[ROM Hack] tokyo drifts through Blaze Black 2

[tokyodrift]

Drifting through Unova

I previously had a mono water run that I started, sadly my save file got lost. Now is the time to revive that challenge, just with a different type. The rules are simple:

- I can only use the Ghost-type throughout the challenge. Dual types are allowed as long as one of their types is of the monotype (i.e. Rotom which is Ghost/Electric is allowed).
- All Pokémon I catch must have a nickname.
- The game must be played on Set mode.
- The game will be played on challenge mode. This significantly ups the difficulty. All major trainers have a team of 6 Pokemon. They also use competitive movesets as well as hold items.
- If I happen to find a shiny Pokémon, I can capture it no matter what, even if it's outside the monotype.
- Since the Ghost type isn't available until the Castelia City Sewers, even at that point a 5% encounter rate, I'll give myself this one-time only handicap by replacing my starter with Shuppet. I am playing on challenge mode after all.

 

[tokyodrift]

Chapter 1

4/08/2020 | Season:

Met my "starter" Pokemon, Shuppet named Lilith. She seems very adamant by nature. We also met this very quirky girl named Bianca. She seems pretty nice. Lilith sure thinks so.

Also met my rival who challenged me to a battle on the spot! Jeez, can't even get acquainted with my Pokemon before having a battle.

vs

Fortunately for us, this was quite easy. The opponent only knew Tackle and Tail Whip. This battle will get harder in the future I'm sure. But for now, we take those!​

Bianca decided to take us to the Pokemon Center to heal my partner. She also offered to show me around the center and even taught me how to catch new Pokemon.

I can already tell this is going to be a very tough run. But I believe in my partner and we can do this!

THE SQUAD:

Lilith
Level 6 / Adamant / Insomnia
- Knock Off
- Screech
​

 

[tokyodrift]

Chapter 2

4/09/2020 | Season:

After we finished up our business in the Pokemon Center, Lilith and I decided to head to Route 19. Here we battled a few Pokemon to try and gain a level. We managed to talk to everyone on the route and nothing of importance happened here.

Ah, we finally made it to Floccesy Town. But wait, who is this guy jumping off this cliff like a mad man?

He introduced himself as Alder, he seems important. Maybe we'll learn more later...​

He called me an unseasoned trainer. Well excuseeeeee me sir.

We decided to explore the town a little. We found this nice guy who gave me a potion. There doesn't seem to be much to do here, so we'll head north toward Alder's house. He questioned why we have two town maps. That's right... we have to deliver this town map to our rival. Apparently he made his way to Floccesy Ranch.

Route 20. There seems to be an item ahead that we can't access. Maybe we should come back during a different season. On this route, we faced two trainers. Floccesy Ranch is just ahead. After entering the ranch, we try to explore but are stopped by our rival. He demands a battle to see how strong we've gotten.

VS

"Oh! Nice! You've come here to toughen up! All right! Let's see how much stronger you've become! Come at me!"

I used the Screech + Knock off strategy here. Tailow did use Leer to help soften me up for his next Pokemon.

VS

"Come on, partner! Shrug it off! You're stronger than that!"

This cheeky Tepig used Odor Sleuth, and with the Leer from eariler in the battle, Tackle kind of hurts!

VS

"It can't be! How could I have lost? I need to apologize to my partner..."

"Not bad... You're thinking about how to bring out your Pokémon's strength. I should be able to count on you for backup! What are you doing here anyway? Huh? A Town Map?"
"Tch... She didn't have to do that... Thanks to you, too. We just left, and you've already helped me out."​

After our battle, the owner of the ranch and his wife shows up. His wife gives us the Soothe Bell. After, the couple seems worried that one of their Herdier seems to have gone missing! DETECTIVE TIME. Hugh and I team up to search the ranch for the missing Herdier. As we get further into the ranch, we hear a bark. Could that be the missing Pokemon? We tredge deeper into the ranch while Hugh decides to search in a spot off to the right. I head around the corner and what do I see? This poor doggo being backed into a corner by some strange man dressed in black. He asks me if I've ever heard of Team Plasma. He then tosses me a TM for Fustration. The strange man then leaves. Doggo recused!

