_|-Individual RP: N-|_

Ranger: Gaius Tyrannius
Trainer: John Webster Shay
Area: Mt. Oktori
NBP #3
/--\

John shook his head at the sight of the Smoochum and indicated he wanted to pass on the little Pokemon and move to a new cave. I knew, however, that the Smoochum here was a good sign. It meant that the more powerful Pokemon had staked claims deeper into the cave, leaving the weaker ones near the front.

“No problem, I doubt it will want to bother us,” I said to John, heading into the cave and out of the falling snow.

Sure enough, we entered the cave and the little Smoochum stepped away from, heading into some shadows along a wall. I ruffled its head hair as we passed it. I happened to like Smoochum and its evolver of Jynx.

A few minutes after meeting the Smoochum I heard a scraping sound. I indidcated for John to proceed queitly, I didn’t want to startle whatever Pokemon was up there.

With my flashlight turned on because of the dark, I located the origin of the sound and found that it was a small Cubchoo scratching its claws against the rocky wall.

“What about that one?” I whispered to John.

//==\\

Trainer Info

Name: John
Location: Meteor Valley
Trainer Items: Apricorn Box, Digital Camera, Hyper Ball x3 Park Ball x3, Super Ball x2
Area Effects: 7 Encounters Remaining | Cold
Pokemon Encountered: ??? Makuhita ??? | ??? Machop ??? | M Cryonogal Careful | ??? Meditite ??? | ??? Snover ??? | F Mienshao Bold | ??? Smoochum ??? | ??? Cubchoo ???
Pokemon Captured: M Cryonogal Careful | F Mienshao Bold
CC since last encounter: 0,000 | 9,000

Pokemon Stats:
Bashful Female Dragonite @ Multiscale w/ EMs: TM Flamethrower, TM Thunderbolt, TM Ice Beam, TM Substitute, TM Protect, HM Surf, HM Waterfall, TM Earthquake, TM Dragon Pulse, TM Stone Edge, TM Dragon Claw, TM Ice Punch, TM Roar, TM Thunder, BM ExtremeSpeed, MT Draco Meteor, SM Heal Bell, MT Superpower | 51.29%

Bold Male Infernape @ Iron Fist w/ EMs: HM Cut, HM Strength, HM Rock Smash, HM Rock Climb, TM Swords Dance, TM Earthquake, TM Hidden Power Ground, TM Brick Break, TM Protect, TM Shadow Claw, TM Stone Edge, TM Stealth Rock, TM U-Turn, TM Roar, TM Grass Knot, TM Substitute, TM Flame Charge, BM Fake Out, BM ThunderPunch, BM Encore, BM Counter | 65.39%​

 

"No problem, I doubt it will want to bother us," Gaius said, and I nodded. Though there were exceptions, Smoochum were typically peaceful Pokemon that rarely attacked on their own. I would be very surprised if this Smoochum attacked us.

Sure enough, the Smoochum slinkered back into the cave's shadows as we stepped closer. When we entered the cave, I saw it hiding in a corner of the wall. Gaius ruffled its hair gently as we passed by, clearly fond of it. I couldn't share his sentiments, though - I hated Smoochum.

A few minutes later, we spotted our next encounter. This time, it was a Cubchoo. The small blue polar bear was scratching its claws against the cave wall.

"What about that one?" Gaius asked.

I shook my head again. Cubchoo were adorable, but I had my sights set on more valuable Pokemon.

"Let's continue," I said, "and see what else we find."

 

Ranger: Gaius Tyrannius
Trainer: John Webster Shay
Area: Mt. Oktori
NBP #4
/--\

“Let’s continue,” John said, shaking his head at the Cubchoo, “and see what else we can find.”

I was about to caution him to keep quiet when the Cubchoo turned around to face us. John had not whispered like I did and the Ice type had heard us. It now walked over to explore the two newcomers.

“What do you want to do now?” I enquired of John. “It seems pretty interested in us, you may have no choice but to battle it. That is, unless you buy a Pokedoll.”

The Cubchoo shied away from the light of my flashlight but crept closer, it’s new honed claws shining in what light remained. It was only a basic Pokemon now, but eventually it would evolve into the Pokemon known as Bearic, a fiercesome Ice bear.

