surprises'd be included inside? Shin entered in the gym calmly, yet optimistically thinking that his winning streak'll never break.

"Oh, a challenger!"

Descending down slowly from above, she landed upon the floor and spoke, "You're here for the badge, right?"

"Definitely." Clutching a Poké Ball in between his belt, he pointed his arm toward her confidently.
"Thought so!" She gladly accepted his challenge, "Take your position and we'll do our business."

Taking their usual stances on both opposing sides of the battlefield, both Trainers introduced themselves. The red corner revealed a blue-haired man who attained the status of an Ace Trainer--an expertise of competitive battling known for their efficiency in near perfect coordination and bond with Pokémon. The blue corner revealed a blonde-haired girl who attained the the status of a Gym Leader--a title obtained for their exceptional battling prowess who are assigned with the duty of testing Pokémon Trainers whether they're worthy to take a step higher heading into the Pokémon League. By winning a Gym Battle, said Pokémon Trainers will be entrusted with a proof called Gym Badge. Compact in size but serving an important role, Shin dedicated himself to obtain the Gym Badge through the easiest way--to win the battle.

"I'm Shin, a Pokémon Trainer. I'm going to challenge you in a Gym Battle."
"I'm Hiraani, the Gym Leader of Cere City who will someday ascend the skyward world above. Let's see if you can keep up when the tailwind are with us!"

With the two voices echoing the building, they grabbed their respective Poké Balls and sent out their Pokémon simultaneously, lights enveloping around the thrown spheres of red and white.

"Come out, Gigalith!"
"Let's go, Oricorio!"

As the lights went out for the both of them, the Pokémon were sent out. From the challenger's side, a big Pokémon with glowing red eyes appeared to be sit still on the midair until gravity took effect--stomping the grounds with his heavy quad legs. When the glow dissipated itself, the Compressed Pokémon let out a mighty roar, trembling the whole building with an echoing battle cry. On the other side, an avian Pokémon was pitted in a match against the dark blue, gargantuan Pokémon. Seemingly calm and serene, Oricorio stood up on its small talons to perform a serene dancing pose in front of Gigalith.

"I see that you're well aware of this in the first place."
"Shall we?" Smirked Shin, extending his hand to command his Pokémon to attack, "Rock Blast!"

Exuding sands through the surrounding area, the Compressed Pokémon hid himself in the thick sandstorm, albeit being too big for him to stealthily walk around without making loud noises for every steps he tried to take. The red crystalline all glowed bright, focusing the core energy into a solid sphere of brown growing bigger and bigger, constantly rotating faster on its own based momentum. However, instead of launching it toward his foe, he stacked all the created boulders circling around his body which floated their ways counterclockwise through electromagnetic levitation--an imitation of an orbital shield.

"Stay alert, and then Revelation Dance!"
"Riri?"

Oricorio, being curious with the hold back of the rather belated incoming rocks, decided to go full offense based on its Trainer's accord. Humming melodically, it danced in the shadows of the brittle dirt carried along the way in the midair. Clasping both its wings, the attack was channeled through the grounds, soon approaching just below the unsuspecting Pokémon. Though the attack was barely seen due to the disturbing weather inside a building, Gigalith walked upfront defiantly without any definable scratch from the supposed most powerful attack of her own Pokémon.

"What the...? How come our strongest attack are to no avail?!" She concluded in shock, befitting with the situation her Pokémon was in. Shin merely sat on the floor with a pink book on hand, though not forgetting to order his Pokémon to land the finishing touch, "Gigalith! Actual Rock Blast!"

"Roro."
"Avoid incoming boulders, Oricorio!"

Confirming his command with a nod, Gigalith launched all the boulders like cannonballs. Progressively shooting one boulder at a time, Oricorio was unable to avoid every incoming boulders due to the sandstorm hindering its own vision--even if it was able to avoid the first two, whereas the third attack scored a clear hit, whose damage output was high enough to put down the Dancing Pokémon from its gracious fluttering in the shadows blocked by sandy view.

"That's too bad, but we're not losing it yet! Gligar, you're in!"

Still having a piece of hope within her to make things that seemed to be way too one sided into a more lively Pokémon Battle, she recalled her fainted Pokémon and sent out the Fly Scorpion Pokémon into action. Facing at the victorious Pokémon who seemed to be unfazed by the situation, Gligar lolled its tongue and stretched out its claws while gliding around amidst the still running wind of sands.

"Gligar, smear that Pokémon in toxicity!" She exclaimed, for the only thing that can make a total difference--the battle stalling. Defensively gliding about, Gligar flung a small, yet venomous sting from its tail tip against the Compressed Pokémon. Being struck by the poison surely made him to almost lose track, making his Trainer to stand up and set out another command instead of resorting to lazy planning carried out from the start.

"Okay Gigalith, your time's up, for now." Shin recalled back his Pokémon, withdrawing him from the recurring deadly poison move. Switching out into a Dive Ball, he entered back in with a Pokémon originally not owned by him--Gengar the Metang.

"Gengar, Iron Defense and then smash your foe, hard."
"But...wasn't that a Metang?" She intervened in question.
"No, Gengar was its nickname." He answered, "Sometimes you can't just question someone's intention on giving such gimmicky names, or at least that's how I feel about the Trainer who happened to have fun with...uh...a terrifying spider mime."
"As in?"
"...I don't think I should say more to it."

Though the conversation went rather strange, the two Pokémon clashed together. She told her Pokémon to keep using Roost, while chipping out most of Gengar's health for every blow they traded in the process. The sandstorm too, also dissipated as the prolonged battle took longer than expected. Constantly smashing its head toward Gligar, Gengar levitated backwards and charged again with another headbutt. However, it appeared that every attempt on offense that it was trying to do was to no avail as well--eventually creating a borderline tie between the two. The last cross slashing attack caused Gengar to back off unsteadily, thus falling down with swirls replacing its red irises.

"Not yet, but you'll be able to in the other day. Rest well." Withdrawing the fainted Iron Claw Pokémon back inside the Dive Ball, Shin switched out into his third Pokémon--a Floatzel.

Standing on the still sandy room nimbly, Floatzel rotated his tails in vigor and turned back at his Trainer briefly. Shin only gave a thumbs up with a grin, and Floatzel too, in return gave him an identical friendly pose he's practicing with him. Now within the battlefield, Shin ordered his Pokémon to fight by his own accord.

"Floatzel, Surf!"
"Gligar, cling around the area atop!"

A burst of bluish water were spread out through the area, thus creating mud--though it doesn't really disturb a Flying-Type Pokémon since it'll never quit being airborne in the middle of the battle. Thinking that it was on its safe range, Gligar shot numerous venomous stings from its tail tip. Fortunately, Floatzel noticed the incoming attack and Aqua Jetted into a straight lane to avoid the risk of being badly poisoned.

"Here we go! Backward Aqua Jet into the air!" Shin shouted determinedly.

Smirking, Floatzel jumped onto a wet boulder that became a residual piece from the initial battle and pivoted through the damp air, swirling in water aura. Gligar was too slow to intercept him with an attacking move, and so Floatzel successfully grabbed the Fly Scorpion Pokémon firmly--effectively immobilizing it, together ferociously spinning down into the watery road.

"Oh no, Gligar!"

The impact was supposed to be severe, but it seemed that Gligar didn't seem to take a lot of damage from the attack, proven by its ability to remain still on its legs. Hiraani sighed in relief, until it appeared that its blue wing membranes were being too soaked in water, thus limiting its ability to perform aerial combat. Now aground, Shin flicked a finger, signaling Floatzel to overwhelm his foe with a barrage of super-effective attack. A wave stood behind him, soon rushing forward into the grounded Pokémon that was in panic. No longer standing up, the soaked Pokémon surrendered its place to the victor that defeated it.

"Ugh, I didn't expected it'd come this way." Hiraani struggled, "I guess it's your turn now, Minior!"
"Use Surf, and then Aqua Jet. Trust me, that should do the trick." Instructed the blue-haired Trainer.