After we finish at the Floccesy Ranch, we head back to Floccesy Town where Alder is waiting to test us a little further.

"Oh! It looks like you've delivered the Town Map to your friend! Hrm... You were only gone a moment, but you and your Pokémon have grown. Why, I could almost mistake you for someone else! Well then. Instead of training you, I would like you and your Pokémon to give me a hand!"

Then I follow him into his house and there are two school children who look pretty tough. School Kid Seymour is a Water-type trianer and School Kid Cassie, a Fire-type trainer. We manage to defeat these two.

"That was truly a rousing battle! I could tell that all of the Pokémon were enjoying themselves as well! How about it, Lucas? Pokémon types are very important in battle, aren't they? Water is strong against Fire... Fire is strong against Grass... Grass is strong against Water... Type matchups don't decide everything, though!"
"Let's heal those hard-working Pokémon! Lilith! You did a great job for Lucas! Meeting Pokémon and people you never would have met otherwise is truly one of the great things about traveling!"

THE SQUAD:

Lilith
Level 14 / Adamant / Insomnia
- Knock Off
- Screech
- Night Shade
- Will-O-Wisp
​

 

[#Not Important]

Nice job! I want to see how this turns out!

 

[Sorviknight]

Blaze Black 2 is quite a difficult game, looking forward to see how this little Shuppet will handle the battles ahead

 

[tokyodrift]

Blaze Black 2 is quite a difficult game, looking forward to see how this little Shuppet will handle the battles ahead

And here I am playing it on challenge mode rip me. Will-O-Wisp is going to be very key in the next battle. Landing it is going to be a different story however lmao.

 

[tokyodrift]

Chapter 3

4/09/2020 | Season:

I finished everything I needed to do in Floccesy Town. Now it's time to head back to Aspertia City. As I was leaving, a special guest stopped me.

"Lucas!"
"Excuse me! I forgot to tell you something important! First, take these!"
"Those are Oran Berries! If you give one to your Pokémon, its HP will be restored."
"What's more! You can give your Pokémon a Berry to hold! Like this Oran Berry, for instance. When a Pokémon holds this Berry, it can eat the Berry if it gets hurt in the heat of battle and regain some of its lost HP!"
"Well... I just told you to challenge the Gym Leader. Aspertia's Gym Leader is a very strong Pokémon Trainer! But you have nothing to worry about! If you think hard about what the Pokémon at your side can do, and what you should do as a Trainer, victory will be yours!"
"And then you should take on stronger and stronger Trainers... Actually, take on the Gym Leaders of each city! Working together with your Pokémon is what makes you grow as a Trainer. As you and your Pokémon grow stronger, your world will get broader!"​

I make my way back through Route 19 and finally made it back to Aspertia City. Once in Aspertia City, I head straight for the Trainer School. The Trainer School also is the Pokémon Gym for this town! As I enter and explore, I see a familiar face....

"Oh, hello. Are you here to learn about Pokémon? Well, there's probably no better way to learn than hands on experience...
Would you take up my offer to have a battle?"​

I don't think we're quite ready for this. She's quite strong for little Lilith. However, we may come back and challenge her later. I head to the back of the building and enter the Pokémon Gym. As I enter, a nice guy comes up to me and explains a few things:

"Hello! I'm Clyde, the guide for Trainers who challenge Pokémon Gyms. Thank you for taking on the Gym! Take this to commemorate your debut! Pokémon Gyms are facilities for testing Trainers' abilities! Put simply, if you can defeat the Gym Leader, it means you're a really good Trainer! If you run out of Pokémon that can fight during a Pokémon battle, you lose! So having a lot of Pokémon with you might work to your advantage!"

"You must be a challenger! Welcome to Aspertia City's Pokémon Gym. I'm Cheren, the Gym Leader! Hm? Well, maybe I'd better say that I just became the Gym Leader! More importantly, we need to prepare before welcoming you to the Gym."
"We have a challenger You two, take your places!"
"If you can defeat these two, then I'll be your opponent!"​

I proceed to fight the first Trainer. He put up a good fight, but Lilith managed to come out on top with her ghostly antics. The second trainer put up a great fight with her stalling Cleffa and Igglybuff. I managed to stall it out with Will-O-Wisp and Screech while the burn whittled them down. Before the next battle, I replace the Oran Berry that was consumed and went back to the Pokémon Center to stock up on Potions. Afterwards I head back into the gym.