//==\\

Trainer Info

Name: John
Location: Meteor Valley
Trainer Items: Apricorn Box, Digital Camera, Hyper Ball x3 Park Ball x3, Super Ball x2
Area Effects: 7 Encounters Remaining | Cold
Pokemon Encountered: ??? Makuhita ??? | ??? Machop ??? | M Cryonogal Careful | ??? Meditite ??? | ??? Snover ??? | F Mienshao Bold | ??? Smoochum ??? | ??? Cubchoo ???
Pokemon Captured: M Cryonogal Careful | F Mienshao Bold
CC since last encounter: 0,854 | 9,000

Pokemon Stats:
Bashful Female Dragonite @ Multiscale w/ EMs: TM Flamethrower, TM Thunderbolt, TM Ice Beam, TM Substitute, TM Protect, HM Surf, HM Waterfall, TM Earthquake, TM Dragon Pulse, TM Stone Edge, TM Dragon Claw, TM Ice Punch, TM Roar, TM Thunder, BM ExtremeSpeed, MT Draco Meteor, SM Heal Bell, MT Superpower | 51.29%

Bold Male Infernape @ Iron Fist w/ EMs: HM Cut, HM Strength, HM Rock Smash, HM Rock Climb, TM Swords Dance, TM Earthquake, TM Hidden Power Ground, TM Brick Break, TM Protect, TM Shadow Claw, TM Stone Edge, TM Stealth Rock, TM U-Turn, TM Roar, TM Grass Knot, TM Substitute, TM Flame Charge, BM Fake Out, BM ThunderPunch, BM Encore, BM Counter | 65.39%​

 

Damn. I had forgot to lower my voice when responding to Gaius, and now I had attracted the Cubchoo's attention. I wasn't happy with myself at all for forgetting to do something so obvious, but it shouldn't cause too much trouble in the long run.

Gaius turned to me. "What do you want to do now? It seems pretty interested in us, you may have no choice but to battle it. That is, unless you buy a Pokedoll."

As much as I valued money, I wasn't in the mood to fight Cubchoo. I handed Gaius some money. "That should be about $500 there. Sorry, little guy," I said to Cubchoo.

3k-.5=2.5k

 

Ranger: Gaius Tyrannius
Trainer: John Webster Shay
Area: Mt. Oktori
NBP #5
/--\

John sighed and handed over a wad of cash. “That should be about $500 there. Sorry, little guy,” he said to the Cubchoo.

I did a quick count of the money and handed him back some change. With the money secured I took out a Pokedoll and handed it to the Cubchoo. The little bear snorted with delight as it seized the toy with its tiny claws.

“Come on,” I said to John. “The signs are good that we’ll eventually run into a rare Pokemon.”

With bear safely distracted and not coming after us, I headed down the tunnel once more, clutching my weather gear even tighter. I was tempted to call out Infernape and provide some heat, but I didn’t want to scare off any Pokemon and suck up the oxygen in the air.

We hadn’t gone very far when I heard a soft snoring up ahead. I decided to see which Pokemon and saw that it was a small Spheal, its thick fat easily keeping it warm in the weather. I pointed the Pokemon to John and indicated that if he didn’t want to awake it he had best keep quiet this go around.

//==\\

Trainer Info

Name: John
Location: Meteor Valley
Trainer Items: Apricorn Box (Black), Digital Camera, Hyper Ball x3 Park Ball x3, Super Ball x2
Area Effects: 6 Encounters Remaining | Cold
Pokemon Encountered: ??? Makuhita ??? | ??? Machop ??? | M Cryonogal Careful | ??? Meditite ??? | ??? Snover ??? | F Mienshao Bold | ??? Smoochum ??? | ??? Cubchoo ??? | ??? Spheal ???
Pokemon Captured: M Cryonogal Careful | F Mienshao Bold
CC since last encounter: 0,000| 9,000

Pokemon Stats:
Bashful Female Dragonite @ Multiscale w/ EMs: TM Flamethrower, TM Thunderbolt, TM Ice Beam, TM Substitute, TM Protect, HM Surf, HM Waterfall, TM Earthquake, TM Dragon Pulse, TM Stone Edge, TM Dragon Claw, TM Ice Punch, TM Roar, TM Thunder, BM ExtremeSpeed, MT Draco Meteor, SM Heal Bell, MT Superpower | 51.29%

Bold Male Infernape @ Iron Fist w/ EMs: HM Cut, HM Strength, HM Rock Smash, HM Rock Climb, TM Swords Dance, TM Earthquake, TM Hidden Power Ground, TM Brick Break, TM Protect, TM Shadow Claw, TM Stone Edge, TM Stealth Rock, TM U-Turn, TM Roar, TM Grass Knot, TM Substitute, TM Flame Charge, BM Fake Out, BM ThunderPunch, BM Encore, BM Counter | 65.39%​

 

Gaius took the money, and laid down a Pokedoll. The Cubchoo immediately ran over and picked it up, clearly ecstatic to find the doll. It was distracted now, and wouldn't be a bother as we made our escape.

