[Best Veteran March/May 2011] A new professor in town - Kanto Adventure PG13

[I Laugh at your Misfortune!]

OOC: joint post from me and Izzy :D

Sam sat at a table in the lounge. It was early morning and he was having breakfast. The matches weren't up yet and he was leaving his pokemon in the centre until then. He didn't want to have any problems with lack of energy. Forking another bite of eggs, he chewed on them quietly as if expecting something.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Warren walked in, looking around and grinning. He was doing well in the league, the next stage was about to begin and Poliwhirl was due a Water Stone. Smiling a little more widely at this last thought, Warren looked over to the locker room.

Sam stood up. Walking to the other side of the room, Sam placed his dishes and glass in a tray. Walking towards the locker room, Sam noticed a familiar face. Warren.

"Morning. You still in the tournament?" Sam asked, walking over. Warren glanced up.

"There's no need to sound surprised," Warren sneered, "I'm going all the way to the top in this league!" Walking through to the locker room, he glanced over his shoulder at Sam.

"And, once I evolve Poliwhirl, no-one will be able to beat me!"

"I thought you were waiting on that one. Ah well. For the record, however, there's Pika. You may get a bit more power in the use of that stone, but you won't get the speed you'll need to beat Pika. Anyway, don't think that you'll be the one winning this tournament. I have no intentions of losing either. We're in the final 8 at this point in time and I'm not going down. If nothing else, I want my chance to defeat you later on...or maybe even this round. You can never tell thanks to the ever so wonderful lack of drawings," Sam said, walking in after Warren. Warren just rolled his eyes.

"What do you think I am, an idiot? I wouldn't send out Poliwhirl against your oh-so-imaginatively nicknamed 'Pika', would I?" Warren grinned as he reached his locker.

"But once Poliwhirl evolves, it can use Fighting type moves...and that's not good for your Umbreon, is it?" Opening the door, Warren bent down and began to turf through his ratty bag.

"Meh. Say what you will. I like Pika's nickname. It's not your pokemon, so why do you care? Anyway, Umbre'll be fine. Have you forgotten the Andy incident? You gave me the TM of Psychic, which I then taught to Umbre. In other words, I can still hold you off. At any rate, you're looking for the water stone, am I right? Didn't you say you were planning to avoid evolving it for a bit to get Hydro Pump?" Sam asked. Warren shrugged.

"I just care about how embarrassed that poor Pokemon must be feeling. Imagine if your parents had called you Hum. You'd feel pretty stupid, huh? Anyway...Hydro Pump is good and all, but once Poliwhirl has matured to that sort of level, it's become too centred on Water-type moves to learn any good Fighting-type moves, even if it evolves." Warren scratched his head.

"Where the hell is that Water Stone, anyway?"

"Oh shut up. Umbre obviously doesn't care. None of my pokemon do. I call Onix by his full name...I don't know why. I just like it more. Anyway, hm...Let me see that," Sam said, taking the bag. Looking through it, he couldn't see it anywhere.

"Damn. Where is it? It's a pale blue stone...oh! It fell out, brilliant one. Here," Sam said, picking a small stone up out of Warren's locker. Warren looked at it, an eyebrow raised.

"No, Sam, that is not a Water Stone. It would appear to be a small pebble that was left here, probably by the previous user of this locker...or maybe by Jasper." Warren glanced at Sam.

"Have you heard anything about him?"

"No...no I haven't. By the way, I saw some strange pokemon around here...a Ninetales, a Clefairy...stuff like that. Any idea how those got here?" Sam asked. Warren frowned.

"Yeah, those were his...they must still be hanging around, trying to find him or something. He's disappeared from the tournament completely and run off...and where the HELL is that Water Stone!" Warren kicked the locker angrily.

"Maybe, and this is just me thinking, it's not IN the locker? Maybe you dropped it somewhere? Maybe you should check your room?" Sam asked. Warren gave him a death-stare.

"The locker is about one cubic metre, Sam. You can see, quite plainly, that there is nothing else in it. Besides, it's a rare and valuable gem. I was keeping it hidden in this bag, right at the bottom, wrapped in these, um, socks, but it's gone...someone's taken it!"

"Hm...I'll be right back," Sam said, leaving the locker room. Walking to the Pokécentre, he picked up his pokemon and headed back to Warren in the locker room.

"Okay. What do we do? I've got my team of pokemon and you've got yours. Together, we should be able to find the thief. Now, first things first. Is there anyone you KNOW who would take the stone?" Warren grimaced.

"Yeah, there's a guy…but then there's Misty too...and there's even that guy from cycling road..." Warren frowned.

"I should probably try and piss people off less...If it is Guy, though, he'll be long gone, you can trust me on that one."

"Hm...I wouldn't be so sure. If he was around, where would he go? Misty won't be around and I doubt that someone from Cycling Road would come after you after all this. This Guy fellow, though. He sounds...different. Your tone was different around him too. I think its worth looking in to. Where would he go?" Sam asked. Warren laughed.

"Y'know what? I don't have any idea. I've been fighting the guy for almost a year now, but I still don't even know where he comes from." Warren let out a long sigh as he leaned back against a row of lockers.

"He's sneaky. Stealthy. And, irritatingly, he's also pretty smart. Chances are, he'll have taken the stone and scarpered."

"The chances are that way, but...hold on..." Sam said. He tossed Umbre's Pokéball out.

"Umbreon?" it asked, confused by Sam's sudden action.

"Can you get a scent out of this?" Sam asked it. It nodded.

"Great...follow it!" Sam said. Umbre ran out of the room, energized.

"Well? You coming? Just follow Umbre. She's always been good at following scents. Come on!" Warren smiled reluctantly, then charged after them, noticing the strange looks that other trainers gave them. Slowly, Umbre came to a halt in front of a door at the end of a narrow hallway. Warren took a breath, then pulled open the door to reveal...

"A garage?" Warren glanced around, then moaned as he saw a bus pulling out of the building. Guy must have got on one of those. He could be anywhere by now.

"Yep...hold on. Umbre's still looking around...huh? Umbre, why are you scratching at that door? Well, if you think something interesting's behind it, use Iron Tail!" Sam yelled. Umbre backed up. Its tail started to glow as it exhaled. Suddenly, Umbre appeared to disappear. A couple seconds later, the door fell.

"Well, shall we continue?" Warren rolled his eyes.

"You could have just opened the door, you know." Stepping forwards, Warren glanced into the pitch-black room, feeling along the room for a light switch. Finally, his fingers met something and he flicked it up. Harsh electric lights snapped on over head, revealing a crammed store room. Umbre slipped past Warren's legs and ran in, quickly disappearing in amongst the shelving. Warren exchanged a glance with Sam, then quickly followed, right to the back of the room where he found...another shelf. Warren sighed.

"Yeah, great work, Umbre." Warren looked at the small Pokemon again as it pawed at one of the bags on the shelves, clearly labelled as Pokemon food. Warren turned round and stared at Sam.

"I don't think we're going to find him in here."

"I agree...what the hell?" Sam asked as the lights flickered out. He could just barely make a slight silhouette of a person trying to escape.

"Umbre, see the person at the door? Don't let them out! Psychic!" Sam yelled. Umbre coated itself in blue light, then the person was. Suddenly, it faded and they ran off...but not before dropping something.

"What the hell is that?" Sam asked, running over to it. Warren wandered over.

"That would appear to be dustpan and brush, Sam. Meaning you most likely just ordered an unprovoked attack on a caretaker," he commented drily.

"Yeah...good point. Well, sucks to be him. What do you suggest we do?" Sam asked. Warren shrugged.

"I don't know...I don't think he was from Kanto though. He had a real mix of Pokemon - a Houndour, an Electrike..." Warren sighed.

"For all I know, he could be in Sinnoh by now...when do the next matches start anyway?"

"Hell if I know. This is basically all I've got to do. Still, they might be up. Wanna just head back?" Sam asked.

"Fine...we're not gonna find anything here." Warren walked through the remains of the door and started to head back.

"Agreed," Sam followed, but was unable to shake the feeling that he was missing something. Warren glanced at him.

"What's up with you? You look kinda weird."

"It's...nothing. I just have this feeling we missed something. That's all...hm...Hey Warren, do all Water Stones share a scent by any chance?" Sam asked, digging around in his bag. Warren shrugged.

"I guess they'd be similar...but mine's been at the bottom of my bag for about six months, wrapped in old socks. I'm betting that it's gonna stink, but not like a Water Stone."

"In that case...Umbre. I hope you can take this...go get the socks..." Sam whispered weakly. Giving Warren a hand was becoming a real pain, really fast. Warren smacked his forehead into his palm.

"What on earth are you doing, you idiot?" he asked, voice dripping with incredulity.

"Genius...if it's been in the sock for 6 months, it's going to freaking stink. Umbre can pick up the smell if need be...look. I want to help you find this stone...I don't know why, but I do. It's that simple," Sam explained. Warren rolled his eyes.

"Do you need it spelled out for you? Umbre could track it before. Umbre lead us to a garage. In the garage, there were buses. The buses drove people around. Then, Umbre got distracted by food....anyway, look, the fact is, Umbre tracked him to a garage and couldn't get any further. If he got on a bus, which seems to be likely, then you can't track him. It would be completely impossible."

"You can be pessimistic, but I...well, never mind. Let's just head back to the lounge..." Sam said. He walked out of the garage and back into the hall, Umbre close behind him. Warren snorted as he slouched along a few steps behind.

"Pessimistic? How exactly do you propose that Umbre picks up the scent of old socks over the various exhaust fumes? How do you propose that she picks up the right scent even if she can? I doubt I'm the only one here with some stinking socks." Warren sighed as he walked into the lounge and slouched into one of the chairs.

"Good point...huh? There's a message on the board. It says, 'The matches will be drawn later in the day, giving all trainers a chance to rest and relax.' Damn...I was hoping on getting this match over with. Hm…nothing to do but head to the festival...you up for it?" Sam asked. Warren frowned.

"What festival are you talking about?"

"Warren, tell me. Have you gone outside at all since you got here? The Pokemon League Tournament is a huge tournament, yeah, but there's also a huge festival open each day. Lots of people at it...it's really fun, honestly. You're too serious...you need to chill out. Come on...its really great!" Sam explained. Warren pouted.

"I did go outside...the battlefields are outside." Glancing at Sam's face, he sighed, then pulled himself to his feet.

"Fine, fine, I'll go. But there'd better be some sprinklers to set off or something."

"Of course there are, Warren. I'm sure you'd have fun...and besides. Where better for a person to hide than in a crowd?" Sam asked, laughing. Warren rolled his eyes.

"If the stand up comics are as funny as you, I'm going to kill myself with a rusty toothpick."

"Warren, toothpicks can't...never mind. Let's go," Sam said, walking outside. Umbre suddenly nudged his knee.

"Umbre, what're you doing?" Sam asked. Umbre nudged its Pokéball.

"Oh! You wanna go back inside. Okay...return," Sam said, pointing the Pokéball at Umbre. She quickly disappeared inside.

"Hm...but I know you'll want out...Pika!" Sam yelled, tossing out another Pokéball. Pika appeared. Looking around, he saw Sam.

"Hey. You wanna come with me and Warren for an adventure in the festival?" Sam asked. Pika nodded.

"Let's go, then," Sam smiled. Pika jumped up and landed on his head. Sam looked to Warren, who had a strange look on his face.

"Look, it may be strange to you, but this is how my pokemon and I get along," Sam explained. Warren shook his head.

"Look, I don't mind the whole bonding friendship thing, but you still look stupid with a rodent on your head...what normally goes on at the festival, anyway?"

"A lot. I suggest...hm...that," Sam said, looking at a stand where trainers and pokemon appeared to be having a tug of war.

"Looks interesting to me, you know?" Warren rolled his eyes.

"Fine. It's not like there's anything interesting happening."

"Warren, does the word fun or enjoyment exist in your vocabulary?" Sam asked, laughing quietly along with it.

"Yeah, my sides are splitting with laughter."

"Well then, let's go," Sam said, laughing. This was going to be interesting. Warren rolled his eyes.

"You're the expert on this stuff. You lead the way."

"Sure..." Sam said. The two walked over towards the booth, where man gave him a look.

"Are you here to play?" he asked.

"Yeah...why not..." Sam whispered.

"Great...you two will be a team. Please select one pokemon each to use," he said.

"I know who I'm using...Steelix!" Sam yelled, tossing out a Pokéball. The iron snake appeared, its constant angry look on its face. Warren rolled his eyes,.

"No need to shout, y'know. Victreebel, come on out!" The large plant burst onto the stage, glancing to the other pair of trainers. Warren grinned as he picked up the rope, while Victreebel wrapped its vine tightly around it.

"Alright Sam, don't go dragging me down!"

"Dude, my Steelix is...never mind...let's just go," Sam said. The man waved a flag and all started to pull. The others tried their best, but Sam, Warren, Steelix and Victreebel were just way out of their league. They won easily.

"And the winners are...those guys," the man said, pointing at Sam and Warren. Warren rolled his eyes.

"Whatever. What's the prize?" The referee grinned.

"Sorry, but to win anything, you have to beat three teams in a row. Can the next team step forwards!" Warren grinned, confident, but his smile slipped when he saw who he was facing. Two huge guys in biker-style leather jackets were stepping forwards, followed by a Machoke and a Hariyama. That couldn't be good. Warren scowled as both sides took hold of the rope. Steelix might be heavy, but Machoke were strong enough to lift a truck with one hand and Hariyama could snap a telephone pole with a single hit. The referee glanced to both sides, then lifted a flag.

"Alright, GO!" the flag came down and instantly, Warren, Sam and their Pokémon began to slide forwards. Warren gritted his teeth, trying to dig his feet into the floor, but the other team was just too powerful. What could they do?

"Nervous? Don't be. Ready, Steelix? These guys are strong, but attacks are legal! Use Gyro Ball!" Sam yelled. Steelix nodded and started spinning, pulling the rope slightly. The other team inched closer, helpless against the attack. Eventually, it was time.

"Everybody...DROP!" Sam yelled. The entire team let it all fall. The other team collapsed.

"Hey Warren, you know that Victreebel's stockpile move makes it weigh more, right? Just saying..." Sam said, remembering that attack. Warren grinned as they gave a pull, yanking the other team back upright, but bringing the marker on the rope right up next to their goal line.

"I know..." he panted, "But what's it meant to stockpile? The wooden boards? The only thing it could use is razor leaf and leaves aren't exactly heavy. Unless..." Warren grinned and leaned back to whisper to Sam.

"Okay, I get Victreebel to use Razor Leaf. Next, You tell Steelix to Ice Fang the leaves and Victreebel Stockpiles the frozen, heavier leaves. Okay? Victreebel, Razor Leaf, now!"

"Worth a shot! Use Ice Fang but only get them close to the teeth!" Sam yelled. Steelix leaned in with icy cold teeth. The leaves were instantly frozen by the attack.

"Your job now..."

"Victreebel, Stockpile!" The plant leaned up, eyeing the frozen leaves, then neatly grabbed them all in its cavernous mouth. Warren grinned as he noticed the boards creaking beneath it.

"Alright, now give it one last pull!" With a huge effort, the four of them took one more step back and the marker crossed the goal line.

"And that's the second victory for...um...them!" the referee proclaimed dramatically as the bikers dropped the rope, their Pokemon growling angrily. Warren grinned.

"Alright, who's next?"

"Hmhmhmhmhmhm...it's been a while, Sam..." a voice said. Sam jumped. He knew this voice...it always signalled bad news.

"Why...why do you always just show up when I'm in a good mood?" Sam asked.

"Why? Because it's what I do...let's go! Gyarados!" the voice yelled. A red Gyarados appeared. This was bad.

"If you think I'm glad to see you you're sadly mistaken," Sam said.

"I expected as much. Well, best not to keep you waiting," the voice said, walking forward. The person it was revealed to be was none other than...Andy.

"Don't forget me!" another voice said. A girl appeared this time.

"Another girlfriend...great..." Sam whispered.

"Milotic!" she yelled, sending out a huge sea snake like pokemon.

"Warren...I'm sure you remember this guy...anyway, looks like he's next...you sure you're ready?" Sam asked, a bit nervous now. Warren rolled his eyes, spinning to face Sam.

"No. Just...no. Seriously, what the hell? Why are you dragging me into helping you, again?" Warren moaned.

"They're clearly idiots anyway. Steelix alone weighs almost as much as Gyarados AND Milotic. Besides, what's Milotic going to do? Encourage Gyarados by looking pretty?" Warren's tirade was suddenly interrupted when something that looked suspiciously like a Hyper Beam shot past his ear.

"Hey!" the referee yelled, "Keep it civil, or you'll be kicked out!" Andy just sneered at him. Then glanced at Warren.

"In case you haven't noticed, dweeb, you're the one with the smallest Pokémon. Hell, I probably outweigh that plant." Warren gritted his teeth.

"You want to test that theory?" Warren gripped the rope as the referee raised a flag.

"Alright, begin!"

"PULL GYARADOS!" Andy yelled.

"Um...Andy?" the girl asked.

"Not now, I'm defeating my nemesis!" Andy replied snappily.

"PULL DAMN IT!" Andy yelled.

"Andy," the girl said again.

"I SAID NOT NOW!" Andy yelled.

"I'M TRYING TO TELL YOU THAT NOTHING IS HAPPENING!" she yelled.

"No...no way..." Andy said. Nothing was happening. Steelix was holding strong.

"By the way, when in the hell did you get a Steelix?" Andy added.

"Some time not long ago, and I'm not your nemesis..." Sam said.

"Yes, yes you are!" Andy yelled.

"Nyeh. Whatever...Warren, ready for the stockpile strategy again?" Sam asked. Warren nodded.

"Alright, Victreebel, Razor Leaf!"

"Ice Fang, Steelix!" Sam yelled as the leaves appeared again. Steelix moved close, but was suddenly hit by a high power attack. Hyper Beam!

"No. I'm not letting you guys do that again!" Andy yelled. Sam was worried, then started to laugh.

"You're an idiot, you know that? That leaves Gyarados exposed. Pull!" Sam yelled. Steelix, him, Warren and Victreebel pulled back hard, pulling Andy's team easily now that Gyarados was gone. Warren grinned as the other team fell to the ground - Milotic might look pretty, but when it came to brute force it was pretty useless. Besides, what kind of moron uses Hyper Beam on a Steelix? Glancing around, Warren turned to Sam.

"Hey, you know how this works. What do we win? And if you say something stupid like glory or pride, then I am going to burn this place down with you inside."

"I don't remember any promises except those two but if you plan to burn it down, remember two things. First, you don't have a fire type and second, I have a water type," Sam reminded, smiling in a weird way. Warren shrugged, grinning.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Now get me my material rewards and be quick about it."

"Fine...I'll hurry up," Sam said, walking over to the man in charge. He was about to speak when another hyper beam blasted by.

"And now you die," Andy said. Gyarados was already charging up another beam.

"Really? Thunder Fang!" Sam yelled. Steelix charged over and bit Gyarados, causing it to stop.

"Warren...if this is gonna be a fight, I apologize for doing this to you but I'm gonna need a little help," Sam said. Warren grimaced.

"Geez, never heard of doing anything for yourself?" He turned to leave, then ducked as a beam shot past his ear, leaving a chilly line of frost on his jacket. Swearing, Warren spun around and glared at the chuckling Milotic and its smirking Trainer.

"Alright Sam, I'm in! Elekid, let's go!"

"Good...and for the record, I do things myself quite often...I just don't think two on one is particularly fair, you know? Whatever, though. Return, Steelix. Let's do this Pika!" Sam yelled, sending out the small electric pokemon in exchange for the larger snake. Pika was already shocking and ready to fight.

"Now Warren, I know you've used electric attacks before, but have you ever used one like THUNDERBOLT?!" Sam yelled. Pika obviously got the hint, as it fired off a huge jolt of electricity, shocking both Milotic and Gyarados. Warren grinned.

"Power's great, but it isn't everything! Elekid, show them Shock Wave!" Elekid grinned and whirled its arms, releasing a blue bolt of lightning. Andy growled.

"Oh no you don't! Gyarados, dodge it!"

"You too Milotic!" The two sea serpents flew to the side and the jet of electricity flew past but, spinning around, it split into two streams before striking both Gyarados and Milotic in the back. Warren grinned. Sam joined in the grinning.

"Don't either of you know Shock Wave's second effect? Its one of several moves that doesn't miss when used. And Warren, power's what matters here, but first, use Thunder Wave!" Sam yelled. Pika sent out a shock wave of energy at a high speed. The static electricity in it caused both Gyarados and Milotic to stop moving.

"Warren, we have to finish this right, you ready? Its time for a combo attack! Use Thunderbolt, full power, Pika!" Sam yelled.

"Now, Shock Wave to finish, Elekid!" The two bolts of electricity shot forwards, yellow entwining with the blue in a cataclysmic attack. Andy just had enough time to shout:

"Oh sh-" before the bolts struck and a huge explosion erupted in the middle of the impromptu battlefield. As the smoke cleared, both Gyarados and Milotic slumped to the ground, defeated.

"Well that was easy...a bit too easy..." Sam whispered.

"Damn you...why can't I beat you? You know what...I'm done. I have better things to do then spend my time trying to beat you. I'll be back, just you wait. Come on...I'm done for now," Andy said, bitterly walking away.

