[PKMN OPEN] Z: A Kalos Journey - Rebirth [M] [IC]

[Jay]

OOC​

The Story You Know...​

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Hello and welcome to the world of Pokémon!

My name is Sycamore and I'm a Pokémon professor! I could continue with this talk, of course, but the look in your eyes tells me that you've heard this before.

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This isn't your first Pokémon journey and it certainly won't be your last. So perhaps I should cut right to the chase.

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You've been studying up on how to become a Pokémon trainer for a few years now, situated in the quaint little town of Aquacorde. Though many of you populate the small village of Vaniville which is just a stone's throw south. Never understood why it was considered a village. There's only three or four houses there, it's more an estate than anything. Alas, I digress. Studying at the local trainers school for two years now, as is the minimum requirement, you're just itching to race out on your own Pokémon journey. Excited to leap the precipice and take your new partner Pokémon, courtesy of myself, on an epic journey of epic proportions!

Ahh, but hold on there, hot shot. Do you have any idea where we are? What's happened? This is the Kalos region alright, but not the one you're used to playing through on that little handheld. It's been 2 years since the events of Pokémon X and Y and the young duo, Calem and Serena, rid the world of Team Flare by rescuing the legendary Pokémon Xerneas and Yveltal. Team Flare aimed to destroy most life on the planet. Believing that by doing so and leaving a select few... they could cleanse the world of filth and create a better world. In other words, they were wackos. Serious wackos.

Their leader Lysander vanished into his exploding facility and hasn't been seen since. Team Flare disbanded and fell apart. Recently, however, the remnants of the shattered organization seem to be more organized... uniting under a new banner. Rumors of new leaders stepping forward are abounding and the name on the streets is different too. Rising from the failures of Flare, Team Cinder is looking to finish what Lysander started with some much more violent methods...

And before you ask: no, we haven't fixed Geosenge yet. A lot of wild steel, electric, rock and poison types have taken to the new massive crater and destroyed lab.

Regardless of evil teams and failed reclamation, Kalos is as active as it was before and a new chapter in this fantastic journey is about to come to light! With your starter in hand and a new world to explore, badges to earn and contests to win! A fresh graduation under your belt and a world of possibilities!

Can you catch 'em all? Can you discover and defeat the mysterious Team Cinder? Can you stand against a legend capable of bringing balance to creation and destruction itself?

A new chapter in the history of the Kalos Region is about to begin!
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...and the story you've written.​

It has been a few months since the incidents involving Team Cinder began and the new trainers of Kalos set out on their own journeys. While at first the young trainers were focused on their own goals and ambitions, many of them have since come into contact with the vile and evil organisation. They have witnessed Cinder's brutality first hand as the group utilizes pokémon and modern weaponry to terrorize the region and to murder innocents who get in their way.

With more than a few clashes under their belt, the operations and terrorist activities of Team Cinder growing and quickly escalating to a level of regional threat and many prominent figures and champions from across the world of pokémon converging on the Kalos region... It has become clear that the situation is escalating fast.

You, the trainers of the region, are caught in the calm before a world shaking storm. The region of Kalos is primed to serve as the stage for an incident that will shake the very foundations of the world to its core.

Who are you in all of this? Are you a veteran of this battle, standing alongside the pokémon and friends you've made along the way? Ready to face your personal challenges and perhaps even the threat of Cinder as it hangs over you and everyone you care for?

Or are you a new face? A player in the background until now, standing by your pokémon and experiences thus far... ready to step forth onto the grand stage and make a stand for what you believe in?

The story resumes as the trainers gifted pokémon, pokédex and a grand destiny by professor Sycamore step foot into Shalour town. The legendary city of awakening, where the mysterious power of mega evolution was first discovered.

Will you rise against the coming storm and usher Kalos towards the dawn? Or will you fall to the wind and tides, spiraling towards a darkness lit by cinders?

It's time to discover the truth.​

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Cast of Characters

Jackson Crane ー Jay

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Drew Tucker ー Shak

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Avril Morris ー Magnificent Magilou

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Margarita Fas ー Pudding

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Chris Rodriguez ー Oddball_

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Caius Flynn ー Daisuke Mitsuhara

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Emma Kuzunoha ー Dragon

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Odette Radiuju ー Noraxia

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Laurent Hessel ー Sephear

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Annika Jiraiya ー LuluRina

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Sebastian Allender ー LinearAxel

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Minami Haruka ー Evily

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Kade Andrews ー gimmepie

 

[Jay]

Stage 18​

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A Celebration of Power​

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As the sun dawns on a new day, the light is broken by a large shadow casting out over the ocean beyond. The Tower of Mastery, the grand structure that dominates the city of Shalour, pierces with gentle light from each of its many stone windows, a candle lighting in every one. Our heroes arrive at the city as it prepares for an incredibly special event, The Evolution Festival.

The festival itself is a celebration of growth, not just for pokémon but for trainers as well. The streets of the city are to be lined with stands, games and attractions as pokémon and people come together to celebrate how far they've come as friends and individuals. The residents of the city are buzzing around the weathered cobblestone streets, moving quickly to prepare their various roles for the festival to come... and many tourists walk the street, exploring the city as they grow evermore excited for the festivities to come.

For some however, Shalour is no their destination for a festival, but for the rumors of Mega Evolution abound across the region... and for the sake of challenging the cities own Gym Leader, Korrina. Whatever their causes might be, on such a momentous day, each of the Z trainers approach the walled city of mysticism that sits on the nation's shore... all the while unaware that darker forces have also taken an interest.

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Wild Pokémon Available this Stage / Level 42-44:

Pokémon available with the use of a Great Ball / Level 45:

Pokémon available to those using a Good Rod / Level 42-44:

Pokémon available to those completing Mission 9 / Level 43:

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Missions:​

[OPEN] ★ Mission 1:
The Tower of Mastery... the founding site of Mega Evolution. Within these hallowed halls the first pokémon since the great war, hundreds of years ago, attained a Mega-Evolved state. Now, with Mega Evolution being more widespread and well known, this place serves as a place of learning and testing for those who wish to pursue the ancient art. Mega Evolution takes a large physical toll on the bodies of the pokémon and the human both whom wish to attempt it... and thus there is only one test that would be suitable. A battle against one of the successors who attend the tower... and their own Mega-Evolved Pokémon.
Reward: 1 x Deactivated Keystone (The Keystone will only activate fully when a trainer is in a moment of intense stress or has attained a new level of development and strength. Like evolution, you must receive DM approval to activate your Keystone. There will be more opportunities to receive Keystones in time.)

[OPEN] ★ Mission 2:
The gym challenge continues, even in light of recent events. The Kalosian Gym Conference, the tournament to decide who is worthy of challenging for the rank of champion, is swiftly approaching... and only those with all 8 badges can qualify. The gym leader of Shalour City, Korrina, is ready and willing to accept challengers. Can you defeat her and claim the coveted Rumble Badge?
Reward: Upon defeating Korrina: 1 x Rumble Badge + 1 TM98 Power up Punch

Mission 1:
An underwater has broken out of the shore of Shalour, a battle between a large group of Gorebyss and Huntail... but why would these normally co-existing pokémon suddenly begin to fight? Assist Swimmer Richter by donning a set of scuba gear and descending beneath the waves to stop the dispute.
Reward: 1 x Set of Scuba Geat + 1 Deep Sea Scale OR 1 Deep Sea Tooth.

Mission 2:
A greedy peddler has taken to the streets of Shalour to take advantage of the Mega Evolution craze surrounding the city. He's selling fake keystones and mega stones to any trainers gullible enough to hand over some poké. Someone ought to teach him a lesson... although it seems like some of this stuff might have a different kind of value...
Reward: 450 x Poké + 1 x Dawn Stone

Mission 3:
An Aura Guardian named Simon is investigating the city of Shalour for reasons he refuses to divulge. However, he has fallen on hard times and finds his bag has been stolen by a common thug with a Bisharp at his side. Assist Simon in retrieving his property and he is sure to reward you.
Reward: 1 x Mysterious Blue Stone + 1 TM01 Focus Punch

Mission 4:
The bridge to the Tower of Mastery has been blocked off as two warring groups of Pokemon do battle. These Sawk and Throh trainers are determined not to let anyone get by until one team defeats the other. Someone needs to convince them to break it up, or at least move it along, or we're going to be stuck here for a long time.
Reward: 1 x Black Belt + 1 x Power Band

[OPEN] Mission 5:
The Festival Tournament, an opportunity for trainers to show their skills in battle against one another to celebrate the power of evolution and growth. This fantastic event promises a great reward for the winner... and also allows old rivals and new foes to test their mettle against one another in officially ruled setting. Sign up and defeat your opponent in the qualifying round to secure a spot during the main event at the festival tonight!
Reward: 1 x Festival Tourney Pass + 1 Great Ball

Mission 6:
Traversing Reflection Cave can be very taxing on the mind of anyone. The hospitals have been doing their best to maintain the patients that have been rushed into their care, but resources are quickly depleting. If only someone were able to defeat the vicious crabrawlers that are guarding the rare amana flowers that grow to the most western side of the city.
Reward: 5 x Full Heals + 1 x Lucky Egg

Mission 7:
Colress' search for what makes a truly powerful trainer has led him to Shalour City. He was recently exploring the remnants of the ultimate weapon, but now has a fascination with the Tower of Mastery, believing that he can use a piece of the weapon he has found to create a brand new breed of Mega Stone. Indeed, his research has led to a truly revolutionary discovery, but testing his hypotheses wont be so easy. He'll need someone with a very powerful pokemon, one that usually would be incapable of Mega Evolution.
Reward: Custom Mega Stone

Mission 8:
What on Earth is that smell? Might be your first thought upon coming across a screaming store vendor with her hands tugging at her hair. Her stall for the festival tonight have been ruined, the fruit and berries she planned to sell have been stolen or eaten right there and only a few tufts of purple fur remain to identify the culprit... well that and an absolutely putrid aroma. She's shouting about a sizable reward of poké for anyone willing to track down the pokémon responsible and you're not the only one taking an interest. It's a race to catch the thieves first and claim the rewards!
Reward: 2000 Poké + 2 x Berries of Choice

Mission 9:
There's a commotion on the beach and people are panicking left right and center, as a beached Wailord has appeared and is rapidly drying out on the sandy shore. Wailord's are usually light as a feather despite their size, but this one is severely overweight... and even the townsfolk that are helping AND the Wailord's pack of wailmer can't budge the larger pokémon alone. If someone doesn't help soon this could end in tragedy.
Reward: 1 x Mystic Water + 1 x Lax Incense

Mission 10:
A mysterious traveller has appeared in the town, he dresses in a large, dark green cloak and wears a scarf wrapped tightly around his face... thick hair whitened with age draped down to his lower back and a rough old wool hat on his head pushes a few strands to cover all but one of his wizened eyes. He says little, but claims to have seen parts of the world he had never imagined he'd be able to witness. He wants to find a trainer of worthy skill, to battle against a new ally he found in that land, a powerful pokémon known as Oranguru. In return for a good fight, he promises a very special reward.
Reward: 1 x Mysterious Red and Black Egg.

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Leader Pokémon:

LUCARIO

• Aura Sphere
• Bone Rush
• Mind Reader
• Blaze Kick
• Force Palm
• Flash Cannon
  Ability: Inner Focus

HAWLUCHA

• Flying Press
• Swords Dance
• Agility
• Aerial Ace
• Baton Pass
• Encore
  Ability: Limber

MACHOKE

• Karate Chop
• Close Combat
• Low Sweep
• Focus Energy
• Focus Blast
• Revenge
  Ability: Guts

Gym Gimmick - Momentum Battle:
Korrina's gym battle is a test of extreme endurance upon her own personal roller rink. A large circular track littered with ramps and obstacles serves as the impromptu arena and the additional rules for the battle to be had are simple... don't stop moving. A set of skates will be issued on loan to trainers who don't have them and the battle will begin. Both trainers must rush and skate around the track without stop while the battle rages on, their pokémove moving quickly to keep up. If either trainer stops moving they forfeit the match, though interfering directly with your opponent is disallowed.

If a pokémon stops moving and is left behind during the battle for any reason, then it is considered to be fainted by league rules regardless of its conscious state. The battle itself is a two on two single battle, both trainers selecting their chosen pair of pokémon in secret beforehand. The battle continues until one trainer stops moving or both of a trainers pokémon are considered to be fainted. The winner is the last team standing in battle and endurance both!

Leader's Tactics:
Korrina uses her pokémons immense offensive power and her unique gimmick to her advantage in every way she can. Using agility and baton pass with Hawlucha she can grant Lucario and Machoke a boost to speed that makes moving along the track a lot easier with more distant gained for far less stamina. A few turns of sword dance will also boost the attack of the swapping in pokémon to even higher levels. As such she will usually use Hawlucha with one of her other pokémon as her chosen pair for league battles.

Lucario is an all out wrecking machine, kitted out with a number of powerful moves to keep a full pressure, powerful offense. He uses a mixture of types, as well as special and physical attacks, to adapt to most any opponent. Using mind reader, Lucario will also attempt to discern his opponents tactics and moves ahead of time, requiring quick thinking and on the spur decision to stay ahead of the curve.

Machoke on the other hand is a more precise and focused attacker. He attempts to bait status moves onto himself in order to trigger the power of his Guts ability, followed with focus energy to concentrate critical hits at key moments. He attempts to stop an enemy pokémon with a sustained blow, knocking them down hard to prevent them from keeping up with the Momentum Battles unique moveset.

Will you face an all out assault on the track? A concentrated and tactical strike? Or some new tactic entirely. The only way to find out is to face this quick thinking, quick striking gym leader on the raceway!

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[Jay]

Current Team - Jackson:

Back in Action

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Shalour City - October 3rd - 10:45 AM

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Time to get his ass back in gear.

Jackson Crane stands on a hillside overlooking Shalour city, the bright morning sun loomed over the city, the large structure casting its shadow over the town below. A small chuckle emanated from Jackson's shadow... and as the trainer looked down, he saw the face of the dark pokémon that resided in it. The silhouette of Jackson himself distorted, the head reforming into a more angular shape... one with a large purple grin and piercing eyes. "Stop makin' faces you dolt... there's work to be done or did you forget?"

Gaspar the Haunter laughed again before rising lightly out of Jackson's shadow. He let a smoky hand rest on his trainers shoulder as he glanced onward towards the city that sat in the distance. "So this is where they're keepin' the next gym huh? Whole place looks like its tryin' t'compensate with that big pile of rocks loomin' over everything. Don't you agree?" Releasing his shoulder, Gaspar cackled again and retreated back to his trainers shadow... however on the opposite shoulder, a small bear sat, very confused about the nature of Jackson's joke.

Above the trainer then descended, a large purple pokémon, flying on four wings. Upon its back was a tiny flower bud, who like the Teddiursa, found itself awfully out of place with the intimidating bunch that surrounded it. "Houn!" Bounding back towards the group was a pitch black pokémon, its horns glimmering in the sun as it excitedly called the rest of its group to hurry and follow. Jackson felt a sudden moment of melancholy, smiling gently he was hit with a wave of nostalgia... like he'd been waiting a long time for this moment, only for it to burst into existence before him. The whole of Kalos was waiting... and hell, he was sure it wasn't prepared.

"Better hold on tight Ted! Let's get moving!" Sprinting off towards the town, Teddy did indeed almost tumble free before he moved to grip Jackson's shirt. The young man moved with newfound determination, every member of his team following him towards the new day.

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By the time Jackson had actually reach the gates, all of his pokémon bar Gaspar had been recalled. While having them out was certainly more interesting, it was easier to navigate when not guiding a group of curious beasts through the streets. He noted the towns structure and atmosphere while he shuffled along the cobblestone streets, hands in his pockets. It wasn't hard to pick up that they planned to have some big important festival that very same night. Of course he'd get unlucky enough to be stuck there on the night of such a thing.