"Come on," Gaius said, beckoning for me to follow. "The signs are good that we’ll eventually run into a rare Pokemon."

I nodded. His words had inspired some faith in me, and I followed him as we continued moving deeper into the tunnel. It got suffocatingly hot really fast, but the most daunting part of it was that at some point, we'd have to go from the dry heat in here back out to the blizzard outside the cave. Those two extremes were sure to be a hellish experience for me, and I sighed at the idea of it.

All of a sudden, Gaius stopped. I stopped behind him. I was about to ask why he had stopped when I heard something. It was a faint snoring, almost. Gaius quietly walked up a little bit, and pointed to what he had seen. Sleeping in the shadows was a small Spheal.

Gaius made some hand motions, first pointing at Spheal and then to me. My interpretation of this was that Gaius was asking me whether I wanted the Pokemon or not.

I shook my head to say no - I already had a Walrein. I made sure to be as subtle as possible, as I had already made the mistake of being too loud once. I certainly wasn't keen on doing it again.

 

Ranger: Gaius Tyrannius
Trainer: John Webster Shay
Area: Mt. Oktori
NBP #6
/--\

John took one look at the Spheal and shook his head emphatically in a no, which wasn’t surprising, if he hadn’t wanted the Cubchoo I figured he wouldn’t want this one either. It was just polite to ask.

I gave him a nod to let him know that I understood what he wanted. I indicated from him to keep very quiet as I slipped past the snoring Spheal. At first I thought the Spheal was going wake up because it stopped snoring, but it simply snorted and rolled back a couple of inches to lay on its side.

It quickly resumed snoring, the little guy was no doubt puckered out from something. I led us past the Ice type and continued on. We continued walking until we reached a cavern about the size of an eighteen wheeler. There was a small chute above the rock leading out, letting small amounts of snow trickle through.

Sitting on a ledge near the chute was a Delibird, causally sorting the presents in its white bag. The Delibird must not have seen us because it didn’t look up from its sorting.

//==\\

Trainer Info

Name: John
Location: Meteor Valley
Trainer Items: Apricorn Box (Black), Digital Camera, Hyper Ball x3 Park Ball x3, Super Ball x2
Area Effects: 7 Encounters Remaining | Cold
Pokemon Encountered: ??? Makuhita ??? | ??? Machop ??? | M Cryonogal Careful | ??? Meditite ??? | ??? Snover ??? | F Mienshao Bold | ??? Smoochum ??? | ??? Cubchoo ??? | ??? Spheal ??? | ??? Delibird ??? |
Pokemon Captured: M Cryonogal Careful | F Mienshao Bold
CC since last encounter: 0,000| 15,000

Pokemon Stats:
Bashful Female Dragonite @ Multiscale w/ EMs: TM Flamethrower, TM Thunderbolt, TM Ice Beam, TM Substitute, TM Protect, HM Surf, HM Waterfall, TM Earthquake, TM Dragon Pulse, TM Stone Edge, TM Dragon Claw, TM Ice Punch, TM Roar, TM Thunder, BM ExtremeSpeed, MT Draco Meteor, SM Heal Bell, MT Superpower | 51.29%

Bold Male Infernape @ Iron Fist w/ EMs: HM Cut, HM Strength, HM Rock Smash, HM Rock Climb, TM Swords Dance, TM Earthquake, TM Hidden Power Ground, TM Brick Break, TM Protect, TM Shadow Claw, TM Stone Edge, TM Stealth Rock, TM U-Turn, TM Roar, TM Grass Knot, TM Substitute, TM Flame Charge, BM Fake Out, BM ThunderPunch, BM Encore, BM Counter | 65.39%​

 

We snuck past the Spheal without trouble as well. For a moment, I had a scare as the Spheal abruptly stopped snoring and rolled over. However, it hadn't woken up, and we continued on safely.

So, we continued our trek down the cave. It was pretty boring like most caves, but I certainly did prefer this area to the one outside of the cave. As suffocating as the heat was, I was definitely on board with it if the blistering cold of the snow was the alternative.

However, I did wonder how much bigger this cave was and how long before we would exit it. More importantly, how long until I saw something I wanted to capture. I had a feeling it was coming soon, maybe (hopefully) even during this expedition throughout the cave.