"Just as this is your first Gym challenge, this is my first Pokémon battle as a Gym Leader! Let's both do our best and have a battle we can be proud of!"

VS

LILITH VS THE WORLD!

VS

This wasn't that hard, Insomnia kept Lilith awake. I used the X-Defend as well as the X-Speed I found.

VS

Pursuit is scary, Will-O-Wisp FTW!

VS

So you raised you defense, eh? How about this Water Pulse! Oh, and confusion was an added bonus. I sadly had to Potion stall here.

VS

This thing is dangerous. Super Luck Air Cutter... yikes! Luckily I didn't get critted. Did I mention it has Morning Sun as well?

VS

Saw right through your strat. Quick Feet + Toxic Orb, NOPE. Will-O-Wisp, Screech, and Knock Off.

VS

Ok 70% accuracy isn't the best but it's all I have. Second Will-O-Wisp hits, Screech + Knock Off. Would you look at that, it had Leftovers...​

"That battle has made me feel really glad you were my first challenger as a Gym Leader… I give you this in honor of the strength you and your Pokémon showed!"
"Here is your first Gym Badge, the Basic Badge! This is an important milestone! With this Badge, Pokémon up to Lv. 20 will obey you, including traded Pokémon."
"And I want you to take this! TM83 can teach your Pokémon the move Work Up! When you use Work Up while battling, it raises the user's Attack and Sp. Atk. By the way, TMs can be used as many times as you want!"
"In the Unova region, there are eight Pokémon Gyms and eight Gym Badges! If you're a Trainer, you could collect all of them! That will make it easier to fill the pages of the Pokédex as well! Yes, two years ago, Pokédex in hand, I left on a journey with my friends."

That was one heck of a battle. I started the battle with 10 Potions. I exited with 2. Money well spent tbh. I proceed to exit the Gym and to my surprise, Bianca is waiting.

"Heeey! How was it? How did your Pokémon battle with the Gym Leader go? Oh! If it isn't the Basic Badge! Wow! Amazing! And you just set off on your journey with your Pokémon! You definitely have potential as a Trainer! I'm sure of it! This is from me! It's the TM for the move Return."
"When a Pokémon knows Return, the more it gets along with the Trainer, the more powerful the move is!"
"Still, that Cheren..."

"Bianca! It's been two years, hasn't it?"

"Oh wow!"
"Wh-What's up?"

"I thought it would be a good idea to register each other in the Xtransceiver!"
"Now, you can communicate with me from your Xtransceiver."

"M-me, too!"
"I registered Professor Juniper for you, too!"​

Then the Xtransceiver rings. It's Professor Juniper! She talks about how delighted she is that I accepted the Pokédex, as well as various things with Bianca and Cheren.

"Hey, Lucas! Isn't Professor Juniper cool? If you talk to her on the Xtransceiver, she'll evaluate the completeness of your Pokédex or tell you a lot about how Pokémon evolve! And you can call us, too, of course! I'll tell you how well you and your Pokémon are getting along, OK?!"

"Bianca makes a good point. I'll tell you what I know about Pokémon Abilities and Pokémon type matchups."​

In comes my rival, Hugh.

"Are you the Gym Leader? One, two, three--let's battle!"

"You look like a tough Trainer. Understood. Please come into my Pokémon Gym!"

"WHAT WAS THAT WEAK ANSWER? I'M DEFINITELY GOING TO TAKE YOU DOWN!"

"Being a Gym Leader is even harder than I imagined."
"Like, what are you going to do now? You know, there's another Pokémon Gym in Virbank City, which is just past Floccesy Town."​

Looks like I'm headed to Virbank City next.

THE SQUAD:

Lilith
Level 17 / Adamant / Insomnia
- Knock Off
- Screech
- Shadow Sneak
- Will-O-Wisp
​

 

[Couples-Consoling]

Christ, a monotype blaze black 2 run? Everything I hear about Blaze Black 2 is that it is ROUGH. Pursuit in the first gym woulda given me a heart attack. Best of luck!