"Well. Happy, Warren? He's gone. Now, to claim the prizes," Sam said, chuckling quietly to himself. Walking over to the man, he noticed that his hands were hidden behind his back.

"You two were incredible...as a prize, take these eggs," the ref said, handing each of them an egg in a glass case.

"Thanks, but you can keep this. I hatch all eggs without using cases. Thanks anyway," Sam said, handing the man the case back. Warren took his a little less enthusiastically. Nudging Sam, he asked in a low voice.

"Hey, not for nothing, but don't eggs generally hatch into, y'know, babies? I've already got my star team, what am I meant to want with something like this?"

"Oh come on Warren...I hatch these things pretty often...they're honestly not bad at all. You know my Ninetales? It knows Hypnosis because it came from an egg...so it's not a bad thing," Sam said, smiling in reply. Warren shrugged.

"I'm not saying there aren't good points," he replied, taking his egg and weighing it up in his hands - it was surprisingly heavy, "but I don't want to start switching my team up in the middle of a tournament."

"Honestly, I wouldn't do that either...too much at risk. Still, if you ever get the urge to adventure somewhere else, this pokemon might be the one going with you...you never know," Sam said, laughing a little bit. Warren sighed again.

"Oh come on...have some fun, enjoy yourself...laugh a little..." Sam said, laughing a little more. Warren rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, because the best way to enjoy myself is to take care of a bawling infant." At that moment, a loud klaxon sounded and Warren glanced up.

"I guess that means that the draw is up...let's go see how it's gonna go down."

"Very well...I just hope you don't get paired with me," Sam said, winking and leaving Warren there. Warren sneered after him.

"Yeah, I better had!" he yelled after the departing Sam, "Because if we got paired for the semi-finals, you'd just get all annoyed when you didn't get into the final battle!"

 

[slls81]

@Screw The Rules & Izuna - Good post, I'm assuming those eggs will be sent back to Maple as you've both got full teams?

@Screw The Rules -
Congratulations Victreebel grew to Level 33
Congratulations Elekid grew to Level 27

@Izuna -
Congratulations Steelix grew to Level 25 and can now learn Slam, but Steelix already knows 8 moves. Should a move be forgotten? (reply in OOC thread)
Congratulations Pika grew to Level 34 and can learn Agility, but Pikachu already knows 8 moves. Should a move be forgotten? (reply in OOC thread)

 

[I Laugh at your Misfortune!]

Warren let out a nervous sigh as he stepped into the arena, taking his place at the edge of the battlefield. His semi-final opponent, Peter Jennings, was already waiting for him at the other end of the sandy arena, looking confident. But then again, why wouldn't he? Warren had decided to actually prepare for this match by watching a few of Peter's previous battles online, but...well, the fact that he hadn't even had a Pokémon knocked out for the first three battles of the tournament kinda spoke for itself. This guy was good. Dangerously good.

"Now both trainers are here, we are ready for the battle to begin!" the referee bellowed as the electronic billboard flickered on, the two trainers displayed side by side.

"Alright, trainers, release your first Pokémon!" Warren grinned.

"Time to battle, Victreebel!" he yelled, feeling confident as the plant burst onto the field. Victreebel was his bulkiest fighter and starting strong would be crucial. Peter nodded, raising his hand to his face to push his glasses back up his nose. Casually throwing his first Pokéball, he made no call, but simply smiled faintly as a large bug with an oversized mushroom on its back burst out. A Parasect. Warren bit his lip. The bug type gave Peter the advantage, but Victreebel's poison could help him out...overall, it was a pretty even match.

"Trainers, ready!" the referee yelled, raising both flags high above his head, "And, begin!"

"Razor Leaf!" At once, Victreebel leapt into the air, firing a barrage of leaves straight at the insect. Peter said nothing and simply nodded. Parasect blinked, before pulling its long eyestalks under the mushroom and hunkering down like a mutated turtle. Like razor blades, the leaves sliced into the fungus, but although a few small chunks fell to the ground, Parasect was clearly unharmed, poking its eyes back out, once more ready to fight. Peter glanced at it, then spoke for the first time, his voice high and reedy.

"Use Spore, Parasect!" For a second, nothing happened, but then a huge cloud of what looked like cotton wool spread out from under the giant mushroom. Warren growled as the spores settled on Victreebel and it staggered sleepily.

"Stay awake, damn it!" But his encouragement failed. With a huge crash, the pitcher plant swayed just a little too far and smashed into the ground, snoring heavily.

"Slash!" Parasect chuckled as it stepped forwards, moving unbearably slowly as it inched towards Victreebel before raising a huge claw. Warren winced as it brought it crashing down, slashing a deep cut into Victreebel's yellow skin and knocking the plant backwards. Still, it lay on the ground, snoozing.

"Leech Life!" Warren resisted an urge to gag as a disgusting wet noise sounded from Parasect's mouth, now buried in Victreebel's cut. But slowly, he could see its eyes twitching and then, with a vicious screech, they snapped open.

"Alright, Victreebel, Stockpile!" With a massive lunge, the pitcher plant attacked Parasect, grabbing it by the top of the mushroom and tearing off a chunk before throwing the bug to the ground.

"Now, Swallow!" Victreebel gulped visibly, its slice of Parasect's mushroom dropping into its stomach satisfyingly. For a second, Victreebel paused, then, with a dreamy "Treeeee" it stared at Parasect like it had fallen in love with it. Warren frowned.

"Razor Leaf, again!" Once more, Victreebel slashed at the mushroom without damaging the bug underneath, but this time, it dashed forwards and grabbed the sliced up pieces of mushroom and gobbled them down, laughing gleefully. Warren sighed. It was typical of his luck that Victreebel had fallen in love with the taste of Parasect's mushroom in the middle of a battle.

"Alright, Vine Whip!"

"Slash!" Victreebel lashed out towards Parasect, but it jabbed cautiously at the attacking creeper with its oversized claws. Victreebel was simply too quick, though, and finally slipped past the bug's defences, only to tear off another small piece of mushroom and gobble it down happily. Warren smacked his forehead with his palm, then reflected that despite looking funny on TV, doing it sure did hurt a lot.

"Dammit Victreebel, this is not the time to be feeding your face!" The plant glanced over guiltily, looking somewhat shamefaced.

"Now, give it an Acid attack!" Victreebel contracted for a minute and shuddered, but it then made a huge retching action and sprayed Parasect in stinging, purple acid. The bug stumbled blindly around as smoke curled off the back of its mushroom, damaged to the point of almost being destroyed. Near unconsciousness, Parasect sank to its knees and Warren grinned.

"Use Vine Whip, and throw it sky high!"

"Leech Life!" Victreebel lashed out with a powerful vine, But Parasect caught it and, surprisingly quickly, bit down hard. Victreebel screeched as it whipped its vine out of Parasect's grasp, but the damage was done – sap was dripping from the end of Victreebel's creeper and Parasect was slurping up green goo from the floor. Warren growled. He needed one big move to finish this.

"Stockpile!" he yelled and Victreebel bent double, sucking up the sand that covered the floor. Parasect screeched and scuttled forwards, its stubby legs carrying it slowly but surely towards its target. Warren grinned.

"Keep going, Victreebel!" Parasect slowed as it approached the pitcher plant, raising a huge claw to strike.

"Now! Spit Up!" Parasect brought its claw crashing down, but before it could strike, Victreebel convulsed and fired its ball of sand, saliva and digestive juices straight into Parasect's face. The bug flew back, landing heavily on its back, before rolling over, legs splayed. Its eyestalks trembled for a moment, then fell to the ground.

"Parasect is unable to battle!" The referee and one of the lights under Peter's name flickered out, "The victory goes to Victreebel!" Warren grinned as Peter returned Parasect, a pensive look on his face.

"Rhyhorn, you're up next!" Warren gritted his teeth as he saw the giant rocky rhino on the field. Peter was clever enough to know that he was at a disadvantage, so that meant that he probably had a plan.

"Razor Leaf, Victreebel!" he shouted, frowning anxiously. Until he figured out what the plan was, keeping his distance was the best he could manage.

"Rock Blast!" Victreebel fired a cascade of razor-sharp leaves at the rhino, but Rhyhorn drew back, then fired a machine-gun-like barrage of stones out of its gullet, knocking every single projectile out of the air. Victreebel gulped nervously as Rhyhorn turned to face it and grinned, before firing off another storm of rock bullets. Victreebel bent over double, in serious pain and Rhyhorn charged, its head lowered. Victreebel glanced up but, before it could move, Rhyhorn smacked into it at full speed and sent it flying back, to land head first in the sand. Warren sighed as he returned it, picking up another Pokéball and tossing it onto the field. With a flash of light, a blue, vaguely humanoid tadpole jumped out, facing down Rhyhorn and grinning, ready for battle.

"Hypnosis, Poliwhirl!"

"Head down and charge!" The tadpole's spiral began to spin, but Rhyhorn simply looked down and bolted forwards, not looking at the hypnotic swirl. Poliwhirl grunted as it slid to the side, barely avoiding the thrusting horn, but Rhyhorn spun around and charged straight into its back. Poliwhirl flew into the sand face first, growling as it slowly struggled back to its feet and glaring at Rhyhorn.

"Water Gun!" Poliwhirl fired off a powerful jet of water that struck Rhyhorn dead on. For a second, the rhino was driven back but then, with a roar, it spat out a stream of rocks that split up the flow of water, following up with another charge straight at Poliwhirl. Warren growled. Rhyhorn had some serious defence.

"Okay, Bubblebeam, and keep moving!" Poliwhirl slid to the side as Rhyhorn thundered past, letting loose a spray of fast-moving bubbles, which struck the rhino in the back and sent it stumbling.

"Knock it over with Water Gun and Body Slam!" Poliwhirl leapt into the air, its back to Rhyhorn, and fired its Water Gun like a jet engine, sending it flying into the stumbling rhino hard enough to knock it onto its back. As Rhyhorn wobbled helplessly from side to side, Poliwhirl leapt up onto its belly and took in a deep breath, preparing a powerful Bubblebeam.

"Stomp!" Warren flinched as Rhyhorn thrust out a foot and smacked Poliwhirl straight in the face. The tadpole flew off and tenaciously struggled back to its feet as Rhyhorn finally rolled back over – the two of them were clearly pushed to the limit.

"Horn Attack, Rhyhorn!" As the rhino charged once more, Warren smiled. Exactly what he'd been hoping for.

"Use Water Gun and spin!" he yelled and Poliwhirl nodded, understanding perfectly. Leaping into the air, Poliwhirl began to fire off the attack, spinning wildly as the stream of water enveloped its body. As Rhyhorn neared the tadpole, Poliwhirl grinned from inside its watery haven, flying forwards, straight into the oncoming rhino. The Water Gun, now a whirling water spout, bodily lifted Rhyhorn and sent it flying high into the air. Inside the spout, Poliwhirl rose high into the air, before raising both hands above its head and bringing a double-handed Doubleslap straight into Rhyhorn's head. The rhino crashed into the ground, Poliwhirl landing seconds later on its head. Warren grinned as the dust cleared – Rhyhorn was beaten. Peter returned Rhyhorn, a murderous look on his face but still with his mouth firmly closed. Gritting his teeth, he threw his next Pokeball and now it was Warren's turn to be worried. The Pokémon that had appeared onto the field was big, muscled, with a long tail and two antennae on top of its head. To complete the dangerous look, it was coloured yellow and black stripes and black lightning bolt adorned its chest. An Electabuzz.

"Well that's just great…" Warren muttered under his breath.

"Thunder Punch!" Electabuzz grinned as it charged forwards, its hand wreathed in yellow lightning.

"Dodge it, Body Slam!" Poliwhirl leapt high into the air, dodging the attack and spinning around to slam into the Electabuzz. But it was too fast. Swinging around, Electabuzz smashed its electrical punch straight into Poliwhirl's stomach. The tadpole sank to one knee as it skidded back and slowly struggle back to its feet, but it clearly wouldn't last much longer.

"Try Water Gun!" Poliwhirl fired off a quick blast of water, but Electabuzz ducked low and it flew high over its head. Straightening up, sparks flew between its two antennae and it sneered at the tadpole, before sending a quick yellow bolt of lightning straight at Poliwhirl. Poliwhirl fell to the ground and, for a second, struggled to get back up, before collapsing in the dust. Warren growled, returning Poliwhirl. That made it even at four Pokémon left each. At least his next Pokémon choice was obvious.

"Cubone, let's go!" he yelled, the brown rodent bursting onto the field, its club raised for action.

"Thunder Punch!" Warren snickered.

"Are you an idiot? Cubone's a ground type!" Nevertheless, Electabuzz pulled back a fist, wreathed in lightning and drove it straight into Cubone's face. Flying backwards, the rodent landed on all fours and skidded backwards, but stood up, wincing. Warren growled. It was obvious, after all. Thunder Punch might be an electric type move, but Electabuzz had still smacked Cubone in the face, ground type or not.

"Hit back with Bone Club!" Peter simply raised an eyebrow as Cubone charged.

"Quick Attack – dodge it!" Electabuzz shot forwards, disappearing into a yellow and black blur and Cubone skidded to a halt, completely disoriented as its enemy circled it – round and round and round and round and round…

"Swift!" Now a swirl of golden stars shot towards Cubone, Electabuzz still moving too quickly to even be seen. The rodent ducked under one blast, then raised his bone to block the next, swinging madly in a desperate attempt to avoid the attack. Eventually, the swift attack drew to a halt and Electabuzz skidded to a standstill, glaring at Cubone and panting lightly.

"Bonemerang!" Cubone hurled its weapon and Electabuzz's eyes shot wide open, but it was too tired already, and the club struck it straight in the jaw. Electabuzz stumbled backwards, but turned around and raised its arms to block as the bone peaked and began to return.

"Headbutt, while he's facing the other way!" Cubone shot forwards, head down and Electabuzz started. With Cubone charging at it from one direction and Bonemerang returning from the other, there was no escape. Spinning around, Electabuzz crouched low to face the charging rodent, then cried out as the flying bone smacked it in the back of the head. Laughing gleefully, Cubone drove its skull into Electabuzz's stomach, leapt into the air, caught its flying club and brought it smashing down onto its opponent's skull. Electabuzz's eyes went wide, and then it fell to the ground, face first. Cubone chuckled as Electabuzz was returned, casually tossing its bone from hand to hand. Nevertheless, Warren could see a scorch mark on the front of its helmet where Thunder Punch had found its mark. He couldn't be sure that Cubone would last another battle.

"Kangaskhan, let's go!" And now it looked fairly certain that Cubone would not last through this round. Oddly enough, this Kangaskhan didn't seem to have a baby in its pouch, but then again, Warren reflected, if it had been with Peter for a while and not been near any male Kangaskhan, there wasn't really any reason that it would.

"Alright, try a Bonemerang, Cubone!" At once, the rodent skipped forwards and hurled its club straight at the large Pokémon.

"Bite!" As the club neared its head, Kangaskhan looked at it derisively, then made a snapping motion with its jaws and caught the bone between its teeth as if it were little more than a toothpick. Chuckling, Kangaskhan wrapped its mouth around the bone and, with a loud gulp, swallowed it whole. Warren gulped. Not only was Kangaskhan five times bigger than Cubone, it had just eaten his weapon. He had three options for beating this Kangaskhan. One – try really hard. Two – think of something clever. Three – fight dirty. Warren grinned. Yeah, that was a choice he really had to think about.

"Tail Whip through the sand!" Cubone chuckled, understanding instantly. Crouching down low, it swept its spiny tail through the sand of the arena and sent a stream of dust straight into Kangaskhan's eyes. Stumbling backwards, the huge Pokémon blinked and kneaded its eyes, completely blinded.

"Headbutt the ankles!" Cubone, taking advantage of the fact it was no longer carrying its bone, leapt to all fours as it charged forwards, smashing into Kangaskhan's left foot at high speed. The rodent rebounded spectacularly, but Kangaskhan staggered and that was all Warren needed.

"Tail Whip its feet!" Leaping forwards once again, Cubone smacked its spiked tail into the back of Kangaskhan flailing feet, before ensnaring one of them tightly and pulling as hard as it could. Arms flapping madly, the blinded Kangaskhan stumbled, then slipped and fell to the ground with an earth-shaking crash. Warren grinned as Cubone, not even waiting for any instruction, leapt onto the down Kangaskhan's stomach and charging forwards to deliver a painful blow to the underside of its jaw. Groaning, the giant Pokémon began to clamber to its feet and Cubone stumbled, before falling head over heels down the Kangaskhan's belly. Flailing madly, Cubone grabbed hold of something and clung on tightly, not even realising that, through pure luck, it had managed to snag the edge of Kangaskhan's pouch. With its sight returning, the enemy glanced down, able to see a brown blur dangling in front of its belly. Peter snarled and Warren glanced at him. Clearly, he was used to less under-handed tactics, as he seemed to be completely wrong footed.

"Mega Punch!" Warren froze. Surely he couldn't be that stupid. But, indeed Kangaskhan was drawing back a fist, its muscles bulging in its bicep. Cubone, still dangling, threw a questioning glance at Warren. He just nodded. Snarling ferociously, Kangaskhan swung its fist at Cubone. Cubone, bracing itself, dropped to the floor, and rolled back, just as Kangaskhan's fist flew through the spot its head had been a moment earlier, and drove straight into the giant Pokémon's stomach. Kangaskhan froze, then, with its eyes wide, collapsed onto the floor, its fist still buried several inches into its own stomach.

"Finish it, Cubone! Headbutt!" Charging forwards, the rodent leapt into the air as Kangaskhan struggled to its hands and knees. It groaned, and looked up just it time to be hit straight in the nose by Cubone's rock hard skull. With one last moan, Kangaskhan collapsed to the ground, out cold. Warren grinned as Peter stared at his giant, speechless. Gritting his teeth, Peter returned the Kangaskhan and groped for another Pokéball, but Warren could see the sweat trickling down his nose. Peter was getting worried. And that meant that he might make mistakes.

"Scyther, you're up!" Warren swore as the bladed bug zipped out onto the field, already airborne. Glaring at Cubone, it smirked, then dived straight towards it.

"Fury Cutter!"

"Dodge it!" Scyther raised an arm to strike and Cubone leapt to the side, but even as it skilfully dodged the first blade, the other swung up to batter him in the side of the head. Cubone stumbled and, in that moment, he was done for. Slashing madly, Scyther hit Cubone again and again, drawing tiny lines of red where the razor-sharp blades met Cubone's skin. Finally, Scyther drew back and rose high into the air as Cubone slumped down onto one knee, completely worn out.

"Finish it with Wing Attack!" Peter yelled and Warren could see that he was grinning madly. This battle was getting seriously intense and Peter looked like he was beginning to crack. Scyther glared down at Cubone, then folded its wings completely and began to plummet like a stone. Warren gasped.

"Cubone, get out of there!" he yelled, but he could already see it was useless. Cubone was just too tired to escape the move. The rodent slowly staggered to its feet, and glared malevolently at the bug. Scyther gave one last bark of laughter, then snapped out its wings, making a near right angle in its flight path as it switched from vertical falling to horizontal flight. Cubone had just about enough time to sneer before Scyther's outstretched wings caught it under the chin and sent it flying. Warren winced as Cubone landed face down and didn't get up. Holding out its Pokeball, he mulled over the next choice carefully. Elekid had a type advantage…but Haunter was a much tougher fighter overall. The ghost would be up next.

"Haunter, let's battle!" he yelled somewhat melodramatically as the huge, gaseous ghost burst onto the field.

"Start with Sucker Punch!" Haunter sped forwards, a fist drawn back. Scyther flew towards it also, scythes raised, but before it could attack, Haunter's fist caught it in the mouth, sending it crashing to the ground. Growling angrily, the mantis lifted itself back into the air, swaying a little.

"Now, Nightshade!" Haunter cackled as it held its claws together, a ball of black lightning forming between them. With one more laugh, it threw the projectile at Scyther.

"Pursuit!" Scyther grinned as its wings propelled it forwards, dark energy flowing around its body as it crashed into the Nightshade and shot straight through, before crashing directly into Haunter. The ghost howled in pain as Scyther shot off again, to hover at a safe distance once more. Glaring balefully at it, Haunter's eyes began to glow and a multicoloured beam shot out of them, washing over Scyther in an array of bewildering light. The bug glanced around, completely confused, then froze as it seemed to forget how to fly. Flapping erratically, it spiralled down towards the arena, a look of panic on its face, before crashing head first into the ground. Warren grinned hopefully, but through the cloud of dust, he could see a dark figure standing up. His grin dropping, Warren glanced at Haunter.

"Lick its wings!" he called quietly, not wanting Scyther to hear. Haunter nodded, and glided forwards, a long tongue swinging from its mouth. Scyther raised its scythes defensively, but Haunter feinted at its face, then reached over and smacked its sticky tongue right into Scyther's wings. The bug stumbled forwards, but rolled away from the attack and took several steps back, glaring at Haunter. As the ghost gently rose higher into the air, Scyther took a few quick hops forwards and leapt into the air…only to come crashing back down to the ground again. Warren grinned as the bug glanced over its shoulder at the thick, sticky saliva which Haunter had spread liberally over its wings. Scyther glared at the ghost malevolently, jabbing at it with its blades. Haunter smirked as it cautiously dropped down at the opposite end of the battlefield.