Knowing his luck all the fruity characters he'd been dealing with would show up, Kuzunoha, Hessel, Morris... Odette. He squinted in aggravation as the last name came to his mind. That girl, who did she think she was? Always judging and just having to have things her way, always having to be right. He felt a bitter taste in his mouth as he remembered her words.

"... So do as you will. Just maybe stop and think every once in a while if your 'everything' is really what is best for her."

"Bitch!" Jackson cursed and kicked a can on the side of the path, sending it sprawling forwards a few feet, Gaspar glanced up with momentary concern, but settled when he saw his trainer begin to simmer. "What does she know anyway...? Not like she'd have done even close to what I have in that situation. Buncha posers I have to deal with I swear..."

Grunting gently, Jackson turns his head to a nearby sign post. "Knowing how these gym leader types work the battle is probably gonna be in that tow- huh?" Jackson squinted, making certain he was reading the sign correctly, as reading was not his strong point. There it was however, clear as day, the word marked 'Gym' was pointing to the edge of of the wall that surrounded Shalour, towards the most modern looking building in the whole city. A sports stadium?

"I swear, I don't think I'll ever understand these people..." He grumbles, shrugging his shoulders slightly, but still focused on the goal ahead. "Alright 'Korrina'... time to see just how big an issue you're gonna pose."

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Spoiler:

BADGE CASE:​

Spoiler:

INVENTORY:​

1 x Pokédex
3 x Poké Ball
1 x Old Rod
1 x Metal Coat
1 x Black Holocaster
1 x Cinder Uniform
1 x Retractable Skates

250 x Poké

TM CASE:​

• TM Bug Bite
• TM Dig
• TM Ice Beam
• TM Nasty Plot
• TM Ancient Power

Spoiler:

Current Outfit:

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[Dragon]

The Emma Kuzunoha Case Files: A Prelude


Current Team - Emma:

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On Reserve

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EPISODE ONE: SHALOUR CITY - "Pressure"​

These are dark times we live in.



And the darkness is ever growing. No matter where one goes, the creeping darkness will swallow them whole. And the light will continue to be ever flicking, until nothing is left. But, I refuse to let such a erroneous motion come to pass.

My name is Emma Kuzunoha. Like many people around my age, I'm a Pokemon trainer. But more than that, I'm a detective who believes in the law and justice. The life and path I chose was not an easy one to cross. Sometime ago, my parents were killed by an unknown assailant, and I vowed to find and avenge my parents' killer, bringing them to justice. Along the way, I've met some equally dangerous enemies, such as Team Cinder, and The Emerald Dragons. Whatever those fiends are up to, I can't let them do as they please. So, I also promised myself and to my cherished pokemon to become even stronger, to protect the ones I love, and the home I grew up in.

I do have some reliable allies on my side too. I have my classmates, and friends, Avril, Laurent, Drew, Sebastian... and even that guy, Jackson. I'm sure there are more I've yet to meet too. Still, even if we pull our powers together... will we be enough to conquer the ensuring darkness, and destruction that awaits us?

I don't know why, but I have an intuition that Team Cinder and The Emerald Dragons are going to do something horrible. And as I am right now, I'll be powerless to stop it. But I can't give up. I won't. As I said, I must find a way become even stronger.

And I know just the person to help me. It's time to pay a visit to my old friend, Korrina.

 

[Daisuke Mitsuharu]

Caius Flynn, 21, ♂ ; Shalour City, Kalos

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Mission 8: The Beginning of a Stinky Situation

Beads of sweat came running down his forehead all at once as he stopped to tinker with his untied shoelaces. If Caius himself was Noah's ark, then his sweat represented the world-ending flood that caused the demise of ancient humanity -- lasting forty days and forty nights (or, in this case, a few minutes). Evaporation brought about by the sun's oppressive rays eventually worked its magic on the sweat glands, sucking them dry.

Dainty-looking hands found themselves fiddling with string. "Again? How many times have they gotten like this? Maybe it's high time I get another pair..." A sigh possessing enough force to blow away a cumulonimbus cloud escaped from Caius' lips as if it was kept a prisoner for too long. Caius could put up with one or two incidents of tripping due to untied shoelaces, but his patience was running out. Perhaps the heat -- coupled with the lactic acid in his joints that made extending his knees feel like stepping on stalagmites -- was making him more irritable than usual. Caius was hoping that a quick run would help him shake off a mean hangover from the previous night, and it did to some extent, but he was tired now; the exercise-induced endorphins energizing him before had all but depleted.

Tired, hungover, having untied shoelaces causing him to trip every once in a while -- new problems dogpiled older problems, and eventually, a dam in Caius burst; he couldn't take it anymore. Creative uses for less-than-savory words quickly filled up Caius' mind in a fit of mental meningitis, leaving little disk space for anything else. Though he never said anything aloud, Caius was definitely cursing up a storm on the inside. It took Luca coming out of his Pokéball and smacking him behind the head to revert him to his usual composure. "Thanks. I needed that."

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As he zoomed past a ruined stall run by some poor human who now had to rebuild the stall from the ground up, Caius caught a whiff of the most unpleasant odor his olfactory bulb had ever come across. It smelled even worse than his roommate from college, who reeked of alcohol, marijuana, and unwashed ass. What accompanied the smell were screams coming from the stall owner; she looked really pretty in Caius' eyes, but unfortunately, her predicament had to bring out the ugly in her. "Great. Where there's smoke, there's fire."

Caius put on his friendliest smile before he approached her.

"Hi there, miss. Need a hand?"

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[gimmepie]

Kade Andrews
A Precursor to Challenges Ahead

Stratus (Female, Reckless) - Growl, Wing Attack, Quick Attack, Double-Edge, Aerial Ace, Double Team

Contrail (Male, Big Pecks) - Tackle, Roost, Quick Attack, Steel Wing, Ember, Aerial Ace

Noctilucent (Male, Insomnia) - Tackle, Foresight, Hypnosis, Feather Dance, Peck

Cumulus (Female, Dancer) - Pound, Air Slash, Helping Hand, Roost, Feather Dance, Captivate

Floccus (Male, Defeatist) - Quick Attack, Agility, Ancient Power, Dragon Breath, Acrobatics, Quick Guard

Arcus (Male, Sniper) - Drill Run, Leer, Pursuit, Fury Attack, Aerial Ace, Mirror Move

"Hey, are we going to battle or what?"

"Huh? Oh, right. Sorry, but didn't you see that Swanna fly overhead? It was just too stunning not to watch," Kade said dreamily, craning his neck to get one last look at the majestic Flying type.

"I'd be more concerned with your own bird friend, we're about to turn her into a pile of feathers."

Kade simply smiled pleasantly at this while Stratus, who was standing just in front of him looked over at their opponents fiercely. They were matched against a scruffy trainer and his Persian.

"Begin!" the referee said loudly, glancing anxiously at Kade as though concerned he'd turn around to look for the Swanna again.

"Cleopatra, Slash!" Kade's opponent instructed. His Persian exploded forwards off her powerful hind legs and sprinted for Kade's still-grounded Staravia.

"Hop onto its leg!" Kade instructed, the attack order finally getting his full attention onto the battle. Stratus hopped up with a flutter of her wings as the Persian's claws came streaking down, lending on its foreleg and throwing it off-balance so its head collided with the dirt. "Wing Attack!"

Stratus' wings glowed white, she took off from where she perched on the Persian before it could react, striking it with her shimmering wings as she finally took to the air.

"Oh so that's how it's going to be, huh?" the other trainer asked rhetorically, "Cleo, Thunderbolt!"

The Persian whirled around as it got back to its feet, pale fur bristling as an electrical charge ran over her body and shot forward towards Stratus.

"Quick Attack, Stratus!" Kade instructed. Stratus was suddenly a blur, moving faster than even the Electric attack. She ducked just below it before dive bombing her opponent, causing Cleopatra to topple to the side as she began to climb again.

"Swift!" the opposing trainer called suddenly. Before even returning to her feet, the Persian counter-attacked. A volley of shining stars sprung into being around her and shot after Stratus. The Staravia swerved in the air but the stars simply changed direction. No matter how many different evasive maneuvers she tried, she couldn't escape the homing attack and found herself being impacted by several of the golden projectiles. Stratus dropped towards the ground, pulling up just in time to avoid a catastrophic impact with the ground. "Thunderbolt!"

There was a flash of electricity that Stratus couldn't avoid in time. With a crackle the attack struck her, engulfing her in the charge and sending her skidding along the battlefield. The other trainer gave a victorious shout.

"You okay, Stratus?" Kade called out, concerned. His Staravia however was already struggling back to her feet, falpping hard. She let loose a vicious shriek as she once again took to the sky, looking furiously at the landbound Pokemon that had dared force her to the ground.

"Guess that was a bit premature, but this time you're done for," the other trainer said "That tournament spot is mine. Swift!"

The barrage of golden stars shot after Stratus once more like glittering bullets as she gained altitude.

"Let's give those back to them," Kade said pleasantly. Stratus, used ot Kade's tactics now, got his meaning immediately. She lapped hard, pushing forwards as the stars rocketed past her and then corrected themselves to follow her new trajectory. Then she dived.

The stars followed her, the Persian's trainer following this move with a smug look. However when he glanced at Kade, that look soon became confusion as his opponent seemed quite calm. Then, finally, his look became comprehension.

"Run!" heinstructed, but it was too late.

Stratus flapped hard, passing over the top of Cleopatra as her own Swift attack rained down upon her, each star exploding into a glittering cloud when it struck her.

"Double-Edge!" Kade called. Stratus let loose a battle cry as a vibrant orange aura erupted to life around her as she circled round and then hurtled straight for Cleopatra as the Persian slowly staggered back to all-fours. Then there was the sound of the impact as Stratus struck her prey hard, sending the Persian flying across the ground until she landed with a crash on the edge of the battlefield.

Kade's opponent groaned, this time his Pokemon did not get back up.

"Stratus doesn't like losing," Kade said quite conversationally.

"Evidently not," the other trainer said with a sigh as he returned his Pokemon, "Well, congrats on entry into the Festival tournament."

Kade was looking around desperately trying to catch sight of the Swanna again and just barely managed to hear him.

"Thanks, good luck for next time!"

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Spoiler: Pokemon at Sanctuary

Nimbus (Male, Moxie) - Night Slash, Sucker Punch, Night Shade, Haze, Wing Attack, Sky Drop

Spoiler: Inventory

Key Items
- 1200Poké
- 1 Pokédex
- 1 Holocaster
- Flight Saddle

Medicine
- 3 Potions
- 1 Super Potion
Pokeballs
- 1 Pokéball
- 2 Great Balls

Technical Machines
- Bug Bite (TM)
- Aerial Ace (TM)
- Sky Drop (TM)
- Ancient Power (TM)

General Items
- Pearls
- Spell Tag (worn by Cumulus)

 

[Dragon]

The Emma Kuzunoha Case Files: As One - Part 1


Current Team - Emma:

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On Reserve

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EPISODE TWO: SHALOUR CITY - "Korrina"​

"You know, had I've known you were coming, I could of made a much better welcome for ya!"



Korrina was a Gym Leader -- around Emma's age. She's about as tall and slender as Emma too, but with very long creamy blonde hair tied in a big, thick, high fluffy ponytail that emerges from the back of her helmet, with gray eyes and a fair complexion. Korrina wears a typical skater attire, consisting of a short white and red sleeveless dress over black cycling shorts and a white and red helmet on her head.

She and Emma basically grew up together -- training under the same master for martial arts. After which, Emma had entered the academy, and Korrina remained in Shalour City to do even more special training with her grandfather. Emma wasn't as enthusiastic and as bubbly as Korrina, but she knew, she was equally as serious and respectable as a competitor.

"It has been quite a while, hasn't it?" Emma asked with a composed look. "Four Years?"

"Five!" Korrina responded. "Y'know, before you decided to become this big shot detective. Did'ja arrest any bad guys yet?" Emma gave Korrina a not so very amused look. The two were friends, but their sense of humor seemed to be different. "Oh, y'know I'm just joking! I see ya all the time on the T.V.! Oh and um... I didn't say it before but, sorry about your mom and dad..."

"It's... fine," Emma meekly said. "But, never mind that now. Korrina, might I inquire you about something" Korrina nodded, giving Emma a more serious and forthcoming expression. She knew that Emma was always the more serious and straight-forward of the two, but with all good reason."...What do you know about Mega Evolution?"

Korrina crossed her arms. "A lot of things," Korrina boasted. "But what's up with you asking all of a sudden?"

"As I am right now, I can't do anything," Emma explained. "The Emerald Dragons... Team Cinder... they're all strong, and will only keep getting stronger. If there is some way that I can become strong enough to help stop them, then.. I'll do whatever it takes. It's not just for myself, but for the people and pokemon that I love."

Korrina gave off a small sigh, as she closed her eyes, pondering in thought. Soon, she opened them again, giving Emma a cheery smile. "Alright then!" she enthusiastically said. "I'll tell you all that you need to know... under one condition." Emma looked at her in wonderment as Korrina reached for herher small bag -- it had a pokeball in it. She held it right in front of her, pointing it straight at Emma. "You and I, battle! I'm a Gym Leader after all, and I always wanted to see how strong you've gotten! Come on, what do you say?!"

Emma nodded. "You're on!"

To be Continued...

 

[Jay]

Current Team - Jackson:

A Show of Force

---

Shalour City - October 3rd - 10:45 AM

"How dahell do I get myself into this sort of shit..." Jackson sighs, rubbing the back of his neck and straightening his back. He was standing in an open plaza near the center of Shalour city, there were pairs of people all around battling one another in a duel format. One pokémon versus one pokémon, one winner, one loser, simple as that. Jackson wasn't even entirely sure what was going on, but from context he gathered that this whole debacle was the build up to a tournament. He hadn't really wanted any part of this fight, he had bigger fish to fry. Indeed, this was something he really didn't have time for, so why exactly was he here?

"Look, I really don't have time for th-" He began, but was quickly cut off by his, well, supposed opponent. "Don't you give me that Jackson Crane! Deadbeat of Aquacord Academy!" The young man screaming in front of him was about eighteen, he wore a flannel shirt and tight jeans and hastily repaired glasses sit upon the bridge of his nose. If it weren't for those unsightly things he might be a good looking dude, handsome face and neat brown hair, but this guy really needed another pairs of specs, at least that's what Jackson thought. Aye, this guy was the reason, he had dragged Jackson off the street and damn near insisted he sign the registration. Jackson had thought 'Sure, why not?' should be good for a laugh.' but at this point, the joke had really run it's course.

"Did you think I wouldn't recognize you with that hair?!?" He cried incredulously, followed by an over-zealous laugh that garnered a few strained looks from the other participants, some finished and others yet to start their battles. Deciding this boisterous fools shouting was too large a distraction to ignore, many of them began to gather around, forming a small crowd surrounding the loud fellow and Jackson both, with their battlefield in between. "Jackson Crane... the delinquent, always at the bottoms of the gradepool, always acting the tough guy... while I! Leopold! Was always at the top of the class!"

"Doesn't really ring a bell..." Jackson mumbled, only for Leopold's jaw to drop incredulously. "Exactly what I mean! Everybody knows you, you damnable ape, despite all of MY hard work they focus on you! You're on the news! You're fighting Cinder! You're Sycamore's brutish, stupid, pet! To think that the lovely, beautiful and... and smooth... Emma Kuzunoha... would turn her gorgeous eyes to you! What does she even see in you?!" Jackson furrowed his brow, his gaze confused and somewhat perturbed. "Even the luscious Avril Morris... and the beautiful, graceful Odette Radiuju have-!"