Quickly, we did find our next Pokemon. However, it wasn't of interest to me. After walking into a rectangular room, we saw a Delibird sitting on an outcropping of stone, rummaging through its bag. Delibird were cute and interesting, but I already had one. Either way, I probably wouldn't take it out of the Park in lieu of something else I found later on. I shook my head at Gaius, telling him I was uninterested.

 

Ranger: Gaius Tyrannius
Trainer: John Webster Shay
Area: Mt. Oktori
NBP #7
/--\

John took one look at the Delibird at shook his head in a ‘no’ gesture. Usually people tended to catch the Delibird because of its rarity, but since John didn’t want to catch this one, I guessed that he already had one.

“Sure thing, it will not bother us I don’t think. It seems too preoccupied with sorting its presents, most likely a compulsion act by the Pokemon. We can sneak past it easily enough,” I responded to John.

I led us right out in the open of the cavern, but the Delibird didn’t even look at us. I gave John a reassuring smile and pointed at the next path I wanted to take. However, before we could go down it, a small brown Pokemon low to the ground, came shuffling out of it.

“Swinub, a powerful Pokemon once it evolves to a Mamoswine, want it?

//==\\

Trainer Info

Name: John
Location: Meteor Valley
Trainer Items: Apricorn Box (Black), Digital Camera, Hyper Ball x3 Park Ball x3, Super Ball x2
Area Effects: 4 Encounters Remaining | Cold
Pokemon Encountered: ??? Makuhita ??? | ??? Machop ??? | M Cryonogal Careful | ??? Meditite ??? | ??? Snover ??? | F Mienshao Bold | ??? Smoochum ??? | ??? Cubchoo ??? | ??? Spheal ??? | ??? Delibird ??? | ??? Swinub ???
Pokemon Captured: M Cryonogal Careful | F Mienshao Bold
CC since last encounter: 0,000| 9,000

Pokemon Stats:
Bashful Female Dragonite @ Multiscale w/ EMs: TM Flamethrower, TM Thunderbolt, TM Ice Beam, TM Substitute, TM Protect, HM Surf, HM Waterfall, TM Earthquake, TM Dragon Pulse, TM Stone Edge, TM Dragon Claw, TM Ice Punch, TM Roar, TM Thunder, BM ExtremeSpeed, MT Draco Meteor, SM Heal Bell, MT Superpower | 51.29%

Bold Male Infernape @ Iron Fist w/ EMs: HM Cut, HM Strength, HM Rock Smash, HM Rock Climb, TM Swords Dance, TM Earthquake, TM Hidden Power Ground, TM Brick Break, TM Protect, TM Shadow Claw, TM Stone Edge, TM Stealth Rock, TM U-Turn, TM Roar, TM Grass Knot, TM Substitute, TM Flame Charge, BM Fake Out, BM ThunderPunch, BM Encore, BM Counter | 65.39%​

 

@AmericanTreeFrog

We quickly left the Delibird. I was not surprised that it showed no interest in us - Delibird were generally docile by nature. They typically kept themselves preoccupied with their bag and its mysterious contents. Gaius echoed my thoughts.

"Sure thing, it will not bother us I don’t think. It seems too preoccupied with sorting its presents, most likely a compulsion act by the Pokemon. We can sneak past it easily enough." Gaius led me on.

Gaius led me right to the open of the cavern, and motioned towards the path he wanted to take. However, we didn't end up walking down that path. Something brown crawled out towards us, shuffling along the ground slowly. Its eyes were shut tight, and there were distinctive brown stripes on its back. This was the Ice/Ground-type Swinub!

"Swinub, a powerful Pokemon once it evolves to a Mamoswine, want it?" Gaius asked.

I nodded. Maybe a few months ago I would've answered no, as someone who didn't care much for Ice-types. While I still wasn't much of a fan, I had learned how powerful Mamoswine was, and how powerful an addition it would be to my lineup. I definitely wanted to capture this Swinub.

"Let's go for it," I answered. I tossed a Pokeball. "Let's lead with you, Infernape!"

My Infernape jumped out of his Pokeball, and screeched energetically. He was itching for a fight, I could tell. "Let's capture this Swinub quick! Start with Fake Out as always, Infernape."

My Infernape nodded, already preparing to use the move. We always led off with Fake Out, so it was probably not a surprise that it would be how we kicked this battle off. He was bent down low on his knees, with one foot behind him and ready to launch him forward at his target.

 

Ranger: Gaius Tyrannius
Trainer: John Webster Shay
Area: Mt. Oktori
BP #1
/--\

John gave the Swinub an appraising look and nodded. “Let’s go for it,” he said, “let’s lead with you, Infernape!”