Still sitting on the other side, Shin continued to read the book, as if he wasn't really paying much attention toward the final round that'll decide whether he'll win the badge. On the opposing side, Hiraani recalled her fainted Pokémon back and sent out her last Pokémon--a Minior. Donning a strange piece of red strip cloth like a belt, it stoically waited for an order while observing its foe charging up a wave of water, but Hiraani decided to take the risk to go on full offense.

"Surf!"
"Minior, dazzle it with Confuse Ray!"

The waves were launched immediately, therefore soaking up the Meteor Pokémon with an incredibly hard super-effective move. However, it appeared that the Pokémon managed to survive the attack in exchange of a broken sash. The ray pierced through the attack, successfully dizzying the foe it was fighting. Floatzel almost lost balance due to the confusion, but he knew that he only had one plan to do. An Aqua Jet should really finish the battle, but his apparent decision also made him think that he should punch himself to snap the confusion away.

"Uh...what the heck are you doing, Floatzel?" Asked Shin, glancing back onto the battlefield with a disappointed look.
"Shell Smash, then Ancient Power!" Ordered Hiraani.

Breaking the heavy rocky exteriors, falling down altogether, it revealed the bright blue core that seemed to gain a lot of advantages as it nimbly floated around with cosmically powered rocks flew toward the confused Pokémon. Collecting all the rocks all over his body, Floatzel toppled down with swirls replacing his eyes, signifying his defeat.

"Well, duh, punching yourself'd make it worse." Said Shin, withdrawing the fainted Pokémon to release the Compressed Pokémon back into the field that was poisoned from the starting point. The tides has turned back into an one-against-one fight, with the sands brewing up again, stirring the mix of a swampy land, Shin ordered,

"Gigalith, Rock Blast."
"Try to go for another Ancient Power!"

Unsuspecting the tone of the Trainer, Minior charged in with empowered rocks by its side. Facing upfront toward the Compressed Pokémon to land a finishing blow, Gigalith immediately shot several small rocks as if they were treated as machine bullets. The sandstorm began to dissipate once again, as the battle has ended--Minior has already fallen on the ground, while Gigalith still stood after managing to survive both attack and poison damage. From here, Shin smirked as he withdrew his severely wounded Pokémon for another close victory he has just won.

"What a close call! You've just won!" Congratulated Hiraani.
"Thought it's gonna get awry, but good thing me and my Pokémon pulled it all through." Said Shin, "That was a great match."
----
With the Ascension Badge in his pocket, Shin and Noctowl descended down from the cliffs and landed back onto the unoccupied seat that they've been sitting on few hours ago. Although it wasn't really their actual destination, the two still ended up on the same spot. With the promised box of Old Gateaux within their possession, the two shared the food with glee and joy. Green leaves falling down from the tough brown branches signified that summer was indeed the best season for a coastal region to shine its brightness nature, such as Cere City. After waiting for a while on the supposedly warm bench, Shin began to call his Pokémon who happened to be by his side at all times.

"What gives?" He bent his flexible neck curiously.
"What happened yesterday felt like it happened weeks ago, and I vaguely remember ever since the moment when you can speak like a human."

"We surely had come way this far, huh?" The Nocturnal Pokémon blinked, "Funnily, our other fellow couldn't do the same thing, but I think it's just that not everyone was gifted with it."
"Truth be told, I'm reminded by the very occasion where I usually impersonate you all the time." Staring toward the azure skies, Shin extended both of his arm and put them into his back, "I always had the thought that Pokémon can talk and do things by their own free will, not just because they were simply ordered by their owners, but they were more than just weird living creatures that lived alongside us."

"And most of your topics turned out into heroic stuff. Not sure if tossing an unsuspecting cop into a river worth extra heroic points."
"Sheesh."

Chuckling from a past event that occurred spontaneously, they started imagining if the cop ended up in an uncharted area and he had to do all kind of things like what someone'd do in a survival game while also discovering something marvelous in return, with some of the most unlikely events and the occasion on dealing with a Spider Mime. somewhere in the forest while keeping his campfire lit with a piece of Poké Ball and a big stick, and they really haven't realized the actual fate about the drowning man until now.

Feeling a minor cramp from sitting, he thought on staying in the public resort full of swimsuits--known as the heavenly world of desperate creeps. Although not going to wear a boxer for the sake of seaside traditions, Shin decided to just go for some good ol' fishing, wishing to get an actual knack to it. With a fishing rod, he tried his luck by throwing the Pokéblock bait toward the rippling water just ahead of the pier he was sitting at. Keeping on waiting for something to come, sudden hysterical screaming startled him that he lost concentration on what he was about to haul at. Glancing back and forth to identify the problem from the crowding people and Pokémon, Shin saw a rather unstable cruise liner, hinting that it was under the verge of sinking.

"Well, nothing can do for that one, I guess." Shrugged Shin, continuing his attempt on catching some aquatic Pokémon to add in his roster. However, another presence caught his eyes. Fleeting at the speed of an anime Bewear, a black ferry moved forward into the open seas while sirens continued to blare all over the area, seemingly attempting to investigate the cause of the sinking ship. One of the local fishermen cried out loud for how they stole all his Magikarp, while the police were trying to calm him down for the fishy theft case going on. Shin wasn't really intrigued with the crazy things going on for the minute, until a sequential tingling sensation hit him in the thighs. Upon looking at the screen, someone shouted from afar. He turned back to see a familiar person with a Generator Pokémon that appeared to be eager to go.

"Found him!" Pointed Heliolisk.
"We're heading to Ganmondyne City immediately, and I want you to come along with us too." Offered Egeus.

As his serious gaze suggested him that there was something terrible at works and since he has to wait for two more hours for a ship that'll go to Ganmondyne to arrive, he saved his fishing rod for later and stood up with an ambiguous stare. Following his lead into the harbor where the hulls are sitting on the water edge waiting for anyone to ride on them, Egeus took the boat key from his pocket and pressed a button to open a gate--revealing a sleek-looking vessel that seemed to be ready to go anywhere at high speed.

"But why?" Asked Shin, rubbing his forehead from the sweat he gathered during his time in the outskirts of the city.
"You've done so much for the two towns in the mountains, so I'm thinking that we can repay you by ferrying you out to that place." Explained the Gym Leader, "Actually, if you don't mind, this Pokémon has something to tell you too. Though I'd strongly suggest that you collect more Gym Badges before we get deeper into this matter."

After a brief preparation, the three jumped onto the white boat, all set and safe. Starting the engine to rotate the small turbines below, they embarked across the sea, leaving bubbly trails behind in pursuit of a ship of unknown origins and intentions. Although Shin was treated as a neutral figure, he was more of a threat through a certain view. With the winds hitting through the body and soul, the three discussed what leads they had along midway.
----
In the depths of a secret passage located somewhere, lie an underground room where they all gathered within their cozy seats. Still giggling from the savage comments in the news feed, the chairman put on a serious look after doing so as to not turn the discussion room into an undesirable shack for sitcoms and memes. Taking off from his seat flamboyantly along with the other participants of the discussion, who came from various companies and were planning to get some share from one of the most beneficial biotechnology whose concept was recycled from somewhere, the blonde-haired man spoke while dabbing to the left and to the right childishly.

"And that's all folks." Tipping his bang, he ended the meeting with a clap, "I hope that y'all understand what role you have within your objectives."

Leaving the round table silently, he took a sip of a champagne and momentarily checked his phone. Before tagging along with the others to leave the room, a man presumably from the meeting approached and asked him groggily, "S-sorry if I was too afraid to ask but I honestly couldn't recall the plan. M-mind if you repeat it again for me?"
"Hey, sometimes it's best to ask rather than getting lost in the middle of the road." He rolled his eyes, "I'll repeat it again, you forgetful slacker that haven't contributed much."

"When the cargo arrives, we'll jack all the Magikarp inside the chopper and we'll scatter them all from above. It'd be long before those fools from Cere's going to reach us, and fortunately we already silenced the security from the sea, so we're clearly safe from any kind of intrusive threat. Once we're done, well," Withdrawing a red box with a mark shaped like a stylized 'P' alphabet, he smirked,

"You know what happens once I press this button."
 