"Dafuq you say?" Jackson snapped suddenly, confusion turning to irritation and a glare, to which Leopold yelped and stumbled back a step.

Spoiler:

"Look dipshit... I don't know who the fuck you are, but you sure are talking a lot of smack." Jackson curled his lip and turned his chin up in disgust, detaching a pokéball from his belt and tossing it lightly in his hand. "Now I'm feelin' exceptionally generous today... so I'm not gonna break your damn face in front of all these nice folks, understand? You wanna fight me so bad... you really wanna throw down? Then shut the fuck up, release your pokémon and put your poké where your piehole is!"

"Y-You...!" Leopold flushed bright red, but quickly pulled a pall from his belt and threw it skyward. "Porygon 2!" In a flash of white light, a smooth pink pokémon appeared, floating lightly off the ground, the movements of its head were somewhat stiff despite its shape.

"Huh... pretty fittin' I'd say. Lemme show you what a proper powerhouse looks like! Wave!" Jackson threw the ball in his hand skyward and it burst open, soaring through the air on outstretched purple wings was Wave the Crobat. Her purple leathery skin glimmered lightly in the late morning light and she landed lightly on the battlefield in front of Jackson.

"Let's make this quick." Jackson sighed. "Finally, something we agree on!" His opponent cried, full of fervor. "Porygon 2, Ice Beam!"

With a swift twirl of the two odd appendages on the sides of its body, Porygon 2 channeled a freezing cold beam of bluish energy, the air chilled around the attacks source as it prepared to batter into the Crobat waiting patiently. All in all such a spectacle lead to...! A rather unnecessarily long wind up time, which Leopold used to look as smug as he could. Rather convinced that his type advantage would win him the day. "Pretty sure you got this one girl..." Jackson responded, to which Wave sneered at her opponent. The moment the ice beam went off Wave darted upwards with the speed of a bullet, the beam that had been blasting towards it leaving a thick sheet of ice plastered across the ground.

Jackson smirked and snapped his fingers, to which Wave curled her wings into her body, scrunching into a ball and dropping rapidly towards the Porygon 2 below. "W-what?! Are you crazy your pokémon is going to hurt-"

"Cross Poison!" Before she hit the ground, Wave quickly unfurled all four of her wings in a slicing motion at Porygon 2, forming the shape of a dark purple X as oozing purple energy struck our from the tips. The Porygon 2 was launched backwards sliding along the icy floor it had created and barely managing to right itself and float upwards before it collided with its trainer. "Y-You!! No more games Crane! Porygon, it's time for Tri-Beam!"

Immediately Wave's opponent began to gather three different elemental energies. Ice, fire, lightning... yet it was all done so methodically, like a machine, he was calling out moves like it was a damn video game. "You know... I think I got your answer..." Jackson smirked, to which Leopold grit his teeth. "What answer?!"

"The reason you're falling behind... it doesn't matter how many books you read, or how many tests you do... sure it gives you an edge in some ways but that's not what life is about." Jackson's eyes widened wildly and his smirk grew into a wide grin. "You're all thought and no action! All bark and no bite kid! Without this kind of passion..."

The beam fired, three controlled elements that forged into one, it flew towards Wave at the speed of sound, the barrier cracking behind it as it raced through the air. It brushed passed Jackson's shoulder in turn, sending his hair waving with the force behind it as it dissipated harmlessly behind him...

It hadn't hit it's target.

"W-WHAT?!" Leopold cried, but it was too late, with the power of its Infiltrator ability Wave was far beyond the level of speed that the other trainer could muster. This battle was decided from the start.

"...you're getting left in the dust! Air Cutter!" With a quick fly by slice of her glowing white wings it was decided, blades of piercing wind shot out with ballistic forces. Smashing into Porygon 2 and sending it floundering through the air, the digital pokemon was sent skidding once more across the ice... however this time, it was incapable of rising from the floor.

The battle was over, Jackson had won.

***​

Leopold fell on his knees, fists beating the ground in frustration. "Why, why can't I win?! I don't understand! What's the difference?!"

In that moment a shadow was cast over his fallen form... and as he looked up he saw him. Jackson was standing there, looking down at him. There was no malice or hatred in his eyes though, just a quiet understanding. Suddenly Leopold understood, they were both misunderstood in their own ways, why had they ever been fighting? It wasn't about beating Jackson, it was about standing beside him. He didn't need to steal the glory, he could share it with him! Perhaps even... as friends. Smiling softly, Leopold extended his hand towards the gracious victor, ready to march into a new day together. To which, Jackson responded. "Sorry, generosity just ran out."

And then Jackson punched Leopold in the face.

"Oofguwahh!!" Leopold fell backwards in a heap with broken glasses, Jackson hadn't even hit him that hard and he was out cold, or at least he was acting like he was. The entire audience cringed as Jackson wiped a small bit of blood from his knuckles on a cloth he withdrew from his pocket. With that little distraction out of the way, he could finally head to the gym, nothing else was going to get in his-

"Mr. Crane, was it...?" A small voice came from behind him and as Jackson turned to face the source, he saw a short and rotund man looking up at him. "Oh who dafuq are you? Some teacher I told to shove off in Aquacord? The secret admirer I spurned one Friday in June? I'm sick of this shit."

"N-no sir... nothing of the sort, but you are the rightful winner of your battle, so I'm to present you with this." The small man pressed a small box into Jackson's hand. Red velvet and marked with the symbol of a Mega Stone, the same symbol so used for the upcoming festival, Jackson's interest was piqued. Raising an eyebrow he pushed open the lid and inside found a rather worthy prize. A single great ball, the glistening blue metal of which was shining in the sun... and with it, a small piece of paper, a ticket it seemed. He squinted for a moment, struggling to read the words.

"You are... something, something... invited... to... parti... what? Tournament." He mumbled, before the fragments clicked together and he realized what he held. Somehow, someway, he had qualified to enter into a tournament he hadn't even wanted to sign up to.

"...you have got to be kiddin' me."
​

---

Spoiler:

BADGE CASE:​

Spoiler:

INVENTORY:​

1 x Pokédex
3 x Poké Ball
1 x Old Rod
1 x Metal Coat
1 x Black Holocaster
1 x Cinder Uniform
1 x Retractable Skates

250 x Poké

TM CASE:​

• TM Bug Bite
• TM Dig
• TM Ice Beam
• TM Nasty Plot
• TM Ancient Power

Spoiler:

Current Outfit:

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[Daisuke Mitsuharu]

Caius Flynn, 21, ♂ ; Shalour City, Kalos

​

Mission 8: The Stinky Plot Thickens

"Uh huh" was all the response Caius could manage before the pretty lady in front of him began laying the verbal smackdown on the culprit behind the destruction of her stall.

"Ooh, if I ever find out the person responsible for this, that son of a..."

Caius spaced out. He knew what was coming next: she would go on and on about how much hard work she put into furnishing her stall, only to transition into yet another impassioned tirade that Caius wasn't too thrilled on hearing.

It was only after she cut to the chase that Caius opened his ears to listen again. "Could you track down whoever's responsible?" Her decibel levels were lower this time, which was a relief to Caius. Any more of her shouting and his eardrums would've likely split from the vibrations.

"Leave it to me."

#​

The putrid aroma and half-eaten berries all pointed to some Pokémon as the primary suspect. Not one to let the clues elude him, Caius had an idea which; his intuition told him it was a Stunky or Skuntank who was responsible for violating the woman's stall. Such a conclusion made sense to him, given the smell (which was something only the Skunk Pokémon could produce). No other wild Pokémon in the area matched his mental profile of the culprit.

The pieces were all there, and Caius had just finished completing the puzzle.

Pleased with himself, Caius couldn't help but curl his lips into the most devious smile; it was time for operation "Snuff Out The Skunk" to commence.

#​

After drawing up a plan to lure out the suspected culprit, Caius deliberated with the stall owner on using some of her leftover berries as bait. She was hesitant at first, putting up the argument that she wasn't willing to lose any more of her merchandise. It took some convincing, but eventually, she warmed up to the idea, setting one condition: to show results or pay for the berries wasted through trying.

Being the penniless Sinnoh native that he was, he had no choice but to succeed now. Should his hunch fail him, he'd have nothing to pay the lady. One thought consistently ran through his head during the entire conversation. Challenge accepted.

#​

A lone table was situated at one corner of the vast expanse that was Shalour City, and on top of it sat baskets upon baskets of assorted berries, each organized according to type and color. Caius and his trusty partner Sylph (a cute-as-a-button Sylveon) laid in wait, hiding inside the nearby Pokémon Center, where the two periodically looked out the window for any sign of the culprit. Nothing of note occurred in the first hour, but then there was rustling in the surrounding brush, alerting both Caius and Sylph to possible Pokémon activity.

As for which Pokémon...

Slowly, a black tail emerged from the forest laying outside Shalour City, displacing some shrubs and small trees in its path.

Lugging its body out in the open, the Pokémon and its beady eyes focused squarely on the table containing the berries, as if attracted to it like bees to honey.

This Pokémon was the culprit. The guilty party was none other than a Skuntank!

​

​

 

[Evily]

^

^
Minami "Mina" Haruka
Status: Shalour City | The Reunion

Inventory

Spoiler:

1x Wallet - 15,000 Poke
1x 3rd Place Contest Ribbon
1x Pokedex
10x Pokeballs
10 x Potions
5x Super potions
1x Fashion Case
3x Extra Clothes
5x Contest Outfits
1x Holocaster
1x Altarianite

"So, this is Shalour City…." Mina trailed of as she looked around the city, bustling with people and all kinds of stands lined along the streets, the owners preparing them for the festival to come. "If I'd known the festival was around the corner, I would have come sooner…"

Bark! Mina looked to her left to see Poppy, who was handing onto her shoulders from behind, looking over her left shoulder with her head lifted right next to hers. "What is it Poppy?"
Bark! Poppy pointed over to a stand and Mina looked, seeing an old lady having trouble with multiple bags of groceries. "Good eye Poppy!" Mina petted her head and speed-walked over to the old woman, offering her assistance with the groceries.

*Timeskip – 1 Hour later*

"Thank you so much, young lady. If I didn't get your help, it would have taken me longer to reach my stall and the ice cream would have melted by the time I got to our stall." The old woman thanked her as they stood in front of a purple stall attacked to a yellow truck, the back having a circle of ice cream scoops and the side (front of the stall) also has scoops of ice cream lined under the counter.

Spoiler:

"No problem, but what do you mean by 'our'?" Mina asked, curious about the other owner of the ice-cream stall. The old woman smiled before turning towards the stall and knocking on the counter.

"Sonnies, we have a guest, bring your sister as well." Called the old woman before turning to Mina and Poppy.

"My grandson was supposed to help me run the stall this festival, but he declared that he had no time to do trivial things, that his tournament is more important. So, I quickly looked around for a possible worker and found one in Anistar city, but he had to bring his sibling as well."

"Wait, Anistar City…. you don't mean…" Mina trailed off as she saw the people behind the counter. "Bro?! Rima?! How?!" Bark!

"Well…. I'll explain it later, but all you need to know is that I'm working for this lady during the festival. I couldn't leave Rima alone at home, so I brought her with me." Hinata explained as he wore his usual outfit, but with an apron tied to his front with the straps tied around his neck and waist, along with a folded hat decorated in the stall's logo. Just as he finished, Rima appeared beside Hinata, smiling at Mina and Poppy, Mimi her Mimikyu in her hold. "Sissy! You're here too!"

"I didn't think you two would be here… is it because of the festival?" Mina asked, if she knew, she would have brought them with her on the road.

"Kind of. That and for the money, need to get more Pokémon food for Pidge, you know how much of a glutton she is." Sighed Hinata, rubbing his neck in embarrassment. "Anyways, are you going to explore the festival? I heard there's no contests here in Shalour city."

"Really? That sucks… but yeah, I'm going to look around and see what I find. It's not every day you walk into a festival already on its way." Mina felt dejected, there was no contests in Shalour, so that left her with nothing much to do. 'Hmm…I could try practicing my new routine… but Fresca is resting at the moment from our last practice this morning.'

"It's decided then! You can take Rima with you to explore the festival while I help Miss Sarah with her stall." Declared Hinata, having, somehow, pulled Rima out of the stall and place her in front of Mina, immediately opening small cabinets and rearranging items.

"Yay! I'm with Sissy! Let's go explore! I want to see the different stalls and Pokémon!" cried Rima, grabbing Mina's hand and pulling her away from Miss Sarah's stall and towards the other stalls, Mimi holding onto her trainer's arm and Poppy clutching Mina's shoulder for life.

"Alrighty, I'm coming. I'll bring her back before it gets dark!" she called out the last part to her brother, who gave her a thumbs up in return. "Alrighty, let's see what they got."​

​

 

[Shak]

-Drew Tucker

​

The First Next Step​

​

The Shalour city sun gleamed off the glistening forehead of one Drew Tucker, as he plodded along its beach front. With each step the boy took, his breaths grew heavier, his body lurching further forward until his run came to an abrupt stop that saw him skidding face first across the hot sand. The sand jumped from beneath Drew as the boy flopped, face first into the beach. He glanced over at his starter, who was too busy making a dissatisfied assessment on the current state of his own body as he waddled ahead. Brycen had been like that since he evolved. It was relieving that he and the Quilladin could share that. They were both dissatisfied, and they both wanted to change things. He could tell from looking at his own stomach that things were definitely changing, albeit slowly.

"We...we're done." The boy panted, before rolling on to his side and resting his face in the comfort of his arm. He wasn't quite all the way there yet though. That said, even slow progress was progress. If anything could be credited for teaching him that, it would be everything he had to put up with training Nebula. The Eevee had taken him through hell and backwards as recently as Lumiose City. Now here she was running along the beach beside him and the rest of the team. They'd come a long way together, even if they had to separate to realize how much they truly needed one another. She'd been so quick to protect him in Reflection Cave where they were confronted by that Druddigon. Even if she couldn't win without the help of Levi.

Drew's throwing of the towel caught the attention of the Quilladin that waddled a few feet ahead of him, the Scrafty who was doing his best not stumble over his own loose skin, and the tiny Gligar that soared gleefully above. All three pokemon dashed to the aid of the trainer, leaving the sea-hopping Horsea blissfully unaware that its running companions had changed course.

"Quill, Quilla?" Brycen enquired, leaning over Drew's dozing body.

"You guys go on ahead...I'll catch up." Drew waved rolling to face away from his pestering starter pokemon. Brycen groaned. He glanced up, just a couple of hundred yards to the left where he could make out the figure of a sandy pyramind, topped by the familiar form of Levi the Aron. Brycen looked back down at his trainer and sighed.

Drew awoke feeling tingly. He shook the unwelcome sand off his person and took a moment to get his bearings. This was the first time he had a chance to really take in the beauty of Shalour City. Beach aside, the most demanding presence in the area was quite clearly the awesome Tower of Mastery. It was truly a structure of epic proportions. The peak of the building was scraping away at the clouds above, Drew could only imagine what the view was like from up there. Forget Shalour, it wouldn't surprise him if he could see half of Kalos if he peered over the edge. That's where he wanted to go.

His choice of run route completely evaded the early preparations for the festival, so Drew was surprised to see just how many had gathered already at the overly eager stalls, who fed off the anticipation for the eventual festivities. The crowd didn't bother him too much. At least it wouldn't have, if an offshoot of that crowd wasn't a pair of knuckleheads blocking the bridge to the tower.

"Beat it kid, can't you see we're having an important discussion here?" The knucklehead in the blue Gi waved off a disappointed young trainer, who hung their head as they walked past Drew and off the bridge. "As I was saying, it's always best to let the situation present itself before taking action, moron! How will you ever be able to defeat me if I can see everything you're about to do?" The triumphant man in the blue Gi bellowed to his opponent across the considerably intimate battlefield.