 

[tokyodrift]

Chapter 4

4/11/2020 | Season:

I proceed to head to the Pokémon Center to heal before heading out of Aspertia City. Then I head to Route 19, and then to Floccesy Town. Before getting to the exit, I'm met with Bianca. Seems like she wants to upgrade my PokéDex with a new feature.

"Heeey!"
"I'm sorry! I forgot to upgrade the Pokédex that I gave you! I'm going to add the Habitat List! It's an amazing feature! I'm just going to borrow your Pokédex for a second!"
"With the Habitat List, you can check which Pokémon are in the area! It's a mode in the Pokédex! To use it, open up the Pokédex and tap the Habitat List button on the lower left of the Touch Screen! Next, pick the area you want to see! You can see all the Pokémon that live in that area. It even tells you which ones you've already caught! Would you like to hear my explanation again?"​

Thanks for the explanation. I'm pretty sure I don't need it again. Before I head off, she has a nice tip for me.

"I have a tip for you! When you're walking down a path, you'll sometimes see rustling grass! If you go to that spot... Well, I'll let the rest be a surprise! Filling up the Pokédex will make your world bigger! So go to many different places and meet many different Pokémon, OK? See you!"​

I finally made it to Route 20. That trainer that was blocking the way? Yeah, he wanted to battle. We made short work of his team. He even did a hard switch into his Water-type thinking I would use Will-O-Wisp again. Silly guy. After defeating him, we head down the steps and dodge a trainer on the way. We'll come back for them later. Huh? Who is this calling my name? No one other than Cheren and my rival.

"Lucas! Wait!"
"Come with me, you two."
"See the dark tall grass here? It's rare, but sometimes two Pokémon pop out at the same time. Also, the Pokémon that hide in dark grass are slightly stronger. So be careful if you walk through."
"If you're going to challenge the next Gym, it's the Virbank Gym. These might help! That's the Super Rod."
"Here is one for you, Hugh! Both of you, do your best! If you need anything, call me on the Xtransceiver."

"Cheren sure knows a lot. And he fought those Team Plasma thugs, too..."
"I've decided! I'm going to get stronger than him! You should... Do your best! Fill up the Pokédex and have my back. Got it?"​

Afterwards, we continue on our route toward Virbank City. I did get caught trying to sneak past one trainer sadly. A Preschooler of all people. We also found a Miracle Seed on this route. Might come in handy later, so I'll put it in my bag. As I step into the gate before reaching Virbank City, the nice lady at the gate was kind enough to give me 30 Cherish Balls. Finally, Virbank City! Oh, the Xtransceiver is ringing.

"Hi! It's your mom! Where are you right now? Wow, Virbank City! There's a complex there, right? Have you been there yet? The way it looks at night is really quite nice! And you can also train your Pokémon there! You know, your Pokémon can do some things and you can do others. I hope you can all work together and accomplish amazing things!"​

Oh there seems to be a conversation going on in front of the Pokémon Center....

"Roxie, don't try to stop me! I'm off to Pokéstar Studios to live up my true potential! My dream is to be a ship captain and a movie star!"

"Get real! You're a captain already, aren't you? If that ship doesn't move, you're going to cause lots of trouble!"

"Oh, dear daughter. You split your time between your responsibilities as a Gym Leader and with your band, right? I can do that, too!"

"AAAAAAH! You dim-witted...dense...dumb...daft...dippy...dorky...doltish DOOFUS! Doing double duty isn't the problem! You're causing problems for people! Keeping people from getting where they're going because of sheer selfishness is unforgivable! I've HAD it! I'm going to the Gym!"​

Well looks like family trouble... I head into the Pokémon Center to heal my Pokémon, as well as do some shopping. I'm very limited on money at the moment so I sold 32 Pokéballs for some extra cash. I managed to buy 10 Super Potions with the money I got. Time to do some exploring. While exploring, I run into a very familiar face.

"The waves here aren't great... But a Pokémon battle would be a good way to wash the time away. What do you say?"​

Now I know from experience that Brawly is one tough cookie. Maybe another time, yes?
Then we head to the Virbank Complex. Here we can do some training. In order to save some healing items, we make multiple trips to the Pokémon Center. We also helped the boss of the Complex to motivate his workers. As a reward, he gave us TM94 which contains Rock Smash. I think it's time to head to the Gym. As we enter, we're stopped by the Gym Guide. I've decided to give him the name Clyde the Guide.