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ImMrRoboto

That's MISTER Roboto to you!
254
Posts
8
Years
Damien King
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Spoiler:


Damien didn't remember the events of the following day or night. It was all consumed by a tired daze and he was certain the had sleepwalked most of it, but somehow, he woke up in Cere City. Well, he technically woke up in a bag in Cere City, but as soon as he started calling for help, the extremely confused fisherman that had picked him up let him out and he started exploring the city.

Before long, he sat down and started rummaging through his bag to see if anything had been taken. To his surprise, he instead found two more Pokéballs among his others (though he wouldn't realize until later that one ball had been sent to the :Happinny's) Grabbing them, Damien pressed the buttons, the usual white light came out of them, revealing two Pokémon: A Solosis and a Tyrunt. Damien looked at them both with surprise, but Tyrunt baffled him far more. Wasn't that type of Pokémon extinct? Damien ultimately shrugged it off, however, when he remembered that fossil restoration as getting better every day.

He finished going through his bag, and found that nothing was gone, and then got back up and kept walking. The town was quite a bit larger than others he had seen before, and the market seemed more busy. He spent a majority of his day wandering around, looking at the various shops, talking to people, and reading some news articles from a reporter said to be working in the region.

At around sundown the market crowds began to disperse and all of the shops began to close. Damien just started walking toward the local hotel when he passed by a woman trying to get into a door. She was carrying two bags and attempting to unlock the door with her mouth when Damien came by and offered his help, taking the key out of her mouth and opening the door for her.

"Thanks." The woman said as she walked inside, setting the bags down just inside and stopping the doorway.

"My name's Damien. Pleased to meet you." Damien greeted her, shaking her hand.

She seemed surprised to hear his name. "Hm? Oh! You're the one Jane called me about!"

"Wat?" Damien looked at her confused. He remembered that Jane was the name of the last Gym Leader, but he had no idea why she would call this girl.

"She woke you up and sent you here, but she got worried that you wouldn't make it. Y'know, because you seemed so groggy, so she called me to check if you'd made it."

"Really? Well it's not like I'm not flattered, but who are you?" Damien asked, eliciting a questionable glance from the girl, who simply pointed up. Damien glanced up and saw the Pokémon League insignia on the building. Damien looked down at the girl. "You're the Gym Leader?"

"Yeah, my name's Hiraani." She said, laughing.

"Well in that case, I…" Damien said before Hiraani cut him off

"I accept. C'mon!" She said, picking up the bags, which Damien now saw were filled with healing items from the market, and headed into the gym, leaving Damien confused.

Once inside, Damien saw that the gym was rather basic. A sky blue arena with an open ceiling. Hiraani placed her bags down and they both took their places at either side of the arena.

Together, both trainers sent out three Pokémon each. From Hiraani's Pokéballs came an Oricorio, a Gligar, and a Minior. Damien made the note that two of them were from Alola.

Finding no use in berating himself for not being prepared, Damien sent out the three Pokémon that would put him at the smallest disadvantage: Rockruff, Tyrunt, and Kirlia. At once, the three Pokémon on either side of the arena launched toward each other, locking into small skirmishes.

Kirlia and Oricorio both leapt into the air and quickly tangled in midair before landing. They were both swift with their strikes and elegant with their movements. So much so that it looked like a dance between two partners. Oricorios razor sharp wings sliced this way and that, and Kirlia nimbly ducked, dodged, and retaliated. Eventually, however, Oricorio finally managed to land a strike on Kirlia, knocking her down. Just as Oricorio stood above Kirlia, ready to deliver a final blow, she attached a Grass Knot to its wing and swung it over her head, taking Oricorio with it. Kirlia then got up and began swinging it around in circles, much to the dismay of the Oricorio, which began calling out wildly until Kirlia let it go, sending it flying toward Hiraani.

Meanwhile, Hiraani's Gligar was flying just out of Rockruff's range, taunting him and occasionally flying down to strike him, only aggravating him more. Rockruff was barking and leaping as high as his little legs would let him, but his efforts only caused Gligar to laugh more. Unbeknownst to Gligar, however, it's levity and laughing were causing it to slowly drift downward. Right into Rockruff's range. Rockruff, seeing the new opportunity once Gligar had drifted down close enough, leapt up and grabbed its tail with his mouth, sending Gligar into a panic causing it to fly and thrash about, but Rockruff's mouth was too tightly clamped on it. Eventually, Glogar just landed on the ground, causing Rockruff to finally let go. There, Gligar sat, holding its tail, until Rockruff charged toward it and slammed it in the head, sending it flying back to Hiraani.

Briefly reveling in victory, Damien then turned to see how Tyrunt was holding up.

Just in time to see Tyrunt walking up to him with a Minior in between his teeth, looking very pleased with himself before dropping it at Damien's feet. Damien, Kirlia, Rockruff, and Hiraani all spent a few seconds just staring at it before it suddenly began to glow quickly becoming more intense. Kirlia quickly kicked it back over to the arena just as it exploded, sending rock shards all over the place. From the shards came a red shape moving at incredible speed all over the room, even causing Hiraani to duck.

Damien's Pokémon all leapt into action and started chasing it, but none of them could catch up to it. Eventually, Damien turned and withdrew to first Pokémon he saw, Tyrunt, and sent out Grovyle, arguably his fastest Pokémon. As soon as he touches the ground Grovyle sped off after it, gaining ground fast. Eventually, Kirlia and Rockruff had to stop to catch their breath, and Grovyle caught up to Minior, grabbing it and throwing it into the center of the arena and launching Dragon Breath, sending it flying up.

As it came down, Hiraani positioned herself correctly and managed to catch it. As she pulled out her Pokéball and Minior disappeared into red light, all of the rock fragments vanished as well. Damien gave a short sigh That was… anticlimactic he thought as he withdrew his Pokémon and walked over to Hiraani.

"Good job! It was a great battle!" Hiraani called to him as he approached. Once he got up close, she started looking at him closely. "Yeah, you look pretty awake now. Here, take this!" She said as she pulled out a gym badge and handed it to Damien.

As Damien continued toward a hotel where he could sleep that night, a troubling thought came to him. At once, he stopped and began rummaging through his bag, pulling out Grovyle's Pokéball and sending him out. As soon as the white light faded revealing Grovyle, Damien grabbed the Pokémon by he shoulders and asked-

"When did you evolve?!"
 
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25,439
Posts
11
Years
Journey Optional

Chapter Seven - Sedeena City

Town Info: Sedeena City is a cold city surrounded by lakes and marshland. It rains frequently in this city and with the exception of exploring the naturally beautiful landscape, there's little to do for casual tourists. A marshland safari zone is located here.

Spoiler:

Leader: Carthage
Type: Water
Info: Carthage is levelheaded, cautious and experienced, traits learned from working around perilous loamy turf. In battle he is highly versatile and adaptive but also calculated, always making the best possible move for any given situation. He battles the opponent in a three vs three single battle where only the challenger can switch out. Those that defeat him earn the Life Badge.
Team:

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Slowbro (Own Tempo) - Calm Mind, Slack Off, Scald, Psyshock

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Crawdaunt (Adaptability) - Swords Dance, Aqua Jet, Crabhammer, Night Slash

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Carracosta (Solid Rock) - Shell Smash, Aqua Jet, Rock Slide, Crunch

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Araquanid (Water Bubble) - Leech Life, Liquidation, Poison Jab, Spider Web​

Chapter Eight Starts on 09/05

 
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MurkMire

[font=special elite][color=#FF3399]Toxic Terror[/c
910
Posts
12
Years
Chapter Six


Dmitrix the Clown
aka Dmitri Bolokov
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Current Party
Spoiler:

In Storage
Spoiler:




Ganmodyne City, it was filled to the brim with busy workers, unattentive teens and school kids, and crowded with civilians. Needless to say, this kind of place would be difficult for Dmitri to put on his costume and casually walk around. Dressed in semi-formal attire, with the same color palette as his clown costume, he and Pigaro made their way to where the Pokemon Center was located.