"Nope." Drew shook his head and turned around. He wasn't dealing with that.

"You don't understand. I never look back! You're always undefeated if you dismiss the pains of the past!" The sentiment the grounded man preached forced Drew to double take, flabbergasted at what he'd just heard. "You and your Throh aren't a challenge to a powerful pokemon like Sawk! Just like you aren't a real challenge to me!" The white Gi wearing competitor growled, following his monologue up with yet another attempt at a jump kick.

The kick just missed Drew, and stoppped just before colliding with the unfortunate soul in front of Drew, whom the teen had only just now noticed. He immediately recognized the man. Not from any distinct features he may have had, but from the chair he sat on. "Oh, it's you ummm..."

"Victor. Victor Marsden." The man interrupted with a smile.

"Sorry." Drew muttered. He felt a twang of familiarity as the man mentioned the name, but the discomfort he felt in the embarrassing moment subsided any recollection he may have had.

"It's quite alright." He began wheeling himself closer to Drew and away from the fighter who had just nearly kicked his head off. That same man seemed to completely miss Victor's arrival and dived straight back into combatting his rival. "I've often been told I'm relatively inconspicuous. Though as I'm sure you can imagine, this chair certainly makes me...stand out in a crowd, ironic as that may sound." As he spoke, he began wheeling himself past Drew, his arrival finally drawing the two muscle men out of their pokemon obsessed trance. "Gentlemen." He spoke a single word and parted the bickering men without needing another.

"Sorry." The man who had been arguing for Sawk uttered bashfully.

"Apologies for the inconvenience." Victor sighed, as he wheeled himself through.

"Wait!" Drew finally cried out. Victor's words had frozen him momentarily, as he thought back to the discussion with Jackson's sister at Parfum Palace. He caught up with the handicapped man, who was now staring solemnly at the Tower. "For what it's worth, you getting them to stop hardly turned out to be an inconvenience for me." Drew chuckled, Brycen's chuckles echoing Drew's sentiment.

"Mr Tucker, while I appreciate your efforts to...'console me', I am under no illusions about the hinderances of my handicap. I'd ask you don't patronize me with collateral." Victor half chuckled and half sighed. "A far more interesting topic of conversation, is how you've managed to get to the stage where you're ready to explore mega evolution? When I first met you at Parfum, your team consisted of an unevolved Chespin and a Feebas, correct? You must have come a long way." Victor spoke, examining the Quilladin that walked alongside Drew.

"Mega Evolution? What, you mean the tower? No, I just came here for the view. Was hoping to look out over the city, from the top, y'know?" Drew stared longingly up at the platform around the upper level of the tower.

"Certainly, it must be an empowering sight, but for a trainer such as yourself, the Tower of Mastery isn't to be treated as a mere tourist attraction Drew. I would advise holding out until you're ready to indulge the outstanding power of mega evolution." He noticed Drew grumble at that response. He paused for a moment and considered his next actions carefully. "Mr Tucker, how about I make you a deal?" He smirked, noticing Drew's ears perk up. "These two gentlemen seem to be causing quite the stir. How about we settle their dispute? If you help me do so, I can lend you this Dragon Scale, for you Horsea."

Drew paused for a moment, seemingly mulling over several questions he had. The first to come out of his mouth though, was... "How did you know I had a Horsea?"

"You're not the only one who takes peace in solitude, Mr Tucker. This beach isn't as big as it may seem." Victor uttered, unphased by the underlying accusation behind Drew's question. "I do have one condition though. Let's make this more interesting. I want you to use your weakest pokemon." He added, breaking the eye contact between Drew and Brycen.

Drew raised a brow. He wasn't really interested in a battle here. Maybe this was a chance to use Nebula though. They hadn't battled together since Lumiose; seeing how much she had grown would be useful. Then again, a battle against two fighting type trainers wasn't the smartest place to give the normal type a run out. The same went for Levi. The Aron had a lot of serious weaknesses, but fighting type was easily the most crippling. If he was supposed to use his weakest, that wasn't going to be Brycen or Caesar, so they were out of the question. Zephyr still wasn't ready for this level of opponent. His new Horsea? He didn't even have a name for it yet…its nose looks kinda like a gun, right? Sniper? Bazooka? No. He had it.

"Rotom!" Victor called forth his pokemon. In the time that Drew had been lost in thought, both fighters had called their own pokemon out. The white gi with a Sawk and the blue gi with a throh.

"Alright, Mustang, time for your debut!" Drew called out, taking great pride in his horse and gun inspired name.

Spoiler:

: 400

Poke Ball X 1

Apricorn X 1

Chesto Berry X1

Cheri Berry X1

Pecha Berry X1

Rose Incense X1​

Shalour City - Bridge of Mastery​

 

[Oddball_]

-- Profile --​

Name: Chris Rodriguez

Pokémon :

Location: Shalour City

Inventory:

Spoiler:

- 1 Pokédex

– 20,500 Poké

- 2 Potions

- 4 Poké Balls

- 1x Dusk Stone

- 3x Rawst Berry

– Mysterious Blue Crystal

- Relic Copper

- TM case [Ancient Power][Gyro Ball][Agility]

– Rare Candy

– Shiny Stone

– Rocky Helmet
2x Team Plasma Pin
Cloned Gyrados Embers
Green and Black dust
Pickaxe
Pro Racers Black Jacket (E)
Red Rangers Jacket

A Mega Challenge: Part One

~​

Chris stood on the sand dune that lead from the rest of Shalour city and face up towards the strange fortress like tower that held its own walled off island. The Tower of Mastery, the locals called it. He was aware of that of course, being the history buff that he was. It was strange, standing in such close proximity to the place made him feel as though an energy was washing over him.

His hands instinctively opens the case in his bag and he stares down at the six mega stones he was now in possession of. Perhaps, he speculated, he wasn't imagining that energy after all. The stones were supposed to be inhabited by the spirits of Pokémon past… so what is to stop them from understanding what this place meant?

He turned back to look at the cliffside town. There would be time to explore it later, besides, it looked like the town gym even doubled as a skate rink. But for now, there was a task at hand. One foot stepped forward. The other. His heart started to race. His hand shook as he made sure the device in his ear was working properly…

---

Setting up the match was easy enough. Especially when he showed the guardians his six mega stones and their jaws nearly hit the floor. However he now stood on the balcony on the uppermost floor of the tower. The guardian chosen to face him, a fiery haired Hoenian man with a tight fitting black "Toxic Shock" band T-shirt.

"My name is Maximillian. I hear you seek the power of mega evolution… I need not know why, only that your heart is pure." The lines felt a bit rehearsed, but Chris shrugged it off. He understood the basic principles of mega evolution. An emotional resonance between Pokémon and trainer would unleash a massive burst of energy that could very likely kill someone who tried to wield it before they were ready.

"…and the best way to weigh a heart, is through battle! Go, Camerupt I choose you!" Maximilian finished and tosses a black ball embezzled with several small gems. Appearing in a burst of red light was a red furred Pokémon with several rock like bone structures protruding from it's back.

The humps on Camerupt's back are formed by a transformation of its bones. They sometimes blast out molten magma. This Pokémon apparently erupts often when it is enraged.

"A fire and ground type Pokémon…" Chris muttered to himself. "Then perhaps I'll start with a water and rock type Pokémon!" The red and white Pokéball was flung forward with immense speed, curving through the air before bouncing and releasing the burst of red light that contained his Pokémon, the squid like Omanyte known as Dios. As the Pokéball snapped shut and continued its course back to Chris' outstretched hand he couldn't help but smile. This was already off to a good start.

"MEGA! EVOLUTION!"

The shout erupted from Maximillian as he pressed the keystone embedded in his bracelet. A blinding prismatic light began to emanate from the crystal and forced Chris to turn away. A wave of heat washed over him as the Camerupt and trainer began to roar in unison, temporarily becoming enveloped in a glowing pulsating prismatic cocoon before smashing forth and radiating pure unadulterated energy from both of their forms that for a brief second almost seemed visible.

"This is the power you seek." Maximillian's voice almost seemed to echo as he spoke, his eyes still filled with that same radiant prismatic light. "Are you worthy?"

Chris grunted and turned back, the heat searing him as he looked towards the new Pokémon.

New Entry Found: Mega Camerupt.
The boney protrusions on its back can exhale magma of up to 12,000 degrees Celsius, almost 2000 degrees more than its base form. However, doing so raises a great risk to the environment around it, and could pose possibly fatal to the Pokémon as the amount of energy consumed to create that amount of internal combustion would likely cause its body to begin consuming its own internal organs.

"Oh Dios mío…" Chris winced in pain, but steeled himself against the heat, he'd lived on a Volcano and it had never bothered him before. "Dios! Ancient Power!" Chris shouted, realizing that his Omanyte was never going to be able to overpower the magmatic titan on its own. The tentacles in the Omanyte's face pointed outwards and chunks of loose brickwork of the tower began to glow and fly towards the opposing Pokémon. The Fossil Pokémon began to emenate a faint glow of its own, however the power boost from it's move was hardly noticeable in comparison to that of a Mega Pokémon.

"Camerupt! Use earthquake." Maximillian called out in his echoing voice. The volcanic Pokémon wasted no time, reacting before the command was even given, rearing its front legs forward and slamming them onto the ground, causing the entire tower to quake beneath their feet, cracks in the masonry stretching outwards, snaking their way underneath Chris and Omanyte. Chris felt his knees give out as he was dropped to the floor, Dios shell vibrated, and a visible crack began to chip away at the creature.

"Dios, use Brine!" Chris groaned, desperately trying to get back to his feet. The small fossil Pokémon began to foam and froth beneath its shell, before letting a torrent of water to spew over the battlefield, causing a rainfall to drop into the ocean below the tower and the magmatic form of the Volcano Pokémon to steam and hiss as basalt and obsidian began to form all around its sides.

"Earth Power." The voice echoed as the ground around the Volcano Pokémon began to vibrate. The obsidian and basalt shattered quickly, and the molten cores began to quickly fly forwards, searing the cracks in Omanyte's shell shut. The small water Pokémon screamed in it's strange voice and tried desperately to crawl away, tentacles sliding along stone however is not very fast.

"Tch." Chris frowned as he held out the Pokéball, the beam of red light cracking like electricity through the air towards Dios. The prehistoric Pokémon evidently had other plans in mind however, as it raised its tentacle and seemed to slash the light in half, preventing it from returning him into his Pokéball.

"You and your Pokémon don't seem to be of the same mind. You won't be able to use mega evolution if you can't understand what your friends want."

Chris frowned, worried for the safety of his Pokémon and unsure of how he was going to take down the goliath challenge he had gotten himself into. "If you're sure Dios, I trust you… Unleash another burst of your Brine attack!"

There was a glint in the eye of the spiral Pokémon, and what before was only a frothy foam spouted forth a jet of water that shot the Pokémon into the air, the power of the attack having been raised substantially due to the Pokémon's low energy, breaking any limits that were being imposed. As the Pokémon soared through the air the glistening of the sunlight against the droplets of water surrounding it began to reflect it's own illusionary prismatic sheen. Moving in water, Omanyte was now a much faster Pokémon as well, and it steered the column of salty brine downwards, directly smothering the mega Pokémon beneath the temporary waterfall that had been created. Columns of steam began to pour out as the water rapidly evaporated and the surface of the Pokémon began to rapidly grow crystalline lava rock structures coupled with natural salt deposits.

"Yes! We did it!" Chris cheered as the water began to drip off the sides of the balcony once more, revealing the completely encased stone form of the mega Pokémon.

"Think again." Maximilian painfully laughed as he stared onwards with his irradiant eyes. The stone statue began to glow red hot as the creature trapped within clearly still had some form of fight left in it. The spiral Pokémon started to squirm it's way off the statue, only for it to not matter much as an explosion of pressure caused shrapnel and fire and molten rock to spray across the balcony. As the Omanyte smashes against the battlefield at Chris' feet, it's evident that the Pokémon could barely even move. Chris hissed and recalled the unconscious Pokémon into it's Pokéball.

"Choose your next Pokémon."

Chris' Museum:

​

 

[forg]

Margarita Fas​

Splash. Frolicking in the glistening waters is an ecstatic Eelektrik. His shrieks could be heard for over a mile, much to the dismay of the Pawniard that was resting on a jagged boulder feet away.

Margarita held her boots in one hand, her feet digging into the wet sand. The calm waves caressed her skin, coming no higher than her knees from how far she's wandered in. It was serene. It was calming...

That is, if she blocked out the commotion behind her. Trainers and visitors alike mingled near and far, their conversations amalgamating with the background noise.

Eee! EEEEEEE! the electric eel blurted out, energy levels limitless. Passerby would consider him insane, at times displaying what some would mistakenly believe were convulsions of sorts. "That's an 8," Margarita scored the yell, having heard louder in prior travels. "But you tried."

Deino's head burst from within the sand near Pawniard, having hidden itself underneath. It annoyed the tiny knight, who began to dust himself clean from the debris. He couldn't fathom the thought of dirty blades for more than a second. Deeeeeeeee. The dragon began to tremble, catching Pawniard's attention. ...eeeeeiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.

From Margarita's shoulder a Larvesta resided, observing the shenanigans both Deino and Eelektrik partook in. Fortunately she had turned in time to witness Deino leap out of the sand to run towards the sea, gifting Pawniard a light coat of sand.

He let out a frustrated cry.

"Let's train here," Margarita announced, much to the surprise of Larvesta. Pawniard marched on to the waves, ridding himself of the impurities stuck to his blades. "I'm going to put all this energy to use. Nunu!" She patiently waited until the eel paused in his horseplay, half their body submerged within the waters. Their beige fins adoringly flapped in response to his trainer. "You and Nana are going to train. Let's start."

Larvesta crawled down her body, somewhat squirming upon entering the sea. "It will help to fight someone whose terrain is to their advantage." Pawniard glanced their way, rage having been converted into exhilaration for the battle he is about to observe.

Little did Margarita know there was already a human spectator watching from afar, curious to her methods.

"Nunu. Go crazy." Eeeeeeee! The eel thrashed about on the water's surface before disappearing into its depths. Larvesta grew alert, eyes attempting to study the water for any shadow. She unknowingly keeps inching further from the deep blue, subconsciously fearful of the water.

"Get ready. He's unpredictable as heck," Margarita reminded her fire bug, who was all too aware of the fact. Throughout the journey Nunu the Eelektrik was known to be... eccentric. Wild. A happy creature who didn't know the meaning of agony. At times the teammates wondered if he had fallen as a child.

The water's surface broke to the bug's right, a gaping mouth displaying menacing canines. Larvesta barely dodged the surprise attack, bodies grazing as the eel re-entered the ocean. But within the next instant he came bursting forth again, to which the bug clumsily attempted to maneuver to the side. Unfortunately she slips and gets swallowed by the sea, giving Eelektrik an opening.

"Nana, get out of the water. You're making it easier for him," Margarita warned, stepping out of the water herself. She figured it wasn't long before electricity got involved in the brawl.

Eelektrik sunk his teeth into the bug's skin, giving him a good grip. She squirmed and cried, but it was muffled by the environment. Bubbles and white began to fill Larvesta's vision as the eel thrashed her around before throwing her above, through the surface and out of the water.

"Use string shot!" She hurried to turn and initiate the move, but the eel was far much quicker. Electricity sparked and crackled around his body, much to Larvesta's horror.

Their faces nearly touched, one displaying glee and the other dread.

And then a discharge of electricity escaped the fish, engulfing and damaging the opponent. The bright light blinded Pawniard, whose reflective blades grabbed Deino's attention. Margarita simply closed her eyes for that moment, arm instinctively shielding her.