The Infernape appeared with a burst of fire, its ffire mane lighting up the dark and damp cavern. I immediately felt the heat from the Fire and Fighting Pokemon as it got ready for battle with the smaller basic Pokemon.

“Laet’s capture this Swinub quick! Start with a Fake Out as always, Infernape!” John commanded next to his Infernape.

I wasn’t surprised by this move, it was a common enough starting choice for most elite trainers. It didn’t do much damage, but it allowed the first free hit. Small damage like that added up over time. I had seen battle that were won and lost on moves like Fake Out.

The Infernape bent low and propeled forward, both arms held outward at the ready. The Swinub snorted in surprised at the oncoming Infernape, but was too slow to dodge the double blows Infernape hit it with. The Pokemon squealed in outrage and recovered to face the Infernape, it’s body shaking with determination.

//==\\

Battle Stats

Swinub 91.11%
VS
Infernape 65.39%

Trainer Info

Name: John
Location: Meteor Valley
Trainer Items: Apricorn Box (Black), Digital Camera, Hyper Ball x3 Park Ball x3, Super Ball x2
Area Effects: 4 Encounters Remaining | Cold
Pokemon Encountered: ??? Makuhita ??? | ??? Machop ??? | M Cryonogal Careful | ??? Meditite ??? | ??? Snover ??? | F Mienshao Bold | ??? Smoochum ??? | ??? Cubchoo ??? | ??? Spheal ??? | ??? Delibird ??? | ??? Swinub ???
Pokemon Captured: M Cryonogal Careful | F Mienshao Bold
CC since last encounter: 1,687| 9,000

Pokemon Stats:
Bashful Female Dragonite @ Multiscale w/ EMs: TM Flamethrower, TM Thunderbolt, TM Ice Beam, TM Substitute, TM Protect, HM Surf, HM Waterfall, TM Earthquake, TM Dragon Pulse, TM Stone Edge, TM Dragon Claw, TM Ice Punch, TM Roar, TM Thunder, BM ExtremeSpeed, MT Draco Meteor, SM Heal Bell, MT Superpower | 51.29%

Bold Male Infernape @ Iron Fist w/ EMs: HM Cut, HM Strength, HM Rock Smash, HM Rock Climb, TM Swords Dance, TM Earthquake, TM Hidden Power Ground, TM Brick Break, TM Protect, TM Shadow Claw, TM Stone Edge, TM Stealth Rock, TM U-Turn, TM Roar, TM Grass Knot, TM Substitute, TM Flame Charge, BM Fake Out, BM ThunderPunch, BM Encore, BM Counter | 65.39%​

 

@AmericanTreeFrog Gender: F

Infernape jumped, leaping off his feet towards Swinub. His speed hit incredible levels, and he almost turned invisible. He zoomed towards Swinub as barely more than a blur, and reappeared beside his target quickly. His fists darted out and slapped Swinub, and the Pokemon immediately flinched.

Infernape jumped back to me, taking time to catch his breath. We could take our time here - with Swinub flinched, we had plenty of time and could even put in another hit before she returned back to normal.

"Let's go for a damaging hit, Infernape!" I shouted. Swinub wasn't too much of a threat to me, and I had no wasting time prancing around her and playing games like I had done with both Cryogonal and Mienshao. This battle would hopefully be a simpler, quicker, and more straightforward one. I quickly debated between moves, and commanded, "Use Fire Punch!"

Fire Punch was one of my Infernape's staple moves. It was a reliable source of Physical, Fire-type damage, and it should land a solid hit on Swinub. I didn't expect much resistance from the flinched Pokemon, and I hoped that Infernape could even take advantage of that and land a burn. Since Swinub, a Ground-type, resisted Dragonite's Thunder Wave, I would be unable to slam a status ailment on to Swinub bar some good luck. However, luck was fickle, and I wasn't going to bank on it - not even now. I would be satisfied with simply some solid damage to Swinub.

Infernape's fist burst into flames. He growled, and once again launched himself at Swinub. The speed from earlier was gone, now replaced with by power and velocity. His flaming fist was outstretched and ready to land a blow at the vulnerable Swinub.

 

Ranger: Gaius Tyrannius
Trainer: John Webster Shay
Area: Mt. Oktori
BP #2
/--\

“Let’s go for a damaging hit, Infernape!” John shouted at his Pokemon, which made no sense because Infernape had pretty good hearing. “Use Fire Punch!”