"This is a Pokémon Gym, and it's also a rock club! The Gym Leader and the others are practicing inside, but please feel free to challenge all of them! Oh! You'll need to stay hydrated. Here you go! The Trainers in this Pokémon Gym all use Poison-type Pokémon! Grass- and Bug-type attacks don't work well against Poison types, so be careful! Also, if your Pokémon are poisoned, their HP will keep decreasing. Watch out! And you should know that Poison-type Pokémon can't be poisoned!"​

Before we're able to face Roxie, we must defeat the trainers in her Gym first. The Guitarist on the right has a Stunky, Budew, and Nidorino. We make quick work of her team with Shadow Sneak. During the battle, Lilith wanted to learn Faint Attack. I decided against it. I think the utility of Knock Off is too important to pass up. The Drummer on the left has a Grimer, Nidorino, and a Koffing. We head back to the Pokémon Center to heal up before taking on Roxie. I also did a little more shopping. Bought Antidotes. Time to take on Roxie.

"GET READY! I'M GONNA KNOCK SOME SENSE OUTTA YA!"

VS

LILITH VS THE WORLD PART 2!

VS

It knows Payback which can be dangerous. I use this time to start using the 2 X Defends, 2 X Special Defends, and the Dire Hit that I found along the way since it's other moves can't really hurt us. I think she finally had enough and used Explosion...

VS

This was tough. Lum Berry + Shed Skin made it really hard to keep it from healing off status. Screech + Shadow Sneak was key here. It also knows Sucker Punch .__.

VS

It knows Payback, Will-O-Wisp was definately key here.

VS

It knows Toxic, but we can use this to our advantage.

VS

It knows Hypnosis. This is why we didn't heal off the Poison from earlier.

VS

This was not an issue. Nothing it knows can hurt us. We managed to get a critical Shadow Sneak. Blessed Dire Hit!

"Sigh! What are you doing losing, Roxie?! Well…I guess that means you're strong! This stinks, but I gave it everything I had, and I feel revitalized and refreshed now! Here! Proof that you beat me!"
"Two Badges! Now Pokémon up to Lv. 30, even Pokémon you got in trades, will realize how good you are and won't ignore your commands! Also, here! Use this TM!"
"TM09 is Venoshock! It covers the target in a special poisonous liquid! Even better, if your target's already poisoned, it does double damage! Heh heh! It almost packs too much of a punch!"

After the battle, someone would like to speak with us. They say that we were something special and really enjoyed our battle with Roxie. They would like us to meet them in the worst part of the game, uh, I mean Pokéstar Studios.

"You're going to Pokéstar Studios?! OH! I forgot! The old man! I have to get him back to work as captain!"​

We head to the Pokémon Center, then head straight for Pokéstar Studios. Here we meet Mr. Stu Deeoh. His assistant offers to show us around the place. Now we get shown to the theater where Roxie's father is waiting. He seems pretty excited because his movie is getting ready to be shown on a special screen. We'll see how this turns out... The crowd fell asleep, poor guy. Roxie's father had his dream realized and decided to continue being the captain.

If I do say so myself, this part of the game is very beautiful. They did a great job with it. We head to the other building on the far-left side of the place. Inside, we find Mr. Stu Deeoh. He wants us to be in Pokéstar Studio' movies. He even prepared a co-star for us. He seems familiar...

"I'm Brycen... Pleased to meet you..."
"Those eyes... I look forward to acting with you..."​

We head to talk to the casting director and proceed to make a movie. After we're finished shooting the movie, we head back to the theater to watch the movie debut. After watching the movie, we head to the pier. Here we can find a strange group of people dressed in black. Along with our rival and Roxie.

Can I just say the remixed Team Plasma theme is great! We make quick work of Trubbish. Pawniard is a different story. Will-O-Wisp missed twice. And he critted me with a Faint Attack. Time to try #2. We make quick work of Trubbish again. Next is Pawniard. We miss the first Will-O-Wisp, but manage to hit it the second time. Next is Sandile. I hope and pray Will-O-Wisp hits and it does. The opponent uses Sand Attack. We manage to hit with Shadow Sneak. Sand Attack again. I decide to heal and not take any chances.