Normally, Pigaro would be inside his Pokeball, so that he'd be less likely to be kidnapped by any thieves. However, because of the strong mental bond they both share, any such event could be avoided. This happened when Dmitri camped out in the forest, and such a thief tried to steal Pigaro, only to be tailed and... dealt with, accordingly.

Regardless, those thoughts were far behind Dmitri. He thought back about the note Hiraani gave him, and what transpired next.

~

One Week Ago

He had come straight to the Pokemon Center and dropped off his Pokemon for recovery and a check-up. He, however, was struggling to make that call. Instead, he read over the letter, again and again. Sitting at a booth in the Pokemon Center, he looked down at the piece of paper Hiraani gave him. It read:

Dmitri, I understand what you're trying to do. I want to help you, and I think I know how. I also know you've been avoiding me, and I hope that not only this message reaches you, but that you call me. I won't let you off the hook as easily as last time.

With Love,

Holly.


"It's now or never...." He dialed the number, and turned on the screen. Patiently, he waited.

"H-Hello? Dmitri?" "Hello, Holly... yes, it's me." The screen flickered on, and a beautiful, youthful looking woman came into view. Long, light-blonde hair made into two long pig-tails.

"Dmitri, I'm just going to make this short. We realize what you're doing, and... we're not going to stop you anymore," Holly said, looking him dead in the eyes. Her eyes were sincere, and worried. Dmitri looked down, to the side. "Dmitri, listen to me."

He sat up, and looked at her. "I'm sorry... and, thank you for understanding." He gave off a weak, nervous smile. Holly scrunched her eyebrows, and continued. "We talked with the local professor, and we were able to fully license you as a trainer. After you ran off with Pigaro, there was no way you'd make it to the League when you actually got your eight badges. What the hell did you think you were going to do, Dmitri?"

He didn't look away. He couldn't take his eyes off her. "Dmitri... tell me. Did you really just plan on going after him once you got all the badges? Why?" Tears began to well up in her eyes. "Tell me!"

"I want to become a champion clown." Holly perked up her head, looking at him with a mix of confusion, and annoyance. "W-What...?" "You heard me."

Dmitri gave her a smug, goofy smile. "Ugh... you tire me out. But... whatever. Send me your Octillery." "What? Why? Octavius is a part of my troupe...." "Spheal! Spheal!" An adorable, blue ball of blubber hopped onto the screen and waved happily, barking at the screen.

"Yeah, you remember that Spheal we found? He wants to come with you. Let him." The Spheal gave Dmitri sad, quivering eyes and a sad face. "Bu- Fine... I suppose. I'll have to wait a bit longer. All of my other Pokemon are being treated. Tomorrow morning, I promise."

She nodded, and held up the Spheal to the camera. "Say bye-bye!" "Spheeeaaall!"

~

Dmitri chuckled, and pocketed the note. Further down the city, the Pokemon Center. "Finally, our moment has arrived, Pigaro. Return." The Grumpig nodded, and returned his Pokeball. He strolled into the Pokemon Center, heading for the restroom.

But when he knocked on the stall door, he got a response. "Busy in here, buddy." Dmitri stepped back, and waited patiently. The door slammed open, and out came a guy with black hair, red highlights, and an overall appearance that overflowed with delinquency. "S'all yours." He bumped into him and walked out of the restroom. Dmitri paid no mind to the rude young man, and proceeded.

Stepping out of the Pokemon Center, Dmitrix pulled out a Pokeball from his coat pocket, and released Pigaro. "Alright then friend, shall we get going?" Pigaro nodded, and oinked happily. But, after a little ways down, the two ended up closing in on a... not so pretty side of the city. Sure, it was still Ganmondyne, but the streets were less crowded. An air of discomfort filled the place, and it felt like eyes immediately laid on him and Pigaro. He couldn't tell where it was coming from.

Still, from a reliable source, they told him the location of the Ganmondyn Gym. It was in an abandoned part of town.

"Beee-YAHH!" A shriek could be heard right behind them, causing them both to jump. Quickly turning around... there was nothing. But as they turned around, a Banette swiped long claws at their faces, giving them another fright. They both fell to the ground with a thud. "Baaa-hahaha!" The Banette cackled wildly, lying on it's back and dying with laughter.

Figuratively speaking.

Hopping back on their feet, Dmitrix glared at the Ghost Pokemon. Pigaro dusted himself off, and eyed Banette.

"Cool your jets, clown." A familiar voice came from an alley behind the Banette. The same guy from the Pokemon Center stepped up to Banette and smirked at Dmitrix. "So, you're a clown. Why don't you perform a disappearing trick?" Furrowing a brow, Dmitrix scoffed, and replied with, "I don't have time for a punk like you. I'm looking for the Gym Leader."

The delinquent snickered, and pointed a finger at him. "You really don't know where you are, do you? Ganmondyne is MY turf. Everyone here knows it, and respects it. And, my Banette here likes to make sure newcomers remember that." It raised it's claws, and giggled wickedly.

"Fine... so, you want to battle? Pigaro, let'sgo," Dmitrix said, before the other guy snapped a finger. "No no no, pal. We do this at the gym. You want a gym battle, yes? Follow me." He turned sharply, and he walked on, back into the alley. The Banette swiftly followed, and slipped through the shadows as he left.

"Pssh... come, Pigaro." They walked past the alleyway, ignoring the advice given.

But as they just passed the alleyway, a large, menacing grin attached to seemingly nothing hung in the air. "Woah!" Again, Dmitrix and Pigaro fell back on their bums. The face laughed, and formed into a Gengar. "Hey, that's not the right way, clown. Ignore me again, and it won't be pretty." Footsteps could be heard deeper into the alleyway, and the Gengar disappeared. "Huff... Pigaro, he may really be the gym leader. Let's follow."

The two followed the sound of the footsteps, the city seemed to get darker. Street lights only showed certain alleyways, giving Dmitrix the mind to follow the lit path. However... there was a last, dark threeway stop of alternate paths. A light seems to go off alternatively, one by one.

"Guess which one's the way to the gym. Get it wrong, and I refuse your offer to battle." The voice echoed out, causing Dmitrix to sigh. "What a mischevious teen. Still, I do like a good game of chance... Pigaro, what do you think?"

The Grumpig sniffed the air, and looked at all three choices. "Hmm... I think it may be to the left." He pointed his left-hand index finger at the path to the left. Dmitrix nodded, and they walked down it.

"Good guess." Their vision was instantly clouded, causing both of them to shriek. "Hahaha, always love spooking new challengers. Still... welcome to my gym. The Ganmondyne Gym. Home of the Ghost-type."

The blackness dissipated, now showing that Dmitrix and Pigaro were standing at a battle field, inside an abandoned building. On the opposite side was the miscreant. "The name is Abel. What's your name, clown? And no, I don't want your stage name." Dmitrix simply nodded, and responded with, "Dmitri Bolokov."

"I see... well then, clown, here are the rules. This is gonna be a 3 versus 3 match, however, I'm the only one allowed to switch. Once you throw a Pokemon out, you can't take it back." Abel smirked, and looked to his giggling Banette, hiding his wide grin. "So, who's going down first?"

Dmitrix thought hard. He didn't have any Pokemon at a disadvantage, but being unable to switch was something new. Still, he knew the best way to start was to start strong. "Pigaro, my friend, I choose you." He nodded, and bounced onto the battlefield, after laying back on his tail. "Banette, go."

Banette flew over to the field, and held up a claw, laughing at the Grumpig. "Let's begin. Banette, use Shadow Sneak!" Fading into an inky black shadow, it slithered in and out of sight. "Pigaro, get ready to use-" "Grrummm!"

Immediately, Banette struck Pigaro, knocking him back. It cackled, and pointed at Dmitrix as he danced over Pigaro in midair. "Pigaro, Power Gem!" A bright, violet beam shot upward, knocking Banette straight into the air, before it glided away. It gave Pigaro a raspberry, before Abel called out, "Check out your Grumpig." Dmitrix looked down, and saw a red aura enveloping Pigaro. "That's Cursed Body. You won't be using that move again. Phantom Force!" Unlike his previous move, Banette completely vanished. Dmitrix look wide-eyed in disbelief. "Pigaro, prepare a Shadow Ball!" Pigaro held it's hands in the air, darkness began to form in his hands. "Alright Banette, strike!" From the ground, Banette's shadowy claws struck Pigaro in the back.