"Alright Haunter, Lick it again!" The ghost laughed as it sped forwards, tongue swinging wildly, but Scyther was ready. Charging forwards, it leapt skilfully over the outstretched tongue and slashed at Haunter with a mad Fury Cutter. The ghost drew back, but Scyther wasn't done yet. Taking a few steps back, the bug roared with laughter as the dark energy surrounded it once more, before charging straight into Haunter with a powerful Pursuit. Haunter was unconscious before it hit the ground. Warren flinched. That wasn't good. At least he had a type advantage to help him get back in the game…hopefully.

"Elekid, you're next!" he called, releasing the small electric type. Peter gave it a disparaging glance – comparing it, no doubt, to his own Electabuzz.

"Quick Attack, Scyther!"

"You too Elekid!" For a second, the two combatants seemed to disappear, their lightning fast movements almost invisible. Then, as they met in the middle of the arena, they began to slow, lunging back and forth, leaping to the side, spinning away from the enemy's attack. Eventually, both fell back, neither of them having managed to land a hit. Panting lightly, Elekid and Scyther began to circle each other, their eyes locked.

"Swift Elekid!" With a screech, Elekid broke the tension, raising its claws to fire off a multitude of glowing, golden stars. Peter smirked.

"Slash!" Scyther raised both blades and with a few deft strokes, blocked every single one of the attacks, sending the swift cartwheeling straight back at Elekid.

"Light Screen!" Elekid raised its hands and a barely visible barrier materialised in front of it, the stars bursting on contact. Elekid growled with the effort, but it had deflected the attack. Once more, both glared at each other, but now unmoving.

"Slash, again!" Now Scyther attacked, darting forwards with its razors glinting in the sunlight.

"Thundershock!" Elekid whirled its arms and a few weak jets of electricity fired from its prongs, glancing off Scyther's arms and forcing it into a more defensive stance. Scyther growled as one bolt slipped through and skimmed its face, the stinging current sending its jaw into spasm. Slowly, ever so slowly, Scyther turned to face Elekid. And then, in one single unified action, both battlers went absolutely insane. Scyther, with a screech of rage, zipped from side to side, slicing madly at Elekid with its weapons, while Elekid fired bolt after bolt of yellow lightning, ducking and diving all the while. Warren grimaced.

"Alright, enough. Shock Wave!" Elekid grinned as it leapt backwards away from a particularly vicious jab. Whirling its arms, it cackled as blue sparks leapt between its prongs, forming into a continuous, electrical stream before shooting straight at the speedy Scyther. Yowling, the mantis fled from the attack, flapping its wings and discovering that Haunter's spittle was beginning to dry off. Peter noticed too.

"Carry it high!" he yelled and for a second, Warren wondered what he meant. But by the time he realised, it was too late. Scyther, moving with all the speed it could muster, swept towards Elekid, the blue Shock Wave mere feet behind it. With the speed of Scyther's wings to compete with, Elekid was grabbed before it knew what was happening and Scyther, tightly clutching Elekid (who was now kicking and screaming like a baby having a tantrum), shot high into the sky. Warren gulped as he saw the Shock Wave he had ordered advancing on the pair. It was just a foot away now…now a few inches…and now…Warren winced as the bug and Elekid suddenly froze, lit up blue like a Christmas decoration. Two screams, intermingled, could just about be heard above the sound of the Shock Wave. And then they fell, gathering more and more speed until, with a resounding crash, Scyther, still holding Elekid, smashed into the ground at full tilt. As the dust cleared, no-body was surprised to see that both Pokémon were unconscious and lying in the middle of a fairly large crater. Warren grimaced. That meant that his chances were now resting squarely on the shoulders of Venonat – quite possibly his weakest battler. That was, of course, assuming that Venonat actually had shoulders. He just had to hope that Peter was going to throw out a grass type. Peter glanced over at him as both trainers held up their Pokéballs.

"Venonat, you're up!"

"Magmar, let's go!" Warren froze. Magmar? Did he say Magmar?

"Maaaaaag…" Warren gulped as the huge flaming beast appeared on the field, an angry sneer on its face. Well, crap. Peter just smirked.

"Start strong, Magmar! Fire Blast!" Frozen in shock, Warren just watched as Venonat quickly ran forwards and leapt face first into the crater that Scyther had left behind, the powerful jet of fire flowing mere inches above its head. Slowly, Magmar cut off the flow and Venonat, quivering, poked its head above the rim of the hole. Warren's mouth flapped up and down uselessly. Crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap CRAP!

"Smokescreen!" With a huge sigh, Magmar expelled a giant cloud of soot, the smoky air blocking almost everything from view.

"Fire Punch!" A squeal erupted from inside the cloud and, seconds later, Venonat flew out of it, the fur on its left side blackened and burnt. Warren glanced down at it and something clicked. Sure, this battle might be hard to win. It might even be impossible. But he was going to win it anyway. Lancing up, he snarled at Magmar. There was no way in hell he was going to get kicked out of the league by something that looked that stupid.

"Fire Blast!" Warren growled.

"Confusion on yourself!" Magmar exhaled what looked like a miniature explosion, but Venonat, surrounded by a faint blue aura, had flown high into the air and was zipping from side to side, narrowly avoiding the tongues of flame. Magmar paused for a second to breathe and Venonat took its chance, dive bombing Magmar and drawing back a glowing purple hand before smashing the Sludge Bomb straight into the Spitfire Pokémon. Warren grinned, but Magmar, reeling back, grabbing onto a clump of Venonat fur before it could fly away once more. Peter nodded, a manic grin on his face. Cackling, Magmar held the struggling Venonat with both hands, firmly in front of its face. Warren gasped as he saw smoke curling off Venonat's fur where Magmar was holding it – Magmar was literally too hot to handle.

"Fire Blast!" Warren blanched as he saw Magmar puff its chest up, flames already flickering out of the corners of its mouth.

"Disable!"

"No!" Warren chuckled malevolently at Peter's shout of dismay as Venonat's eyes glowed a faint red and Magmar, with a bemused look on its face, slowly halted the attack and exhaled, releasing nothing more than a wave of bad breath.

"Supersonic!" Venonat gave another, reverberating screech and Magmar stumbled, shook its head and dropped Venonat on the floor. Warren grinned. With the enemy confused and unable to use its best attack, he might actually have a chance here.

"Alright, Stun Spore!" Venonat cackled as it pirouetted forwards, yellow spores flying out of its thick coat to settle on the confused Magmar. Magmar gasped and, instantly, inhaled a huge amount of the Stun Spore. Hacking and coughing, Magmar stumbled and glared over at Venonat, its movements oddly jerky.

"Fire Punch, Magmar!" Snarling, the fire type lumbered forwards, its right fist raised and coated in flame. But Venonat just chuckled. Leaping backwards, it easily avoided the slow attack, then drew back a hand, before sending Magmar flying with a Confusion attack. Magmar staggered to its feet once more and glared at Venonat. Stun Spore had slowed its movements.

"Confusion on the sand!" Warren shouting, remembering fighting a Cacnea in Viridian City. Venonat nodded, understanding instantly, and rose its hands, alight with blue fire, as the sand that made up the floor of the arena whirled into a frenzied sandstorm.

"Now, attack it!" The sand, flying madly, suddenly froze in mid air and instantly whirled directly towards Magmar. Growling, the fire type shielded its eyes with its hand, but Venonat kept up the attack, nearly burying Magmar in the whirling sand that was by now caked onto its body. Eventually, Venonat lowered its hands, panting from the effort, and sneered at Magmar. Its duck bill was coated with a thick layer of sand, as was most of its body. Its feet, where the attack had been concentrated, were completely buried below several feet and, as Warren could see from its straining, it was completely stuck.

"Ember, Magmar!" Facing Venonat, Magmar spat out several small balls of flame. Venonat squealed as one struck it dead on, but the others missed and the bug glared angrily at Magmar, swaying a little nonetheless.

"Fire Blast!" Warren blanched. Surely not? But Magmar was indeed puffing itself up, ready to release the devastating attack. But it kept swelling and swelling and swelling…Warren gulped as he realised that Magmar was simply going to coat the entire arena in flames. There would be no way to escape.

"Confusion Tackle!" Venonat glanced at him as if he was barking mad. Warren bit his lip.

"Come on, Venonat, just trust me on this one!" The bug nodded as it rose gently into the air, a worried look on its face. The two Pokémon locked eyes, as did their trainers.

"Do it, Venonat!"

"Magmar, now!" With a sound like a volcano erupting, Magmar released a tidal wave of white-hot flames. Venonat, eyes shut tight in terror, sped forwards like a bullet out of a gun. Warren crossed his fingers. Peter grinned. Then, Venonat struck the fiery wall and disappeared among the flames. Warren gulped.

"Come on…" There! Rocketing out of the other side of the cloud of fire, a red, blue and purple blur was speeding towards Magmar and, with a loud thump, smacked Magmar right out of the sand it was lodged in and sent it skidding back ten feet on its face. The blur, having ricocheted spectacularly, had landed on the sand some distance away and was now thrashing madly in the sand as small patches of flame burned in its purple fur.

"Magmar is unable to battle! The match goes to Warren Simmons of Pallet Town!" Ignoring the referee's shouting, Warren dashed onto the field to where Venonat was and threw his jacket onto it. The thrashing quickly stopped and, a few seconds later, a purple head with two huge blue eyes appeared and glared at Warren. Grinning weakly, the trainer pulled the jacket off and gently reached out to check Venonat's injuries. The bug winced as he brushed its left hand, which was mostly covered by an angry red burn. Glaring at Warren, Venonat chuckled a little. Warren grinned.

"I'm forgiven then?" Venonat laughed once more, then promptly slapped him in the face.

 

[slls81]

@Amoire of Invincibility - Wow! What a battle! Warren truly earned his spot in the final!!!

(Okay there's a lot here, so I hope it's right...)

Congratulations Victreebell grew to Level 35
Congratulations Poliwhirl grew to Level 33 and can now learn Mud Shot, but Poliwhirl already knows 8 moves. Should a move be forgotten? (reply in OOC thread)
Congratulations Cubone grew to Level 26 and learned Rage
Congratulations Elekid grew to Level 28 and learned Thunder Punch
Congratulations Venonat grew to Level 26 and can now learn Psybeam, but Venonat already knows 8 moves. Should a move be forgotten? (reply in OOC thread)

 

[sasuneuchiha]