The two splashed back into the water. Larvesta didn't hesitate to make a run for the dry shore, to which Eelektrik reacted by playfully springing after her. "Ember!" Larvesta did as she was told, skidding to a stop to face her opponent. She stood still, little stumps for legs digging into the hot sand all the meanwhile the eel slowly approached.

In the meantime, Deino charged towards the reflective blades of Pawniard, who was too engrossed on the fight to notice. So much so that he shrieked upon the sudden headbutt. Both crashed into the sand.

Vessss! Larvesta spits out small amounts of flames from all five of her whorled horns to dry any water still on. A menacing stare greeted Eelektrik upon his last hop, puzzled by the expression. Despite his speed, his mind was slow to process the ensuing ember that exploded from the five horns.

The fire burned the eel, slightly pushing them farther away from the bug. Fortunately Eelektrik was not far from the calming waves, which eased the stinging from the attack upon falling back into the shallow waters.

Larvesta spits out a small stream of fire from the lower two horns, lifting herself off the ground. She no longer desires to be where the waves could reach her.

Eelektrik pops out his glistening head from the water, jolly from what he considers a pastime. He demonstrated abundant energy, yet Larvesta began to cringe and flinch, her injuries beginning to wear her down.

Paaaaaaaaaaawniard! a roar erupted from behind Margarita. Her Pawniard began a tantrum, swinging their limbs as they lay on the ground. They seethed of rage alongside an exhausted Deino that sported a silly grin. Despite the booming show, the dragon curled near the blades of fury, instantly falling asleep.

"Eh... that's okay, we can rest up. Let's stop here." Margarita faces the other duo. "You do look tired Nana. I think you both did very good." Larvesta sighed in relief, hovering over to her trainer whose free arm gladly greeted her. Eelektrik cried out in joy prior to rolling within the waves, splashing water all over. The bug and young adult were close enough to receive the neverending spray.

"Do you want some honey?" The question perked the bug right up, eyes filled with happiness at the thought. "I think you deserve some honey. The mart isn't that far from here anyway so."

Pawniard struggled to get up, now kicking the sand on to the sleeping Deino. But Margarita returned the dragon back into his sanctuary within the Pokéball, dissatisfying the small knight. "That's pretty messed up Nene." The Pawniard grimaced, unable to understand how she thought such. In return he approached her and initiated a spiel, blades in constant movement as he demonstrated what he was describing.

Margarita found it endearing, smiling at the poor thing. Little did he realize that she had already made up her mind, faithfully believing Deino simply needed patience. Patience is a trait Pawniard certainly lacked.

Larvesta dried herself with Margarita's sweater, small and fluffy body embraced by the trainer.

Pawniard suddenly paused, having noticed an approaching cloaked figure. He tells his trainer he'll continue later, more interested in what a stranger has to do here.

"Good morning mademoiselle."

 

[Jay]

Current Team - Jackson:

Mastery - Jackson's Power

---

The Tower of mastery - October 3rd - 1:35 PM

​

Jackson stood before another distraction, albeit this time a rather large one. Before him was the supposed Tower of Mastery, a place of great importance to the people of Shalour. He could have sworn he saw Drew and some guy in a wheelchair approach the building... but it seemed like the kid was dealing with some thugs who had been blocking the path, it was heartening to seem him stand up for himself, for once. As such, he decided it better not to approach for now as he watched from atop the bridge itself, having easily slipped by in the chaos. Drew had many more pokémon alongside him now, that starter of his had even gained a new form, just like Gaspar. If Jackson didn't know any better, he would have called himself impressed.

Still, now he was across this damned bridge, at the entrance to this crumbling ruin. Still, even he couldn't deny the sheer power that thrummed in the air, pulsing like a heartbeat. It was a focal point of the energies that made up Kalos, like everything was connected to a nexus and that nexus convened here, within these stone walls... or something like that. As he gazed at the entryway, a massive stone alcove that dwarfed him in size, he felt a strange warmth against his chest.

Looking down he saw the incomplete pendant that still hung around his neck. A gift from Sycamore, if was supposed to guide him in the days to come... to help him become stronger than he had been before. Was this what the Professor had meant? Had he stumbled upon the path forward here? Now?

"Your thoughts are correct traveler... this is the house of your future power, the nexus of strength to which you are bound to connect." Jackson nearly jumped out of his skin, spinning in the spot to a point of shadows cast by the alcove, he saw a figure. A man draped in black and purple cloth, a hood covering his eyes and expression, his hands were adorned with find gold jewelry, and only his warm smile told anything of his disposition, half hidden by a flowing tie of blonde hair.

"D-Dahell...? You scared the shit out of me man, was I talkin' out loud or something?" Jackson quickly retorted, trying to hide his initial surprise, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "My apologies Mr. Crane, I meant not to frighten..." The figure spoke, stepping calmly from the shadows into the light. "You spoke not aloud, but your heart rang loud and clear. Like a bell to a monastic monk, the tone of your desire hath summoned me here."

"Those are some pretty flowery words pal..." Jackson mumbled, furrowing his brow gently. "Just who dahell are you anyway?" The man chuckled lightly and bowed to the question, his hair draping lower but his hood not moving with the motion. "A name is a fanciful thing... so I will skip our formalities. I am a successor here, one who watches this tower and the power it holds. I favor a ghost type pokémon as you do, so it is only right that I am to be your teacher."

"Teacher...? Sorry to break it to ya buddy, but I had enough of those in Aquacorde, I just came here to check out the tower." Jackson began, shrugging off what he saw a crazy guy in a crazy situation. "'ppreciate the offer but I think I'm good to go."

"Even with your frozen queen's words ringing in your mind?" As Jackson turned to leave, the 'teacher's' voice caught him like a hand, squinting in annoyance he turned back to the hooded figure, wonderment peeking through anger, as he had to think long and hard on how this creep could tell him his thoughts like he was reading them from a book. "You wonder if she was right... if your power is not enough to protect the one you care for. If this concern weighs upon thine shoulders than follow young trainer, I will show you how to grant thineself a strength unlike any other. One worthy of your goal, Jackson."

Without a word more, the Teacher turned and moved into the darkness of the tower, cloak billowing behind him. "Hey... wait! How do you know...?! Hang on!" His words did not pause the mysterious man in turn... and so reluctantly, Jackson followed his echoing footsteps into the tower and the winding stone staircases therein.

***

​

Huffing with exhaustion, Jackson leans forward resting on his knees, the cool air of the now higher altitude tousling his hair and reviving him slightly from his exhaustion. They were not at the top of the tower, though Jackson had worries that was their destination. Instead they stood on a large stone balcony, one with enough size to host a full squadron of people and pokémon.

"You have followed, I am glad, Jackson Crane." The Teacher turned and smiled, his face miraculously still covered by his hood despite the rest of his robe billowing in the wind. "This... hah... shit... this had better be good 'teacher'..." Jackson spat out the words before finally catching his breath. He righted himself to face the smiling individual who now stood ready on the other side of the open space before them. "Release each one of your pokémon together, if you would, there is aught they should hear as well."

Jackson hesitated at first, but after a moment shrugged and acquiesced, tossing each pokéball upwards until all five of his team mates stood together, side by side with the trainer who raised them.

"3005 and five years." The Teacher began. "3005 years ago a great man stood where I now stand. He addressed the people who he loved so dearly, he granted them the strength of his words and gave them the power to rise up against the deadly threats that faced them... his purpose here might have been preserved had his hand not fallen to the weapon he had built." He paused, looking skyward through the fabric of the hood that covered his eyes. "Now we are here, the Successors of the power born of his mistakes. We who guard the legacy of Mega Evolution., who who teach and guide the people... to make the most out of a bad situation." *He smiled again and looked at Jackson, directly at him, even with the hood covering his eyes Jackson could feel his teacher's eyes staring into his own.

"...just who are you?" Jackson stated, no more bitter malice in his voice, only a desire to understand. In that brief moment he was connected to the power the other man spoke of, he could feel its sparking energy hanging in the air.

"I am he who has never forgotten, he who saw the truth that day so long ago..." He smiled wider than before, a smile of contentment and excitement. From the shadows of his own cloak, a single ghost type pokémon bound forth, it's doll like body moving awkwardly across the stone tiles. At long last the teacher pulled back his hood... and Jackson took a step back at what he saw. One, brown, caring eye stared back at him, but the other was missing.

In its place was a prismatic stone, marked with a half-helix symbol.

"...but above all else, Jackson Crane, I am your teacher. Your mentor in the power I have waited so long to bequeath... and there is no more time to waste. Banette! Hear my cry, heed my voice... use the power that destroyed this world to go beyond what we are and will ever be! Mega Evolution!"

"BANEEEEETTE!"

​

Jackson had to shield his eyes as across the town could be seen an explosion of prismatic light blazing forth from a small balcony upon the Tower of Mastery's upper floors. When the young man lowered his eyes the pokémon before him was changed, it had near doubled in size and various open seams had appeared across its body, revealing delicate pink fabric beneath it. Each of Jackson's pokémon quickly moved in front of him, the incredible aura of power blasting from this pokémon showing as a clear threat to their master. "W-what the hell is this?!" Jackson cried out, barely able to hear himself now over the roaring wind that rushed over the platform.

"Consider it your final exam!" The Teacher called out, both of his eyes, real and gem, now glowing with a prismatic light. "Everything you've done up until now, everyone you've faced, every challenge overcome... they've all lead to this! Every second of your life has been preparation for this moment Jackson, harness the fire in your soul! Reach forth and grab the strength to protect her! To protect Malorie, Emma, Drew AND Odette! Show me the strength of your bond, the bond you share with the pokémon standing beside you!"

"Y-YOU!" Jackson cried out, throwing the hand in front of his face to one side and facing the wind head on. "You want to see my strengtht hat bad teach'? Then maybe it's time someone thought YOU a lesson right back! Today on the curriculum... don't FUCK with JACKSON CRANE! FANG!"

Pointing forward, Jackson directed his Houndoom to charge and without hesitation he rushed forward, flames blazing at the sides of his jaws as he moved through the oncoming torrent of the elements.

"Your pokémon can sense your commands without your words! That alone is commendable, but don't forget that your heart is open to me as well!" As Fang moved in for a bite, Banette swiftly struck, side stepping the attack and rammed a curled fist into Fang's side, sending the dark type sliding across the stone platform, immediately left in a critical state. "W-what?! What the hell are you?!" Jackson cried, quickly returning Fang to his pokéball as the winds intensity only picked up.

"The tactics of the past will not work on the ones who invented them, my eager student!" The Teacher called out calmly, his voice always raising above the winds that howled passed.

"Then it's time I showed you that the future is now!" Jackson began to push forward, stepping closer to the battle despite the wind raging harder and harder, as if the sheer force of this level of power was forcing him back, screaming at him that he wasn't prepared for what would happen next.

"Gaspar, shadow ball! Wave, air cutter! Teddy, dig! Petal, growth! Fang, Roar! All together!" Reacting like clockwork to his commands, each of Jackson's pokémon rushed forward in unison.

Gaspar flew out of his trainer's shadow, his gaseous form struggling against the wind, but like the man who raised him he persevered. Gathering energy from the surrounding darkness, he coalesced the energy into a tangible form, a dark sphere filled with Gaspar's resolve.

Fang had been seen as a monster. As one of the pokémon who attacked Santalune forest under Cinder's control... he was controlled by grief and feared by many. But as he roared triumphantly, the force of his voice breaking through the wind and pushing their opponents back to the wall, he could use his misguided power for good. He could use it to protect people. That was what his trainer had taught him.

Wave dashed into the clouds using all four wings to strike against the wind itself, drawing it into herself and using it to form cutting blades of air. From the moment she had been caught she had been seen as weak, as common... but now, fighting at the precipice of a new power, she was strong. She was unique. She was powerful... and it was all thanks to him.

Teddy wasn't afraid anymore. Ever since that first day when Jackson met him for the first time he had been scared, unable to overcome the challenges that the rest of his party had undertaken... he still hadn't even evolved. Yet still, as he dug through the stone floor, just enough to burrow, but not so far as to fall out the other side, he knew he was helping. They needed him, no matter his size or appearance, he wouldn't be scared anymore. For them.

Petal hadn't known Jackson long... but after losing the mother that loved her, she had been saved by Teddy, a pokémon that Jackson raised. She was young, but she was important to them, they had risked themselves for her. Digging her roots into the ground as close to the Banette as she could, she let the power in herself grow, determined to repay the favor.

"Yes... that's it Jackson! That's the power I need to see! The power of your bonds, those you've built over a journey longer than any other you've ever faced!" The Mega Banette swiftly raised it's hand to take the Air Cutter, protecting its face and taking minimum damage from the attack even with Wave's all. While it was momentarily pushed back by the force of Fang's roar, moving back forward it was only behind a couple of paces.

"Banette! Phantom Force!" In an instant Banette seemed to disappear, just as Gaspar's shadow ball was about to hit, the projectile instead collided hard with the edge of the stone balcony, launching a few bricks down to the beach below, obliterating others and shrouding the platform in a brief moment of purple and white smoke. However, the wind rapidly began to clear it away... and just barely through the fog, the Teacher could see a visibly confused Jackson.

Banette in an instant, reformed as it was before and charged forward, black energy spiralling around its fist, aimed towards Gaspar for a quick finish. This one super effective strike would knock Gaspar out instantaneously... and without the morale of his partner pokémon, Jackson was sure to lose.

"I am truly sorry, Jackson." The Teacher said, noticing the young man's instant of panic.

But then, something changed in Jackson's expression, in a mere moment his fear vanished, his worry was gone. He composed himself and furrowed his brow, concentrating, his teeth gritting in anticipation.

"Teddy! NOOOWWW!" Jackson screamed so his voice would carry through the wind.

​

In an instant Teddy burst out from the stone in the direct path of the Mega Banette's attack, his paw was raised and a glowing white energy extended his claws. "SLAAAASSSHHH!"

"URSAAAA!" With a swift movement Teddy brought his paw downwards, the white claws colliding directly with the glowing black fist of Mega Banette. The Mega pokémon's eyes widened with surprised as the ghost and normal type moves collided, neither doing any damage, but both immediately stopping in their tracks.

The Teacher's confusion swiftly changed to realization as the events of the battle played over in his mind. The Air cutter to weaken the punching arm, the roar to get just enough spacing, the first shadow ball to create a distraction. Jackson understood just how outmatched he was... and had used every trick his pokémon had to create a single instance of advantage... and they had all understood not by rigorous planning, not by intense tactical training.

But by a single attack on his Houndoom and a deep understanding between them all as a group, as a family.

"WAVE! Use Poison Fang and latch on!" Immediately the bat pokémon dived, its wings wrapping around the Mega Banette's arms and holding tight as she dug her fangs into its neck, causing it to screech in irritation.

"Banette, shake it off! Use Shadow Sneak!" And the Banette did, quickly darting into the darkness, it rose up behind Wave and hit her hard, sending her sprawling and unconscious across the floor. "Petal! Now!" Jackson cried in response, just as the Banette had attacked it had left a single moment open where it was exposed.

Shaking her empowered body, Petal released a shower of stun spores that caught the wind, flowing into the Bannette and latching on immediately, in that single instant the paralysis took effect... its body struggling to maintain movement despite its immense power.

"Shadow Ball in retaliation!" The Teacher cried and once again the Banette followed suit, raising a shaking arm it channeled the immense power of its own shadow ball, the attack thrumming with power as it shot forward swiftly, colliding with petal and smashing her into the wall, knocking her out immediately.

"BASTARD!" Jackson cried, the intensity of the battle getting to him quickly, barely allowing himself to keep composed. Without command, Teddy launched forward, dragging its tongue roughly across the Banette's face, dealing minimal but super effective damage... only to receive a KOing sucker punch fpor his troubles.