After defeating them, they run off onto Route 20. We chase after them. We manage to find the guy hiding int he trees. We make quick work of his team with Shadow Sneak. We head back to Virbank City and look for the Captian. My rival and I hop on the captian's boat, and we head to Castelia City.

THE SQUAD:

Lilith
Level 26 / Adamant / Insomnia
- Knock Off
- Hex
- Shadow Sneak
- Will-O-Wisp
​

Christ, a monotype blaze black 2 run? Everything I hear about Blaze Black 2 is that it is ROUGH. Pursuit in the first gym woulda given me a heart attack. Best of luck!

It's definitely difficult. The major trainers all have competitive movesets, as well as max IVs and EVs.

 

[tokyodrift]

Chapter 5

4/29/2020 | Season:

Ah, Castelia City. I absolutely love this city to bits. They did a great job with it. Soon we can get more team members. As I head up the steps, I'm met by a Harlequin. First they would like me to take on the challenge of fiding all the Harlequin in the city. They're also nice enough to give me a Shiny Charm. Guess we should start our hunt.

First we visit the Battle Company. Second on the list is the Passerby Analytics HQ. Lastly, the Medal Office. For completitng the hunt, we recieve a Rare Candy which could come in handy later.

We then head to the Gym to find that Burgh is not there at the moment. Apparently there's trouble brewing. Then there's someone who gives us a hint as to where he might be.

"Huh? Burgh vanished again?"
"Hmm... Isn't Burgh always vanishing, though? He always says he's got artist's block and just goes wandering out of the Gym."
"Hi there! Who are you?"
"... Looking for Team Plasma? But Team Plasma disbanded two years ago!"
"I guess that doesn't matter! You're having problems, so I'll help you out!"
"Hmm... Now where would suspicious people go to hide?"
"! That's it! That might be where they are!"​

We then head back to the main street of the city. We follow the path all the way past the Pokémon Center. Iris is waiitng.

"Hey, c'mon! Thumb Pier is past here!"
"If you mention a suspicious place in Castelia City, the only places that come to mind are Narrow Street and here!"

"This way! This way! C'mon! Have a look!"​

Then my rival appears.

"Lucas! Did you find Team Plasma?!"
"Augh! Those dirty Pokémon thieves!"
"That means the only place I still haven't checked is... Lucas! Help me out!"

"You can go inside the sewers from here! Whaddaya think? Seems pretty suspicious, right?"
"Yep! The sewers are a perfect place for hiding!"​

Yup, they're definately in here somewhere. Now let's find them. Someone is waiting for us to help them track down Team Plasma.

"Lucas! I need you to get tougher! Even I'm going to have trouble taking them on all by myself... Anyway, it's OK! I'll take care of healing our Pokémon! I'm counting on you, Lucas! Are you ready to go?"
"OK! Let's find Team Plasma!"​

We wander through the sewers trying to find Team Plasma. Eventually we come across some suspicious looking characters guarding an entrance. After taking down the two grunts...

"Tch! They run away like Patrat! OK! Let's go farther inside! There might be more in there!"

"I don't think that's necessary, you two."

"Could you be Gym Leader Burgh?"

"Yessir! One and the same! I'm Burgh. And there was no one suspicious beyond here!"

"Is that...so?"

"Yes indeedy! I'm concerned about Team Plasma as well. More importantly, shall we leave this place? For some reason, this sewer is bugging me."

"Thanks for your help. Here, use this! I'll find those other Team Plasma punks! I... I'll never forgive Pokémon thieves! No way!"

"He's gone..."

"You there! That was an excellent demonstration of battling. The way you brought out the power of your Pokémon against an opponent like Team Plasma… Astounding. Simply astounding. Interesting as well. I see…"

"Who...was that? Well. No matter. What are you going to do? You can stay here and train your Pokémon. Or maybe you should come challenge me, the Gym Leader! Be seeing you!"​

Now we finished up in the sewers, we can look for our next teammate. After a few minutes of searching...