It knocked away the Shadow Ball, into a wall. Pigaro landed forward on it's belly, grunting in pain. "Look clown, I know he's your partner and all... but a Psychic-type is a poor choice for my gym. Let's make this moment last longer. Banette, Thunder Wave!" Sparks of electricity began to ripple, and was fired from Banette's arm. "Pigaro, Magic Coat!" Straightening back up, Pigaro waved his hand in front of him, purple sparkles of light forming. The sparks hit, but reflected back onto the Banette.

"How interesting...." Abel watched as Banette was struck, becoming paralyzed. "Don't get too excited. Banette, return." He returned Banette, and tossed out another Pokeball. "Gengar, let's go." The malicious Gengar from earlier floated around Pigaro, lashing out at him, taunting Dmitrix.

"Pigaro, Shadow Ball!" Again, he formed a mass of darkness into a sphere. "Gengar, Shadow Ball." Gengar held his hands in front of him, the same mass forming into his own attack.

"Fire!"

Both of them released their attack, the blast having hit both of their marks. Gengar waned in his floating and his expression, but Pigaro was motionless. "Looks like this one goes to me." Dmitrix ran up to his partner, and returned him after find he was still okay. "Alright then... Aero, I choose you!"

Out came his Golbat, flying just across from the floating Gengar. "Gengar, Double Team." Gengar slipped into multiple copies, floating and flying around Aero, surrounding it. "Now, Shadow Ball." "Aero, use Confuse Ray!"

As the Gengar began to begin the attack, Aero flashed the eerie, odd light, causing all of the duplicates to shake and clumsily keep themselves afloat. But still, they formed masses of darkness. "Fire!" Multiple Shadow Balls flew here and there, but Aero dodged them. "Now Aero, use Wing Attack!" Aero flew through the copies, striking them all until he hit the real Gengar, making him spin through the air after a vicious swipe.

"Gengar, get back in there with another Shadow Ball." From his hands, he immediately fired off another Shadow Ball. It struck the Golbat, but did not keep him out of the air. "Aero, go into another Wing Attack!" Golbat struck the confused Gengar, knocking it out as it flew over Abel. The gym leader didn't so much as budge. He simply aimed the Pokeball behind him, and returned his Gengar. "Fine then. Banette, go."

Banette appeared onto the field, but not without the cripple paralyze status. "Aero, Poison Fang!" "Banette, Sucker Punch." Before Aero could get in close, the Banette appeared behind Aero, and punched it with great force, smashing Aero out of the air and into the ground. "Aero, no! Use Confuse Ray!" It struggled to get up, but Banette landed on top of Aero, and danced on his head. "Come on, clown. Show's about over. Banette, use Phantom Force!"

Banette jumped, and faded again. "Aero... Confuse Ray!" Dmitrix struggled to give his Golbat another command. It weakly flapped up, and flash the eerie light again. It was able to get Banette, as the light not only revealed Banette, but almost miss Aero as his struck.

Still... Aero was knocked out with another vicious attack. "Your team's starting to look pretty lame, clown. I'd suggest you come back later." Abel crossed his arms, completely unimpressed with Dmitrix. "No, that not possible for me at this time. Abel, I've come here to collect your badge not only for the League, but for my own reasons."

He chucked his last remaining hope in the air. "Venomiss, I need your assistance!" A Venomoth fluttered beautifully before Banette, violet scales falling to the ground. Abel snickered to himself for a moment, before calling out, "Now, Banette, use Shadow Sneak!" Banette rushed into the slithering shadows, quickly reaching for the Venomoth.

"Venomiss, use Confusion!" Her eyes began to glow an intense blue. She began to buzz, slowing Banette's attack, weaking it. Abel cocked his eyebrow with annoyance, before calling out again with, "Strike. Now!" His Banette struggled, but struck Venomiss, releasing her psychic grip. "Now Banette, use Thunder Wave!" Sparks of electricity fired from Banette again, but Venomiss fluttered away, only to be immediately shocked. "No, Venomiss!"

Dmitrix looked on in agony, seeing his Venomiss paralyzed, and at the hands of defeat. "Now, Shadow Sneak!" Banette sinked back into the shadows, intent on ending the battle. "Venomiss, Morning Sun!"

From the Venomoth's openly spread wings, a bright light had filled the room, making Banette stop dead in it's tracks. "Banette, what are you doing? Strike." It was only apparent when Abel looked closely enough, but Banette stopped because of the paralysis. Abel smirked, and looked up at the Venomoth. "Stop holding off the inevitable." Venomiss rejuvenated completely, and fluttered with vigor once more. "Now Venomiss, Confusion!" "Banette-" The psychic grip from before crushed Banette from the weight, and knocked out the Marionette. However, after that last attack, Venomiss was enveloped by the same red aura that disabled Pigaro.

Returning Banette, Abel eyed both Venomiss and Dmitrix. "No more Confusion for you. Still... I see you're more skilled than you let on, and more skilled than you look. However, I don't see you struggling out of this last battle with anymore tricks. Froslass, let's wrap this up." From out of Abel's last Pokeball, a Froslass gracefully appeared before the challengers, and bowed. "Hail." "Venomiss, Poison Powder!" As Froslass raised her hands in the air and wailed aloud, Venomiss shook her wings furiously, releasing a cloud of purple scales, clouding the field. Hail began to fall, pelting Venomiss, and Froslass began to cough and heave from the poison.

"Interesting... I like where this is going. Froslass, now, Aurora Veil!" A beautiful array of colors began to form across Froslass, as if she was indeed wearing the Aurora Borealis. "Venomiss, use... use Confusion!"

Froslass struggled with the psychic force, but broke away. Abel scoffed, and called out, "Clown, you're starting to look like a one-trick pony. Froslass, Ice Beam!" The Froslass fired a concentrated beam of pure cold, hitting Venomiss hard. "I have more tricks available! Use Giga Drain!" From the Venomoth's wings, green energy lashed out, and reached towards Froslass... until she vanished. "What?" Dmitrix looked around, but saw no sign of Froslass.

"Snow Cloak. Makes it harder to hit when hailing. You should really try to learn more about your opponents when you have the chance, clown." Abel looked annoyed, but still collected. "Froslass, Shadow Ball!" A sphere of darkness struck Venomiss, but she still fluttered with all her strength, albeit what little strength. The hail would not let up.

However, Froslass appeared, and as she coughed, a purple mist could be seen. "Still, I have to say, interesting use of moves. Froslass, Ice Beam!" "Giga Drain!" The ice beam struck Venomiss, but this time, it latched onto Froslass and seeped away her energy. "Shadow Ball!"

Another vicious attack, another unavoidable hit to Venomiss. She waned terribly, but so did Froslass. "Morning Sun, Venomiss!" "Useless when Hail is present. Froslass, Ice Beam!"

Venomiss shined, but less brighter than before. The Ice Beam struck hard, but Abel could see Froslass was on her last leg. "Tch... Ice Beam. Again!" She fired again, and struck again. "Venomiss, Giga Drain!" She hit Froslass again, and as she was drained by the attack, the hail had begun to leave the field. The Aurora Veil also began to disappear.

"Hmph...." Abel sighed, and could only watch as the poison and the Giga Drain do in his Froslass. A deafening silence filled the room as the last of the hail hit the ground. Venomiss fell to the ground as well, falling unconscious. Both trainers silently walked up to their Pokemon, and returned them. "So, clown... I guess you won."

Abel stood up, dusting off his pants. Reluctantly... he pulled out from his shroud a small box in one hand. Dmitrix stepped forward. He looked Abel in the eye. His sharp, purple eyes showing discontent, but a small amount of respect.

"Here. Even I can see that you earned it." He opened the chest. Inside was a small, circular badge. The ring was scarlet colored, as were the three orbs inside. The inside of the ring was black.