"You would think I'd eventually learn how to keep time," Sam said, remembering his little adventure with Warren. Running back towards the lobby, he crashed into someone
"Watch where you're going you incompetent bi…oh. Hello…" an old man said, struggling to stand up.
"Hello…oh. You…go to hell," Sam said bitterly, getting a good look at the man. In front of him, lying on the ground was Professor Oak.
"You need not be so cruel…I'd actually like to take a second to say I wish I'd taken you on as a trainer with the skill you turned out to have…" Oak said.
"Yeah, well I'm glad you didn't. Now may I please leave?" Sam asked.
"Not yet…I'd also like to say this will be your final day in the tournament. You've beaten Danny and even Travis. That one was a bit unexpected…he had such a nice team too…but Diane's out of your league," Oak said.
"Last I recall, Travis said his Alakazam was out of my league and I beat that. I remember him saying his Venusaur was out of my league yet I beat that too. I guess I just have some gift for defying the odds," Sam said sarcastically.
"Not in a very good mood today, are you?" Oak asked.
"I'm rarely in a good mood these days, now kindly get the hell out of my way," Sam said.
"Fine, fine, but remember this. This is your final match, enjoy it," Oak said mockingly before walking away.
"Weird old man…" Sam whispered, continuing his way to the main lobby. Sure enough, he had avoided Warren in the semifinal rounds. Assuming they both won, he'd have yet another chance to prove his skill to the powerful trainer.
His match was against a Diane…and occurred in just a couple of minutes. That was what happened when he spent half the morning outside he guessed. Walking over to the pokecenter wing, he ordered a quick healing and went to go grab a soda. He slurped it down and as he finished, he heard his name announced from the pokecenter. He grabbed his team and headed out towards the main arena. Inside, another huge crowd was packed in the seats. A girl waited on the other side, looking through her pokedex.
"Just what are you doing," Sam asked curiously.
She looked up and said, "Just making sure my team is perfect to counter yours."
"If that was possible I'd have lost already…I'm Sam, but you know that," he said, laughing.
"Diane…or as you'll now know me, the one who will defeat you! How dare you take out my boyfriend Travis?" Diane cried.
"Well let's see. I wanted to move on; he was in my way and honestly, your boyfriend's kind of a jerk…but whatever…" Sam said as the ref walked over.
"Semi finals match one, Sam of Pallet versus Diane of Pallet. Are you both ready?" he asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be…" Sam said.
"To destroy this slime ball? Any time!" Diane yelled.
"Then let the match…begin!" the ref yelled. Sam grabbed a pokeball on his belt containing Steelix and tossed it out. The huge steel snake appeared, ready for action.
"A powerhouse? Please, mine's better! Go Tauros!" she yelled, throwing out a pokeball of her own containing the giant bull pokemon.
"Begin!" the ref yelled.
"You say you're tough, but how do you like this? Rock Tomb, Steelix!" Sam yelled. Steelix banged its tail against the ground and Tauros was surrounded by fair sized rocks that held it still.
"Now, you ready for this? Slam your tail down on it!" Sam yelled, getting more into the match every second it went on. Steelix swung its tail in an arc, eventually bringing it down on Tauros, who went flying.
"Tauros! Don't just take that, use Payback!" Diane yelled.
"Oh dear god…" Sam whispered, realizing the attack would hit hard. Steelix was hit by the charging bull and went flying backwards towards Sam, but stopped just quickly enough.
"Steelix, we aren't going to win this fight easily, but we can win. Now, you need to listen closely to what I say…lash out with your tail and pick it up!" Sam yelled.
"Not so fast! Use Horn Attack!" Diane yelled. Steelix lashed out its tail, but it was only hit head on by a powerful tackle.
"Well, that's not working…you leave me with no choice. Slam!" Sam yelled. Steelix's tail flew out at Tauros, who was sent flying by the powerful attack.
"Now do it! Dig!" Sam yelled. Steelix nodded then burrowed under the ground.
"Hmm…stop and feel around for it," Diane said. Sam looked at her skeptically, but apparently she'd done this before. Tauros opened its eyes and nodded. The ground was shaking now.
"Back up and be ready!" Diane yelled. Tauros jumped back and ducked its head as Steelix appeared above ground, roaring.
"Now! Charge with Payback!" Diane yelled. Sam cursed quietly again. Tauros charged and hit Steelix, sending it flying again.
"This fight isn't going well…come on, get up!" Sam yelled.
"No, stay down, you're gonna get hit with Horn Attack!" Diane yelled. Tauros started to charge and Sam looked anxious.
"How to stop it? It's so fast but…waits. There's only one way to stop something like that…Screech, now!" Sam yelled. Steelix opened its mouth and huge sound wave pulsed out, pushing Tauros backwards towards its trainer.
"But how?!" Diane screamed.
"That's easy. The force of Steelix's screech attack was more than enough to push your pokemon backwards towards you, which give me just enough time to use this attack! Use Thunder Fang!" Sam yelled. Steelix drove in, its teeth shocking.
"Don't take that…use Zen Headbutt!" Diane yelled. Tauros charged in, its head covered in psychic energy. The two collided, Steelix getting a solid bite in on its opponent but being hit head on at the same time by the powerful Headbutt. Both flew backwards, injured.
"This isn't good. Now it can use that…" Sam whispered. He knew what was coming and apparently Diane did too.
"You're right! Payback!" Diane yelled. Tauros charged once more, but Sam noticed that it was almost limping…maybe if he attacked now!
"Use Slam on the ground…NOW!" Sam yelled. Steelix lifted its tail and slammed it into the ground. Tauros was shaken then fell over. It mooed in pain, causing Sam to laugh a bit before the next command.
"Now crush it, Slam once more!" Sam yelled. Steelix lifted its tail and then brought it down. The ref raised a flag.
"The winner is Sam and his Steelix!" he yelled.
"Tauros…good job. Return," Diane whispered quietly, returning her pokemon.
"Will you take me seriously now? I'm not going to lose this fight…" Sam said quietly.
"Yeah…you're definitely good, I see how you beat those two…but I'm NOT like them, got it? I'll prove it to you! Go Flareon!" Diane yelled.
"Oh god…" Sam whispered, realizing the trouble he was in now.
"Let the round begin!" the ref yelled as the fiery pokemon appeared.
"Steelix, dig!" Sam yelled, trying to avoid too much of a problem. His pokemon was obviously injured, but he knew it could pull off one more. It disappeared under the ground.
"Easy…jump over the hole and use Flamethrower!" Diane yelled. Flareon nodded and jumped over the hole in the ground, firing a huge jet of flame. It hit the ground and Sam heard a roar as Steelix reappeared, covered in flames.
"Grr…use Gyro Ball!" Sam yelled. Steelix started spinning, headed straight for its speedy opponent.
"You really don't learn, do you? Use Quick Attack to dodge it then use Flamethrower!" Diane yelled. Flareon quickly got out of the steel snake's way as a white blur followed it, firing yet another jet of flame as it passed. Steelix cried out in pain as Sam scowled. This pokemon was a problem.
Don't you see it? A voice whispered.
Shut the hell up, Sam thought back angrily.
You don't see the slight delay within its movements? It's similar to that Cloyster of yours…unable to fire another attack for a few precious seconds following a powerful attack, the voice replied.
So what do you expect me to do about it?! Sam thought bitterly.
You? Nothing. Me, everything. This is my show now, ha! The voice cried, as Sam's head started to feel like it was splitting in two. The pain slowly stopped.
"Humph…I'm in control now, aren't I? Well, Steelix, use Slam, now," D. Sam said. Steelix nodded and started to bring down its tail. Flareon looked at the falling tail, frightened.
"Use Ember, Flareon!" Diane cried. Flareon spat flames straight up at the tail in a last ditch effort to protect itself.
"Pathetic effort. Turn your tail sideways so that it cuts the flames," D. Sam said cooly. Steelix's tail twisted to where the edge was headed towards Flareon as it fell. Flareon was tossed helplessly.
"Now go, use Dig," D. Sam said. Steelix nodded and disappeared under the ground.
"Go; show him we never fall for that trick, Flamethr-, "Diane was cut off by a sudden rumbling of the ground as Steelix flew up, hitting Flareon hard. It flew backwards, obviously injured. Steelix had an angry look on its face.
"When did it…?" Diane yelled.
"My pokemon are smarter than an idiot like you. They learn from pain the first time and adapt. Steelix knew your pathetic excuse for an attack was coming and moved faster, like a real pokemon should. Now hit it with Gyro Ball," D. Sam said emotionlessly. Steelix started to spin, hitting Flareon hard. It was sent flying, but got up growling.
"End this fight, Flareon. Flamethrower, full power!" Diane yelled. Flareon spat a huge jet of flame, which covered Steelix. The flames cleared and Steelix was visible, now collapsed on the ground.
"Steelix is unable to battle!" the ref yelled.
"Pathetic…" D. Sam whispered, bitterly hating the weak other half of his. The weak pokemon he used made it impossible to use anything. Still, this pathetic girl wouldn't be able to beat him.
"You just lost your main powerhouse! You're done!" Diane yelled.
"Tell me you pitiful little bi-…I mean girl, do you really think that a pokemon like that one is my powerhouse? Please, you haven't met my strongest pokemon. I will, however, hurry this battle up. Cloy, go," D. Sam yelled, throwing out a pokeball. It annoyed him that he used the pitiful nickname, but it was burnt into memory.
"Let the fight, continue!" the ref yelled.
"Use Toxic Spikes," D. Sam said calmly. Cloy shot out an array of spikes that covered the ground between the pokemon.
"You can't win like that you loser, use Ember," Diane said.
"You can't hit with a weak move like that one, either. Protect," D. Sam said, chuckling. The flames hit the green barrier and disappeared, stopped completely by the power it held. Cloy smirked at the other pokemon.
"Grr…you're so good. Why?!" Diane yelled angrily.
"Why? Because I'm just better than you. Now use Water Pulse!" D. Sam yelled. Cloy charged up, then fired a huge pulse of water, which hit Flareon dead on. Flareon flew backwards and hit the ground, rolling. It slowly struggled to its feet, a look of anger in its eyes.
"Flareon!" Diane yelled, shocked by the sudden attack.
"I warned you, didn't I?" D. Sam said, his voice deprived of all emotion.
"What kind of monster are you?!" Diane screamed.
"Heh…I'm no monster…just a talented battler…well, going to make a move?" D. Sam asked calmly.
"Yeah…Flamethrower!" Diane yelled.
"Humph…" D. Sam said, not making any move. The flames flew forward and hit Cloy. Suddenly, from within his conscious, a voice echoed.
Why'd you let it get hit?! The real Sam screamed.
It deserved the hit…too bad you can't help it, D. Sam joked.
Just you wait…I'll find my wait out yet! Sam yelled.
Keep telling yourself that…bye bye now… D. Sam said, leaving the conscious area.
"Why'd you let me hurt your pokemon?" Diane asked.
"Easy, because you left yourself wide open. Hit it, another Water Pulse!" D. Sam yelled. Cloy shook its head then fired another burst of water. It flew across the arena, gaining speed slowly. It eventually got over to the other side, where it hit the recovering from using the powerful attack.
"This guy's insane…he pushes his pokemon beyond their limit. He isn't usually like this, though. Wait…the attacks…they caused an opening! The spikes…they're gone! Now's my chance! Go in and hit it with Quick Attack!" Diane yelled.
"But it will get…what?!" D. Sam yelled. The spikes had cleared. The force of the attacks must have done it. Still, this was going to hurt. Flareon charged forward, white light following it quickly. It leaped up and lunged at Cloy, who was hit head on and flinched back in pain.
"Now end this for the poor pokemon, use Flamethrower!" Diane yelled.
"Not so fast, FIRE!" D. Sam screamed. Cloy obviously got it. Flareon charged up flame while a ball of water appeared near Cloy. Both pokemon attacked and blue sparks flew due to the clash. They hit everything and kicked up a huge amount of dust.
"Humph…we didn't do anything," D. Sam whispered.
"Come on, Flareon! Pull through!" Diane cheered. The dust slowly faded and Sam scowled. Flareon had survived the attack, but so had Cloy.
Not so weak now, is it? Sam joked. D. Sam scowled bitterly.
Shut up, D. Sam thought back.
Hey, this is the kind of crap I get from you…it's my turn unless you let me back, Sam replied.
Nah, I can deal with a weakling like you, D. Sam replied, shutting Sam out again.
"Come on, end this fight and use Flamethrower once more!" Diane yelled. Flareon stood up and slowly charged more flames in its mouth before letting them loose, hitting Cloy once more. Cloy stumbled then fell the ground defeated.
"Again? Humph…there's a truly powerful pokemon. Return," D. Sam scowled, angry with the weak pokemon. The Steelix had at least done fair damage.
"Well, you're not doing so great, are you?" Diane jested.
"Shut the hell up," D. Sam said bitterly.
"You're just weak is the thing. Oh well, I guess I can end your suffering faster…" Diane said.
"Shut up…just shut up! Go Pidg!" D. Sam yelled, tossing out another pokemon with a ridiculous nickname. The brown bird appeared from the pokeball, already flapping its wings.
"Let the next round…begin!" the ref yelled.
"Come on, use Flamethrower!" Diane yelled. Flareon charged up another charge of flames and shot them straight at Pidg.
"You think that your little move fixes everything…but you're wrong. Use Twister, Pidg!" D. Sam yelled. The brown bird nodded and flapped its wings quickly, its face showing true effort. A small twister appeared, blocking the flames from hitting Pidg head on. Pidg then persisted to use all of its energy to send the tornado straight at Flareon, but nothing happened.
"What the…" D. Sam whispered.
Flash Fire, Sam said within his conscious.
I see…and how do I get around it?! D. Sam screamed.
It's easy enough…you just can't return the fire attacks. Let me back in and you can see… Sam said.
No thanks, I can do it myself, D. Sam said, returning to the match.
"Thanks, you just made this way easier. Use Quick Attack to run circles around it and use Ember to attack, Flareon!" Diane yelled. Flareon nodded then charged, moving at top speed around Pidg. Suddenly, flame bullets flew out of the circle as the pokemon attacked, hitting Pidg from every direction at once.
"How to block attacks like this…but to attack in reply, I'd believe that's what you'd do, other me. Use Quick Attack, Pidg, and hit it with your Wing Attack when you get close," D. Sam yelled. Pidg nodded, then flew straight at the flames, expertly evading them all as it flew towards the ground. What happened next was possibly one of the greatest turn-arounds in the entire tournament. Pidg flew low then spun, hitting Flareon once, stopping it. It then flew straight up, smacking Flareon with its wing as it came down. Flareon screeched in pain but was quickly silenced as Pidg flew under it and flew straight up, flipping Flareon as it hit it straight in the stomach. It fell backwards, dizzy.
"Good job, now show them real skills with your Aerial Ace!" D. Sam yelled. He was actually enjoying this…it was no wonder his real personality enjoyed this kind of thing. Pidg flew straight up into the air, ready to come down at full force. Flareon got up, growling angrily.
"Well, time to use that advantage you gave us to its full potential, Sam. Use Flamethrower and sweep until you hit Pidgeotto!" Diane yelled. Flareon sent out a huge burst of flame straight at Pidg, who dodged right, charging in. Flareon swept down at it, but Pidg easily got out of the way, dodging the attack again. It then spun over, narrowly avoiding the searing flames, though a couple of its feathers were hit by the flames. It ignored the pain and headed straight in. Pidg was dive-bombing now. Flareon's flame dissipated as Pidg free fell down at it.
"Oh god…" D. Sam heard Diane whisper. The attack hit, the impact causing Flareon and Pidg to both go flying. That attack was incredible, there was no doubting that, but it really seemed to take a hit on Pidg, who was breathing heavily. He looked over at Flareon who was trying to stand up, but collapsed, knocked out for sure.
"That's it! Flareon's beat! The winners are Sam and his Pidgeotto!" the ref yelled.
"Good job…Pidg," D. Sam said quietly. Pidg turned with a smile on its face.
"Well then, you've forced one of my better pokemon out…let's do this, Raichu!" Diane yelled. D. Sam angrily hissed. This was going to be a load of hell, he could tell that now.
You can't lose Pidg…you can't, I won't let you! Sam yelled. D. Sam was suddenly shocked by what was happening. His base personality was actually taking control back from him. He could feel his control slipping away.
Not bad…at all. I'll be watching and doing exactly what you did, though, he thought mockingly.
Sam's eyes snapped open. He was back, control was his.
"Return!" he yelled without even thinking about it. Pidg was sucked back into the pokeball. Diane looked over at him curiously.
"I can't let you take down a pokemon like Pidg so easily. Sorry," Sam said, laughing.
"What's with all the personality changes?" Diane demanded.
"Oh, that? That's just…I suppose you could say a little problem I have. I assure you, though, annoying little me is here to stay, and win, too," Sam said, laughing again.
"Whatever, just send out your pokemon," Diane said.
"Of course, of course. I'll show you, Umbre!" Sam yelled. He wanted to send out Pika, but he expected that his electric powerhouse was going to be needed later on.
"So, is this your little 'powerhouse'?" Diane asked as the black pokemon appeared, growling a little bit.
"But of course my dear," Sam joked.
"Shut up, only Travis can call me that. I'll just take it down then. You realize that Raichu is well known for its ability to use high level electricity? Allow me to demonstrate, Thunderbolt!" Diane yelled. Sam cringed as the huge jolt of electricity flew out. Umbre jumped into the air, barely avoiding the bolts. Sam instantly noticed that Raichu recovered its energy much faster than Flareon or Cloy did. It obviously had extensive training.
"Well then, you don't want to leave me any time, do you? Use Pursuit!" Sam yelled. Umbre landed, already coated in its dark energy. It charged at Raichu, who had a confident look.
"I'll show you pain! Focus Punch!" Diane yelled. Raichu drew its fist back, charging up loads of energy. The hand turned blue as it brought it down, crushing Umbre with its power. Sam heard a screech as Umbre hit the ground, severely injured.
"Such power," Sam whispered, pulling out his pokedex.
It said, "Focus Punch. Being the most powerful of all fighting type attacks, it is completely devastating to most dark type pokemon…"
"Like Umbre," Sam whispered.
"…except for its major disadvantage. If the pokemon is hit before it hits with the move, the attack becomes useless due to loss of focus." The pokedex finished.
"Well that's good to know, though I'll really have to be good if I want to stop it. Get up, Umbre! Use Psychic to crush it!" Sam yelled. Umbre struggled to get up before turning blue for a second. Raichu's eyes opened wide as it was lifted up into the air. It struggled, but to no avail. It was caught. Umbre snickered quietly then focused. Raichu's face turned red for a second before it fell. Umbre had done a really good job right there.
"Now use Quick Attack!" Sam yelled. Umbre charged but Raichu got up, lumbering angrily.
"Focus Punch it!" Diane yelled. Raichu swung its fist in a large arc, which Umbre narrowly ducked under. Raichu swung again, but Umbre dodged it easily. Raichu swung over and over but Umbre made quick movements that allowed it to easily dodge the attack. Sam smiled at how well his pokemon was doing here.
"Well, time to hit it! Iron Tail!" Sam yelled. Umbre's tail glowed and it spun, its tail connecting with the punch. Energy flew outwards, but both were sent flying backwards.
So we can fight against that move, Sam thought. Umbre's power wasn't anything to laugh about for sure. It had just blocked one of the most powerful attacks in existence. It definitely had skills.
"Come on come on come on! Use Thunderbolt, Raichu!" Diane yelled. Raichu leaped into the air, similar to how Pika did when it attacked with that attack, and let out a flurry of bolts straight at Umbre, who looked nervous.
"Dodge it, use Quick Attack!" Sam yelled. Umbre charged forward, the white streak following it. It leaped up and knocked Raichu, who had a priceless look on its face, dead in the stomach. The large mouse fell to the ground, obviously injured.
"Well, good job there, Umbre! Now show it your full power, use Shadow Ball!" Sam yelled. Umbre created a huge blob, which stood still in front of her. Raichu got up, injured.
"Now do it! Iron Tail flip, Umbre!" Sam yelled. Umbre flipped over and slammed an Iron Tail into the black glob, which caused it to fly forward at full speed, but Diane seemed to expect it.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" she yelled. Raichu disappeared in a blur then reappeared next to Umbre.
"Now Focus Punch," she said. Raichu slammed its fist into Umbre, who flew backwards at Sam.
"Umbre, come on…DO IT! We have to end this now! Use Quick Attack, full power!" Sam yelled. Umbre slowly stood up, then shot forward like a blur.
"End it with Focus Punch, Raichu," Diane said. Umbre flew forward then something incredible happened. It ducked under the punch, hitting Raichu up into the air.
"Now end it with Pursuit!" Sam yelled. Umbre was quickly coated in dark energy and lunged, hitting Raichu. It flew backwards into the ground, defeated.
"The winner is Umbreon!" the ref yelled. Sam smiled. That wasn't too difficult…but it did take a lot out of Umbre.
"You took down even my Raichu…I might have to use my strongest pokemon after all…." Diane whispered, returning her Raichu.
"Are you going to take me seriously or not? I'm not losing, I already said that," Sam said, a bit annoyed.
"No, you will yet. You'll see…now go, Meowth!" Diane yelled. She tossed out another pokeball and a small cat came out.
"Meowth?" it meowed quietly.
"Let the fight between Umbreon and Meowth…BEGIN!" the ref yelled.
"Use Fake Out!" Diane yelled. Sam looked at her curiously. Meowth disappeared, then quickly reappeared, hitting Umbre hard in the face. It backed up, shocked.
"Good job, now use Fury Swipes!" Diane yelled. Meowth flew forward; its claws flying everywhere and it hit Umbre hard in the face several times.
"Damn…the things so fast…" Sam whispered.
"Damn right it is, use Bite!" Diane yelled.
"Not so fast! Quick Attack and use Iron Tail to slash it!" Sam yelled. Umbre appeared to teleport as it reappeared on the other side of Meowth, who suddenly collapsed to the ground.
"But…how?" Diane asked.
"You aren't the only one with a little bit of speed," Sam whispered.
"True, true, but you can't do this! End this battle, Meowth! Screech!" Diane yelled. Meowth screeched loudly, causing Umbre to shriek in pain.
"Now end this fight! Use Fury Swipes!" Diane yelled. Meowth jumped in and landed several choice blows on Umbre, who collapsed.
"Not good, not good…" Sam whispered. That Meowth had just taken Umbre down. This was not good at all. He only had three pokemon left, two of which he was certain he'd need.
"Umbreon is defeated, the winner is Meowth!" the ref said, pointing a flag at Diane.
"Yes! We did it!" Diane cried happily.
"Humph…return, good job," Sam said, smiling a little bit. His pokemon had really put some effort into that fight. It had definitely slowed Meowth down a little bit if nothing else. That strike to the legs had done its job. Now he just had to finish this fight up the right way.
"Okay, time for a short half time break. With both trainers having only 3 pokemon left, we're going to switch out the field to make sure nothing happens. Both trainers to your respective corners!" the ref yelled.

"Whew...a rest. I need it. Now, to plan..." Sam whispered, planning his next move entirely.

 

[slls81]

@Izuna - Wow, that was certainly an... interesting post...

Congratulations Steelix grew to Level 27
Congratulations Pidgeotto (Pidg) grew to Level 31
Congratulations Umbreon (Umbre) grew to Level 35

OOC: OMG so close to the final now! xD

 

[sasuneuchiha]