Welcome Viv the Gastly to the team!​

As we step outside, Iris is waiting...

"! Your friend... He seemed pretty mad. Did everything go OK in the sewers? So what are you going to do now? You ran into Gym Leader Burgh in the sewers, didn't you? Maybe you should go to the Pokémon Gym and see how far you've come! I'm sure battling will help your Pokémon come to understand you better as a Trainer, too!"​

We then head to the Battle Company to do some training. After defeating those trainers, we head to the sewers and head to the top of the building. Here we do the Audino trick. I did forget to mention we did EV training a while back just to maximize my damage. Hopefully it'll be worth it in the long run. While we're here, we EV trained Viv as well. We held off evolving Viv until level 29, just to get Shadow Ball a little bit eariler.

After training, we do a little exploring. There's so much to do in Castelia. First stop, the Game Freak building. Here we battle Game Freak Nishino and his Snorlax. Next we visit the cafe, and there is a familiar face there.

"Wahahahaha! Castelia City is fantasitc! I thought Mauville City was big! Trainer, shall we make this place electrifying?"

"Heeey! When I saw you in the city, I just had to catch up with you! Here, take this! This is a Dowsing Machine!"
"You can use the Dowsing Machine to find places where items are hidden. It's exciting to find an item while you're looking for a Pokémon. Ooh, good luck!"
"Oh! If you often use the Dowsing Machine, the Habitat List, and so on, why don't you register them? Er... I think it's written in this book. I found it! OK, I'll read it. "You can use the registered item just by pressing the Y button!" See? OK. Bye!"​

Doesn't look like we can head to Route 4 at the moment. Let's head for the gym now. As we enter, we see a friend, Clyde the Guide! He gives us a Fresh Water. Of course we have to face his trainers before we can face Burgh himself. Before taking on that challenge, I head back to the Pokémon Center for healing. We also pick up some Super Potions.

"Good work back there in the sewers. My Bug-type Pokémon have been scurrying with excitement about getting to battle you. I'd say my Bug-type Pokémon are pretty great! C'mon, let me brag a little! Dwebble's round little eyes are cute! It's resilient and reliable! My ace is Leavanny! It's really the best! I think it's so sweet how it makes clothes for other Pokémon out of leaves. Of course, I'm really proud of all of my Pokémon! Well now… Let's get right to it!"

VS

VS

We start off with Confuse Ray. It hurts itself in confusion! We hit it with a Shadow Ball and it's out!

VS

Before I swap out Viv, we hit a Confuse Ray. Lilith comes in and hits Will-O-Wisp, then we whittle it down with Hex.

VS

Will-O-Wisp was key here. Shadow Sneak for priority.

VS

Good thing Accelgor didn't set up Rain Dance. Brute force is the key in this one. Knock Off gets rid of it's Wise Glasses.

VS

Ok, this thing is dangerous. It's ability is Technician and it's holding an Eviolite. It knows Swords Dance as well as a few hard hitting STAB moves. Will-O-Wisp is key.

VS

Flying Gem + Acrobatics is a deadly combo. It also knows X-Scissor, Confuse Ray, and Roost. Just overall annoying. We manage to burn it, then swap into Viv to take it out with a Shadow Ball.

"Hmm… It's over! You're incredible!"
"Oh hoo… You are very strong indeed! I guess it's no surprise I lost. Here! Take this Insect Badge! I think it'll suit you!"
"Ooh! The Insect Badge suits you even better than I thought it would! If you have three Badges, Pokémon up to Lv. 40 will obey you, including traded Pokémon. And, huh, you know what, I'll also give you this."
"Take this as well, it's the TM for X-Scissor."
"X-Scissor only deals damage, but for a Bug-type move, it's strong! I'm the best guy to tell you this. It's the little things that count!"

THE SQUAD:

Lilith @ Eviolite
Level 33 / Adamant / Insomnia
EVs: 228 / 252 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 28
- Hex
- Will-O-Wisp
- Knock Off
- Shadow Sneak

Viv @ Scope Lens
Level 32 / Hardy / Levitate
EVs: 6 / 0 / 0 / 252 / 0 / 252
- Confuse Ray
- Venoshock
- Clear Smog
- Shadow Ball
​