Dmitrix simply nodded, and gratefully received the badge. "Say, clown... your face makeup." Dmitrix blinked in surprise at Abel's sudden remark. "Y-yes?"

"... You didn't become a clown just for the sake of entertaining kids, did you?" Abel looked at Dmitrix with a grim look in his eyes. Dmitrix frowned, furrowing a brow. "Maybe it is, and maybe it isn't," Dmitrix snapped back at the accusatory glare. "I got word about a mad clown that almost fits your description. Except, he hasn't shown his face in years. Plus, you're too incompetent. So what are you playing at? Are you a friend of that freak?" Abel asked this, walking up to Dmitrix, grabbing him by the throat.

"... You're right, I'm looking for Pogo. Not because I'm a friend...." Dmitrix's eyes began to redden. He began to shake, not thinking Abel would be aware of Pogo. He placed his hand on Abel's arm, and said aloud, "I want to make him pay."

 

Who's Kiyo?

puking rainbows
3,229
Posts
12
Years
Steal His Look: Leader Abel
Ganmondyne City -- Your guide to looking suave in the shadows.
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-----
When I first arrived to my latest location, I noticed a stirring murmur among the citizens: apparently, there had been an unusual amount of trainers coming out of the Ganmondyne Gym with badges marking their success. It seems that the city's leader, Abel, had picked up a losing streak in spite of his infamous reputation as a cruel competitor on the battlefield. Your favorite reporter took a detour to check the place out; as I know many of you enjoy when articles feature local celebrities, I see those "are they alright?"s and "what the hell did you do"s in the comments! And besides, I felt compelled to donate my time: if there was something I could do to lend a hand, it could be considered some recompense for the outstanding helpfulness previous Diminia leaders have shown me.

-----
Abel, however, quickly demonstrated that he wasn't willing to dabble in emotionalism past the perfected deep brooding demeanor he had equipped. I initially mistook this as unavailability, and attempted to purposely throw an ensuing battle to cheer him up; which I somehow still won, despite my efforts. This caused him to go into a tirade, insulting everything about my character (sans the underlying secret that ravages my conscious with guilt every waking moment; as to be expected, as only I and presumably a few gods are privy to that information) and forcibly escort me from the premises without anything resembling a Peace Badge. As you can probably assume, I was beyond upset for obvious reasons: how could I ever hope to be that stylish?

-----
His aesthetic was marvelous: the sheer gravitas, the attitude, and ... who was he wearing? I sat outside panting from the excitement; had he really deemed my back worthy enough of being shoved out of the building by his designer boots? I was obsessed. I consulted every official I could about the anatomy of his infectiously edgy look: owners of nearby clothing outlets, bartenders of establishments he - maybe? - frequents (honestly couldn't tell if he was fifteen or twenty-something, he had one of those faces), and I even gave the mayor a ring! They all had the same general answer: "oh, that asshole? what about him? ... who are you?" but none knew his secret! If I wanted to keep up with the trendsetter, I had to go directly to the source.


-----
As any good investigator would do, the minute my lockpick granted me passage into his deceptively simple abode, I made a straight shot to the bathroom. His shower carried an incredible amount of products ranging in use, but the most worn bottle was undoubtedly the two-in-one "apple fresh"-scented Diamond Dandruff shampoo and conditioner: its label promising me silky, smooth, hydrated hair with daily use. I was aghast, but this feeling of shock quickly morphed into that of hope; suddenly, our subject became so much more relateable and human ... if someone with scalp issues could overcome and excel past his own deficiencies, so could I, and so could my faithful audience. I took a brief shower to test out its effects: and I can assure you, the results were almost instantaneous. Well, I must make an educated guess on the medicinal benefits, since I personally do not have dandruff, but my hair smelled fantastic: which I suppose is all that really counts here.

-----
"But Ms. Rhodes," I hear you theoretically moan, "how do I get that beautiful fringe haircut and those gorgeous shades of black and red dye?" While I cannot confirm nor deny the use of hair extensions and must simply congratulate the barbers of Ganmondyne, and have to sadly report that nature gave him that rich black base, fear not: a perusal of the litter on his sink countertop revealed one box of Satoshi's #1996: Red Version to blame for those alluring and long-lasting red tips. A search engine will tell you, as it did me, that this might be a pricey investment for some. For those this dilemma pertains to, I ask you to pose this to yourself: "but, aren't I worth it?" Treat yourself, hun.

-----
Now, we can't all be blessed with gorgeous violet eyes, either. But with a link I'll provide in the comments, you can order your own pair of Santalune Cosmetics Colored Contact Lenses that emulate Able's dreamy glare perfectly. They'll run you about $2,873 with base cost, shipping, handling, and tax, and are your safest bet until a brilliant scientist invents stable iris dyes -- but, what's that, I hear? "How am I supposed to afford the basic cosplay if I spend all my dough on eyes?" While I could dissect that ensemble to find high quality knock-offs easier on your wallet, and I will give a pro-tip that you can probably get away with a standard white v-neck undershirt and any clean pair of black khakis (which I'm sure you all still have laying around your closet from the Giratina, God of Darkness costume we did last Halloween) for the basics of the outfit, I found it much more effective and cheaper to just snag the clothes out of Abel's dresser itself! He has multiple pairs of each item, so find one that suits your unique body shape best. Turns out that I'm a small size in Abel metrics; who knew, right?

-----
And don't fret about him being uncouth about you essentially "stealing" his property: he's actually quite generous! When he stumbled upon me in his home doing my research, he simply screamed and passed out (after my Scyther hit him with a lamp thinking he was a threat; my boos are so silly!) and allowed me to freely peruse his catalog. So don't hesitate to break in!

-----
That's all the advice I have for today, I'll probably update and add on more if he returns my calls about an exclusive fashion interview on what brands he prefers! Until then, have a great day, readers, and remember: supporting me on crowd funding sites never goes out of style.
Parasol Lady Rhodes // Having worked her way up from a meteorology internship, she's now proudly known as ONBS' most prolific online columnist. Has lockpick skill of 100.

Spoiler:
 

HyperMorian

Busy with University.
3,084
Posts
7
Years

A Powerful Charm
NOTE: I haven't gotten very artsy lately, here's the beta version of Mr. Mime from Chapter 4 instead.

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It was during the time where the dark skies took their phase--stars twinkling from afar and the moon shone its light from the space, waiting for the day where people will inhabit the fantasy cold world of dust. Should the world be shrunk into a miniature panel, they looked like floating rice seeds approaching from a point into a point inside the bowl of salty soup. Black clouds veiled the night before them, while the fleeting boat raced through the treacherous waves flawlessly. Shin and Egeus broadened the watery path with the sturdy hull that ferried them through the vast, yet plain dark seas that hid the abyssal view of the sunken underworld. On the way, they spotted and went past through the big cruise liner heading toward the same route calmly on the water surface with many passengers and sightseers watching the windy nightfall above them.

After sailing for about two hours at the speed similar to a generic speedsurfer, the Generator Pokémon screeched a happy tone and pointed toward the towering structure, emitting the aligned light range around illuminating the vicinity. Buoys were also situated along in the path they took, and several boat with enthusiastic anglers fetched their best catch in the middle of the night. With the beacon keeping its bright light exposing through the deep seas beneath, the biggest city appeared to be even bigger than what they thought it'd turn out to be. Frequently followed by some fast moving, harmless and playful aquatic Pokémon on the back of the drifting watercraft, they spotted the place to park the boat they were driving on.

"Would you look at that! The biggest city of Diminia, on close up." Declared Egeus, steering the handle to park the boat onto the side of the concrete stairs leading into the stairs above.

"This city is rather gigantic...and unusually high, even for the pier itself." Described the Trainer, leaping out from the adrift boat on two feet and tied the sturdy rope into the steel pole.

"You see, Ganmondyne has taken a drastic change between years, even so when I'm still a wee bairn." Turning off the engine, he hopped onto the dry concrete floor that was frequently hit by tough waves. "Believe it or not, this city once had an identical coast line just like Cere. However, a sudden whirlpool caused by a certain Pokémon created powerful abrasive waves that took their turns on chipping the landmass slowly but brutally."