He had ordered a Fire move that wasn’t too strong, but was around the middle range. I could see why he chose it, with it being centered he didn’t have to worry about a more powerful move KOing the Swinub, and he didn’t have to worry about the move doing too little damage.

Infernape snarled at its opponent, her fist immediately sprouting a wreath of flame that bathed the surrounding area with its soft glow. The Pokemon launched itself at the Swinub, a determined look on its face.

The Swinub saw the Fire monkey coming and recovered enough from the Fake Out that it was ready to respond. The Pokemon buried its snout in the mud and began to fling thick globs of the mud at Infernape.

Infernape was going too fast that it couldn’t dodge the attack, so it simply took the damage and narrowed the distance to deliver a punch to the side of Swinub. I heard a grunt from the Ice type, but it remained standing, ready to fit on.

I thought it was little weird that it was showing that much energy still, then I remembered that it could know the Thick Fat ability, something that would be very handy against the Infernape.

//==\\

Battle Stats

Swinub 67.76%{Used Mud Bomb}
VS
Infernape 50.56%{Used Fire Punch}

Trainer Info

Name: John
Location: Meteor Valley
Trainer Items: Apricorn Box (Black), Digital Camera, Hyper Ball x3 Park Ball x3, Super Ball x2
Area Effects: 4 Encounters Remaining | Cold
Pokemon Encountered: ??? Makuhita ??? | ??? Machop ??? | M Cryonogal Careful | ??? Meditite ??? | ??? Snover ??? | F Mienshao Bold | ??? Smoochum ??? | ??? Cubchoo ??? | ??? Spheal ??? | ??? Delibird ??? | ??? Swinub F
Pokemon Captured: M Cryonogal Careful | F Mienshao Bold
CC since last encounter: 3,358| 9,000

Pokemon Stats:
Bashful Female Dragonite @ Multiscale w/ EMs: TM Flamethrower, TM Thunderbolt, TM Ice Beam, TM Substitute, TM Protect, HM Surf, HM Waterfall, TM Earthquake, TM Dragon Pulse, TM Stone Edge, TM Dragon Claw, TM Ice Punch, TM Roar, TM Thunder, BM ExtremeSpeed, MT Draco Meteor, SM Heal Bell, MT Superpower | 51.29%

Bold Male Infernape @ Iron Fist w/ EMs: HM Cut, HM Strength, HM Rock Smash, HM Rock Climb, TM Swords Dance, TM Earthquake, TM Hidden Power Ground, TM Brick Break, TM Protect, TM Shadow Claw, TM Stone Edge, TM Stealth Rock, TM U-Turn, TM Roar, TM Grass Knot, TM Substitute, TM Flame Charge, BM Fake Out, BM ThunderPunch, BM Encore, BM Counter | 65.39%​

 

@AmericanTreeFrog

ou atf

-

Infernape flew towards Swinub, his Fire Punch ready to strike. However, Swinub had recovered from Fake Out and managed to get off an attack in self-defense just in the nick of time.

"Swinub..." the Pokemon muttered as she burrowed her snout into the ground. She quickly dug up some mud from beneath the cave's floor, and heaved it up from the ground and at Infernape with her snout.

"Infernape!" my Pokemon winced as the Mud Bomb landed home, but he didn't falter. He fought through the mud, and slammed the Fire Punch into Swinub's side. Now, it was Swinub's time to wince - she grunted as the attack struck her, and backed off a little bit.

I frowned. Maybe it was just me, but it seemed as though Fire Punch hadn't done nearly what I had expected. It was true that Swinub was a Ground-type, but she was also an Ice-type, meaning Fire-type attacks like Fire Punch should do neutral damage. Swinub should've taken a little more damage...

Then, I realized what it was. Swinub must have had the Thick Fat ability - it was the only logical explanation. I frowned for not realizing it earlier, but to be completely honest, it wasn't a huge problem. It may actually help me, since it would give Swinub some needed cushioning from my Pokemon's powerful Fire-type moves. It wasn't as though I expected to lose this battle with two very powerful Pokemon against a simple Swinub, even though she was in her home turf. In my mind, it was just a matter of time.

"Alright Infernape, let's continue with Fire-type moves - we'll keep trying to get that burn!" I commanded. "Let's go with a long-range move this time. Use Flamethrower!"

My Infernape nodded, and bared his fangs at his opponent. He huffed in a big breath, then let loose a stream of blazing-hot flames towards Swinub.