OOC: Shut up, it was plot important for Sam xD
"Both trainers please return to the arena!" the ref yelled.
"Finally…" Sam whispered. He stood up and walked over to the arena, the pressure building with any step.
"You ready to lose, then?" Diane asked as both trainers walked back on to the arena.
"Of course…are you?" Sam asked.
"Let me answer it with this! Meowth, let's do this!" she yelled, tossing out the pokeball so that the small cat appeared again.
"Only one pokemon for this job. Let's do this…Pidg!" Sam yelled, tossing out the brown bird again. It appeared, apparently ready for another round.
"Grr…you're so confident. It's IRRITATING!" Diane yelled.
"Well it doesn't matter. I don't intend to lose here. I've got someone I simply have to fight," Sam said.
"Yeah? Well I don't CARE! I have to win this tournament…or the Professor's streak is ruined…" Diane whispered.
"Like I care. Let's do this, Quick Attack!" Sam yelled. Pidg nodded and charged, a white line streaking behind it. It flew in, but apparently, Diane expected it.
"Use Faint Attack!" Diane yelled. Meowth disappeared and Pidg stopped in its tracks, confused. Suddenly, it screeched out in pain. Sam saw Meowth appear and crush Pidg's wing. Pidg got back up into the air, but Sam could tell it was in pain.
"So slowing down won't work, apparently neither will anything else we do so why don't we make this a little more fun? Quick Attack!" Sam yelled. Pidg nodded and flew forward, a white streak of light dead at Meowth, who easily jumped over the attack.
"Good, now confuse it by running circles around it!" Sam yelled. Pidg flew up and started flying around Meowth in confusing circles.
"Use Fury Swipes!" Diane yelled. Meowth started to claw around like a maniac.
"Now! Duck under the attack and use Aerial Ace!" Sam yelled. Pidg ducked under one of the claws and charged straight up, hitting Meowth head on. It flew to the ground, damaged. Pidg flew down and landed, wincing at the pain in its wing.
"Not bad there, but use Faint Attack!" Diane yelled. Meowth disappeared again. Pidg was hit a couple of seconds later, flying backwards towards Sam.
"Not good at all…how do I figure out where the thing is? It hides so well…but wait. It doesn't disappear, it just becomes hidden from view…maybe if I…YEAH! That would work perfectly! I just have to get it to use Faint Attack again…only one way to do that! Pidg, use your Twister!" Sam yelled. Pidg flapped its wings hard, causing a twister to appear around Meowth, who was picked up into it, shrieking wildly.
"Now hit it! Use Aerial Ace!" Sam yelled. Pidg lifted into the air, then flew straight at Meowth, who was unable to dodge now that it was caught. Pidg flew swiftly, hitting the cat before flying back down the ground and landing behind it.
"Well then! We'll just use our Faint Attack!" Diane yelled. Meowth disappeared, but Sam was ready this time.
"Do it, Pidg! Sand Attack!" Sam yelled. Pidg flapped its wings and a large amount of sand kicked up, hitting then invisible body of Meowth, who started to freak out.
"See it? Now go! Use Quick Attack and Wing Attack!" Sam yelled. Pidg flew forward, its wings ready to strike. As it passed Meowth, it hit it hard in the stomach, then flew up and crashed into it again.
"Don't just stand there! Use Bite!" Diane screamed. Meowth lunged forward, closing its fangs down on Pidg's talon. Pidg screeched in pain, but Sam was already set for another attack.
"Let's end this, Pidg! Use Aerial Ace one last time, now!" Sam yelled. Pidg jumped up into the air, wings flapping. It flew straight down, full speed and crashed into Meowth, who went flying backwards. It skidded a couple of feet before closing its eyes, knocked out.
"Meowth is defeated! The winner is Pidgeotto!" the ref yelled.
"Good job, Pidg!" Sam said, congratulating the bird. Pidg nodded then breathed heavily. Sam knew it wouldn't be in the game much longer, but it had done one hell of a job so far.
"You've pushed me to this extreme? Wow…I have no choice. Clefable, it's your turn!" Diane yelled, throwing a pokeball. A pink, almost fairy like pokemon appeared.
"This is one of your last two pokemon…" Sam whispered. He hadn't had a chance to check any of Diane's matches.
"Yeah, and one of my strongest pokemon, too," she replied.
"We'll see…" Sam whispered. Clefable looked kind of tough, but he was certain he could take it down if he was careful. Still, Pidg was almost at it's limit.
"May the next round of the semi final round, begin!" the ref yelled.
"Pidg, use Sand Attack!" Sam yelled. Pidg flapped its wings valiantly to kick up a small sandstorm, but Clefable had a mocking look on its face.
"Come on, use Sing!" Diane yelled. A sweet look appeared on Clefable's face and it started to sing a sweet melody. When Sam finally realized what was going on, it was too late. Pidg had fallen asleep!
"Oh god…" Sam whispered quietly.
"Now attack with Pound!" Diane yelled. Clefable dashed forward somewhat slowly and hit Pidg hard, sending him flying. Pidg woke up in midair, but it wasn't quick enough to avoid the next attack.
"Now go with Thunderbolt!" Diane yelled.
"Clefable can use Thunderbolt?!" Sam cried, shocked by this sudden move.
"Damn right! Go!" Diane yelled. A jolt of electricity flew out of Clefable's body at Pidg, who was hit head on by the shock.
"Pidg!" Sam cried as the bird fell. It struggled a bit, but eventually managed to get up. It was angry now.
"Okay then…only one way to do this. Pidg, use Quick Attack!" Sam yelled. Pidg lunged forward, in the air now. It flew forward at Clefable, but the large pokemon seemed confident. Pidg was about to hit when Diane reacted.
"Now Pound it!" she cried. Clefable's fist flew like a bullet, hitting Pidg hard. Pidg hit the ground, obviously injured. It struggled to get up. Sam's eyes watered a bit at how hard the pokemon was trying for the win.
"Pidg! Keep going, get up in the air!" Sam yelled. Pidg nodded and flew up into the air at top speed. Before too long, it was roughly 40 feet above the ground.
"Thunderbolt!" Diane yelled. Clefable fired off another jolt of electricity, which was narrowly avoided by Pidg as it dropped a couple of feet.
"Charge, use Aerial Ace!" Sam yelled. Pidg started to fly down again.
"Fire and keep going! Thunderbolt, Clefable!" Diane yelled. Clefable sent out another burst of energy straight at Pidg.
"Don't give up! Dodge the attack and keep going!" Sam yelled. Pidg rolled over and avoided the strike once, then flew up a little bit to get away from it again. It quickly approached the ground and folded its wings back onto its body. Still, it kept diving right at its foe, who had no chance of avoiding the attack.
"Use Pound, Clefable!" Diane yelled. Clefable swung its fist uselessly. Pidg was still a little too far out. What happened next seemed to occur in slow motion. Pidg hit Clefable hard, knocking it backwards a couple of feet. Diane was shocked then reacted.
"Come on, finish it off! Use Thunderbolt one last time!" she screeched. Pidg was right next to Clefable and breathing heavily. It had no chance of avoiding this attack. Clefable let out a huge burst of electricity, shocking the bird badly. Pidg cried out in pain then collapsed.
"PIDG!" Sam screamed, running over to check the pokemon. It was knocked out for sure, and good. He picked it up as the ref spoke.
"Pidgeotto is defeated, Clefable is the winner!"
"Why? Why did you do this to Pidg?" Sam asked, looking up at Diane.
"Why? Because it was weak, you had to learn that eventually.
"I…I will defeat you, Diane. Return, my friend," Sam said, pulling out Pidg's pokeball and returning the brown bird.
"As if. I've already said this, I can't lose here…I just can't," Diane said.
"No, you can and will…I'll make sure of that," Sam said, walking back over to his side of the field.
"Sam, please send out your next pokemon!" the ref said, looking at him.
"Like hell I will. Let's do this…" Sam said, stopping mid sentence. Was it worth wasting Pika now, to ensure victory against the powerful pokemon, or would he discover a more powerful pokemon next that only Pika could take and end up with a weakened electric type? Or would Nine actually be the better choice here and he be making a mistake with Pika? What a dilemma he was in! He eventually decided it was better to use Nine now if for no other reason than Pika was stronger and Diane kept talking about her 'strongest pokemon'.
"Let's do this…NINE!" Sam yelled. He tossed the pokeball at full speed and the fox appeared, its golden fur shining in the sunlight.
"So that's your next pokemon, huh? I'll be the end of it! Minimize!" Diane yelled. Clefable shrank, smaller and smaller until it was just barely visible.
"Just like Growth," Sam whispered, remembering the attack that had given him hell in the first round of the tournament. Tangela had become larger and this move made pokemon smaller…maybe if he attacked it would do more damage this time?
"Well! Time to put my theory to a test! Let it rip with Flamethrower!" Sam yelled. Nine charged up and let loose a massive jet of flame, sending it straight at the small fairy. It easily avoided the heavy flame, however, as it jumped out of the way with ease.
"It avoided my flame?!" Sam exclaimed. He hadn't expected the small pokemon to easily avoid the burning flames Nine produced.
"Yep, and here comes the backlash! Use Doubleslap!" Diane yelled. Clefable jumped up and onto Nine's muzzle, slapping it intensely. Nine backed up slowly, obviously in pain.
"So let me get this straight, it gets faster AND keeps its power?! What is up with that thing?!" Sam yelled.
"Aww…wittwe Sammy's jewous," Diane said, mocking him intensely.
"Shut up," Sam said angrily. This girl was a real pain. How was he going to get past all those benefits? Maybe if it hurt itself, though, Nine could hold on just long enough to set it on fire!
"Let's do this! Set up the firewall!" Sam yelled. Nine nodded and several flames flew out of its mouth, hitting the ground and formed a fair sized wall.
"It'll do! Now jump over it and use Roar!" Sam yelled. Nine nodded then jumped easily over the wall, landing softly. It then opened its muzzle and let out a monstrous roar, sending Clefable running. Unfortunately, running meant straight into the wall, where it was caught.
"Good work, now use Flamethrower!" Sam yelled. Nine nodded and sent out a huge jet of flame, causing Clefable to freak out. It slowly but surely returned to its normal size.
"Humph…that one won't work. Go on, use Metronome!" Diane yelled. Sam scowled. He knew this attack had odd chances of making everything work perfectly for the user. Clefable started to waggle its fingers and sure enough, water appeared out of nowhere, falling on all the flames AND Nine.
"Dear god…Water Sport," Sam whispered. Diane had the same luck James did, meaning that he was in for a crap load of fun now.
"Go for another Metronome," Diane said.
"Not so fast, hit it with Quick Attack!" Sam yelled quickly. Nine flew forward at top speed, hitting the large fairy so hard it flew over Nine's body and onto the ground. It hit the ground hard, rolling a couple of feet
"Yeah! Good job!" Sam yelled. Nine was definitely the top choice in this situation.
"Grr…freeze it in place, Ice Beam!" Diane yelled. Clefable stood up slowly, obviously injured and shot a beam of ice out of its mouth. Before Nine could react, it was frozen in its place.
"Damn it!" Sam yelled.
"Let's end it with Metronome!" Diane yelled. Clefable's fingers started to move as Sam looked up at the sky, praying silently that it wasn't Hydro Pump or Hydro Cannon. He closed his eyes as its fingers started to glow. He cringed, expecting the sound of rushing water to follow. What he actually heard shocked him. He heard cracking, then flames. His eyes flew open and he saw Nine, covered in pure red flames. It wasn't getting hurt, though. It was being healed…powered up…and freed!
"Nine! This is our chance! Use Flamethrower, max power!" Sam yelled. Nine jumped into the air, its body still covered in the red flames. It let out a huge jet of red flame, which Sam noticed was probably a result of the red flames covering it. He hoped the red flame wasn't permanent, or he might become too well known to get a good battle. The red flames covered Clefable, who was screeching at the pain.
"Grr…METRONOME AGAIN!" Diane yelled. Clefable started waggling its fingers. Sam figured he wasn't going to get lucky twice, so he decided to be ready.
"Come on! Burn 'em up with Flamethrower!" he yelled. Nine landed and launched a flurry of red flames again as a huge stream of water flew out of Clefable's mouth. Sam sighed, expecting his luck to not hold, but he quickly realized that this WAS going right for him. Nine's flames were holding well against the stream of water, and Sam knew from experience that it wouldn't hold on for too long.
"Come on, push harder!" Sam heard Diane cry. Clefable increased the amount flying out of its mouth, causing the flames to shrink back slowly but surely towards Nine.
"Come on, Nine! Hold on for just a little bit longer!" Sam yelled. Nine nodded, then seemed to release a little more flame, causing the water to come to a standstill. The next part seemed to happen slowly, making Sam question its legitimacy something definitely happened. All in a second, the water stopped pouring out of Clefable's mouth and the fire prevailed, hitting Clefable hard. It flew back and hit the ground, knocked out.
"The winner of that round is Ninetails!" the ref yelled. Sam smiled and so did Nine. They'd done it: They'd defeated Clefable and victory was within his grasp now!
"Wow…I've been pushed this far…but I won't lose…I can't…" Diane whispered.
"Oh shut up. This is it for you, I'm winning right here! I have someone I have to fight…I have to prove my strength to him…no matter what it takes!" Sam yelled.
"Well then, this is it for you. My final pokemon…Pidgeot!" Diane yelled. She tossed a pokeball and Sam cringed. A huge bird with at least a 6 foot wingspan appeared, flapping easily as it landed.
"So powerful…" Sam whispered.
"Let the next round…begin!" the ref yelled.
"Nine, show it what you've got! Use Quick Attack!" Sam yelled. Nine dashed forward, the white streak following it.
"Not so fast, show it a real Quick Attack!" Diane yelled. Sam didn't even see Pidgeot as it suddenly reappeared in front of him as Nine hit the ground with a thud. It got up, growling angrily.
"Nine!" Sam cried. Pidgeot was so fast and powerful…it was kind of scary, honestly.
"Now, use Aerial Ace!" Diane yelled.
"Not so fast! Flamethrower, now!" Sam yelled. Pidgeot lifted into the air then shot like a bullet at Nine, who fired off a huge jet of flame at Pidgeot. Pidgeot was hit hard, but he simply flew through it, hitting Nine with dangerous power.
"We hit it, but it didn't do anything…get up! Try again!" Sam yelled. Nine pulled itself to its feet, standing up without much energy once again.
"Use Roost to heal yourself!" Diane yelled. Pidgeot landed and energy seemed to surround it, healing it quickly.
"Damn…it can heal itself?" Sam whispered to himself.
"Now go, hit it with Aerial Ace!" Diane yelled.
"Hypnosis!" Sam cried instinctively. Nine's eyes turned purple and Pidgeot suddenly fell out of the sky and fell, rolling a little bit before hitting the ground. Nine walked over, ready to do damage, but suddenly fell on the ground.
"Nine! Return!" Sam yelled, sending the beam from his pokeball at the pokemon. He couldn't act like it hadn't taken heavy damage already.
"What's wrong? Your weak little fox is done?" Diane said mockingly.
"It's not weak, but yeah…Nine's done…" Sam whispered quietly.
"Weakness!" Diane yelled.
"Shut up…here comes my final pokemon…ready, PIKA?!" Sam yelled, tossing the pokeball. Pika appeared in a flash of light, looking around.
"Humph…you would save the electric mouse for right now…" Diane whispered.
"Yeah, yeah I would, but no problem…I'll end this fast…" Sam said, a smile creeping onto his face.
"Let this final round…begin!" the ref yelled.
"I'll finish you fast! Pika, show it Thunderbolt!" Sam yelled. Pika's cheeks shocked as it leaped into the air. Lightning filled the arena as Pika let loose a huge jolt of electricity.
"Dodge it with Quick Attack, then use Quick Attack and smack it with your wing!" Diane yelled. Pidgeot flew backwards around Diane, avoiding the attack then charged a Pika, hitting it with its wing as it passed.
"So fast…how do I keep up?" Sam asked himself?
"Want some more? Use Quick Attack to run circles then ram it with Aerial Ace as you pass!" Diane yelled.
"No!" Sam cried as the attack began. Pidgeot started flying quick circles around Pika and occasionally Pika would be hit by some invisible force. The pokemon was just too fast, there was no other way of putting it.
"But how? How can I keep up with a pokemon like that?!" Sam cried angrily. As he fidgeted, his pokedex fell out of his pocket. When he picked it up, it was on a screen he'd used before; the attack screen. On it was a list of Pika's attacks, along with a new one.
"Hmm…I wonder…Pika, use Agility!" Sam yelled. Pika nodded then disappeared in a flash of light. Pidgeot stopped, looking around for the mouse. All of a sudden, Pika appeared below the bird. Pidgeot looked down in shock as Sam barked a command.
"Now hit it, Thunderbolt!"
Pika let loose a huge jolt of electricity, hitting Pidgeot hard before jumping back into where it stood before.
"It's so…fast!" Diane cried.
"You aren't the only one who's got speed, Diane. Here's my comeback!" Sam yelled.
Yeah, I wish it was that easy. Pika won't be moving for a bit after that. It needs practice, but whatever… Sam thought.
You didn't do half bad there…not bad at all, the dark side commented.
Yeah? Well stay out of it, Sam said bitterly.
Oh, I plan to…but as a suggestion, Pidgeot seems to put everything into offense…if you could dodge…well, that's your job to find out, the dark side said, disappearing.
"Hmm…what to do with that…" Sam whispered, thinking about what his dark side had just said. If it put everything into offense, then it would be exposed right after an attack…but how to exploit that?
"Roost now, Pidgeot!" Diane yelled. Pidgeot landed then the energy formed around it once more, healing it again.
"That attack really gets to me, use Quick Attack!" Sam yelled. Pika charged forward at top speed, aiming for Pidgeot's stomach.
"Now use Aerial Ace, end it!" Diane yelled. Pidgeot took off at top speed, aiming for the small mouse.
"Now! Slide under it!" Sam yelled. Pika flipped over onto its back, sliding just under Pidgeot's talons. Pidgeot landed softly, its wings spread openly.
"Now use Agility to get on its back!" Sam yelled. Pika seemed to teleport as it landed on Pidgeot with a thud. Pidgeot took off into the air, shaking wildly trying to get rid of Pika.
"Now hit it! Thunderbolt!" Sam yelled. Pika let out a huge jolt of electricity, sending both pokemon to the ground.
"Grr! Get up and use Roost!" Diane yelled. Pidgeot got up the energy started to form around it. Pika charged back to Sam, awaiting the plan.
"Great work, Pika. Here's the plan," Sam said, whispering several commands to Pika, who nodded slowly as Sam spoke.
"You forget we're in a match? Let me remind you! Use Twister!" Diane yelled. Pidgeot flapped its wings and a twister appeared near Pika. Pika charged in another direction trying to avoid it, but it was all in vain, as it was caught. It flew up and up, eventually reaching the top and flying out.
"Now end this! Aerial Ace!" Diane yelled. Pidgeot flew up at top speed and hit Pika hard. It landed as it hit the ground as Pika did, but no thud occurred. The twister was still rumbling as Sam had a smirk on its face. 'Pika' appeared to be knocked out.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! The winner is D-"the ref started.
"Hold on! This fight isn't over yet! Pika, now! End it with one final Thunderbolt!" Sam yelled. Something strange happened. Pika flew out of the twister, shocking Pidgeot badly. It cried out in pain, then collapsed, knocked out.
"P…Pidgeot is unable to battle! The winner of the battle is Sam! Sam will be moving on the final rounds!" the ref yelled.
"But…HOW?!" Diane cried, shocked at her loss.
"You failed to take one thing into consideration…that I might actually have a plan. And I did, too. You see, when Pika was sucked up into the vortex, it balled up to avoid being pulled up as quickly, but not before making a copy of itself with double team. Pidgeot hit that at such a high speed that it assumed it didn't feel it, giving it a false sense of security when Pika jumped out of the twister and fired its last attack. Do you see now, Diane? I knew exactly what you were going to do the whole time and planned my attacks around it. That's why you lost," Sam explained.
"I…I see…I now understand how you beat me, Travis and Danny…the professor was wrong about you. You're far from beneath us…you're above us if anything…there's a lot to be learned from you, Sam…a lot to be learned," Diane said, returning Pidgeot and heading out of the arena. Sam looked up at the sky.
"Just you wait, Warren…I'm coming for you," he whispered, leaving.

 

[slls81]

@Izuna - Congratulations on reaching the final!!! We're actually at the final! Can't wait! Anyway... now for the ranking bit:

Congratulations Pidgeotto (Pidg) grew to Level 32 and learned Agility
Congratulations Ninetales (Nine) grew to Level 31
Congratulations Pikachu (Pika) grew to Level 35

OOC: Please see OOC thread for Final round discussion :P
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Pidgeot fell, the crowd erupted... including a certain pink haired pokemon professor. Professor Maple couldn't believe it, both of the trainers in the Pokemon League final started their journeys from her lab! She looked around just in time to see Professor Oak walking out of the stadium looking less than impressed at the outcome of the match. Maple didn't care though, maybe the pompous old git would take her seriously as a Pokemon Researcher now? It didn't matter, right now all that mattered was soaking up the atmosphere and celebrating Sam's win!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(The Next Day)

"Hey Robert! Did you see the results?" Maple asked excitedly.

"I sure did," replied a beaming face on the screen, "Both of the trainers in the final are from this very lab!"

"I still can't believe it..." said Maple absentmindedly.

"They must have some powerful pokémon..." said Danny.

"Oh yes," replied Maple cheerily, "It's amazing to think back to when they started. They've grown so much."

"You sound like a proud mother," joked Danny.

"Oh don't be so silly..." giggled Maple.

"I've been thinking," said Robert suddenly, "You should really treat your trainers once the tournaments over. You know, to congratulate them."

"That's a wonderful idea Robert," Maple replied happily, "Why didn't I think of that?"

"You were obviously just too engrossed with the tournament to think beyond it," Robert suggested.

"Yes... yes! That must be it," laughed Maple, "Anyway keep up the good work at the lab Robert!"

"Don't worry Professor, I will..." said Robert with a big smile on his face.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maple hung up the phone and began to head to the main stadium. The final was less than an hour away, and she had one of the best seats in the house! This was sure to be a battle that she, and her two young trainers, would never forget...

 

[sasuneuchiha]

OOC: The single most awesome battle in the history of pokemon, done by yours truely and Armoire of Invincibility.
Sam walked down the staircase slowly. He hadn't gotten hardly any sleep the night before and was spaced out. He hardly noticed when he slipped into the lobby. He sat down at a chair and ordered breakfast, worried about the match that day. It had been up since just after his match the day before. Him against Warren.

It's been so long since I had that match with him...have I gotten any stronger at all? Sam whispered, remembering Fuschia City. That was the day he and Warren had met...and now it all came to this. His pokemon were at the pokecenter wing healing up for the finals. Sam looked over and smiled for the first time all morning. His team was going to give it their all...he couldn't let his feelings hold them down.

His breakfast arrived and he pulled out his town map. Pointing at almost every location on it, he remembered the times he'd spent at them all. Suddenly, it occurred to him that it was all leading up to this. Receiving Vee back in Pallet Town then traveling Route One and catching Pidg. Next his time in Viridian, then to the forest and catching Pika. Pewter City against Brock, then mount moon and Magikarp. After that, Cerulean City and Misty, then Lt. Surge in Vermillion. His match in Saffron City against Tyron, then Erica in Celadon City. His time with James, then the Safari Zone. His humiliating loss against Koga, then a very important event. Meeting Warren and realizing that he couldn't keep going like he had been. He had to man up and learn to fight like a real trainer. His eventual victory over Koga, then his time in Cinnabar Island training under Blaine, who taught him the true power of a fire type. His time in Pallet Town getting to know the Sarunos and checking on Gyara, then, his match against Warren the gym leader back in Viridian, his next round against Warren that had ended in a tie. Then meeting Jasper...also an important event in his life. Then, all the matches he'd had in this tournament...it all led up to now. He had to remember everything he'd ever learned on his journey if he wanted a shot against Warren. Scanning through his pokedex, he remembered the battles he'd had along the way. It was all preparing him for this...and he would be ready!

Meanwhile, at the other end of the lounge, Warren was picking up his Pokémon from Nurse Joy. As he accepted the Pokéballs, the nurse reached beneath the counter to bring out another object.

"This was left for you by Peter Jennings," she said mechanically, holding out a short bone towards Warren. The trainer grimaced as he caught a whiff of the scent that hung around the bone. It was pretty obvious how Peter had got it back from Kangaskhan, but he wouldn't be telling Cubone that, obviously. Taking it wordlessly, Warren wandered back over to the main part of the lounge and sat down, ignoring the only other person in there. For a second, he glanced over at the breakfast that was on offer, but decided against it. His stomach was already churning with the pressure of the upcoming match and food was not going to help. Glancing down at the bone in his hand, Warren's mind flashed back to catching Cubone. It hadn't been all that long ago, but he already felt like him and the troupe were all, well, not friends obviously, but maybe acquaintances. Poliwhirl, at least, was probably closer to him than any human - the tadpole had been on the road with him for the best part of a year, after all. He remembered leaving Pallet on his own for the first time...catching Rattata...meeting Beedrill, then just a little Weedle. He'd met other trainers - some friendly, others...not so much. Weedle, as a Kakuna, had defied all odds to take down Brock's Onix. Misty had been his first defeat, crushing his newly caught Mankey and his newly evolved Beedrill. Bellsprout had taught her a lesson though. It might not have been a noble win...but he'd done it, after all. Lieutenant Surge had been another challenge, but Bellsprout had risen to the occasion once more. Then Tyron, in Saffron. Danny had traded him Gastly and they'd began to become more friendly rivals...but it hadn't all been good. Celadon, that night at the Pokémon Centre...it had been the most insane night of his life, but it still hadn't been the end. The challenges kept coming, like when he ran into that Grimer, and Beedrill...Warren gulped as he checked the date on the calendar on his Pokédex. Beedrill's amputation was happening in two days time...as if there wasn't enough going on already. Warren's mind flicked back to his journey. In Fuschia, he'd met Sam, got in a fight with him, and helped him to beat up his nemesis minutes later. It was an odd relationship, to say the least. The last few gym battles had been hard, but he'd fought through and even had a moment of utter relief when Beedrill was found once more, even if not he wasn't quite the bug he once was. Warren glanced over to the other end of the longue once more, then sighed and stood up. The next match was starting in about ten minutes, so he might as well head there a few minutes early. He'd need to do some serious forward thinking if he was going to stand a chance in this match.

Sam stood up slowly, his breakfast finished. The match was going to start soon and he needed his pokeballs. He walked over and grabbed his team. Placing the pokeballs on his belt, Sam's confidence was lifted instantly. His team had the will to win he had been lacking this entire morning. It was time. Walking over to the door, he sighted an odd and somewhat unwelcome sight this early in the morning. Warren. His rival was obviously headed to the arena already, and Sam figured he may as well do the same. Looking up into the open sky might help clear his mind.

Warren sighed as he entered the arena, taking his place at the end of the battlefield. Most of the spectators were already sitting down and, as he watched, the referee strolled in, flags in hand. Clearly, the match was going to start any minute, and Warren wasn't sure that he was ready...

Sam stepped into the arena. It was a full house today! Walking forward, he noticed Warren on the other side with an expression he'd never seen before. Warren was...worried?

"Yo Warren! You ready?!" he yelled, taking his position. This was it, his last chance to show confidence before the match. Warren glanced up at him, shaking away the gloom. He hadn't come all this way for nothing.

"I'm ready!" he yelled, then glanced over to the referee.

"Are we good to go? I can't wait to destroy this guy!"

"The other challenger must announce that he is ready before we can be-" the ref was cut off by Sam.

"Then let's get this show on the road! I can't wait...I'm going to show you just how tough I've gotten since Fuschia City!" Sam yelled, pointing at Warren.

"Very well...the match can commence!" the ref yelled, waving his flags. Warren smirked.

"Alright, Venonat, let's get going!" he called, throwing a Pokéball to release the blue-eyed bug. With a screech, it appeared, stretching and apparently ready to fight.

"Very well. Pidg, let's rock!" Sam yelled, tossing the pokeball out. Pidg appeared, flying into the air before landing right in front of Sam.

"May round one of the final match...begin!" the ref yelled, waving the flags again.

"Let's show it! Use Quick Attack, Pidg!" Sam yelled. Pidg flew forward with the white streak following it straight at the purple bug. Warren winced as the large pigeon hit Venonat full on and sent it flying high into the air.

"Land with Confusion!" Venonat blinked, then caught itself before it crashed, floating gently downwards to minimize damage.

"Now, Psybeam!" The bug cackled as its eyes lit, up, then it fired a powerful beam of multicolored light straight towards the bird.

"Ugh...use Featherdance!" Sam yelled. A several feathers fell off of Pidg, causing the beam to be weakened when it hit Pidg, causing it to shake its head a little. Sam scowled, as the attack hadn't done too much to block Warren's attack, but then remembered he couldn't expect so few feathers to do anything.

"Well then, Pidg! We'll just show then our true power! Start with Quick Attack!" Sam yelled. Pidg nodded, then flew forward at top speed straight at Venonat. When it got close, Sam gave the next command. "Now switch to Aerial Ace!" The air around Pidg seemed to cut apart as Pidg flew, headed straight for the bug. Once more, Venonat flew into the air and slammed down hard into the sand. Warren growled as it struggled upright, spitting out sand.

"Alright, go all out, Venonat, Sludge bomb and Confusion!" Venonat nodded, summoning a Sludge Bomb which flew into the air, the putrid ball of slime splitting into two, then four, then eight separate projectiles, all of which were flying straight towards the bird.

"Crap, use Quick Attack to dodge it!" Sam yelled. Pidg flew into the air, immediately causing one to hit the dust. Flying at top speed, Pidg suddenly rolled over, causing two more to hit each other and blow up. Five more followed him now.

"Now use Featherdance!" Sam yelled. Five feathers fell off Pidg, hitting two of the bombs as they exploded.

"Now dive!" Sam yelled. Pidg dove at the ground, attempting to evade the last three, but suddenly one hit it in the stomach, causing it to stop and fall slower, as the two other slammed into it at high velocity. "Pidg!" Sam cried as the bird hit the ground with a thud.