Soon followed by the obedient Pokémon that has been beside him from the conducted spring incident, Egeus walked nearer and touched the smooth grey walls made of stone. "The walls here was meant to prevent them getting through even further, until to the point where the whirlpool ended after they took the entire outer land below--now serving as a habitat for seafloor Pokémon." He turned back and continued, "Unlike Charol Town where you don't have to fear of flooding, people living in both cities could've always been swept by a big one at anytime it wishes to. It's not like I'm jinxing their geographical area, but back then in the past years people were too afraid that they barely reached halfway and turned back. Nowadays, people seems to have lost their fear against the sea and I think that's for the best."

"I see." Stretching his body, he speculated, "Imagine it before the abrasion took place, it's so huge that people could've easily mistook it as an entirely different continent."

"Indeed, just like what we discussed on the way here." Recounted the man, "Okay, you'll be facing my fellow friend named Abel next, the Gym Leader often known for his finicky. He's an expert of Ghost-Type Pokémon, and most of his Pokémon tend to be fast into the point of being invisible that you couldn't just sit back expecting your Pokémon do most of the work. Also, his ruling is a tad different compared with the Gym Leaders you fought so far."

"And what'd it be?" Asked Shin curiously.

"If you're usually permitted to switch your Pokémon during the battle, then he's the odd one among all of us--he's the only one who can switch during his battle. It might be a tough one, but I really don't recommend breaking the rules by self discretion though." Putting his hand inside the jacket pocket, he pulled out a blue-colored scarf, which he then bestowed upon the Trainer in front of him. The Trainer seemed to be rather nervous that he was about to question his intentions on giving such special item that not a lot of people can take a grip on.

"But why'd you give me this?"

"Assume that as a belated gift for accompanying me along with Heliolisk all the way here. Make one of your Pokémon hold it and I'm sure you can overcome the awaiting Gym Battle!"

Climbing the ladder connected to the high grounds above, Egeus jumped through the stone railing and landed onto the sidewalk. Grinning, he yelled in the midst of the still windy noises coming from the open seas before leaving along with the Generator Pokémon by his side, "If something concerning's up, we'll be sure to contact you up! Until then, don't you dare lose now!"
----
Now left alone below the elevated land, Shin thought on going for some fishing for an actual catch. Casting the float as far as it can go, Shin waited patiently in the windy scenario. In just few seconds, the line became stiff. It was heavy, but the characteristic of the catch that was seemingly hanging on the angling didn't appear to be very lively either. Deciding to reel the line back toward his position, he pulled out the line and a weird-looking object that was probably littered into the sea appeared to be stuck in the hook instead.

"Huh? A treasure of some sort?" Said Shin, while attempting to remove the dull hook from the scabbard by grabbing the hilt. To his surprise, the engraved gem began to glow brightly in blue ray and covered his hand with the swirly blue sash. At first it felt like a gentle wrapping, until the sudden urge to scream from the pain got to him. By quickly throwing a Quick Ball toward the strange Pokémon, the Trainer somehow managed to escape from its energy sapping and the Pokémon entered inside the ball. While the blue light stopped glowing after a click of confirmation was heard, Shin dropped down--feeling weak in spirit.

"Darn, I almost blundered." He mumbled to himself, crawling and leaning nearer toward the concrete walls trying to relieve himself for a bit. Fortunately, the effect didn't last for long and he regained control over his numb body once more. He's still wondering about how come a Pokémon that he couldn't really recall its name was able to survive through the torrent of the vicious seawater.

Thinking that the Pokémon he just caught as a possible candidate that might get Wonder Traded somewhere, his thought on getting rid of violent Pokémon diminished as he climbed up through the ladder leading into the big city. With the ship sailing from Cere to Ganmondyne still afar from the view, he decided to keep going on for something that he was supposed to do in the first place. Plucking out the Dive Ball from his belt and throwing it upward, the aquatic light dissipated itself when the big, turquoise metallic Pokémon landed onto the grounds with its four powerful legs.

"Oh, are you sure about this?" Said the Nocturnal Pokémon trying to reconsider his choice.
"If I was to fall then you could fetch me up." Answered Shin, scratching an itch on his armpit to sniff on later, "I mean, wouldn't that be obvious?"
"...Gross."

"Well, this'll be an exhilarating ride!" Shin muttered his words of courage albeit the first time of doing such dangerous move, hopping along with Noctowl onto the top of the Iron Leg Pokémon and knocked the metallic body twice to confirm the flight. Resonating obediently, Gengar tucked its four legs into the main body and began to float steadily through electromagnetism. Constantly generating the power needed for prolonged levitation, the three elevated themselves into the heights and flew across the city to find the city gym so they could rendezvous way earlier if anything terrible showed up.

While on board, the three could see the entire happening in the bottom world where all the mixed inhabitants took their course of actions--be it driving their cars back to home, walking pedestrians trying to avoid the traffic in exchange of getting past the crowded street, people who were spending their nights with the beloved ones in cafés, some who were enjoying the impressive works in the Art Gallery of Ganmondyne. Rainbow lights scattering along the crossroads, mobile locomotives going from the very section of noisy districts, and if things'd be meager if the world has no Pokémon at all, there are several Trainers who happened to be battling in the public battlefield considerably open for everyone.

Moving on through the amusement park, he could see the many expressions that they had within their faces. Some were tired from the ride, some were happy for the enjoyment they had, some were sad due to being afraid or personal reasons, and some were ambiguously confused by the presence that went past across them. A city's life has many untold stories--all coming down from their own perspectives and the recent happening as the time passed from day by day in the blind region.Although apathy tend to happen in most metropolitan area, the moment they had within the life with Pokémon as their companions somehow mitigated the idea of broken unity.

"Over there! I think I saw the Gym!" Informed Noctowl, pointing toward the building that standout in the whole surrounding.
"Alright. We'll take an open space to land on."

As the windy height blew through the buildings, all tall and sky-high, a wild Skarmory braved itself into the wild opposing tailwind for the proof of its own air superiority. Glinting blades gliding about the skies, this Pokémon was clearly looking for a challenge to clash its wings against something mainly airborne, and hopefully sturdy to withstand the striking blow it was about to deliver when it caught its own prey.

Upon taking sight from many residential places, the Armor Bird Pokémon's vision were affixed toward the levitating Pokémon. When they were about to land into the open field, the Skarmory hardened its wings and alighted down from the back toward the team. Rotating his neck backwards, Noctowl shouted in panic that something came at an incredibly fast pace and the blow'll be an inevitable one. Slow reaction swayed the stability slightly while the two hanged on tight, but they managed to land onto the grounds safely fortunately. The violent Pokémon retreated back regretting the choice it made when one of its sharp feather fell off from the impact, impaling the cylindrical tank of a tanker truck crossing about below it while Shin wasn't really sure what was the meaning of the sudden attack from above.

Nonetheless, Shin entered in with his usual determined look.

"Heh, a rookie." Removing the red googles into his forehead, he spoke with a covering eye gaze, "You think you're a hotshot? You don't even know me."

Scratching his arm inattentively, he didn't bother to inquire his early rudeness to start a conversation. Thinking that Shin was too pressured with the 'cool' words he used, he continued on, "Of course. After all, you're too uneducated that you don't even recognize me."

Still scratching the itch that he had, he seemed to be ignoring the man who was trying to talk to him. Not sure whether if he should go for a dramatic talk to reveal some info about his challenge, he bluntly stated, "Your face tells me more than your unintelligible whims. You...you've murdered someone, didn't you?"

Things turned awkward, Shin's expression didn't really change and the man who kept on speaking and guessing bad things about him was just getting more irritated that he didn't seem to be listening most of his sentences. He somehow refused to talk at all and kept on with the waiting contest, until the man became desperate of attention.

"Dude, please say something so I don't look like a complete idiot talking to myself." He suddenly pleaded.
"What? You're talking to me all this time?"

"Are you messing with me?!" He frustratingly complained.
"Are you the Gym Guide?" Asked Shin calmly.

Feeling mentally devastated, the man took a deep breath in and exhaled with a still keep calm temper before saying any other words. Pausing a bit to think about breaking the coldness, he revealed himself.