With only two pokémon left, Jackson was running out of options. His opponent was weakened but he couldn't take any more damage or it would all be for nothing. There was only one more option he knew, all out assault! Jumping up to catch the unconscious Teddy's body, Jackson called out one final command. "FANG! Bite! No matter what, you have to bite it!"

Furrowing it's fiery, yet injured gaze, Fang blasted forward, pushing through the wind and its own pain to leap ferociously at the Banette, it's fangs growing and blazing with black aura. The Banette moved to counter, but the paralysis momentarily halted its movements, allowing the Houndoom's namesake to sink into its side long enough to cause critical damage, before Fang was blasted away to unconsciousness with another Shadow Ball from Banette.

One left on both sides, this next hit would seal the deal. "Gaspar..." Jackson's voice was calm as he turned his gaze to the ghost pokémon, the wind had almost settled now, the smoke dissipated. Just like the start, they stood together, side by side. It was them against the world. They knew that... and they knew they wouldn't lose. Turning forward with a unified gaze, Jackson thrust his fist forward and called out one last command.

"Shadow Punch!"

Darting like a bolt of black lightning into the shadows, Gaspar rushed from spot of darkness to darkness, before bursting out in front of the Banette and pulling back his fist, which now burst forth with shadowy energies.

"Banette! Shadow Sneak!" Before the attack could hit, Banette darted into the darkness itself, trying to pull back for a final blow... but in a burst of inspiration Gaspar followed, moving into the shadows as well. Now as two black silhouettes on the ground, Gaspar's fist raced forward...

And collided with the Banette's face directly.

With a pained cry, Mega Banette was forcefully knocked back into the light in a physical form. It's body scattered across the stones and with a painful burst of bright prismatic light, the Mega stone granting it's form scattered to one side of the balcony... leaving Banette to revert back, collapsed and unconscious. Defeated.

Jackson and his team... had won.

***

​

The wind was finally quiet as Jackson finished returning each fainted pokémon to its pokéball. In his head he said a quiet thank you to each one, he wasn't ever... one for sentimentality. Yet, in that moment, he was grateful, grateful and glad that each one of his teammates had found their way to him. If he hadn't met even a single one of them, he wouldn't have been able to win.

Jackson didn't face the area where his opponent had stood, he stood up and smiled, facing away from the man as he attached Wave's pokéball to his belt. "Y'know... I still don't fully believe you're not crazy but... I think this was what I needed right now."

"Y'showed me somethin' important. Showed me that I'm plenty strong as is but... there's always someone stronger, someone I gotta beat. Maybe you're right, maybe I doubted myself too much." He closes his eyes and thinks deeply for a moment, his mind drifting to the friends he had made along the way.

And yes, while he would never admit it to their faces... they were his friends. They were the people he would stand by.

Even Odette... because she was hurting too, maybe hurting more than him... and rather than fighting her, this time, he'd use that power that was only his to help her. To protect her and everyone else.

"So... thank y- huh?" As Jackson turned around there was no trainer standing behind him. No unconscious Banette lying prone on the floor, no lost Banettite or whatever it was called resting on the stones. All that remained was a dull, rainbow coloured gem, lifeless, yet still pulsing faintly with a gentle power.

Jackson stepped forward cautiously and leaned down by the stone, reaching for it lightly he took it in his hand, it shimmered lightly in the sunlight... the power within yet to be unlocked.

"No... Jackson Crane... thank you."

Jackson stood up in surprise and looked around, but the voice of his teacher had no real source... they simply echoed across the sky, fading away as the last remnant of a life well lived. Jackson grasped the stone tightly in his hand.

"I'm ready now, Professor... for whatever it is comes next."

​

---

Spoiler:

BADGE CASE:​

Spoiler:

INVENTORY:​

1 x Pokédex
3 x Poké Ball
1 x Old Rod
1 x Metal Coat
1 x Black Holocaster
1 x Cinder Uniform
1 x Retractable Skates

250 x Poké

TM CASE:​

• TM Bug Bite
• TM Dig
• TM Ice Beam
• TM Nasty Plot
• TM Ancient Power

Spoiler:

Current Outfit:

​

​

​

​

​

 

[Evily]

^

^
Minami "Mina" Haruka
Status: Shalour City | The Twin Mousse

Inventory

Spoiler:

1x Wallet - 6,250 Poke
1x 3rd Place Contest Ribbon
1x Pokedex
10x Pokeballs
2x Heal Balls
5x Great Balls
2x Net Balls
2x Fast Balls
3x Moomoo Milk
10x Potions
5x Super potions
5x Pewter Crunchies
1x Fashion Case
3x Extra Clothes
5x Contest Outfits
1x Holocaster
1x Altarianite

After looking over a couple stalls that were already ready Mina bought two Heal Balls, five Great Balls, two Net Balls, two Fast Balls, three bottles of Moomoo Milk, and five packs of Pewter Crunchies. Rima didn't seem to find anything to her taste, most of the stalls weren't ready yet, so nothing could be bought unless the were potions or support items.

"Sis! When will the festival start?" asked Rima, hugging Mimi close with one arm and the other holding onto Mina's right hand.

"It'll start when everyone's ready. We still have some time before it starts, how about we go back and eat some ice cream while we wait?" assured Mina, looking around. The citizens were carrying around accessories, Pokémon decorating stalls, there's a huge variety of work being done, but Rima seemed to want the festival to occur now.

"Yeah! Ice cream!"

*Time skip – Minutes Later*

Mina and Rima walked around the street with a cone of ice cream in own hand, the other holding the other's hand. Mimi was sitting on Rima's head and Poppy in her spot as always, clinging onto Mina's shoulders, looking over her left shoulder. Right as they pass an alleyway, they hear a couple moans of pain.

"Sis, what was that?" asked Rima, scared from the sounds coming from the alleyway. Mimi looked towards the alleyway and brought out her shadow claw just in case.

"I don't know but let's find out." Mina pushed Rima behind her and slowly walked into the alleyway, the daylight helping light the contents of the alley. One of the trashcans nearby moved and a grunt of pain was heard, making the four turn. 'That sounded like a Pokémon…' Just as they were about to walk closer, a yellow Pokémon rolled out from beside the trashcan, covered in injuries. 'A Dedenne!' Then a Pikachu, also covered in injuries painfully walked out and stood in front of the Dedenne, doing its best to protect the smaller rat. 'And a Pikachu!'

"A Dedenne and a Pikachu! Sis, can we keep them?" asked Rima, looking at the two with sparkling eyes. "Well see Rima." Commented Mina before kneeling and putting out her Castelia Cone holding hand towards the Pikachu and Rima squatted down beside her, copying her action. "Here, I have a feeling you need it more than us."

The Pikachu looked at the two before turning its head towards its companion, who looked at the treats hungrily, and turning back. Hesitantly, the Pikachu walked towards the two and swiped the cones before turning and rushing back to its companion.

"Sis, what does a heart on the Pikachu's tail mean?" asked Rima, noticing the Pikachu's odd tail as she held out one cone to the Dedenne, who grabbed it and gobbled it up quickly, finishing it in seconds as the Pikachu ate theirs at a slower pace. "That means the Pikachu is a female. The Dedenne I can't tell, so I'll have to ask." Replied Mina, watching the two Pokémon sharing the second cone. 'I wonder what happened to them…'

"Hey, Mr. Dedenne? Are you a boy or girl?" asked Rima, looking at the two with curious eyes. The two Pokémon looked at each other before responding. Dede! Pika!

"Um…how 'bout this? Point to Pikachu if you're a girl since we know she is from her tail. And point towards….me I guess if you're a boy." She explained so it would be easier to find out. There wasn't anybody else with them, so she didn't know what to use a boy, so she offered herself up.

Dede! Dedenne pointed towards Mina, confirming their thoughts. "A boy? Woah, I've never seen a Dedenne before! Where did you come from? How did you get here? What's your nickname? Is Pikachu your sibling? Do you have a trainer?" Ria fired question after question, not giving the Dedenne a chance to squeak out.

"Um…. Rima, you should slow down. They don't speak Sonic language." Commented Mina, sweat dropping at her sister's energetic rush. 'Probably shouldn't have gotten her that cotton candy earlier… the sugar rush is kicking in…'

"But I want to know! Sis! Can we keep them? Pleasepleasepleaseplease- "Rima was stopped when a hand gently slapped over her mouth. Mina sighed and looked at the two Pokémon, overwhelmed by Rima's energy.

"Sorry about her, but she did raise a concern. We should get you two to the Pokémon Center and checked up." Mina asked, letting go of Rima's mouth as she pouted. The two Pokémon expression changed to alarm and panic. "W-wait! Don't panic! The Pokémon Center is a good place, they heal injured Pokémon like you guys. You don't have to worry." She assured the two mouse Pokémon, watching as they look at each other and converse while electricity passes between the two's electric pouches. After a minute or two, the Pikachu turned towards them and slowly walked, the Dedenne following behind.

"Yay! They're coming with us!" exclaimed Rima as she picked up the Dedenne and hugged him while Mina carefully picked up the Pikachu. "Alrighty guys, let's get them to the Center."

*Time skip – At the Pokémon Center | 30 minutes later*

"Pikachu and Dedenne are all ready and set to go. Thank you for waiting." Nurse joy announced as she returned from the infirmary, wheeling in Pikachu and Dedenne with Chansey behind her.

"Dedenne, I'm glad you're alright!" cried Rima as she picked up the smaller mouse Pokémon and hugged him, rubbing her cheeks on his.
"All better Pikachu?" Mina asked, earning a cheerful chirp from said Pokémon. She picked her up and looked over to Rima, noticing Dedenne's pouches lightning up. "Rima don't rub onto him too much!" "Why?" Just as she asked, Dedenne let out a delighted cry as he let loose electricity, shocking Rima, Mimi, Mina, and Poppy.

*Minutes Later*

"Probably should keep Poppy in her pokeball as a precaution." Commented Mina as she grabbed the pokeball from Nurse Joy, who healed her right after their little reunion. "Since Poppy is resting, I'll bring her out. Come out, Aria!" Mina threw a pokeball, bringing out her motherly Swablu, Aria.

Briu! Aria flies down and lands on Mina's left shoulder, rubbing her face on her trainer's cheek. "Good to see you Aria, since Poppy is resting from being shocked, I though I'd spend some time with you while we wait for her to recover." Mina explained, earning an affirmative chirp from the cloud Pokémon. "Now, what to do with you two?" hummed Mina, looking down at Pikachu and Dedenne.

*Time skip*

Mina and the group were all sitting on the gray of the second hill near the Pokémon Center. "Now that you're all healed up, what are you two going to do now?" asked Mina, looking at the two mouse Pokémon in front of them, Aria resting on Mina's head and Mimi on Rima's shoulder, using her shadow claw to stabilize herself. The two Pokémon looked at each other before shrugging.

"No idea, huh? How did you get those injuries in the first place?" asked Rima, causing the two Pokémon to tense up.

"Hey! There they are!" The group turned towards the group, seeing two boys around Mina's age come up the hill, pointing towards the two mouse Pokémon, who tensed and Dedenne flinched, hiding behind Rima while Pikachu stood beside Mina, glaring at the two while clutching onto her boots.

"Who are you? What business do you have with Pikachu and Dedenne?" asked Mina, noticing their change in behavior towards the boys. Rima grabbed Dedenne and hugged him close, glaring at the boys for scaring him.

"They are ours! We saw them first." Spat one of the boys, black hair spiked and bangs framing his face, his green eyes lit with anger and disgust, bringing out a pokeball. "Yeah, we just though it would be fun to let our Pokémon have some punching bags for their training and those two fit the job." Smirked the other boy, his blonde hair barely reaching his neck and his red eyes holding a mischief glint in them.

"What did you say?"
​

​

 

[Oddball_]

-- Profile --​

Name: Chris Rodriguez

Pokémon :

Location: Shalour City

Inventory:

Spoiler:

- 1 Pokédex

– 20,500 Poké

- 2 Potions

- 4 Poké Balls

- 1x Dusk Stone

- 3x Rawst Berry

– Mysterious Blue Crystal

- Relic Copper

- TM case [Ancient Power][Gyro Ball][Agility]

– Rare Candy

– Shiny Stone

– Rocky Helmet
2x Team Plasma Pin
Cloned Gyrados Embers
Green and Black dust
Pickaxe
Pro Racers Black Jacket (E)
Red Rangers Jacket

A Mega Challenge: Part Two

~​

---

"Choose your next Pokémon."

Chris felt rage swell within him as he clutched the Pokéball containing his Omanyte in his hand. Omanyte wasn't his first choice solely for type advantage reasons. I was evident that the Pokémon had some form of hidden potential that was continuing to surprise Chris every time it was called forth. While for all intents and purposes, still being Chris' weakest Pokémon, the fact that its power was relatively near that of Chris other Pokémon spoke wonders. Yet this monstrosity of a Pokémon seemed to bat it away like it was nothing.

"Dios… your efforts won't be in vain. I refuse to lose, no… we refuse." Chris called as he slowly slid the Pokéball into his jacket. A maniacal grin spreading across his face, Chris pulled out his second Pokéball. "I respect your bonds with your Camerupt amigo, so will offer you this of which I know you won't accept. To forfeit here and spare yourselves the smackdown that you're about to face."

Unmoved by the cockiness of the Unovan boy before him, Maximillian's stance does not change, but he does crack a small grin. "Send out your next Pokémon." He repeated.

With a rapid flash of red, a rancid aura began to permeate the balcony arena. "Rubbish, hit him with a sludge bomb now!"

"Entrap it with a rock tomb!" Maximillian called out, the Mega Camerupt continuing its eerie thing of starting the attack before the trainer had even begun to speak the actual words, and flared it's active back volcano to life, beginning to toss several rocks in the trash Pokémon's direction, only to be hit square in the face by the glob of toxic gunk that the Trubbish had pulled out of its bag.

"Your Mega Evolution has boosted your power and defensive capabilities a great deal. It is interesting that a Mega Camerupt would be what was decided for me to fight as I grew up in Lentimas town, a rural town on the side of a Volcano in the Unova region, and I'm familiar with the Numel and Camerupt evolutionary lines. So, during the first match with my Omanyte, I noticed something. Even with all the extra muscles that form has given him, all that extra bulk is weighing him down. He is far slower than any ordinary Camerupt. Which explains why you never tried to dodge any of my attacks."

"Well you're certainly observant." Maximillian nods in acceptance as the rocks quickly begin to entomb the Trubbish. "However, I think you're letting your mind distract you from the battle at hand."

"Ah, but that's where you're wrong." Chris grinned as he pointed over at the Trubbish whom had begun to squeeze through a crack in the bottom of the stone structure and began to hurl a second globule of the Sludge Bomb attack. "Even being slowed by your Pokémon's clever tactic, Rubbish is still over twice as fast! Which means…" Chris snapped his fingers once again for dramatic effect as a tertiary ball of sludge was hurled at the Mega Camerupt, this one aiming for a different target while the Pokémon was distracted in shaking the previous gunk from it's face. This third sludge ball was flung towards the Mega Camerupts back, towards the gaping open maw of it's volcano that led directly to it's inner organs.

"Tch." For the first time during this entire battle, Maximillian evidently felt something seriously threatening have taken place. "So you've poisoned my Pokémon. What does that matter, that just means I have to stop going easy on you." He responded after regaining his composure.

"Agreed. No more holding back." Chris grin returned to his face.

"Camerupt, let's show him your true power." Maximillian stated plainly.

The volcanic camel Pokémon opened its mouth, which immediately began to glow with a crackling, blinding, white hot energy.