"Please, Pidg...get up!" Sam yelled. Pidg shook its head, then stood up slowly. "Not bad, Warren...not bad at all. Pidg, let's do this, use Gust!" Sam yelled. Pidg's wings started to flap at high speeds, blowing dust up at Venonat, who was defending against the new wind. Warren growled as Venonat was tossed high into the sky by the powerful winds, but a sudden idea struck him.

"Use Confusion to steady yourself!" he yelled and, for a second, it seemed to work - Venonat slowed to halt and began to move in a more controlled manner. But then, with a fresh gust of wind, the control was lost and the bug, squealing like a maniac, plummeted to earth, hitting the sand with a loud thud. Warren grimaced as he saw that it was unconscious. That Pidg had taken it out far too quickly. He needed something different.

"Elekid, let's go!" he yelled, and the small yellow Pokémon emerged onto the field.

"Use Shock Wave!"

"Shoot..." Sam whispered, realizing the bolt would follow Pidg. It was moving far too fast to dodge so Pidg took the hit strong, shaking it off as best it could.

"Come on, let's do this! Twister, Pidg!" Sam yelled. Pidg kicked up a fair sized twister, sending it flying towards Elekid. "I know that my flying attacks will be a little weaker than they should be, but last I checked electric types have no such defense against Dragon type attacks!" Warren grinned.

"All you need is a little ingenuity! Thundershock!" Elekid whirled its arms and yellow lightning played about its prongs, firing from the top of its head into the whirling maelstrom that now crackled with electricity, a lightning storm that was slowly growing and was covering more and more of the battlefield.

"Damn it..." Sam whispered quietly. Pidg was hit by the powerful storm he'd started, but now it had started fading. Pidg was back on its legs, though it wouldn't be for too much longer.

"Let's...do this! Go, use Aerial Ace!" Sam yelled. Pidg flew forward at top speed, straight at Elekid, who seemed exhausted after the powerful hit it had already taken. Warren grimaced.

"Come on Elekid! Thunder Punch!" Elekid drew back a fist, sparks playing around it, but Pidg was getting closer and closer.

"Come on, hit it! Don't hold back or we'll just end up regretting it!" Sam yelled. Pidg nodded, then increased its speed, slamming into Elekid's fist at the very moment it flung it forward. Smoke covered the stadium, causing Sam and Warren to lose sight of their pokemon. The smoke started to clear and Sam saw Pidg on the ground, knocked out.

"Good work..." he whispered, returning the bird to its pokeball.

Ooh...this Warren kid...he's tough the dark side whispered.

Shut up, I haven't got time for you, Sam whispered in reply.

Hahaha...talk as you wish. My time will come... the dark side whispered, disappearing. Warren, unaware of this exchange, grinned as he saw Elekid, down on one knee and panting heavily, but looking mostly unhurt.

"Alright to keep going?" he called, but Elekid just waved a stubby hand. It was going to have at least one more good fight before it went down this time.

"Yeah...only one choice here, so let's do this...Cloy!" Sam yelled, throwing the pokeball. The giant oyster appeared, grinning like usual. "I know it seems a little odd, sending out a water type, but whatever, you'll see my point! Let's do this, Toxic Spikes!" Sam yelled. Cloy seemed to focus for a second, then fire off a barrage of purple spikes, which dappled the ground. Warren growled.

"Alright, make sure not to move, but use Shock Wave!" Elekid, feet planted firmly on the floor, whirled its arms and blue sparks leapt between its prongs, before forming into a blue beam that shot towards the giant shellfish.

"Warren Warren Warren," Sam sighed. The attack was predictable and easily countered. "Protect, Cloy." A green barrier formed around the oyster, easily taking the attack before Sam decided to counter.

"Use Icicle Spear, now!" he yelled. Several icicles flew out of Cloy's shell straight at Elekid, who was short on options at the minute with the spikes in place around it.

"Light Screen!" Elekid raised a hand and , just like Cloy's protect, a barrier formed out of mid air to block the icicles and send them clattering to the ground. Unlike Protect, Elekid seemed to be somewhat staggered by this blow. Warren growled as Elekid glanced around, completely unable to move thanks to the spikes.

"Try an unfocused Thunder Shock!" Warren shouted and Elekid whirled its arms, weak bolts leaping from the top of its prongs to smash the spikes lying around its feet.

"Now, Thunder Punch again!"

"You know, you're the one who helped me learn this technique...now I'm using it against you! Close your shell, Cloy!" Sam yelled. Cloy's shell slammed shut, making essentially any attack useless at this point. Elekid, however, was still charging, its fist shocking with electricity. Warren snorted.

"Yeah, like that's gonna work. Closing its shell doesn't stop Cloy from conducting electricity, y'know! Elekid, do it!" Elekid gave one last cackle, and swung its lightning-wreathed fist forwards.

"That would be a damn good plan, Warren, if you had taken one thing into consideration: THE SHELL IS ESENTIALLY ROCK! The inside is where the conducting part is! You've just doomed yourself," Sam said, but suddenly a look of shock appeared on his face. Elekid punched right at where Cloy's shell opened, shaking it violently. Sam heard Cloy screech from within the shell, but it stayed shut. Warren cackled.

"Yeah, it looks like that plan worked out really well for you, eh? Now, Swift and Shock Wave!" Elekid whirled its arms as it stepped back, sparks flying between its horns. Slowing the spinning, Elekid raised one hand and, with a flash of golden light, a burst of flashing stars flew high into the air, before circling around Elekid's prongs, the sparks glowing an ominous blue.

"Now!" With a blast of electricity, Elekid fired its Shock Wave directly into the stars, which cart wheeled forwards, straight towards Cloy.

"Ya know, Warren, you'd be a great trainer if you wouldn't fall for the same tricks every time. Cloy, open your shell and use Protect!" Sam yelled. Cloy's shell flew open and a bruised Cloy growled at Elekid before creating a green barrier. The stars hit the barrier rapidly, but didn't get through.

"It's close! Show it your real power...Poison Jab!" Sam yelled. The spike on Cloy's shell turned purple as Cloy lunged forward, aiming for Elekid's stomach. Elekid screamed as the toxic horn struck it hard, knocking it backwards. Stumbling to one knee, Elekid clutched its stomach in pain but glared malevolently at Cloy.

"Alright, Elekid, just keep attacking and Protect will fail eventually! Circle it and use Thunder Shock!" Elekid chuckled as it began to run, moving at a blinding speed as it whirled its arms, then, glancing at Cloy, it began to fire off bolts of yellow lightning at the overgrown shellfish.

"Cloy, set up Toxic Spikes, ignore the pain!" Sam yelled. The bolts struck Cloy and it cried out for a second, but then shook its head and sent out spikes in front of it. Elekid easily jumped them the first time, proving its quick reactions.

"Good! Now fire Aurora Beam as it passes!" Sam yelled. Cloy nodded, then fired off the multicolored beam straight in front of it, leaving Elekid with two options. Stop and leave itself wide open for an attack or jump and take the risk of being hit and maybe even falling on the toxic spikes. Either way, the options weren't good. Elekid took the first option, skidding to a halt as Aurora beam shot inches in front of it, freezing the ground that it passed over. Warren grimaced as he saw Elekid stumble, clutching its stomach again. It looked like that Poison Jab had done some lasting damage.

"Thundershock!" he shouted and Elekid shot off another bolt, but it flew high over Cloy's head. This wasn't good.

"Damn it, Elekid!" Warren yelled, "Concentrate!"

"Its poisoning won't help with that...allow me to finish it off. Cloy, fire Water Pulse!" Sam yelled. A large sphere of water appeared at Cloy's mouth, then was expelled straight at the small electric type. "Dodge it if you can!" Warren snorted.

"Who needs to dodge? Light Screen!" Elekid threw up its arms and a thin, transparent barrier materialized between Elekid and Water Pulse. The attack smashed into it harmlessly, but Elekid's feet slid back several paces and over a few of the Toxic Spikes. Warren winced. Time for one last desperate attack.

"Thundershock, but don't release it, Elekid!" he yelled and the small Pokémon whirled its arms - sparks immediately began to fly between its horns, but Elekid refused to let them escape, gritting its teeth with the effort of holding back the attack.

"Now, Quick Attack!" Elekid screamed madly as it sped forwards, electricity flying in every direction as its horns began to slowly bend outwards from the sheer power building up between them.

"Protect!" Sam yelled quickly. The green barrier appeared, but something curious happened. Elekid smashed into it, then Cloy. Cloy cried out in pain, but was quickly silenced by going unconscious.

"It failed...I've done the one thing I swore I wouldn't do...I overused that move...damn it..." Sam whispered.

Epic fail, the dark side whispered.

Oh just go to hell, Sam thought back annoyed.

No thanks...it's almost my turn the dark side whispered happily before fading.

Suddenly, Sam was back in the arena. Cloy was definitely done. Despite its wonderful defensive power...it didn't have much in terms of pure stamina...it was kind of pathetic, really. Warren grinned as Elekid turned around, but his grin slipped as it keeled over and smashed face first into the ground. The poison had taken its toll...plus, running into Cloy's shell had probably kinda hurt, even if it had looked frickin' awesome.

"Return!" Warren called, disappointed. That was two down each...time to bring out the big guns.

"Victreebel, let's go!" he yelled and the pitcher plant emerged onto the arena, glancing up at the bleak grey sky. No Chlorophyll-powered super speed for it today, then.

"Hmm...let's see. Steelix, Pika, Umbre and Nine. That's who I've got left. If I'm not mistaken, Warren's got Poliwhirl, Haunter, Victreebel and Cubone left. Pika's attacks are a little less powerful than usual here and Cubone blocks them completely. Poliwhirl and Cubone beat Nine...Haunter can probably take any of them and Nine's the best odds there and Umbre's got them all. Best option in this fight? Nine!" Sam yelled, tossing the pokeball. The golden fox appeared, no emotions showing yet.

"Burn, baby! Use Flamethrower!" Sam yelled. Nine let out a jet of flame straight at Victreebel. Warren grinned. He'd been expecting that.

"Give it your best Acid!" he yelled and Victreebel's leaf flipped open, allowing a thick strem of a faintly purple liquid to come out, connecting with the jet of flame. A cloud of purple gas erupted and half of the Flamethrower disappeared, quenched by the Acid. But the rest got through, flames licking painfully at Victreebel's yellow skin. Still, it could have been worse. And now, as Warren watched, the cloud of vaporized acid was spreading across the arena. Victreebel's Poison typing was protecting it, but what about Nine? The question was quickly answered when a loud cry echoed through the stadium. The gas had hit Nine, burning it's skin.

"Don't let it get you! Use Quick Attack!" Sam yelled. Nine dissapeared in a blur, heading straight for Victreebel. "Now use Ember to coat yourself in flames!" Flames flew out of Nine's mouth, lighting it up with fire as it charged straight at Victreebel. Warren narrowed his eyes as Victreebel was smacked to the ground, but it rose once more, an angry burn on its chest but a glare in its eyes. After all, Victreebel wasn't the tank of his team for nothing. Slow and ungainly, it might be, but it sure wouldn't go down easy.

"Sleep powder!" he yelled and, with a great belch, Victreebel expelled a cloud of twinkling blue powder that drifted towards the fiery fox.

"Don't you learn? Use Safeguard!" Sam yelled. A green aura appeared around Nine. The powder floated over, but fell to the ground upon touching the aura. "Now let's show it our moves! Hypnosis!" Sam yelled. Nine's eyes turned purple as it faced Victreebel, looking it in the eyes.

"Close your eyes!" Victreebel snapped its eyelids closed, but it had caught a blast of hypnosis and, if not asleep, was definitely waving about a bit and did not look particularly ready to fight. There was only one thing for it.

"Vine Whip on yourself!" Warren winced as Victreebel's creeper slapped it hard across the face, but the plant blinked its eyes and glanced around angrily, seemingly snapped out of it. That Safeuard was blocking his best attacks...he'd have to try something a little less conventional.

"Vine Whip the sand into its eyes, Victreebel!" Warren yelled gleefully.

"Nine!" Sam cried as the sand flew off the ground, hitting Nine in the eyes. It shook its head a bit, but was definitely blinded. This was absolutely wonderful...he wouldn't be able to do hardly anything as it was at the moment!

Hahahaha! My turn. You don't see it...but I do, the dark side said.

No...not now! Sam thought back.

And why not? Its obvious that you don't have any brilliant ideas...and besides, don't you want to win this? the dark side asked gleefully.

I want to win...but not like this! Sam thought back angrily.

Well we can't all have what we want! My time is now! the dark side said. Sam's head started to burn and felt like it was splitting in two again. When his eyes opened, D. Sam had taken control.

"Humph! Now show it your real power! Use Flamethrower on the ground!" D. Sam yelled. Nine opened it's mouth and fired a jet of flames across the ground, confusing Victreebel. None of the flames had come even close to it. "Now get your revenge for what it did to you! Use Tail Whip on its head!" Nine jumped through the flames at Victreebel, which was odd as it was having a hard times seeing at the moment. Its tails flew downward, covered in flame. The plant leapt backwards as the flaming tails brushed its top leaf, but Ninetails seemed to be having to hard a time seeing to hit accurately. Still, Victreebel's leaf was sensitive and it was looking pretty annoyed as it glared at Ninetails.

"Alright, try a Razor Leaf!" Warren shouted, realizing that he'd already exhausted most of his options. Victreebel flicked a few sharp leaves at Ninetails, but Warren wasn't sure that they were going to do anything.

"Deflect them with Tail Whip!" D. Sam yelled. Nine's tails moved to defend and slap away the attacks, but they missed pathetically. The leaves jetted out, hitting Nine hard. Nine cried out in pain as the leaves hit powerfully. "Ugh...go for it with Will-o-wisp!" Sam yelled. The blue flames flew out of Nine's mouth a little bit to Victreebel's right, missing. Warren snickered. It was kinda sad, really.

"Alright, Razor Leaf and Stockpile!" he yelled, realizing he'd forgotten about this so far. Victreebel shot up a few leaves, then caught them deftly.

"Again!" Once more, Victreebel fired up a flurry of leaves, which drifted back down into its mouth. Warren grinned as the plant chewed lazily.

"Now," he yelled in excitement, "Spit Up!" The orbs flew forward at Nine, who could barely see them.

"Ugh...you pathetic fool. Take them with Flamethrower!" Sam yelled. Fire flew forward at the orbs, but it wasn't enough to stop them. Nine flew backwards, obviously injured a lot. It wasn't going to be easy winning with such an injured pokemon. Warren smirked again. He was feeling confident. A bit overconfident, maybe.

"Hey, are you even trying to win?" he bellowed at the opposing trainer, a look of supreme arrogance on his face.

"I mean, you're meant to be the one at the advantage, so why are you sucking so hard? Victreebel, ensnare its legs with Vine Whip!"

"You're the pathetic one here...I don't see what my other self sees in you...but whatever. You can use physical attacks all you want. Show it! Use Flamethrower, full power!" Sam yelled. Nine let out a huge jet of flame in the direction it felt Victreebel approaching fron, launching a full power attack at its opponent, who was still charging. Victreebel, reacting beautifully, spun to the side, but was unable to avoid the massive attack completely. Screeching painfully, several tongues of flame lashed against its side and Victreebel crashed into the ground a moment later with a large burn on its side. Slowly, it picked itself back up, but it was clearly not in much state to be battling. This fight couldn't last much longer.

"Sleep powder, once more!" Warren yelled, quickly forming a plan in his mind, and Victreebel spat up a cloud of blue dust.

"Now, Vine Whip! It can't avoid both attacks at once!"

"Oh can't I? Use Safeguard, then Will-o-Wisp!" D. Sam yelled. The green aura firmly covered Nine as a blue flame flew out of its mouth, catching the vine on fire as it hit. Nine was sent flying, but it had done its job. It had burnt Victreebel.

Its my turn! Sam yelled.

Your time isn't up yet D. Sam said in reply.

No...it is. This is my body! Sam yelled. D. Sam's head started to split again and suddenly the correct personality was back in place.

"Its time, then. Use Quick Attack and make a circle of flame around Victreebel!" Sam yelled. Nine shook its head and some sand fell. It opened its eyes with an angry look, showing that it could see once more. "Now you're finished!" Nine charged in a circle, releasing flames all around. This was a move he had used last time against Warren to a good effect, knocking the giant flower out. Still, it might not work this time around. The flames were all built up now and Victreebel was caught in the middle of them.

"Charge!" Nine jumped into the flames, its tails still stuck in the wall, activating Flash Fire. "NOW! Use your true power...use Kyuubi Flame!" Sam yelled. The massive attack was building up. The flames were building and Sam thought he spied an confused look on Warren's face. But seconds later, it gave way to a confident grin. He had just seconds to act before Nine was going to release some terrifying looking attack which seemed to be equivalent to fire blast times a billion. There was only one thing left to do before it blasted Victreebel to ashes...

"Victreebel, Vine Whip one more time!" he yelled, "And muzzle that fox!" Victreebel's vine quickly grabbed Nine's mouth, causing the flames to build up quickly, but Sam was ready.

"Come on, Warren. You really...you really think that I'm gonna let you take Nine out that easily? Use Tail Whip on the vine!" Sam yelled. A flame covered tail flew forward and slapped the vine. Victreebel pulled it back screeching in pain, but its cry was quickly cut short by the largest burst of flame anyone in the arena had ever seen. Nine's tails moved in front of its mouth, already burning. Nine quickly let loose a large burst of flame, covering the area in its flame. Victreebel and Nine were both caught in it. Flash Fire wouldn't be covering Nine this time...it was already being injured by the powerful flame. Warren gasped as the entrie arena was hidden from view by the thick cloak of flame. Slowly, ever so slowy, it flickered out, leaving a blanket of smoke in its wake. Warren peered through, but was only able to make out two vague shapes in the distance. Without a cry, the two shapes toppled and struck the earth with a loud thud. Warren let out a long breath as the smoke finally cleared. This battle was getting seriously tough.

"Both pokemon are knocked out! We will take a 5 minute break to change out the field!" the ref yelled. Sam sighed. He returned Nine quickly as Warren brought back his Victreebel. Backing up off the field, it sunk below the ground. In the finals...any field from the preliminary rounds could be used. Without even thinking, Sam walked over to Warren.

"Damn...you've gotten tough, ya know?" Warren snorted.

"What, are you looking for tips or something? I've got strategizing to do, so I'd rather not waste my time talking to a wannabe."

"Tsk, say as you will. I was just trying to be nice. You can't deny that I'm not a threat, though. Half your team is gone and you haven't fought two of my top pokemon or my biggest yet..." Sam said, smiling. Umbre, Pika and Steelix were more than enough. Still...Warren wasn't without a powerful team. He definitely had at least a Poliwhirl left, his Ghastly, probably a Haunter now and his Cubone, which Sam hoped was still in that form. Any other and he'd be wasting Umbre early to finish it off. Warren snorted.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm sure you'll put up a near-acceptable fight before I crush you. Besides, you say I haven't faced your two best, but you fawn over that Ninetails so much I'm surprised you haven't married it already."

"Oh just shut up...whatever, then. This is it, Warren. I'm going to defeat you, here and now. Remember that. Pika and Umbre ARE my best two...you'll have a hard time taking them...and the biggest surprise is yet to come." Sam said, chuckling quietly. "Oh, and Nine's a guy...I'm not gay."

 

[slls81]

@Izuna & Amoire of Invincibility - Good start to the battle guys. Should be an epic final! Can't wait for the next post! :D

@Izuna -
Congratulations Pidgeotto (Pidg) grew to Level 34
Congratulations Cloyster (Cloy) grew to Level 25
Congratulations Ninetales (Nine) grew to Level 32

@Amoire of Invincibility -
Congratulations Venonat grew to Level 27
Congratulations Elekid grew to Level 30 and is now ready to evolve!
Congratulations Victreebel grew to Level 36

 

[opet-k]

A new professor in town Kanto Adventure PG13

Kantos Battle Frontier didnt last 3 seasons... and if Ash even goes to Johto to take on the new Frontier brains, it wont last longer. Like, really, whats the worst that can happen? More random repetitive fillers?

 

[I Laugh at your Misfortune!]

Kantos Battle Frontier didnt last 3 seasons... and if Ash even goes to Johto to take on the new Frontier brains, it wont last longer. Like, really, whats the worst that can happen? More random repetitive fillers?

I'm sorry, do you not know what this thread is or something?

 

[slls81]

@Amoire of Invincibility - Oh man, I thought you'd put your post up for a second there :(

@opet-k - Erm, yeah I'm not really sure how thats relevant? You're new here, so I guess I should tell you that there is a seperate section for discussion about the anime. This section is specifically for pokemon roleplays. Hope that clears things up...

 

[I Laugh at your Misfortune!]

OOC: Here's the second half! Now just the final showdown is left!

Warren narrowed his eyes as he stepped up to the edge of the battlefield (now covered in rocks and boulders), considering Sam's team in his mind. Steelix, Umbre and Pika...there was only one Pokemon he had left that wasn't weak to any of their types.

"Cubone, let's go!" he yelled and the small, helmeted rodent burst onto the field. It glanced over to Warren and raised its empty hands. Warren grinned as he tossed over its bone, the one that Peter had left with Nurse Joy after, er, "retrieving" it from Kangaskhan. Warren glanced over at Sam.