 

OOC: @Nitro - You wanna leave after this?
Ranger: Gaius Tyrannius
Trainer: John Webster Shay
Area: Mt. Oktori
BP #3
/--\

Despite the Ability of Thick Fat, I could see that John wasn’t all that much disturbed by the turn of events. I was understandable too, know matter what the Swinub did, it would take a stroke of luck and genius to pull out a win. Infernape was just too powerful a Pokemon, and if by a miracle it got by it, it would have to deal with Dragonite. It would be a better choice for Swinub to face a Dragonite, but it wouldn’t have enough energy to face it down after the encounter with Infernape. Swinub didn’t know John had a Dragonite in reserve, but it knew that it’s chance at winning was very slim. It was just resolved to put up a strong fight.

“Alright, Infernape, let’s continue with Fire type moves, we’ll keep trying to get that burn!” John encouraged his Pokemon. “Let’s go with a long-range move this time. Use Flamethrower!”

I could see that John had decided to pull out one of the big guns, Flamethrower. It was one of the more powerful Fire attacks in the game, only a couple of moves could surpass it. Coupled with the high special attack on Infernape it would be a pretty painful move for the Swinub, even with Thick Fat.

Infernape bared her pointy fangs at Swinub, revealing the small glow of the flame as it came up from his core. That glow became brighter, and a moment later a blazing-hot jet of flame shot from the mouth of Infernape and twisted towards Swinub.

Swinub endured the attack stoically, but when the flames finally died down I could see burn marks on the body of Swinub. John’s wish had come true, the pig-like Pokemon had been burned by the attack, a hefty advantage for him when he tried to capture the Pokemon.

Swinub, clearly dazed, released a bright ray of light that quickly materialized into three balls on pink energy. This energy was like streaks of light as they smacked into the body of Infernape. They didn’t do much damage, but they really didn’t need to as Infernape was already low on health.

I turned to John, finally speaking up. “Swinub will not be able to take another attack. You’ll have to capture it very soon.”


//==\\

Battle Stats

Swinub 12.82%[Brn]{Used Hidden Power}
VS
Infernape 44.10%{Used Flamethrower}

Trainer Info

Name: John
Location: Meteor Valley
Trainer Items: Apricorn Box (Black), Digital Camera, Hyper Ball x3 Park Ball x3, Super Ball x2
Area Effects: 4 Encounters Remaining | Cold
Pokemon Encountered: ??? Makuhita ??? | ??? Machop ??? | M Cryonogal Careful | ??? Meditite ??? | ??? Snover ??? | F Mienshao Bold | ??? Smoochum ??? | ??? Cubchoo ??? | ??? Spheal ??? | ??? Delibird ??? | ??? Swinub F
Pokemon Captured: M Cryonogal Careful | F Mienshao Bold
CC since last encounter: 5,129| 9,000

Pokemon Stats:
Bashful Female Dragonite @ Multiscale w/ EMs: TM Flamethrower, TM Thunderbolt, TM Ice Beam, TM Substitute, TM Protect, HM Surf, HM Waterfall, TM Earthquake, TM Dragon Pulse, TM Stone Edge, TM Dragon Claw, TM Ice Punch, TM Roar, TM Thunder, BM ExtremeSpeed, MT Draco Meteor, SM Heal Bell, MT Superpower | 51.29%

Bold Male Infernape @ Iron Fist w/ EMs: HM Cut, HM Strength, HM Rock Smash, HM Rock Climb, TM Swords Dance, TM Earthquake, TM Hidden Power Ground, TM Brick Break, TM Protect, TM Shadow Claw, TM Stone Edge, TM Stealth Rock, TM U-Turn, TM Roar, TM Grass Knot, TM Substitute, TM Flame Charge, BM Fake Out, BM ThunderPunch, BM Encore, BM Counter | 65.39%​

 

@AmericanTreeFrog Yeah I'll leave after.

Infernape blew a stream of flames at the Swinub, and she squealed in panic. She tried skirting out of the way, but was too slow. The Swinub was engulfed within the scorching hot Flamethrower, and I heard her cry in pain.

I nodded approvingly. This should put a real dent in Swinub's health. She had the Thick Fat trait, but Flamethrower was an extremely powerful Fire-type move and my Infernape was an adept user of the attack. I was expecting this attack to almost push Swinub into capture range.

Slowly, the flames died down. Swinub was flipped on to her side, burn marks visible on her body. The Flamethrower attack had done what I had hoped desperately for - burn its target! However, it seemed too early for me to rejoice. As I watched Swinub, I noticed she was looking way weaker after that attack than I had expected. I frowned. This wasn't good. I had made a miscalculation, and now Swinub was on the brink of being Knocked Out. She was burned as well, and I doubted she would last too much longer with the status ailment hurting her every passing moment.