Chris eyes went wide, realizing too late what the move could be, scrambling to formulate the words to express his command to Rubbish the hyper beam had already begun to tear through the rocky tomb which the Camerupt had created, tearing the balcony of the tower apart and causing several of the stones to disintegrate as the beam continued outwards for another two, three, four hundred feet outwards and causing what was presumably some Shalour city childs kite to become nothing but ashes scattered across the wind.

"u…bish" The heavily energy burned poison bag wheezed before faceplanting onto the stone balcony before being instantly returned to Chris Pokéball.

With Trubbish having returned to his Pokéball, Chris knew he couldn't waste much time deciding on who to call forth next. Quickly tossing out the first active Pokéball his hand brushed across, there was a flash of red and gold as the sarcophagus Pokémon was released onto the battlefield.

"Disable!" Chris cried out, desperate to ensure that there wouldn't be any more of that for a little while during this battle.

"Interesting choice, considering ghost type Pokémon such as yours would typically be immune. Unless of course you don't expect him to last long… but does one with such little faith in their partners really deserve the power of Mega Evolution." The Guardian mocked, revealing more of the cocky personality that Chris had witnessed before the battle. Had the attitude change been a ruse? Or could it have something to do with the stacking damage that the Camerupt was up against?

"Ignore him! Hex it while he's poisoned!" Chris shouted, quickly issuing commands to make the most out of the brief leverage they had gained in the battle. The coffin's eye glittered as the dark magics began to emanate outwards, first wrapping a shadowy chain around the Pokémon's mouth and restricting his use of the Hyper Beam attack. The secondary hand conducting the intricate somatic components for the dark curse attack that was Hex.

A sickly, pained, muffled scream exuded from the Mega Pokémon as he was repeatedly wailed on by the torrent of attacks from the ghost type. However, this certainly wasn't going to be the end of this fiery Pokémon. It reared it's back legs and stomped them into the ground, once again sending a devastating shockwave emanating through the arena and almost dropping Chris to his knees, however this time he was ready for it, and was able to brace himself against one of the stone walls of the tower itself. Cofagrigus on the other hand, didn't have any such luck and was rapidly vibrated by the quivering earth below it, the ornate gold scraping and scratching against the stone floor of the tower balcony.

"Doing good buddy! I know this battle is tough, but as long as everybody plays their part, I've no doubt in my mind!" Chris cheered as his Pokémon shook itself off and turned to give Chris a shadowy thumbs up. "Alright, I know this is going to sound crazy, but use Curse now!"

Nodding in understanding, the dark curse quickly took it's toll upon the coffin Pokémon, and the faint sound of churchyard bells, tolling for the dead began to ring from the interior of the coffin Pokémon.

"Do you hear that? Your final bell has run!" Chris cheered, jumping up and thrusting his fist into the air.

"Tch. Earth Power." The mega trainer called, with the mega Pokémon stamping its foot into the ground once more, causing a crack to appear directly below Chris Pokémon which quickly began to release superheated steam and smother the coffin Pokémon, before jets of flame and magma began to shoot upwards and smother it.

"This battle is FAR from over." Maximillian stated dryly. Somewhere between angry and proud that a challenger was finally starting to show him up.

"Heh…" Chris chuckled, enjoying the brief moment of obliviousness from the mega guardian.

"What?!" Maximillian gasped as he saw the smoke fade, and the Coffin surrounded by a protective barrier which quickly dissipated as another necrotic bell began to ring around the battlefield, and the Mega Pokémon and its trainer both looked pained for a moment.

"I was a real fan of the Unova league growing up. I learned this little trick from a green haired fellow with a Ferrothorn when he was going up against the League on TV. The announcers called it a stall technique. See, there's a whole science behind different status conditions, and working them together is often a very difficult, but very rewarding challenge." Chris smiled, enjoying the chance to show off.

"Heh… you used the fact that I would only use the one Pokémon against me." Maximillian smiled, for the first time letting his ego drop and admitting that he'd been outsmarted.

"No sense using a stealth rock, right?" Chris responded, giving him a thumbs up.

"Still. You talk too much." The guardian grinned as a second bout of steam erupted from beneath the Cofagigrus, whom desperately tried to project another shield only to have it sputter out at the last moment.

"You got me there… I guess I just don't know if I want this battle to end yet." Chris muttered with a smile.

"You're still counting us out a little early don't you think?" Max responded, giving the boy a coy grin.

"You put up a good fight, but I'm afraid I know you'll lose. Because I lied earlier."

"Hm?"

"I've still been holding back. Slowly ramping up, but these next two Pokémon are the strongest on my team."

Chris' Museum:

​

 

[Kana]

---

Fresh Starts
Shalour City entrance​

After the arduous journey through Reflection Cave, Odette's first stop in Shalour was the far side of town. The capes, high above the beach, had a beautiful view of the peninsula and the Tower of Mastery on top, casting its shadow over the ocean as the day grew older. The fresh saltwater breeze Odette had come to love about the Kalosian seaside was present here, too. Yet, it seemed different from Cyllage and Ambrette's. Maybe it was the history in the air - or maybe it was the pressure.

Gazing upon the Tower of Mastery, Odette couldn't help but feel uneasy. She'd come a long way since setting out on her own, making connections, catching Pokémon, and managed to get them under control moderately well... but everything still felt awkward to her. Looking out into the distance, she mulled over the encounters she had with her classmates. Newt and Drew, Avril, and Jackson. Mild irritation came over her just remembering her last encounter with that idiot hooligan, but she couldn't deny even he was far ahead of her in terms of power. That was something she needed to remedy immediately.

She turned her back to the tower for now, resting against the fence as she looked over the rest of Shalour. Preparations for a festival were in full swing, and she'd even heard buzzing about a tournament taking place in the evening. All exciting prospects to be sure, but Odette's gaze focused on the building to the west, with a large sign in front. The Shalour City Gym.

When she entered, Odette wasn't sure what to think. Sprawled out before her was... a roller rink? And a strange, bumpy one to boot. Did the Leader's Pokémon know how to skate somehow?

"Welcome to Shalour's one and only Roller Gym!" an excited voice exclaimed from nearby. When Odette turned her head, she was greeted by none other than Korrina herself. The latter grinned as Odette met her gaze. "You're a challenger, am I right?"

Odette responded with a smile of her own. "Correct. My name is Odette Radiuju." She paused briefly, checking if her name rang any bells, but much to her relief, Korrina's expression didn't change.

"Nice to meetcha! I'm Korrina, the Leader of this Gym. And I'm itching for a good fight, so if you're ready, best put some wheels on those heels!" Korrina replied enthusiastically, sizing her challenger up. "Though, have you even done this before?"

"Done... what, exactly?" Odette confusedly looked Korrina up and down, before realising she was referring to her skates. "Wait, you don't mean, I have to skate? For the battle?"

The Gym Leader snickered in response and slid away across the battlefield effortlessly. "How else are you going to keep up with me?!"

Odette was left rather perturbed. She'd never even been on rollerskates before, so how was she going to battle on them? She watched as Korrina sped up along the rink, gliding and jumping over obstacles as if they were nothing. Odette bit her lip pensively for a moment, but then rushed to the rental desk.

---

"So, decided to give them a spin after all, eh?"

Korrina's voice echoed from across the roller rink. On her side, Odette was nervously leaning against the wall, trying to keep her balance standing still on her rental skates. "Well, how else am I going to keep up?!" she shouted in response, a bit less confident than she would have liked. She was betting on the fact it was actually easier to be moving on these than it was to be stationary - but really that remained to be seen what with all the bumps in the track.

"Ready then? This'll be a double battle, with a momentum clause - if you or your Pokémon stops moving during the battle, you automatically forfeit! You snooze, you lose!" Korrina added, clearly raring to go.

"I choose you, Hawlucha and Lucario!"

"Come out, Grace and Armand!"

The four Pokémon took their places on each side of the battle rink, and silence came over the arena. Both trainers took their positions, and awaited the signal to begin.

"BANG!"

As soon as the signal was sounded, the Pokémon and trainers shot out of their starting positions. Odette was a little unstable, but as long as she didn't stop she'd be fine. Time to land a crucial first blow. "Armand, use Acrobatics! Grace, Psychic!"

Armand jumped into the air and used its wings to glide over the roller rink. At the signal of its trainer, it dove down towards Lucario with surprising speed, assaulting it from different angles with tooth and claw.

Grace appeared to be dancing around the battlefield, each of her agile movements flowing into the next. Eager to put an end to this fight before it had even begun, she twirled in the air and locked eyes with the Hawlucha behind her. Her eyes glowed a bright blue, and she could feel her psychic energy wrapping around the Hawlucha's consciousness, as her hold on him came into effect--- except her concentration was suddenly broken by an Aura Sphere launched into her side.

Lucario had quickly countered Armand with a Force Palm, leaving it stunned long enough to fire a projectile at Grace. She, in turn, was blown to the side by the impact. The attack barely hurt at all, but her hold on Hawlucha was dissolved. The bird Pokémon dropped to the floor, immediately resuming its sprint along the battlefield.

Odette didn't think such an obvious strategy would work, but she wanted to see how her opponent would overturn it. Lucario would protect its partner with ranged attacks, it seemed. Perhaps focusing it down would be their next best move.

"Not bad... but let's speed things up a bit!" Korrina called out, speeding up her skating as well. She raced along the track, almost seeming to soar over the ramps and hills. "And Lucario, use Flash Cannon!"

"Grace, avoid it!" Odette shouted. She had to take her eyes off the battlefield for a moment as she had to manoeuvre past some obstacles of her own. Still, with Grace's Teleport, there shouldn't be a problem...

A loud impact was heard, immediately followed by a pained cry - but not Grace's. Lucario had jumped up from one of the ramps and struck her Gligar right in its belly. Odette looked up in shock, and saw Armand was slammed into the floor. That was her fault. She assumed a Steel-type move would go for Grace without fail, but she was wrong... "Grace, help him out!"

Grace spun around, ready to help her ally up with her Psychic power, but she too was caught off guard. Hawlucha was moving with almost impossible speed as it rose up above her and crashed in with a Flying Press. Odette gasped and almost stopped in her tracks, but remembered just in time that wasn't an option.

Hawlucha and Lucario then reconvened in the center of the room. Odette watched them carefully this time, and noticed Hawlucha holding a glowing nugget in its hand, which it then passed to Lucario. The latter then jumped away much faster than it had before, while Hawlucha followed after slower, and employed a Swords Dance of its own. "Excellent! This shouldn't take much longer..." Korrina taunted, still fluidly skating along the rink as she made eye contact with her challenger.

Odette had about enough of this nonsense. She gritted her teeth, and grabbed a third Pokéball from her bag. As long as she wasn't left behind, that was good enough, right? "Rhyhorn! We have another race to win!"

Her large, lumbering Rock-type emerged onto the track in front of her. Odette rushed up to it, and climbed onto its back. "Just keep running around the track! Leave the fighting to them!" she shouted, and the Rhyhorn bellowed before kicking off into a sprint.

Looking over the battlefield, Odette saw Grace and Armand each managed to get up again, but were nervously moving around as the opposing Pokémon circled around them threateningly. Lucario was especially dangerous with its speed boosted significantly, so Odette thought to deal with one threat at a time. She only hoped her Pokémon understood as she tried to keep her strategy from Korrina. "Grace, regroup! Then... knock them out!"

Grace quickly Teleported her and Armand to the other side of the rink, and eased his pain with a Pain Split. The two exchanged glances, before nodding and each taking a different direction to try and turn the tables. Of course, Korrina wouldn't let that go so easily. "Lucario, Hawlucha, whatever they're doing, counter it!"

Her Pokémon braced themselves and readied moves to counter. Grace preserved the element of surprise by Teleporting her and Armand behind the opponents once more, after which the Gligar dove onto the Hawlucha with another Acrobatics, sending the both of them rolling down a ramp as his quick Flying-type attacks incapacitated his target. In turn, Grace drew Lucario's attention, who readied another Flash Cannon poised to strike her. Ready for it however, she elegantly dodged, and danced closer to her opponent.

Lucario was caught off guard, expecting to be pelted with Psychic moves from a distance, but Grace moved in close, locking eyes with her target as her eyes glowed once more. Her target grew instantly drowsy, her gaze Hypnotic... and Lucario slumped to the floor, fast asleep.

A gasp of surprise could be heard from the Leader's side of the arena. "YES!" Odette strained her voice, trying to shout over Rhyhorn's footfalls. "Now, finish it off!"

Armand still struggled with the Hawlucha, which had gotten the upper hand by now. With its power boosted, its unavoidable Aerial Aces landed serious damage onto Armand, but at this point it was only trying to keep its enemy's attention. From behind, Grace slowly walked up to the top of the hill, Calming her Mind in preparation for the attack that would end the battle.

Kirlia's Psychic once again took hold of the Hawlucha's consciousness - and this time it was immobilized completely.

With Lucario asleep, and Hawlucha held still in Grace's Psychic power, the end signal sounded across the arena.

---

"Whew, that was impressive!" Korrina approached, still carrying an amused grin. "I was sure I had you, too!"

Odette let out a relieved sigh before smiling triumphantly. "I was worried, to be sure... but I suppose the type advantage got the better of you in the end after all."

"I don't think that was all! You're allowed to give yourself a little more credit, y'know?" She laughed as Odette looked a little flustered.

"Then, thank you."

"And to commemorate your victory... here!" Korrina held out the Rumble Badge, which her challenger gingerly took from her hand. "Come back any time, okay? It was great to meet you, Odette!"

Odette was even more flustered that time, causing Korrina to laugh heartily once more.

"Right then... Thank you again, and goodbye, for now."

With another warm smile, Odette turned, and left the Shalour City Gym.

 

[Evily]

^

^
Minami "Mina" Haruka
Status: Shalour City | Double Trouble

Inventory

Spoiler:

1x Wallet - 6,250 Poke
1x 3rd Place Contest Ribbon
1x Pokedex
10x Pokeballs
2x Heal Balls
5x Great Balls
2x Net Balls
2x Fast Balls
3x Moomoo Milk
10x Potions
5x Super potions
5x Pewter Crunchies
1x Fashion Case
3x Extra Clothes
5x Contest Outfits
1x Holocaster
1x Altarianite

"How cruel…" muttered Rima, cuddling Dedenne close as Mimi extended out a shadow claw, ready to fight for its friend.

"You heard me. They. Are. Punching. Bags." Spat the blonde, bringing out his own pokeball.

"Sorry to break you bubble bud, but they are with us now." Glared Mina as she picked up Pikachu and held her close, Aria flapping her wings and cawing, her beady eyes glaring at the boys. Pikachu turned and looked at the trainer and their Pokémon, shocked at how strongly they are defending them.

"Tch. Fine, lets battle for them then." Spat the black-haired male, tossing his pokeball, releasing a Krokorok, standing in front of his trainer with crossed arms, sneering at them. The blonde smirked as he released his Pokémon, a Murkrow, smirking at their opponent, tilting its head towards them in mock greeting.

"A Krokorok and a Sneasel, huh? Aria let's dance! Come out Momo, time to rumble!" called Mina as she threw a pokeball, releasing Momo the Jangmo-o. Briu! Aria flapped her wings and flew in front of Mina, ready for the battle. Ji! Momo landed beside Aria, swinging her tail as she glared at the two Pokémon in front of her. Mina glanced at her Pokémon before looking at the two trainers, awaiting their move.

"I'll go first, time to show these twerps who's the boss. Ladies first girly." Said the blonde sarcastically, gesturing towards Mina. Momo, sensing the coming battle, stepped back to Mina's side, awaiting its own battle.

"My pleasure. Aria, Cotton Guard!" Aria's fluffy fur releases puffs of cotton, floating around her and some disappear while others gather around her wings as Aria's body glows blue, raising her defense.