"Alright Sam, you're going down!" Sam smirked.

"Well, Warren. You're confident...let's crush that! Steelix, I'm counting on you!" Sam yelled, throwing the red and white orb. The steel snake was released, ready for battle.

"The first move is yours, my friend." Sam bowed sarcastically. Warren narrowed his eyes. He could hardly say this was unexpected.

"Bonemerang, Cubone, hit it hard!" The rodent chuckled as it skipped forwards, then hurled its bone into the air, sending it whirling straight towards Steelix's face. Steelix was hit head on, but shook its head violently as it looked at Cubone, who's bone had returned to its hand.

"Show it real power! Gyro Ball!" Sam yelled. Steelix started spinning violently, creating a small twister which was headed straight for Cubone. The small rodent was flung into the air and battered about, but managed to land on its feet, albeit with a significant stagger.

"Bone Club, Cubone, but use it on the gaps in its body!"

"Humph...learn to use something NOT expected! Use Slam to send it flying!" Sam yelled. Steelix lashed out with its tail, aiming for Cubone's bony skull.

"Drop!" Warren shouted and Cubone flung itself to the ground, the tail of the giant snake whistling inches over its head. Warren snorted.

"Being big might give you some advantages, but a smaller target is difficult to hit, whereas your Steelix barely has room to move! Now, Cubone, jump onto its tail!"

"Warren, you don't learn, do you? Steelix, crush it with Slam!" Sam yelled. Steelix lifted its tail, which arced over it before heading down, straight a Cubone. "You can't dodge forever!" Warren snorted as Cubone leapt to the side and the pointed tail smashed into the rocky ground.

"I'm the one who doesn't learn? You're the one doing the same thing over and over. now, Cubone, I can only see one weak spot on ths thing so you'd better hit it! Bonemerang, and aim for the eyes!" Cubone tossed the bone wildly, aiming for Steelix's face. It hit hard, causing Steelix to back up a couple of feet.

"Okay then...you say I'm predictable? Use Dig, Steelix!" Sam yelled. Steelix nodded, then disappeared under the stadium. "Now show it real power! Use Gyro Ball!" Sam yelled. The ground started to shake and Sam smirked. This was a combo he'd discovered early in the tournament. By moving far beneath the ground, Steelix could cause small earthquakes, which would likely end up in an opening. Warren rolled his eyes.

"Oh no. The ground is shaking a little bit," he deadpanned as Cubone staggered backwards before collapsing against a small rock, leaning on it to stop itself from falling over. Warren glanced over at Sam as the tremors subsided.

"Well, after that seriously powerful attack," he called in the most sarcastic voice he could muster, "How about you tell your Steelix to come out of hiding so we can defeat it?"

"Hehehe...you wish you could! Steelix, come up now! Hit it with Ice Fang!" Sam yelled. Steelix rose up out of the ground with freezing cold fangs ready to bite. It leaned in at Cubone, who looked a bit nervous but otherwise ready for action. Its trainer just rolled his eyes.

"Jam its mouth open with your club, cubone, then Headbutt to the eyes again!" The rodent flinched as the snakes freezing fangs drew near, but gathered together all of its courage and lapt into battle.

"You really don't learn? Switch out! Slam it hard!" Sam yelled. Steelix's fangs returned to normal and its tail flew forward, ready to collide with Cubone.

"Heh...you think I didn't totally expect this?!" There was no time for complex strategies.

"Return!" Warren yelled and Steelix's tail flew forwards, only to cut through a disappearing beam of red light. Warren grinned as he reached around for a different Pokéball. Okay, so that fight hadn;t gone brilliantly, but he'd got Cubone out of it okay.

"Haunter, let's go!" he yelled and the ghost burst onto the field in a gloud of gas.

"Alright Sam, do your worst!"

"Huh...you aren't leaving me a lot of choice here. Return, Steelix," Sam said. Steelix returned to the pokeball in a burst of red light. Sam quickly grabbed another pokeball. "Come on...Pika!"

The small electric mouse appeared, shocking violently.

"Normally I'd let you start...but I can't let you take any advantage...go, use Thunderbolt!" A large amount of electricity out, flying at Haunter. Warren snorted.

"That's it? Haunter, take the hit and use Payback!" The ghost glared at him, but remained where it was as the jet of electricity shot through its body before, growling in pain, it charged itself with its claws coated in iridescent purple.

"Ugh...I was hoping to save this for later...but you aren't leaving me a load of choice again. Pika, use Agility!" Sam cried. Pika nodded, then disappeared in a blur, dodging the attack. It reappeared behind Haunter as Sam started to plan the next move.

"Show it again! Use THUNDERBOLT!" Sam yelled. Pika let off another huge burst of electricity, headed straight for haunter again. "I'm not giving up!"

"Do it again, Haunter!" Warren yelled and once more, the ghost sagged as the thunder coursed through it. Then, with a glowing purple aura, it charged, claws raised once more.

"Dodge it the same way!" Sam yelled. Pika started to dash, but it was too slow. It wasn't moving any faster than normal speed. Haunter hit it hard easily. "Hmm...looks like rapid use of that move won't do me any good at all...instead, use Double Team!" Pika focused and several illusions of it, looking exactly like the original, appeared.

"Now! Use Quick Attack!" Sam yelled. Pika and its clones dashed forward and started running circles around Haunter, who looked confused. "Shock it with Thundershock!" A jolt of electricity flew out, but it was impossible to get a source as Pika ran continuous circles.

"Counter with Night Shade!" Warren yelled and Haunter, relieved to not be taking another hit, gather up a ball of black lightning, before sending it firing in every direction, glnacing of the bolts of electricity and sending them wildly off course.

"Now, use Lick, and sweep every one of those clones!"

"Oh snap..." Sam whispered as Haunter's tongue flew out, crashing into the three clones, then Pika, who was sent flying wildly into the rock.

"Okay...not fun. Let's try something else. Pika, use Thunderbolt on your tail, then use Tail Whip!" Pika's tail was shocked, then lashed out at Haunter, who was sucking it's tongue back in like spaghetti. Haunter winced as Pika's tail brushed its damp tongue, sending a weak sock up its body, but it avoided most of the attack and glared malevolently at the rat.

"Sucker Punch!" Haunter cackled as it flew forwards, fist drawn back and thrust it straight at Pika. It smashed it's fist into Pika's face, making it fly backwards towards a rock.

"Shoot..." Sam whispered as Pika hit. This was not good. He was running out of tricks.

"Pika...pika!" Pika cried, struggling to get back up. That last move had been full power.

"Pika..." Sam whispered. He was starting to lose hope.

"Pika!" Pika cried, looking a touch angry at Sam.

"You...you're right. This is no time to give up hope! Jump into the air and fire off a real Thunderbolt!" Sam yelled. Pika nodded and leaped into the air, sending out a burst of lightning that flew straight at the ground. There was no time to dodge, or even call out an order. Wincing, Haunter clawed at its own stomach and a thick fog of its gaseous blood burst out of the wound. Even as the Curse moved forwards, Thunderbolt struck Haunter dead on and screaming, it sank to the ground. Warren growled as he returned it. At least the next choice was obvious.

"Cubone, you're back up!" he yelled as the rodent burst onto the field.

"Every time something goes wrong...I can't take that thing with Pika in this situation, especially not with everything that's been stacked already. Well, whatever. Pika, use Double Team!" Sam yelled. Pika spread out with several clones taking position. "Let's do this! Agility!" Sam yelled. Pika disappeared in a blur and suddenly the multiple Pikas were running in odd patterns around Cubone. Warren grimaced.

"Just concentrate, Cubone! Use Bonemerang to clear the clones away!"

"That's just your answer to everything, isn't it? Well I'm SICK OF IT! Pika, charge!" Sam yelled. The many Pikas flew forward as the bone crashed through the team. Every clone was hit, disappearing, but Pika evaded it. "Now hit it! Slam!" Sam yelled. Pika lunged in, ready to hit Cubone hard with everything it had left.

"Defend it with Headbutt!" The two Pokemon smashed into each other hard, but Cubone was the one driven back by Pika's sheer power. As the helmeted rodent spun away and took a step back, it spotted something whirling closer, just behind Pika's head. Bonemerang was coming back!

"Oh god..." Sam whispered as the bone flew back, hitting Pika in the head. It got hit, but when it's face was visible once more, a look of pain wasn't on it. A look of anger was...this was not good. Pika let out a huge jolt of electricity straight at the boneheaded pokemon, but no damage was done. Sam scowled. Pika was so angry that it wasn't thinking. Pika then seemed to get even angrier, sending off a huge jolt of electricity that did nothing to Cubone but really seemed to hurt Pika. That was it.

"PIKA! Calm down!" he yelled. Pika suddenly stopped and looked at him.

"Pika?" it seemed to ask what was wrong.

"You can't just do that Pika...it's not good in a match like this. Now...let's try this instead! Use Agility!" Sam yelled. Pika flew behind Cubone in a blur and was ready to strike the small rodent. This was it. All or nothing...

"Spin, Cubone! Trip with Tail Whip and smack it with Bone Club!" At once, Cubone spun around, its long spiny tail swinging out and its morbid weapon raised high above its head. It brought the bone down at full force, hitting Pika hard. Pika swayed a couple of times, then collapsed.

"Pikachu is unable to battle! Cubone is the victor!" the ref yelled. Sam frowned and recalled Pika.

"Good work, my friend. Rest well..." he whispered. Putting that pokeball back, he reached for the last pokemon he'd already used. "It's time...Steelix!" He tossed the ball and the steel snake appeared, anger aparent in it's appearence.

"Use Ice Fang!" Steelix lunged forward with it's mouth open. It was ready to take Cubone out. Cubone jumped back, the fangs barely missing it, but a spark of ice cold air shot from Steelix's jaws and flew over Cubone's helmet. The rodent squealed as it stumbled backwards, a layer of ice coating its helmet, eye holes and all. Warren grimaced.

"Bone Club!" The blinded Cubone staggered to a halt, then wung its bone at the only target it could be sure to hit - its own head. With a loud crack, the ice fell to the ground in chunks and Cubone shook its head dazed.

"Now, Bonemerang and jam its mouth open!" Cubone blinked a few times, trying to clear its head, then took a step backwards, before leaping into the air and sending its weapon flying towards Steelix. The bone flew forward and lodged itself between Steelix's teeth. Sam raised an eyebrow at this.

"Do you really want to repeat the same thing that happened against your previous opponent?" Sam asked, remembering Warren's previous match. Warren snickered.

"Yeah, good luck with having him swallow it when he can't close his mouth! Cubone, jump on its tail and climb to its head!"

"Don't let it! Use Rock Tomb!" Sam yelled. Steelix slammed it's tail into the ground and rocks started to raise around the small rat. Cubone leapt to the side as a rock fired out of the ground inches to its left, but another quickly followed and sent the rodent flying.Warren winced as it struck the ground, but grinned as it slowly struggled back to its feet - Cubone had landed right next to Steelix's tail.

"Now!" he yelled loudly, "Jump on!"

"Not so fast! Take it with Slam, Steelix!" Sam yelled. Steelix moved it's tail, causing Cubone to miss and hit the ground. It then brought it's tail down straight at Cubone. The rodent rolled out of the way of the tail, but was still sent flying through the air by the shockwave, rolling head over heels until it hit one of the tall stone pillars. Warren grinned.

"Alright, climb that pillar!" he yeeled and Cubone turned around and, somewhat wooily, scampered up the rock until it was almost at Steelix's eye level.

"Now, Headbutt!" Sam smiled. Warren had finally made the fatal flaw he had needed him to make.

"Perfect! Use Screech, now!" Sam yelled. Steelix opened it's mouth to send out a huge sound wave, which deflected the rodent and sent it flying at the ground. Warren winced as Cubone smashed headlong into the ground, before defianatly struggling back to its feet. Clearly, though, it was tired. Time for one final stirke.

"Get moving, Cubone!" Warren yelled, "Circle it!" Cubone lowered its head, speeding in wide circles around Steelix, chuckling as the steel snake glanced from side to side, trying in vain to track it.

"Now, Cubone, Headbutt to the back of the head!"

"Shoot..." Sam whispered. Cubone had hit Steelix hard in the back of the head. Steelix was collapsing, but Cubone had just landed, right where Steelix was falling. Steelix fell, now almost 5 feet away from Cubone who was still shaking it's head.

"MOVE!" Warren yelled, but it was a split second too late. Cubone glanced up and began to run, barely escaping being squashed. But as Steelix hit the floor, a giant shockwave sent Cubone flying through the air to smah face first into a stone pillar. The rodent fell to the ground and didn't get up. Warren growled.

"Alright, Poliwhirl, don't let me down now!" he yelled and the tadpole burst onto the field, looking pumped up and ready for battle. It was time for the final fight...

 

[slls81]

@Amoire of Invincibility & Izuna - Nice post, set up for an EPIC showdown!!!

@Amoire of Invincibility -
Congratulations Cubone grew to Level 28 and is now ready to evolve. Cubone can now learn Flase Swipe, but Cubone already knows 8 moves. Should a move be forgotten? (reply in OOC thread)
Congratulations Haunter grew to Level 30

@Izuna -
Congratulations Steelix grew to Level 29
Congratulations Pikachu (Pika) grew to Level 37 and can now learn Discharge, but Pika already knows 8 moves. Should a move be forgotten? (reply in OOC thread)

 

[sasuneuchiha]

Sam stood over the stadium, now almost wrecked. Warren had just tossed out the blue frog-like pokemon with a swirl on its stomach.

"This is gonna be real fun…" he whispered. Umbre was his last pokemon and Poliwhirl was Warren's. This could only mean one thing. Their starting pokemon would be the ending pokemon. The pokemon they'd received before any others would be ending everything right here. This was the last fight, this was it.

"Well? You plan on making a move?" Warren asked with a hint of annoyance in his voice. It shouldn't have, but it put a small smile on Sam's face. The fact that Warren was even asking a question like that could only mean one thing. He actually thought of Sam as a slight threat…a rare occurrence for sure. Pulling out his last pokeball, Sam moved it close to his lips.

"Umbre…I'm putting my faith in you. You're the last pokemon I've got this time. I need you to come through for me…UMBRE!" Sam yelled, throwing the pokeball out over the field. In a flash of white light, the black dog-like pokemon appeared, it's muscles already tense in anticipation.

"Let the final match of the Kanto Pokemon League Tournament…begin!" the ref yelled, backing up. Sam was ready to end it.

"Umbre, use Quick Attack!" he yelled. Umbre flew forward, a white streak following it. Poliwhirl just barely jumped out of the way, avoiding the first strike. "Again!" Umbre charged back at Poliwhirl, but it was dodged once more.

"You're a bit pathetic…" Warren commented. This just really seemed to get to Sam. He'd come so far…only to have Warren be able to mock him so openly. Even now…he hadn't gotten any stronger.

Is this really it? Is this as far as I can go? Sam thought. Everything he'd done so far…it was all a waste. He hadn't gotten any stronger…he hadn't gotten any better than when he'd left home. All his doubts had taken him now. He was worthless.

Sam! Don't give up! A voice from within him seemed to echo.

Who…who is this? Sam thought back

I am your light…there is light within all just as there is darkness…I am the part of you that allows you to fight your darker side! You cannot give up! Fight Warren with all you have! The voice cried out. Suddenly, Sam was blasted by all his good memories. The first time he'd met Vee…the first time he'd ever battled…all the training that he'd been through with his team…meeting James, Warren and Jasper…everything. Even his past matches full of confidence…it would be a waste to let it all die then!

"I can't…I won't give up! Umbre, use Iron Tail!" Sam yelled. Umbre leapt forward, it's once black tail now glowing a silvery color. It lashed out with it's tail, aiming for Poliwhirl's stomach but the move was easily dodged as Poliwhirl jumped into the air.

"Let me show you a real attack. Use Mud Shot!" Warren yelled. Poliwhirl's extremely small mouth opened and a bullet of mud flew out, hitting Umbre hard in the head. Umbre shook its head before backing up, moving some rocks that were laying about after all the damage done by Pika and Steelix.

"So much rubble…wait. Rubble…that's it! Umbre, use Psychic to lift all the rocks and use them to take Poliwhirl down!" Sam yelled. Umbre focused all its energy into that one attack. Lifting all the small rubble covering the arena, it formed a stream. "Fire!" Umbre released the attack, sending the rocks flying like bullets. Poliwhirl was hit over and over by the rapid fire attack but it got up. Warren gritted his teeth. This was getting difficult.

"Okay then…you're asking for it! Poliwhirl use Bubblebeam on the rocks!" Warren commanded. Poliwhirl fired off a bunch of bubbles which easily deflected the rock, causing them to land helplessly on the ground. Sam scowled, attempting to think of a counter attack.

"Damn it…I can't do anything…" Sam looked at Poliwhirl's position. It had ended up on a boulder in the center of the stadium. As far as he could see, there was no answer to this situation.

"Well? Plan to do ANYTHING?" Warren yelled. Sam looked up to see Warren glaring over. "If not, I'm taking the move! Body Slam!" Poliwhirl leapt off the rock, falling right on Umbre who struggled immensely.

"Umbre!" Sam yelled. Umbre screeched in pain and Warren sneered. This would be over before long.

"Finish it! Use Bubblebeam on its face!" Poliwhirl sent out a stream of bubbles, crashing into Umbre's face.

"Come on…get up Umbre!" Sam cried. Umbre shook its head, the bubbles stopping as Poliwhirl started taking in a lot of air to prepare its next raid of bubbles. "Now!
Get up!" Sam yelled. Umbre shook its body wildly, knocking Poliwhirl off of it. It quickly leapt to its feet, its fur bristling.

"How did it…" Warren stammered. Sam quickly cut him off.

"That's an easy one. Poliwhirl has to use all of its energy to build up that kind of attack. Thing is, that doesn't leave any focus to stop a counterattack like that one. It leaves me with one hell of an opening! Go, use Quick Attack and slash it with Iron Tail!" Sam yelled. Umbre zoomed forward in a black blur, a white line following it. It was suddenly on the other side of the now standing Poliwhirl, who suddenly fell to the ground again.

"You know…you talk a lot. Too much! Use Mud Shot!" Warren pointed at Umbre, who was quickly struck with a mortar-like blast of mud. Poliwhirl was already back on its feet and looking angry. Umbre was shaking its head in pain, the brown mud covering its fur.

"Yeah? Well…use Pursuit!" Sam screamed. Umbre was coated in the black energy showing the attack's type, dark. She charged forward, hitting Poliwhirl hard only to discover its attack wasn't enough to make it even flinch.

"You're really weak…Double slap!" Warren yelled. Poliwhirl's fists crashed into Umbre's skull continually until five hits had connected.

"You…you raised it so well. How?" Sam asked, shocked at how powerful Poliwhirl was.

"Easy…we've been through it all together," Warren explained, Poliwhirl getting ready for another hit. "But now it's the end…finish it, Body Slam!"
Poliwhirl leapt into the air and started to fall, Umbre right under it.

"Well then…if you wanna play like that…go! Hit it with Shadow Ball!" Sam yelled. Umbre fired off a black glob of energy. It crashed into Poliwhirl, causing it to roll a bit but other than that, nothing noticeable. Umbre was hit, flying backwards into a boulder.

"Well…you barely avoided full force there. I say you've got one more move in you…so why not just give up? Save you the shame of losing," Warren said.

"You've been through it all…but so have we! Go, use Shadow Ball but make it slow moving!" Sam yelled. A huge ball of shadow energy flew out of Umbre's mouth and started hovering over the area. Warren raised an eyebrow as Sam prepared the next move. "Finish it off! Iron Tail!" Sam yelled. Warren's eyes opened wide as the ball flew dead at Poliwhirl at mach speed. Poliwhirl was hit and crashed into the rock behind it. It cried out in pain, but shook its head and quickly stood.

"Okay then…all or nothing. Use Mud Shot!" Warren yelled. Poliwhirl started to build up energy in preparation for the final move.

"Umbre, use Pursuit to coat yourself in the dark energy. Get ready to go!" Sam yelled. Umbre's fur turned black in preparation for the next attack, also ready for the end.

"Fire!" Warren yelled. A huge glob mud flew out, aimed straight for Umbre.


"Quick Attack!" Sam yelled. Umbre shot forward in a blur of black, crashing straight into the mud. Warren laughed.

"It's over, Sam. It's all over!" he said, laughing wildly. A small smile broke across Sam's face as he saw just what had happened.

"Yes…yes it is, Warren," were the last words Warren heard before a black blur shot forward and crashed into Poliwhirl. It flew backwards, now covered in a black aura and crashed into a rock. Dust kicked up and slowly cleared, eventually revealing that Poliwhirl was definitely knocked out. Umbre was still standing, however, breathing heavily.

"How…" Warren whispered quietly. Sam smiled a little bit.

"Easy. The use of Pursuit wasn't meant for attack power alone. It was also meant to protect Umbre. That's why…that's why I won," Sam said.

"…whatever. You just got lucky!" Warren said, returning Poliwhirl.

"That's the match. The winner of this year's Pokemon League Tournament…is Sam Saruno!" the ref yelled.

Back on Cinnabar Island, Blaine was smiling as he watched the end.

"That's my boy…good work Sam. You've really gotten strong…" he whispered.

Meanwhile, Travis and Diane were watching in Oak's hotel room.

"He did it…" Diane whispered. Travis smirked as he looked at the screen.