Swinub glared at my Infernape. The frustration was clear in her eyes. She sensed defeat, and I could tell she was a very fierce competitor. Swinub attacked, gathering balls of pink energy in front of her. She fired the attack towards my Infernape and he winced as the balls of energy collided. This was Hidden Power - probably Normal-type, if I had to guess. Infernape shrugged off the weak attack, but his health was really starting to get low now.

"Swinub will not be able to take another attack. You’ll have to capture it very soon," Gaius informed me. That was obvious to me, but I didn't fault the Ranger for reminding me - it was his job, after all. Instead, I concentrated on Swinub. What should I do now?

I only had a few options here. Attacking wasn't one of them, because I could accidentally Knock Out Swinub right now. Even if I didn't, there was no way I could land a blow without the burn killing Swinub off after. The burn would make a capture easier, but at the same time, it could Knock Out a Pokemon if it couldn't be captured in time. I could also stall for a turn to allow the burn to deal a little more damage before going for the capture. However, if I stalled, I would only get one shot at Swinub.

I frowned. This was quite the dilemma. I mulled things over for a moment, then settled on a plan. I removed a Park Ball from my belt, and clicked the button to make it expand.

I would try for the capture now. I had the odds at roughly 50-50, though they were slightly more in Swinub's corner than they were in mine. Still, if I couldn't get Swinub now, then I would still have one more chance before the burn Knocked Out Swinub. If it came to that, I would probably consider using a Hyper Ball to minimize the chances of failure.

"Alright, let's do this," I muttered, my heart pounding. I whipped the Park Ball at Swinub.

 

OOC: @Nitro
Ranger: Gaius Tyrannius
Trainer: John Webster Shay
Area: Mt. Oktori
NBP #8
/--\

John seemed to consider his choices carefully, he knew that he was treading a thin line here, a wrong move could screw things up for him. After a few seconds John finally frowned before shrugging his shoulders and reaching into his bag.

“Alright,” he said, coming up with an unused Parkball in his hand. “Let’s do this.” With that said, he took carefull aim and whipped the ball at Swinub.

Swinub fixed its beady eyes at the oncoming Parkball, but it was too tired to attempt to dodge or combat it. The ball began to wiggle furiously as the Ice and Ground type Pokemon struggled to escape.

After wiggling three times, the ball settled into the earth with a ding and was still. “Nice job,” I said to John. “We can get out of here now.” I walked over, retrieved the Swinub, and left the mountain, John in tow.

At the bottom of the mountain, just in front of the gate. I handed over the Cryogonal, Mienshao, and Swinub. “Here’s your Pokemon, good luck with any other runs.”

As the Trainer walked off with his prizes I signed us out of the area and headed back to the ranger office.

//==\\

Run Ended by Request

Trainer Info

Name: John
Location: Meteor Valley
Trainer Items: Apricorn Box (Black), Digital Camera, Hyper Ball x3 Park Ball x3, Super Ball x2
Area Effects: 4 Encounters Remaining | Cold
Pokemon Encountered: ??? Makuhita ??? | ??? Machop ??? | M Cryonogal Careful | ??? Meditite ??? | ??? Snover ??? | F Mienshao Bold | ??? Smoochum ??? | ??? Cubchoo ??? | ??? Spheal ??? | ??? Delibird ??? | Rash Swinub F
Pokemon Captured: M Cryonogal Careful | F Mienshao Bold | F Swinub Rash
CC since last encounter: 0,000 | 0,000

Pokemon Stats:
Bashful Female Dragonite @ Multiscale w/ EMs: TM Flamethrower, TM Thunderbolt, TM Ice Beam, TM Substitute, TM Protect, HM Surf, HM Waterfall, TM Earthquake, TM Dragon Pulse, TM Stone Edge, TM Dragon Claw, TM Ice Punch, TM Roar, TM Thunder, BM ExtremeSpeed, MT Draco Meteor, SM Heal Bell, MT Superpower | 51.29%

Bold Male Infernape @ Iron Fist w/ EMs: HM Cut, HM Strength, HM Rock Smash, HM Rock Climb, TM Swords Dance, TM Earthquake, TM Hidden Power Ground, TM Brick Break, TM Protect, TM Shadow Claw, TM Stone Edge, TM Stealth Rock, TM U-Turn, TM Roar, TM Grass Knot, TM Substitute, TM Flame Charge, BM Fake Out, BM ThunderPunch, BM Encore, BM Counter | 44.10%​

 

Thanks, ATF.