"I'm Abel, the-"

"I'm Shin, a Pokémon Trainer. I'll challenge you into a Gym Battle." Interrupted the Trainer.
"I haven't even-! I mean, heh, quite straightforward aren't you?" Taking a sharp personality change from the previous, the two took their battle stances on both opposing sides. Embracing their Poké Balls altogether, Abel continued to speak gibberish words, "Listen, fool. This gym has a special rule."

"Yeah yeah, rules and all that. If not different they're all the same anyway." Answered the Trainer, "I know it already, so can we get into it now?"
"Fine, you hasty kid! See how long you can keep that smug the moment I shatter you with my Ghost-Type Pokémon!"

Commencing the battle between the two, Abel noticed that he was way too calm for most words that he uttered. He started to wonder whether his mask of calmness has some secret behind it--what if he had a special trump card ready for countering every of his strategies in this very Pokémon Battle? His confidence slowly descended into lower level, but an official Gym Battle simply means that he must get serious at all times. Same goes for the Trainer in front of him, whether he already planned all the ins and outs from the start was something he didn't know. Taking the first move, Abel took one of his Poké Balls and threw it upward to release the Pokémon contained inside.

"Gengar, you're in!" Shouted Abel, with the Shadow Pokémon stomping onto the flat tiles nimbly waiting for his opponent's move. Still being stared by his unnerving look, Abel began to shiver for unknown reason. The moment he lifted his hand into the range of his belt, he started to make his move and clasped a light blue Poké Ball. Getting overly analytical, the Pokémon he was about send out probably'd turn into a Water-Type Pokémon that can deal super-effective damage toward his Pokémon. What kind of Pokémon will he sent out? The 'Bully of the Sea' Sharpedo?

Things became too vague, Abel was never been like this before. He kept on anticipating toward things that has yet to be revealed, and for every seconds with him in the confined space of an official building made for both Pokémon and Trainer, his nerves was just getting dreadful. Cold sweats falling down from his forehead, followed with an increasingly heartbeat pumping, Shin finally threw the Dive Ball away into the battlefield and said the two words that pierced through his soul,

"Go, Gengar."

He knew it, he planned this all along. The sounding of the identical Pokémon that brought terror toward many foes that wasn't fast enough simply means one thing--he's trying to end the battle with a quick, clean sweep. He wasn't an ordinary Pokémon Trainer, he must be an expert that got bored and was trying to look like a newbie that got lost in the big city. All the remaining facts was left unanswered, Abel clenched his teeth tightly and still had one question in his mind: but why in a Dive Ball?

With the watery effect engulfing the large creature, the light blue glow soon dissipated and the large Pokémon landed on its four legs and roared intimidatingly with a piece of blue cloth stuck in its back leg. His fear toward him went abrupt as he burst into a laugh.

"Hah! Are you really that oblivious or just stupid?! That makes it easy!" Mocked Abel, who also giggled along with his Gengar as if they've just witnessed one of the best comedy jokes in their experience. Thinking that it'd turn into an easy win, the two delayed their move and 'Gengar' simply rushed forward with a reinforced metallic shield that caught Gengar unexpectedly. As Abel was done laughing over his so-called stupidity, his eyes widened when his Pokémon already fell into the battlefield unconscious from the ramming of a pseudo-legendary.

"H-hey! We haven't even moved!" Abel complained angrily.
"I thought 'laughing' counts as a move, so that's that." Responded Shin.

Being careless has put him into a jeopardy, especially when surprise attacks were never been banned in Pokémon Battles. The battle went on, Abel smirked and threw the second Poké Ball to reveal a white, humanoid Pokémon to fight by his side. Her eerie cry reverberated the room, now floating, Abel commanded his Froslass to use Shadow Ball toward the incredibly fast Metagross for unidentified cause. However, even Froslass failed to made it when 'Gengar' rammed through with a powerful charge--thus knocking her down into an early defeat.

"How come that Pokémon can be this fast?!" Yelled Abel in confusion.
"What? You really didn't notice it?"

Briefly looking toward the victor that has defeated two of his Pokémon effortlessly, Abel rolled his eyes and facepalmed. For how he couldn't figure out the simplest thing that was technically there in the first place, the situation too turned into a horrible one-sided battle. Withdrawing the fallen Pokémon back for them to rest, Abel decided to send out his last Pokémon, Banette.

"Banette! Sucker Punch!"

Waiting for its foe to make the attack, Banette kept on its stance to engage the incoming attack. Due to the effect of the held item, 'Gengar' simply moved closer with a silvery blow ready to crush its foe. When the time called, Banette lunged in and jabbed through with two black hands onto the head. Unfortunately for it, despite being super-effective toward the Pokémon it hit with, 'Gengar' was barely scratched and countered back with the destructive tackle of steel. Blown away by the force, Banette took the ample chance to vanish acrobatically within the thin air.

"We've had enough! Now's our move!" Exclaimed Abel, as if he had regained his own momentum within the instant. Shin's Metagross might be fast, but if it couldn't trace the movement of something completely invisible, that's where it was at its most vulnerable state. Within the shadows, Banette cloaked itself in black aura and approached the unsuspecting Pokémon from the rear at full force. The attack was unavoidable, and this time 'Gengar' was hurt badly from the powerful impact.

"Finally," Abel continued, "I was abel to defeat that doomsday machine knowing no mercy toward my Pokémon! I never felt so accomplished!"
"Well yeah, congrats and I still got two, wanna continue?"

A single Air Slash coming from his partner knocked the Marionette Pokémon down into its rest, never to dance again until they were mended by a certain healing power. Although Abel still lost in the end, he was personally satisfied the moment he could defeat a Pokémon that he had a hard time with. As awkward as it could turn into, on the bright side he managed to obtain the Peace Badge inside his pocket to keep forever, and the item that he entrusted toward him contributed the easy victory he had. Yawning from the tiredness of having two Gym Battles in one day, Shin resorted to taking the electric tram so he wouldn't get attacked by random Skarmory that just wanted to smash its body into hard things for superiority.

Once arriving back onto the spot where they entered the city, Shin took off from the roaming transportation and walked down through the noisy pavements in the midnight. The big ship has docked themselves into the high piers, unloading both passengers and cargo safely from around the world for their own purpose he'd rather not to know about. Checking back onto the lower pier where they parked the boat, it seemed that the boat itself was already gone. For a minute, he tried to dial the Gym Leader who tried to investigate the appearance of the shady black ship rumored to be docking in Ganmondyne Harbor, but all he got was unanswered receipt. Trying for another shot, he repeated the procedure, until something familiarly similar appeared from the black seas swimming onto the land he was standing at.

"Trainer! It's terrible!" Screeched out Heliolisk, flailing her arms in urgency.
"What's the matter? Where's Egeus?"

"We continued our pursuit into that big island, and then we got captured by those mean robotic men! I managed to escape from their grip, but he was already taken away and I thought of calling you so here I am."
"Uh...that was kinda uncalled for."

The tide has risen up, the waves were getting more vicious, and so the moment of strange things made him to think whether he should really go for another dangerous adventure involving 'fun' dark places. He has yet to recover from the last visit that he deem as the most disturbing place he ever walked into, and not to mention that he still had some inner fear toward the Barrier Pokémon that might be still crawling around the world with a Trainer whose fate was unheard of. However, his friend believed and right now he needed him the most, and so he decided to embark into the island that she pointed at, even if there was already someone who waited for him all this time.

Riding onto Floatzel's back, the twin-tail propelled onward through the waves. From this point, Shin also found out that riding a Pokémon on the sea is much more thrilling than sailing with a boat.
----
"So, where's the Magikarp?"

"They're on the chopper, sir. The only thing we need is to hid the routers inside the city to finalize the effect."

"Good! I can't wait to see the enjoyable fish apocalypse that can occur anytime now!"

"But still, sir, why do you want to obliterate the whole damn city so much?"

"I couldn't give the best answer for your query, nor I could give the best hint for y'all to figure out. Perish the thought and carry on with work, tomorrow will be the big day for them."
 
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