"I'd expect nothing less from my number one rival…" he whispered.

Back in the stadium, Sam was smiling brightly, looking at the sky.

"We did it…we really did it!" he yelled. He ran out into the field and hugged Umbre, his first pokemon. It was a long road…but he'd finally gotten there! He had finally become the champion he'd always dreamed of being! He looked over at Warren's side, but his opponent was already gone.

OOC: This deserved the perfect formatting...and by that, i mean it's bigger :)

 

[slls81]

@Izuna - CONGRATULATIONS on winning the Pokemon League Competition!!!

Congratulations Umbreon (Umbre) grew to Level 37 and can now learn Faint Attack, but Umbe already knows 8 moves. Should a move be forgotten? (reply in OOC thread)

Congratulations Sam Saruno was crowned the Pokemon League Champion!!!

@Amoire of Invincibility - Thanks for being such a great contributor to the RP in this region, I hope you stay as active in the next :)

Congratulations Poliwhirl grew to Level 35

 

[sasuneuchiha]

Several minutes later, all the competitors had arrived in the stadium. Sam looked around a little and quickly picked out several familiar faces. Alice...his opponent for the first round that took place on the grass field. Ian, his second round opponent on the water field. Chuck, the tough fighting type using opponent he'd fought third on the rock field, which was hands down one of the most important rounds in the tournament. It had been the practice for the final round. Then Graham, the cocky opponent who he'd fought on the ice field. Then came some really tough opponents. Oak's trainers. He'd taken out three of them and one of their own had taken one down before losing to him. First was Danny, the trainer who he'd battled with over who got to battle Warren. Travis, his rival and hands down one of the most difficult battles in the tournament. Finally, Diane, his toughest opponent in it other than Warren and the strongest of Oak's trainers. Oak stood on the far side of the arena with an angry look on his face while Professor Maple smiled from the same basic area. Suddenly, Travis walked over.

"Hey..." he said, looking Sam in the eye.

"Hey...what do you want?" Sam replied nervously.

"Just to say...good job..." Travis said, putting out a hand.

"Thanks..." Sam smiled as he shook Travis's hand.

"You really showed me something..." Travis said. Sam raised an eyebrow.

"Really? And what would that be?" he asked curiously. Travis smirked.

"That I need to train way harder next time if I want to beat you. Just you wait...next time, I'm giving you a match to remember!" he said. Sam smiled.

"I'll be looking forward to it..." he said, looking away. He sighted the final face he'd been looking for. Warren. He looked pissed off, but other than that perfectly fine. A large drum roll echoed out across the stadium and all looked forward. The chairman of the Kanto Pokemon League was standing at the microphone.

"Attention, audience, trainers and professors alike. I would like to thank you all for making this one of the most incredible Pokemon League Tournaments we've ever had! We saw countless great trainers go into battle with everything they had, knowing that each match could be their last. At last, through all of that, we made it to the final rounds. Two trainers from not just the same hometown of Pallet Town but the same pokemon lab faced off, putting everything on the line. In the end, only one could win...and that winner was Sam Saruno!" he yelled into the device. Loud cheering filled the arena as Sam walked forward in a pathway between the trainers who had competed. Nervously smiling, he made his way to the awards podium. The man stood, smiling at him.

"Good job, son. You must be very proud," he said.

"Yeah..." Sam replied.

"Now...I present you with the Pokemon League Trophy!" the man said, handing Sam a huge trophy decorated with a pokeball. Taking it, he raised it high. The flame of Moltres behind him seemed to flare as he did so.

"Speech! Speech! Speech!" the crowd chanted. The man stepped aside, allowing Sam to take the mic. He stepped forward, wondering what he should say. Suddenly, it hit him. He knew exactly what he should say.

"My fellow trainers, pokemon lovers, and battle fans alike; I stand in front of you a simple trainer with a dream. My dream was to get away from home...prove I was capable of surviving myself...and escape the prison that seemed to exist for me. It was that fateful day way back then that I made my way to Professor Maple's lab in Pallet Town. I was sick of being stuck at home and asked for my first pokemon. She was out of her not so typical starters but did have one pokemon. That pokemon was my first pokemon, an Eevee I called Vee. Together, we adventured to route one and the start of my adventures. It was there I met my second pokemon. Pidg, the Pidgeotto you've all seen me use. With him on my side, I started to build up confidence. I marched straight through Viridian City, only stopping to heal my party and boldly marched into the Viridian Forest. That was a huge mistake. It was there that I first ran into the Pikachu I call Pika. We fought and Pika proved to be too strong. This was my first defeat and I was heartbroken. I ran back to the Pokecenter in tears. After healing up my team, I took the hard walk back. When I entered, I found the same Pikachu waiting for me. I sent out Vee in my nervous wreck, expecting to be defeated again, but Vee did something I would never forget. It kept fighting and taught me something, to never give up. This was a listen that would follow me for my entire journey. We fought the Pikachu long and hard and eventually captured it. With a pokemon like that on my team, I thought I would be unstoppable. Boy was I wrong. When I exited the forest, I decided to try my luck at a gym battle. This was a fairly good idea, as I did well for my first fight, earning my Boulderbadge. Heading my way, I eventually found myself in Cerulean City. It was here I captured a fourth member for my team. A Magikarp I named Magi. With my entire team working together, we easily won our second badge. As I walked through Saffron City, I took no time to fight anyone or really do anything. My sole goal was to beat the Vermillion Gym. We won there with a lot of luck on my side, Pika showing me just how powerful it was. We quickly made our way back to Saffron City and I decided to try my luck in another battle against Danny, one of the evolution brothers. Vee prevailed in its fight against his Flareon, earning me a Fire Stone. I then headed to the Saffron Gym the next night to take on Tyron. During this difficult battle, I got my good friend Vee to evolve, renaming it Umbre after its new evolution. With Umbre's help, I won that battle. Leaving the gym, I headed south for Vermillion City, forgetting that I had already beaten the gym. While I was exiting the city, I ran into Danny, who said that a Vulpix with Flamethrower had been sighted outside of the city limits. Wanting to add a powerful pokemon like that to my team, I headed after it. I quickly found the pokemon and several other Vulpix native to that area. Fighting it with all I had, I defeated them all...and they escaped as I forgot what I was doing. The travel was not in vain, though, as I recieved my first pokemon egg," Sam said, taking a deep breath as he recited his journey.

"From there, I ran into my first real rival, Andy. He and his many Magikarp fought Magi, eventually ending in my victory against his Gyarados. From here, I headed back into town and met my first real friend on this journey. James. We shared many adventures after we battled. After he won a difficult battle against Tyron, we headed outside of the city limits to train. It was here Umbre learned two of its best attacks, Shadow Ball and Iron Tail. We trained together for a long time before fighting Andy's gang that was based there. It was through this the Magi finally evolved, becoming Gyara. It was then that I discovered that James was like me, a Maple trainer, if you will. From here, we adventured to the Celedon Gym. While we were training to fight it, my egg hatched, earning me a young Vulpix with the powerful Hypnosis attack. I named my new pokemon Vul, treating it like a new born child. We spent a night at the game corner, winning me a Thunderstone. Over the next few days, with some training, Vul got to the point where it was ready to battle for the first time, which I put to good use along side my newly evolved Pidgeotto, still called Pidg. They fought against a trainer I met in one final round before I headed for the gym. I battled the leader, Erica, winning a fifth badge for my collecting. James and I then headed down the path to Fuschia City, battling a couple of good friends of mine as we were on our way. We eventually headed to the Safari Zone, where I caught two pokemon, a Venonat and a Tauros. With them by my side, I headed to the gym...after trading Tauros to James for his Nidoking. I lost this battle, not even landing a hit. This broke my heart, making me think I had nothing left. I headed to the beach, a new egg in hand after Koga had taken Nidoking from me and given me the egg. It was here I first fought the most powerful trainer I'd ever met. Warren, my final round opponent in this tournament. He defeated me easily, no mercy in his style. After this, however, we had to team up and fight off Andy's gang once more. We beat them easily before heading back to the pokecenter. As I had expected, James had already left. Instead, I did get a TM from Warren. The powerful Psychic attack, which quickly proved its worth in a battle against Koga. A new badge in hand, I set off for Cinnabar Island...but not before hatching a cute little Igglybuff I called Iggly. We won several battles on the boat we were on, but then landed in Cinnabar. Here, I headed up to fight Blaine. A difficult battle later, I had won, but not before Blaine offered to help me train Vul. I accepted, wanting to get strong enough to compete here. With seven badges, I trained with Blaine for several days before finally facing him once more and heading for home, Pallet Town. On the way home I boarded a fishing boat, which planned its next stop at my destination. They accepted me aboard with open arms. It was here I captured a new pokemon, Shellder. I called it Shell as it teleported away, joining Maple in her lab. That night, disaster struck. Gyara was severly injured against a Tentacruel and I had to send him home, taking Shell out to fight against the Tentacruel. The captain and I quickly discovered our power wasn't enough as it was and we traded a Thunderstone for a Water Stone to power up our pokemon. Together, we defeated the beast and I got home. Here, I finally made peace with my family and dropped in on Maple. As I headed towards my final destination, I met Travis, my rival. He claimed we had met before but I didn't see it. We fought and I won, heading towards my final badge. A harsh battle using my new Cloyster, Cloy ensued when I reached the gym. I eventually won the fight with two of my other pokemon as well as Cloy and claimed my final badge. Before heading here, I dropped Iggly with the professor, not wanting it hurt during the tournament. On my way up, however, I did capture an Onix to round off my team before facing Warren in another battle. This time, it ended in a tie as we both headed towards the tournament grounds. While I was here, I fought many honorable opponents," Sam said, looking around at all his opponents throughout the tournament. "And had so many wonderful moments. Warren and I fought together once more to send off Andy after I evolved my Onix in a battle against Danny. From there, I faced off with Travis once more and then the final Oak trainer in the tournament, Diane. Finally, I made it to the finals, getting my chance to take Warren one last time. I'd tell that story, but I think you all know it pretty well. Well, that's my journey...everything leading up to here...and now...I'd like to thank you all...for the support all the way up through the tournament. Thank you." Sam bowed, letting the chairman take his place once more.

"That was a wonderful speech...and I hope to see you all later at the victory dinner," he said. Everyone cheered before exiting the stadium, ending with Sam, carrying the trophy up to his room. He laid down on the bed, resting before the dinner that night.

 

[slls81]

"Are you ready ma'am?" asked a well built man dressed in a blue pilots uniform.

A young woman turned to face the pilot and nodded silently before boarding the helicopter. The young woman had eccentrically coloured, long, pink hair, which completely contradicted her serious personality. The only thing that hinted towards her serious nature was the long white lab coat she was wearing.

"Okay Professor, buckle up please," said the pilot, turning on the engine to the helicopter.

The young woman buckled her seatbelt, and the helicopter blades began turning and the vehicle was quickly airborne.

Maple looked out of the window and saw two boys walking towards the reception desk. Maple smiled, it was amazing how much those two had grown up since she had handed them their very first pokémon just under a year ago. Both had really matured and become top quality pokémon trainers, sharing great bonds with their pokémon... Maple was very proud of them. Maple smiled as she could just make out the receptionist handing the two boys what looked like two pieces of paper. Maple knew better than this however, the two 'pieces of paper' were actually invitations to the most up market restaurant in Pallet Town. She had rented the entire place out, and had invited the entire town to join her in celebrating the town having two pokémon league finalists.

As the two boys turned their invitations over, the helicopter swung around the corner and the two boys fell out of view. Maple turned away from the window, and opened her notes. After the last few weeks of having fun at the tournament, it was time for her to get back to work.

Note:
As congratulations for your excellent performance here at the Indigo Plateau I, Professor Maple, would like to invite all of my trainers out for a celebrations dinner to celebrate your achievements. If you wish to accept this invitation, please come to the Maple Laboratory on Monday at 7pm.

Yours
Professor Maple
Pokémon Researcher
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(The next Monday at around 7pm)
"Professor," came a voice from behind Maple.

"Robert!" said the Professor cheerfully, turning around to face her assistant, "How can I help?"

"Your two young trainers have arrived ma'am," said Robert politely.

"Excellent send them through!" Maple replied happily.

Robert left the room for a moment, returning a few seconds later with Warren and Sam following him. Both trainers smiled when they saw Maple, who smiled back warmly.

"Okay boys," Maple said, grabbing her coat and standing up to leave, "No time like the present, let's get going!"

"Professor," said Robert slowly as Maple made her way to the door, "Did you not get the memo from the restaurant?"

"No, what memo Robert?" asked the Professor confused.

"The Restaurant doesn't allow any pokémon or pokéballs on the premises ma'am," Robert explained.

"Strange," Maple said as the two trainers protested furiously, "They didn't mention that on the phone when I booked..."

"Sorry ma'am they rang yesterday," said Robert.

"It's not your fault Robert," said Maple, before turning to Sam and Warren, "I guess you'll have to leave your pokémon at the lab then boys."

After a long period of protesting, and in Warren's case swearing, the boys agreed that they would leave their pokémon at the lab for the duration of the celebration... on the condition they could come and get them as soon as it finished.

"Don't worry boys," Maple said reassuringly, "Your pokémon are in safe hands."

Handing the pokéballs to Robert, Maple led the two boys outside where a limo was waiting for them
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Later that night)
Maple surveyed the scene in front of her. The celebration was going well, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Sensing it was the moment for her speech, she tapped her fork against her glass a few times to get everybody's attention before launching into her speech.

"Hello Ladies and Gentlemen. As you all know, we are gathered here tonight to celebrate the performances of Sam and Warren at the Pokémon League! It is unbelievably rare for both of the year's finalists to come from the same town. I think we can all be extremely proud that this town has produced two most accomplished trainers. So, if you would all raise your glasses with me... to Sam and Warren!"

"To Sam and Warren!" came the enthusiastic response to the Professors toast.

The Professor smiled, before taking a sip of her champagne.

Bzzzt

Maple's mobile began vibrating in her pocket. She had left it on silent, with instructions to her staff only to ring her in an emergency. Looking at the screen she saw the call was coming from the ranch. Excusing herself, Maple made her way to the reception and took the call.

"Hello?" said Maple, answering the phone.

"Professor, it's terrible!" came a panicky female voice on the other end of the line, "You have to come back right away!"

"Why what's happened?" asked Maple, becoming anxious.

"You have to come back professor!" screamed the girl again, sounding on the verge of tears.

"What's wrong?" asked the Professor again, trying to calm the girl, "Can Robert not help you?"

"No Professor please," sobbed the girl, beginning to cry, "You have to come back here right away!"

"Okay Alice calm down," said Maple soothingly, "I'll be back right away."

Heading back to into the room as calmly as she could, Maple located her two young trainers and quietly told them that it was time to go. After much protesting, and more swearing from Warren, the three of them left the restaurant and got into the limo. Sitting in the limo, Maple began to get worried. If Alice was crying, this problem was obviously serious. Maple just hoped Robert and the rest of her staff were okay...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Even later that night)
As the car drew up to the lab, Maple could tell something was seriously wrong. She could see at least 4 Police Cars parked in the grounds, as well as all of her staff huddled together outside the lab. She jumped out of the car and was immediately approached by two burly policemen.

"Professor Maple?" one of them asked, The Professor merely nodded in reply, "Officer Jenny is waiting for you inside."

The Professor quickly headed inside the lab without a backward glance. Warren and Sam went to follow her, but found their paths blocked off by two burly policemen.

Sorry lads, only the Professor and Officer Jenny are allowed in the main lab." One of the policemen explained.

The boys started protesting furiously. However, after much arguing, and much more swearing from Warren, the boys still found themselves outside the lab with no idea what was going on inside
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After what seemed like an eternity, Sam and Warren saw Maple coming back outside. In each arm she was clasping an egg. Sam and Warren recognised them as the eggs they had won while at the pokémon league. The two boys immediately ran over to the Professor to find out what was going on.

"Professor are you okay?" asked Sam stopping short, noticing that the Professor looked deathly pale.

"This was all he didn't take," Maple said faintly

"All who didn't take Professor?" demanded Warren, "What's going on?!?"

"Officer Jenny thinks he'll try and sell them on the black market in Hoenn," said Maple glumly, "Teams Aqua and Magma make a lot of money stealing trainers pokémon and then selling them on to rich folk who are too lazy to catch their own pokémon..."

"What are you talking about?" asked Warren looking thoroughly confused. Then it dawned on him, "You don't mean someone's stole her pokémon?"

The Professor just nodded sadly. Warren looked in a state of complete shock, too shocked to even launch into a tirade of swearing.

"But our pokémon wouldn't listen to anyone but us!" exclaimed Sam.

"Apparently it takes them time," explained Maple slowly, "But Jenny says these groups have ways of making pokémon forget their trainer."

With a sad look at the two young boys, the professor handed them their eggs before turning and heading back into the lab.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(A few weeks later)
After recent events, security has been stepped up at the Maple lab. There is now an armed security guard on the door, and a new security camera system has been installed. However, the day has come for Professor Maple to hand out new pokémon to prospective trainers. It had been quite different to last year. The new pokémon had arrived by police convoy, and had needed to be signed for by Maple herself. However, the Professor was determined to make this day run as smoothly as possible.

Opening Post:
There are going to be two different opening posts, one for new RPers and one for continuing RPers.

New RPers
The basic opening post to any RP... kind of. Today is the morning your character is receiving their first pokémon! Describe their morning and the moment they receive their pokémon. You could also explain the reason they have started their journey late. Please end your post with your character heading onto the boat. (see below)

Continuing RPers
You have been told by Professor Maple to come to her lab today. Describe your characters journey to the lab, and maybe your characters budding relationship with their recently hatched pokémon. Please end your post with your character heading onto the boat. (see below)

Important People -

Professor Maple -

The person new RPers will be receiving their starter pokémon from. Existing RPers will know who she is.

Mr. Briney -

Maple's friend from the Hoenn region, and your lift! He has kindly agreed to give all of Maple's trainers a lift to his house on his new power boat. He and 'Peeko' will enjoy the company.

 

[sasuneuchiha]

Sam quietly stepped out of his house, unnoticed. For some reason, this felt a lot like that day nearly a year ago. The day he'd started off. Suddenly, a small crash echoed from inside. THe sound of crying followed, which was soon coupled by a ringing. Sighing, Sam walked back inside.

"Clef..." he whispered, looking around. The pink pokemon was laying on the ground next to a table with a phone on it. Sam walked over and picked up the small pokemon in one arm before grabbing the phone. "Hello?"

"Sam? It's Professor Maple," the voice on the other end said. A smile crossed his face.

"What's up, professor?" he asked.

"I need you over here right away...a new adventure..." she said. His eyes opened wide.

"A...new adventure..." he whispered.

"Yes, now hurry over!" she yelled, slamming the phone down. Sam quickly grabbed his bag and scratched down a note to leave for his family.

"Cleffa?" the small pink pokemon asked. Sam smiled. The pokemon had hatched from its egg about a week ago and it was already moving around. It was really a cute pokemon and it wasn't without potential.

"Come on, Cleffa. We're headin' out...on a new adventure," Sam said. He ran up to his room and grabbed his old bag. It still had a lot of items in it he had used on his first adventure. They would just be a new thing for him. Running out of the house, he dashed into the town. Pallet really was a beautiful place. Running through town, he didn't notice as he crashed into someone.

"Ouch...watch where you're goin'..." they said. Sam instantly recognized the voice.

"Travis?" he asked, helping him up.

"Oh...Sam. You look well," he said.

"Yeah...where're you goin'?" Sam replied.

"Lab...god knows why. You?" Travis asked.

"Same, really. Well, see ya!" Sam said, running off. He was always happy to see his rival...though he just wasn't up for it much these days. Running through the town, he eventually made it to the lab. Pushing open the door, he noticed something. Maple was actually out front today.

"Sam...nice to see you," she said, smiling.

"Nice to see you too, Professor," Sam replied. Cleffa jumped out of his arms and walked towards Maple, who picked her up.

"This must be Clef," she said, stroking Clef's head.

"The one and only," Sam smiled.

"Well, hope she'll be enough for this new region...now, your destination is a place I'm sure you've wanted to go a fair bit lately. The Hoenn region," Maple said. Sam's eyes instantly narrowed, remembering his team that had been stolen from him not long ago. Now he was headed to the region where they'd gone. He would find them...somehow.

"Right...so how do I get there?" Sam asked. Maple smiled.

"I have a few contacts there...meet him at the docks. You should be able to locate him.... he has a Wingull with him..." Maple said. Sam quickly put that to memory.

"Wingull...got it...anything else I need to know?" he asked. Maple sighed.

"I know the first thing you'll want to do. Go after your team. But don't, get strong, then go find them. I know you've got the skill to take them, but without your ace team..." Maple said.

"Yeah, I know. That's why I'm gonna get strong, then get 'em all back, even if it takes me forever," Sam said, a look of pure hate on his face.

"Good...now go go go!" Maple yelled.

"Got it! I'll call when I get there!" Sam said, running out. This was it, almost a carbon copy of his first day with Vee. He dashed down the path to the docks and slid to a stop when he arrived. So many ships were in the harbor. Just where was this sailor? Suddenly, a loud cry pierced the air.

"Wingull!" a small bird cried. Sam smiled. That had to be the one. Following it, he quickly ran towards a somewhat new looking boat...and his next adventure!