"What was that? That's useless against us! Murkrow use Feint Attack!" called the blonde, Murkrow flies near Aria, as if looking for something. Mina smirked as Murkrow pretends to look before swiftly slashing its claws at Aria, almost hitting her, almost. "Aria, dodge and use Round close up!" Aria swiftly dodges his claws and flies close to her fellow birdmon, surprising the Pokémon, before opening her beak and letting loose a high-pitched note, red, green, and blue sound rings released. The Murkrow cries out in pain as he falls to the ground, stunned by the attack, especially since it was right next to his ears. "Murkrow! Get up! Use Night Shade!" Murkrow hesitantly got up and its eyes glowed red before opening his beak and firing multiple black beams streaking with dark red lines at Aria. "Twirl Aria!" Aria cried as she folded in her wings and twirled her body around the beams, dodging them precisely and getting close to Murkrow. "Wing Attack!" Murkrow's wings glowed white as he flew up and soared towards Aria about to strike. Just as the attack was going to connect, she unfolded her wings and pulled them in front, using the remaining cotton from her first move to block the move. "Mirror Move!" Aria's body glows for a sec before her wings glow white and she slapped his wings away and then struck her wings onto him body, sending him flying to the ground. As the dust disappeared, Murkrow laid on the ground, eyes replaced with swirls, fainted.

"What?! You cheated!" cried the blonde, stomping his feet in anger and distress.

"Yay! Sissy won!" cheered Rima as Mimi waved her shadow claw and Dedenne chirped in delight, glad one of her tormentors is out for the count. "Now will you leave them alone?" asked Mina nicely as she extended her arm, allowing Aria to land on it and shake her body, getting rid of any leftover cotton.

"Why you-!" "That's enough Gil." Called a clam, but deadly voice. The blonde boy, Gil, gulped before turning towards his companion, noticing his narrowed eyes. "I-I'm sorry Nick." After his apology, Nick, the black-haired boy, turned towards Mina and stepped up just as Gil stepped back, returning his Murkrow, Krokorok taking his place in the field. "Hand over those two rodents or Krokorok will bury you." Threatened Nick as Krokorok let a snarl in warning, making Momo snarl back.

"Aria, thanks for your help, take some rest." Mina brought out Aria's pokeball, a Heal Ball, and she chirped before being returned. Mina put the pokeball away and turned towards Nick, giving Momo the signal and she walked in front of her, standing directly in front of Krokorok.

"Like Gal said, ladies' fist."

"Momo, Work up!" Momo lets out a cry as its body is surrounded by a light red aura, raising its attack, before disappearing instantly.

"Like that's going to help. Krokorok, Sand Tomb." Krokorok growls before moving its arms, creating wisps of sand, moving them to gather around Momo and swirls them, trapping Momo inside the sand vortex. "Dragon Tail." Momo jumped out of the Sand Tomb, taking in extra damage, and struck the crocodile in the face with his glowing tail, causing him to stagger back in recoil, taking dowuble damage due to Work Up's buff."Damn. Crunch!"Krokorok shook the pain away and rushed towards Momo, his teeth glowing white. "Roll under!" Momo ducked under Krokorok's jaw and rolled under him, stopping just beside his tail. "Headbutt!" Momo jumped and headbutted Krokorok in the back, causing him to fall flat on his face. "Tch. It's not over yet." Krokorok grunted in pain before standing up, pushing Momo off and glaring at the dragon Pokémon in rage. Momo glared back with just as much ferocity. "Dark Pulse!" Krokorok opened its maw and a light purple orb surrounded in black and purple circles appears, releasing a beam of said colors in the shapes of circles. "Bide!" Momo stands tall and endures the attack as it hits her head on, causing dust to pick up. "Easy." Smirked Nick, but right after, the dust disappears, revealing a glowing Momo with some scratches. "What?! That's Krokorok's most powerful move!" "This is Momo's most powerful move then. Release it! Bide!" Momo let out a cry as her body's glow changed to red and fires a white beam, striking Krokorok in the chest and pushing him back, falling right in front of Nick, swirls replacing his eyes. "Impossible!"

"Yay! They're free! Go sissy!" cried Rima as she and the Pokémon cheered over Mina's victory. Said girl kneeled as Momo walked back to her, chirping.

"Here, let's get you to the PC before those wounds get infected." Momo chirped in delight as Mina picked her up.

"Grrr…. I won't be defeated like this!" growled Nick as he returned Krokorok and threw him towards Gil, who cried in shock, barely catching said item, and stomped towards the girls. "If I can't defeat your Pokémon, then I'll have to defeat you personally!" Rima whimpered at the look in his eyes, irises flowing with rage. Mina tensed as she pushed Rima behind her and embraced herself, Momo growling at the male, Mimi extending her shadow claw, and Dedenne shacking in fear. Before the boy could approach closer, an electric tackle strikes him in the stomach, pushing him back. "Oof! Why you-!"

"Pikachu?!" Pikachu leaped in front of Mina and the group, the electricity from the tackle gone but for a few sparks flowing from her cheeks, snarling at the boy who dared threaten her friends. Nick snarled at the Pokémon as he got up, but before he could do more, a Pidgeot landed between the two, two silhouettes on his back.

"Who the fu- "Nick was interrupted as a hand grabbed his ear, pulling it. "Owowowow!"

"Shame on you! You dared hurt those poor Pokémon and threaten a young lady! That isn't how I raised you young man!" Miss Sarah, one of the silhouettes, scolded as she continued to pull on his ear. Gil, noticing the predicament his partner was in, tried to sneak away, but a hand grabbed his ear, pulling in towards Miss Sarah. "And where are you going?! You are in just as much trouble as he is!" "Aww man!"

"Big Brother! You're here!" called Rima as she ran towards Hinata, who was standing beside Pidge his Pidgeot, and opened his arms, hugging the girl and Pokémon with her.

"Hey little sis. Nice battling their Mina, are you sure you don't want to compete in gym battles. Those were some sweet moves there." He complimented as Mina hugged Momo with one arm and Pikachu with another.

"You know that I don't mind battles, but gym battles aren't my thing. I'm alright with just contests." Replied Mina, looking back at Miss Sarah who was still pulling the boys ears, scolding them about respect and manners. "How did you guys find us?"

"Ends up her grandson lied about being in the tournament when the referee walked by and Miss Sarah asked about her grandson's placement, but he said that his name wasn't on the roster. So, I got Pidge and flew around to look for him, finding you guys and we watched the whole thing."

"Oh."

*Time skip – Minutes Later*

"I'm sorry about my grandson." Apologized Miss Sarah as she stood by her stand, us standing in front of her.

"It's alright, you didn't know he was going to do that, so its not your fault." Assured Mina. After Miss Sarah finished scolding the boys, she pulled the boys onto Pidge as Hinata and them flew back to the stand while Mina and Rima went to the PC to get Aria and Momo healed. Pikachu was perched on Mina's shoulder and Dedenne on Rima's head, Mimi in her arms.

"Sissy! Big brother! Can we keep them?!" asked Rima gesturing to Dedenne on her head who chirped. "I don't know Rima, they are wild Pokémon. They could have a home to return to." Replied Hinata, unsure about the subject. "Aww!"

"Why not ask them?" suggested Mina as she grabbed Pikachu and Dedenne and placed them on the ground. "Are you guys interested in traveling?" Dedenne squeaked in delight as he jumped in place and Pikachu nodded. "You wouldn't mind joining our team's, would you?" Pikachu and Dedenne looked at each other before back at the humans. These two humans protected them from the other two, risked their Pokémon's energy for them, and the older one was about to risk her body for their sake. The electric mousse turned and nodded at each other before rushing towards their respected humans.

Dene! Dedenne jumped onto Rima's shoulder and snuggled up to her, causing her to giggle. Chu! Pikachu stopped at Mina's feet and nodded her head, signaling her decision.

"Alrighty, welcome to the team." Welcomed Mina as she got out two fast balls and passing one to Rima, then tapping the Pikachu on the head with hers, causing the poke ball to open and capture her inside, only beeping once before stopping.

"Yay! I got a Dedenne!" cheered Rima as she held out her own fast ball. Mina chuckled at her before looking down at her poke ball.

'Welcome…Electra.'

"No slacking of misters! Keep working!" scolded a voice, causing the siblings to turn and see Miss Sarah inside her stall, yelling at he two boys from before as they slowly cleaned the stall from outside. "But grandma!" "Don't 'grandma' me boy! Work until you drop!" "Why am I here?" "You didn't stop him!" "Why me?!"

Welcome Electra
Lv. 43
Pikachu | Static | Female
Moveset: Thunderbolt | Spark | Double Team | Feint | Electro Ball | Quick Attack​

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[LuluRina]

Annika Jiraiya

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Mission 3

Annika was wandering around in the crowded streets in Shalour City. She was excited for the festival, and was planning to join up, but first she wanted to check out the gym. She was looking around when...

"STOP! THIEF!"

She turned around and saw a dark haired man in a blue suit running out of an allyway, chasing someone who wore black clothing everywhere, including a hat and gloves. "Come back here!" the man yelled, them both running strait for her. Noticing the black clothed man had a bag, Annika immediately went for a Pokeball. "Go, Bagel!" She said, sending her Luxio out.

The black clothed man, seeing that Annika had a pokemon and was ready to attack them, grabbed their own Pokeball and said "Go, Bisharp!" sending out a Bisharp in response. "Use Feint Attack!" The Bisharp ran up to Bagel, its body glowing slightly black. Upon hearing this, some of the townspeople ran out of the way, needing to get to places fast, while others just stood back and watched, excited to see what this battle's outcome would be.

"Quick, Bagel!" Annika shouted. "Use Spark!" Electricity surrounded Bagel as it rushed towards the Bisharp. They both connected and were knocked back, both hurting a little. "Use Crunch!" Annika shouted, and Bagel ran up to the Bisharp, teeth glowing. He bit the Bisharp on the left arm, and it was barely phased.

"You idiot!" The man who she was helping yelled, causing Annika to look towards him. "Dark type moves aren't very effective against other dark types!"

The black clothed man smiled and said "Bisharp, use Slash." Bisharp's right arm glowed as it hit Bagel, knocking it off it's arm. "Bagel!" Annika said, turning back. "Are you okay?" Bagel stood up and shook itself, nodding proudly. "Okay then, use Thunder Fang!" Bagel's teeth had electricity surrounding it as it charged up on the Bisharp, this time biting on the right leg. Bisharp howled, trying to shake it off as electricity covered it.

"Bisharp, stop behaving like a lunatic and use Slash!" Bisharp's right hand started glowing before the electricity caused it to stop.

"Good job Bagel! Now use Spark!" Bagel let go of Bisharp as his body got covered in electricity. It rammed into the Bisharp, knocking it down.

"Bisharp, get up!" The black clothed man yelled, and Bisharp struggled to get to its feet. It managed to get to a left-leg kneeling position before the electricity kept it from doing any more.

"You got this, Bagel!" Annika shouted. "One final Thunder Fang!" He bit the Bisharp on the head, causing it to fall to the floor.

"Get up, Bisharp!" he said, but it was clear that the Bisharp wasn't getting up any time soon. The people cheered, causing both the men and Annika to look around, with the dark haired man being suprised, Annika being happy, and the dark clothed man being angry.

The man growled. "Bisharp, return!" He said, retrieving his Bisharp. He attempted to make a run for it, but Bagel ran in frount of him right in time and tripped him, causing him to drop the bag. He recovered quickly and, forgetting the bag, kept running. Annika grabbed the bag and gave it back to the dark haired man. "Here ya go! I'm Annika by the way"

"I'm Simon" he said, grabbing the bag and opening it. "Here's something for you, for thanks for stopping the thief" He pulled out a blue stone and a TM. "This TM contained Focus Punch, and this stone... I honestly haven't figured out what it is yet. Maybe you can?" He handed the stuff to Annika.

"Uh, thanks" she said, since she wasn't expecting to obtain anything because of this. She grabbed the stuff and put it in her red and black backpack.

Obtained Mysterious Blue Stone and TM01 Focus Punch

Kinda curious, she asked, "Whats someone like you doing here, anyway?"

"I'm investigating something" Simon replied. "Its not something I want to talk about"

"Really? Because its something that I want to know" Annika said, walking closer.

Simon was getting unconfortable as he said "Well, its classified, so I can't tell you. Can you please stop badgering me about this?"

Annika stopped, and after a bit, said "Fine... Its not something I REALLY want to know. I was just curious."

Simon nodded, and after a bit of awkward silence, he said "Well, I better be going..." He started to walk away.

"Oh, okay, bye!" Annika said, waving. She sighed and kept walking to the gym, happy that she was able to help someone on the way.

Spoiler: Inventory

1x Pokedex
10,050 Poke
5x Super Potion
2x Potion
5x Great Ball
4x Poke Ball
1x Mysterious Blue Stone
1x TM01 Focus Punch
1x Drawing Notepad
1x Pencil
1x Sharpener
1x Eraser

 

[Daisuke Mitsuharu]

Caius Flynn, 21, ♂ ; Shalour City, Kalos

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Mission 8: Sylph Scores!

When Sylph burst into action, what Caius expected was a fight between Pokémon. What he got, however, was miles better than a fight.

Boop.

Before the Skuntank could register what was happening, the soft paws that crawled their way on its nose -- pressing on it as if to activate a button -- momentarily prevented the Skuntank from thinking, unable to carry out any of its cognitive functions. A surge of red came rushing to its face as Sylph cradled its nose, seemingly without reservation.

This Pokémon's definitely a dude. Caius thought, watching from the sidelines. He could practically see the hormones swirling inside Skuntank, yearning for some form of sweet release.

A responsible trainer would've probably stepped up to diffuse the situation, but Caius wasn't in any position to act; on the inside, he was dying from laughter.

There was only silence between Sylph and the Skuntank until Sylph took the initiative to speak first. Knowing Sylph, Caius figured she was giving a lecture on stealing to the Skuntank. Like some lovestruck buffoon under the influence of his libido, Skuntank just went along with whatever the cute Sylveon spouted off, logic and reason be damned.

Before leaving to go back to Caius, Sylph gave the Skuntank an ultimatum, which -- unsurprisingly -- involved not vandalizing any more festival stalls. As a response, the Skuntank issued an ultimatum of his own: that he'd only stop if Sylph promised to see him again in the future. Sylph agreed; that naughty grin on her face told Skuntank everything he needed to know.

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"So, let me get this straight: it was a Skuntank who vandalized my stall, correct?"

"Yes ma'am."

"And that Skuntank swore to leave my stall alone because he was horny?"

"Pretty much."

The stall lady couldn't believe what she was hearing. Of all the outlandish stories she'd come across in her time as a merchant, this one took the cake. Who would've thought that the promiscuous actions of one Sylveon were enough to solve her problems? She certainly didn't; now, she was made a believer.

"I must say: I wasn't expecting things to turn out like this."

It became increasingly obvious to Caius that the stall lady was trying her best to reign in her laughter. As professional as she tried to sound, the quiver in her voice gave her away.

Like a balloon close to popping, she eventually caved; what started out as a small chuckle evolved into uproarious laughter, the caliber of which was so hearty and infectious that Caius couldn't help but laugh along.

More back-and-forth ensued between the two of them about Caius' encounter with the Skuntank, and by the end of it, Caius left 2000 Poké richer. He'd even gotten a goody bag full of berries from the stall lady as an extra reward; he made sure to thank the stall lady for them.

All's well that ends well, or so Caius believed. He certainly had his fill of weirdness for today, more of it than he desired. What he wanted now was for some semblance of normalcy to return to him.

However, as Caius would soon find out, life had other plans.

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Acquired: 2000 Poké, 2x Sitrus Berry.​

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